Turning to the Blue Examination Book For Inspiration

As my 40s march on at an alarming pace, I still debate the big question, "What am I going to
do with my life?!"

I think of the things I have done (Gone to school, worked for 15 years in the non-profit sector, worked for 15 months at the university) and the things I would like to do (A big ???) and compare them to my career goals as a child. Could the answer be there? Perhaps.

What on Earth is an Apple-Knocker?!

My cousins and I have contemplated this for decades. Our grandmother, Helen LaVanco Manno, was a vivacious woman who was quick to laugh and provide witty commentary on life and the people around her. The term "apple-knocker" was one of the most colorful words we learned from her musings.

Making a Sound Investment: Thoughts on Giving

Today, I sent University of Wyoming a check to upgrade my lifetime alumni association membership to the "gold" level. Since earning my M.A. from UW in 1996, I have given to the university and now find that I have a hard time resisting their appeals for support.

Contemplating Wild Beauty

My recent trip to Montenegro with Mike marked my third time in the country and his first. I have a passion for traveling in the Wild East and Montenegro, with its rugged mountains, beautiful coast, and off-beaten-path feel, has all of the elements I look for when traveling abroad. You can find my reflections below.

And here is a link to all of the Montenegro posts on this blog: http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search?q=montenegro

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Reflections on the Wild East

RIP

It all started with a trip to Prague in 2000. I was there with one of my favorite travel buddies, the vibe was vibrant yet low-key, and the dollar was strong. It was 11 years after the fall of communism and a palpable sense of discovery was felt by locals and travelers alike. It was then that I fell in love with the Wild East.

The A-List Eats - Best Pizza in Bozeman

We've all been in this situation. You're out having pizza with friends. Someone exclaims, "This is the best pizza in town!" Inevitably someone else chimes in, "No way. This is good but the pizza at xxx is so much better." What follows is a lively conversation about the best pizza in town. (The same thing often happens with coffee, beer, burgers, sushi, breakfast joints, etc.)

In these situations, I have always wondered how one could have a strong opinion about which pizza is the best when they are not comparing the two side-by-side. Perhaps it's the fact that while I enjoy good food and drinks, I'm not much of a gourmet. The nuances of food and food memories don't stick with me, and I couldn't honestly declare a pizza (Or beer, coffee, burger or anything) the best unless I tasted them in one sitting. Thus the idea for the Best of Bozeman Pizza Tasting Party was born.

A-List Recipe: Smiling Buddha Ginger Tea

Last week's rainy weekend allowed me to revisit homemade tea and gives me the chance to share another recipe with you. I'm not much of a tea fan but have recently grown quite fond of ginger tea. (Thanks, Mike, for introducing me to Choice Organic Ginger Tea!) While in San Francisco in November, my chef buddy Deno made homemade ginger tea and it was wonderful so I decided to try it on my own. It was the perfect thing to make over a rainy weekend and is quite easy. Enjoy on a rainy spring day or any time!

Smiling Buddha Ginger Tea
~For every six ounces of water, add 12 slices of thinly cut ginger.
~Water
~Honey

• Place the ginger and water in a pot.
• Bring to a boil.
• Simmer for 25 minutes.
• Voila! Your hot ginger tea is now ready. Add honey to suit your taste.

Note: If you have made enough tea to save for later, you can go either way on removing the ginger slices. If you leave them in there, it makes the tea very strong so you'll have to dilute subsequent cups of tea with water.

Update on A-List Activities

If you're wondering about the status of recent blog posts, here is an update...

Taking My Musings to the Masses

Most of my musings are limited to this blog but sometimes they make it beyond and into the big, wide world. 

Aspiring to Bend Beyond

I was once capable of bending beyond

Jumping Back Into It with Hot Yoga 

"The company of other inspiring yogis motivated me as I listened to the gentle coaxing of our teacher. 'Raise your hands overhead, stretch, and slowly lean back,' he kindly instructed us. Slowly I felt my back extending as I folded deeper into the pose. It was then I felt myself bending, expanding, growing, transforming, releasing toxins, becoming recharged. Hot yoga was transforming me."

Road Tripping: Jackson Hole & the St. Anthony Sand Dunes

My last post highlighted some of my recent ski adventures. In non-snow related activities, here's what's been going on....

I am certain that if the name was changed to "Teton View Sand Dunes" they would sky-rocket in popularity!

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