Dinner Parties abound!
(I almost wrote “dinner parasites abound!” – I’m afraid to know what that must mean about me.)

Tonight, Asian Food Themed Dinner Party.

To start, Asian Avocado Salsa with some type of crackers and Bacon wrapped Shrimp with Rosemary and Stilton (OK, so this isn’t exactly Asian, but I figured anything with bacon will be a hit.)

Main course – Spicy Stir Fried Orange Chicken with lemon flavored couscous and Shanghai Bok Choy with Ginger on the side.

Dessert – Five Spice Chocolate Cake (flourless and tasty)

This is one of my first one on one dinner parties in England, so am looking forward to a bit of fun and fancy. Will make note if there are any cultural differences that abound.

Tomorrow night we have another one planned, and am not sure yet what that will be yet. Any suggestions are welcome!

In other news

• I am nearly finished my first draft of my novel. There has been a new idea brought to the surface that may cause many months of delays if I decide to go through with it, but if it makes for a better novel, than so be it! If I don’t go through with it, then I have three more weeks left of writing to do (approximately).
• Ireland planning is moving ahead quite nicely. We have narrowed our choices down to three hotels in Dublin, and from there we head to Cork. Jock and I will have another week to ourselves (without the other couple who are coming with us), and we plan on doing some camping along the coasts, road tripping it to Clare and who knows where else!  We have just over a month to plan some more, so again, if anyone has any suggestions on their favorite Irish places – by all means let us know!
• Half Marathon countdown. Last year, I attempted to run my first half marathon in Los Angeles. Jock so kindly urges me to say that I finished a half marathon in Los Angeles.  And, he’s right, I did finish the marathon, but not like I would have liked to. At about mile 8, I got really hard pain shooting down leg. So, I couldn’t run the last five miles. I ran the last mile, but for the rest of them, I simply walked. Defeated and let down by my body. This year is different. Instead of only 7 weeks to train (as I had before), I’ve been training for nearly 15 weeks with no signs of injury (knock on wood). October 18th is the Cardiff Half Marathon, and runners beware, I’m a comin! I am so determined to finish this, and with my brand spanking new shoes that help flat and large-footed women, there’s no stopping me. Wish me luck!
• I want to dye my hair. This isn’t really news, just something that I can’t stop thinking about lately. I love the platinum blonde, but, for those that know me, can’t stay with one color very long. I’ve had this for over a year, and that must be a record! So, I’m not quite ready to go back to brunette, but was thinking a two-tone hair color might be fun. I don’t need headshots anymore, I’m no longer in Entertainment or in a regular job – so, why not go a bit funky! Chocolately brown underneath and blonde on top! Yee Ha!

Ok, behind on schedule for dinner party now! Must start the cleaning!

Oh, and don’t forget to mind the toad crossing!