Yael is Swell

I have just stumbled upon this stunning French Israeli singer Yael Naim. She has such a sweet voice and charming little songs... You might recoginize this song from the new Macbook Air adds...

The Puzzle Piece

Today i made some plans for valentines day! Being that it is only 2 weeks away, a girl has to plan accordingly. And being a sucker for all things girly i really enjoy the sweetness of this day. the pink hearts and flowers, chocolates and love... ahhh. This valentines day will be spent with good friends and enjoying the love of friendship.
However there is this sense that you have to have a love interest to having a big romantic night and feel complete. But even if you do have a significant other it doesn't mean that romance is in the cards... sometimes valentines day just stinks! Last year i spent part of valentines day crying... but then again i also spent my birthday crying and come to think of it i spent christmas crying last year too, all because i was upset with my then boyfriend. Maybe that is a good sign that maybe something wasn't working.

Sometimes the best relationships just aren't meant to be. Even with all the love and hope you have, it just may not be enough. My last boyfriend was a good guy, i loved him like mad, but something was always missing... was it him? was it me? yes and no, it was both of us.

I always had this feeling in the back of my mind we were like the puzzle piece that didn't quite fit. You know the one where it looks right, it feels right,you fit it into place, but some how you get the sense that it might not be the right one. I have put together many puzzles with kids and it never fails that the they will find that one piece that looks like it will fit, so they push and push and say over and over, "But I know its the right one for this spot!!!" And no matter how much you try to change their mind, they just want so badly for it to be the right piece. You just want to say, "But its ok if its not the right one for that spot, you'll find the right fit eventually." It's the same thing with a relationship that isn't working. Oh, but you have so much hope that it might someday fit, it has to work, it just does!!! You ignore it, pretend that it is working, but you keep coming back to that one piece. And truthfully it is as if you are too afraid to take it out and see if maybe there is a better fit somewhere else. And deep down in your heart if you are really honest with yourself, no matter what you do, no matter how hard you try, it's just not working. And that can be a painful realization.

I'm glad though i took the risk and tried. I knew when i started dating him that i had to take a chance and see if it was a good fit... it came close, real close... but it just wasn't meant to be, and that is ok too.

It of course doesn't diminish the love I had, it doesn't take away the pain of loss... but would i do it over again... yeah, i would. no regrets.

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded."
— Maya Angelou

30 and Golden!!!

Happy Golden Birthday to the wonderful, beautiful and hottest mommy... MEGAN!

good eats...

At work today, as I am prone to do when there is a lull in library activity (and YES! the media center can be a hub of excitement!) i peruse recipes. I was looking today at the Strib for anything that caught my fancy in their Taste section. I found not one but two recipes that sounded delicious and i had all the ingredients to make both.

Shrimp, Avocado and Goat Cheese Quesadilla's I actually tweaked this recipe a little bit. I used small pita's instead of tortilla's. And the pita's are the ones without the pockets. I also did not use the Monterrey jack cheese, because the goat cheese is flavorful enough. I warmed the pita in a toaster oven... and then i just layered the goat cheese spread and then added the shrimp, avocado and bacon. I also used paprika on the shrimp when I sauteed it.

and BLACK BEAN SOUP WITH CHILI, COCONUT MILK AND LIME

I used parsley with this one instead of cilantro and chicken stock instead of water. I also used my new hand held blender that i found for $5 in the box at a thrift store!!! (not the one pictured, but close) It was so convenient to blend the black beans and make it a little bit smoother. I used a large dollop of fat free sour cream and it was delish!

They both were delicious and warm, perfect for a cold winter's night.

Johan Santana is being traded to the Mets... just wait until I add this to my big sports edition of the blog!!!!

P.S. My favorite Goose not only celebrates her 30th birthday tomorrow, but a golden one at that!!! Happy Birthday Megan!

What I am currently listening to...

Cat Power: Jukebox

Mexican Hash

Tonight seemed like a good night to use up some of the ingredients in my fridge that were days away from going bad. My first thought was to use the shrimp and this divine hot sauce I have. Key Lime Habanero Hot Sauce, whoo wheee, what a kick! I found it at Target and I am convinced that they will discontinue it, so I think I better stock up!

Also in the fridge were some black beans and an avocado. In the freezer i always have frozen cooked rice, perfect for quick cooking. I found this rice also from Target called Lime Cilantro Rice mix and I make the whole thing, use the amount i want and freeze that rest.

So into the skillet I sauteed some garlic in olive oil then I add the beans, rice, avocado, shrimp some salsa and the habanero sauce. Then drizzled some lime juice on it and add a bit of salt, pepper, oregano, paprika and red pepper flakes. The great thing about cooking and using recipes is that you can substitute. Let's say you don't like avocado, add some corn instead. Or maybe beans aren't your thing, just use some more salsa or maybe add chopped mushrooms for substance. Not a fan of cilantro, use parsley. Chile powder too hot for you, use some paprika. Be creative and have fun! Cooking should never be a headache, if it is, call me!

I loves Chloe Paddington bags!

I understand that it is frivilous and insane to pay $1000+ for a purse... but if someone said I had to pick one designer bag to own I would have to pick the Chloe Paddington bag. I have borderline at times coveted this bag, although i have come to terms that a whole village in some countries could be fed for a year for the price of a Chloe bag.

But it is fun to look.

Funny story: When I was in Jewelry Design school at Minneapolis Tech. College we shared a floor with the fashion design kids. Everyday I would see the fashion boys and girls prance around in their latest creations, it was the equivalent of Jr. High Project Runway, so tre dramatic. The fashion kids always looked amazing while the jewelry kids, such as myself were always in t-shirts and jeans... because seriously, jewelry making is messy! One day i was riding the elevator up to our floor when the one and only fashion diva of the fourth floor fabulous fashion freaks stepped into the elevator. She had on her monster huge sunglasses, party dress, hipster boots and a CHLOE PADDINGTON BAG. Could it be that i was in the same proximity as a CP bag? It was just too good to be true. I felt my heart racing and my palms began to sweat! Oh that bag, the supple leather, the lock, the key, the hardware, the engraved "Chloe"... oh what joy. I could hardly contain myself, so i blurted out, "I love your bag!!!" Fashion Diva barely even acknowledge my lowly existence, she looked down her pointy noes at me and very flatly said "OH."

Whatevs! I wanted to say to her, "Puh-leeeze, if you were really cool you would be taking fashion design at Parsons in NY and not at a community college!! And your bag is probably a fake too!"

But being the bigger person, I just smiled and said, "It is really nice, your bag that is, not your attitude."

No, I'm just kidding. I said, "Your bag is swell, but the ruching on your dress is atrocious!"

Ok fine, I didn't' say that either!

Or did I?

A Breather....

I have been going non stop from Friday after work up until Sunday night. But everything was very laid back and relaxing, it doesn't feel like I had fun to the point of exhaustion this weekend.
After work on Friday I decided to go visit my parents and brother and just hang out. We had a really fun night of making homemade pizzas and playing games. My brother completely dominated in Yahtzee, after getting 2 Yahtzee's we all realized that defeat was eminent! We also played Fact or Crap, which everyone really enjoyed so much so that on Saturday after noon we had to play it again. Saturday was laid back, too. We went out sledding on the four wheeler and then we watched a movie. The highlight was taking a trip to Hutchinson, the "Big Town" near my parents house. We spent hours in Target just walking around and having some laughs. While my mom and I were in the makeup isle my dad was in the valentine card isle, and we heard him laughing so hard and we were 10 isles down! Apparently he found a really good card for my mom. Our final outing was to the Chinese Buffet, which was good, but seriously, after you've been in China, all American Chinese food pales in comparison. Seriously, it just does.
After all that family time I met up with Shannon, Jaime and Cindy for a little night out in H2Otown... Nothing fancy, just the girls having a good time. Sunday I went to church then was invited over for chili at Sarah's house. Sarah and Francisco made some darn good Sante Fe Chile! Ellen and I then went over to visit the beautiful Norelle! What a sweet baby! So content and pretty! Megan and Jake are such good parent's too, they look like old pros!!!
After the baby visit Ellen and I made a stop at Border's books so I could get this book I heard about... The Gaslight Effect, by Robin Stern. You can do your own research on this book, but lets just say I could relate. So spot-on its scary!
Then Ellen and I rented a movie and ate some snacks and then it was time for me to go to bed...
Good long weekend... lots to do, but never overwhelming. Nice.

Time to get LOST!

One week from today, after a long much anticipated 8 month hiatus, the best show on television returns!!! LOST! I know, it has lost many viewers with the long drawn out plots. Everyone cries, But nothing is resolved and nothing is revealed! And what about those darn polar bears? All I know is that this show has me hooked. I can't get enough! It's more than just a group of people stranded on a not so deserted island. It is a show about the human spirit, mixed with redemption and healing. Everyone has a back story, they all tie into one another, and it seems as if they were all brought together on this island for a specific reason. Everyone bears a secret, everyone carries around guilt and shame. However, everyone in their own small way, comes to the point of letting go and finding that freedom, but it might involve pain, it might involve some soul searching, but freedom and healing is there waiting on the other side. Just like real life. You got me sold!
I have a theory for those of you who do watch... I think Kate and Jack were the only ones to get off the island!! I think that is why Jack is so adamant about getting back! I can't wait to see what new twists and turns will happen this season!

MMMM.... Cod

I am one who needs to have some snacks at my desk to keep me going throughout the day. Sometimes I have almonds, or beef jerky or goldfish. Today I was in the protein bar isle at target and i saw these neat looking protein bars called Twisted. Four delicious layers... Pretzel, caramel, peanuts, and nougat, covered in a creamy chocolate coating. 15 grams of protein!! You can't beat that! I love me some protein! You didn't need to "Twist" my arm to buy these bars. As I am sitting at my desk around 2:00 and feeling the need to munch, I pull out my new handy dandy Twisted bar and went to town. I was pleasantly surprised at the taste, I mean it is a protein bar so they do add copious amounts of soy, which is not my favorite but I will eat it. So this is probably one of the better fake candy bars out there. And so I thought, "hmmm i wonder what is in this bad boy?" Well funny that you ask! Ingredient #1: Protein Blend (whey protein, soy protein, milk protein, basically protein on crack) Ingredient #2 Hydrolyzed Fish Gelatin (Cod)!!!!

What the? I am not kidding! They put fish jell-o in their bars! Grody to the Maxxx!!!!

Whatevs...

My last post was deeeep, and I don't want to be in that mode any longer. So I am going to write about Pegasus, the mythological horse that flies. When I was little my mom told me that all white horses would fly around at night, but you could never see them. I believed her too! And not only that, i was convinced that when I left my room all my toys came to life and had a party. I just had this suspicion and I would try to catch one or at least see if they moved even a hair, I never could catch them in action. When the movie Toy Story came out, I almost peed my pants! I wasn't the only one who believed toys came to life!

Nada!

Believe it or not, i have been out of words the past few days... but i have been thinking a lot and processing for me leaves me rather introspective to say the least. So this is really strange, but I don't know what to write about. I do have a sports related blog post in the works, but that is in development phase. So in the mean time, any suggestions on what to write about? I'll write about anything I am so desperate. I think this means I have writers block. Ouch.
Ok, I am back from lunch... and I had a few thoughts, but are they writeable? I don't know. I have been having a series of dreams all about the same person, but different situations. Last night in my dream I asked this person if they would consider running away with me, and they said, NO. But they also said that one of these days I will need to learn that running away will never solve the problems at hand. It is by staying and facing these problems that I will become the best version of myself. What? I mean I get it, I really do, but why the need to have these things brought to light in a dream. Can't i just dream about unicorns and cupcakes? It seems like the most profound moments I've had lately are happening in my dreams. You would think with all the over-thinking I do in a day, that I would have dreams about graph paper. Good Grief!
By the way, I am not really going to run away, but the thought does cross my mind every now and then... I didn't know i was even thinking about it, until I said today, What if I moved to San Antonio? And then I realized, that sub-consciously i HAVE been thinking about going far away. Why though? Life is good, I can't complain... but there are things of the heart that I am learning take a very long time to heal. I guess that is all part of growth, you need the time to heal and learn the lessons you need to learn before completely reaching the point when you are finally whole again. But sometimes running away seems more fun.
Hmmm... looks like I had a few things to say after all.

Adorable!

Congratulations to my friends Megan and Jake on the birth of their daughter, Norelle Renee! She is a beautiful little girl and I am so happy for them. God does answer prayers!

Holy Mole!

Last night I was invited over for Mole (pronounced Mole-ay) at my friend Sarah's. Her friend Francisco was making us and a bunch of other friends, traditional mole from his home land Mexico. The whole meal was delicious, and the mole was outstanding. Francisco said that traditional mole has about 32 ingredients including, chocolate and cinnamon. The base is sweet and you cook it in chicken. WOW! We also had refried beans and rice and this fantastic drink called horchata, which is a sweet rice, almond, cinnamon and sugar drink. Plus we had some fantastic Chilean wine. What a treat! After dinner we all sat around and watched the end of the packers\giants game... too bad packers, whaa whaa. As you can see i am NOT a fan! Sarah and Francisco almost have me convinced to go salsa dancing with them in the future... I don't know though, i might look like a spaz! :) But life is short, and not for sitting. And as Kevin Bacon once said in Footloose, "Let's Dance!"

Earlier in the day I had some mushrooms to use up, so i created this little mushroom and spinach dish... Many people I know are not fans of mushrooms. I wonder if they had them: a.) prepared right or b) some different varieties then basic canned mushrooms... possibly they would enjoy them more. But here is my spin on some button mushrooms:

TDC=Too Darn Cold!

So as mentioned in the previous posting, i had a whole night planned with my girlfriends. Well the fact of the matter is, is that sometimes the weather really does dictate what you can and cannot do. And admittedly, I would've taken driving in the snow last night, then running around in the cold. I can't believe i just said that! Anyway, cousin Kelly was out due to a bad cold :( and Cindy was at a convention, which left Shannon, Jaime and I set for a night on the town. We decided on pizza first at Dulono's which is always delish.... good laughs, Shannon had a blind date, Jaime had a goofy hair stylist lady, so we had lots to chat about. As it was time to leave, and as we opened the door to brave the cold once again. I stopped and said just as we were almost to the car, "How about we skip the museum and the wondrous punch and just go back to my place?" And I think as much as they wanted me to have a fun birthday night out, they were also thinking of my cozy apartment vs. frost bite. Coziness won out to craziness! Which was fine with me... because we had a nice time having snacks and talking into the night. So here is a pic of a night we had last weekend, and this is pretty much the same thing.

Speaking of good friends, I was reading my friend Diana's blog about her good friends, and it made me think about all my good friends. What a blessing it is to have not just one or two but a whole plethora of wonderful and amazingly kind friends. I prayed for good friends, and i think there is a verse that says something about double for your trouble... But I got double double double... God is good like that!

The Patriots are going to the Superbowl! Will Brady make it a 4th win? TBD! Also, watch for a special sports related blog edition of Superfluous that I will be posting soon: Is there a conspiracy against MN top players?

Oh Spring... Where art thou?

I think it's really cold outside today... I don't even want to check, because i think it is in the negatives... as in degrees! So here is a little taste of spring, to make us hopeful for all that is warm, cheery and bright.... Tulips! I saw these at the grocery store the other day and i couldn't resist! At least somewhere in the the world tulips are growing! Probably in Holland, those Dutch got it going on! (Right Diana!)

Tonight, I am going OUT! (so cold! brrrr) with my west side girls, Jaime & Shannon sans Cindy... (isnt that a song, East end boys and West side girls?) My cuz Kelly is going to join us and see how the H2oTown girls roll... The plan is the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Walker Art Center... I am a big fan of Frida, a bit bizarre yes, but colorful and deep also. Then we are hitting up my favorite pizza place Dulono's in my old Mpls neighborhood and then maybe a sip of Wondrous Punch at the Red Dragon... should be WONDROUS! Stay Warm!

Such a Lovely Day...

I must confess, I have never been big on celebrating my birthday. I tend to look at it as a much ado about nothing. But this year, for year 31, this has been the nicest birthday yet. I spent the first half of my day relaxing then meeting with my parents and brother for lunch. It was great to see them and have a good lunch. After that i headed home, because i had a lot to do. I planned a little party at my place. I wanted to have some of my favorite people over and make some yummy food. Everyone was commenting on how i had to make food for my own party... but making food for me is a gift, and I want to share this gift with everyone. So it's no big deal! It makes me happy! The best was the pad thai in individual cups! I must eat pad thai on my birthday! But the food is just an after thought, because it was the people that were there that made it so special! I had a whole home full of the greatest friends a girl could ever ask for! What a blessing! Plus well wishes from friends and family from afar! Which added to the sweetness!
Everyone wore party crowns, which actually went well with Megan, Sarah & Ellen's dresses, since they showed up in Bridesmaid dresses! My cousin Kelly got her hair cut that day, getting the new Katie Holmes cut! I love it!

All in all it was a great day and a fabulous night. What more could a girl ask for!

Twas the Night Before...

Awwwww... this year, the night before my birthday is so much more... relaxed! Turning 30 last year was a pain in my you know what, the worst time, the baddest birthday. I spent the whole time waiting... waiting for what? Waiting on a boy trying to figure out what he really wanted... A girl waiting to grow up... A life waiting to begin... No more waiting! PUKE!

I received a birthday card today from my BFF Rachel, and I loved what she said, "You made it through your 30th year and you had FUN! Even though it was one of the hardest years for you--you didn't squander your time and your energy [she probably meant on silly boys!]-- you lived with purpose and determination!" I love me some Rachel!

Here I am on the eve of 31... more content, more cheerier, more a lot of things. And not putting an ounce of might into waiting. Well, except on God... cause He is the only one worth waiting on! I'm super excited for tomorrow! Lunch with my parents and brother and dinner and laughs with good friends!

31 Here I come!

Girl Put Your Records On!

Sometimes as i sit in my apartment, I often think, something is missing. Like a big question mark is looming above my head, like the Arby's symbol in those commercials, Are you thinking Arby's? But there is no words with my question mark, just a blank question hanging there. For months and months now, I would be in the middle of doing something, and suddenly stop, something is missing! I immediately look for my keys and my cell phone, because I am always losing (or at least i think i feel like I've lost them), but alas they are right there where i left them. What could possibly be missing? In those times I feel like I am stuck in a moment where the answer is at the tip of my tongue, but doesn't quite come to fruition. Then on Sunday, I figured out the mystery. My record player! I have been living a whole year in my place, and my record player has been MIA! Tucked into boxes, saved in storage. How did i get this far without it? I love the sound of records, the crackling of the needle meeting plastic grooves and the deep hallow sound out of an old speaker box. I have a Califone Record Player, probably from the 1950s. I've had other record players over the years, but this one is my baby. And it is portable too, so i can bring it along with me, like break dancers did with boom boxes on their shoulders. So I went into my storage room, climbed over boxes, dug deep and there it was, looking a little dusty and a lot forlorn! And if that wasn't bad enough, my records were looking a little dingy and ready to take a few spins on the turntable. The question has been answered, all is well, now if i could just get that darn Arby's symbol off the top of my head!

Ashley Simpson For Realz

Ashley Simpson is not my favorite singer, but this new song is just too catchy to miss! I love the whole 80's throwback vibe! And Timbaland produced it, and we all know that everything he touches turns to gold!

Ladies DO love country boys!

My latest celebrity crushes:

Trace Adkins!

and

LUKE BRYAN! mmmmm!

The Birthday Care Package Mother-Load!!!!

This morning, I enjoyed a fabulous Valentine's themed brunch at Kyle & Kelly's. Complete with Asparagus Stratta, Heart-Shaped Lemon Poppy seed muffins and some laughs from their nephews, Drew & Ben. (Do you know that they call their school mascot not the Mustangs but the Buttstains? That was sooo funny!!) After brunch, I helped Kyle haul dry wall into his house. I don't think he actually thought I had it in me to lift and carry dry wall, but alas I am one bad mamma-jamma when it comes to lifting things! Then Kyle changed my oil on the Legacy. Awesome & Appreciated!

I headed home and what did my wondering eyes appear, an awesome care package that brought me lots of cheer!!! My Aunt Lori sent me the most fabulous birthday care package ever! Complete with all the things i love! Heart shaped muffin molds, valentine cookie cutters, assorted sprinkles and icing, soap, and candles! Basically, a girly-girl like moi's dream package!! I am so thankful and happy for this sweet birthday surprise!! Thank you Auntie Lori!! You are awesome!! Check out the fantastic stickers and greeting on the outside of the package, now this is how you do it up right people!!!

St. Paul's Finest

Last night Ellen and i went to the heart of downtown St. Paul, which is about 1 mile from my home. I was saying to Ellen, "Downtown St. Paul is smaller and closer to me then Downtown Minneapolis, but I know my way around MPLS way better." I do know my way around DT St. P, but somehow i always get confused! Maybe Jesse Ventura was on to something when he said the roads in St. Paul were all made by drunk Irish men! Remember when he said that? So Ellen and I went and ate at my most favorite place, Babani's Kurdish Restaurant.

My roommate Holly Wood and I fell in love with this place about 7 years ago, and we can't stop raving about it. Babani's claims to be the first authentic Kurdish restaurant in America.... I believe it, how many conversations do you hear that go something like this, "Honey, how about we go eat some Kurdish food tonight!" Kurdish people are an ethnic group found in the middle east, over the years have gone through some very serious trials of anti-Kurdish ethnic cleansing. Very sad! Babani's, is a wonderful, delicious place to eat. I love the warm bread with feta, olives, cucumbers and tomatoes. The Dowjic lemon-yogurt soup, and any of the entrees are amazing!
It is the quaintest hole-in-the-wall restaurant you could ever stumble upon. I could eat there everyday!

After that, I took Ellen to another SP establishment that she had never been to, Candyland! "Isn't that a children's bored game?" she asks. Well it is, but it is also a yummmy meow candy store. They have bulk candy, chocolates and flavored popcorn! It was a great night of the local hot spots.


Here is my list of top things to do in Down Town St. Paul:

1.Sitting in the St. Paul Cathedral

2.Slice of Pizza At Cosetta's

3. A movie at the Science Museum's Omnitheatre theatre

4. Wild Game at the Xcel Energy Center

5. Musical at the Ordway

6. A walk around Rice Park

7. Dinner at Babani's

8. Treats at Candyland

9. B-3 Organ Night at the Artist's Quarters

10 Late night fries at Mickey's Diner

Sawatdee, my favorite Thai place is back in DT St. Paul!!! Hurray!

RICEing and Knitting

I am home from work today. Why you ask? The Flu? No! Allergic to the Library? I Wish! Mental Breakdown? Possibly. Truthfully, last night as I was doing my exercise thing, I think i jacked-up my knee. I didn't know until the middle of the night, when I woke up in pain. This morning I could barely walk on it and sitting down was painful. SO I popped some acetaminophen and promptly RICEd my knee... Except I can never remember what the "C" stands for? Compress? All I know is Rest, Ice and Elevate. I am feeling a lot better, not 100%, but Lord help me if it something more serious! So I am on couch rest, so i decided to knit some mittens. Which it has been about 4 years since I've made mittens, so i was a little shaky getting started... but I am trying my best.I can knit lots of things... although i have yet to knit a sweater, which will be my final gift to the world. I knit hats, scarves and mittens. Don't ask me about baby blankets. They are my arch nemesis. I have made 2 baby blankets and i have yet to finish either of them. One child is already 2 and the other is turning 1 in a few weeks. (Seth baby don't give up on me yet!) See, I like quick quick results knitting. Blankets take time and I am too distractable! Well, I took a mitten knitting class at Depth of Field in Minneapolis about 5 years ago. The teacher was great and helpful, especially when you are using double point knitting needles. The best way (in my opinion) to knit mittens is to use the double pointed needles and 4 of them at once! It sounds complicated, but once you get started it is a breeze. I swear!

I have been Susie Homemaker the past few nights, as I also finished the final touches on my pillows. I'm just trying to be more creative this year and less of a tv watcher... we'll see how that goes.

Giving Food a Complex

I frequently read Andrew Zimmern's blog on MSP MAG's website. He is a local chef\food critic\blogger here in the Twin Cities. You might have seen him on Leno or The Today Show. If you watch the Travel Channel, you would have seen him on his tv show called, Bizarre Foods.
Anyway, today on his blog he has a link to the hottest foods nominated by chef's through the National Restaurant Association. Anyway they do an annual "What's Hot What's Not" chef's survey. I know that these are food items that chef's are using to serve to the growing palete's of Americans, but it made me think about how the food feel about all of this. So right now if you are a pomegranate you are top dog if you are let say a lowly orange you're nada! Or let's say you are the new uber-trendy edamame, you're feeling pretty swell coming in at #7 on the veggie list, but what about good ol' brocoli? How does that make him feel? Or imagine if last year you were at the top of your game and this year, due to food snobs everywhere, you didn't even make the list! You ask what is the hottest food right now, Bite-sized desserts! Hello petit-fours! However, are you giving grandma's homemade apple pie a complex??? Pie did make the list, albeit at a loser 185 on the list. What was their last pick, the one that barely made the list: Soda\Carbonated beverages. Hello people, it's all about flavored water! DUH!

No shopping for a year?

After sitting down and looking at what i spent last year... i found that i spend so frivolously at times. And yet, I don't think anything of it, because it is just a lipgloss here, or a funky pair of socks there. What is $3 in the grand scheme of things? Actually it adds up to a lot! I try not to think that I buy into the whole consumerism thing, but I really do in little ways. Yes, I am good at shopping the clearance sections of Target, and I try to never spend full price on clothes and misc... it really is those darn little things that i purchase in a moment of weakness. So I was thinking about stopping and maybe taking a break from it. Ok, so stop freaking out, you will all get your stinkin' birthday presents! But I mean shopping for myself. However, shopping for others, making homemade items, freebies and bargains are all on the OK list.
Funny thing, on the front page of the Star Tribune there was an article all about No Shopping for a year, or really, not buying anything new for a year. People have made a pact not to buy one new thing this year, except for food, underwear, personal products and misc household supplies. They can still buy things, but not brand spankin' new. Sounds good to me! But even then, for me it's not about buying new, i mostly shop sales anyway, but it all goes back to those $3 mini purchases that add up for goodness sakes! Oh and this also includes fast food for me. I find that on most days, its quick and fast to get a cup of chili at Wendy's than it is to pack my own lunch. Or maybe just a burger at burger king once in awhile. What is $2.00 here and there? What is a subway sandwich or some chipoltle when i'm lazy... well it's a lot of money over a year! Yes, I went through my itemized bank statement just to see how much I spent last year on take-out.. and it added up well into the hundreds! It really does add up, and I had no idea until now. So this year will be fast-food take out free! The exception is eating out with friends, that is ok. But lattes and bagels and double decker taco's are off limits! I think this will also make a dent in my debt reduction and my waist line!
Well ok, I forgot one thing. When St. Patrick's day rolls around, I be slurping my Shamrock Shake at McDon's... That I will not say NO to!

Babies 'R Us!

I have been immensely enjoying these last few days before i go back to work. Yesterday was a very leisurely day of doing not much of anything. Last night i went over to Ellen & Sarah's place for a game night party. It was a good group of people, many of whom I just met this past year. Which is pretty fun, considering this time last year I knew none of the people at the party. I am really big on remembering where i was at a certain point in the past. Some people say I might live a little too much in the past. But really, It is a good way to see where you were and mirror it to where you are now. Sometimes I am in the same place, many times I find myself different. I admit, I am nostalgic, remembering dates and places and moments. Maybe I'm just a really big "moments" person more than anything. I try not to live in the past, but I like to keep the good memories and learn and grow from the bad ones.

Anyway, last night we played Apples to Apples and then we played Fact or Crap. Both are not very competitive games, but they both make you think. By the end of the night we played 2 Truths and a Lie. Which basically you tell 2 true things about yourself and one made up one and then people guess which one is the lie. Some of my truths and lies were:

1. I have a row of mini-teeth behind my big teeth

2. I was a wrestling cheerleader in High School

3. I have my pilot's licence

Can you guess which one is the lie? :)

Today I met two really swell gals at Nina's on Selby Ave. I really like that place, it is right next door to one of my favorite restaurants, W.A. Frost. (Get the Duck!)

The ladies I am speaking of are Sarah and Megan, again 2 people I did not know a year ago. How fun is that! And now I consider them some of my goodest friends. We chatted for a couple of hours and it was lovely. I am so excited for Megan and the birth of her daughter! She will be soon adopting a baby girl... could be any day! We have been praying for Megan and her hubby Jake for about 7 months now as they began their adoption process, and it is amazing to see God giving good gifts of a baby girl! (I love alliteration!) Anyway, I know that Megan is going to be a wonderful mother and I told her that she would be receiving endless 'Hot dishes' from me! (Casseroles for you non-Minnesotans) But I will make them yummy and not weird, and of course no jell-o dishes either (Kelly has taught me well!)

Actually God is really answering prayers in the baby department. In fact, my friend Jeanelle and her husband are due to have a baby in June and my BFF Rachel got pregnant very easily this time around and is due in July! God does answer prayers, they are all evidence of this! Gotta love them prego momma's and their little buns in the oven. :)

Here is a blast from the past: Me, 5 years ago at the age of 26! I think I looked older at 26 then I do as I am turning 31? What gives? Maybe I am one of those people who ages backwards? Which I guess when I am 60 I will look like a babe, literally! :) My old roommate Holly Wood (and yes that is her given name) took this of me, but I can't remember why? Maybe for something to do with my student I.D. card for travelling through Europe? Anyway, 26 was a good year and a great time in my life, very few worries and a happy heart. For fun I just got done reading my journal for the year I was 26. These were the highlights: I FINALLY finished my bachelor's degree, I travelled throughout Europe, My best friend Rachel got married, I took my first road-trip with Kyle and Kelly, and Kyle actually said more than 2 words to me! I really really liked 2 boys, "B" & "D" and had a fun time chillin' with both of them, even though I was majorly confused it was a blast. I met my future boyfriend "J", and have good memories of meeting him and being friends before any drama happened years later. I liked my job, I loved my house I lived in and my neighborhood. And I had good friends, and the world was my oyster and anything was possible. At least that is the impression my journal gave me. Oh to be 26 again!