Great minds

I heard a quote once.... lets see if I get it right:

Great minds discuss idea Average minds discuss events and Small minds discuss other people.

Or something to that effect.

I was involved in a conversation that started out as great minds, went rapidly to other person floating through average into small.

It bothered me, because in extricating myself from participating in that level of conversation I was accused of "defending" the topic of conversation - another person.

It dawned on me after that phone call that this person who values privacy and would defend theirs to the death doesn't value anyone else's. Interesting.

This conversation had started with the editorialized version of a board meeting that I chose not to attend. I put my health first and stayed home and rested. The conversation drastically changed into a very different tone and the term "gossip" flew into my mind.

Now I try very hard not to participate in what I consider gossip. Gossip is generally a harmful term and I won't discuss with other people things that were entrusted to me. I won't talk about another person negatively if I can possibly help it unless I am venting to a trusted source.

Having said this I felt honor bound to point out that any discussion about another person's marriage is strictly off limits. Number 1 I don't want to know. Number 2 it isn't my business. Number 3 If I were married I wouldn't want my personal business broadcast about. I opted to terminate the call quickly because any further discussion was going to result in an argument that she would have to win. So I opted out. Timing is everything - I had a lesson to teach anyway.

It really started me thinking. People who gossip are either lonely (this is the case here) or manipulative ( also the case ). They get bored and annoyed when they aren't allowed or enabled to manipulate and/or gossip. I am bound and determined now to shut that down too. It's going to cause some friction but it is what it is. I no longer want to participate in conversations that desecrate another person or persons. I also don't want to participate in conversations that are so much work to make the other person look good. I spend more time on the phone with this person telling them how valued they are how misunderstood, blah blah blah. I tell the truth but come on - you know you're valuable. You know you do a good job. I can't be responsible for your ego too!

OK that's enough ranting and raving. Two good things that came out of my day. I got my Fax software working FINALLY and was able to send out my first Medical Claim without having to leave the comfort of my home. The second thing - I went out and sang O Holy night in French for the Rosary sisterhood at the local Catholic Church. It proved I wasn't as ready to sing as I would like but it certainly gave me a decent benchmark. I'm almost there.

I have the magic cure waiting for me too... There is a kind doctor who helps singers all the time in my area. He will shoot my vocal cords with a shot of Cortisone right before the performance if need be. Not my preferred method but its a last resort. I will call him tomorrow.

I also found that my prescription company overcharged me for my meds - I am getting 150 dollars back ! Yay me... more shopping.....

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Day 45 Current mood: hungry Category: Food and Restaurants

I have been reading a wonderful book called Joie de Vivre. I have read it once before. It is about a french chef who has transplanted from France to america. It is non fiction and very interesting about how to bring French habits regarding food and the home from France to America and make them work.

He owns several restaurants but his first was a cafe in Soho that you could get a cup of coffee and a roll or croissant and sit outside with your paper or book or friends.
That sounded heavenly to be honest. I now eat my breakfast at the dining room table wth the window open and sunlight streaming in. I don't eat the french breakfast in its entirety as my mind can't get round that as a habit. Perhaps on a weekend or something once in a while....

He talks about growing his vegetables in his own potager (garden). I don't have any options for that, but I think next year I am going to start growinig herbs to use while cooking.
The most important part for me is this wondereful man included some great recipes and none are complicated and all are translated to foods we can find here in America.
The one I am going to try first is the Roast Chicken. It looks amazing, and I can fit it into my new lifestyle with no problem.

The Roast Chicken is ridiculously simple. Its not trussed ( a good thing as I"ve never done that lol ), there is no basting. YOu just dress the chicken and throw it in the oven. But it uses garlic, olive oil, carrots, plum tomatoes. I can't tell you how wonderful it sounds!!!! YUM
I will probably have some folks over to help enjoy it. That with a little wine, a little cheese, some cafe and patisserie and it will be a wonderful meal!
Bon Soir!