Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Blue belt!
Rugrat got his blue belt in karate class yesterday. This is kind of a big deal; it's the last of the "beginner" belts. It's probably also the last belt he'll get for a while, as we haven't figured out if we're going to enroll him in karate out in WC yet or not, and if we are, where we'll take him.
Tequila-Lime Chicken
Tequila-lime chicken topped with salsa fresca, and accompanied by fresh chili-lime corn (cut from the cob) and a tossed green salad with avocado vinaigrette. I used my brand-new George Foreman grill, and I have to say, I was pretty disappointed. The chicken was cooked perfectly, but there were NO grill marks. What the heck?
Tequila-Lime Chicken with Salsa Fresca
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 c freshly squeezed lime juice, or limeade (I used a combination of both)
1 shot tequila
1 c chopped tomatoes
1/4 c diced onion
1/2 to 1 diced jalepeno (depending on how spicy you like it)
1/4 c cilantro, chopped
salt & pepper
Put the lime juice and tequila in a resealable bag. Season well with salt & pepper. Add the two chicken breasts and marinate for a couple of hours in the fridge (the longer, the better). Throw all the other ingredients together in a bowl, and season to taste with salt & pepper. Let it sit in the fridge while your chicken breasts marinate, so the flavors can blend.
Preheat your grill of choice to super-screaming-hot. Remove the breasts from marinade & discard the marinade. Grill just until the chicken is no longer pink in the center (time will depend on your grill - my new GF grill took about 10 minutes to grill three breasts; I had one plain one for Rugrat).
Fresh Chili-Lime Corn
2-3 ears of fresh sweet corn (depending on how big they are)
2 Tbsp butter
Juice of one lime
1/4-1/2 tsp chili powder
With a sharp knife, cut the kernels from the corn cob, and use the back of the knife to rub the milky juice from the cob (you'll see, there's a little bit of the kernels that gets left behind, and you can get some sweet yummy juice by scraping them). Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and throw all the corn in. Heat the corn through, maybe a couple of minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with the chili powder and pour the lime juice over the corn. Just stir it up and enjoy! Best corn EVER.
Tequila-Lime Chicken with Salsa Fresca
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 c freshly squeezed lime juice, or limeade (I used a combination of both)
1 shot tequila
1 c chopped tomatoes
1/4 c diced onion
1/2 to 1 diced jalepeno (depending on how spicy you like it)
1/4 c cilantro, chopped
salt & pepper
Put the lime juice and tequila in a resealable bag. Season well with salt & pepper. Add the two chicken breasts and marinate for a couple of hours in the fridge (the longer, the better). Throw all the other ingredients together in a bowl, and season to taste with salt & pepper. Let it sit in the fridge while your chicken breasts marinate, so the flavors can blend.
Preheat your grill of choice to super-screaming-hot. Remove the breasts from marinade & discard the marinade. Grill just until the chicken is no longer pink in the center (time will depend on your grill - my new GF grill took about 10 minutes to grill three breasts; I had one plain one for Rugrat).
Fresh Chili-Lime Corn
2-3 ears of fresh sweet corn (depending on how big they are)
2 Tbsp butter
Juice of one lime
1/4-1/2 tsp chili powder
With a sharp knife, cut the kernels from the corn cob, and use the back of the knife to rub the milky juice from the cob (you'll see, there's a little bit of the kernels that gets left behind, and you can get some sweet yummy juice by scraping them). Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and throw all the corn in. Heat the corn through, maybe a couple of minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with the chili powder and pour the lime juice over the corn. Just stir it up and enjoy! Best corn EVER.
Friday, June 08, 2007
This is MADE of awesome
Paris goes back to jail
Judge Sauer is a hero. A true bastion of logic and reason in the sea of insanity that is LA. Thank GOD someone is standing up to these stupid rich, spoiled brats who think they can get away with anything, any time it suits them.
Judge Sauer is a hero. A true bastion of logic and reason in the sea of insanity that is LA. Thank GOD someone is standing up to these stupid rich, spoiled brats who think they can get away with anything, any time it suits them.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Today's ringtones
"You sick little monkey!" and The Happy Happy Joy Joy Song, both from Ren & Stimpy (episode: Stimpy's Invention).
I am obviously having way too much fun with this.
I am obviously having way too much fun with this.
Oops! My geek is showing.
This completely blows my mind. Awesome.
Even more awesome? The fact that Rugrat asked me this morning to explain the fourth dimension to him, and I showed him this website. (Yes, I already had it bookmarked. Because I am a total geek and this is the kind of shit that makes my cold little heart go pitter-pat.) WTF is an eight year old doing asking questions about the fourth dimension? Damn, my kid is smart.
Even more awesome? The fact that Rugrat asked me this morning to explain the fourth dimension to him, and I showed him this website. (Yes, I already had it bookmarked. Because I am a total geek and this is the kind of shit that makes my cold little heart go pitter-pat.) WTF is an eight year old doing asking questions about the fourth dimension? Damn, my kid is smart.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Let me count the ways
Sometimes it's hard to think of what to post. Not because I have nothing to say, but because I keep wanting to say the same things over and over. I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love. I'm sure it gets tedious to read after a while.
But the little things are what get me. Those little things Mr Wonderful (D) does that make me swoon, that make my heart beat just a little faster. Like when he asked me to leave my shampoo at his house last night, so I don't have to bring it next time. Or the way he sprays my pillow with his cologne before he leaves for work, so that it will smell like him when I snuggle up to it on those nights when we can't be together. The way he calls me five minutes after we leave each other, just to tell me he loves me. Or the text message he sent me the other day, when I was meeting with a prospective client, to give me a boost of confidence: "Hey u smile they cant say no 2 u." The way he's always fully present, not thinking of something else when we're together. The way he holds me, the strength and passion and caring that somehow gets transmitted from his arms straight to my heart. When he brings me flowers for no reason. The way he raves about my cooking. The way he tells me how hot I look in my glasses, or when I'm geeking out on the computer. The way we divvy up the chores we'll each do when we end up living together. (Him: "I'll be in charge of the yard." Me: "I'll take care of the cooking.") The way he tells me that he doesn't ever want anyone else; this is it for him. OK, I guess that's not a little thing. That's a big thing, a HUGE thing, actually.
I don't think I've ever had a relationship that felt so effortless before. It just feels like we are on the same path, in the same place, going in the same direction. I have no anxiety about how he feels about me: I know how he feels. He is so open and direct; there's no walls there. It's incredible, really. And I can't seem to stop talking about it, like I'm the first person in the world to ever fall in love.
But the little things are what get me. Those little things Mr Wonderful (D) does that make me swoon, that make my heart beat just a little faster. Like when he asked me to leave my shampoo at his house last night, so I don't have to bring it next time. Or the way he sprays my pillow with his cologne before he leaves for work, so that it will smell like him when I snuggle up to it on those nights when we can't be together. The way he calls me five minutes after we leave each other, just to tell me he loves me. Or the text message he sent me the other day, when I was meeting with a prospective client, to give me a boost of confidence: "Hey u smile they cant say no 2 u." The way he's always fully present, not thinking of something else when we're together. The way he holds me, the strength and passion and caring that somehow gets transmitted from his arms straight to my heart. When he brings me flowers for no reason. The way he raves about my cooking. The way he tells me how hot I look in my glasses, or when I'm geeking out on the computer. The way we divvy up the chores we'll each do when we end up living together. (Him: "I'll be in charge of the yard." Me: "I'll take care of the cooking.") The way he tells me that he doesn't ever want anyone else; this is it for him. OK, I guess that's not a little thing. That's a big thing, a HUGE thing, actually.
I don't think I've ever had a relationship that felt so effortless before. It just feels like we are on the same path, in the same place, going in the same direction. I have no anxiety about how he feels about me: I know how he feels. He is so open and direct; there's no walls there. It's incredible, really. And I can't seem to stop talking about it, like I'm the first person in the world to ever fall in love.
Expand your horizons
Yesterday I discovered that there is something called a Foodie Blogroll, started by the lovely and talented Leftover Queen. The Foodie Blogroll is an ever-expanding list of food blogs: a great resource for new recipe ideas, and a nice way to drive a little more traffic to your own food blog. The blogroll is now on my site (see it in the lower-right). If you want to add your food blog to the list, pop on over to the LQ's Foodie Blogroll post and get the details.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Simple pleasures, geek style
I'm not a very complicated person. I generally like things simple and straightforward. But the last cell phone I got was the Razr, which at the time was pretty much top of the line. Generally I am of the opinion that, if it will make telephone calls, it's good enough for me. But in this case I made an exception. Why? Because I am smitten with the personalized ringtones. You know, where you set a different ringtone for each person in your address book so that you know the moment it rings who's calling.
But I wasn't content with the ringtones you can buy online. I absolutely had to have a ringtone with the Kim Possible theme song. Do you know how hard it is to find a Kim Possible ringtone? They don't exist. So I had to make one. I got an audio file - off a Disney soundtrack CD or something - and I downloaded some free software (Audacity) and cut the file down to the size I wanted, with the exact audio clip I wanted.
And then I went nuts. I was making ringtones for every person and occasion. And today, I made ringtones from the soundtrack of a DVD. Not the soundtrack like the music from the movie, the soundtrack meaning the actual WORDS SPOKEN during the film. I found this awesome software called DVD Audio Ripper, and after very little futzing around, I figured out how to get the audio track I wanted, and then I used Audacity to crop it. So now I have a couple of ringtones made from the Jimmy Neutron movie. (What? I LOVE cartoons. The best part about having a kid is that you get a fabulous excuse to watch cartoons.)
Technology is freaking awesome.
But I wasn't content with the ringtones you can buy online. I absolutely had to have a ringtone with the Kim Possible theme song. Do you know how hard it is to find a Kim Possible ringtone? They don't exist. So I had to make one. I got an audio file - off a Disney soundtrack CD or something - and I downloaded some free software (Audacity) and cut the file down to the size I wanted, with the exact audio clip I wanted.
And then I went nuts. I was making ringtones for every person and occasion. And today, I made ringtones from the soundtrack of a DVD. Not the soundtrack like the music from the movie, the soundtrack meaning the actual WORDS SPOKEN during the film. I found this awesome software called DVD Audio Ripper, and after very little futzing around, I figured out how to get the audio track I wanted, and then I used Audacity to crop it. So now I have a couple of ringtones made from the Jimmy Neutron movie. (What? I LOVE cartoons. The best part about having a kid is that you get a fabulous excuse to watch cartoons.)
Technology is freaking awesome.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Maroon 5
On Sunday I bought the latest Maroon 5 CD, and I've got it on heavy rotation. I really like it, but it seems like most of the songs are heavily influenced by 80's pop. I'm not saying this is a bad thing. I really like 80's pop. But some of the songs are SO obviously inspired by another song or just a very distinctive sound. One song sounds like Prince, one sounds like the Police, another one like John Waite, and a fourth one sounds like Jellyfish. Just about every song on the album gives me that niggling feeling like I've heard it before, or at least something really, really similar. The Police one has a certain spot in the song that sounds so much like Message in a Bottle that I swear it's practically plagiarism. It's so blatant (to me anyway) that I wonder if maybe they did it on purpose. Like they specifically made songs that sounded like various 80's pop groups so that they could tap into the nostalgia factor for people in my age range. Or maybe it just sounds like 80's pop because it's all so very slick; the whole album is produced within an inch of its life.
I also got the older Shins CD, the one with New Slang on it. This is totally my new favorite band.
I also got the older Shins CD, the one with New Slang on it. This is totally my new favorite band.
Roasted Cherry Chicken
Wow. This one was a winner - savory and sweet, all at the same time. I served it up with some blanched green beans (yay, farmer's market!) and panzanella, which D totally went nuts over. The unusual addition of cherries makes this a good choice for Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup this week!
Roasted Cherry Chicken
2 chicken breasts, bone in & skin on
1/2 c pitted fresh cherries
1 Tbsp rosemary
1 clove garlic
1 Tbsp chopped parsley
EVOO
Salt & pepper
Preheat oven to 400°.
Chop up the cherries, rosemary, and garlic all together, kind of milling it with your knife until the cherry bits are pretty darn small (but still a wee bit chunky) and the garlic & rosemary goes all through it. Throw it in a small bowl, add a small amount of EVOO (maybe a teaspoon or so), the parsley and some kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper; mix well. Loosen the skin on the chicken and stuff the cherry mixture underneath the skin. Coat the skin with EVOO and sprinkle with more salt & pepper. Roast for about 40 minutes or until done. (I always use a thermometer that goes off when it reaches the desired temperature; this guarantees moist, juicy meat that is perfectly cooked. Every. Single. Time.)
Roasted Cherry Chicken
2 chicken breasts, bone in & skin on
1/2 c pitted fresh cherries
1 Tbsp rosemary
1 clove garlic
1 Tbsp chopped parsley
EVOO
Salt & pepper
Preheat oven to 400°.
Chop up the cherries, rosemary, and garlic all together, kind of milling it with your knife until the cherry bits are pretty darn small (but still a wee bit chunky) and the garlic & rosemary goes all through it. Throw it in a small bowl, add a small amount of EVOO (maybe a teaspoon or so), the parsley and some kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper; mix well. Loosen the skin on the chicken and stuff the cherry mixture underneath the skin. Coat the skin with EVOO and sprinkle with more salt & pepper. Roast for about 40 minutes or until done. (I always use a thermometer that goes off when it reaches the desired temperature; this guarantees moist, juicy meat that is perfectly cooked. Every. Single. Time.)
Goat Cheese Toasts with Savory Cherry Jam
I got a bunch of cherries at the farmer's market ('tis the season), and I wanted to try something savory with them. Obviously there's loads of recipes for dessert with cherries, but I was looking for something a little different. So this is my first attempt at using the cherries in a savory dish, and it was OK, but a little heavy for the season. It needed something to lift it up a bit; when I made the chicken I threw some parsley in with the cherry mixture, and that brightened it up just enough. Although I just had an idea - orange juice! I'll bet that would be fabulous - next time I'll add a splash of OJ to the sauce during the cooking process. (I think the cherry jam/sauce would be fantastic over pork tenderloin as-is, especially in the fall -- but when are you going to find fresh cherries in the fall? Never, that's when.)
Goat Cheese Toasts with Savory Cherry Jam
Sourdough bread, sliced 1/2" thick
Chevre (fresh goat cheese)
1/2 c cherries, pitted & roughly chopped
1 tsp chopped rosemary
Splash of balsamic vinegar
Pinch of salt & pepper
Toast the bread slices in the oven or toaster oven until golden brown. While the bread is toasting up, throw the cherries, rosemary, vinegar and salt & pepper into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the cherries are soft. At this point I used a stick blender to smooth it out a little, but I wouldn't advise doing this unless you are cooking at lot more of it at one time; I wound up with cherry splattered all over my kitchen. Instead, you could either chop up the cherries very finely at the beginning of the process, or you could use an actual blender to get the consistency you want. I wanted mine a bit chunky.
Spread the toasts with the chevre, then top with the cherry mixture.
Goat Cheese Toasts with Savory Cherry Jam
Sourdough bread, sliced 1/2" thick
Chevre (fresh goat cheese)
1/2 c cherries, pitted & roughly chopped
1 tsp chopped rosemary
Splash of balsamic vinegar
Pinch of salt & pepper
Toast the bread slices in the oven or toaster oven until golden brown. While the bread is toasting up, throw the cherries, rosemary, vinegar and salt & pepper into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the cherries are soft. At this point I used a stick blender to smooth it out a little, but I wouldn't advise doing this unless you are cooking at lot more of it at one time; I wound up with cherry splattered all over my kitchen. Instead, you could either chop up the cherries very finely at the beginning of the process, or you could use an actual blender to get the consistency you want. I wanted mine a bit chunky.
Spread the toasts with the chevre, then top with the cherry mixture.
"Greek" Chicken Salad
Light, healthy and very tasty. I'm not doing amounts for this one because you'll want to just adjust the amounts to your taste anyway.
"Greek" Chicken Salad
Romaine lettuce, torn or cut into bite-size pieces
Cherry tomatoes, quartered
Seedless (AKA European) cucumber, diced
Red onion, sliced or diced
Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
Feta cheese, crumbled or diced
Roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast, sliced into bite-size pieces (I used olive oil, salt & pepper, but you can use any herbs or seasonings you want on it - throw it in the oven at 400 until done, about 30 minutes)
Lemon vinaigrette (see below)
Toss it all together & eat! The chicken soaks up some of the vinaigrette if you throw it on the salad while it's still a little warm. That makes the chicken extra moist and tasty.
Lemon Vinaigrette
Juice of one lemon
EVOO
Salt & pepper
Put the lemon juice in a small bowl, and add salt & pepper. Use more than you think you need; the vinaigrette will be used to season the entire salad. Slowly stream in EVOO while whisking fast; when you've got about a quarter cup of vinaigrette, you should be done.
"Greek" Chicken Salad
Romaine lettuce, torn or cut into bite-size pieces
Cherry tomatoes, quartered
Seedless (AKA European) cucumber, diced
Red onion, sliced or diced
Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
Feta cheese, crumbled or diced
Roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast, sliced into bite-size pieces (I used olive oil, salt & pepper, but you can use any herbs or seasonings you want on it - throw it in the oven at 400 until done, about 30 minutes)
Lemon vinaigrette (see below)
Toss it all together & eat! The chicken soaks up some of the vinaigrette if you throw it on the salad while it's still a little warm. That makes the chicken extra moist and tasty.
Lemon Vinaigrette
Juice of one lemon
EVOO
Salt & pepper
Put the lemon juice in a small bowl, and add salt & pepper. Use more than you think you need; the vinaigrette will be used to season the entire salad. Slowly stream in EVOO while whisking fast; when you've got about a quarter cup of vinaigrette, you should be done.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Commitment
D and I had a funny conversation the other day - he was telling me about his birthday, and how his family always celebrates it on Thanksgiving (his b'day is Nov 24th), whether it falls on Thanksgiving or not. He said it always pissed him off, and he'd ask them to celebrate it separately, but they always refused. I said, "Awww. Well, I promise to always celebrate your birthday ON your birthday." And he said something like, "Wow, that's quite a commitment. Are you sure you want to say that?" So I backtracked a little and said that I'd do it for "as long as we're together." He laughed, and was all, "Ohhhh...as long as we're together. I see." And then I had to amend my statement again, and assure him that I am planning to be around for a long, long time: "Or, you know, until we're both shriveled and senile, sitting on the porch in our rocking chairs." So he said, "You want to be shriveled with me?" and of course I said yes.
I mean, what kind of conversation is this? I thought we were totally past this; I know he is thinking long-term and I know he knows I am thinking long-term, so...why the surprise? Was he just joking around, trying to get a rise out of me? Or is he trying to get reassurance that I am thinking of this as a long-term thing? Could he be in any doubt over my feelings and intentions here? Because I think I've been pretty clear: I don't want to rush things, but I am committed to this. I love him, and I want to be with him. Maybe forever. But at least for a really, really long time. And I don't see that changing anytime soon.
I mean, what kind of conversation is this? I thought we were totally past this; I know he is thinking long-term and I know he knows I am thinking long-term, so...why the surprise? Was he just joking around, trying to get a rise out of me? Or is he trying to get reassurance that I am thinking of this as a long-term thing? Could he be in any doubt over my feelings and intentions here? Because I think I've been pretty clear: I don't want to rush things, but I am committed to this. I love him, and I want to be with him. Maybe forever. But at least for a really, really long time. And I don't see that changing anytime soon.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Dinner out
D and I decided to try a new restaurant the other night: Lone Tree Thai Cuisine. Not a very exciting name, considering the street it's on is (you guessed it) Lone Tree. But I was hoping it would end up being a great hole-in-the-wall Thai place less than five minutes from my house. Unfortunately, it didn't exactly measure up.
We ordered a TON of food. Pad thai (the standard by which every Thai restaurant must be judged), mixed seafood green curry, laarb (a "salad" with beef in it) and, as an appetizer, "fish cake." Which was actually fish cakes, plural: there were five of them. The texture of the fish cakes was odd - kind of rubbery and flabby, but the flavor was decent, especially when you put the cucumber-relish stuff on top of it. Next the laarb arrived, and it was....kind of frightening, actually. A huge mound of ground beef with a little lettuce thrown in, a dab of mint, and (supposedly) some cilantro. But the oddest thing about it was the sauce or grease that they cooked it in; at one point, D said "Movie popcorn!" and then that was all we could think of. It was pretty awful. The pad thai was ok, except that they overcooked the prawns - WAY overcooked them. And the green curry was mild (we specified extra-spicy everything, because that's just how we roll) with - again - seriously overcooked seafood. The salmon was cooked well, but all of the shellfish was horribly overcooked.
D and I agreed that we would not be returning.
Coming up soon: Greek(ish) salad. Gotta use up that seedless cucumber and the feta!
We ordered a TON of food. Pad thai (the standard by which every Thai restaurant must be judged), mixed seafood green curry, laarb (a "salad" with beef in it) and, as an appetizer, "fish cake." Which was actually fish cakes, plural: there were five of them. The texture of the fish cakes was odd - kind of rubbery and flabby, but the flavor was decent, especially when you put the cucumber-relish stuff on top of it. Next the laarb arrived, and it was....kind of frightening, actually. A huge mound of ground beef with a little lettuce thrown in, a dab of mint, and (supposedly) some cilantro. But the oddest thing about it was the sauce or grease that they cooked it in; at one point, D said "Movie popcorn!" and then that was all we could think of. It was pretty awful. The pad thai was ok, except that they overcooked the prawns - WAY overcooked them. And the green curry was mild (we specified extra-spicy everything, because that's just how we roll) with - again - seriously overcooked seafood. The salmon was cooked well, but all of the shellfish was horribly overcooked.
D and I agreed that we would not be returning.
Coming up soon: Greek(ish) salad. Gotta use up that seedless cucumber and the feta!
Lone Tree Thai
D and I decided to try a new restaurant the other night: Lone Tree Thai Cuisine. Not a very exciting name, considering the street it's on is (you guessed it) Lone Tree. But I was hoping it would end up being a great hole-in-the-wall Thai place less than five minutes from my house. Unfortunately, it didn't exactly measure up.
We ordered a TON of food. Pad thai (the standard by which every Thai restaurant must be judged), mixed seafood green curry, laarb (a "salad" with beef in it) and, as an appetizer, "fish cake." Which was actually fish cakes, plural: there were five of them. The texture of the fish cakes was odd - kind of rubbery and flabby, but the flavor was decent, especially when you put the cucumber-relish stuff on top of it. Next the laarb arrived, and it was....kind of frightening, actually. A huge mound of ground beef with a little lettuce thrown in, a dab of mint, and (supposedly) some cilantro. But the oddest thing about it was the sauce or grease that they cooked it in; at one point, D said "Movie popcorn!" and then that was all we could think of. It was pretty awful. The pad thai was ok, except that they overcooked the prawns - WAY overcooked them. And the green curry was mild (we specified extra-spicy everything, because that's just how we roll) with - again - seriously overcooked seafood. The salmon was cooked well, but all of the shellfish was horribly overcooked.
D and I agreed that we would not be returning.
Coming up soon: Greek(ish) salad. Gotta use up that seedless cucumber and the feta!
We ordered a TON of food. Pad thai (the standard by which every Thai restaurant must be judged), mixed seafood green curry, laarb (a "salad" with beef in it) and, as an appetizer, "fish cake." Which was actually fish cakes, plural: there were five of them. The texture of the fish cakes was odd - kind of rubbery and flabby, but the flavor was decent, especially when you put the cucumber-relish stuff on top of it. Next the laarb arrived, and it was....kind of frightening, actually. A huge mound of ground beef with a little lettuce thrown in, a dab of mint, and (supposedly) some cilantro. But the oddest thing about it was the sauce or grease that they cooked it in; at one point, D said "Movie popcorn!" and then that was all we could think of. It was pretty awful. The pad thai was ok, except that they overcooked the prawns - WAY overcooked them. And the green curry was mild (we specified extra-spicy everything, because that's just how we roll) with - again - seriously overcooked seafood. The salmon was cooked well, but all of the shellfish was horribly overcooked.
D and I agreed that we would not be returning.
Coming up soon: Greek(ish) salad. Gotta use up that seedless cucumber and the feta!
Mmmm....beeeeer
Yesterday I decided it was time to get cracking and think about what the heck I was going to do for a vacation this summer. I need a vacation. Even if it's just a few days, I need to take some time off and go somewhere. D and I have been sort of dancing around about it, but dammit, I needed to get something nailed down.
I've been thinking about visiting my sister, S, so I thought I'd check and see what festivals are coming up in Portland this summer. I've driven through Portland a few times, but never actually stopped and spent time there (at least, not since I was a kid). Lo & behold, there is something called the Oregon Brewers Festival coming up at the end of July. And it's on a weekend when I don't have the Rugrat. Score! I talked to D about it last night and he was totally psyched for it (how's that for appropriate use of early '90's slang?). I called S this morning and she sounded pretty darn happy about having us come to stay for a few days. So I guess I've got my vacation planned out. I emailed the info to D, and once he gets his dates off approved through work, we'll hook up the plane tickets. It's not really cheaper for two people to fly than to drive, but you get the benefit of not wasting an entire day in the car, each way, if you fly. So I think it evens out.
I am so excited! July is going to be the best month ever: Harry Potter 5 movie will be released, Harry Potter 7 book will be released, and then I'm going on vacation with D, and get to drink lots of beer and hang out with my li'l sis. Perfect.
I've been thinking about visiting my sister, S, so I thought I'd check and see what festivals are coming up in Portland this summer. I've driven through Portland a few times, but never actually stopped and spent time there (at least, not since I was a kid). Lo & behold, there is something called the Oregon Brewers Festival coming up at the end of July. And it's on a weekend when I don't have the Rugrat. Score! I talked to D about it last night and he was totally psyched for it (how's that for appropriate use of early '90's slang?). I called S this morning and she sounded pretty darn happy about having us come to stay for a few days. So I guess I've got my vacation planned out. I emailed the info to D, and once he gets his dates off approved through work, we'll hook up the plane tickets. It's not really cheaper for two people to fly than to drive, but you get the benefit of not wasting an entire day in the car, each way, if you fly. So I think it evens out.
I am so excited! July is going to be the best month ever: Harry Potter 5 movie will be released, Harry Potter 7 book will be released, and then I'm going on vacation with D, and get to drink lots of beer and hang out with my li'l sis. Perfect.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Balsamic Berries
This is fantastic on its own, or over ice cream. Yum!
You don't even really need a recipe for this. Just throw together a few pints of cleaned, fresh berries (with strawberries, you'll want to hull them & maybe slice them to a uniform size) in a bowl. I used strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, which I found at my local farmer's market this weekend. Sprinkle a spoonful of sugar over the berries, and then drizzle everything with maybe a 1/4 c good balsamic vinegar. Let it stand for half an hour or so to let the berries soak up some of the vinegar and release some of their juices. That's all there is to it!
You don't even really need a recipe for this. Just throw together a few pints of cleaned, fresh berries (with strawberries, you'll want to hull them & maybe slice them to a uniform size) in a bowl. I used strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, which I found at my local farmer's market this weekend. Sprinkle a spoonful of sugar over the berries, and then drizzle everything with maybe a 1/4 c good balsamic vinegar. Let it stand for half an hour or so to let the berries soak up some of the vinegar and release some of their juices. That's all there is to it!
Shrimp & Orzo
Mmmm....summery and delicious! Quick to make and perfect for a BBQ or picnic, since it's at its best when it's room temperature. This is a variation on a Barefoot Contessa recipe, and it's my contribution to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup this week.
Shrimp & Orzo
1/2 lb uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined (tail off!)
1/2 lb orzo pasta
1 c chopped tomato (I used cherry tomatoes)
1 c diced seedless cucumber
1/4-1/2 c diced red onion (adjust amount depending on how much you like onion)
1/4 lb feta, diced
1/4 c basil, torn into small pieces or sliced into thin ribbons
2 lemons
EVOO, salt & pepper
Preheat oven to 400°.
Cook pasta according to package directions. While it's cooking, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt & pepper, and spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet. When the oven is preheated, cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, just until they're pink and opaque. Time will vary depending on the size of shrimp you're using.
In a large bowl, put the tomato, cucumber and onion. Zest one of the lemons and add the zest to the veggies. In a smaller bowl, put the juice of both the lemons, and a liberal amount of kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper (this is going to season the entire salad). Add olive oil, whisking constantly, until you have about 1/2-3/4 c of dressing. When the pasta is finished cooking, drain it and add it to the bowl with the veggies. Immediately pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and veggies. Throw in the shrimp, and finally add the feta and basil. Stir gently to combine, and check your seasonings. Let it sit at room temperature for about half an hour or so, to let the flavors meld. Then dig in, and just try to keep yourself to one or two servings. ;-)
Shrimp & Orzo
1/2 lb uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined (tail off!)
1/2 lb orzo pasta
1 c chopped tomato (I used cherry tomatoes)
1 c diced seedless cucumber
1/4-1/2 c diced red onion (adjust amount depending on how much you like onion)
1/4 lb feta, diced
1/4 c basil, torn into small pieces or sliced into thin ribbons
2 lemons
EVOO, salt & pepper
Preheat oven to 400°.
Cook pasta according to package directions. While it's cooking, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt & pepper, and spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet. When the oven is preheated, cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, just until they're pink and opaque. Time will vary depending on the size of shrimp you're using.
In a large bowl, put the tomato, cucumber and onion. Zest one of the lemons and add the zest to the veggies. In a smaller bowl, put the juice of both the lemons, and a liberal amount of kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper (this is going to season the entire salad). Add olive oil, whisking constantly, until you have about 1/2-3/4 c of dressing. When the pasta is finished cooking, drain it and add it to the bowl with the veggies. Immediately pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and veggies. Throw in the shrimp, and finally add the feta and basil. Stir gently to combine, and check your seasonings. Let it sit at room temperature for about half an hour or so, to let the flavors meld. Then dig in, and just try to keep yourself to one or two servings. ;-)
Gettin' busy
Not like that!
Friday night, I went out to dinner with my friend K and some of her other friends. This was her "goodbye" dinner, before moving back to Las Vegas, where she was born & raised. I'm bummed that my friend isn't local anymore, but she'll be back to visit often, and we didn't see each other much more often than once a month anyhow. So it won't be a huge change. After dinner, I drove out to stay the night with D. He had to be at work at 6 AM the next morning, but even the threat of waking up at 4:30 am on a Saturday is not enough of a deterrent to keep me away from him. (I know!!)
Saturday, after watching the gorgeous sunrise on the drive home, I took a nap, then hit the Brentwood farmer's market. I bought zucchini and yellow squash, a gorgeous huge red onion, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, and tons of cherries. I also got a sourdough baguette, some asiago foccacia, a package of naan and a packet of vindaloo curry paste. Whew! With all these goodies in hand, I made a plan: vindaloo for dinner, followed by homemade cherry ice cream. Turns out, though, that homemade ice cream is a major process. You have to simmer and steep the milk (with vanilla bean, in this case), then make the custard and cook it (gently!!), cool it in an ice bath, chill it in the refrigerator, and THEN put it in the ice cream maker and freeze it up. It took HOURS. But OMG, so worth it. That fresh cherry ice cream was fall-on-the-floor good. Next time: more cherries, and maybe puree a few of them to add to the custard at the start of the freezing process.
I packed up half of the cherry ice cream, and all the fixings for the vindaloo (chicken, veggies, curry paste, TJ's frozen rice bags, and naan), and drove BACK out to Livermore to make dinner for D and his roommates. They were very appreciative, and after a minor mishap where the vindaloo would not thicken up (I made a quick roux to fix it), it turned out pretty well. Not my finest meal, but it was fairly good.
Anyhoo, I spent the night out there again (two nights in a row!) and for the first time ever, D and I spent the night together with no sexy-time. Just sleep. He was exhausted, what with the lack of sleep the night before, and of course we had to get up at 4:30 again so he could make it to work by 6 AM on Sunday morning. So I completely understand, but at the same time I really missed making love with him. I can't believe that after all these years, I am suddenly the one who wants sex all the time in the relationship.
On Sunday I drove straight to Walnut Creek and sat outside Babydaddy's house reading for an hour, until 7. I figured Rugrat would be up by then, so I knocked on the door -- but apparently Rugrat was still sleeping. Babydaddy answered the door all disheveled and half-asleep, and I went in and convinced Rugrat to get up and get ready. The two of us went out to breakfast (which was pretty horrible; note to self: do not return to Buttercup Cafe in WC) and then headed home. Where I promptly took a nap for two-three hours, while Rugrat watched TV. I finally got up and did something productive: cleaned out my dresser and my closet. One of the local charities was scheduled to come out this morning (Tuesday) so I wanted to be sure and get it done before then, and I was ruthless. I now have not one, not two, but THREE empty drawers in my dresser, and dozens of hangers. The underwear drawer is now so organized that I can also fit my sexythings and bras in there. Sunday afternoon ended up being lazy, with me reading a lot, and eventually running out to the grocery store to buy some fixings for Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Salad and then eating two huge servings of it. God, that stuff is SO good.
Yesterday I finally slept in. Rugrat called a friend and ended up going over to her grandmother's house for a few hours in the afternoon, to swim and play for a bit. I planned on getting a pedicure, but of course the nail shops were all closed for the holiday. So instead I went to Lowe's, got some paint for Rugrat's bathroom and the office/guest room (which I've been thinking about redoing for quite a while now), and got BUSY. I couldn't, in good conscience, do the "fun" painting (bathroom, office/guest room) until I did the painting that really desperately needed to be done first, so....I finally painted the trim in the half bath downstairs, the trim around the kitchen entryway, and the walls in the kitchen and living room, where Babydaddy retextured after putting in the new countertops over a year ago. Yes, I know. I am a lazy fucking slob. It took me OVER A YEAR to paint that. And why? Well, I think I was kind of depressed. I mean, I didn't feel sad or anything, but let's face it: I spent a year doing pretty much nothing but reading. I read an average of eleven books a month last year. I had no fucking life. I could not get energized. And now my life has totally changed: I've quit smoking (almost two months without a cigarette!), I am in a fabulous relationship with a man I adore, I'm food blogging and even exercising occasionally. I have a new car, a gardener, and a cleaning lady. And I am ridiculously happy.
Friday night, I went out to dinner with my friend K and some of her other friends. This was her "goodbye" dinner, before moving back to Las Vegas, where she was born & raised. I'm bummed that my friend isn't local anymore, but she'll be back to visit often, and we didn't see each other much more often than once a month anyhow. So it won't be a huge change. After dinner, I drove out to stay the night with D. He had to be at work at 6 AM the next morning, but even the threat of waking up at 4:30 am on a Saturday is not enough of a deterrent to keep me away from him. (I know!!)
Saturday, after watching the gorgeous sunrise on the drive home, I took a nap, then hit the Brentwood farmer's market. I bought zucchini and yellow squash, a gorgeous huge red onion, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, and tons of cherries. I also got a sourdough baguette, some asiago foccacia, a package of naan and a packet of vindaloo curry paste. Whew! With all these goodies in hand, I made a plan: vindaloo for dinner, followed by homemade cherry ice cream. Turns out, though, that homemade ice cream is a major process. You have to simmer and steep the milk (with vanilla bean, in this case), then make the custard and cook it (gently!!), cool it in an ice bath, chill it in the refrigerator, and THEN put it in the ice cream maker and freeze it up. It took HOURS. But OMG, so worth it. That fresh cherry ice cream was fall-on-the-floor good. Next time: more cherries, and maybe puree a few of them to add to the custard at the start of the freezing process.
I packed up half of the cherry ice cream, and all the fixings for the vindaloo (chicken, veggies, curry paste, TJ's frozen rice bags, and naan), and drove BACK out to Livermore to make dinner for D and his roommates. They were very appreciative, and after a minor mishap where the vindaloo would not thicken up (I made a quick roux to fix it), it turned out pretty well. Not my finest meal, but it was fairly good.
Anyhoo, I spent the night out there again (two nights in a row!) and for the first time ever, D and I spent the night together with no sexy-time. Just sleep. He was exhausted, what with the lack of sleep the night before, and of course we had to get up at 4:30 again so he could make it to work by 6 AM on Sunday morning. So I completely understand, but at the same time I really missed making love with him. I can't believe that after all these years, I am suddenly the one who wants sex all the time in the relationship.
On Sunday I drove straight to Walnut Creek and sat outside Babydaddy's house reading for an hour, until 7. I figured Rugrat would be up by then, so I knocked on the door -- but apparently Rugrat was still sleeping. Babydaddy answered the door all disheveled and half-asleep, and I went in and convinced Rugrat to get up and get ready. The two of us went out to breakfast (which was pretty horrible; note to self: do not return to Buttercup Cafe in WC) and then headed home. Where I promptly took a nap for two-three hours, while Rugrat watched TV. I finally got up and did something productive: cleaned out my dresser and my closet. One of the local charities was scheduled to come out this morning (Tuesday) so I wanted to be sure and get it done before then, and I was ruthless. I now have not one, not two, but THREE empty drawers in my dresser, and dozens of hangers. The underwear drawer is now so organized that I can also fit my sexythings and bras in there. Sunday afternoon ended up being lazy, with me reading a lot, and eventually running out to the grocery store to buy some fixings for Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Salad and then eating two huge servings of it. God, that stuff is SO good.
Yesterday I finally slept in. Rugrat called a friend and ended up going over to her grandmother's house for a few hours in the afternoon, to swim and play for a bit. I planned on getting a pedicure, but of course the nail shops were all closed for the holiday. So instead I went to Lowe's, got some paint for Rugrat's bathroom and the office/guest room (which I've been thinking about redoing for quite a while now), and got BUSY. I couldn't, in good conscience, do the "fun" painting (bathroom, office/guest room) until I did the painting that really desperately needed to be done first, so....I finally painted the trim in the half bath downstairs, the trim around the kitchen entryway, and the walls in the kitchen and living room, where Babydaddy retextured after putting in the new countertops over a year ago. Yes, I know. I am a lazy fucking slob. It took me OVER A YEAR to paint that. And why? Well, I think I was kind of depressed. I mean, I didn't feel sad or anything, but let's face it: I spent a year doing pretty much nothing but reading. I read an average of eleven books a month last year. I had no fucking life. I could not get energized. And now my life has totally changed: I've quit smoking (almost two months without a cigarette!), I am in a fabulous relationship with a man I adore, I'm food blogging and even exercising occasionally. I have a new car, a gardener, and a cleaning lady. And I am ridiculously happy.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Lucky
I just feel really lucky, y'all. Every day I wake up and feel blessed to have this great guy in my life, someone who treats me like a princess and loves me just as much as I love him. Someone who I just seem to mesh with, perfectly. I am so comfortable with him. And so hot for him, too. ;-)
D came over last night, and we had a quick dinner and vegged out for a while on the couch (Veronica Mars series finale! AI final sing-off!). I was a little bit nervous, but I did it anyway: I gave him a garage door opener and a key. I knew that he would be fine and wouldn't freak out about it, but again...it's just the stereotypical male response that I get stuck in my head, and I think to myself, "This is too much, he's going to run away." Of course he didn't. He even asked for a drawer. Kind of joking, but...maybe not.
We got to sleep in this morning since he had a late shift at the hospital today. I love this, because it means we get extra snuggle time in the morning, and get to be kind of lazy. In fact, he slept for a while after I got up. Wednesday is staff meeting day, so while I was on the call, he ran out to the grocery store to pick up eggs for the frittata I was making for brunch. And he came back with flowers. Because that is exactly the kind of guy he is. Beautiful pink and purple spring flowers (glads & iris). And I thought to myself, "What did I do to deserve this man?" I am just the luckiest girl in the world, I tell ya. And then he showed me again how he feels about me, this time in a more...um...hands-on way. ;-)
I think he may be the one I've been looking for, all this time. And wouldn't that be ironic, considering that we missed a chance to be together fifteen years ago? But maybe we needed that time, to grow up and make mistakes and find the WRONG people, before we could find our way back to each other and recognize that this is so right.
D came over last night, and we had a quick dinner and vegged out for a while on the couch (Veronica Mars series finale! AI final sing-off!). I was a little bit nervous, but I did it anyway: I gave him a garage door opener and a key. I knew that he would be fine and wouldn't freak out about it, but again...it's just the stereotypical male response that I get stuck in my head, and I think to myself, "This is too much, he's going to run away." Of course he didn't. He even asked for a drawer. Kind of joking, but...maybe not.
We got to sleep in this morning since he had a late shift at the hospital today. I love this, because it means we get extra snuggle time in the morning, and get to be kind of lazy. In fact, he slept for a while after I got up. Wednesday is staff meeting day, so while I was on the call, he ran out to the grocery store to pick up eggs for the frittata I was making for brunch. And he came back with flowers. Because that is exactly the kind of guy he is. Beautiful pink and purple spring flowers (glads & iris). And I thought to myself, "What did I do to deserve this man?" I am just the luckiest girl in the world, I tell ya. And then he showed me again how he feels about me, this time in a more...um...hands-on way. ;-)
I think he may be the one I've been looking for, all this time. And wouldn't that be ironic, considering that we missed a chance to be together fifteen years ago? But maybe we needed that time, to grow up and make mistakes and find the WRONG people, before we could find our way back to each other and recognize that this is so right.
Spinach-Mushroom Frittata
D had a late shift at the hospital today, so he didn't have to leave until lunchtime. To celebrate, I whipped up this simple frittata (while I was on my staff meeting phone call! It's THAT easy) for brunch.
Spinach-Mushroom Frittata
1 Tbsp EVOO
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 c diced onions
1/2 c sliced mushrooms
1 c loosely packed fresh spinach
4 eggs
splash of milk or half-n-half
Few shakes of Tabasco (optional)
2 Tbsp Boursin cheese, crumbled
1/4 c shredded cheddar cheese
salt & pepper, various dried herbs/spices (I used a prepackaged grilling rub that I got via my wine club a while back; it's got rosemary, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and some other stuff)
1/4 c chopped parsley
Preheat oven to 350°.
In an oven-proof 10" skillet, sautee the onions and mushrooms in the oil and butter over medium heat until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are soft & translucent. Add the spinach and let it wilt a bit. In the meantime, mix up the eggs with the milk (or half-n-half), Tabasco (if using), salt & pepper, and spices. Crumble in the Boursin cheese (a soft, spreadable garlic-herb cheese). Pour the egg mixture over the veggies, and top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Pop the whole thing in the oven for 10 minutes, then broil for another minute or two to puff it up and get the cheddar all golden brown and delicious. Cut into four wedges, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
This was the perfect amount for two people, but if you're serving other stuff (like fruit, toast, etc.) you can probably stretch it to four people.
Spinach-Mushroom Frittata
1 Tbsp EVOO
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 c diced onions
1/2 c sliced mushrooms
1 c loosely packed fresh spinach
4 eggs
splash of milk or half-n-half
Few shakes of Tabasco (optional)
2 Tbsp Boursin cheese, crumbled
1/4 c shredded cheddar cheese
salt & pepper, various dried herbs/spices (I used a prepackaged grilling rub that I got via my wine club a while back; it's got rosemary, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and some other stuff)
1/4 c chopped parsley
Preheat oven to 350°.
In an oven-proof 10" skillet, sautee the onions and mushrooms in the oil and butter over medium heat until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are soft & translucent. Add the spinach and let it wilt a bit. In the meantime, mix up the eggs with the milk (or half-n-half), Tabasco (if using), salt & pepper, and spices. Crumble in the Boursin cheese (a soft, spreadable garlic-herb cheese). Pour the egg mixture over the veggies, and top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Pop the whole thing in the oven for 10 minutes, then broil for another minute or two to puff it up and get the cheddar all golden brown and delicious. Cut into four wedges, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
This was the perfect amount for two people, but if you're serving other stuff (like fruit, toast, etc.) you can probably stretch it to four people.
Caprese Pasta
I picked up a couple of brown tomatoes (a new variety, not brown as in rotten) at the grocery store and wanted to try them in something simple that wouldn't overwhelm their flavor. So I just made a Caprese salad and threw in some cooked campanelle pasta. You don't even really need a recipe for this, people. Just chop up some tomatoes, some fresh mozzarella, and some basil. Toss with olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and some cooked pasta. Voila!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
What is UP with the Season Finales this year?
They are all so damn depressing! First Ugly Betty: everyone was totally screwed at the end of that show. Betty & Henry torn apart by a scheming pregnant ex-girlfriend; Santos SHOT while Justin sang his heart out in the school musical; Daniel & Alexis in a car crash; Wili stuck with the world's UGLIEST engagement ring; Amanda learning that her whole life has been a lie and that her parents are really the late Fey Somers and (presumably) Bradford Meade! Jesus. Talk about soap opera.
Then Grey's Anatomy, where I just wanted to slap everyone silly. Y'all can read about my tirade on Grey's below.
Sunday, we got Desperate Housewives: Lynette not only has to deal with cancer, but also her husband's (righteous) anger over her near-infidelity and her raging bitch of a mother who's decided to insinuate herself into her estranged daughter's life at a time when the last thing Lynette needs is more stress. Gaby discovered that her fiance is a raging asshole who only married her for political reasons. Unfortunately, she didn't discover this until AFTER the wedding, and what does she do? She throws herself into a liplock with her drunk ex-husband, who just dumped Edie when he found out she was taking birth control pills while telling him she wanted to have his baby. Is it so horribly wrong of me to hope that Gaby and Carlos did more than kiss? I mean, yes, bad of her to cheat when she hasn't even gotten to the wedding night yet, but...she & Carlos are meant for each other. Bree comes back with a faux-pregnancy bump and a teenage daughter stashed in a convent awaiting the birth of her illegitimate child. How fucking 50's can you get? Snooze alert: Mike & Susan get married, finally. Yawn. But! At the very end...Edie hangs herself!! HOLY SHIT, y'all!
Brothers & Sisters: umm...pretty boring, actually. Senator McHottie's family comes for the engagement party, and they are all a bunch of white trash drunken freakjobs. Nothing much happens, except that the youngest boy gets shipped off to Iraq, and there is a tearful scene at the airport. Again, bringing the sad! What the HELL?
And last night: 24 season finale. It's been a pretty lame season. The beginning of the season rocked, with the nuclear bomb going off in LA, but the rest of it? Yawn. Total snooze-fest. So, at the end last night, we have Kiefer contemplating suicide. Jesus, what a downer.
AND! I just found out that Veronica Mars? It is no more. Tonight's season finale is the end for our plucky blonde mystery solver. Waaaaaah! Throw in last week's AI results, when Melinda got booted....and this is the suckiest spring finale season EVER.
Then Grey's Anatomy, where I just wanted to slap everyone silly. Y'all can read about my tirade on Grey's below.
Sunday, we got Desperate Housewives: Lynette not only has to deal with cancer, but also her husband's (righteous) anger over her near-infidelity and her raging bitch of a mother who's decided to insinuate herself into her estranged daughter's life at a time when the last thing Lynette needs is more stress. Gaby discovered that her fiance is a raging asshole who only married her for political reasons. Unfortunately, she didn't discover this until AFTER the wedding, and what does she do? She throws herself into a liplock with her drunk ex-husband, who just dumped Edie when he found out she was taking birth control pills while telling him she wanted to have his baby. Is it so horribly wrong of me to hope that Gaby and Carlos did more than kiss? I mean, yes, bad of her to cheat when she hasn't even gotten to the wedding night yet, but...she & Carlos are meant for each other. Bree comes back with a faux-pregnancy bump and a teenage daughter stashed in a convent awaiting the birth of her illegitimate child. How fucking 50's can you get? Snooze alert: Mike & Susan get married, finally. Yawn. But! At the very end...Edie hangs herself!! HOLY SHIT, y'all!
Brothers & Sisters: umm...pretty boring, actually. Senator McHottie's family comes for the engagement party, and they are all a bunch of white trash drunken freakjobs. Nothing much happens, except that the youngest boy gets shipped off to Iraq, and there is a tearful scene at the airport. Again, bringing the sad! What the HELL?
And last night: 24 season finale. It's been a pretty lame season. The beginning of the season rocked, with the nuclear bomb going off in LA, but the rest of it? Yawn. Total snooze-fest. So, at the end last night, we have Kiefer contemplating suicide. Jesus, what a downer.
AND! I just found out that Veronica Mars? It is no more. Tonight's season finale is the end for our plucky blonde mystery solver. Waaaaaah! Throw in last week's AI results, when Melinda got booted....and this is the suckiest spring finale season EVER.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Green light
Things went quite well this weekend, I think. Rugrat and I met Tomboy, D's daughter, and they got along pretty well. They kinda bonded over video games. ;-) By dinner, Rugrat was calling her his "best friend," so I guess she gets his big stamp of approval. And she didn't seem too put off by his hyperactive craziness. She's very smart, very precocious, and incredibly well behaved.
We had quite a long day together: Rugrat and I got there shortly before noon, and we all went to the Scottish Games together. Then we went back to D's house, played video games (Guitar Hero totally rocks), had cake and opened presents (it was Tomboy's ninth birthday - she's exactly eight months older than Rugrat), then went out to dinner and off to see Shrek 3. Like I said, quite a day.
So now we've been dating for about three months, and we've both met the kids, and the kids have met each other. Have I mentioned lately how really, really well things are going? Because they are. Really well. Last night D told me he wants to grow old with me. Awww...how sweet is that? Of course this is after I fed him risotto and homemade peach-blueberry crisp, and we rolled around in bed for a while. What man doesn't want that for the rest of his life? A woman who will cook for him, do the dishes afterwards, and then jump his bones? I am so in love with this man, y'all. I could happily do that every day for the rest of my life, I think. In fact, the only thing that really sucks is how little I get to see him. We get maybe two sleepovers a week, and it's really starting to not be enough for me. This summer things will be better though - if we can just get through the next six weeks, we'll be golden. Tomboy is going on a cruise for a few weeks, during which time we'll have two weekends together, sans kids, and Rugrat will be spending the majority of his time at his father's house beginning July 1, since he'll be going to daycare out there and, in the fall, school out there. So D and I will have a lot more opportunities to be together beginning in July.
We had quite a long day together: Rugrat and I got there shortly before noon, and we all went to the Scottish Games together. Then we went back to D's house, played video games (Guitar Hero totally rocks), had cake and opened presents (it was Tomboy's ninth birthday - she's exactly eight months older than Rugrat), then went out to dinner and off to see Shrek 3. Like I said, quite a day.
So now we've been dating for about three months, and we've both met the kids, and the kids have met each other. Have I mentioned lately how really, really well things are going? Because they are. Really well. Last night D told me he wants to grow old with me. Awww...how sweet is that? Of course this is after I fed him risotto and homemade peach-blueberry crisp, and we rolled around in bed for a while. What man doesn't want that for the rest of his life? A woman who will cook for him, do the dishes afterwards, and then jump his bones? I am so in love with this man, y'all. I could happily do that every day for the rest of my life, I think. In fact, the only thing that really sucks is how little I get to see him. We get maybe two sleepovers a week, and it's really starting to not be enough for me. This summer things will be better though - if we can just get through the next six weeks, we'll be golden. Tomboy is going on a cruise for a few weeks, during which time we'll have two weekends together, sans kids, and Rugrat will be spending the majority of his time at his father's house beginning July 1, since he'll be going to daycare out there and, in the fall, school out there. So D and I will have a lot more opportunities to be together beginning in July.
Peach-Blueberry Crisp
I was having some serious fruit cravings when I visited the produce stands in nearby Brentwood yesterday. Both my dinner and dessert heavily featured fruit.
This is an adaptation of Barefoot Contessa's apple crisp recipe. I cut the recipe in half, and I substituted fresh peaches and frozen blueberries for the apples. I also didn't happen to have any lemons or oranges on hand, but I did have some organic strawberry lemonade, which is pretty tart, so I added a bit of that in place of the citrus juice and zest. It turned out beautifully, even if the peaches were a bit underripe (and boy, does that make it difficult to skin them!).
This is also my submission to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup this week.
This is an adaptation of Barefoot Contessa's apple crisp recipe. I cut the recipe in half, and I substituted fresh peaches and frozen blueberries for the apples. I also didn't happen to have any lemons or oranges on hand, but I did have some organic strawberry lemonade, which is pretty tart, so I added a bit of that in place of the citrus juice and zest. It turned out beautifully, even if the peaches were a bit underripe (and boy, does that make it difficult to skin them!).
This is also my submission to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup this week.
Risotto with Apples and Manchego Cheese
I had a similar risotto once at an Italian restaurant - it had the sauteed apples, but instead of Manchego, they used Asiago cheese. This dish turned out well, but I think it could be improved with a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten things up a bit.
Risotto with Apples and Manchego Cheese
4 c chicken stock
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 c diced onion
1 apple, peeled, cored & diced (I used Fuji, which was maybe a little too sweet)
1 c arborio rice
1 c white wine
1/4 c grated Manchego cheese
salt & pepper
Bring the stock to a simmer in a pot, and leave it on medium-low heat to keep it warm but not boiling.
Melt the butter with the olive oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the onions and apples, and season with salt & pepper. Sautee gently until the onions are translucent. Remove the apples with a slotted spoon (try to leave the onions in the pan). Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat it evenly with the oil and butter. Let the rice toast for a minute, then add the wine. Let the alcohol cook off for a minute; when the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, add a couple of ladles of stock to the rice pan. Stirring often, allow the rice to almost completely absorb all the stock before adding more to the pan. Continue in this manner, adding stock gradually and stirring frequently, until the stock is gone and the rice is cooked al dente, about 20 minutes. Add the apples back in to the rice, and allow it to cook for a few minutes more, to reheat the apples and soften them a bit. Add the cheese at the last minute, and serve immediately.
Makes two big servings, or two regular servings and a small portion for tomorrow's lunch.
Risotto with Apples and Manchego Cheese
4 c chicken stock
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 c diced onion
1 apple, peeled, cored & diced (I used Fuji, which was maybe a little too sweet)
1 c arborio rice
1 c white wine
1/4 c grated Manchego cheese
salt & pepper
Bring the stock to a simmer in a pot, and leave it on medium-low heat to keep it warm but not boiling.
Melt the butter with the olive oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the onions and apples, and season with salt & pepper. Sautee gently until the onions are translucent. Remove the apples with a slotted spoon (try to leave the onions in the pan). Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat it evenly with the oil and butter. Let the rice toast for a minute, then add the wine. Let the alcohol cook off for a minute; when the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, add a couple of ladles of stock to the rice pan. Stirring often, allow the rice to almost completely absorb all the stock before adding more to the pan. Continue in this manner, adding stock gradually and stirring frequently, until the stock is gone and the rice is cooked al dente, about 20 minutes. Add the apples back in to the rice, and allow it to cook for a few minutes more, to reheat the apples and soften them a bit. Add the cheese at the last minute, and serve immediately.
Makes two big servings, or two regular servings and a small portion for tomorrow's lunch.
Friday, May 18, 2007
McAssholes
I am so disappointed in the Grey's Anatomy season finale. What the HELL? Nobody is happy, everyone is screwed, and McAsshole has made a raging comeback. I mean, damn, Shepherd. WTF? You can't give Mere even the littlest fucking bit of of a break when she has a breakdown after her mother dies? Oh no, because everything must be as YOU want it, on YOUR timetable. Fucker. You can go back to your estranged wife and leave Meredith hanging in the wings, and call her a whore when she gets laid, but God forbid she should start actually dating someone seriously, because then you dump your wife like a hot potato and expect Mere to immediately come running back into your arms. And when she finally decides to trust you and get back with you, her bitch of a mother dies. So do you support her when she freaks the fuck out and passively attempts suicide? No. You have your own crisis and can't fucking stand the fact that she doesn't have a permanent goddamn zest for life when she has YOU, because obviously that should be enough to fulfill her and sustain a permanent pollyanna 'tude. And then her stepmother dies and her recently-reunited father blames her for it, and do you come to comfort her and give her a shoulder to cry on? No. No, you do not. Because you are too busy pushing her away since you think your relationship with her will jeopardize your chances of becoming chief of surgery. For all these reasons, I dub thee McAsshole. There is not a goddamn thing about your personality and behavior that makes you "dreamy."
Not that I think Mere is such a great catch. She's a whiny, pouty, manipulative bitch. So they probably deserve each other.
Cristina deserves much better though. And whether she knows it or not, the fact that Burke just left her is going to be the best thing that ever happened to her, because he's another self-absorbed asshole who wants it all on his terms. She definitely did NOT want to get married, and he really just did her a favor. Even if it sucks in the short term.
George needs to stop letting other peoples' wants and needs control his life. He needs to take a break and decide what HE wants and needs, and then make some decisions. I can't tell if he's actually supposed to be in love with Izzy or not. Izzy is just one of those people who "falls in love" at the drop of a hat (or at the drop of the underwear).
In fact, probably the only sane character on the show is Bailey. I love Bailey. But I don't know if she's going to be enough to sustain my interest in the show for another season. Do I really want to spend my Thursday nights spewing hate and bile for an hour while I watch? Yeah, not so much.
Not that I think Mere is such a great catch. She's a whiny, pouty, manipulative bitch. So they probably deserve each other.
Cristina deserves much better though. And whether she knows it or not, the fact that Burke just left her is going to be the best thing that ever happened to her, because he's another self-absorbed asshole who wants it all on his terms. She definitely did NOT want to get married, and he really just did her a favor. Even if it sucks in the short term.
George needs to stop letting other peoples' wants and needs control his life. He needs to take a break and decide what HE wants and needs, and then make some decisions. I can't tell if he's actually supposed to be in love with Izzy or not. Izzy is just one of those people who "falls in love" at the drop of a hat (or at the drop of the underwear).
In fact, probably the only sane character on the show is Bailey. I love Bailey. But I don't know if she's going to be enough to sustain my interest in the show for another season. Do I really want to spend my Thursday nights spewing hate and bile for an hour while I watch? Yeah, not so much.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Oh FUCK NO!
I cannot believe it. I can't believe Melinda got voted off AI. I mean, I know every year there's a huge shakeup at this point, but...seriously? Melinda isn't going to be in the final? I am so fucking done with this show.
Lost one
I'm missing a post. I could swear I posted something yesterday or Monday. But today it's gone.
So...quick weekend recap: Saturday was the day when all plans went awry. Rugrat and I planned to go to San Francisco for the KFOG Kaboom, and to visit the Steinhart Aquarium and the playground at Golden Gate Park, but when we got there: 1) the Steinhart was closed for remodeling, and then 2) the PLAYGROUND was also closed for remodeling. Double whammy of disappointment! So we bailed on the fireworks show because it was about seven hours away and all of our fabulous plans for wasting the day in the city were shot to hell. Instead, we toodled out to Livermore, and I was thinking that I could get some tickets in advance for the Scottish Games (coming up in just a few days now!). Buuuuut, when we got to D's house & looked on his computer, they'd taken down the advance ticket information and our only option was to buy at the gate. Jeeze. Talk about a day of bad luck. But then we went out to dinner together, the three of us, and the boys totally bonded over silly games and jokes. And when we got back to D's house, Rugrat snuggled up on the couch with him. Awww, so cute.
Last night, D came over as usual, and we had a lovely evening on the couch with American Idol and House, and various naughty activities. I am still totally insatiably horny around him. What is up with that?? Not that I'm complaining (nor is he). I told him about the whole sort-of-engaged-to-Bob period, and how I still have my wedding dress, and even the fact that I just tried it on again the other day...and he, amazingly, did not freak out and run for the hills. I mean, I didn't really think he would - I think I know him pretty well by now, and wouldn't have told him if I thought it would freak him out - but any other guy would have been long gone.
And now I am sitting on the couch wearing the t-shirt he had on yesterday, because it smells like him and I love it. It's huuuuuge, but it's kind of like being wrapped in his arms, so I had to poach it this morning while he was getting ready for work. ;-)
This weekend: Scottish Games! I will be meeting D's daughter, and since I'm bringing Rugrat, they will be meeting each other for the first time too. Whew. Talk about getting it all out of the way at once. Trial by fire, y'all!
So...quick weekend recap: Saturday was the day when all plans went awry. Rugrat and I planned to go to San Francisco for the KFOG Kaboom, and to visit the Steinhart Aquarium and the playground at Golden Gate Park, but when we got there: 1) the Steinhart was closed for remodeling, and then 2) the PLAYGROUND was also closed for remodeling. Double whammy of disappointment! So we bailed on the fireworks show because it was about seven hours away and all of our fabulous plans for wasting the day in the city were shot to hell. Instead, we toodled out to Livermore, and I was thinking that I could get some tickets in advance for the Scottish Games (coming up in just a few days now!). Buuuuut, when we got to D's house & looked on his computer, they'd taken down the advance ticket information and our only option was to buy at the gate. Jeeze. Talk about a day of bad luck. But then we went out to dinner together, the three of us, and the boys totally bonded over silly games and jokes. And when we got back to D's house, Rugrat snuggled up on the couch with him. Awww, so cute.
Last night, D came over as usual, and we had a lovely evening on the couch with American Idol and House, and various naughty activities. I am still totally insatiably horny around him. What is up with that?? Not that I'm complaining (nor is he). I told him about the whole sort-of-engaged-to-Bob period, and how I still have my wedding dress, and even the fact that I just tried it on again the other day...and he, amazingly, did not freak out and run for the hills. I mean, I didn't really think he would - I think I know him pretty well by now, and wouldn't have told him if I thought it would freak him out - but any other guy would have been long gone.
And now I am sitting on the couch wearing the t-shirt he had on yesterday, because it smells like him and I love it. It's huuuuuge, but it's kind of like being wrapped in his arms, so I had to poach it this morning while he was getting ready for work. ;-)
This weekend: Scottish Games! I will be meeting D's daughter, and since I'm bringing Rugrat, they will be meeting each other for the first time too. Whew. Talk about getting it all out of the way at once. Trial by fire, y'all!
Friday, May 11, 2007
In sync
Not to be confused with N*SYNC.
In some ways, D and I are perfectly in sync. Other times, not so much. For example - sleeping. I am most definitely a night owl, but D routinely has to get up for work around the time the sun is making its daily appearance on the eastern horizon. So that means he goes to bed a bit earlier than I normally would, and gets up a whole hell of a lot earlier than I normally would. When Rugrat has a school vacation, I'll sleep in until 8 AM on weekdays; even when he's in school I'm not up until 7 AM, which is still significantly later than when D needs to rise & shine in order to deal with the hellish two-hour commute from my house to his work. So...I get less sleep on the nights when D is here. But that's OK - I actually don't mind getting up early in the morning with him. I don't see him as often as I'd like, so having those few minutes together in the morning before he leaves is important to me.
And in other ways, we are completely synchronous. Like, the fact that we are both ridiculously happy with our relationship. We had an interesting conversation last night about all his prior "Jennifers" (he's dated like three or four other Jennifers over the years). And he said that he had decided to give up on the Jennifers, because it never worked out, and then I came back into his life. So I said, "Well, I'll be your last Jennifer." And he said, "Hopefully you'll be my last anything." We are both in this for the long haul, I think. And he makes me feel very secure in the relationship, because he doesn't hold back. Now that he's decided he loves me, he's in it all the way. It's very freeing.
In some ways, D and I are perfectly in sync. Other times, not so much. For example - sleeping. I am most definitely a night owl, but D routinely has to get up for work around the time the sun is making its daily appearance on the eastern horizon. So that means he goes to bed a bit earlier than I normally would, and gets up a whole hell of a lot earlier than I normally would. When Rugrat has a school vacation, I'll sleep in until 8 AM on weekdays; even when he's in school I'm not up until 7 AM, which is still significantly later than when D needs to rise & shine in order to deal with the hellish two-hour commute from my house to his work. So...I get less sleep on the nights when D is here. But that's OK - I actually don't mind getting up early in the morning with him. I don't see him as often as I'd like, so having those few minutes together in the morning before he leaves is important to me.
And in other ways, we are completely synchronous. Like, the fact that we are both ridiculously happy with our relationship. We had an interesting conversation last night about all his prior "Jennifers" (he's dated like three or four other Jennifers over the years). And he said that he had decided to give up on the Jennifers, because it never worked out, and then I came back into his life. So I said, "Well, I'll be your last Jennifer." And he said, "Hopefully you'll be my last anything." We are both in this for the long haul, I think. And he makes me feel very secure in the relationship, because he doesn't hold back. Now that he's decided he loves me, he's in it all the way. It's very freeing.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Cranky
Stupid birth control pills. I was off them for about a year, so I totally forgot about this. I don't get pre-menstrual syndrome; I get post-menstrual syndrome. I become a bitch the week after my period. *sigh*
Yesterday Rugrat and I got. Into. It. And it was mostly because I was just being all on-edge and bitchy. He was pushing my buttons, sure. But that's par for the course. I was kind of overreacting, so then he started whining and bitching. And saying the same thing over and over and over in that freaking voice that drills into my brain and makes me insane. I kept telling him to stop it, and finally I just told him to shut up. And he HIT ME! (Not that hard, on the arm, but still.) Oh, hell no. That shit does NOT fly with me. So after I beat him to a pulp (just kidding. But I had very stern words with him) we came home and he pouted. And stomped around. And gave me stinkeye all evening, until I made him take a shower. As he was getting in, I was reminding him to clean all his "bits": "Don't forget to clean between your toes!" "I know." "Don't forget to clean your pits!" "I know, mom!" And then, in a burst of inspiration, I brought back the "No" game: "Doooooooon't smile at me." (Corners of his mouth twitch.) "Dooooooon't you do it! Don't you smile at me!" (He can't help himself now, the mouth is smiling all on its own, no matter how angry he still is at me.) "I don't want to see you smiling! No smiling, you hear me?" (Total full-on grin.)
Yeah, I still got it. ;-)
Yesterday Rugrat and I got. Into. It. And it was mostly because I was just being all on-edge and bitchy. He was pushing my buttons, sure. But that's par for the course. I was kind of overreacting, so then he started whining and bitching. And saying the same thing over and over and over in that freaking voice that drills into my brain and makes me insane. I kept telling him to stop it, and finally I just told him to shut up. And he HIT ME! (Not that hard, on the arm, but still.) Oh, hell no. That shit does NOT fly with me. So after I beat him to a pulp (just kidding. But I had very stern words with him) we came home and he pouted. And stomped around. And gave me stinkeye all evening, until I made him take a shower. As he was getting in, I was reminding him to clean all his "bits": "Don't forget to clean between your toes!" "I know." "Don't forget to clean your pits!" "I know, mom!" And then, in a burst of inspiration, I brought back the "No" game: "Doooooooon't smile at me." (Corners of his mouth twitch.) "Dooooooon't you do it! Don't you smile at me!" (He can't help himself now, the mouth is smiling all on its own, no matter how angry he still is at me.) "I don't want to see you smiling! No smiling, you hear me?" (Total full-on grin.)
Yeah, I still got it. ;-)
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Sleeeeeepy
I am going through my days in a Benadryl haze. The allergy season has hit full force and I am down for the count. I try to hold off on taking the pills for as long as possible each day, because I know they're going to knock me on my ass, but it's hard to live with the constant itchy-painful feeling in my sinuses, the sneezing, the irritated, watery eyes, and the sinus pressure headaches. My skin itches all over, regardless of how much lotion I put on (because it's the histamines, y'all, not dry skin). All I want to do is go into a Benadryl coma for the next couple of weeks, with a cold wet washcloth over my face. Wake me up when the pollen count dies down, mmkay?
Guacamole
The quintessential Cinco de Mayo dish...just a couple days late.
Guacamole
4 ripe avocados
juice of 1 lime
1/4 c diced onion
1/4 c diced tomato
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 chopped fresh cilantro
salt & pepper
Remove the flesh from the avocado skins, discarding the pits and scraping off any brown spots. Mash it gently with a fork, and then pour the lime juice over it. Add the onion, tomato, garlic, cilantro and salt & pepper to taste. Mix well, and serve with your favorite corn chips.
Guacamole
4 ripe avocados
juice of 1 lime
1/4 c diced onion
1/4 c diced tomato
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 chopped fresh cilantro
salt & pepper
Remove the flesh from the avocado skins, discarding the pits and scraping off any brown spots. Mash it gently with a fork, and then pour the lime juice over it. Add the onion, tomato, garlic, cilantro and salt & pepper to taste. Mix well, and serve with your favorite corn chips.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Weekend roundup
I was quite productive this weekend! I seem to be unable to sleep in until 10 AM anymore, which sucks on the one hand, but on the other...well, I'm getting a lot done.
Friday night Babydaddy and Rugrat and I all went to see Spider-man 3. On opening night. Of course. It was pretty crowded but we got there early and waited in line, so we got fantastic seats. And the crowd was pretty rowdy - you should have heard them going totally batshit over the previews (for Harry Potter 5, Pirates of the Caribbean 3, etc.). And during the movie people kept laughing in strange and inappropriate places. Not that it much mattered, we loved the movie anyway. Venom was particularly creepy, with his Jaws-like teeth and the weird casting choice of Eric Foreman (from That 70's Show, AKA Topher Grace IRL). I mean, who could take him seriously as an evil villain? But he did a fantastic job and was insanely freaky.
Saturday I ran some errands and got a pedicure, and then in the evening I drove out to Livermore, where I met up with an old friend from high school who's visiting from Alaska. We went out and had a couple beers at some dive bar where people were singing karaoke - badly - and then I came home and stayed up late watching TV. (And how cute was D when he was acting all mildly jealous about my "date" with this guy? The answer: very, very cute indeed.)
Sunday I got up at about 8 and got busy. I went to Home Depot for car wash supplies, and came back and went totally Armageddon on the backyard. I busted out the weed whacker and chopped down the entire mess back there, the five-foot-tall weeds covering 95% of my back "yard" (lawn? not so much), and then pulled weeds in about half of the raised beds (damn, I am SORE today). Then I washed my car, and got all anal-retentive with the microfiber cloth, drying the whole thing off. And finally, I took my clean car to the grocery store, picking up ingredients for guacamole, pico de gallo, and chicken tacos. (I'll post my guacamole recipe over at Table For Two.)
D came over around 8, and we had a lovely evening together, snuggling on the couch and...stuff. I'm sure you can fill in the blanks. :) He told his daughter about me this weekend, while they were driving up to his sister's house. She heard about Rugrat and immediately had the same reaction he did when he heard about her: "So I kind of have a brother then?" Damn, kids, slow down a bit, wouldja? You don't have to marry us off just yet. But...I totally want to spend the rest of my life waking up next to this man. It just feels so right with him. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely planning on taking my time with this. We will not be rushing into anything permanent. I haven't even met his daughter yet! (Although that will be remedied in about two weeks, when we go to the Scottish Games.) And the kids haven't met each other. And we've only been dating for a couple of months. So, no, I'm not ready to walk down the aisle or anything. But I sure do like spending time with him, and waking up in his arms, and talking to him on the phone three or four or five times a day. I like cooking for him. I like making him smile. I like snuggling with him, curling up against him in the middle of the night and feeling him wrap his strong arms around me. I even like getting up early with him (I know!!) to send him off to work with a kiss and a tupperware container full of leftovers. And I really like the person I am becoming, because I am happy and relaxed and healthy. I've waited a long time for this, to feel this way again. And boy, it was worth the wait.
Friday night Babydaddy and Rugrat and I all went to see Spider-man 3. On opening night. Of course. It was pretty crowded but we got there early and waited in line, so we got fantastic seats. And the crowd was pretty rowdy - you should have heard them going totally batshit over the previews (for Harry Potter 5, Pirates of the Caribbean 3, etc.). And during the movie people kept laughing in strange and inappropriate places. Not that it much mattered, we loved the movie anyway. Venom was particularly creepy, with his Jaws-like teeth and the weird casting choice of Eric Foreman (from That 70's Show, AKA Topher Grace IRL). I mean, who could take him seriously as an evil villain? But he did a fantastic job and was insanely freaky.
Saturday I ran some errands and got a pedicure, and then in the evening I drove out to Livermore, where I met up with an old friend from high school who's visiting from Alaska. We went out and had a couple beers at some dive bar where people were singing karaoke - badly - and then I came home and stayed up late watching TV. (And how cute was D when he was acting all mildly jealous about my "date" with this guy? The answer: very, very cute indeed.)
Sunday I got up at about 8 and got busy. I went to Home Depot for car wash supplies, and came back and went totally Armageddon on the backyard. I busted out the weed whacker and chopped down the entire mess back there, the five-foot-tall weeds covering 95% of my back "yard" (lawn? not so much), and then pulled weeds in about half of the raised beds (damn, I am SORE today). Then I washed my car, and got all anal-retentive with the microfiber cloth, drying the whole thing off. And finally, I took my clean car to the grocery store, picking up ingredients for guacamole, pico de gallo, and chicken tacos. (I'll post my guacamole recipe over at Table For Two.)
D came over around 8, and we had a lovely evening together, snuggling on the couch and...stuff. I'm sure you can fill in the blanks. :) He told his daughter about me this weekend, while they were driving up to his sister's house. She heard about Rugrat and immediately had the same reaction he did when he heard about her: "So I kind of have a brother then?" Damn, kids, slow down a bit, wouldja? You don't have to marry us off just yet. But...I totally want to spend the rest of my life waking up next to this man. It just feels so right with him. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely planning on taking my time with this. We will not be rushing into anything permanent. I haven't even met his daughter yet! (Although that will be remedied in about two weeks, when we go to the Scottish Games.) And the kids haven't met each other. And we've only been dating for a couple of months. So, no, I'm not ready to walk down the aisle or anything. But I sure do like spending time with him, and waking up in his arms, and talking to him on the phone three or four or five times a day. I like cooking for him. I like making him smile. I like snuggling with him, curling up against him in the middle of the night and feeling him wrap his strong arms around me. I even like getting up early with him (I know!!) to send him off to work with a kiss and a tupperware container full of leftovers. And I really like the person I am becoming, because I am happy and relaxed and healthy. I've waited a long time for this, to feel this way again. And boy, it was worth the wait.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Unexpected bonus
Babydaddy called me this morning and told me that he wants to keep Rugrat overnight tonight, as they are planning on having a Spider-man movie marathon in anticipation of the third movie. Since I have dinner plans tonight with S, my boss/project manager, at Ruth's Chris, I'll take Rugrat out to Babydaddy's house and drop him off. And after dinner...I have the whole night free. So of course, I called D and asked if I could come out and have "sexy time" with him after dinner. Hee.
Three guesses what his answer was. (And the first two don't count.)
Three guesses what his answer was. (And the first two don't count.)
Yum Yum Chicken Enchilada Casserole
I made the fabulous Yum Yum Chicken Enchilada Casserole again on Tuesday, and got a picture this time. It may not look like much, but let me tell you....D ate half the pan in one sitting (and this amount could easily serve 4-6 people), and polished off the leftovers the next day for lunch. This is GOOD STUFF, y'all.
But definitely not safe for dieters. ;-)
But definitely not safe for dieters. ;-)
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Lost: Mindfuck
What. The. Hell?!?!?
LOST is totally fucking with my head every week. This week was kind of the "calm before the storm"...sort of. I mean, there was the whole mindfuckery of Locke's dad being maybe actually dead, but somehow on the island and of course, because everyone's lives totally intersect, he's also Sawyer 1.0. Meaning, he's the con man who ruined Sawyer's childhood, because Sawyer 1.0 was fucking Sawyer 2.0's mom, and convinced her to give the family's life savings to him. So when dad found out he shot the mom, and then himself, leaving the orphan son to grow up and become ultrahot sweaty yummy Sawyer 2.0. Is this all clear yet? Anyway, supposedly Sawyer 1.0 (AKA Locke's Dad) got in a nasty car accident and the last thing he remembers is getting an IV in the ambulance...and then he woke up bound and gagged on the island.
And WTF with Benry trying to get Locke to kill his own father? Oh no, The Others aren't bad people. They don't kill people. They just try to get other people to become homicidal maniacs. And Locke, in his ultimate wisdom, decides to get Sawyer to do his dirty work (so he DOES fit in with The Others, I guess). First he lies to Sawyer, then he manipulates him, then he fucking locks him in a room with Sawyer 1.0 until Sawyer 2.0 discovers the connection and ends up killing the guy because he is a fucking evil unfeeling bastard who TAUNTS poor Sawyer (2.0) until he totally snaps.
So a big FUCK YOU to Locke this week. If you don't have the balls to kill someone off, don't go torture your friends until they do it for you.
And a slightly smaller FUCK YOU to Jack this week, for being a sanctimonious ass. Because that is just Jack. Because he and Juliet are keeping some secret which they reference in front of Kate and then he REFUSES to tell her about it. Ass. He's still being pissy because she shared the glittery hoo-ha with Sawyer when she thought he was about to die. Fucking get over it, you tool. You're getting your rocks off with the resident Other mole, and it's not like you ever staked your claim on Mt. Kate anyway.
But the big mindfuck? The really big whopper? Was how they're trying to tell us now that really everyone is dead. Because the plane was found -- FULL OF BODIES -- off the coast of Bali! WHAT THE FUCK????
LOST is totally fucking with my head every week. This week was kind of the "calm before the storm"...sort of. I mean, there was the whole mindfuckery of Locke's dad being maybe actually dead, but somehow on the island and of course, because everyone's lives totally intersect, he's also Sawyer 1.0. Meaning, he's the con man who ruined Sawyer's childhood, because Sawyer 1.0 was fucking Sawyer 2.0's mom, and convinced her to give the family's life savings to him. So when dad found out he shot the mom, and then himself, leaving the orphan son to grow up and become ultrahot sweaty yummy Sawyer 2.0. Is this all clear yet? Anyway, supposedly Sawyer 1.0 (AKA Locke's Dad) got in a nasty car accident and the last thing he remembers is getting an IV in the ambulance...and then he woke up bound and gagged on the island.
And WTF with Benry trying to get Locke to kill his own father? Oh no, The Others aren't bad people. They don't kill people. They just try to get other people to become homicidal maniacs. And Locke, in his ultimate wisdom, decides to get Sawyer to do his dirty work (so he DOES fit in with The Others, I guess). First he lies to Sawyer, then he manipulates him, then he fucking locks him in a room with Sawyer 1.0 until Sawyer 2.0 discovers the connection and ends up killing the guy because he is a fucking evil unfeeling bastard who TAUNTS poor Sawyer (2.0) until he totally snaps.
So a big FUCK YOU to Locke this week. If you don't have the balls to kill someone off, don't go torture your friends until they do it for you.
And a slightly smaller FUCK YOU to Jack this week, for being a sanctimonious ass. Because that is just Jack. Because he and Juliet are keeping some secret which they reference in front of Kate and then he REFUSES to tell her about it. Ass. He's still being pissy because she shared the glittery hoo-ha with Sawyer when she thought he was about to die. Fucking get over it, you tool. You're getting your rocks off with the resident Other mole, and it's not like you ever staked your claim on Mt. Kate anyway.
But the big mindfuck? The really big whopper? Was how they're trying to tell us now that really everyone is dead. Because the plane was found -- FULL OF BODIES -- off the coast of Bali! WHAT THE FUCK????
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Asparagus Risotto with Lemon and Basil
A nice, fresh risotto for spring, and my first submission to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-Day roundup!
Asparagus Risotto with Lemon and Basil
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup diced onion
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine
4 cups chicken stock (approx) - you can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian meal, but I like it with chicken stock
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces and steamed (I steamed it over the chicken stock while I was making the rice)
Zest from half a lemon
1 tsp fresh chopped basil (or one cube of TJ's frozen basil, which is what I used)
Salt & pepper to taste
Heat butter & oil together over medium heat. Saute onion until translucent and soft. Add some salt & pepper. At the same time, heat the chicken stock until simmering, and then keep it simmering during the rest of the process.
Add the rice to the onions, and saute for a minute or two until coated with oil & butter and slightly toasted. Add the white wine and let the alcohol cook off, about 1-2 minutes. Add a big ladle or two of simmering chicken stock, and stir. Let the rice absorb most of the chicken stock (it will take a few minutes), stirring frequently, until you see the bottom of the pan for a moment when you stir, and then add another ladle or two. Continue this process for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is creamy and tender but with a little bit of bite (al dente), and you've used up all (or most) of the chicken stock. Add the basil and lemon zest. At the last minute, throw in the asparagus and stir it all together. Check the seasoning, and add more salt & pepper if needed.
Serves two generously (or two modestly, plus enough leftovers for one lunch the next day). Enjoy!
Asparagus Risotto with Lemon and Basil
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup diced onion
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine
4 cups chicken stock (approx) - you can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian meal, but I like it with chicken stock
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces and steamed (I steamed it over the chicken stock while I was making the rice)
Zest from half a lemon
1 tsp fresh chopped basil (or one cube of TJ's frozen basil, which is what I used)
Salt & pepper to taste
Heat butter & oil together over medium heat. Saute onion until translucent and soft. Add some salt & pepper. At the same time, heat the chicken stock until simmering, and then keep it simmering during the rest of the process.
Add the rice to the onions, and saute for a minute or two until coated with oil & butter and slightly toasted. Add the white wine and let the alcohol cook off, about 1-2 minutes. Add a big ladle or two of simmering chicken stock, and stir. Let the rice absorb most of the chicken stock (it will take a few minutes), stirring frequently, until you see the bottom of the pan for a moment when you stir, and then add another ladle or two. Continue this process for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is creamy and tender but with a little bit of bite (al dente), and you've used up all (or most) of the chicken stock. Add the basil and lemon zest. At the last minute, throw in the asparagus and stir it all together. Check the seasoning, and add more salt & pepper if needed.
Serves two generously (or two modestly, plus enough leftovers for one lunch the next day). Enjoy!
Addendum
One thing I forgot about when doing my good news/bad news roundup yesterday: ultimate temptation.
Sunday, when I was digging around for the end cap for my little iPod shuffle in my gym bag, I came across a fresh, unopened pack of cigarettes. Instead of swooning lustfully over them and driving myself crazy, I immediately turned to Rugrat and told him to take the pack to the next door neighbor (who smokes, and used to bum cigarettes off me on a semi-regular basis) and ask if he wanted it. There was a split-second of temptation, but I immediately dismissed it.
This is good, right? Because I didn't even entertain the thought of actually smoking one. I can't remember feeling this way after quitting since...well, since I quit when I was pregnant with Ryan. I don't feel deprived or resentful when I see other people smoking, either. I just feel like it is not an option for me anymore; I don't want it. And the fact that I actually forgot to mention it yesterday? Shows what a non-issue smoking is for me now.
So, in short: bad news - I found some cigarettes and was momentarily tempted. Good news - I totally didn't smoke!
Sunday, when I was digging around for the end cap for my little iPod shuffle in my gym bag, I came across a fresh, unopened pack of cigarettes. Instead of swooning lustfully over them and driving myself crazy, I immediately turned to Rugrat and told him to take the pack to the next door neighbor (who smokes, and used to bum cigarettes off me on a semi-regular basis) and ask if he wanted it. There was a split-second of temptation, but I immediately dismissed it.
This is good, right? Because I didn't even entertain the thought of actually smoking one. I can't remember feeling this way after quitting since...well, since I quit when I was pregnant with Ryan. I don't feel deprived or resentful when I see other people smoking, either. I just feel like it is not an option for me anymore; I don't want it. And the fact that I actually forgot to mention it yesterday? Shows what a non-issue smoking is for me now.
So, in short: bad news - I found some cigarettes and was momentarily tempted. Good news - I totally didn't smoke!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Good news/bad news
Good news: I called AAA today and my car insurance is only going up $30 a year!
Bad news: I am still a snot factory and I'm getting really freaking tired of being sick.
Good news: I'm not pregnant! (Unless of course you are my mother, in which case this falls under the "bad news" category, because lord knows, she'd love to see me get knocked up again. Which I honestly cannot understand, considering the fact that I had an awful pregnancy & delivery, and am not exactly "earth mother" with the one child I do have. His ADD drives me completely fucking insane at times, and I frequently lose my patience and my temper with him.)
Bad news: I've got cramps.
Good news: D met Rugrat yesterday! We surprised D with some homemade chocolate chip cookies (his favorite) as a "sorry you broke your toe" present. I was a little worried about just springing it on him like that, but I figured we'd just stay for a few minutes and keep it really casual, because I knew D had things to do. However, D's plans sort of fell through, so we ended up spending a while at the park together. Anyway, they got along well despite the fact that Rugrat was in rare form, hollering at the top of his lungs and just generally completely on edge. He claimed to like D very much though, so I'm not sure what all that was about. But it has been like 5 or 6 years since I last introduced Rugrat to a boyfriend; maybe it was just strange for him.
Bad news: The "get it all over with at once" party isn't happening this weekend. D's friend Dave, who is one of my Myspace buddies now, is having a birthday party this weekend. D & I and D's daughter were all going to go together, which would have tackled a couple of issues at once: 1) I'd meet D's daughter and 2) D & I would "come out" to his extended group of friends. Well, the extended group of friends consists mainly of a whole lot of people I haven't seen for 10 or 15 years, including my ex-husband and my ex-best friend. The ex-best friend was once D's girlfriend, and is now married to MY ex-husband, and they have two kids together. So I was fully expecting this to be much like a Jerry Springer episode (but hopefully with less cursing and fewer flying chairs). Except that now, it turns out that D has a prior engagement at his sister's house this coming weekend, and will not be attending the birthday party. Which means that 1) I'm not meeting his daughter this weekend and 2) I'm not getting this incredibly uncomfortable meeting-with-the-exes over with any time soon.
Good news: I see D tomorrow night!
Bad news: I miss him so much and wish I could see him RIGHT NOW.
Good news: D's schedule is fantastic for us this week. He has an early schedule tomorrow, so he'll be off early and at my house around the time that I am finishing work. On Wednesday, he doesn't have to be to work until 2:45 PM, so we can sleep in together and have a lazy morning.
And that seems like a really good note to finish up on. :)
Bad news: I am still a snot factory and I'm getting really freaking tired of being sick.
Good news: I'm not pregnant! (Unless of course you are my mother, in which case this falls under the "bad news" category, because lord knows, she'd love to see me get knocked up again. Which I honestly cannot understand, considering the fact that I had an awful pregnancy & delivery, and am not exactly "earth mother" with the one child I do have. His ADD drives me completely fucking insane at times, and I frequently lose my patience and my temper with him.)
Bad news: I've got cramps.
Good news: D met Rugrat yesterday! We surprised D with some homemade chocolate chip cookies (his favorite) as a "sorry you broke your toe" present. I was a little worried about just springing it on him like that, but I figured we'd just stay for a few minutes and keep it really casual, because I knew D had things to do. However, D's plans sort of fell through, so we ended up spending a while at the park together. Anyway, they got along well despite the fact that Rugrat was in rare form, hollering at the top of his lungs and just generally completely on edge. He claimed to like D very much though, so I'm not sure what all that was about. But it has been like 5 or 6 years since I last introduced Rugrat to a boyfriend; maybe it was just strange for him.
Bad news: The "get it all over with at once" party isn't happening this weekend. D's friend Dave, who is one of my Myspace buddies now, is having a birthday party this weekend. D & I and D's daughter were all going to go together, which would have tackled a couple of issues at once: 1) I'd meet D's daughter and 2) D & I would "come out" to his extended group of friends. Well, the extended group of friends consists mainly of a whole lot of people I haven't seen for 10 or 15 years, including my ex-husband and my ex-best friend. The ex-best friend was once D's girlfriend, and is now married to MY ex-husband, and they have two kids together. So I was fully expecting this to be much like a Jerry Springer episode (but hopefully with less cursing and fewer flying chairs). Except that now, it turns out that D has a prior engagement at his sister's house this coming weekend, and will not be attending the birthday party. Which means that 1) I'm not meeting his daughter this weekend and 2) I'm not getting this incredibly uncomfortable meeting-with-the-exes over with any time soon.
Good news: I see D tomorrow night!
Bad news: I miss him so much and wish I could see him RIGHT NOW.
Good news: D's schedule is fantastic for us this week. He has an early schedule tomorrow, so he'll be off early and at my house around the time that I am finishing work. On Wednesday, he doesn't have to be to work until 2:45 PM, so we can sleep in together and have a lazy morning.
And that seems like a really good note to finish up on. :)
Saturday, April 28, 2007
New Car!
Guess what I did yesterday?
After five years of lusting heavily after the Toyota Highlander, I finally bought one. It has LEATHER SEATS and a premium sound system and a moon roof and a roof rack and it fucking kicks ASS. Remote keyless entry with some fancy-shmancy ignition disabling security system. V6, so my baby's got some getup and go. Power every-fucking-thing. And I got a fantastic price, it's only a year old, and it has less than 20K miles on it.
Sweeeeeeet!
After five years of lusting heavily after the Toyota Highlander, I finally bought one. It has LEATHER SEATS and a premium sound system and a moon roof and a roof rack and it fucking kicks ASS. Remote keyless entry with some fancy-shmancy ignition disabling security system. V6, so my baby's got some getup and go. Power every-fucking-thing. And I got a fantastic price, it's only a year old, and it has less than 20K miles on it.
Sweeeeeeet!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Three little words
It's funny, I didn't think it was going to be a big deal. I mean, I know how he feels about me. I've known for weeks that he is crazy about me; he'd show me in every possible way, except by saying those three little words.
But then last night he said it. "I love you." And I thought my heart was going to burst, I was so happy.
I had convinced myself that it really wasn't important to hear those three little words, but yanno what? It is. And the fact that I knew how he felt, that I could tell in the way he looked at me, touched me, talked to me, called me three or more times a day, sent me flowers for no reason, just everything...it doesn't detract from the fact that my heart leaps when he tells me he loves me.
But then last night he said it. "I love you." And I thought my heart was going to burst, I was so happy.
I had convinced myself that it really wasn't important to hear those three little words, but yanno what? It is. And the fact that I knew how he felt, that I could tell in the way he looked at me, touched me, talked to me, called me three or more times a day, sent me flowers for no reason, just everything...it doesn't detract from the fact that my heart leaps when he tells me he loves me.
Pork and Veggie Stir Fry with Rice Noodles
I based this stir fry on Rachael Ray's Asian-Style Pork and Vegetable Noodles, but made a few substitutions. I'm not a big fan of bell peppers, so I threw in some chinese peapods instead of the red pepper strips. I used some rice noodles, because I had them on hand. I put a little honey in the dressing to cut the heat and the super-salty elements. And I left the green onions out until the very end, because I wanted them to keep their fresh, green color and flavor.
Overall, it was fairly tasty, although I think it needed more heat (maybe a little chili oil in the dressing?) and I way overcooked the pork. Lesson learned - have all your elements in place, and no matter how long she cooks the meat on her show, do NOT stir fry meat for more than a minute or two before you throw in the rest of the ingredients.
Overall, it was fairly tasty, although I think it needed more heat (maybe a little chili oil in the dressing?) and I way overcooked the pork. Lesson learned - have all your elements in place, and no matter how long she cooks the meat on her show, do NOT stir fry meat for more than a minute or two before you throw in the rest of the ingredients.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
So much to say
OK, so last weekend? Was totally fabulous until Saturday morning, at which time it took a distinct nosedive. I flew out Friday afternoon to visit Dad & Stepmom in Arizona, and as expected, I shriveled up into a raisin as soon as I stepped off the plane. It is just SO damn dry out there, y'all.
Friday night we had a lovely scotch-tasting party, which consisted of four people getting royally hammered and ended with Dad and I variously 1) giving D hell on the phone (Dad actually used the words "I hear you're fucking my daughter" - I was mortified); 2) playing cribbage (at which I had a few spectacular hands although I think he still beat me twice, or maybe thrice); and 3) getting all fucking maudlin and crying and telling the other person how much we loved them. You know. Much alcohol is imbibed, and the world's problems are miraculously solved. Or at least the past problems between my father and I, which are generally rehashed each time we get sloshed together. ;-)
Saturday morning dawned with a loverly hangover, and me waking up at about 8 and unable to get back to sleep. The hangover went away, but in its place I developed a nasty cold which kept me up shivering half the night and only getting about 2 hours sleep before my flight home on Sunday. I do not ever recommend flying when you have a fever. It is brutal. I was completely discombobulated, and it took about 2-3 hours after I landed in Oakland to FINALLY get my ears to pop.
So then I spent two days laying on my couch, and in bed, and trying to recover some sort of normal life. Of course I called D on Sunday and told him it wouldn't be a good idea for him to come out, unless he was actively trying to get sick. Turns out his daughter was sick too, and he ended up keeping her home with him Monday anyway, so the usual Sunday night meetup wasn't going to happen anyway.
And now we get to the real meat of things which is the fact that things are going SO well with D that it is downright frightening. We had a little discussion last night in which he told me that he's not going anywhere, and I told him how good he makes me feel (get your mind out of the gutter) and that he makes me want to be a better person. Blah blah feel-good-cakes. And today there was some discussion of meeting our respective progeny. I think it would be better (less pressure on the kids AND on us) if we are able to get together, all four of us, in a way that makes it seem more like a casual playdate and less like "OMG, I'm meeting my mom's boyfriend." You know? So it may still be another month or so, because our schedules still conflict. And there was some talk about pets, and how Rugrat really wants one, and I really DON'T want the responsibility to fall on me, because dammit, I just don't like animals. And he said something about how he could help out with the cage cleaning & feeding and stuff (we were discussing lizards). And I just stopped the conversation right there, because he was going to have to go back in to work and there is a whole thing here that I just wasn't ready to open up for discussion and be able to deal with in like five minutes.
And that thing is: commitment. Because that is what is going on here, isn't it? And we've only been dating two months. It feels like forever, and it feels right, but it's still only been TWO MONTHS. And I cannot make plans based on things someone says only two months into a relationship. I cannot get a lizard for Rugrat based on the fact that D says he will help me take care of the thing because who knows what's going to happen in six months or a year? We have not seen each other at our worst yet. We are still in that googly-eyed sex haze where the other person is the most fabulous human being on the planet. You know? We haven't pissed each other off yet. So as much as I would love to just float and let myself believe that these feelings will last forever, I am too cynical now (or too pragmatic) to just live completely in the moment. I have a child to think of, after all, and I cannot allow my hormones to override my common sense.
Friday night we had a lovely scotch-tasting party, which consisted of four people getting royally hammered and ended with Dad and I variously 1) giving D hell on the phone (Dad actually used the words "I hear you're fucking my daughter" - I was mortified); 2) playing cribbage (at which I had a few spectacular hands although I think he still beat me twice, or maybe thrice); and 3) getting all fucking maudlin and crying and telling the other person how much we loved them. You know. Much alcohol is imbibed, and the world's problems are miraculously solved. Or at least the past problems between my father and I, which are generally rehashed each time we get sloshed together. ;-)
Saturday morning dawned with a loverly hangover, and me waking up at about 8 and unable to get back to sleep. The hangover went away, but in its place I developed a nasty cold which kept me up shivering half the night and only getting about 2 hours sleep before my flight home on Sunday. I do not ever recommend flying when you have a fever. It is brutal. I was completely discombobulated, and it took about 2-3 hours after I landed in Oakland to FINALLY get my ears to pop.
So then I spent two days laying on my couch, and in bed, and trying to recover some sort of normal life. Of course I called D on Sunday and told him it wouldn't be a good idea for him to come out, unless he was actively trying to get sick. Turns out his daughter was sick too, and he ended up keeping her home with him Monday anyway, so the usual Sunday night meetup wasn't going to happen anyway.
And now we get to the real meat of things which is the fact that things are going SO well with D that it is downright frightening. We had a little discussion last night in which he told me that he's not going anywhere, and I told him how good he makes me feel (get your mind out of the gutter) and that he makes me want to be a better person. Blah blah feel-good-cakes. And today there was some discussion of meeting our respective progeny. I think it would be better (less pressure on the kids AND on us) if we are able to get together, all four of us, in a way that makes it seem more like a casual playdate and less like "OMG, I'm meeting my mom's boyfriend." You know? So it may still be another month or so, because our schedules still conflict. And there was some talk about pets, and how Rugrat really wants one, and I really DON'T want the responsibility to fall on me, because dammit, I just don't like animals. And he said something about how he could help out with the cage cleaning & feeding and stuff (we were discussing lizards). And I just stopped the conversation right there, because he was going to have to go back in to work and there is a whole thing here that I just wasn't ready to open up for discussion and be able to deal with in like five minutes.
And that thing is: commitment. Because that is what is going on here, isn't it? And we've only been dating two months. It feels like forever, and it feels right, but it's still only been TWO MONTHS. And I cannot make plans based on things someone says only two months into a relationship. I cannot get a lizard for Rugrat based on the fact that D says he will help me take care of the thing because who knows what's going to happen in six months or a year? We have not seen each other at our worst yet. We are still in that googly-eyed sex haze where the other person is the most fabulous human being on the planet. You know? We haven't pissed each other off yet. So as much as I would love to just float and let myself believe that these feelings will last forever, I am too cynical now (or too pragmatic) to just live completely in the moment. I have a child to think of, after all, and I cannot allow my hormones to override my common sense.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Family updates
My sister called me this afternoon, and after only a couple of months in Portland, they're ready to buy a house! Their offer was accepted and they're hoping for a really short (30 day) escrow. She sent me a link to the real estate listing, and WOW! It is HUGE! It's over 2000 SF, in the area they love, with the school district they wanted, and it's only costing them a little more than my 1400 SF house cost me four years ago. *sigh* The bay area is so damned expensive, y'all. I'm really happy for them, though, and can't wait to visit. (Except I'll wait until the sun makes its annual brief appearance.)
Babydaddy and I talked a little more about putting Rugrat in school where he lives, and apparently he's very gung-ho about it, because he picked up a registration packet. (And brought it to me to fill out. Of course.) Turns out that the daycare is actually going to be cheaper than where we've got him now, but then again, he won't be in daycare when he's "off track" because there won't be any "tracks." He'll just be off for the summer (and likely here with me full-time).
I'm off to visit Dad tomorrow, hopefully smuggling some of the really awesome $200 scotch with me in my carry-on luggage. What? I'm bringing it in a container that is less than 3 oz., per airline regulations. We really need to have the fantastic scotch there, for the fabulous scotch tasting party. I plan to get my drink on with the papa-san. We'll probably sit up playing cribbage until the wee hours, and then bitch and moan Saturday about our raging hangovers.
I'm still not smoking. 19 days and counting!
And as for D....I am still smitten. Every day he says something or does something that just makes me melt. Today he told me that he saw a bunch of hot women in the grocery store and thought how lucky he was, because his girlfriend was hotter. Awwww. How can you not love that?
Babydaddy and I talked a little more about putting Rugrat in school where he lives, and apparently he's very gung-ho about it, because he picked up a registration packet. (And brought it to me to fill out. Of course.) Turns out that the daycare is actually going to be cheaper than where we've got him now, but then again, he won't be in daycare when he's "off track" because there won't be any "tracks." He'll just be off for the summer (and likely here with me full-time).
I'm off to visit Dad tomorrow, hopefully smuggling some of the really awesome $200 scotch with me in my carry-on luggage. What? I'm bringing it in a container that is less than 3 oz., per airline regulations. We really need to have the fantastic scotch there, for the fabulous scotch tasting party. I plan to get my drink on with the papa-san. We'll probably sit up playing cribbage until the wee hours, and then bitch and moan Saturday about our raging hangovers.
I'm still not smoking. 19 days and counting!
And as for D....I am still smitten. Every day he says something or does something that just makes me melt. Today he told me that he saw a bunch of hot women in the grocery store and thought how lucky he was, because his girlfriend was hotter. Awwww. How can you not love that?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Orange and maroon
My heart goes out to all the students of Virginia Tech, and their families and friends. What a horrific tragedy: thirty-three lives cut short. It's just unimaginable.
Today, I will make a point of telling the people I love just how much I care about them. Because the best way I can think of to fight against the darkness in this world is to counteract it with joy. Hug your family, your friends. Smile at strangers.
"What the world needs now is love, sweet love." Thank you, Carpenters.
Today, I will make a point of telling the people I love just how much I care about them. Because the best way I can think of to fight against the darkness in this world is to counteract it with joy. Hug your family, your friends. Smile at strangers.
"What the world needs now is love, sweet love." Thank you, Carpenters.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Flowers!
Oh. My. God.
D sent me these gorgeous tulips. My favorite!!
*swoon*
Could he be any more awesome?
D sent me these gorgeous tulips. My favorite!!
*swoon*
Could he be any more awesome?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
New blog
I've set up a new food blog, Table For Two, since my passion for cooking just keeps growing. I figured it's time to give back to the food community, as I've been so inspired by those fabulous Internet chefs that graciously take the time to photograph their latest culinary masterpieces and pass on the secrets to us.
I've got to get better at taking digital photos though; the last one came out really blurry. :-P
I've got to get better at taking digital photos though; the last one came out really blurry. :-P
Open-Faced Burgers with Gorgonzola and Sauteed Mushrooms
I made this fantastically yummy dinner tonight because I had a craving for something beefy and fattening, but I wanted to use up some of the veggies and the French bread I had on hand.
Open-Faced Burgers with Gorgonzola and Sauteed Mushrooms
2 slices pepper bacon (or regular bacon, but make sure it's GOOD bacon)
1/2 lb ground beef
2 Tbsp diced red onion (or whatever, to taste)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp steak sauce
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 sliced mushrooms
2 Tbsp crumbled Gorgonzola
1 1" thick slice French bread, cut in half
1 cup loosely packed baby spinach
Salt & pepper to taste
Mustard Vinaigrette
Preheat oven to 400° and put a saute pan over medium-high heat. Pop the bacon in the pan and let it crisp up slowly. While the bacon cooks, gently mix together the ground beef, onions, garlic, steak sauce and salt & pepper to taste. Form into two 1/4 pound patties.
When oven is preheated, put the french bread in on a cookie sheet. Let it toast for about 10 minutes, turning once.
When the bacon is just this side of burning, remove it and drain off most of the bacon fat. Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and slide in the burgers. Cook about 3 minutes on each side, until just done in the middle. Put a half-slice of toasted french bread on each plate, then top with the burgers. Immediately put Gorgonzola on top of burgers. Saute the mushrooms in the pan for a few minutes, until softened and golden brown, then put the mushrooms on top of the burgers and cheese.
Add some spinach to the plates. Top the burgers and spinach with crumbled pepper bacon, then drizzle everything with the vinaigrette (see below). Sit down and enjoy with a nice tall beer!
Mustard Vinaigrette
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Put mustard, vinegar, salt & pepper in the bowl. Add the olive oil in a slow steady stream, whisking the whole time, until oil is incorporated.
Open-Faced Burgers with Gorgonzola and Sauteed Mushrooms
2 slices pepper bacon (or regular bacon, but make sure it's GOOD bacon)
1/2 lb ground beef
2 Tbsp diced red onion (or whatever, to taste)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp steak sauce
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 sliced mushrooms
2 Tbsp crumbled Gorgonzola
1 1" thick slice French bread, cut in half
1 cup loosely packed baby spinach
Salt & pepper to taste
Mustard Vinaigrette
Preheat oven to 400° and put a saute pan over medium-high heat. Pop the bacon in the pan and let it crisp up slowly. While the bacon cooks, gently mix together the ground beef, onions, garlic, steak sauce and salt & pepper to taste. Form into two 1/4 pound patties.
When oven is preheated, put the french bread in on a cookie sheet. Let it toast for about 10 minutes, turning once.
When the bacon is just this side of burning, remove it and drain off most of the bacon fat. Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and slide in the burgers. Cook about 3 minutes on each side, until just done in the middle. Put a half-slice of toasted french bread on each plate, then top with the burgers. Immediately put Gorgonzola on top of burgers. Saute the mushrooms in the pan for a few minutes, until softened and golden brown, then put the mushrooms on top of the burgers and cheese.
Add some spinach to the plates. Top the burgers and spinach with crumbled pepper bacon, then drizzle everything with the vinaigrette (see below). Sit down and enjoy with a nice tall beer!
Mustard Vinaigrette
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Put mustard, vinegar, salt & pepper in the bowl. Add the olive oil in a slow steady stream, whisking the whole time, until oil is incorporated.
French Onion Soup
I got the recipe from Williams Sonoma's Paris cookbook (this is not the same as the recipe on their website). It's super-easy, but it takes about two hours to make. Luckily I always have lots of leftovers, so it's always worth it. :)
Croque Monsieur
Croque monsieur: French for super-freaking-awesome ham and cheese sandwich!
Croque Monsieur
4 slices white sandwich bread
Dijon mustard (I used whole grain)
6 deli slices ham
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cup milk
1 c shredded Gruyere (or thereabouts)
Salt & pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg (or jarred, in a pinch)
Preheat broiler.
Toast the bread lightly, and cut off the crusts. Thinly spread mustard on the bread, then top two slices of bread with three slices of ham each. Place open-faced sandwiches on cookie sheet (you might want to line cookie sheet with foil or something for easier clean-up). Top the sandwiches with some of the grated cheese (about a quarter cup total), then the other slices of bread.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour, mix well, and let the flour cook for a minute or two. Add the milk, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce is thickened slightly (it should coat the back of the spoon). Season with salt & pepper and a sprinkling of nutmeg. Add about half a cup of the grated cheese, stirring until completely melted. Pour some sauce over the sandwiches and top with the very last quarter-cup of the grated cheese. Pop it under the broiler until bubbly and golden brown. Or, if you're impatient like me, just wait until the cheese is melted, then pull it out and scarf.
Note: You may have too much cheese sauce. I always do. Just dip another piece of bread in the sauce and snack on it while you wait for the sandwiches to finish in the oven. ;-)
Croque Monsieur
4 slices white sandwich bread
Dijon mustard (I used whole grain)
6 deli slices ham
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cup milk
1 c shredded Gruyere (or thereabouts)
Salt & pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg (or jarred, in a pinch)
Preheat broiler.
Toast the bread lightly, and cut off the crusts. Thinly spread mustard on the bread, then top two slices of bread with three slices of ham each. Place open-faced sandwiches on cookie sheet (you might want to line cookie sheet with foil or something for easier clean-up). Top the sandwiches with some of the grated cheese (about a quarter cup total), then the other slices of bread.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour, mix well, and let the flour cook for a minute or two. Add the milk, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce is thickened slightly (it should coat the back of the spoon). Season with salt & pepper and a sprinkling of nutmeg. Add about half a cup of the grated cheese, stirring until completely melted. Pour some sauce over the sandwiches and top with the very last quarter-cup of the grated cheese. Pop it under the broiler until bubbly and golden brown. Or, if you're impatient like me, just wait until the cheese is melted, then pull it out and scarf.
Note: You may have too much cheese sauce. I always do. Just dip another piece of bread in the sauce and snack on it while you wait for the sandwiches to finish in the oven. ;-)
Friday, April 13, 2007
CPSIL, defined
Diagnostic criteria for 301.81 Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
(1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
(3) believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
(4) requires excessive admiration
(5) has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
(7) lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
(8) is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
(1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
(3) believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
(4) requires excessive admiration
(5) has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
(7) lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
(8) is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Major changes?
Babydaddy and I had a discussion last night, and we're considering putting Rugrat in school in WC, where Babydaddy lives, for the next school year. It would be a really big change for us; Rugrat would live with Babydaddy most of the time and I'd go out to pick him up a couple of times per week and every other weekend (essentially the same schedule we have now, but reversed). We'd have to look into karate classes out in WC instead of here, and we'd have to get him set up in daycare and GATE out there too.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, I'd kind of like to get Rugrat out of here because the situation in my town is getting more violent and volatile by the week, it seems. There's gangs of teenagers roaming the streets, starting riots and shooting each other. I definitely don't want Rugrat going to school out here when he gets to Jr High. But he's only going into third grade, and it seems like we've got some time before we really need to get him out of here. Additionally, we were considering taking him OUT of daycare next year, and just letting him come straight home after school. It would save us $200+ a month, each, which would be a nice chunk of change to have back in our pockets. That wouldn't be possible if Rugrat was going to school near Babydaddy, because Babydaddy doesn't work from home.
Also, I just don't know how I'd feel about him living apart from me so much. I was kind of resistant to changing our schedule when Babydaddy first moved to WC, but I actually like it now (especially since I get that all-important night off during the week to spend with D). And I think I'd really miss Rugrat a lot if he was spending most nights with Babydaddy. I'd miss our silly songs in the morning while we're getting ready. I'd miss the hugs and spontaneous "I love you Mommy" moments. I'd miss putting him to bed every night with Monster Spray and our four-language "I love you" routine. I know Babydaddy is a wonderful father and would be totally great with him, but I'd miss him soooooo much.
And the hell of it is, I'd love to sell my house and move out there to WC. But I can't, because nobody is buying houses in my town right now. (See above re: crime wave) If I put the house on the market, it might stay on the market for a year, even if I priced it under comps. And if I was able to finally sell it and move out to WC? I'd probably have to buy a condo rather than an actual house because I'd never be able to afford a real house out there. Especially not with the reduced price of THIS house, and how much I'd likely get out of the sale. It's very frustrating. So I'm kind of leaning towards having him stay in school here for another year or two, at which time the market will hopefully have picked up a bit, and I can sell and move out to WC and we'll be able to work things out a little more equitably with regards to custody sharing and so on.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, I'd kind of like to get Rugrat out of here because the situation in my town is getting more violent and volatile by the week, it seems. There's gangs of teenagers roaming the streets, starting riots and shooting each other. I definitely don't want Rugrat going to school out here when he gets to Jr High. But he's only going into third grade, and it seems like we've got some time before we really need to get him out of here. Additionally, we were considering taking him OUT of daycare next year, and just letting him come straight home after school. It would save us $200+ a month, each, which would be a nice chunk of change to have back in our pockets. That wouldn't be possible if Rugrat was going to school near Babydaddy, because Babydaddy doesn't work from home.
Also, I just don't know how I'd feel about him living apart from me so much. I was kind of resistant to changing our schedule when Babydaddy first moved to WC, but I actually like it now (especially since I get that all-important night off during the week to spend with D). And I think I'd really miss Rugrat a lot if he was spending most nights with Babydaddy. I'd miss our silly songs in the morning while we're getting ready. I'd miss the hugs and spontaneous "I love you Mommy" moments. I'd miss putting him to bed every night with Monster Spray and our four-language "I love you" routine. I know Babydaddy is a wonderful father and would be totally great with him, but I'd miss him soooooo much.
And the hell of it is, I'd love to sell my house and move out there to WC. But I can't, because nobody is buying houses in my town right now. (See above re: crime wave) If I put the house on the market, it might stay on the market for a year, even if I priced it under comps. And if I was able to finally sell it and move out to WC? I'd probably have to buy a condo rather than an actual house because I'd never be able to afford a real house out there. Especially not with the reduced price of THIS house, and how much I'd likely get out of the sale. It's very frustrating. So I'm kind of leaning towards having him stay in school here for another year or two, at which time the market will hopefully have picked up a bit, and I can sell and move out to WC and we'll be able to work things out a little more equitably with regards to custody sharing and so on.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Dysfunctional
I'm wondering: just how strange is it that I go on vacations with Rugrat and Babydaddy? I mean, I know it is extremely unusual for exes to do that, but is it completely incomprehensible? D and I had a post-coital conversation the other night that started out with the ever-so-popular theme, "Who was your first?" So of course I mentioned that I found my "first" on myspace a couple of years ago, and I told D about going to meet him for a drink in LA when I was down at Disneyland with Rugrat & Babydaddy. D kind of does a double-take: "Wait...you were at Disneyland with Babydaddy and you had a DATE with GG?" And I explained that we just went on a family vacation, but it's not like we were TOGETHER on the vacation, we were just sharing hotel costs & such.
And of course that just opened up a whole new can of worms. "You were sharing a hotel room? Did you share a BED?" OMG, no. But...we have. Like, on Christmas Eve when he stays the night so he can be here first thing on Christmas morning. And I suddenly realized how incredibly WRONG that sounds. Like, just massively dysfunctional. But seriously, I feel nothing for Babydaddy now, except friendship and fondness. There's no lust there at all. He's a hot guy, don't get me wrong. But too much water has gone under the bridge for me to ever want him back in my life in a romantic (or even just a sexual) way.
And obviously I would not do anything like that if I was in a relationship. I wouldn't want to make my partner uncomfortable by having my (admittedly hot) ex stay the night, whether it was in my bed (platonically!) or on the couch or in the guest room. So...does that make it less dysfunctional? If I wouldn't have a sleepover with the ex while I'm in a relationship with someone else? Or is the relationship thing irrelevant, and it's dysfunctional no matter what my romantic status is?
And of course that just opened up a whole new can of worms. "You were sharing a hotel room? Did you share a BED?" OMG, no. But...we have. Like, on Christmas Eve when he stays the night so he can be here first thing on Christmas morning. And I suddenly realized how incredibly WRONG that sounds. Like, just massively dysfunctional. But seriously, I feel nothing for Babydaddy now, except friendship and fondness. There's no lust there at all. He's a hot guy, don't get me wrong. But too much water has gone under the bridge for me to ever want him back in my life in a romantic (or even just a sexual) way.
And obviously I would not do anything like that if I was in a relationship. I wouldn't want to make my partner uncomfortable by having my (admittedly hot) ex stay the night, whether it was in my bed (platonically!) or on the couch or in the guest room. So...does that make it less dysfunctional? If I wouldn't have a sleepover with the ex while I'm in a relationship with someone else? Or is the relationship thing irrelevant, and it's dysfunctional no matter what my romantic status is?
Romance is NOT dead!
This is one of those totally off-the-wall things you get on craigslist sometimes.
Romantic Gift
Thanks to Dooce for bringing this to my attention and brightening my day.
Romantic Gift
Thanks to Dooce for bringing this to my attention and brightening my day.
Crash
I think I really need to get back on the patch. I was so exhausted yesterday that I fell asleep on the couch at about 8:15 while the Rugrat was watching cartoons. When I dragged my ass off the couch and bundled the Rugrat off to bed, I went to bed too. And I slept until the Goddamn Roosters™ woke me up at 6:30 as usual. But the thing is, I don't feel rested. I still feel exhausted. And I'm pretty sure it's because my body is no longer getting its regular dose of stimulant, in the form of nicotine. I'm craving more, too.
In all of this drama though, D has been amazing. He's just a bright spot in my life, and I feel very blessed to have him. He calls me at least twice a day now...sometimes three times. I look forward to hearing his voice; it's almost as necessary to my daily life as breathing. How did he become so important to me in less than two months? It's pretty scary, actually. I've been so independent for so long, that having this in my life again is a shock to the system. He makes me feel cherished, and dammit, I don't want to depend on feeling this way. Shit happens, yanno? And I don't want to get so wrapped up in this feeling that I forget how to be happy on my own. Because when it ends, as it inevitably will, I don't want to fall into a massive depression. This is just SO good....and I know it can't last. Even if we spend the rest of our lives together, it won't be like this forever. He'll disappoint me, I'll disappoint him; we're human. And when the crash comes, it's going to be a big one.
In all of this drama though, D has been amazing. He's just a bright spot in my life, and I feel very blessed to have him. He calls me at least twice a day now...sometimes three times. I look forward to hearing his voice; it's almost as necessary to my daily life as breathing. How did he become so important to me in less than two months? It's pretty scary, actually. I've been so independent for so long, that having this in my life again is a shock to the system. He makes me feel cherished, and dammit, I don't want to depend on feeling this way. Shit happens, yanno? And I don't want to get so wrapped up in this feeling that I forget how to be happy on my own. Because when it ends, as it inevitably will, I don't want to fall into a massive depression. This is just SO good....and I know it can't last. Even if we spend the rest of our lives together, it won't be like this forever. He'll disappoint me, I'll disappoint him; we're human. And when the crash comes, it's going to be a big one.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Stunned
This is downright frightening. I think the fact that this book was popular enough to require multiple printings says an awful lot about our society 50 years ago (and none of it good):
On Becoming a Woman
I mean, seriously. Female circumcision touted as a cure for masturbation??? Fucking fucktard. Obviously the author had no confidence in his sexual prowess, if he had to run around telling girls that they only want to make out to "please their boyfriends" and that masturbation makes you stupid and lazy.
On Becoming a Woman
I mean, seriously. Female circumcision touted as a cure for masturbation??? Fucking fucktard. Obviously the author had no confidence in his sexual prowess, if he had to run around telling girls that they only want to make out to "please their boyfriends" and that masturbation makes you stupid and lazy.
So in love
I am completely smitten. D came over yesterday evening after dropping off his daughter at her mom's, and he spent the night again. I am practically overdosing on love here - I just want to be with him all the time. Of course it's totally impractical, but it feels so good to have him around. Last night we vegged out on the couch, watched a little TV and worked on our knitting (did I tell you he asked me to teach him to knit? He's working on his first project: a scarf). My sweater is coming right along now; the front is nearly finished and once that's done all that's left is to knit the sleeves, sew it up, and finish off the neckline.
You know, I haven't been a snuggler since the early days of my relationship with Babydaddy. But for some reason, with D I just want to be rightupclose to him, even when I'm sleeping. And of course I want to make love with him all the time. We can't seem to spend the night together without having sex at least twice. I cannot believe that this kind of intensity will last, of course, but it feels damn good right now. It's the early part of the relationship: the other person hasn't disappointed you yet, and you're still getting to know all their little quirks and such.
As for the rest of the weekend, I went over to K's house on Saturday for a BBQ. C came over as well, and between the three of us, we polished off four bottles of wine. Dear GOD, that was a lot of effing wine. For some reason we went to Meenar's and I'm pretty sure someone slipped something in K's drink, because all of the sudden she was completely unable to stand on her own. C and T (C's cousin, who joined us later in the evening) and I all got her home safe & sound and held her hair back while she threw up. *sigh* I spent the night at K's, and on Sunday we attempted to go shopping in WC, but apparently just because some "dead" guy crawled out of a cave 2000 years ago means everyone has to stop their normal routine and go eat deviled eggs and ham all day. In other words, the shops were closed. I was pissed, and totally went off on a rant about "fucking Jesus" and his "fucking resurrection" and "goddamn showoff"...blah, blah, blah. What can I say? I really wanted to buy a new bra yesterday. Thank goodness downtown WC was like a ghost town, because I was in rare form. I am SO going to hell.
Even Target was closed, which I discovered when I tried to go get some more nicotine patches. Surprisingly enough, even with the HUGE amount of wine I drank Saturday night, I still managed to stay on the wagon and didn't have so much as a puff off a cigarette. So, yay for me! Nearly 8 days off the cigarettes now (and the last 24 hours without any nicotine at all).
You know, I haven't been a snuggler since the early days of my relationship with Babydaddy. But for some reason, with D I just want to be rightupclose to him, even when I'm sleeping. And of course I want to make love with him all the time. We can't seem to spend the night together without having sex at least twice. I cannot believe that this kind of intensity will last, of course, but it feels damn good right now. It's the early part of the relationship: the other person hasn't disappointed you yet, and you're still getting to know all their little quirks and such.
As for the rest of the weekend, I went over to K's house on Saturday for a BBQ. C came over as well, and between the three of us, we polished off four bottles of wine. Dear GOD, that was a lot of effing wine. For some reason we went to Meenar's and I'm pretty sure someone slipped something in K's drink, because all of the sudden she was completely unable to stand on her own. C and T (C's cousin, who joined us later in the evening) and I all got her home safe & sound and held her hair back while she threw up. *sigh* I spent the night at K's, and on Sunday we attempted to go shopping in WC, but apparently just because some "dead" guy crawled out of a cave 2000 years ago means everyone has to stop their normal routine and go eat deviled eggs and ham all day. In other words, the shops were closed. I was pissed, and totally went off on a rant about "fucking Jesus" and his "fucking resurrection" and "goddamn showoff"...blah, blah, blah. What can I say? I really wanted to buy a new bra yesterday. Thank goodness downtown WC was like a ghost town, because I was in rare form. I am SO going to hell.
Even Target was closed, which I discovered when I tried to go get some more nicotine patches. Surprisingly enough, even with the HUGE amount of wine I drank Saturday night, I still managed to stay on the wagon and didn't have so much as a puff off a cigarette. So, yay for me! Nearly 8 days off the cigarettes now (and the last 24 hours without any nicotine at all).
Thursday, April 05, 2007
96 hours and counting
Four days have passed since my last cigarette, and...I don't really miss it. I guess I really was ready to quit this time. My mood swings have calmed down a bit, and I seem to be entering the "stuff your face" portion of the program. Heh.
Period started this morning. Yay, for not being pregnant. Boo, for being on my period.
Period started this morning. Yay, for not being pregnant. Boo, for being on my period.
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