Nosh

As it is almost lunch time I am getting rather hungry. And to make matters worse I have been looking at food blogs and now I'm really hungry. There was a posting by this one person:

http://www.travelerslunchbox.com/journal/2006/8/21/calling-all-bloggers-things-to-eat-before-you-die.html

about foods you should try before you die... or at least meals\foods that you love.

I tried to narrow my list down to 5, but I just couldn't do it! So instead I have listed the meals that have left me wanting more... (in no particular order)



1. Paella in Sevilla, Spain

2. Shark n' Bake on Maracas Beach, Trinidad

3. Lacquered Breast of Wild Acres Duck at W.A. Frost & Co. St. Paul, MN

4. Chicken Pad Thai (exxxtra spicy) Sawatdee

5. Jioazi (dumplings) Beijing, China

6. Clam Cakes, Massachusetts

7. Lemon Dowjic Soup & Bread at Babani's Kurdish Restaurant, St. Paul, MN

8. Crepes with Nutella in Paris, France



I know there are a lot more places I love to eat and the great food I have noshed on... but these are the meals that I have enjoyed the mostest! Meow!



On another happy note, today is my last day of work for 1 whole month!!!!!!!

I'm not who I was

I can relate to the lyrics, and I love the transparency of the people in the video.

Hope & Cake

I was thinking about hope & cake this morning. Weird combo right? I don't know why, maybe because I was e-mailing Sarah about something I was thinking about. I was telling her about a verse that I resonate with,
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." ~Proverbs 13:12
Some people don't take the Proverbs of Soloman too literally, but I think there is wisdom and truth in these little sayings. It is hard when something you hope for is deferred, it does make the heart sad. But then again, maybe it's better to wait? Because then one can appreciate the beauty of a longing fulfilled.
It's like trying to make really good cakes. You hope that you will make the best cake each and every time. But when you decorate a cake and you don't have all the techniques down yet, well your cake just looks a little frumpy and it's very disapointing. But the more you learn and the more patient you are, you eventually can make and decorate a half decent cake. You are the same person, but you just persevered and now you have something you didn't have before.
I guess what I am trying to say is, it is hard to wait, it is hard to have your heart be sick from a deferred hope. But then, how much sweeter will it be when your desires are fulfilled!
God is good.

"Hope abides, therefore I abide. Countless frustrations have not cowed me. I am still alive, vibrant with life. The black cloud will disappear, The morning sun will appear once again In all its supernal glory." ~Sir Chinmoy

Known vs Alone

My couz Kyle was telling me about a book he and my couz Kelly are reading called. “Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am?” by John Powell. And there was this quote that he sent me, “But…if I tell you who I am, you may not like who I am, and it’s all that I have.”



So I have been thinking about that. How real are we? Will anyone like me if I am me being me? Isn't that truly one of our biggest fears? Wanting to be liked\loved for who we are, but what if what we are isn't likeable? We want to be completely known, but then again do we?

The band Waterdeep has lyrics that say, "I don’t think I’ve ever wanted as much To be free as I’ve longed to be known. And of the things that I hate As I look at my life, The worst is my being alone.”

Here lies the conundrum: To truly be known by someone else is a scary process... but if we aren't known, is it more scary to be alone?

Ahhhh... Well hopefully I am as real as I can be even if it's scary... because who knows maybe me being real is just what someone else needs.

Deep thoughts for today, I usually try to keep it light... But Rachel (Hi Rach!) told me to write whatever was on my heart... so there ya go! :) Peace.

Nor Got Vaist

Back to Monday. This weekend was busy and eventful... From Friday to Sunday night. Saturday I went to a party at some friends of mine that I haven't seen in a long time. It was nice to see everyone. We played Spin Uno, which I had never played, but it's way more fun than regular Uno. Sunday I went over to my friends Mark & Bonnie's house. They are starting a group called Connecting the Body, where people can come together and fellowship. This was only the second meeting, but already there is a lot of interest. Afterwards Sarah and I went down to Nicollet Pavilion for a French Inspired Gala. It was quite interesting with performers and burlesque dancers! Ooh La La! Sarah and I sat down by the water and had a beautiful view of the sky line. It was a perfect night to be sitting outside and enjoying the summer weather.

The Best!

I have to say that I have the best cousins in the world! A total blessing just arrived at my door... a new AC unit! My cousins decided to buy me a new one and surprise me! And surprised and thankful and happy I was! I had a window AC, but when my ex returned it to me a few months ago, low and behold it didn't work anymore! :( Being that Minnesota can be cruelly hot in the summer... I was not looking forward to sweating my self into oblivion from June to September! Kyle & Kelly are my heroes!!! MEOW to infinity!

Cakes in a Cup

I've spent the last 2 days making cupcakes for different gatherings I would be attending\hosting. Thankfully it wasn't too hot in my kitchen, nor did my oven leak too much gas... (sometimes it's really strong!)

I made 2 different cupcakes, well technically 3...

Mojito Cupcakes and Chocolate Cinnamon Chipotle Cupcakes, some with powdered sugar & Cinnamon on top and some with Raspberry Jelly with Hot peppers...

Hopefully they are enjoyable.

I'm off soon to a party. Some of these people I haven't seen in months... should be interesting and fun all at the same time....

Seperated at Birth

I don't know what it is lately, but my cousin and I have been thinking the same thing at almost the same time! For example, yesterday I am reading a cook book on appetizers. At that same time I get a text message from Kelly saying, "I need some killer appetizer recipes." Strange? Then I tell her that I have something in the mail for her, which was a bumper sticker that I created. Low and behold when I was out with Bonnie last night, Kelly texts me and says "Check your e-mail as soon as you can." So when Bonnie and I got back to her place I checked my e-mail and Kelly had sent me a picture of something she made for me and was coming in the mail. Can you guess what it was??? The very same bumper sticker I had created for her!SHOULD=SHAME=PUKE!

She also made this cute little one about Jell-o and Kitties... She said that she is "afraid to park at church now" Like I said before, church potlucks and Jell-o go hand in hand. And although there is a 9 month seperation between me and Kelly, we really do sometimes share the same brain! You would think we were related, or at least shared the same grandparents!

A quick shout-out to Bonnie, who is my partner in crime! Another great night of laughter and pro-girl power!

Here's one for you Kelly: Tuna Delight Jello

Summer Solstice

Awww Summer is officially here! I love summer so much, it is my favorite season... July is my favorite month of all, and it is right around the corner. Louis Armstrong once sang, "You go to my head with a smile that makes my temperature rise, Like a summer with a thousand Julys." Oh to have a summer with a thousand Julys!! Oh what bliss!
Sadly there was a moment earlier this year when I began to dread the thought of summer. Probably because I was sad to enter it without the one person I always looked forward to doing summer with... but as time has passed and hearts begin to heal, I am very excited for the summer to begin! It doesn't hurt either that I have a job that gives me the entire month of July off... I am looking forward to reading, relaxing, traveling, sunning and swimming, art fairs and good friends... This is going to be the best summer yet!
To celebrate I am making two very unique cupcakes for an upcoming party:
Chocolate Cinnamon Chipotle Cupcakes and Mojito Cupcakes.... Yum! and Meow!

I must mention too, that last night Sarah stopped by and we walked over to John's Pizza. We had calzones and talked for quite awhile. I am beginning to see the deep power and value of friendship and long talks over meals. Being in a place where there is no rush or urgency but just the beauty of conversation. I think Europeans have it figured out, that eating a good meal with loved ones should never be done hastily. So often in American culture we go out to eat to just eat, but not so much to enjoy both food and friendship. I hope to always make time for long lingering meals...

“A man is not an orange. You can't eat the fruit and throw the peel away."
~Arthur Miller

Meat Jello

Sometimes I get a bit bored at work and since I work in a library I have the world at my fingertips, literally. So lately I have really been into reading cookbooks and finding unique recipes. Which is not too strange since I really enjoy cooking and eating delicious foods.

Recently I was paging through a Better Homes & Gardens Gourmet Recipes Made Easy from 1980. Many of the recipes found in this book are very gourmet and yet seem simple enough to make for a dinner for friends. However, I came across a recipe for Chicken Aspic. Now if you don't know what aspic is, it is basically a dish which ingredients are set into a gelatin made from meat stock. So let me put it this way it's like eating meat Jello! Now I am not the biggest Jello fan unless it is simple plain Jello. But growing up in Minnesota, no one ever made basic Jello. At every church potluck on any given Sunday you could find two things: Goulash and Jello with fruit chunks! And my mom always made Jello with cottage cheese & bananas! PUKE! (sorry mom! but true)... So you can imagine my complete disgust when I came across a recipe for chicken aspic. Now this is taking Jello to a whole new level!

Tina & Tina back together again!

Tonight I went out with my sweet friend Michelle (Tina)! We call each other Tina and I don't know where that came from??? Oh Yeah, I remember now, it comes from the llama "Tina" on Napoleon Dynamite! We were so crazy back in our CHOICE days, so many fun memories of working there!

So the "Tinas" met at our favorite restaurant Sawatdee in Uptown. We talked for hours over Pad Thai and a half price bottle of wine. It's amazing all the stuff that has happened in our lives in the past few years, and it was great to chat and reminisce about our crazy times together!

"Don't Panic, I'm not manic!!" Love ya Tina!

Yea for Liz!

A huge shout-out to my friend Liz who just got engaged!!! I can't wait for the wedding!!! I wonder where it is going to be? Palm Springs? San Antonio? Vegas? Italy? Congratulations Liz!!! Chonies Forever!!!!!

Father's Day

I spent Father's Day at my parent's house. It was so hot outside but we made the most of it. We ate yummy shrimp & steak kabobs and had fresh strawberries and ice cream for dessert. My dad got a new kitten and he named it "Precious", although, my mom forbids us to use the Lord of the Rings Gollum voice when we talk to it! We played Yard Golf and Buddy swam in the pool. It was nice to be outside in the country with all the pretty flowers and animals and fresh air.
On a side note, only 2 more weeks until I have the whole month of July off of work! Meow!

Oh and I saw the movie "Waitress" on Saturday with K & K... it is a really cute movie! I would definitely recommend it... though be forewarned that afterwards you will want to go eat some pie or cake or something rich and chocolaty. Which we did, we went to Cafe Latte and had Chocolate Amaretto torte and Lemon Poppy seed cake... However, Kyle was pouty because he couldn't have a tart with berries... poor baby! :) or as they sing in the movie, "Baby don’t be blue, Gonna make for you, Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle. Gonna be a pie from heaven above, Gonna be filled with strawberry love. Baby don’t you cry, Gonna make a pie, all my love for you in the middle of my heart." aaaaawwww!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473308/

Nye's Polonaise

Oh what a night! Well another stellar night in my life! My friend Sarah decided to throw together a night of fun and frivolity at Nye's Polonaise Polka Lounge http://www.nyespolonaise.com/. This place is like something out of a GoodFellas movie. Polish Gangster Style and I absolutely love it there! So Sarah and I went out to eat beforehand at Bon Xai and had delicious Pad Thai. We eventually made our way over to Nye's and had a martini and waited for more friends to show up. Eventually Kyle and Kelly came, then Ellen, Jeanelle & Steve. And then more of Sarah's friends showed up too. Even Bonnie made a late night appearance. Kyle and I ate pickled herring! MEOWRIFIC! And I had 2 delicious Oatmeal Cookie Martinis! MEOWTASTIC!

Nye's also has a polka lounge for dancing and a piano bar. Basically like Karaoke, but with a lady who plays the piano and you sing along. Sarah did some amazing Patsy Cline renditions, Kyle busted out King of the Road and Ring of Fire, and Bonnie and I did a very appropriate song for my life, I WILL SURVIVE!! All in all it was so much fun, great to be around good friends and laughs a plenty!

Ladies Night

On a typical Thursday night, I get together with 2 very awesome women. Tabitha, Bonnie & I hang out and talk about life and relationships and everything in between. Last night we went to Snuffy's Malt Shop because it was just too darn hot to cook in my AC deficient apartment! Great food and great conversation! I love you guys!

A Night at the Airport

Kelly and her Cheddah Weenah!

Last night I received a text message from Kelly... saying she was eating Jalepeno Cheddah Weeenahs from Big Steer.... The next thing I know, Kelly & Kyle show up at my house along with my very own Weeenah.... and we are off. We planned on going to McGoverns for a brewski and to catch the Twins Game. Unfortunetly, Nelly Furtado was playing at the Xcel, so St. Paul was insane. We then cruised on down to another bar in Highland Park... but alas, that place was packed. So against Kyle's wishes and Kelly's assurance she could get us to Champs in 10 minutes, Champs it was. The next thing I know Kyle is busting out his drum solo with his electric drumsticks.... Kelly must have been lost in Kyle's talent on the Snare that she went the wrong way. And low and behold where did we end up: The MSP Airport! We made a quick loop through check-in, a stop in Sacramento, then back on the road. Kelly's joke was... "The National Threat Level is at Orange. Orange ya glad I didn't say Red!" Brilliant!

We eventually did make it to Champs. The Twins swept the Braves. And Silva is a stud in my book!!!!!!

I (heart) the Dewey Decimal System!

I am a librarian. I am not an old-maid. But sometimes I dream of wearing pencil skirts and cardigans and cat eye glasses and kitten heels.

My Favorite Poem

Portrait of a Girl

This is the shape of the leaf, and this of the flower,

And this the pale bole of the tree

Which watches its boughs in a pool of unwavering water

In a land we never shall see.

The thrush on the bough is silent, the dew falls softly,

In the evening is hardly a sound.

And the three beautiful pilgrims who come here together

Touch lightly the dust of the ground,

Touch it with feet that trouble the dust but as wings do,

Come shyly together, are still,

Like dancers who wait, in a pause of the music, for music

The exquisite silence to fill.

This is the thought of the first, and this of the second,

And this the grave thought of the third:

"Linger we thus for a moment, palely expectant,

And silence will end, and the bird"

Sing the pure phrase, sweet phrase, clear phrase in the twilight

To fill the blue bell of the world;

And we, who on music so leaf like have drifted together,

Leaflike apart shall be whirled

Into what but the beauty of silence, silence forever?" . . .. . .

This is the shape of the tree,

And the flower, and the leaf, and the three pale beautiful pilgrims

This is what you are to me.

~Conrad Aiken

BIRTHDAY GIRLS!

Today is the birthday of two of the coolest girls on earth!

Shannon D, and Liz P....



Shannon and I have been friends since Jr. High... we've had lots of insanely fun times including: Stalking her 500 boyfriends, skipping school, listening to Easy-E, and a crazy road trip to Osakis!!! Happy 30th Tweaker! Love Beaner!!!!



Liz and I met when we were teaching in China! Playing Peanuts for hours (including in the middle of Tianamen Square), endless touring and shopping and eating tons of Jiaozi! We also traversed through Spain, Italy and France... eating crepes to our little hearts content! And most recently a fabulous vacation to Palm Springs and Vegas!!! I can't wait to come visit Liz in San Antonio!! Yee Haw!!! Much love LEEZA!!! Love Saaaalinas!
The things you can do on top of the Arc d'Triumph!

One Art

One Art

The art of losing isn't hard to master;
so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.
Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.
Then practice losing farther, losing faster:
places, and names, and where it was you meant
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.
I lost my mother's watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three loved houses went.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.
I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster.
---Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture
I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident
the art of losing's not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.
-- Elizabeth Bishop

Shmaltzy

I just got home from my small group, and can I say that I really love the ladies in my group! We didn't even crack open the Bible tonight, but we sure did laugh! Especially after the fact that Megan is in love with a Freddy Krueger Erotica 1-900#!!!! (j\k Megs!) Well these girls are getting me through some difficult times, and I'm not trying to sound cliche but I am really blessed to have them in my life! Thanks mi padres!!!

Ok, and it is really hot in my apartment now, because my air conditioner does not work! How can that be? The AC is only 2 years old? Do I need to change the filter or something? Why is my face melting off!

Birthday Party Dump Cake

Kelly & her "Dump Cake"


Kyle at 30


Sarah!

Tonight we celebrated my cousin Kyle's birthday. He is now officially 30 in years, but about 12 emotionally! Well we had fun, and Kelly made really great food. Including the Dump Cake recipe that she found. Basically it's just fruit in heavy syrup, pie filling, dry cake mix (sans any oil or eggs) and a stick of butter in pats. I put it together and then Kelly served it over ice cream! MEOW! Very good! PLus we had all the left over wine from the night before (thanks Tabitha!!) and I had about 4 glasses of the something that started with a "V"... My friend Sarah showed up too, so it was great to see her and chat! She's awesome! Or as we realized what we say in Minnesota is soooo Awesome! Oh and as I mentioned Tabitha earlier, funny coincidence but I know 2 sets of couples with similar names: One is Tabitha & Marshall and the other is Tabitha & Martin... Crazy!

Wine Tasting and Pink Granny Panties

Last night I went over to my cousins' house for a wine tasting. We sat and tried whites and reds and we laughed a lot. We chowed on peanut M&M's and Beef Sticks. Though I'm not totally sure if that is what you truly are supposed to eat at a wine tasting, but then again we are not normal people to begin with.

There was also a rather large pair of pink granny panties availble to try on. I promised the person wearing the panties in the picture not reveal his or her identity...

mishpacha

Happy Anniversary to my parents! 33 years of marital bliss! We met at Jake O'Connors in Excelsior and it was magic. I had the corned beef and cabbage! YUM! And we all shared cheesecake with berry compote. I love my family!

Schmutz

"Seeking in all that joy of things remembered; one image, one the dearest, one most bright, one face, one star, one daisy, one delight, one hour with wings most heavenly and swift. One hand the tenderest upon my heart." ~Conrad Aiken

"In masks outrageous and austere, the years go by in single file; But none has merited my fear, and non has quite escaped my smile." ~Elinor Wylie

"With a few flowers in my garden, half a dozen pictures and some books, I live without envy." - Lope de Vega

Bubeleh

The past does come back to haunt you, but in a good way. Recently, I stumbled across a name of an old friend from my past. On a whim I decided to e-mail her and I'm so glad I did. Welcome Monika back into my life! Monika and I worked for 3 summers at YMCA's Camp Christmas Tree, 95, 96, & 97. We had some crazy fun times at camp. Those summers were some of the best summers of my life. I had the greatest friends and the best adventures. Monika is a sweetheart and she is a very talented writer and barista! 10 years later after my last summer at camp we are ready for the fun to begin again! POOF!