Getting Inside My Head

Wordless Wednesday: Promotion

2013-05-22T17:11:00.002-07:00

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Free Drinks and Free Money

2013-05-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

Not exactly the running I should be doing ...

Anyone want to have a coffee with me?

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Menu Plan Monday: I let my daughter pick

2013-05-06T15:57:00.001-07:00

This is what the menu looks like when I ask for my daughter's input. Not bad on the days I have her. We're in the process of packing up for a move at the end of the month, so I'm trying to keep most meals to one skillet or so. Last week's menu bleeds into this week.

Monday: Asian Orange Chicken (I cheat and use Fresh and Easy Orange Peel Simmer Sauce and didn't bread the chicken (paleo friendlier) -- that makes this meal 30 minutes or less)
Tuesday: Skirt Steak with Arugula Salad - also 30 minutes or less
Wednesday: Leftovers for me
Thursday: Beef and Bean Chili Verde (she's finally getting tired of this one, but it's so quick and easy). Dessert of African Fruit Fool (adapted -- no papaya for me, no coconut for her, homemade whipped cream is the BEST)
Friday: More Chili Verde...
Saturday: Today is the day I planned to go to storage unit, clean crap out of it, load it with boxes that I won't need immediately. Perfect day to use the crock-pot and this recipe for Casablanca Chutney Chicken. Absolutely delish! And tastes better the next day. Serve over couscous (or not to keep it Paleo).
Sunday: It's Cinco de Mayo! Using one of the meals my father taught me -- Turkey (Chicken -- why can't I find turkey legs in the store anymore???!!!???) Mole with Spanish Rice

What are your favorite one pot meals?

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Disney Cruise Line Recipe: Grilled Tuna with Truffle-Infused Potato Risotto

2013-05-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

I loved dining at Palo, but did not try this particular meal. Now I need to go buy some tuna steaks and substitute in some Paleo friendly risotto. Don't forget steamed veggies on the side. And for mom, some Moscato :)
Grilled Tuna
Ingredients

4-6 tuna steaks
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil
lime juice

Directions:

Place tuna steaks and olive oil in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the grill for medium heat. When coals are very hot, scatter a handful of hickory or mesquite wood chips over them for flavor.
Lightly oil grill grate. Season tuna with salt and pepper, and cook on the preheated grill approximately 6 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a serving platter, and drizzle with freshly squeezed lime juice. Serve immediately.

Risotto (adapted from Cynthia Underground)
Ingredients

1 head cauliflower

1/2 tablespoon olive oil (or truffle oil if you have it) to taste olive oil

1/2 tablespoon (grass-fed) butter or coconut oil

1/2 small onion (Diced)

1 cup chopped zucchini

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 garlic cloves (Chopped Fine)

1/4 cup cream or 1/4 cup milk (Coconut cooking cream could also do for it not coconut milk though)

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/2 to taste fresh parsley (Garnish)

1/2 to taste salt & pepper (To Taste)

Directions

Make the Cauliflower “Rice”. Using a food processor grind the fresh cauliflower until it is rice size.
Steam or Microwave for 5 Minutes.
Use a strainer if necessary to press out any addition liquid. Set Aside.
Saute the onion and garlic in the olive in a frying pan.
Add zucchini cook for 3 minutes.
Add “rice”, salt & pepper, cream and broth.
Cook until it starts to reduce approximately 8 min, add parm. cheese; stir.
Voila, your done. Very easy. I like to toss some fresh chopped Italian (Flat Leaf) Parsley right on top before serving. This makes a great hearty main course dish.

Bon appetite!

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Menu Plan Monday: Downsized

2013-04-14T18:24:00.001-07:00

My daughter is spending most of the week at her dad's this week (at least that's how it seems) and last week I think I only cooked twice. So I don't have recipes this week. Sunday and Monday

Sunday: Baked Fried Chicken (recipe coming) with mashed sweet potatoes (paleo friendly, had to figure out how to replace the butter, personally tweaked recipe coming) and (Fresh & Easy) Mediterranean Roasting Vegetables
Monday: White Bean Chicken Chili (recipe coming)
Tuesday: Salad
Wednesday: TBD
Thursday: Dinner out
Friday: Steak Fajitas
Saturday: Leftovers

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Wordless Wednesday: Cosplay

2013-04-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

See my full set on flickr and be sure to check out Lady Antonia Stark's set too.

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Comments Open: Why Do You Bounce?

2013-03-27T15:33:00.004-07:00

Lonely Beach Ball (Photo credit: JasonTromm)

I really would like people to stick around more, leave a comment, have a conversation, troll through the archives. You know, all the things you do on other blogs.

So, help me out, if you care. Why do you leave?

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Menu Plan Monday: Holy Week

2013-03-24T23:09:00.001-07:00

Well, it’s Palm Sunday and the end of our Spring Break. My daughter had a good transition night. I hope this translates into a good (stress-free) morning. It’s getting pretty late, so this will be quick. The last few weeks have kind of sucked and I’m still processing them. Today was the first time that I went grocery shopping in two or three weeks and most of it was for Easter.

Sunday: Salmon, baked sweet potato, and California style vegetables
Monday: Beef fajitas – I’ll be eating the meat and veggies, no tortilla … I might have to buy more meat
Tuesday: Chicken and … sweet potato. I have jerk seasoning and I do love that Claim Jumper recipe. Not being able to do rice, beans or lentils is starting to suck. Though if I can find some spaghetti squash I’ll try this Lemon Chicken and Broccoli recipe.
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: The night Christians remember the Last Supper. I haven’t decided what I am going to cook yet. I would love to try Gumbo Z’Herbs, but I’m not sure most of those greens can be found in my local grocery store.
Friday: Tilapia and Green Beans – minus the flour.
Saturday: YOYO, I have a rack to prepare.
Easter Sunday: Crowned Rack of Lamb, Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and Lemon Cake Trifle for dessert (definitely not Paleo! But hey, it’s Easter).

Spring is in the air!

2013-03-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'll be enjoying classic SoCal spring weather at Knott's Berry Farm. In celebration of Spring Break they have a ton of fun, family-oriented things to do. And wine tasting for the moms and dads. Get ready to bloom!

Warmer weather means enjoying the great outdoors, which is just what the Peanuts characters are doing in “Peanut’s Party in the Park,” a new interactive live show located in Charleston Circle. This musical revue includes some of today’s top ten tunes that will have you singing along.

Looking for a little friendly competition with friends? Then head over to Knott's Boardwalk area for the big game, the Big Boardwalk Board Games that is. It’s game time to the extreme as everyone becomes oversized game pieces in some of their favorite board games. From dominoes to tick-tack-toe – it’s game on!

For all those who get into art, Knott's invites you to do so, literally. At the Grande 3-D Art Show at the Silver Bullet midway, guests can step into life-size drawings of some of nature’s most beautiful spring scenery for priceless photo opportunities. The park will also be filled with giant interactive displays that scream “Spring”! This is just part of the fun, there will be more to experience at the park when you visit!

For some refreshment, you won’t want to miss a trip to Knott's Towering Topiary Gardens located in Wilderness Dance Hall. Everyone will enjoy the display of sculpted greenery while the adults can lose themselves in a tasting garden of wine and farm fresh food offerings. For those who have rhythm, the nighttime Spring Fling Dance Party in Fiesta Village will provide an opportunity for everyone to take to the floor with some of their favorite dance music. Now it’s a party!

Later this month you can also attend an Easter Sunrise service and RSVP for

EASTER BRUNCH

Celebrate with Food and Family

Start a new tradition this year and bring the family to Knott's for a spectacular Easter Brunch! With countless home-style options included in this enormous buffet and even a visit from Snoopy, there is something for everyone! Reservations (714)220-5055.

Now I'm off to find my allergy meds so I can truly enjoy springtime at Knott's Berry Farm tomorrow.

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Photo Friday: Candid Shot

2013-03-22T17:09:00.001-07:00

For more awesome candid shots, check out this week's Photo Friday.

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Breaking the Rules of Decency

2013-03-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

coming out of the fog (Photo credit: theloushe)

In general, I don't like airing my dirty laundry. I was taught it was uncouth, rude, nobody gives a damn, and why put your life on display like that. But you know what? I'm tired of being polite, in the shadows, hiding. It's time to tell my side of the story because everyone has heard my ex's side. And it caused a rift that can never be repaired.

I really thought I could put it behind me and I've been working on moving on. But one of the reasons why I was semi-estranged from my father is because he took my ex's side, didn't ask for mine, and had some "old-fashioned" views himself. A "letter" from my cousin brought it all back in the worst possible way.

The below letter is snipped to the relevant paragraph. The rant from my cousin was the last straw. I've been keeping my grief pretty much to myself (grieving in public goes along with airing dirty laundry) but I am filled with such anger, grief, and if she were in my sights ... The point is, emotional and mental abuse is real.

Candice Jenkins

Hi, Annette. Long time, no speak. How are you? My mom and I have been better; we just found out about Mono's death -- despite your efforts to keep it from us.

[snip] And don't try to sell any bullshit reason why it was too much trouble to contact us to either me or to yourself. My mom was Mono's sister. I was in regular contact with him. Regular enough that I could tell you what you've been up to for the past few years, including your epiphany of the "abuse" you suffered, and that crap with your mommy dearest's letter. I could go on, but that's not the point. The point is we're not strangers, nor were we estranged from Mono. You should have told us.

So, first I blew up on FB in response to her nasty missive.

Then it got me thinking and writing. When your marriage counselor tells you that your chronic back pain, migraines, insomnia, S.A.D., severe anxiety attacks and other health issues are a direct cause of the verbal, sexual and emotional abuse you're under, that you are suffering classic Battered Wife Syndrome, that it would be best for you and your children to separate, you start to believe and understand that the abuse is real, even if he never laid a hand on you (but you know, the walls would say differently).

And that is what makes it worse. There is nothing visible, so people don't believe you. You get adept at putting on a show. At diffusing potential explosions. The only thing you become focused on is keeping the peace, calming the tirade, not letting other people see how you truly live. And it's slow and insidious. I didn't see it happening until it was entirely too late. I thought I was "doing the right and Christian thing" by staying in a loveless and abusive marriage, even when outsiders were constantly telling me he had anger management issues -- and then I made excuses for him. That's another sign that things aren't right.

The only people who noticed my personality changes were ones who knew me before marriage. But they all lived in another state and I rarely spoke or saw them (isolation). The ones who I met during the courtship and marriage basically told me to suck it up and that I was in the wrong. They were getting only half the story. His half. And that is mostly my fault. At the time I was too ashamed to tell the whole story. I was ashamed that I had let it get so far. I was ashamed that I didn't have the courage to leave. I was ashamed that I had put my children into such a toxic environment and I felt powerless to change anything. I didn't trust my own judgement. When I finally started speaking up, I only told it to a trusted few. And then they understood, and stood by me. But the shame was still there.

But I never got up enough courage to tell the whole story to my father. I figured there are some things that a father does not need to know about his daughter. I admitted to a twisted version of what happened just to keep the peace and move on.

Unfortunately, he continued to believe the half-truths and lies that my ex told him, painting me as an uncaring wife, neglectful mother and adulteress (he forgot to mention to my friends and father that it was his idea in the first place!).

My father who taught me to be a strong, independent woman. My father who taught me to fight for myself, and if I couldn't, that he would be there to fight for me. That he would protect me. That I could trust him to be on my side, no matter what. And it hurt that it wasn't enough for me to remind him that he raised me, and knew my character, and asked him to think about what could make me change so much. What could have happened to make me lose my smile, be guarded, and hell, NOT TALK?!

So no, I'm not and never was crazy. The abuse wasn't made up just because there were no bruises or broken bones. It wasn't an excuse to get out of my marriage. It's not all in my head. It never was.

I just never had the courage to talk about it before. And I will regret that for the rest of my life. I thought I still had time to repair my relationship with my father. To let him know the truth, and how it hurt when he chose my ex over me, how it hurt to have our relationship so damaged that I couldn't talk to him, and as so many people brought up during the funeral, my father was one of the easiest people to talk to. Ever.

He was good at helping people get through the difficult and trying times they were going through. He would listen. He would make you laugh. He would remind you that everything would work itself out and be OK. And now he's gone.

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Wordless Wednesday: Family

2013-03-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

The boys

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Photo Friday: Springtime

2013-03-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

Spring = Easter = Peeps

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Family Game Night

2013-03-01T20:39:00.001-08:00

We went old school tonight after my daughter found my deluxe board hiding in the storage closet. Even I had forgotten where it was.

First time she's enjoying math in a while. :-D And obviously over getting over her strep throat.

And then she taught me how to play Monopoly Millionaire.

She owned me. I swear, it's because of this game I have no interest in ever being in real estate, no matter how many episodes of those brothers I watch on HGTV.

All in all a decent Friday night. I'm going to pass out now.

Photo Friday: Mornings

2013-03-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

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Menu Plan Monday: Uninspired

2013-02-24T20:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday and Monday: Turkey Chili - which my daughter requested sometime in the last month and I bought the ingredients and never got around to cooking. Turns out she ate at her dad's tonight so we'll be having chili again tomorrow.

Tuesday: Fish night. Tilapia or Salmon on a bed of spinach and maybe some other veggies

Wednesday: I get to cook for myself on Wednesdays ... probably chicken. Maybe I can finally get around to that Blackened Chicken with zoodles.

Thursday: Primal Jambalaya has been a big hit and will take us through the weekend.

My cousin is due to have her baby on Friday. And unless you know the exact conception date, babies rarely come on their due dates, but we're going to visit and encourage that boy to meet the rest of us.

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Save $7 off Harlem Globetrotters Tickets

2013-02-15T11:52:00.001-08:00

The Globetrotters are coming to SoCal this weekend! And if you're like me and didn't think quite so far ahead and missed the Goldstar discount back in January, here's a little redeeming gift.

February 15, 2013
07:00 pm San Diego,CA
Valley View Casino Center

February 16, 2013
1:00 pm Anaheim, CA
Honda Center

February 16, 2013
7:00 pm Anaheim,CA
Honda Center

February 17, 2013
1:00 pm Los Angeles, CA
STAPLES Center

February 18, 2013
2:00 pm Ontario, CA
Citzens Business Bank Arena

Get your tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters brand new "You Write the Rules" tour. Your family's smiles will start before you even get to the game as the Globetrotters take kid participation to a whole NEW level. Your family can vote at harlemglobetrotters.com and decide rules for the game that could affect the final outcome. With rules like double the points for every basket, and two balls in play at the same time, there's an exciting rule that every kid will enjoy. After the game, Globetrotter stars will stay on court to sign autographs and take photographs with your kids. The only thing better than finding an awesome event for the whole family, is getting a great deal on it. Use the promo code "USFAMILY" when you buy tickets for your family to save $7 on each ticket purchased http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets.

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Wordless Wednesday: MOAR SUN

2013-02-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

Trying to fix my Vit. D deficiency

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Artificial Happiness

2013-02-10T11:10:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to get some energy and happiness, or at least less "meh" pumping through my veins. Walked Zoe to Starbucks this morning, shared a breakfast sandwich with her, and usually my puppy makes me happy ... But this morning everything annoy me. Even she can tell I'm in a mood. Instead of sleeping with me last night she slept on my daughters empty bed.

Last night I had no energy to do much, but I had three weeks of just my own laundry to do, so three movies later, I had all of it done except the bedding. My co-workers will thank me. My hamper already does.

By the way, don't watch "Joyful Noise " when moody. If you do, grab a box of tissue. Ryan Reynolds and Michael Fassbender were much better distractions.

I think when I get home I'm going to start listing more things on freecycle. Time to declutter again along with the usual housecleaning.

Any have any suggestions for good aroma therapy for winter blues? I really want to air out the house but I don't need a higher heating bill right now. The smell of clean laundry just isn't enough.

Even Zoe knows

174 what?

2013-02-06T15:31:00.001-08:00

So the last time I weighed myself, about a week ago, I did a happy dance because I was 171. And then I stepped on the scale this morning and let out a gasp of dismay.

I probably need to stop with the mid-afternoon stops at the office candy jar, drink more water and less coffee, and increase my ingress radius at lunch. Time to pack the tennis shoes. I really want to continue the downward trend. Next goal is 150. Then I'll re-evaluate and see if I want to go all the way to 135.

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Starbucks BOGO

2013-02-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

Print this coupon for buy one get one free* after 2PM. Valid through 2/14/2013

Print or show this offer on your mobile device. Offer code 915. Ends 2/14/13

Happy Valentine's Day.
*Select drinks: Through February 14, when you buy a Vanilla Spice Latte, Caffè Mocha orHot Chocolate after 2 p.m., we'll give you a second of equal or lesser value for free.

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Menu Plan Monday: After the Superbowl

2013-02-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

Well, this past weekend was a tossup. I had a great time at the first #LBCTweetup of 2013, but then ... the 49ers crushed my heart.

You are expected to tweet at a tweet-up
and won't be shunned by others for doing so.

And so ... a bonus recipe.

Sing a song of sixpence,
A pocket full of rye.
Four and twenty blackbirds,
Baked in a pie.

Black Bird Pie

Recipe by Cajun Cooking Recipes

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 cup very warm water (almost hot)

24 black birds well covered with water

3/4 lb. sausage (link) - optional

Cooking Directions

[Dough]

Mix little biscuit dough. Knead 'til tough and dry - roll with rolling pin 'til very thin and cut into 2-inch strips.

[Birds]

Cook until tender (at least 2 hours or 1 hour for chicken). Salt and pepper to taste. When black birds are tender, keep broth at a rolling boil and drop in pastry - piece by piece, shaking pot constantly to keep pastry pieces separated. When all is in pot, place cover on and let cook for approximately 10 minutes. Let set for about ten more minutes. Then eat.

If you are unfamiliar with making pastry from scratch, you can substitute canned biscuits (roll individually with rolling pin). Or buy frozen pastry from bakery. If you use canned biscuits, let set for one-half hour and roll or flatten again to thinness desired.

Monday: Primal Jambalaya - my daughter enjoyed it so much she wants a repeat. That's a major win in my book.

Tuesday: Blackened Chicken with Avocado Sauce and Zoodles - I need to buy a food processor and julienne tool this week. The blender didn't do so well on the cauliflower "rice".

Wednesday: White Bean and Sausage Saute - for some reason I didn't make it two weeks ago and I still have all of the ingredients. By the way, some of the recipes lasted for days, hence the repeat. I had plenty of leftovers.

Thursday: Roast or Caribbean Jerk chicken with sweet potatoes. (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE that I can eat all the sweet potatoes that I want? I'm down to just a little butter and cinnamon, dropped the brown sugar when I make them now).

Friday-Sunday: Leftovers or kid requested "bean chili" (as opposed to Chile Verde or Chicken Chili)

Ingress: Battle for Disneyland

2013-01-29T16:17:00.001-08:00

One more reason to use my annual pass ....

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Menu Plan Monday: Paleo Edition

2013-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Carb deprivation has me and my daughter at each other's throats. I'm used to it, but her eye doctor just told us that she needs to cut back on refined sugar and refined carbs (not a problem at my place since I cut that shit out of our diets over a year ago, but I think it might be at her dad's).

Lack of physical activity since October (sprained wrist, in splint for almost six weeks) has her gaining weight and mental anguish. She's built like her father instead of me. It's a clusterfuck. And every time she asks for something to eat, it's purposefully UNHEALTHY!

I just sent her to bed as if she was five. Because she was acting like she was three. And you wonder what the heck any of this has to do with this week's menu plan?

The large Caveman statue in Grants Pass, Oregon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I need to post the past few weeks menu plans, but I've slowly been going more paleo, less part-time vegetarian, which is harder than you think when coupled with the fact that the custody arrangement has changed so that her father has her three days midweek and she gets more processed food over there than with me. So her diet (as in what she eats on a daily basis and the ability to make healthy choices) is completely screwed.

I've lost 10lbs since December eating more Paleo, so I'm sticking with it! I was walking a lot (16K-20K+ steps a day!) due to Ingress (still in beta), but since I've started working, I'm lucky to get in 6-8K steps. The continued weight loss despite the drop in physical activity has me simply amazed.

Sunday: Spinach, Tomato, Turkey Omelette

Monday: Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders (I use light mayo and Italian breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes) and Arugula Salad (kid friendly)

Tuesday: White Bean and Sausage Saute (kid friendly)

Wednesday: Leftovers - first full night without daughter

Thursday: Primal Jamabalaya- first time trying cauliflower rice. We'll see how that goes.

Friday: Minestrone (paleo and good choice for the crockpot) - I'm going to be scouring Mark's Daily Apple a lot over the next few weeks.

Saturday: Lamb Chops with Parsely and Mint Sauce -- I splurged on this one and got fresh (instead of dried) parsely and mint.

Sunday: Cheat day - going out with friends, but I'll be walking like crazy.

Breakfast will be oatmeal (I know, not paleo. Baby steps people! I hardly eat breakfast to begin with) or eggs and bacon for both of us for most of the week. Lunches for me will be dinner leftovers and fruit, or salads from Fresh & Easy. Hoping my daughter will choose hot lunches instead of sandwiches.

What's on your plate this week?

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National Science Fiction Day - A List

2013-01-02T15:51:00.002-08:00

Yesterday, my mom was on the hunt for an Android app that would tell her what unusual (and usually hilarious) holiday each day was. The closest we came was the Hallmark Ultimate Holiday Site (which only has the app for iDevices. MEH!).

Just for $#!+$ and giggles, I checked it out today and discovered that it's National Science Fiction Day. Of course I had to share that and got this in response:

@dananner my Dad taught me the ABC"s of sci-fi: Asimov, Bradbury, Clark :)
— Daniel (@danniboi07) January 2, 2013

So ... here's my personal ABC of Sci-fi (and fantasy):

A - Asimov (Happy Birthday, Isaac!) - I still subscribe to Asimov's magazine. You should read I, Robot (short stories COMPLETELY different from the movie), Foundation Series, The Caves of Steel (trilogy) and Nightfall for a taste. He also wrote across genres (my first Asimov book was probably one of his "How Did We Find Out About" books, but I loved his style so much I begged my parents to get more).

B - Bradbury, Butler, Brin (oh my!)-- Like many others, I mourned the passing of Ray Bradbury a few months ago. Too many books to list, but Fahrenheit 451 (which took me forever to get through because I couldn't bear the thought of reading a book about burning books!), The Martian Chronicles, and I Sing the Body Electric! are at the top of my list.

Next favorite is Octavia Butler. WOW! Her books make you think. Try Kindred and the Xenogenesis Trilogy . They will leave a lasting impression on you. Not brain candy.

Want to make me squee like a little girl? Have David Brin walk into the bookstore and come up to my register. True story. While I was working at the Bookstar in La Jolla, Brin walks in, talks to the sci-fi floor manager, I think he might have bought a book but I was too busy fan-girling. I eventually got him checked out without embarrassing both of us too much. Later that semester he was a guest speaker in my (yes!) Science Fiction Literature class. We were reading Earth and he signed my copy. Unfortunately, it's been lost through the moves, but I will never forget that he told me to Decide! in the inscription. I switched my major to English Lit. :)

C - Card (sorry @danniboi07) - I love all things Orson Scott Card. From Ender Wiggin, to Alvin Journeyman, Pastwatch, and now Pathfinder and The Lost Gate series.

D - Douglas Adams! Got your towel? I don't know how many times I have read the Hitchiker's Guide series, but they are always good for a pick me up.

Best editor in sci-fi is Ellen Datlow - I just can't bring myself to read her horror anthologies.

Oh! brain fart. I almost forgot PKD. Phillip K. Dick. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Bladerunner is based on this book), A Scanner Darkly, Adjustment Team, Total Recall, The Minority Report (I read all of these in high school, when all except Bladerunner hadn't yet been adapted). Can you tell that Hollywood really loves PKD?

E - Harlan Ellison - once upon a time I also had a signed copy of his screen play of I, Robot (what could be better, right??) I read (and got to meet) him during that same Sci-Fi Lit class. Mean old bastard.

That year I also started reading Heinlein. I used to read the Lazurus Long stories to my son at bedtime. He was three. Maybe that's why he prefers fantasy over scifi...

F - Raymond E. Feist - I was addicted to the Riftwar Saga, devouring each book as it was released. Same with The Empire Trilogy--which had a strong female lead. I kind of lost it during the Serpentwar Saga though, real life, kids, and no time to read.

G - G.R.R.M - and not because of Game of Thrones. I've actually been reading George R.R. Martin since the early-mid 90's when he was in F&SF or Asimov's (I don't remember off the top of my head, I had subscriptions to both in high school). His short stories and novellas really made an impression on me. His epic novels are another matter altogether!

I can't forget Neil Gaiman. I've read American Gods twice, Anansi Boys, loved Good Omens, Coraline, Stardust, Neverwhere, Odd and the Frost Giants, the list goes on and on, but you get the idea.

H - Joe Haldeman - takes war to another level. If you haven't read The Forever War and Forever Free, put them on your reading list for this year. Also the Carmen Dula stories (Marsbound, Earthbound, Starbound).

I - (have you read any authors that you would recommend?)

J - Robert Jordan - Wheel of Time. Epic, just epic. I tried it, couldn't get into it, but my brother loves his work.

K- Guy Gavriel Kay - absolutely beautiful writing. I recommend Tigana, The Fionavar Tapestry series, and Lions of al-Rassan. If you like a little humor, I recommend James Patrick Kelly - love his Free Reads podcast.

L - Madeline L'Engle - it pleases me more than rum punch that my daughter is now reading the Time Quintet. Some of it is over her head, a perfect excuse for me to re-read the series. My father used to make me give him narrative book reports (to justify him buying me books every time he turned around) and my description of Gaudior had him considering it as a personalized license plate. Meg is still one of my favorite characters of all time, probably because I could relate to her so well. Definitely time for me to re-read the series.

Urula K. Le Guin - The Left Hand of Darkness was a reading assignment in my AP Literature class in high school, but I am so glad that it was. I went on to read the Earthsea trilogy before I was jumped to mysteries for a while.

M - Patricia A. McKillip - I started buying her books just for the covers. But the stories are amazing, beautiful, poetic, and truly transport you into her worlds. Alphabet of Thorn and The Book of Atrix Wolf are two of my favorites. I wish I could the cover art as posters.

N - Andre Norton (RIP) - Grab what you can from her works that have made it into the public domain. I really enjoyed her Time series (Time Traders, The Defiant Agents, Key Out of Time) and the Halfblood Chronicles.

O - George Orwell - 1984 - we're living it. Or getting there.

P - Terry Pratchett - Good Omens with Neil Gaiman of course! But wait, I bet you thought I was going to bring up Discworld. Oddly enough, I've only read one or two books in the series. I just couldn't get into it. For Young Adult readers, I like Tamora Pierce.

Q - W.T. Quick - cyberpunk usually isn't my thing, but this guy gets good reviews. I'll be adding him to my reading list for 2013.

R - Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince trilogy and Dragon Star Trilogy are not only some amazing writing, but they introduced me to the art of Michael Whelan. Dragons, bestill my heart.

S - R. A. Salvatore - Drizzt Do'Urden FTW. 'Nuff said.

T - Harry Turtledove - Back to college and that lit class :) The Guns of the South reimagines the South winning the Civil War. If you love history and sci-fi, Turtledove is definitely the author for you. For a quick taste, you can read Lee at the Alamo online.

U - I couldn't think of anyone, but oddly enough, John Updike has written a book loosely themed as science fiction--Toward the End of Time.

V - A. E. van Vogt - I think I've only read short stories from old issues of Asimov and Analog.

W - Margaret Weis (and Tracy Hickman) - Dragons of Autumn anyone? In high school we passed the Dragonlance books around like crack. I still have a special place in my heart for halflings, and Raistlin.

X - anyone?

Y - Jane Yolen - Dragons, dragons, dragons! And dinosaurs (my daughter loved How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?) and girls who can take care of themselves. Girl power, take a lesson from Yolen.

Z - Roger Zelazny - an ex-boyfriend introduced me to Zelazny. Pretty sure I tore through the Amber Chronicles and a few of his stand alone novels. Since it's been about two decades, I should revisit him.

Who did I miss? Who is your favorite SF author?

I've collected all of the books for you here. Feel free to browse (and buy!)

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