Vegetarian (easily Vegan) chili

Book club went well. I think we're in need of a book that we all overwhelmingly love... or perhaps one that we're all drawn to but really hate at the same time. I feel like that could be a super interesting conversation.

I made some spice cake (out of a box) with cream cheese icing (out of cannister.) It was quite good. I also had some cheese and crackers - camembert, goat cheese, and havarti dill. Mind you, I hate goat cheese, but I feel like many of my friends feel somehow deprived of goat cheese with me around, so I thought I would buy some. Even looking at it makes me feel sick. I can't believe that a friend of mine thinks it's weird that I don't like goat cheese or lamb; is that really that weird? I feel like a lot of people think they are horrid along with me. (ok - I have had good lamb once and ok lamb once... but never good goat cheese.)

The best food of the evening, however, was the vegetarian chili. Rob's ex had us over before and made some veggie chili that I'd never forgotten. She didn't send us the recipe when Rob asked for it (two days ago), so I figured why not look it up and make my own. I am very happy that I did. It was very yummy... and somehow I kept feeling that it was sour, though there was no lemon or anything in it. Nobody else did, but it wasn't a problem for me as sour is my favorite taste of all time.

I have to plan a date to try making the Persian walnut and pomegranate stew. Very yummy, and so different from anything in any cuisine I've ever tried, that I think it will be fun to make and have everyone try. I feel like you're going to have an opinion about that dish - you either like it or don't. It's probably one of those dishes that I can totally handle people's opinions on... and everyone can hate it. It will be very different to the American palate, which is what makes it so interesting to me.

Ok, I really need to pack for leaving for PR tomorrow. I hope the weather improves some... I hope I get my bathing suit in time! Have to pick it up from UPS tomorrow. I may have to get up early and pack... I hate that I procrastinate and yet I can't get away from it...................

Silence...

I've never been on non-speaking terms with a friend before. I feel like I've been swallowed up in some strange time loop, back into high school or middle school even. I missed out on this experience when younger, and I must say that I am very happy about that.

It's strange when others begin to notice that you are no longer speaking to someone, especially when the person is a colleague. How does one explain? Fortunately, I've chosen the not going to explain route at work... but word gets around, especially in the small world of EF.

At this point, I'm not sure that we'll ever be friends again. I can definitely say that I won't make the first move to change anything, but I will be receptive to a move on her part to remedy the situation. I certainly enjoy some drama in life, but definitely not along these lines. I'm definitely shocked by the path that this friendship has taken, and I have to say that it makes me question our friendship... and even all of my friendships. How could it not?

One thing I will say is that friends really should not come to me if they want me to just agree with them on a situation. I can do that to a certain capacity, but generally I like to be as honest as possible. How else do you find out where you really stand? I hate it when people just agree with me, because supposedly it will make me feel better or something along those lines. This same attitude extends to shopping... I really hate it when I ask a friend what they think of an outfit I'm trying on, and they say it looks great, when actually they don't really like it. How many times do you have to make a purchase that you regret days or even hours later, because a friend said it was great (to be nice?)

National Geographic

I love National Geographic, and I just got my first one. It makes me so happy to see it sitting on our coffee table. I just had to say that.

It was a good weekend, although it was quite busy. Friday night and Sunday night we stayed with Rob's aunt in Legrangeville, NY, and Saturday night we stayed in the Baltimore area with Rob's other aunt. Needless to say, we did quite a bit of driving this weekend. We got up early this morning and made our way back home, and fortunately made it here in good time. I had to work the late shift, so I didn't get back until late, so I am rather tired. Back to the grind tomorrow at 9...

I went grocery shopping and used the points system for Shaw's where you get 5% off after you spend $100 in a certain period of time. I don't understand why they can't make your life easy, and just keep track of it on your Shaw's card. Instead, you have to collect all these scraps of paper and bring them in once you've totaled 100 points - very annoying.

Another VERY annoying thing that happened at Shaw's was that I had to buy a zucchini... and they only had two in the whole store. in the same package. and one was rotten. yuck. The problem was that I did need 1 medium-sized zucchini and there it was, sitting in that package laughing at me. So I went up the line and pointed this out to the cashier - I want this zucchini, but 1/2 this package is rotten. Do you give discounts? She had to call over a manager who proceeded to let us know that they don't give discounts, and that we should get another one. But you don't have another one, and I'm perfectly happy to pay for the good one by weight. Nope - pre-packaged. can't do that. So the only option offered was for us to take it and pay for both (which I knew I'd have to do!) or for them to THROW IT AWAY!! How does this make sense????? Can't they just take it out of the package and pretend it wasn't and spare the store some of it's losses? and throw away the other half if they have to keep track of the package - I don't care! and the crazy thing is that we told her we'd take it and she just put it in our bag... now did she put it in there knowing it hadn't been rung up and we're supposed to be quiet because of everyone else, or did she not realize that it had not been rung up?? I wasn't going to question it, and I wasn't even sure until we got in the car that it had definitely not been rung up. So all that drama and we got it for free. Not drama really... Rob and I were just totally laughing in the store. This is what happens when you get big corporations - nothing makes sense!!

What did I need the zucchini for? I'm going to attempt Emeril's vegetarian chili. I have some "bam!" and I need reasons to use it up. Book club is tomorrow night, so why not? I chose Drowning Ruth as my book. I can't say that it was my favorite book of all time, but I did enjoy reading it. I solely picked it based on reviews and because it's an Oprah's Book Club book. I've liked everything I've read on her list before, so I figured I'd pick a book using that as my criteria. Why not?

Tomorrow will be a little crazy for me, as I leave for Puerto Rico Wednesday. I feel like there are one million loose ends to tie up. Work is SO crazy these days that I can barely get myself to the point of being functional, let alone organizing my day well. This really is going to have to stop....

Ok, I think I should tidy up a bit. We've had so many guests that it has gotten a little out of control. The place is not dirty, but parts of it are quite messy!

MD crabs!!

I just had Maryland crabs for the first time - wow! So fun, and yummy! We're at Rob's Aunt's house, as we're going to the game tomorrow... Yanks and the Sox are tied - we better win!

North Point Park

So I happen to have one of the best seats in the building... 10th floor, right next to the window, with a great view of the Zakim Bridge, racing duck boats (in the water) and the progress on North Point Park. Today, we looked out the window, and they have put fake little animals on the grass! I can only guess that they are meant to "scare" away birds from eating the seeds for the grass.... They had better not be permanent fixtures!

The park is really beginning to look great. I remember running across mounds of dirt to get to the "dirty water" of the River Charles to watch the Sox parade go by on the duck boats. Now, it really looks like a park - how exciting! I get to have lunches outside in the freezing temperatures, as that is when the park looks to be finished.

Looking forward to a mini-Ladies' night tonight. A few of us are going to Frances' for some wine, cheese, chocolate, fruit, etc. What a yummy dinner!!

~ Nelly

Petroleum-based plastic?!?

I love gum! I go through phases of serious obsession with the stuff, and I am currently in one of those stages of my life. It is disturbing to learn that plastic is used to make many brands. Is this dangerous? We all pretty much have plastic lodged in our bodies... it can't be normal.

I just priced out a cruise for this January... it's a pretty good deal price, and it's something I really want to do at some point. I generally love to go somewhere warm in the winter, particularly in February. I also think it would be a nice break come January, although I have to consider a trip to Toronto as well. Actually, really exciting news on the travel front is that Nagh and I are definitely thinking we'll take Sheeva to Japan next summer. We'll probably book in the next week or so, which I think is crazy. It would be so neat, and the three of us will get a good discount if we go through EF. It would also be great sister-bonding time.

Tonight, I have a bbq with some colleagues from work. Rob had some extra key lime juice from Sunday night, so he made Key Lime Pie (yum!) for me to contribute. I'm also bringing a bag of Tostitos to go with the garlic salsa that our hostess made for tonight. I can't wait to try the salsa! She also said her roommate might make us some seven-layer dip, which is one of my favorite things ever!! Really, anything with avocado makes it quite high on my list....

We had a nice dinner as roommates last night. I had made some Persian food - chicken, rice w/ barberries, and a Persian (Shirazi) salad - and Jess was looking to have a small supplement to her dinner, so she joined us. It was very nice. :)

Work...

I can't say that I am appreciating how busy it has become, especially as it seems it will stay this way through December. It's a hard transition to make... realizing that maybe I should eat through my lunch break, that I don't really have time to take advantage of my unlimited sick days, that I actually said we should come back from Puerto Rico on Sunday night instead of Monday afternoon, and that I really do need to work diligently throughout the day, all day, if I want to achieve what I want to. It sucks. a lot. but it's beginning to grow on me. At least I like everyone on my team, and I have a cool boss. ok, enough whining (for now.) I just had to get it off of my chest.

Really beginning to look forward to going to Camden Yards, especially as everyone says it is SO great. I just hope the beer and the hotdogs are a little cheaper than they are at Fenway!

Time for bed.

Just one more thing to think about...

Food Miles - how depressing. I wish doing whatever you want, whenever you want didn't make you selfish. I hate feeling guilty every time I eat non-free range chicken, for example. This article just gave me one more thing to think about. What a guilt ridden society we've become!

oh my!

I just saw something crazy on the Discovery channel... this yacht has stools made using whale's foreskins - yikes!

I'm an idiot...

Ok... I don't even want to explain all of what happened, so make up a good story for yourself explaining why I'm an idiot this morning. This entry and the next one are the clues you have to work with. Please do not post reasons why you think I am an idiot.

Monday...

Man... I had a great blog going and totally deleted it all by accident. How annoying. This is what happens when you're half asleep.

Basically the blog was saying:
- Nice to be guest free...
- Tired of guests/travel - almost done
- Surprisingly looking forward to winter, except for dreading high heating bill and how ridiculously cold it gets on 3rd floor. Must buy a space heater.
- Had brunch at Sabur yesterday. Yummy - and outdoor patio seating!
- Great/funny review of Sound Bites where Rob didn't feel like going yesterday (crazy, I know)

Now to continue on to the parts I never wrote...

Has anyone tried the wing place across the street from Sound Bites? The one they bought... we have the menu. I feel like if Sound Bites bought a place, it means they just might have amazing wings. I'll have to check it out. I love buffalo wings - an unhealthy addiction, I know.

Happily, we have a lot of left over food from having guests over. I made dinner last night (Persian eggplant stew, which came out really well. Rob estimated it one of my top 3 attempts - yay!) Rob made a South Indian fish curry on Saturday night, which came out great too! Plus, his friend Jeremy was over who made some of his red lentil dhal, so we have that too! (Definitely froze a lot of this, as it really came out to a lot of food. We're set definitely set for nights when we don't feel like cooking!)

Interesting thing about guests from this weekend... one of them was Rob's ex-gf from high school (of 3 years.) I've actually never met her before, but she was really cool. It was hardly ever awkward, and we had a great weekend. She lives in D.C. but as we may be there in November, I might actually see her again sometime soon. I actually have to go to D.C. during the week sometime soon, so I can go to the Iranian interests section of Pakistan's Embassy.

Ok... I'm finally waking up. I think I woke up at a very bad time in my sleep schedule, as I felt particularly groggy this morning.

Monday...

What a day... have to gear up for another week of work fun! ick.

At least we are finally guest free. It's been a little crazy lately. We've been through a major cycle of vacations and guests staying with us, and finally I feel like I can relax a little. Well, not really... this weekend we're going to Baltimore for a baseball game and the weekend after I'm going to Puerto Rico for work. Ok, so life doesn't sound that hard... but part of me just really wants to clean our place and stay home and watch movies and do nothing. Of course, by the time I'm back from Puerto Rico, it will be October and winter will be just around the corner, where much of my time is spent doing a lot of those things. Actually, I'm kind of looking forward to that... if I weren't dreading the heating bill and how cold the 3rd floor here is, I'd definitely be looking forward to it (a little!)

Unfortunately, we ran into a friend's former roommate in front of Johnnie D's yesterday. Didn't realize it was her for a bit, and now she plans on getting my e-mail from the former roommate. Not really looking forward to this possibility. I'm always inclined to be inclusive, so now she is semi-invited to our Halloween party... however, she said she had another party to go to and decorate for that night - maybe we'll luck out? I feel so mean writing all this....

About breakfast, Johnnie D's was PACKED! 20+ minute wait... so instead we went to Sabur in Teele and had such a yummy breakfast, while sitting at their outside patio area. Really, I enjoyed that brunch so much more than if we had gone to Johnnie's. I'm not a huge fan of Johnnie D's breakfast to be honest. For some strange reason, Rob wasn't feeling Sound Bites and I wasn't feeling Rosie's, so that's how we chose Johnnie's. At least it usually has a live jazz band playing during brunch.

What's Going On?

I feel like there should be more in the news about this.

Sushi and Saturday Work

So Rob has a couple of friends in town for the weekend, one which was quite a surprise for the both of us. His ex (of three years from high school!) is one of them. She flew in from D.C. last night... she's actually super cool, and I've enjoyed hanging out with her.

Paul (other friend) made sushi for dinner last night. He really didn't want to buy the fish from Porter Exchange (expensive), but I said it's the only one I would eat. They wanted to buy grocery store fish, but the woman there was very adamant about us not eating it as sushi... so we went back to Porter Exchange and bought the "sushi-grade" fish. It ended up being a very good dinner. We had wasabi peas and edamame as well. Yum!

Then we went to a party, after having already had a lot to drink. It was at Dudley (grad house), so it was kind of a wacky crowd. Free booze and a pretty good DJ. It was a fun night... we ended it with hot dogs. Always a bright idea at 2 in the morning!

But now I'm at work... only a few hours. It is Saturday after all. :)

Ma(i)zes

I just found the neatest thing - corn mazes!! So cool! I am already trying to organize an event to go. They also have apple picking at this farm, and the woman who works there said the maze theme this year is Chicken Little. October 8th - who's in??? I came across this concept in a CNN article that I can't link to for some reason. Anybody have any ideas why I am having this problem?

Anyway, it's a great idea if you ask me! It makes me think that I really should start my own business. Follow my family's entrepreneurial genes...

So I just learned that my manager is sensitive to grammar mistakes, and so is Kathy who sits next to me and is on my team. Good to know. It makes me happy. (I showed Kathy the corn maze website, and I guess she found an error in it somewhere, which is how this convo started.)

Pet (Grammar) Peeves:
Manager = "in regard to" not "in regards to"
Kathy and I both = "that prepositional problem" as she called it - I and me. She's picky about spelling as well, which I guess bothers me too.

Also just learned that Kathy likes pen caps to be on the pen when you are done with them. She hates pens just lying around... fortunately, that is something I am not sensitive too. I think that would drive me crazy!

What a great Friday afternoon conversation! Seriously though - TGIF. I think I'll work for a few hours tomorrow though... ick! :(

(Hmmm... I just noticed that this blogger site takes double spaces after periods and makes them one - interesting.)

Guitars, Chimichangas, and White Asparagus

I just bought my guitar! Rob's friend is playing it to demonstrate and my beautiful guitar sounds so nice! I am very happy with my purchase. I'm going to have to get an electronic tuner and a book to teach myself. Can't wait to start playing around campfires! (oh... apparently I also need a humidifier for the winter.)

On to the chimichangas - SO good! We went to Christopher's in Porter Sq... I always forget they have so much organic/natural stuff. It's nice. and on top of that they have the best chimichangas EVER! I'm not joking. really really good. I was at Christopher's last night too, but we went again tonight because of the beer selection. Rob's friend (Paul) is checking out varieties of beers, because there are some niche beers that he likes that they don't have in his home country (Sweden.)

White asparagus... so Paul made some fish stew for dinner. I worked late and ended up having my dinner at Christopher's, so I haven't actually tried this fish soup. He put lime and white asparagus in the soup... So, I had asparagus at Tapeo, and I really liked it. So I bought some a few days after that experience (Cinco de Mayo we went to Tapeo), and I made it for me and Rob and it was HORRIBLE. I forced my way through eating it, and the two of us barely spoke to each other throughout the duration of that meal. Rob refused to eat any asparagus for awhile after that... and then tonight there is white asparagus in our stew. and what do we learn??? That you have to peel white asparagus before eating it - OOPS! haha... now perhaps we can make it again for ourselves some day, now that the secret has been revealed to us. still very funny to think about.

Does my writing all this stuff in my blog make it such that I lose conversations to have with friends? People who are aware of my blog can't be told this story later on. It will be old news... hmmm...

Cheap vs. Generous

Sometimes I think I am the strangest combination of cheap vs. generous... if I can save money somehow and I know it, I will do it. But when it comes to tips, spending money on friends, etc. the cheapness goes out the window. It goes beyond that... I get very annoyed by cheapness (esp. with tipping!), but I also get annoyed when Rob ALWAYS buys a bottle of water at a very high cost. Why do I care?!? But I can't help it... I care.

I am an odd combination of "A penny saved is a penny earned" and "somebody give me a good quote to sum up my other half."

Great Creme Brulee

Just came back from dinner with some of my high school girlfriends. We went to Christopher's, where I had their tortellini special. I love tortellini, and this was great! Then we went to the Rustic Kitchen and had their creme brulee. I only discovered this about two weeks ago, but I LOVE it. Rob and I went two nights in a row the first time we had it! It's got a chocolate base (kind of like a chocolate pudding) and then regular creme brulee on top. The burnt surgar is not so burnt that it is too bitter for me. I'm not a bitter fan - definitely my least favorite taste. Now I'm too full...

ok, was going to look up something about the creme brulee and got this instead. Maybe I should try this other dessert next time I go???

"Toy" Party

Just finished the "toy" party which I hosted for my roommate. Went really well, so now I have to decide what to order! I'm now stuck with the cleaning. Somebody brought me really pretty flowers to have and enjoy. I love flowers... I hate thinking of them being cut/picked, but I love them! I had fun. I think it went well, and everyone thought my roomie did a great job... little did they know it was totally her first "real" time!

Blog Issues

Not sure what happened, but my page was seriously messed up. I tried using another template (and lost all my links) and it was still messed up... so I wrote support. I came back an hour later and it was fixed, and not because support did anything. I had to redo my links, but I like this new template better anyhow. :)

Three posts for the day... they say 3rd times the charm! Don't ask me who "they" is.

About to watch "Googoosh: Iran's Daughter." Hopefully, it will be good.

Interesting

A friend just asked me if he should raise his cats vegetarian... not sure how I feel about it, but I did find an interesting debate on it. Sheitoon and I are both very happy with Iams. :)
http://www.tgr.com/weblog/archives/000085.html

Cuba/Japan

This makes me so mad!!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9311876/

On a more positive note, Nagh and I are thinking we'll take Sheeva to Japan next summer. It will be her 16th birthday gift. She is really into anime, wants to learn Japanese, and is growing more and more interested in the culture. I'm also thinking of getting her an anime companion book that explains details about Japanese culture that you see in anime.
http://www.koyagi.com/ACPages/ACmain.html

Good Weekend

It was a nice weekend... camping was great. We went to Rockport yesterday and went sea kayaking. There were some really big (and kind of scary) waves at one point, which made it really fun! The only annoying part is that the area between my thumbs and pointer finger are a bit sore... that should go away soon though. :) We also had lobster in Rockport, which was very yummy! Of course, we also bought fudge.

The campsite was pretty nice.
- 1 1/2 miles away from Wingaersheek Beach, which is my favorite beach in the area! Anna, Rob, and I went for an hour today. Rob went in the water (brrr!), while Anna and I just lay on the beach and read for an hour. No paying for parking at this time of year.
- nice wooded sites. very large sites, and nobody around really!
- you can have alcohol at the sites!!

I want to go camping for a night there next year, so that we go to Wingaersheek the next morning and then come home. The parking fee is only $10 if you are staying at the campsite, which is not bad at all. It's not the money that makes me think this... it's just that I think it would be a really nice weekend. Maybe do a "hike" nearby as well.

Story from this morning - we had a mini accident while camping. One of the cars lost battery power, so it needed a jump. Two of the boys were pushing back the truck, with someone who didn't drive standard in the driver's seat to steer. (Can you see where this is going?) Well... there was a bit of a slope, and then there was some yelling of "hit the brake!" which got confused with the clutch... what stopped the truck in the end? a poor picnic table. What a mess! Car bumper was damaged and the tailgate had a little dent. The picnic table lost two legs... but it could have been much worse. There was a steeper slope just behind and only huge boulders to stop the car... at least the car owner was very reasonable about it, so it wasn't horrid. and the campsite didn't charge us for the picnic table; they figured they could fix it - phew!

One thing that was sad from this camping experience was that I made burgers... and someone brought "firewood" which turned out to be parts of some guy's house that he picked up along the road! Covered in paint! which exploded into my burgers. :( and then the person in charge of the burger buns thought someone else was bringing them due to some confusion. So we ate burgers with crunchy, blackened paint chips in hot dog buns... and no one brought plain mustard or ketchup and many had already eaten, so they threw most of the patties away when I wasn't looking (before they were cooked, so no paint chips in them!) Ok... it was more than sad; it was very sad. they were such good burgers too!!! (I have to say that it was a very bad idea to use parts of a house for firewood! Not the safest plan, if you ask me.)

We came back earlier today and went to a friend's surprise b-day party. There was food from Red Bones!

Ok, we're going to watch Saved! now. I hope it's funny! (I love Netflix!)

Last comment (news is on) - I'm not sure that it is all that fair to compare Mayor Nagin to Mayor Giuliani. One had the infrastructure of his city to rely on to help people and one really did not! I can't think about this... I'm supposed to be watching a funny movie momentarily....

Links

Finally figured out how to get the links up there. Unfortunately, I didn't pick a style that already had the links easily set up for adding. With some help from Rob, I got them all up and running. I can't believe how much of that CS class I took in college I've forgotten. I've definitely barely used any of that info again, seeing as I hated the class so much. It is satisfying to see changes here though...

Now I have to figure out what links I really want on my page. :)

Camping :)

It should be a fun weekend. We're going camping with all my high school friends. It's been awhile, since we've all just been able to hang out with no other demands calling our attention. We're not going too far - only Gloucester in Cape Ann. One of us is pregnant, and another is not a very serious camper at all. This works out for everyone... we can do some nice walks, go to Rockport for some lobster on Sunday, and generally just hang out. Should be lots of fun.

It's also a good friend's b-day this Sunday. She'll be 29, and actually she's pregnant too. It's a surprise party for her, but unfortunately we're going to have to go a little late as it starts at 2:30. I don't think we'll be back until 4, but fortunately we'll be driving back with Anna who lives around the corner. Hopefully, she'll join us for the festivities as well.

Rob has a friend visiting from Sweden, who has actually managed to invite Rob's high school ex-gf to come up two weekends from now. Can't tell you how I excited I am... and to think that the weekend after that we get to go to Baltimore for a Sox-Orioles game (very exciting - never been to Camden Yards!) with Rob's college ex-gf.

I'm definitely going to Puerto Rico in three weekends for work. Should be fun, and pretty productive as well... if the planning doesn't kill me first. I can't believe how crazy busy work has been for me lately. They certainly gave me a challenging position like I wanted, but I'm not sure this is the kind of challenging I was talking about. I didn't just want something that would be challenging because it was very time consuming and requiring a huge amount of organizational skills... at least, I am "managing" two people now. Of course, the company has only made me an unofficial manager. How do you become an unofficial manager? How do you tell two people that I am basically their manager, and never change my title at all?

I wish I could win the lottery - I just have to remember that I need to buy a ticket first.

I should pack for this weekend, but as usual I'll procrastinate to the last minute... which means tomorrow morning before I leave for work. We'll go straight from work there to set up camp and get the burgers going.... mmmmm... haven't had a campsite burger in a year. How is that possible????

I'm so tired. Fortunately, it's not too early to go to bed!!

Red Sox

What an exciting name... until you realize that you're not going any more, because Rob has a friend visiting from out of the country. Someone who said they don't even watch Sweden's ice hockey games (or something along those lines.) Can you guess where visitor is from?

At least I have a (1/2) bookclub to spare me. A close friend is hosting a semi-bookclub for the new Harry Potter book. I really enjoyed it. Rob found it a little boring, but he felt that way about all of them. I suspect he is not as great a fan as I would like (of all my friends!) ;p

I'm waiting on my ride. She is running a little late. Definitely not complaining, as it is a MUCH better option than the commuter rail.

At least Swedish made dinner. He thinks he's the most amazing food connoisser (sp?) and the best chef ever on top of it... I admit that the steak with the pepper sauce was good, but it was not the best steak I've ever had. The only thing I would copy is the pepper sauce (red wine, sour cream, onions, and black pepper kernels - yum! so bad for you though...) we also had some "gourmet" potatoes - that's what the grocery store called them, and 2-3 cups of french-cut green beans. Now... I prefer french-cut green beans because I don't like green beans. it reduces the taste somehow - but 2-3 cups? goodness gracious! That's a lot for me! or anybody for that matter!

We did have a tomato that someone brought to our bbq yesterday. Not just any tomato - but one from their community garden. I have decided that I must participate in this program. I'm sick of all the pesticide ridden stuff we get... it worries me sometimes. Ok, the main reason I really like the program is that it tastes SO much better!

I suspect the honking horn I just heard is my ride... definitely don't want to keep her waiting!

Pigalle!

Very excited about dinner tonight... last Restaurant Week event. I'm going with Rob and a friend of his visiting us. I just looked at the menu again - still looks amazing. I don't know what I want... thankfully there are other options from the chicken, salmon or steak that most restaurants have.

This friend has always had some, uh, interesting opinions... but in the last year, he has gone semi-crazy. Mysoginistic (sp?), sex-crazed (in a SCARY way!), and perfect for driving me up (and over) a wall. Not the time to explain.

Anyway... I should get ready for dinner. I want to dress nice and make a fun evening of it. :)

Yay

Figured out where to change the date and put it to Eastern Time Standard - woo-hoo! I also found where I can change the name of my blog. I just have to come up with something... maybe I'll just keep it the same. I don't know.

I balanced my checkbook this morning... took care of bills. First time in a year though that my checkbook has been off. Not sure how that happened, but online banking really helps fix all that. You don't really need to balance any more, but I think it's still a good idea. (I just hate that it goes off - I feel like it's such a failure on my part!)

I love casual Fridays. I feel like I work so much better in jeans, when I am comfortable. I know some people say that they work better in nicer cloths and my response to that is... you're crazy!

Yummy Dinner!

Just got back from dinner with friends... it was yummy. A double date, something Rob and I don't really do.

Rob is throwing a fit - not an uncommon experience. We're watching the news on Hurricane Katrinna. It's scary. I feel terrible for everyone there, and I can't imagine ever being in that situation. Who the heck are these snipers? It is SO scary. I don't understand the pandemonium... yes, I do. I read Lord of the Flies. Back to the fit - he just can't handle the news coming through. I don't want to share my thoughts on this whole situation...

So back to dinner... we went to Torch in Beacon Hill. It was good. Our waiter was spooky. His mannerism made me very uncomfortable. The food was quite good though... not amazing, but I can see myself possibly going back someday - maybe.

oh my gosh... watching this New Orleans stuff is craziness. The heat is madness, the dirtiness... how can people be dying in the Superdome which was supposed to be safe?!? how crazy.......

September Already!

Well... two things just happened. One, Rob got back from his bike ride, and I tried to rush and hide the blog, but it's been discovered. oh well... it's only Rob and he won't tell anyone, I'm sure. I had to tell him - he thought I was doing something nefarious when I hid the laptop in my arms and wouldn't let him see.

nefarious - did I use the word properly? it's what came to mind first, so I'm sticking with it!

The next thing... I noticed that I now have "September archives" for blogs. This means that it is September already. time flies... it also means that I have to remember to give the rent check I wrote last night to the land lord downstairs.

I also just noticed that the time is WAY off. It was definitely not 6 a.m. for either of these posts. I fixed it for the one below. I guess blogging requires more paying attention than I though! I just figured it would always be correct...

Must I really name all my posts?

I do not think of myself as a particularly creative person. Having to name these posts is mildly annoying. I can't figure out how to change the name of this blog even, but I guess it does express my thoughts about starting this blog... if only I could take that feeling and address it to some other situations in my life - mainly my job.

They asked at work yesterday how we describe our job... I always say I work with teachers who take their students abroad. I help keep them organized, and I motivate them to keep working/recruiting towards their goal - going abroad! (That would keep me quite motivated by itself. I love traveling!) The one thing that really resonates with me is that I can also say that I do something that I have no reason to feel guilty about. I "sell dreams." and I do think working towards sending all American children abroad is something that can change the world in a positive way. I'm sure everyone can think of someone they wished had gone abroad at some point or even gone abroad earlier... and, if you can't, then perhaps you've never been. ;p

Last night I went out for Restaurant Week to Cafe Umbra. It was ok... not amazing. I would not go back for their price.

What is restaurant week? Only one of my favorite weeks in Boston! prix fixe menus for really great prices - 3 course meal. app, main course, dessert. $30.05 for dinner, $20.05 for lunch. and mainly only fairly expensive restaurants take part. Locke Ober and Spire on on my list to go to for next year... tonight I am going to Torch with a friend and her bf and Rob, and Sunday going to Pigalle with Rob and a friend of his visiting from Sweden. Should be FABULOUS.

Actually, it's not restaurant week this week... some restaurants extend the menu for 1-2 weeks afterwards. During actual restaurant week I went to Masa one night and 209 Restaurant another night. Both were very good, and I would return. To go back to Cafe Umbra... nothing was spectacular... although they did have a toffee pudding that was AMAZING. I had to pay $3.50 for ice cream on the side though. They had their whole menu on the list, and they added a supplement to a lot of dishes if you wanted it. I found that a little disappointing... most places only have 3 choices per dish, but there is never a supplement... Pigalle is also doing the supplement thing. I don't know, it rubbed me the wrong way. and then for the food to not blow you away just made it such that I wouldn't go back. well, as one of the girls said last night... if somebody else was paying to take me, yes I would go. not that I would let Rob pay to take me there... much better options than that!

ooh! I discovered the dirty vodka martini last night. This may be my new drink. One of the girls, R, got one... she gets them all the time. I figured I love olives and I like vodka, so maybe it was time to go for a sip. and I loved it. I think I am going to order them every now and then from now on... although, I totally realize that I have to very careful drinking if I do. I have a strangely low tolerance - which is a good thing. It's cheaper... although sometimes it can hurry me towards not feeling that great, which is definitely not a good thing.

can you tell i'm a talkative person? i keep so much out of here... and it's weird. typing and my writing with a pen are kind of similar. when i'm writing with a pen, my style keeps changing from fairly neat to quite messy and so on... when I am typing, I keep going from good grammar to bad grammar. I guess if I know that I am using bad grammar, it isn't such a big deal. perhaps it gives an idea of my thoughts at the moment? I don't know... I'm really just b/s-ing there. I do love grammar though. I really liked it in high school, and it still annoys me to see bad grammar from others. (hypocrite! I know) Actually, the main grammar mistake I really hate is with using "I and me." It's "between you and me" people! not "you and I!" It's "picture of blank and me!" not "of blank and I!"

Ok, now that I've thrown my fit and nobody is ever going to see this, so it won't make a difference... I think I can get on with my day. Time to shower, get dressed, and get to work. 10:30-7. 7:30 reservation at Torch, but I think it's in Beacon Hill, which gives me plenty of time to walk there from work. Plus, then I'll feel less guilty about all this indulging in rich yummy foods... esp. as I have been SO bad about the gym lately. I can't find my gym card. I think it's time to give in and just ask them for a new one... or not feel guilty about using my license to go for awhile. The thing is... I think I really lost it, or probably left it at the gym in the locker (you can only take out the key to lock the freaking thing if your card is in there - totally increases my chances of forgetting the card before I leave... have nearly done it numerous times.)

ok, time to get ready.