Here's to that Rainy Day

A rainy weekend is improperly spent without an amount of self-reflection, the type of introspection that is simultaneously morose and optimistic. To set the scene, may I suggest equal parts retro British television serials ("Upstairs Downstairs") and college football (must my alma mater lose so abysmally!?), new cocktail recipes (see below!) based upon whatever is available, healthy doses of Motown, ample pages of the novel you are halfway through reading (or writing!), and forgoing coffee for tea rather than rushing to the store to buy more powder.

For self-reflection, let me advocate writing a list of ideas for easy things to change and taping it to the bathroom mirror. Perhaps the list can include practical ideas ("exercise once daily, don't be lazy") as well as philosophical. Introspective thoughts tend to sway to both sides of the pendulum so quickly, from the very forlorn to the maniacally joyful-- a list allows them to be ever-present and reduces mental clutter.

Following such a list, however-- being diligent enough to allow it to guide us! Well--it is a day to day process, much like attempting to create a life that is devoid of either overbearing noise or never-ending silence. The task is no simple undertaking. A rainy weekend is the perfect time to start.

Honey Syrup Hot Toddy (a variation on my classic recipe)

1-1.5 oz honey syrup (recipe below)
2 wedges of Valencia orange
boiling water
1-1.5 oz Jameson Whiskey
nutmeg (grated or to be grated)
allspice (grated)

Pour 1-1.5 ounces of hot honey syrup at the bottom of a mug. Squeeze the juice from both of the Valencia orange wedges atop the honey syrup, and drop the wedges into the mug as well. Pour the whiskey over the orange-honey mixture and muddle using the back of a knife. Add boiling water until it reaches about half an inch from the top of the mug. Stir clockwise twice, and anticlockwise once. Add grated nutmeg and grated allspice to taste.

Honey Syrup
2 parts honey, 1 part water-- you can choose the distribution. For example 2/3 cup honey, 1/3 cup water

In a little pot, pour the honey and water in together and stir over high heat until the mixture is smooth, heated throughout, and one or two bubbles are seen at the bottom of the pot. The Honey Syrup can be used immediately for hot drinks (Hot Toddy) or saved for cold drinks (Gold Rush, Bees Knees).

Drink, listen, watch, read, write, list, and above all, live.