Carnal Zen is my forum to explore all the ideas, contradictions, religions and credit card bills that pepper my life.
Holidays are filled with merriment, food and in my world - wine. Occasions with loved ones are marked by cramped kitchens and traditions. One tradition that has emerged over the last few years of Thanksgiving with my “family by choice” has been to block out a few moments and have each person at the table [...]
When you’re in the throws of getting to know someone there are always early compatibility indicators. What books are on his shelves, what is does the movie collection say, what their friends are like, how many video games are around and most importantly, what’s on his playlist.
I am not a music junkie. In fact this [...]
I used to spend my Sundays in dread, knowing Monday meant complaining clients and long conference calls. It was a dissapointing way to spend the day of rest.
Last night, on the last eve of my vacation, I dreamt of work. My brain was not dreading the return, simply preparing, organizing thoughts and today I admit - [...]
My sweet italian Grandmother is an accomplished cook. She taught me how to make marinara sauce exactly like hers. It was an honor. Eventually I made substitutions of my own with fresh ingredients and deviated from her coveted but unmeasured recipe. Fundamentally, we learn by mimic. It’s why swearing like a sailor in the presence of [...]