The Sour and the Sweet

Sensing Sunday: January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

Just realized that it is Sunday as well. Let's try this again, shall we....

Hearing: The One That Got Away-Katy Perry

Seeing: Some show on the History Channel that the Mr. is watching behind me on his brand new humongous television, a 50 inch plasma. I have to do a double take every time I walk past it because I haven't gotten over the ridiculousness of it yet. Good grief....

Smelling: The self tanner I applied on my legs and arms.

Tasting: The coffee I had this morning....gross. As soon as I am done here I am brushing my teeth.

Feeling: Still a little worn out from being so sick yesterday but much better than I was.

Be the Best

2012-01-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

Here we are again....

It being the new year and resolutions being foremost in mind, I have decided I will not make empty promises about updating this blog. I swear I am starting to sound like a broken record. I am hoping to update more consistently but until the day where I get paid for these little ramblings, I can make no promise to do so on a regular basis.
Ok, now that we have got that out of the way.....

Happy New Year!

I believe this is the first year that I have not thought long and hard about resolutions. Most years I sit down at least a week prior to the new year editing my list to ten things I feel I might be able to tackle. Most years I am able to say that I have accomplished at least one thing on that list. I figure I would just carry over any resolutions I made last year but didn't fulfill and only add one more to the bunch. The one that I want to make this year is a little vague but easy to keep in mind on a daily basis.

This year I want to be the best I can be.

More specifically I want to:

Be the healthiest I can be.
Be the best looking I can be.
Be the best wife that I can be.
Be the best friend that I can be.
Be the best employee I can be.
Be the best Christian I can be.
Be the best daughter I can be.

and if given the chance this year....

Be the best mother I can be.

I started this morning by shaving my legs....already off to a great start.

Here's to the hopefulness of 2012! Can't wait to see what it brings.

Giving Thanks: Day 3

2011-11-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

'Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.'--Hebrews 10:35-36

Day 3:
Today I am thankful for my age.
Funny thing to be thankful for, right? I am 32. I have learned quite a bit in my 32 years on this planet. With this wisdom comes a confidence that I wish I had 10 years ago. I didn't necessarily have awkward teen years (because really those are all a blur) but I could have really used the wisdom in my 20s. I look back on that time and am so glad that I am 32 today and not 22, I even look and feel better physically now than I did then. With some of the idiotic things I did when I was younger (sorry mom, hope you're not reading this and if you are just remember how great I turned out), I am surprised that I can stand here today as an independant, highly functioning adult.
Although I do miss the faster metabolism of my youth...20s you can keep it. I like myself too much now to go back and retrieve it.

Giving Thanks: Day One and Two

2011-11-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.'--1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Life has been busy for me. This has to be pretty obvious because I keep promising to update more often and then don't post for a month or two. Hoping to correct this, I am taking on the '30 Days of Thanks' challenge. The month of November is the perfect time to take this task on so here goes days one and two:

Day One:
I am thankful to get a paycheck.
I know that money isn't everything but in this day and age I feel extremely lucky to have a job to go to 5 days a week. I work hard and put in lots of hours after work but there are so many in this country and in my local community that struggle to get a job and have carried on that struggle for years. Which brings me to day two....

Day Two:
I am thankful that the Mr. has a job.
I haven't talked about it too much (if at all) in the blog but the past few years have definitely been both the sour and the sweet. My husband has always been a very hard worker and has always taken tremendous pride in the work that he did. He worked in construction, with the same company for 11 years. He was awarded 'Apprentice of the Year' right before we met. He worked his way from apprentice to General Foreman in no time at all and was responsible for huge projects. He worked for a company that built schools so when (around the time we were planning our wedding) we heard rumblings that construction was on a downward spiral in our community and that the housing market was imploding, we were worried but thought that we were safe. The Mr. built schools not houses or commercial buildings, schools. There was always going to be a need for schools...or so we thought.
In a years time my husband would be out of a job. The last school that he worked so hard on, a state of the art brand new high school, didn't open on its scheduled date. The city couldn't afford to enroll students into the school so it sat dormant for almost 2 years.
The next few years were a very trying time for us. The Mr. was used to succeeding in a career that he loved to do. That career was no longer an option for him. It came at a time when we were just starting a new chapter in our lives, we were newlyweds.
When something like that happens it starts to feel like that movie 'Groundhog Day'. You wake up everyday without a sense of direction because you are still hesitant to start really planning your future. Everyday is the same and you think it will end soon but then weeks turn into months and months turn into years. It truly tests the bonds of marriage because both of you are struggling to be the people that you promised you would be to each other.
When you get through all of this, and dust from the storm settles, you look over and the one standing next to you is the one that stood next to you on the most important day of your life...you feel absolutely empowered.
The Mr. is working now and working hard. He has found a great job with a long standing company 10 minutes away from home. He is working 60 hours a week and never complains. We are finding our footing again and for that I am thankful.

Sensing Sunday: September 18, 2011

2011-09-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

What I am:

Hearing: Heading up to the hills today, this came on over the radio. Of course I turned it up.

Seeing: Although 'Citizen Kane' is just starting on the television behind me, as soon as I finish this post I am going to watch 'The Company Man'

Smelling: The perfume that I created at the boutique event at my friend's salon. It has hints of vanilla, white tea, persimmon and pink peony. I love it. It makes me feel sassy.

Tasting: A slightly chilled glass of sweet red wine. Or I will be in about five minutes.

Feeling: Finally creative again. As you can see there was quite the lull in posts over the summer but I feel I am getting my groove back. This weekend I baked, crocheted and went on a little adventure. More on that soon....

Sensing Sunday: July 10, 2011

2011-07-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

'Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.' --Mary Schmich

Hearing: After lounging in the pool on Saturday listening to the oldies station, I have had the Beatles in my head all weekend.

Seeing: 'Jerseylicious'. Don't judge, its close to midnight. What else am I supposed to have on in the background at this hour?

Smelling: Pecan and chocolate chip cookies. I have to make sure to get them out of the house as soon as I can. I think I might take the leftovers to work.

Tasting: A glass of organic pink lemonade from Trader Joe's.

Feeling: Accomplished. I walked away from the dreaded social networking for a week and I have finished 2 books ('The Paris Wife', soooo good which led me to 'The Dangerous Summer' where I spent half the week in the summer of 1959 in Spain. As traumatizing as bullfighting is, I have a new appreciation for it.), I got a tan, lost a couple of pounds, made dinner a few times this week, maintained some household chores and got a raise at work. Here's hoping I can continue to keep my superfluous internetting to a minimum.

One Man Show

2011-06-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

This week I look at things with a different set of eyes.
When I was a little girl my cousin had a friend that was our age. My aunt stayed home and would often watch my brother and I while my mom worked. She would sometimes watch my cousin's friend as well. As little girls we would color in coloring books with chipped crayons. The three of us coveted the Barbie coloring book. My cousin and I each had one. When one favorite page was colored, there was always the duplicate in the other book. Of course we played dolls, make-believe, on the swing set and dress up but it is that coloring book that I remember most.
One day at my cousin's, I remember a hushed conversation between the adults.
"I can't believe she's gone, and the kids too..."
I didn't understand it at the time. I didn't understand what death was. I didn't understand how a child could die.
A car accident.
My cousin and I were told that our playmate was gone, and she wasn't coming back. I couldn't understand because she was in my coloring book. The pinks, the greens. the lavender scribbles...all above where she scratched out her name with the apprehensive staccato of a schoolgirl.
Jessica.
Her name was still in my coloring book. I couldn't understand that she wasn't coming back. I kept that coloring book for years and would find it every once in a while as I was growing up. Sometimes I would forget why I still had it but after thumbing through it I would remember. I would feel the same confusion I had as a little girl. No matter how much I had aged, I still couldn't understand. Her name was still in my coloring book.
I feel that way again this week. This week a young mother, who I only casually know but is very close to a good friend of mine, was in a horrible car accident. She had her two year old and her four year old in the car with her. Her two year old, although badly hurt, will grow up in her mother's arms. Her four year now rests in the arms of God. She is in the hospital suffering from major physical injuries. Over time she will heal from these injuries but will be emotionally wrecked for life.
I don't understand it. I have seen people that I love leave this world too early and suddenly without warning. Although painful, over time I could at least try to rationalize it. I could try to understand. A child, I cannot. I can't even let myself try.
One thing I have learned this week, is that I am not a one man show. No one is. I cannot only rely on myself because the way I live my life affects others. There are people that care for me and love me. I care for an love others. Sometimes I take that for granted. It is easy to let 'I love you' wander from the lips. Don't let it wander without direction. Don't say it without thought. Show it to those you love, show it every day. Accept it as well. One never knows what length of the thread of life has been spun for any soul. A person, no matter how much love is given or received, may be gone without warning. Everyday must be treated as a gift, lived to its fullest potential.

Party On

2011-06-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

I love this County Fair themed party

Because I make cakes, I find myself growing obsessive about party planning. I get these wild ideas but have no children yet and no real reason to execute them. Instead they linger and stew around in my head. This little problem becomes worse when I end up blog stalking. I came across the following blogs and am inspired.

My first favorite, Party Perfect.

The Thompson Family

One Charming Party

...and Hostess with the Mostess

Sensing Sunday: June 26, 2011

2011-06-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

My little weekend project....

Hearing: 'Feels Like Home'-Chantal Kreviazuk

Seeing: 'Marley and Me' on the television behind me. I read the book on our honeymoon cruise and made the mistake of reading the last few chapters while lounging on a deck chair in the middle of hundreds of strangers. I ended up trying to hide the sobbing behind a pair of over-sized sunglasses. At least I was among strangers and never had to face those confused people again.

Smelling: The collection of candles I have lit on the mantle.

Tasting: Ice cold water. I feel completely dehydrated this weekend and this water is really the only cure.

Feeling: Kinda sluggish. After the marathon baking session on Friday night/ Saturday morning; weekend yard selling; Saturday afternoon cocktails poolside (that went into the wee hours of Sunday morning), and walking the dogs with dad a handful of hours later, I laid down for what turned into a six hour nap. Now I am awake when I should be winding down for bed. Instead I am up trying not to think of the insane work week in front of me.
Hope everyone had a very happy weekend!

Lazy Saturday Blogging

2011-06-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

This morning (because I didn't have a cake order to fret about) I was able to sit down, relax with a cup of my favorite coffee from the Blue Bottle Coffee Co., and tool around the internet catching up on some of my favorite blogs.
Here's the recap....
From A Cup of Joe

(Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water ala LEGO)

(Sandcastle Popscicle Molds)

(Transparent Kayak)

From Our Best Bites:

(Brown Paper Bag Popcorn)

(Strawberry Sauce)

(Carrot Cake)

...and from Martha Stewart

(DIY Wedding Centerpieces)

(More Centerpieces)

(Book Themed Baby Shower)

The Versatile Blogger

2011-05-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

("You like me! You REALLY like me!"-Sally Fields)

A few days ago I was awarded the Versatile Blogger Award by my dear (real life) friend, Ellen. She also happens to write the AMAZING blog, Life on a Real California Dairy Farm. If you already haven't done so, you should definitely check it out. She writes about her life as a dairy wife and mom. This is something near and dear to me since so many of my friends make their living in the mud and the dirt, at the crack of dawn until way after the sun sets, every day of the year, through rain and 100+ degree days, providing food for (not only myself and my immediate community) but the rest of the world. I am so honored to have received this award and it is a reminder that there are other people out there in Bloggerville that, not only take the time to read my lil ramblings, actually enjoy them enough to call me out. My cup runneth over! Thanks again Ellen.

With this award comes a great responsibility. It is my privilage to pass it on.

The rules that come with this award are to thank the person who gave it to you, link back to their blog, and pass it along to other deserving bloggers. Then, you must reveal seven things about yourself.

All winners in my book...

Paperback Writer

Panda Eraser

Red Hestia

Measured by the Heart

I rarely pass up an opportunity to talk about myself (as you have seen HERE and HERE). Lets see if I can offer up any new information:

1. I have an entire shelf in my bookcase dedicated to all things Martha Stewart. The collection includes several cookbooks, craft books, holiday specific books and about two years of Martha Stewart Living (if not more). I also have years of Martha Stewart Weddings and a coveted Martha Stewart Baby from Spring 2001. To my knowledge, it is the only issue ever published of Baby but I would LOVE to see it come back. I adore every thing in that issue. Yes, I am obsessed.

2. I am extremely anxious and terrified of what will happen with Sweet Temper Baking. I am terrified of its potential failure. I may be more terrified at its potential success.

3. I get ridiculously, grandiose ideas. I have recently determined that it is hereditary. My mother AND grandmother do the same. My mother and I will call each other with the latest hair-brained scheme and spend the next hour and a half on the phone completely dissecting it to figure out how we can make it a reality. Once that is done, the idea seems to pass before it ever comes to fruition. It drives the Mr. absolutely insane. I think he is figuring it out though. I think he realizes that this is just how my mum and I communicate.

4. The latest idea? It has been in my head the last few weeks to figure out how to purchase an inexpensive home in the foothills to make into our family vacation home. My theory is why wait if it might be manageable now? This idea will probably last all summer at least, then onto the next. (A couple of years ago I was trying to figure out how the Mr. and I could manage a 'live aboard' lifestyle on a boat docked in the Bay).

5. I had something a little too honest written out for this one but decided against it. What I was going to rant on about was something that I am guilty of doing as well. I didn't want to sound hypocritical so I left it out.

6. Ok, ok, here goes. Sometimes I get so restless that I could scream! I don't know if its this town, or if it is indicative to women my age but its something that just drives me bonkers. It is this whole 'Stepford Wife' mentality. Its this image of a picture perfect life. All the play dates, perfect birthday parties, half birthday parties, 'Which formula do YOU use?' 'Oh I would never! I only breast feed', pedicures, weekend getaways, 'my husband grilled this tonight for dinner' or 'I made that tonight for dessert', taking the boat out for the first time this summer, and so on and so on. I brag about and attempt these things everyday as well (did you expect the complete 180 to come so soon after I shared my love for all things Martha? lol) but when I really start to think about it, who am I really trying to impress? When did it become a competition to just LIVE? I like to make things look pretty and perfect and we all have things that we are strong at and things we admire in others, but when did this admiration turn into envy? When did it become 'Look at what she did! Pffft...I know I can do better than that.' instead of 'Wow, she did such a great job. I am so proud to be her friend'? I know if I feel this way that some of my other peers feel this way too. Why, as women are we always trying to one up each other? Why can't we just be honest with each other without feeling as if we were we would be fodder for idle gossip later?

Hmmm... still thinking I probably shouldn't have 'revealed' so much.

7. I love to read and it has helped me through many hurdles in life. I should turn to the Bible more for help but I don't (I do listen for God to speak to me and rely on our 'conversations' to guide me through life though). I make the joke often that I read 'The Rules' and tried them on the first man that I met afterwards to see if they worked. That man was the Mr. I have recently started another book that I am hoping will be the punchline for another huge life decision. I don't want to say too much more on that, but look for that book review hopefully sooner than later. I know that this final revelation might have been a tad vague (ok, HUGELY vague). Sorry about that.

That was my seven things. You might have thought I was drunk or high when writing those out but I assure you I wasn't. Just perhaps a little too revealing.

How NOT to waste a day in the Valley....

2011-05-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

(Pretty much...)

Friday night, the Mr. convinced me to unwind by throwing back what was only supposed to be 'a couple of cocktails'. Needless to say, the stress of work last week took complete advantage of me and because I thought that Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum had an adorable design on the front of the bottle (completely disregarding the fact that it was a very potent alcohol at 92 proof, in comparison to Captain Morgan only being 70 proof) I was paying the price the next morning.
I like to unwind a bit but the older I get the more I find that I no longer look forward to the weekend as a time of getting 'wasted on white zin' as I made a habitual practice of in my early 20s. Everyone has the same wistful story. The 'when-I-was-young-I-could-drink-all-night-pass-out-at-3-AM-and-be-fine-to-work-a-couple-hours-later' story. You know, the time in your young life when all you needed was a venti of whatever with an extra shot of espresso and a couple of aspirins to be right as rain? Oh get off your pedestal...you know EXACTLY what I am talking about.
Saturday morning, I couldn't force myself to get out of bed and get dressed until noon...and that wasn't even a terrible hangover. Sheesh.
At this point in my life, I hate hangovers. Not necessarily because of how miserable they physically make me feel (just you body's way of paying you back for treating it like sh*t), I hate hangovers because they make me useless for the next 12-24 hours. I absolutely hate wasting a day off.
When I was finally feeling as if I could face the day, behind a dark pair of sunglasses of course, my mind wandered on what I could do to not feel as if I missed a day of my weekend. I settled on a little trip to my local used bookstore, Yesterday's Books.
Yesterday's Books is somewhat of an institution in my hometown. It was been in business since 1980 (a year younger than myself, if you are counting...don't try too hard to figure out the math) and has outlived many of its neighbors on the most popular strip in town. I have a feeling its in part to the ever changing, thought provoking quotes posted on the large wall on the side of the building. A favorite of mine from last month? 'A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit' (Richard Bach). I love getting lost in the aisles, always finding something unintentional. I found one of my most prized possessions there, a first edition reading copy of Fitzgerald's 'The Last Tycoon'. I always find something that I never knew I wanted but soon realize that I never could have done without.
Saturday I went in, thinking I would find obscure books on local history (which I did) but left with a handful of classics. 'The Bell Jar' (Plath), 'Death in the Afternoon'(Hemingway), 'The Dangerous Summer' (another Hemingway) and 'Philosophy in the Boudoir' (Marquis de Sade) made its way into my shopping bag for the bargain price of around $20. That's about as much as I spend on one brand new book.
After meandering around the bookstore for a couple of hours, I made my way to Old Plantation Coffee. Again, this is another long standing local business that has ten times more the charm than those cookie cutter coffee houses. I walked up to the counter and ordered an iced mocha. I was fully expecting to pay the already reasonable full price when I was gently informed that it was 'Happy Hour' and that my order would be half price. Awesomesauce! I reached in and pulled out the ol' plastic swipe card but, because of the great 'Happy Hour' deal, wasn't spending enough to use it. 'No problem, I will take that delicious looking chocolate croissant you have in the case'. (By another sure to be a fast favorite, Pure Love Baking)
I sat down with my pastry in front of me, my mocha in one hand, the Marquis de Sade in my other and caught quick glances of the Giants easing their way to another win against Chicago on the television above.
I am so glad that I didn't waste my precious day off.

Sensing Sunday: May 15, 2011

2011-05-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

(Aw...man...I could have been with THESE guys today)

Hearing: Still on the Adele kick...I can't help it.

Seeing: Indulging in one of my favorite Sunday afternoon activities, real estate shopping on the internet. Note to self; look into getting pre-approved for a home loan soon, very soon.

Smelling: My 'Downtown Amber' candle from the Target Collection

Tasting: A 'Strawberry Short Kook' Otter Pop...one of my guiltiest pleasures.

Feeling: Even though I didn't make it to the 100th Bay to Breakers this weekend (very sad indeed), I am still feeling somewhat accomplished. I made a little trip to the bookstore yesterday to stock up and I purchased another couple of books online. I finished 'Men and Dogs' by Katie Crouch in, oh about, 2 days! Next up 'Death in the Afternoon' by Hemingway. Walked the 6.5 miles with dad and the dogs this morning. The Mr. went to lunch and now I am blogging away. I have a couple of other posts to write up (about yesterday's trip to the bookstore and last week's trip to the baseball game) and then a little bit of laundry and begin prep for my gigantic cake order next Saturday. Wow, after thinking about all that, all I want to do now is take a nap....zzz....

Sensing Sunday: May 08, 2011

2011-05-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

There's a storm a comin'...

Hearing: After reading a magazine blurb, where the writer mentioned what was on her kids playlist at the moment, I have had Big Rock Candy Mountain in my head for the past two days.

Seeing: Headed over the Altamont tonight to take my brother back to the BART station for his train to San Francisco, we witnessed the most beautiful show of swirling dark storm clouds hovering over the mountain ridges. It was a sight to see.

Smelling: The Mr. just scrubbed down the counters in the kitchen. Its smells like some sort of cleaning supply, I just can't pinpoint which one.

Tasting: A lick of Dulce de Leche cupcakes I made my mum for Mother's Day...per her request of course.

Feeling: Strange, and exhausted (seems to be a theme on my Sunday posts). I had a Mother's Day heart to heart with my mum on the drive and it opened my eyes to things I am capable of and what might be in store for me in the future. Its strange to think in the terms that we talked about tonight. It wasn't a surprise though, I knew I would have to start dealing with some things that I have tried to manage through the motions of or ignored completely. I was just a little surprised that I was able to just take a deep breath and confront some reservations I have had. I still can't say what the future might hold for me but at least I feel I am moving forward again after feeling stagnant for so long.

Sweet Temper Baking

2011-05-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

(a cake fit for a princess)

I have a friend that, after much debate and personal soul searching, has decided to accept another position with another company that will give her more flexibility to spend time with her family. I am very much a firm believer that family and personal connections should come first and a career should come second. I have had money and have spent freely. I have made peanuts and have pinched pennies. When it comes down to it, you make do with what you have. When I think of my past, I remember the moments I shared with the people I loved. Not once does an eight hour shift pop into my head. I can't tell you how much money I have made and spent in my life.
I can't say that money doesn't matter at all, that would be silly for me to say. Without money The Mr. and I wouldn't have been able to spend a weekend celebrating our anniversary last year at the beach. Without money I wouldn't be able to buy my cake supplies to indulge in the hobby that I love. Which brings me back to my original story...
Today, when talking with my friend about the new adventure in front of her, we got into the discussion of where I see myself going, career wise. I told her that if given the opportunity I would go back to school, get my degree in business and open a bakery and cafe.
I have been trying to perfect sweet treats for about three years now. It all started when I took a beginning cake decorating course through the local community college and it took off from there. After spending a couple of years focused mostly on cupcakes, I have now turned my eye to tiered cakes, pies and cookies as well.
Lately it has started to take on a life all its own. I was compelled to take it to the next level.
Sweet Temper Baking was born.
Right now I am working on small batch, made to order desserts but my future goal is to turn it into more of a thriving business. I ultimately want to open a shop to include coffee service, a lunch menu AND a tea menu.
I am confident that one day soon I will pull it off and the line of making a living and doing what I love will be happily blurred.

Sensing Sunday: May 01, 2011

2011-05-02T00:21:00.000-07:00

(crowds cheer tonight at Ground Zero)

What I am:

Hearing: When my brother and I were younger we spent hours and hours listening to my dad's records that he had left at my mom's house. We listened to Simon and Garfunkel and wore out the Bill Cosby comedy records. Our absolute favorite was Don McLean's American Pie. We committed every song to memory without fully understanding the true poetry of every lyric. We really impressed our father by being able to sing the entire version (all 8 minutes and 33 seconds of it) of American Pie. On the way to the store tonight, it came on over the oldies station in reaction to Bin Laden's death. I sang every word.

Seeing: The horrible, ignorant reactions to Bin Laden's death online. Some coming from my close friends.

Smelling: Ugh, the acidic smell of vinegar and hardboiled eggs. The Mr. is making spicy pickled eggs and just finished the marinade they will sit in for about a week. Good thing he is keeping his little project in the refrigerator outside. I want absolutely no part of it.

Tasting: A little sip of Diet Mountain Dew. I am going to try to go off soda (and coffee, and alcohol...) starting tomorrow. Wish me lots of luck, I think I might need it.

Feeling: A huge mix of exhausting emotions. I am so proud to be an American tonight and beaming with pride for our dedicated, unrelenting troops and our stoic President. While watching a shot of Ground Zero on the news, tears welled up in my eyes at the sting of the memories I felt the day the towers fell and the collective fear we had ten years ago. We stood by each other then, hand in hand and stood strong behind our President and each other that day and the months following. We let the enemy know that we would not be taken down.
I am sad and disgusted today. The immediate response by many that I consider friends has been unnerving. Statements like '...you would think that the President went in and killed Bin Laden himself.' or 'We got one terrorist tonight lets work on the next one, Obama' make me sad that some of my fellow Americans chose to use their freedoms that our troops (and our President) work so hard, and sometimes give up their lives to protect. I cannot imagine that they are proud to serve for the purpose of Americans spitting such ignorant commentary.
My response to those cackling voices tonight...
'Tonight goes above political party alliances. Tonight we should all be proud to call ourselves Americans and stand undivided'

Written by God's Fingers

2011-04-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

"Every man's life is a fairy tale written by God's fingers"--Hans Christian Andersen

I have no idea how I am still awake, let alone able to form enough sentences to get a new post up. Then again, this being the very start of the post, I am being very optimistic that it will all make sense once I am finished and not end up looking like Charlie Sheen's 'winning' stand up act.

Let me just start by saying, leading up to the Royal Wedding I had no real intention of staying up all night to watch it. I hadn't given it too much thought in the days leading up to it. The day before something seemed to have clicked inside my head where suddenly I HAD to watch it. I can't really pin point what it was. I have a suspicious inclination that anytime there is a huge royal British event, every Brit is programmed to submit to the excitement and pageantry of said event. The more removed one is from England, the less the signal. I am only one generation removed so I am pretty sure that is why I didn't receive the full signal until the day before. By the time I had left work that evening, I was intent that I would be staying up until three in the morning to at least catch a glimpse of the dress.

I made sure to prepare with the necessary rations. I popped over to Cost Plus to pick up my favorite digestives. I did this because I knew that McVitie's would be making Prince William's groom's cake and I was hoping that by eating a couple of cookies with a cup of my Typhoo tea (with milk and sugar, of course), that I would prove my solidarity to the motherland.

As the night progressed I became more and more fevered with the 'Royal Wedding Countdown'. I watched the wedding of Charles and Diana on one station and the story of William and Kate on another. I even watched the William and Kate Lifetime movie On Demand. I watched programs on the wedding preparations and one on weddings of the Royals from the past 100 years. I was no longer only anticipating the dress, I was fully obsessed with the whole shebang!

Most stations were starting their coverage at 1:00AM PST but I found that MSNBC started their coverage at midnight!

I tuned in and immediately noticed that American commentators sounded a bit...funny. It took me a minute to realize what it was. It seems that when an American commentator crosses the pond, spends a couple of days in London, eats their cereal with yogurt instead of milk, eats mushy peas for dinner and spends a week drinking tea instead of coffee...they want to develop a false British accent. Every statement that came out of their mouths had a little lift at the end of it. As if every statement was a question. 'And here we have a shot of Big Ben?' Do you not know what Big Ben is? Are you thinking that big clock in the middle of the city might be the Eiffel Tower instead? Is there some confusion?

Luckily the TV host I was watching seemed to settle into her normal way of speaking after a while and gave commentary on every person that walked into Westminster Abbey.

The thing I noticed immediately about the guests was that all the women were wearing wonderful, glorious hats and fastinators. It was awesome! I keep hoping that American women will adopt this trend for special occasions but alas, I fear its not meant to be for us. I can still hope though.

The Abbey was gorgeous! It was like a dream! I loved the trees that lined the aisle as if the ceremony was taking place in an English forest. The scene was made even more romantic with the chandeliers that seemed to drip from the ceiling above the trees.

As soon as the procession to the church started I knew I was sucked in for the whole run. I am a sucker for pageantry and I appreciated the down to the minute ritual of getting everyone into the church.

When I saw William and Harry walk into the church, I cried.

The last time I had stayed up late to watch a royal event took place at the same familiar venue. It was the funeral for Princess Diana and I remember the solemn young men keeping pace behind the carriage carrying their mother to the service at the Abbey. My heart broke for them that day. I was watching them again, a dozen years later and now they were grown up and celebrating a happy day at Westminster. My heart was beaming for them.

I lost my breath when I finally saw Kate.

Her dress was stunning and exactly appropriate for a Royal Wedding. As she was chauffeured up to the church, crowds lined the streets. Union Jacks waved above the sea of people and draped from posts between the trees lining the streets. Although I wasn't physically there, I had a huge sense of pride for this country because it was bouncing out of my television from the people of Great Britain that day. The wedding had restored and renewed a sense of love and patriotism for the British monarchy, and excitement for the new generation and generations to come.

Now that is a fairy tale ending!

(Or for the shorter version of this post, C'est Manifique is pretty spot on with THIS)

Sensing Sunday: April 17, 2011

2011-04-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

(San Francisco Giants: World Series 2010)

Hearing: The Mr. and I watched VH1's '40 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 90's' and, after a couple of glasses of wine, I seemed to remember every one of them with drunk girl gusto. I might have let out a few embarrassing 'Ooh this was my jam back in 1994 (pretty much through 1999)!' With this one I remember being very disturbed that whenever it came on in the car my mother would crank it up....

Seeing: Finally something other than the Giants play in Arizona for four hours today. I think I might have taken not one, but two catnaps during the game that went 12 innings with the Giants losing 6-5. With the two pitches that doubled over both a Giant and a Diamondback, I think it was more painful to play today than to watch. I can't wait until Cody Ross gets back into the game. I miss my 'baseball boyfriend' (don't worry the Mr. knows all about it)

Smelling: My shampoo and conditioner. Still in my pajamas but at least I managed a shower.

Tasting: Nothing, yet. I am hoping to test out a new cupcake recipe that I have been dreaming about all week. Dulce de Leche cupcakes...mmm....

Feeling: Like the weekend was way too short this week. I feel as if I didn't get anything accomplished. I have to remind myself that I wasn't a complete lump. I did our taxes (ugh, don't ask), took a little drive to look at some potential property (since the Mr. is letting me indulge in my daydreams this week), did some grocery shopping at Trader Joe's (I LOVE that place) and tackled some laundry. I didn't have to clean the house this weekend, the Mr. did it for me. What a swell guy!

A Night at Tresetti's

2011-04-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

Last night, Cocodoodle (along with her 'fine food obsessed' sister) and I ventured out to my absolute favorite spot in town. Tresetti's.
I have lived in the same mid sized town for the majority of my life, only twice being able to escape. Once to Southern California and once to San Francisco. I have visited pretty much every eatery and bar in town. I have seen the good, and I have seen the downright deplorable. Over and over again I find myself returning to only one.
Tresetti's has been my go-to for the past ten years. I have seen the decorative changes but the atmosphere has always been the same, a mix of the young and old all with exceptional taste; smart, dry, wit and always with a relaxed smile.
I have returned so many times that I now have an absolute favorite waitress as well. Jessica knows my order by heart. Even when I pretend that I might change it, she always calls my bluff. She helped define my signature drink for me when only at Tresetti's. She pours me half vanilla vodka and half chai liquor over ice. And the figurative cherry on top? A dash of cinnamon scattered over the top of the concoction. If I am not feeling too decadent there is always a decent Cab being poured as the house wine or I stick to my standard, a gin and tonic (which is always crafted to perfection).
I explored the menu only a little bit before I settled forever on, what I consider, the two stars of the show. The 'Brie and Roasted Garlic' appetizer and I always finish it up with the 'Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee'. When I dive into the brie and garlic, a instinctive reaction takes over at the memory of the all the times I have had it before. When I first had the creme brulee, I had thought it too fancy and too much of a decadence to not pair it with a glass of champagne every time I ordered it. I have since spoiled myself too much and sometimes only pair it with a cup of coffee.
I love the special occasions that Tresetti's pulls all the stops for. I have taken my mother there for a special mother's day brunch (which she still talks about to this day). I have been safely seated, watching the madness of XFest, while dining on another exceptional prix fixe meal. I think their best event is almost always what they prepare for Mardi Gras.
Last night, as we were getting ready to leave, I realized another reason I love this place. The music selection over the speakers took me right back to my younger days and made me feel like I did the first time I walked into the place 10 years ago. Can't beat a night of classy cocktails, fancy dessert and Snoop Dogg.

Sensing Sunday: April 3, 2011

2011-04-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

(a little part of what I was working on today...)

Hearing: I heard this on the radio yesterday and its been running on repeat in my head ever since. It reminds me of when I was a high school freshman sporting my black body suit, plaid shorts, denim vest and dangling earrings all purchased from Clothestime. Ah memories!

Seeing: 'The Shawshank Redemption' over my shoulder on AMC. Although I love this movie, AMC this is no apology for your delay of the next season of Mad Men. Everytime I think of what you've done, only a stream of obscenities want to leave my mouth. What the $#&@ am I supposed to do until 2012?!?!

Smelling: Coffee, my lifeline.

Tasting: A ghetto s'mores. Graham cracker, Nutella and Marshmallow Fluff. On second thought, maybe just the opposite of ghetto, maybe a classy s'mores?

Feeling: Physically and creatively drained. Yesterday I tortured myself and took on three back to back classes at the gym (side note: I am in LOVE with the last one I took. I will be returning over and over again to the Burn Out class at Full Force Personal Training!) and I exhausted myself creatively today working for hours on launching Sweet Temper Baking. Full blog post on that to come soon!

Makin' Whoopie

2011-03-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

I had begged G for the better part of the month of March for the recipe for his Key Lime Pie. I figured it would be perfect for this month's pie because it was fresh and best of all 'St. Patrick's Day' green. He attempted to give it to me over the phone this weekend but I was completely ignoring him when he was, I may have been preoccupied with nonsense internet browsing.... I missed the recipe. It being the 27th, I was running out of time. I had plans to bake at my mum's house today and then I realized that the item I was testing in the kitchen today would conveniently fit in with my need for a pie this month. This month's pie....whoopie pies! Petite whoopie pies to be exact.
For those that aren't sure what a whoopie pie is, it is more of a cake sandwich. It is typically chocolate cake with marshmallow filling. I chose to make the typical whoopie pie today and had wanted to experiment with other flavors today as well but ran out of ingredients and lost track of time.
Mum, grandma and I made sure to test them out and they were excellent. Although a whoopie pie is very much like a cupcake, I think I might have enjoyed them more because there was more cake and less frosting. Just to be sure, mum and I had one (ok, maybe two...) more and this time paired it with a cuppa (cup of tea, English style).
I think I am officially, chocolate wasted.

Date Night: Bowling and Wings

2011-03-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

(Uh oh...doesn't look good...)

When I got home from work on Wednesday I was fully prepared to slip into my fuzzy pajamas and hunker down to watch a the latest from Redbox (tonight's selection, Due Date). I walked in the door and the Mr. had other plans.
Every Tuesday night, the Mr. and four of his friends, play in a bowling league. At first he was doing fantastic. He would come home afterwards and brag about his score and each week he seemed to be besting his score from the week prior. Lately though, it has been like pulling teeth to solicit more than a grunt from him after he bowls. His game was obviously not going all that great.
Wednesday night, he thought it would be a good idea to get some practice in and off to the bowling alley we went.
I am not particularly fond of bowling so he compromised and took me out to dinner first. For Christmas, we had been given a gift card to Buffalo Wild Wings and decided to try it out. It was the first time we had been to that restaurant and I have to say...it wasn't the greatest of experiences. The waitress ignored us half the night, they didn't have the Boca burger I ordered (that was offered on the menu) and replaced it with a bean burger that I wasn't too fond of, and the fire alarm was pulled in the middle of our dinner by some mischievous patrons. The Mr. liked the food alright (he especially liked the hot sauce for the wings), but overall wasn't impressed either. I will give them this...they had bar trivia on the television and had these super cool interactive devices to play with. As we walked out of the restaurant I strutted by the big television that projected my name as the big winner that round. I was beaming. I supposed it wasn't all that bad....
After 9:00 on Wednesdays at McHenry Bowl, shoe rental is only a dollar and each game is only $1.50. The Mr. talked me into four games. It took a little bit to get warmed up (the Stella, or two, helped things along) and by the end of the second game I had mercilessly beaten my dear husband.
Read em and weep....

(ending with a score of; The Mrs., 100, The Mr., 87)

He tells me that he was only practicing certain tricks this round and wasn't trying for a big score. I hate to admit it, but I fully believe him. But shhhhh...don't you dare let him know.

Not all that romantic (you better believe he owes me big time), but still lots of fun for a random weeknight.
Oh, and don't ruin Due Date for me...I still haven't had the chance to sit down to watch it.

Sensing Sunday: March 13, 2011

2011-03-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

(Ski Day at Bear Valley Mountain)

What I am:
Hearing: I am absolutely in LOVE with Adele's new album '21'. Her song 'Someone Like You' gives me chills and I have had it on repeat all week long.

Seeing: The pictures that 'Camo' took today of our ski day.

Smelling: The faintest whiff of Clean: Shower Fresh. I spritzed my hairbrush with it and ran it through my hair this morning. I like to wear perfume this way because I love to wear perfume but try not to make it overwhelming to others who are sensitive to it.

Tasting: My biggest indulgences today, Cadbury Mini Eggs and Fat Tire Amber Ale. Just not at the same time.

Feeling: Tired but not nearly as exhausted as I thought I would be. This weekend has been go go go since the moment I left work. First the nine hour marathon cake making session that produced this:

(oh yeah, I TOTALLY made this...jealous?)

Then onto the domestic duties of cleaning the house and doing the laundry. I attempted my long run at the gym on Saturday but only made it about a third of the way through before I felt a huge wave of nausea (my body forcing me to take it down a notch I suppose). Onto today where I spent the day dominating the intermediate runs at Bear Vally Mountain. I had so much fun today and it made me realize two things.

1. I am not nearly as exhausted or sore as I thought I would be and I attribute that directly to my training for the half marathon.

2. I miss skiing. Before today I hadn't been in about 8 years and was fearful to make my way back to the mountain. So glad I did. I miss skiing with better skiers than myself...they always pushed me to go harder and do better. If I go back, I am going to need that push.

Japantown

2011-03-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

(Japantown, San Francisco)

A couple of weeks ago, I got the wild hair to make another trip to San Francisco. The weather had been terrible in the valley and I was just itching to get away. I called my brother and as luck would have it, he had a rare Sunday off. The Mr. and I got an early start and made our way into my favorite city.
I love being a tourist in this town. I love it because every trip you can be a different type of tourist. I have loitered around the Marina with the Pup and the Mr. pretending to be one of the hoity toity. I have taken shots with a drag queen in the Castro with G by my side. I have cruised around the dilapidated buildings and taken in the reverse view of the city on Treasure Island. I have been the only female on a deep sea fishing boat and caught the biggest salmon of the day on rough waters right outside the San Francisco Bay (My proudest moment that day? Making sure that I didn't lose my breakfast burrito in front of all the guys...that and my fish of course!). The list really does go on and on and on....
This trip we trekked over to Japantown.
I had forever been wanting to make my way to Soko Hardware. I had heard fantastic stories of teapots, chopsticks, rice cookers and all things Japanese. This was the main purpose of my wanting to go to Japantown. We arrived and the very first place we stopped at was Soko Hardware...only to be completely and utterly disappointed to find out that the place is closed on Sundays. Arg! I was almost set to turn around, get in the car, and drive all the way home. I stuck it out and we made our way to the Japan Center. It was early and many of the indoor shops were still closed. I couldn't control myself when we passed by Andersen's Bakery. I was starving! The Mr. wanted to keep exploring and wasn't quite ready for breakfast yet, but lucky for me my brother is cut from the same cloth and will always stop for something sweet with me. We decided to be thrifty and agreed to split a pastry and we each had a cup of coffee. We split the cream cheese and walnut brioche and it really hit the spot. We leisurely ate our snack and did some serious people watching. Everyone was in costume, everyone was a walking anime character. No, there wasn't a parade. No, there wasn't a festival. This was just their normal Sunday garb. More power to them. Only in San Francisco will you be able to find a place where, if you want to stroll around in costume and do some casual Sunday shopping...you can. As my brother and I sat, the Mr. continued to explore the shops around us. After we ate we joined him and headed to the second level. We passed a crepe counter and I wished I hadn't already had my breakfast. The Mr. decided that he wanted a crepe and ordered a savory one of ham and cheese. It looked great and the art of making the crepe was even more impressive to watch.
After we had exhausted Japantown, we decided to make our way to Chinatown.
The Mr. and I had been here on one of our last trips but as we walked through the gates I quickly realized that this trip was going to be different. We had walked right into the middle of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The streets were packed with people, vendors and a wash of bright colors. The brightest being of course red. It is the year of the rabbit and everywhere you look you can see it. It was amazing. I tried to call my dad to have him meet us there because I knew he was in town. I knew this because; number one, he told me he was going to be there with my stepmom, the nieces, and his pup Sam... and number two, he was driving right in front of us when we were making our way down Lombard to pick up my brother. What are the odds of that?? I was driving and the Mr. says 'Why is this old man driving so slow?' I took a closer look and replied 'That old man is my dad!' Small world.
I wasn't able to reach him, and after hitting up a couple of the shops (where I scored a teapot on clearance for only $1.99!), we decided that it was getting close to lunch. The Mr. had done some research and found what he thought would be the perfect place to get some oysters on the half shell. We started for the Waterbar on Embarcadero, right beneath the expanse of the Bay Bridge. Everything on the menu looked appealing and interesting. It was hard for me to settle on what I wanted. I ultimately decided on the grilled cheese with a black truffle spread and cauliflower soup. I knew I would be sampling some of the oysters that the Mr. would be ordering so I paired it with the drink special, a Moscow Mule. My brother ended up with a somewhat deconstructed cerviche and the Mr. had a spicy tuna sandwich with sweet potato crisps. Looking around the Waterbar, I had a sense of deja vu even though I had never been there before. Then it dawned on me why the place seemed so familiar...it was featured on the Real Housewives of Orange County when the housewives took a 'girl's trip' to San Francisco. It is the one where they had one of their many explosive arguments. Luckily the joint was way classier than it appeared on TV. Our last stop was the Ferry Building where I was able to make sure to get my obligatory macaron from Miette (ok, ok, my obligatory handful of macarons).
At this point we were all tired and getting a little cranky. We hopped on Muni to make it easier on us to get to the car. We dropped my brother off at his apartment in the woods and the Mr. and I were on our way home.
Another fantastic trip to my favorite city by the bay.

Japantown

(Andersen's Bakery)

Chinatown

The Waterbar

...this was the last of the picture that day because, of cousre, this is the point where the battery died.

Etsy Art

2011-03-09T23:44:00.000-08:00

(Portrait of Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso)

When I was younger, I became somewhat obsessed with F. Scott Fitzgerald (as I have explained HERE). I tried to get my hands on anything he wrote and when I did, I devoured it. When I had exhausted his works and it still didn't satisfy my hunger for all things 'Jazz Age' I moved on to anything that was written about him. I discovered that Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald spent quite a bit of time in Gertrude Stein's salon in Paris. Gertrude Stein entertained the bohemian expats of the early 1900s. Picasso, Hemingway, Cezanne, Fitzgerald...they were all there, whiling their days away discussing art, literature, food, drink....art....

There is a photo of old Gertie's salon and rows upon rows of original artwork race up the wall to the ceiling. I forever wanted to live in that room.

Now that I am a tad bit older, I think it might be time to invest in some artwork myself. With the invention of the internet, it is almost too easy to find art that strikes a cord.

Below are some of my current favorites:

(Sitting Together, Leah Giberson)

(Pool Diving, Cathie Carlson)

(November, Clare Elsaesser)

(Poolside, Samantha French)

(San Francisco, Matte Stephens)

Sensing Sunday: March 6, 2010

2011-03-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

(Paris Breakfast by Carol Gillott)

What I am:

Hearing: 'New Slang'-The Shins. Has been stuck in my head for two days and I don't remember hearing it lately. When I found this video of it over Garden State, it started to make sense to me.

Seeing: Getting ready to start my lil French movie marathon. Marie Antoinette, Moulin Rouge and Chocolat. Thinking of watching them in chronological order. Or maybe in reverse chronological order?

Smelling: My French Cassis candle from Cost Plus World Market.

Tasting: Nothing, yet. Thinking of making some madeleines and a pot of Cafe Du Monde coffee to go with my flicks. I am saving making the beignets for Tuesday.

Feeling: I have been somewhat out of it lately (hence my Garden State reference). It has been a very stressful week and I haven't felt at all like myself. I am forcing myself to enjoy the time off of work that I have and doing things that make me happy. Today I am escaping to Paris via French movies and French food.

Life Is Too Short...

2011-03-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

(Life's too short for the wrong job on pandaeraser)

...for the wrong job.
My good friend/cousin Andrea posted a series of ads on her tumblr feed. The message came across loud and clear in the most creative way.
It did get me thinking though...
True, life IS too short for the wrong job but how, in today's economy, do you realize this and change your direction in life?
Thoughts anyone?

PS. Yes, I am aware that I am missing my last 'Picture This'. I haven't found an appropriate photo yet.

Picture This: Day 29

2011-03-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

(The Master of Puppets by Chiara Fersini)

Day 29:
A picture of something that makes you angry.
I have been a little overwhelmed lately. For the past couple of years I have been trying to construct a new perfect world for myself over and over. Just when I think I have it all, something happens and I don't. I have too many balls in the air and it is a struggle to try to keep them all up. Having to give up a certain amount of control is what is making me angry right now. I try to take on the world's problems and each time I do, it seems that 20 more get thrown in my direction. I take it all on with a smile, each time convincing myself I can do it. Each time suppressing my increasing frustration. I end up like a pressure cooker and at some point it has to all some to a boil.
I am bitter and angry this week. I am angry that I can't control certain aspects of my life.
I am aware that the only person that I am hurting is myself. I am aware that in the grand scheme of life, what is going on right now in mine will only be a minuscule blip in my lifetime.
In order to get past my anger, I have to be able to let go. I struggle with that.

Picture This: Day 28

2011-02-24T22:45:00.000-08:00

(Monsters under the Bed, Mike Cressy)

Day 28:
A picture of something you are afraid of.
This is a hard one. I am debating on posting with complete and total naked honesty that may make me more vulnerable than I ever wish to be (which is scary enough in itself), or....maybe I should admit to something surprising and silly. Do I take the easy route or the hard one?? Hmm.....
Easy route wins out...sorry.
When I was little, it wasn't so much the dark that I was afraid of, or imaginary monsters hiding under my bed, I was afraid that someone was going to come through my window in the middle of the night and take me away. I grew up when 'Code Adam' was implemented in every shopping center and when Polly Klaus was taken from her very own bedroom, during a slumber party. Neither of those poor children survived. It was a scary thing growing up.
I had a line of defense though...I thought it was a very legitimate defense at the time. The plan that I had worked out in my head was this. As long as my feet were carefully tucked under my blankets, and I stayed very, very still at any noise I heard, then a would-be kidnapper would never see me and I would be safe.
Excellent plan...right?
I thought so highly of this plan that years later when I spent my first weeks (by myself) in my first apartment (BY MYSELF!) in San Francisco, I put this plan back into action.
I had never lived in an apartment before. I never realized the walls were SO paper thin. Waking up one Saturday morning, I heard (what I thought to have been at the time) footsteps in my front room. I was scared OUT OF MY MIND! Survivor mode kicked in. Immediately I covered my feet and laid as still as I possibly could....for 2 hours!! Finally, when I thought it was safe to get up, I carefully crept out of bed and carried on with the rest of my day.
Come to find out, this was typical apartment living.
I still cover my feet, even though I now have the Pup and the Mr. to protect me.

Picture This: Day 27

2011-02-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

Dad and I right before he walked me down the aisle.
(Photo by Noel Hadley)

Day 27:

A picture of you and a family member.
I have mentioned my mother, my brother, the Mr. and my grandmother. The one family member that I haven't said much about is my father. I wouldn't say that I am your typical 'Daddy's Girl' but my dad and I have a definite bond and we have become great friends. Every Sunday my dad (along with his dog and the Pup) walk for a couple of hours in the morning, rain or shine. It is our time to catch up. It is a time that I can get his advice on big life decisions and at the same time try out a joke to see if its funny. I love this time that I get to spend with my dad. I look forward to it every week.

Picture This: Day 26

2011-02-22T20:19:00.000-08:00

Day 26:
A picture of something that means alot to you.
I know that I rarely talk about it much anymore, but going to school to become an esthetician was a big life changing event for me. Unfortunately, right after I graduated, the Mr. lost his job and I had to look for more stable work. One day I hope to return to skin care and make it more of a career. Until then, I make it a big point to take care of my own skin.

Picture This: Day 25

2011-02-22T20:05:00.000-08:00

Day 25:
A picture of your day.
After a very adventurous weekend, more specifically the culinary adventure I went on in San Francisco on Sunday, my Monday was spent making my way through half my workday only to go home feeling sick at lunch. I had been up at 20 minute intervals since 4 AM (TMI??) until the time I had to get ready for work. Not what I wanted to share for my picture of the day but at least the kitty is cute.

Picture This: Day 24

2011-02-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

Day 24:
A picture of something you wish you could change.
I am so over the central valley. I was born and raised here and when I was younger I tried to leave. At 19 I moved away to Orange County, California. I spent an amazing year there being selfish while I immersed myself in the Theater Arts program at Fullerton College. I loved, loved loved it. Then the gravitational pull of my hometown dragged me back. Fast forward five years. I made my way to San Francisco, California. Again, I spent an AMAZING year there rooming with my kid brother for his first year at SF State. Ran out of money and again was sucked back to the Bermuda Triangle in the arm pit of California. A month after I moved back, I met the Mr. and the rest is history. Now that I am a settled married lady, I get restless that we stay here in the valley. The job market has dried up and our options seem limited. In my dream of dreams I would move back to San Francisco in a heartbeat (its seems almost obvious by most of my posts) but that isn't an option that the Mr. wants to consider. At this point I wouldn't mind starting anew almost anywhere. Wherever the wind takes us, as long as we're together is fine by me.

Picture This: Day 23

2011-02-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

Day 23:

A picture of your favorite book.
This is one of the hardest entries for me because I am an avid reader, will read everything that is put in front of me and I have been affected by so much literature that I normally wouldn't have considered reading if it had not been recommended to me first.
My first 'grown up' book that I read completely for pleasure was probably 'This Side of Paradise' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. To me, Fitzgerald has a way of evoking a feeling about the space that he writes in. I know that probably sounded disgustingly pretentious but that really is the only way I could put it. While reading his books, you feel as if you are in those rooms with his characters and sneaking peeks at their lives. From that book forward he became my favorite author and I have since read everything that he has written (that I am aware of). One of my greatest finds was a first edition reading copy of 'The Last Tycoon' (another favorite) that I covet.
Whenever I want to be whisked away to another time, another place, I pick up one of his books or short stories and I am on my way there.

Picture This: Day 22

2011-02-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

(Organization is for Squares at Making It Lovely)

Day 22:
A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Organizing my life. Ugh...so many days I wish I was more 'Type A' and could keep my shiz together but in reality I am all over the place. My house is fairly clean but not nearly clean enough for the Mr.'s standards but then again he seems to forget that he used to have to hike through piles of laundry when he would visit me when we were dating. Its not as bad as it was then, he should consider himself lucky. I make plans but never get through some of them because I am so disorganized and such a procrastinator. Every year 'Get organized' is on my list of New Year resolutions and every year it falls to the wayside. One of these days (weeks, months, years) I will be better at keeping it together. Until then...where did I put my car keys???

Picture This: Day 21

2011-02-17T21:15:00.000-08:00

Day 21:
A picture of something you wish you could forget.
I have no idea what to put for this. I wish I could forget my parent's disappointment years ago when I was at my lowest low. For a long time I wish I could forget a certain someone and how much anguish I put myself through because of said person. I wish I could forget some other things that have happened as well...
For the most part I have. Everything that was in my past is finally staying there and everything painful I have had to face is getting easier with each day. It is easy for me to only remember the good times and not the bad.
What picture goes with that??

Picture This: Day 20

2011-02-16T22:19:00.000-08:00

(Spring in Paris by Isismas)

Day 20:
A picture of somewhere you would love to travel.
Anywhere and everywhere. Italy, Portugal, Spain, Australia (and now thanks to my foreign coworker) New Zealand as well.
Most of all, France. More specifically, Paris.
(Now I will tell a story that may seem to have no relation to my wanting to go to France but, in the end, will all make sense. Please bear with me.)
When my brother and I were growing up, we were very curious about a certain 'black sheep' uncle we had never met. He was quite the mystery to my brother, cousins and I that he became somewhat of a legend amongst us. Years passed and we reached early adulthood. One day my cousin casually mentions to me that she has met this mysterious uncle. I pleaded her to not spare any details. The most I got was 'Eh....not to impressed. You really aren't missing much'. I told my brother who was equally interested. A few years pass and my very own brother casually mentions that he has met this uncle, and again, I get an apathetic review. At this point, I am the only one that has not met this family member. A few years pass and, at the wedding of another family member, I meet this uncle. I have to agree, eh, he's just another guy.
I tell this story because it relates to both my mother and brother's opinion of Paris. My brother traveled to Europe and backpacked his way through for a few weeks until he reached Prague a few years ago. I have dreamed about going to Paris and when he came back he gave me the same opinion of what he gave me of our uncle....'eh'...My mom and I were not convinced and my mother vowed she would make it to Paris. A few years after that my mom traveled there with my grandmother. When she came back she let me know HER opinion of Paris....another 'eh'.
I am really hoping that Paris doesn't end up like my 'black sheep' uncle.
I feel the only way to know is to find out for myself.

Picture This: Day 19

2011-02-15T21:46:00.000-08:00

Day 19:
A picture of a letter.

At first I took this to mean a letter of the alphabet and almost began my search for the perfect 'J' until I remembered I had this gem. I love it. I want to blow it up and hang it in my bedroom. The Mr. isn't as in love with it as I am.

Strawberry Fields

2011-02-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day coming up, I knew that I wanted the theme of this month's pie to be red. I had considered chocolate but ultimately decided not to because of the S'mores pie I had made just last month.

Because Puxatony Phil came out to play a couple of weeks ago without seeing his shadow, spring was promised to arrive early. It seems to have reached us here. At springtime in the central valley, especially where I live, you can't throw a stone without hitting a roadside vendor peddling their wares. On Sunday, returning from my walk with my dad and the dogs I noticed that strawberries had made their debut. After a quick shower, I headed out to the corner and bought half a flat for the bargain price of $10. I had something in mind for them when I brought them home.

This month's pie is Strawberry Raspberry Pie. Oh yeah, did I tell you that I was going to make it extra special by making pie in a jar? Oh? No? Well, here it is.

The jars I had in my house make this pie extra special because they were large enough to perfectly hold a pie that was just the right size for two. How romantic!

Gather supplies...mix up some berries, a little sugar, a little flour and a dash of lemon juice...

...fill up the jars and make sure to add a pat of butter to each...

...prep the tops.

Make sure to cut out holes to vent, I used a little heart for the occasion....

...seal em' up to give as gifts or....

...bake one up for you and your valentine.

If you want to save them, they freeze well. Keep some in the freezer and take one out when needing that little something sweet.

Picture This: Day 18

2011-02-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

('My Insecurities' by Cheryl McLaughlin)

Day 18:
A picture of your biggest insecurity.
For me it is hard to pinpoint my biggest insecurity. I have moments of it everyday. Sometimes reoccurring thoughts that I have carried with me from adolescence, sometimes over things that I have encountered only since becoming a full fledged adult. I figure, for those at my age, that is probably how it goes for most.
When I was younger I was consumed by my insecurities. I hated my body, my face, my voice. I felt like I was a spazz and as long as I kept my mouth closed nothing stupid sounding could come out of it. I never kept my mouth shut and in turn constantly felt embarrassed of what came out of it.
As an adult, I love myself much more than I did then. I am chunky but don't feel disgusted by seeing my body in the mirror. I can hold a conversation and walk away feeling as if a stream of words flew out that were actually understandable to other people.
Because I couldn't think of an appropriate picture to illustrate 'insecurity', I took to Google to help me out. When I typed in 'insecurity' the above pic was one of the first to show up. It is sad to me (only because I struggled with it for so long myself) that insecurity is most identified with body image. As clichéd as it might sound, I hope one day we can determine how we feel about someone by the ideas that they bring to the table and not by how they look like.

Sensing Sunday: February 13, 2011

2011-02-13T18:10:00.000-08:00

What I am:

Hearing: 'Stop Dragging My Heart Around'-Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty

Seeing: My Valentine roses on the kitchen table next to the half flat of strawberries I brought from the roadside vendor.

Smelling: My husband's delicious clam chowder bubbling up in the kitchen.

Tasting: A glass of Pinot Noir. Mmmm....

Feeling: I was hoping to get some rest this weekend, but with the Crab Feed on Friday, the 4 miles in the gym on Saturday, the 6 miles with dad and the dogs on Sunday, the brunch of the Mr.'s homemade crepes and strawberries on Saturday with the brother in law and the kiddos, the evening of karaoke with the Garcias on Saturday night, the grocery store with my mum and then again with the Mr. to get supplies for her cake, my pie and his clam chowder....I am exhausted. To think, I still have to help mum with said cake tonight and I have to attempt my pies....thank goodness for my little glass of wine.

Picture This: Day 17

2011-02-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

(My new, totally awesome Saucony running shoes)

Day 17:
A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Training for the half marathon is all I seem to talk about these days. I can bore people with long drawn out conversations about what type of shoes I wear on which day and why (oh, by the way, I was stoked to get these shoes that are specific to running, I have never had the need to make this purchase before). Last night in fact, I had a dream about Bob and Jillian from the Biggest Loser (and I don't even watch that show on a regular basis).
It went something like this:

(scene opens to Bob and Jen sitting on gym equipment in a busy gym)
Jen: Hey Bob, did I tell you that I am going to run a half marathon in July?
Bob: What? No way! That's awesome! I am surprised because that's something I never thought you would do. I almost can't believe it...hey, Jillian...
(Jillian pops up out of no where from behind some random equipment)
Jillian: Yeah, what's up?
Bob: Did Jen tell you that she is going to run a half marathon in July?!?
Jillian: What?? No way! That's awesome! I am surprised because that's something I never thought you would do. I almost can't believe it....

(Something like that anyway, what she said sounded exactly what Bob had said to me in the dream. That's how I remember it anyway)

I enjoyed the dream but after thinking about it for a moment, I had to ask myself 'Why did it seem so unbelievable that I would run a half marathon?'. My subconscious insecurity rearing its ugly head I suppose...

Picture This: Day 16

2011-02-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

Day 16:
A picture of a person who inspires you.
Could it really be anyone else besides my mom? She is my biggest inspiration. She has accomplished so much and is a machine that won't stop. Sometimes I get irritated because she is so focused that I feel a little left out. She is always busy. I used to not understand it but as I get older and hear more often 'You are going to turn into your mother' it makes me beam with pride. I can only hope. At the end of the day I respect her because she is living her life exactly how she wants to and makes no excuses for it. She is one ballsy lady in a little body...and I look up to her everyday.

Picture This: Day 15

2011-02-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Day 15:
A picture of something you would like to do before you die.
This has always been on my bucket list. It was only since the first of the year that I could even consider getting it accomplished. Amongst the many, many, many things I would like to do before I die, currently at the top of the list is to get through a marathon. For me, a marathon will most likely be a once in a lifetime thing. Because of this I am hoping that 2012 will be my year, more specifically November 2012. You see, if I am going to do a marathon, I am going to make it more special than say...the time I jumped out of an airplane. I did that over farmland in central California and to think about it now, if that would have been the last thing I was looking at before the chute potentially didn't open....well, that would have been pretty lame, right? I promised myself, if I am going to do a marathon, I am going to do it up right.
Something I would like to do before I die? Run a marathon, in Australia, during an eclipse! Lucky for me, there happens to be an eclipse in Australia in November of 2012...funny how that works out. I think Cocodoodle, Camo and G might come along for the ride.

Picture This: Day 14

2011-02-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

Day 14:
A picture of a person you couldn't picture your life without.
These two, more specifically the guy on the left. The Mr. doesn't like to have his picture posted and I want to respect his privacy. We both work hard at our marriage and try not to take it for granted. I have never worked so hard, or wanted to work so hard, at something in my life. Sometimes we argue but in the end there is no one in the world he, or I, would rather spend the rest of our life with.

Picture This: Day 13

2011-02-10T01:31:00.000-08:00

Day 13:
A picture of your favorite band/artist.
I like music but it is hard for me to make that commitment to say 'so and so is my absolute favorite band/artist'. I think the longest stretch for any sort of favorite was when I was in my very early 20s. I was in love with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. I had memorized 'Swingers' verbatim after seeing it when I was 19 and BBVD played a heavy influence on that flick. If you ever get the chance to see them in concert, especially in a smaller venue, DO IT! You won't be disappointed.

Picture This: Day 12

2011-02-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

Day 12:
A picture of something you absolutely love.
This was a tough call. I love too many things. I love spending time with my little family. One of the things I cherish, and this will sound pretty cheesy, is the relaxing time I get to spend with the Mr. During the summer we fish and he lets me read while I wait for something to hit on my pole. Even better is when we take the boat out with the wind whipping through the Pup's ears. I love the moments that allow me the chance to just breathe and take in the little things in life that make the biggest impacts.

Picture This: Day 11

2011-02-07T23:45:00.000-08:00

(Romy, Michelle and the 'A-Group')

Day 11:
A picture of something you absolutely hate.
I run the risk of really pissing some people off here but this is my current annoyance. I can't really say that I hate it, but it is something that I tend to give too much thought too lately.
Smug, pregnant women.
I know, I know. I will most likely have EVERY woman that has ever had kids wanting to make sure I hear THEIR two cents on the subject, but this is my blog and as the administrator I can delete any comment I want...so there.
The thing is that too many people that will want to make themselves heard will think that it is a choice that I don't have children. The same people that tell me that 'I don't understand because I don't have children', 'Just wait until you have kids...' need to show the same understanding and sensitivity in return. I want to snort back 'No, YOU don't understand because you conceived the first or second time you tried. You haven't had to dislodge angrily thrown pregnancy tests from the bathroom walls every month for the past three years. You haven't had to hold back tears or excused yourself from the room after holding the most precious baby in your arms and wanting so bad to be holding your own.
I know there are others that will try to be compassionate and tell me that they 'feel my pain' because they were once in my shoes, feeling the same things I go through. I appreciate that, I really do because there are some that have been there and I don't wish anyone to have to feel it. At the same time, and it sounds awful and selfish, those people will tell me this after they have been successful at having children. Its all empty support.
Ah, hell, at least I can have a glass of wine when I want...so its not all bad.

Picture This: Day 10

2011-02-06T22:54:00.000-08:00

(Sally, Betty, Bob...end of an era)

Day 10:
A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
Me (Betty), G (Bob), and 'Sally'. All aliases, no real names used. No evidence of all the things we have done together. That is our story and we are sticking to it....I can't tell you more because then I would have to kill you.

Picture This: Day 9

2011-02-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

Day 9:
A picture of a person who has gotten you through the most.
I am so thankful that my parents didn't stop after one child. They very well could have because perfection had obviously been reached. Because they decided to have another, I was blessed to have been given a lifelong friend. My brother was my first best friend and we have seen each other through a lot, both good times and bad. We speak in shorthand and inside jokes but when we have to get real with each other we do. Growing up he had to put up with my crap because I was the oldest and that was just the way it was. Today, I look up to him.

Picture This: Day 8

2011-02-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Day 8:
A picture that makes you laugh every time you look at it.
There are no other words....

Picture This: Day 7

2011-02-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

Day 7:
A picture of your most treasured possession.
I have lots of treasured possessions but tonight my rings and a crochet hook are my most treasured. My engagement and wedding ring are with me always and today I picked up my birthstone ring from the jewelers and will wear it everyday. My mum gave me my birthstone ring when I turned 18 and it was the first piece of grown up jewelry I ever owned. It is very special to me.
Crochet hooks are very special to me as well because every time I pick one up it reminds me of my grandmother. I don't think that there will ever be a time in my life where I won't have at least one crochet hook in my home.

Picture This: Day 6

2011-02-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

Day 6:
A person you'd love to trade places with for the day.
Not really a person, but the pup. I mean, come on! All she has to worry about is when she gets to go for a walk, when she might get a treat and if the toilet seat is up so she can ignore bowl of water we put out for her every day and drink strait from the source. When she is not snoozing on the couch or under the covers, she is preforming her duties as the ever diligent guard dog by keeping a keen eye to the window above the door. Its a tough life...dare I say, it a dog's life. (Ok, go ahead and let out a collective groan...that was a pretty awful joke.)

Picture This: Day 5

2011-02-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

Day 5:
A picture of an old memory.
Oh how I hate Nebraska.
The Mr. and I drove cross country to Chicago shortly after becoming engaged to visit his family back east. The trip was a blast and I would do it again in a heartbeat, as long as I got to skip Nebraska. It was the most boring state to drive through and there was so much road work in Omaha that we detoured and ended up lost for over an hour when trying to find a hotel at the end of a very very long day. As we were leaving the horrible place, a tire on the truck blew out. The 'soon to be' Mr. had to change the tire on a super dangerous curve that almost brought me to tears. Thank goodness Des Moines was the next stop where we met some of the nicest people in the country. Sorry Nebraska, but my heart will forever belong to Iowa

Picture This: Day 4

2011-01-31T22:25:00.000-08:00

Day 4:
A picture of your night.
Pretty sad because I had hoped to make scones tonight but instead I vegged out on American Pickers while eating a dinner of pork chops (grilled to perfection by the Mr.) and stuffed potatoes (made by yours truly). The stuffed potatoes were one of the first things I learned to make from my mum that was somewhat impressive. I made these when I was in my early 20s and thought I was very high class. Oh yeah, cheap Gallo Cabernet topped it off...now I am ready to catch some zzzz's...night y'all.

Sensing Sunday and Picture This: Day 3

2011-01-30T16:20:00.000-08:00

Day 3:
A picture of the cast of your favorite show.
Mad Men....duh.

...and...

Sensing Sunday
What I am:
Hearing: 'Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay'-Sara Bareilles, Live at the Fillmore

This is the second time I have heard this song this week. When I was listening to it in my car the first time I thought that it would make a great lullaby. I can't wait to sing it to my own children someday.

Seeing: The sun playing hide and seek behind dark storm clouds and the occasional drizzle of rain.

Smelling: My French Cassis scented candle from Cost Plus that I bought on my last trip there...the candles at this place are AMAZING!

Tasting: A slice of my s'mores pie and a cup of tea. I take back my previous opinion of this pie, its not too bad. I think I might still make a few tweaks though, biggest one being...not burning the meringue!

Feeling: Somewhat accomplished. I worked out both days and I made steps to improve how I fuel my body (present pie eating excluded, its not Monday yet). Let's hope that I can stick to it for at least the rest of the week.

Pie of the Month

2011-01-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

In my defense, this is how I made my marshmallows over the campfire as well. First I burnt the bejeezes out of them and then I peeled off the burnt skin. My s'mores still turned out fantastic.
I had mentioned that I thought I might try to make a cake a month as part of the 'doing what I say I am going to do' New Year resolution I made. I changed it up just a bit and decided that pie was the way to go. I gave some thought to cake, I researched recipes but I felt that I might get a little bored with cake.
This month I decided I would make S'mores Pie. The crust would be graham cracker of course, a truffle chocolate filling and a marshmallow meringue. I was not going to use any recipe but come up with my own. When I told the Mr. his only response was 'This should be interesting.'
It was a two day process and when the pie was completed and I had my first taste, he was right. It was...er...um...interesting.
In my opinion it wasn't so bad to be deemed 'God awful' but it wasn't the best thing I had made either. I am fairly confident that I know where I made mistakes and where I can fix them, that's a good sign. When I have perfected the recipe (anticipating many test runs in the near future), I will share it. Until then, you will have to imagine a better version of what I had with my afternoon tea today.

**Side note, 6 years ago today, the Mr. and I dined on Mahi Mahi and Heineken telling each other our life stories for the first time. Afterwards we both suffered awkwardly through the Aviator for the next 3 hours. We have been together ever since. Happy Anniversary, I love you more today than the day of our first date.

Picture This: Day 2

2011-01-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

(G, Tank and Benny the Monkey)

Day 2:
A picture of the person you have been closest with the longest.
My best friend, G. Although we have known each other since junior high school (he used to kick the back of my chair in choir every morning that I sat in a chair that, for some reason, was coveted by the two of us. What a jerk.), it wasn't until we were in the Skin of Our Teeth in high school together that we became best friends. Neither one of us had many lines in that play which allowed us to find out that we were meant to be best friends forever. 19 years after our first introduction, we are still besties.

Picture This

2011-01-28T22:22:00.000-08:00

(monstergallery on Etsy)

Oh internet, you let everyone be clever without ever having an original thought...I do like this idea though and with the two days that are left of this month and the 28 days in the month of Febuary, maybe I can get this accomplished:
"Okay.. It's like a picture Diary. First you make an album titled "30 pictures in 30 days". And,each day you follow the direction for that day with a picture. It's a fun idea. Let's see if it catches on. :] you could learn alot about yourself if nothing else... Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts. Day 02 - A picture of the person you've been closest with the longest. Day 03 - A picture of the cast of your favorite show. Day 04 - A picture of your night. Day 05 - A picture of an old memory. Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for the day. Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured possession. Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh every time you look at it. Day 09 - A picture of a person who has gotten you through the most. Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most fucked up things with. Day 11 - A picture of something you absolutely hate. Day 12 - A picture of something you absolutely love. Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band/artist. Day 14 - A picture of a person you couldn't picture your life without. Day 15 - A picture of something you'd like to do before you die. Day 16 - A picture of a person who inspires you. Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently. Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity. Day 19 - A picture of a letter. Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel. Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget. Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at. Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book. Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change. Day 25 - A picture of your day. Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you. Day 27 - A picture of you and a family member. Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of. Day 29 - A picture that makes you angry.Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss."

Day 1:
A picture of yourself with fifteen facts....
1. This picture is misleading, this is not my natural hair color (neither is the color I have now). Its pretty close though.
2. As the first child, if I had been born a boy I would have been a third, named after my grandfather. My brother was the one to receive that inheritance.
3. My right thumb looks like a big toe. Its disgusting and I hide it subconsciously in my fist to this day. Every time I get my nails done, the nail lady almost always laughs at it and shows all her nail lady friends in the salon.
4. When my cousins and I were kids, during the summer we used to pretend that my grandparent's deck was a 'boat'. We would jump off the 'boat' and 'swim' and 'fish' in the lawn with poles made of sticks and bait made of leaves and flowers. Now my cousin's kids have a playset erected in the same backyard. Imagination made easy, although we would have given our right arm for a playset growing up. I will give the kids this, running the hose to the top of the slide to make a waterslide was an impressive show of imagination.
5. When I was in grammer school, my friends and I, on recess, tried to make daisy chains long enough to enter into the Guinness Book of World Records.
6. We also invented a game called 'Green Tag' where you were safe if you sat down on the lawn. If you were 'It' you pretty much stayed 'It' until the bell rang.
7.My favorite books growing up were the 'Little House' books, The People's Almanac, Hatchet, early American biographies, Wait Till Helen Comes (still scares the crap outta me), every Babysitter's Club book I could get my hands on, Little Women, and of course...the Guinness Book of World Records.
8. My brother and I used to dress our pets in our old baby clothes for fun when we were little. They hated it because there wasn't a hole for their tails.
9. We also would make cars and trains out of cardboard boxes and sit in them. We would take crayons and draw steering wheels, dashboards, doors, windows and seats to really trick them out.
10. On Saturday mornings, my brother and I would let my mom sleep in. We would toast a whole loaf of bread (because that was all we were allowed to cook), watch Saturday morning cartoons and when the last cartoon was over we would build a fort out of the couch cushions. Around that time, my mom would roll out of bed. My brother and I were obviously perfect children and very considerate of our mother.
11. My dad taught me to drive over the course of almost two years and I stilled failed the driving test the first time. I am eternally grateful that I learned on a manual transmission though. Thanks dad.
12. When strolling down Memory Lane, my dad, brother and I identify memories by what house my dad lived in. For example, my dad taught us how to climb up door frames using our bare feet at the duplex on Tully.
13. I had to 'duck and cover' after hearing gunshots at the house on Downey. Thankfully I felt safe because my dad was a second generation police officer.
14. My mom used to take my brother and I on 'Secret Journey's'. She would pile us in the car and not tell us where we were going insisting that we guess. Only one time was it Disneyland, every other time it was San Francisco. This is still one of my absolute most favorite memories.
15. I used to have a better memory, I feel that its starting to fade. Some of the good, but more of the bad.

London Fog

2011-01-25T23:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I behave as if everyday is a little vacation. A little part of everyday anyway.
It has been very foggy here in the valley the past couple of days. Growing up here, it was just part of life and you adapted and got used to it and sort of noticed it and at the same time sort of didn't. Last year it felt like we got a reprieve from it and when it rolled in this year it seemed more noticeable to me. It also cast a gloom, especially in the evening. Normally I would think it very depressing and lock myself in the room huddled under the covers hoping to fall asleep early. Tonight it had me nostalgic for the trip to London I took about seven years ago.
My brother was doing a work study program in 2003 and left for London that August. Immediately my mother made plans to book a trip for that Thanksgiving weekend so that we would be there to celebrate with my brother when he turned 21. Once we arrived we realized that we completely forgot that the legal drinking age in England is 18 and that my brother had been imbibing for months. His 21st was still a blast though with one of my fondest memories of the trip was the two of us racing half blitzed through Piccadilly Circus trying to make the last tube back to his flat in Earl's Court and down the street from the hotel mum and I were staying at.

The next morning, and almost every morning of our stay there, mum and I had tea (with milk, the way I was raised drinking it) and digestives for breakfast. Don't get too grossed out by the word "digestives" because it is not what you think...they are fabulous cookies. Not too sweet and almost like a thick graham cracker, Mc Vitie's Digestive Biscuits became a fast favorite. Our absolute favorite were the milk chocolate and caramel cookies, they tasted almost identical to a Twix candy bar. When we crossed the pond and arrived back home I very often missed my new favorite little cookie. Fortunately I was able to find them at Cost Plus World Market, right here in my hometown. For a long time I was able to find the identical biscuits that I had in London. With the dense fog and my memory of those cookies haunting me, I decided I had to have them tonight. I headed over to Cost Plus and found the isle immediately. I had forgotten how much I loved this store. Scanning the shelves, I found that my particular type of digestive was missing. I was tremendously disappointed and settled for the dark chocolate ones. When I got home, I made my cup of Lipton (what I grew up drinking but Typhoo tea would have really brought me back to the banks of the Thames), and limited myself to two digestives. This was after I had already consumed about four on the car ride home...I ain't gonna lie. Even though they were missing that ribbon of salty caramel, the dark chocolate variety served its purpose. I was instantly taken back to my tiny tiny hotel room watching the BBC and every once in a while, gazing out the window at the fog rolling over the shadows of the inveterate buildings outside.

**Oh, in completely unrelated-to-this-post news...my good friend Cocodoodle started a little bloggy blog of her own. Don't walk, run over to Paperback Writer and continue to do so. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Get. Out. Of. My. Head!!

2011-01-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first long run in my training. It wasn't too bad, then again it was only three miles. I usually walk 6+ with my dad and the dogs every Sunday so three miles was a piece of cake. (Speaking of cake, here's one more 'resolution' to add to the list.)
After my little workout and some much needed grocery shopping, I agreed to head to Stockton to help my mom sort out her office. For the past 5 years or so, my mother has been consumed with being a professor at the hoity toity university there. She spends almost 7 days a week there and lots of time trapped by the paperwork that gets out of control. I was motivated by selfish reasons to help her because I miss my mom and would like to spend more time with her without hearing 'I really can't right now, I am too busy'.
She agreed to take me to lunch for payment and walking along the Miracle Mile to the restaurant, I was stopped dead in my tracks.
I don't have children, yet. One day I hope to but life sometimes gets in the way and its a dream that has been put on hold. Walking by Tots and Teapots makes me wish that dream was already realized.
To everyone that has children and lives in the central valley...you HAVE to shop here. Everything in that shop was perfect. The little hats (crocheted beanies, ear flap hats and little bowler hats) were genius! I am a little over the tutus for the girls but in this shop they were understated enough to make me wish they had them in my size. I was smitten with the houndstooth and pirate umbrellas. Lots of times when you see baby clothes, the little girl stuff is always so precious but the little boys stuff can be hit or miss. In this shop, all the little boy stuff were hits! I loved the pin striped blazers and the sweaters with elbow patches make me hope that my first born is a boy. Above all my favorite thing in the shop were the silk screened onesies. My absolute favorite, a onesie that was silk screened to look like a pair of trousers held up by suspenders. In the pocket, a silk screened slingshot. It was amazing, it looked just like Dennis the Menace or Alfalfa from The Little Rascals! I might go back and get it with the hopes that I can save it for future offspring.
Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the shop girl asked us...
"Have you seen the tea room upstairs?"
Now I am a sucker for tea rooms. I love taking tea but was greatly spoiled by the first tea I took at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. Taking tea there was like taking tea in first class on the Titanic. Everything was perfection. Since then every tea room I have been in has been an explosion of pastels and flowers. It is hard to really enjoy the tea when trying to keep the contents of your stomach down from the vertigo you get from the decor. I have always said that if I were to do a tea room it would be very understated.
We walked upstairs and my jaw dropped. It looked liked a speakeasy! I fell in love. On the wall was a Vettriano looking print (my all time favorite artist) and black and whites of Audrey Hepburn. The colors were muted and rich with creams, violets, and chocolate browns. There were shaded chandeliers dripping with crystals hanging from the ceilings. I wanted to live there.
As we were leaving, I couldn't stop gushing. I told my mom, it was as if someone had taken a photograph of how I want my life in my head and made it into an actual place.
It was kind of scary.

Run, Fat Girl, Run

2011-01-12T23:05:00.000-08:00

Well, actually, this is the first year that I haven't felt like a fatty. The scale still tells me that I am but I am telling the scale to suck it this year. Oh yeah, and while I am at it the mirror can suck it as well.
The only resolution I made this year was to commit to the things I say I am going to do. I figured that I would end up watching my mouth and making sure that I didn't absentmindedly open it to say things that begin with "I think I am going to..." I have already shot myself in the foot and its not even 2 weeks into the year. I have committed myself to a half marathon.
I haven't fully committed myself because I haven't yet registered, but I have said it out loud and, for this year, that is commitment enough. Drats.
My plan is to register for The San Francisco Marathon. It takes place on July 31, 2011. The tough choice I have to make is do I run the first half or the second half? The first half takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge and then a bus takes you to the finish line. The second half lets you actually cross the finish line. Decisions, decisions. I am pretty sure I will be doing the first half. I like the idea of running with the hopefuls instead of crawling with the haggard. I have a friend (Camo) that will be running it for the American Cancer Society and in my office, my coworkers (including my boss) and I have almost convinced ourselves to do it. Its not like I will be out there alone. Its not like I can SAY I ran it when really I might have been in the Marina at Judy's having their fantastic french toast. I am stuck to it now and more than likely there will be witnesses.
I am considering the Bay to Breakers as a fun little run to take some of the pressure off the big one in July. I have said I had wanted to do this every year for the past 3 or 4 years and this year marks its 100th anniversary. This year I am seriously considering it but I refuse to commit to anything.
Camo sent me a schedule that she planned to work off of (because she is a newbie runner like myself). Tomorrow I start Thursday of week one and will repeat week one next week before moving on to the rest of the schedule. I should get to bed because I have promised myself that I will wake up early and head to the gym before work....wish me luck.

Same Excuse, Different Day...

2010-12-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

Sugar Cookie 10 Hour Marathon

Sweatshoppin' it up night after night working on these puppies

Sorry, I have been absent again. Been a busy, busy bee. Hopefully after the new year I can dedicate more to the blog. If you don't hear from me until then......

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
XOXO,

The Sour and the Sweet

2010-12-09T19:56:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, was the Hand Born Modern Craft Bazaar. I had heard about this even for a few months. So many people had told me that I had to check it out but when it came time to go, no one wanted to go with me. Cocodoodle saved me at last minute and spontaneously agreed to be my date for a girl's night of craft faire and wine afterwards.
Hand Born was started in 2004 It took place in downtown Modesto. I had been to the art walks that downtown Modesto hosts on Thursady nights and it was very much like that. The bazaar

A Conversation Between Siblings

2010-12-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

In honor of my brother who celebrated his 29th birthday this week (the saddest of all the birthdays):

Found in my text log from October 28, 2010 (same day as game 2 in the World Series):

Sister: That game was retarded! Wicked retarded!

Brother: I was in class. We were updating the score on the chalkboard. Would've been fun to watch.

Sister: It just got kinda embarrassing in the 8th for the Rangers. I think I liked yesterday's better when Uribe scored that triple. That was awesome!

Brother: Yeah. I see what you mean. Still maybe now the Giants might finally start getting some respect. Sportscasters have been talking about how SF got this far on a series of flukes.

Sister: I know. I have a friend that tried to listen to some of the games on the radio instead because she couldn't stand listening to Joe Buck (I think it was Joe Buck)

Brother: Yeah. There is a lot of people in SF who watch the game on mute but listen to the local sports announcers on the radio.

Sister: Ha...oh BTW I have about 70 pages left of The Girl Who Played with Fire, I would have been done with it by now if it wasn't for the stinkin' World Series.
I like it better than the first one.

Brother: The last one is only in hardcover. Just so you know.

Sister: I know :( I might have to splurge (or borrow). I think Andrea read the series so maybe she has a copy to lend.

Brother: Check the library also.

Sister: 2 months till Archer...just sayin'...

Brother: Word.

Sister: All right peace out y'all...

Brother: Peace out y'all. *Donnie types extra loud getting weird looks from people on the bus*
(Side note: My brother and I force each other to say this at the end of every phone conversation. It is especially fun for the other when one is in a public place or with other people. Then we force that person to say it louder than usual)

Sister: *Jenny rolls eye in complete disbelief*

Brother: Whatever. I am hilarious. Bye.

Sister: Uh...in a daiquiri holding, unicorn lovin' kinda way (which you should totally be for Halloween)...bye.

Brother: Or in a Steve McQueen roadhalling Osama Bin Laden across an active volcano kind of way.

Sister: Oh one more thing, did you see the article about the World Series on the Onion? Hilarious.
Uh...isn't there still some gay subtext with McQueen? But I like the volcano part...totally not gay at all.

Brother: 2 things. I haven't seen the Onion thing yet and nothing about McQueen or fans of McQueen is gay. A mean look from him could make both Chuck Norris and the Old Spice guy go sisssies in their pants out of fear.

Sister: But the volcano...anything you want to retract from that?

Brother: There is nothing gay about geological processes.

Sister: Whatever. If I have to have this argument with you then I am just wasting my breath. Apparently you are not ready to be honest with yourself yet. Its ok, mom and I will still love you. It might take a while for dad but he will come around. He already told me that he is ok with adopted grandchildren. Its ok if DHW4 (my brother is a third, he has already promised my father that his first son will be a fourth) is Chinese, or black even. Dad's cool with that (the adoption part is totally true BTW. Dad and I had a conversation about it when he was pressuring me to make him a grandpa....long story)

At this point in the conversation my brother called me on the phone to hear the adoption story.

Happy Birthday Kid Brother!

Ooh La La: San Francisco French American Chamber of Commerce, La Soiree

2010-12-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

I had been anticipating La Soiree for about two months. I was excited when I got my ticket in the mail. I was excited to buy something new and fancy to wear to the event. The night before I was like a kid at Christmas waiting for Santa.
I had to work all day prior to leaving for the event that started at 6:00PM. I was lucky enough to get off work an hour early and thank goodness. It was one of the worst days at work that I had had up to that point. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I left and headed strait to my friend Cocodoodle's house (not her real but one that she has had ever since seeing Coco Before Chanel together about a year ago, maybe longer. I am bad with the passing of time). After a few minutes of trying to convince her fine food obsessed sister to hop in the car with us, we were on our way.
We reached Livermore by 6:00PM and I thought, 'Great, we are making pretty good time. We will be sipping French wine and eating pate in another hour or so. At the very latest another two hours or so.'
Famous last words.
It was one of the first heavy rains of the season. While I might be a decent driver in the rain, those around me on the 580 were not. We finally reached my brother's apartment around 7:30PM. A little later than I had hoped but still early enough that we might still have a decent time. I had Cocodoodle call for a cab when we were about 15 minutes away from his place. Our plan was to leave my car there and take a taxi to La Soiree so we wouldn't have to worry about how we would get the car back to the apartment and everyone could be a little more irresponsible and no one would have to worry about being sober driver, we would let Yellow Cab handle that. We got through to Yellow Cab and an automated service let us know that our taxi would be there in 15 minutes. We gave them my brother's address, planted ourselves under umbrellas in front of his apartment in our fancy clothes and waited...and waited. After 20 minutes I called the service again. This time I reached an actual human. His only words for our taxi not being there, 'Oh, its on its way.' Click. No apology, no indication that we would be on our way anytime soon....nothing. While stranded in front of my brother's apartment we witnessed a family of raccoons sleuth and sneak from one apartment to the next across the street from us. It was strange to watch and the creep factor rose when they became aware of us across the street and all four looked up at us and froze all at once. Ten seconds later they were on their way again. After 35 minutes of waiting for the stinkin' cab, my brother's roommate walked out of the apartment.
'Hi, I am Don's sister, do you remember me?'
'Oh yeah...uh...hi...' (hesitantly)
'I just didn't want you to think that we were some creepy stalker girls standing in front of your apartment. We are supposed to meet my brother at the Metreon and we are just waiting for our cab'
'How long have you been waiting? You will never get one out here'
'35 minutes, they promised to be here in 15.'
'Do you guys want a ride? It is kinda on the way the where I am going'
'Sure'
I wasn't about to be polite and modest...who knows when the cab was going to get there?
On the way we compared stories about how unintentionally funny my brother is. She asked me why my brother will laugh loudly, alone, while watching TV. I had to admit that it was a family thing, both my mother and myself do it. It takes awhile for those that know us to understand and accept it.
We had FINALLY arrived. We took the elevator to the fourth floor, past the neo-goth teenagers, past the concession stands. We found my brother on the balcony (with one of the most amazing views of downtown San Francisco, by the way), in the rain, about 2 sheets in. His best friend may have already been at 3 sheets. Cocodoodle and I had to catch up quick.
I wanted to get some food in me first. The first table I went to had a chicken liver pate that sounds like dog food but tasted amazing. Not as amazing as the spinach terrine that was next to it. That dish was da bomb! I filled my glass with an unknown red (decent but not great) and took a walk around the place. The balcony was gorgeous but other than that the venue kinda stunk for the event. The way it was laid out, people ended up bottle-necked around some of the more popular tables, preventing others from getting by. It made mad- dashes for wine almost impossible. Next was a white, and another red. We were starting to get loosened up (ok, I was starting to get loosened up, Cocodoodle kept asking me 'Do I seem drunk? I am already drunk') We hit on another glass of red that I was sure was my favorite, Pinot Noir. What I wouldn't give to have been more attentive because that glass was fantastic! The best of the night.
Finally good and lubricated, I took in the fabulous of it all. Beautiful people speaking French everywhere (Note to self: Put that birthday gift of audio French to work and learn the language already). A strange Shakespearean nymph looking creature, on stilts! Marie Antoinette face painting unicorns on grown men when intoxicated. The men, not Marie Antoinette...
I wish we would have arrived earlier. I wish the venue would have had a better flow. I wish there would have been more desserts (although I was told that there were lots more there before we got there, drats). Other than that, this is definitely something I would do again. I am already making plans for next year.
Oh, I almost forgot the best part. At the end of the night we got our groove on to the DJ that had the strangest mashups but, after all the wine, seemed to be works of art. I also got to see that my brother could add another terrific genetic trait, that again skipped me, to the list. On top of getting the height, fast metabolism and piano player fingers, he gets to add 'sweet dance moves'. I never knew the kid could dance. When I dance I look like I am seizing and swatting at flies at the same time.
Completely unfair!

Barely Legal

2010-12-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

Except it definitely wasn't Swedish...

Because the 75+lb pup sleeps in the middle of the Mr. and I every night, my body has been a little stiff lately. I had never experienced back pain before and had always considered myself lucky. Suddenly 30 hit and so did the aches and pains that I had bragged about dodging. I had outsmarted them. They found me.
It had been in my head to get a massage for a few weeks now. Every time I had convinced myself to get one, guilt set in at the potential splurge and the price that goes along with it. The other day I had passed by the Angel Relax Center in town and posted above the door was a huge banner that read 'Massage $19.99', I thought 'eh, why not?'
I thought I would play it safe and get only a pressure point massage. Although my sense of humor runs on the grossly inappropriate side, my sensibilities are that of a nun (at least when I am sober). With a pressure point massage, I was hoping to keep my clothes on. I called, booked my appointment, told them what I wanted and set it for 6:00 after work.
When I got there a different man was sitting at the desk. I told him I was there for my appointment and he stared at me blankly. I told him I was there for a 30 minute pressure point massage, again he stared at me blankly. After a few minutes of this he led to a room after silently convincing me to pay for a 45 minute full body massage. Fine. Whatever.
I disrobed, put a short towel on and waited. During my wait I looked above me and thought, 'What a strange place for curtain rods?' I couldn't make sense why they ran lengthwise in the middle of the room and were about a foot apart. I would soon find out.
'Sw' (pronounced 'Sue', her spelling, not mine) came into the room and instructed me to lay face down on the bed. No sooner had I put my head in that toilet seat looking thing and Sw's hands were all over me. No hand holding, no soothing voice, just strait business. Well, ok. If I paying for 45 minutes I suppose I want to get my money's worth. Sw worked fast, too fast. It was more painful than relaxing but again I compromised with myself and thought, 'I just want my back to feel better'. Here are the highlights of how the rest of the appointment played out:

-The phone rings, in the room! Sw answers it! Now I don't feel so bad about the silent receptionist not understanding that I had wanted cash back for tip.
-Sw's hands leave me and suddenly I realize what those bars were for. She needed something to grab onto to steady herself. Feet! Feet were on me! Walking up my legs, heels digging into my butt. standing on my back....all over me. I was appalled at first, only because I wasn't at all expecting it. After a few minutes though, I started to loosen up and enjoy it. (Don't judge me!)
-At this point I thought the massage was over and started to get up. Sw gently pushed me back on the bed and somehow convinced me to commit to the full hour for an additional $10. I was too scared to say no.
-She holds two separate conversations over the wall with the other employees in the parlor (is that even the right word for it?). Again too scared to say anything, hoping they weren't talking about me.
-She has me turn over and as modest as I tried to be, everything ended up showing as she grunted her way through some of the more grueling moves of the massage.
-Again, I think the massage is over and she whispers to me 'Oh no, baby oil' What the???
-She pours baby oil all over my backside...all over! I am beyond mortified at this point.
-After cleaning me up with hot towels (that felt so good, by the way) the massage was FINALLY over.

I walked up to the counter and Sw helped the receptionist understand that I needed to pay for the additional time. I also let her know to add more for her tip. She gave me a glass of water, her card with her name 'Sw', a squeal and a great big hug.
I walked out of there, water in hand, not fully understanding what had just happened. Not fully convinced that some of what happened wasn't illegal. I called my mom for a voice of reason (after calling G begging him to answer the phone). She had me on speaker phone with her coworker who, after I told the story, simply said, 'Oh yeah, that's what they usually do'.
Now that I am sitting in safety and comfort of my own home, I feel great. I might go back next month.
Needless to say, I know what I getting the Mr. for Christmas. Purely for the awkward entertainment.

Busy or lazy? You decide....

2010-11-30T22:30:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Cakespy

Dear 'four-and-a-half-readers-that-read-my-little-musings',
I am so sorry that I have been somewhat absent from The Sour and The Sweet. I have been busy (ok, lazy?) and have not had a chance to post a legitimate update. I promise to soon tell you all about 'La Soiree' in San Francisco with my friend Cocodoodle; the Hand Born Craft Fair the day after Thanksgiving with a stop at my favorite restaurant, Tresetti's; and my missed opportunity to sail around Greece this summer with my brother (that last one might be a depressing entry). Give me some time and I promise that I will get it together. Hopefully before the new year. In the meantime enjoy some Xtina Aguilera (just because I like spelling her name that way) and the latest from Hyperbole and a Half (those that find this as hysterical as I do can be my best friend forever). Oh and food for thought? IS pie the new cupcake? Maybe so....

XOXO,
Jen

Sensing Sunday: November 14, 2010

2010-11-14T17:22:00.000-08:00

This is my mom's new pup. Welcome to the family Milo!

What I am:

Hearing: 'Things Have Changed'--Bob Dylan on Mad Men Radio via Pandora Radio.

Seeing: Ace of Cakes on the Food Network.

Smelling: A cup of Trader Joe's Wintry Blend coffee, my favorite.

Tasting: Leftover Garlic Chicken and Luck Chow Mein from Lucky House.

Feeling: Crafty. I am thinking of going to the fabric store if it still open. I have some ideas brewing up in my noggin. I also told G that I would look for some vintage fabric that he found locally and used in his collection. I better get a move on.

Happy Sunday!

The Only Living Boy in New York

2010-11-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

Shhhh...don't tell the Mr. but I am in love with Ryan Jones (K. Ryan Jones for professional and pretentious reasons). If you aren't reading The Only Living Boy in New York here are the top 5 reasons you should be.

Reason #5:
He talks to his brother Garrett the same way I talk to my brother. Exhibit A and Exhibit B.

Regrettably, I could not find a pic of my brother and I from when we were kids stored on my computer. Hasbro's My Buddy and Kid Sister will have to make do. Fun fact though, my brother TOTALLY had a My Buddy doll. We gave him several haircuts and took a magic marker to his face. Fun times!

Reason #4:
He is HILARIOUS on Facebook.

Reason#3:
This...

Reason #2:

Archie.

(not to be outdone by my own Pup)

...and the number 1 reason to LOVE The Only Living Boy in New York...

His unfailing love for all things Mad Men (a man after my own heart)

The best being this...

...and his claim to fame. I found this mentioned on amctv.com a few months back. It was love at first sight.

I wish that I could spread the love more but I only have a total readership of about 4 and a half people. Sorry K. Ry.

PS. Oh. my. god! THIS is like the time Davy Jones was on the Brady Bunch and I am Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

Sensing Sunday: November 7, 2010

2010-11-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

What I am:

Hearing: 'To Be With You'-The Honey Trees (semi-local band out of Sacramento, CA)

Seeing: The rain washing the world away.

Smelling: 'Burberry Brit' It reminds me of a gin and tonic and is perfectly crisp and hearty for fall.

Tasting: Microwavable meatloaf and mashed potatoes....yummy?

Feeling: Exhausted. It has been a very emotionally draining week for me. Still have hope that things might get better. Always have hope.

Hello Naomi!

2010-11-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Hello Naomi

I can't tell you how excited I am about this particular blog. I fell in love with Hello Naomi's simple and sweet cake and cupcake design when I stumbled upon her flickr account a couple of years ago. She is the one that made me want to design and decorate cupcakes. She was my very first inspiration and that planted the seed...now she has a blog?!?! Too good to be true. Check it out.

Apartment Therapy Los Angeles: Anthony and Gregory's 1912 Contemporary Craftsman (aka 'Yeah, I TOTALLY know these guys...')

2010-10-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

Last week, best friend G (known to the world as Gregory Metcalf) and his boyfriend Tony (known to the world as Anthony Franco) were featured in Apartment Therapy: Los Angeles. I should say that their gorgeous house was featured. When G told me this I shrieked because I have been a huge fan of Apartment Therapy: San Francisco for some time now and knew that this was a huge deal. I have spent many weekends at this house and consider the downstairs office to be my own personal guest room at Château Franco-Metcalf (look close and you can see my hidden contribution, a charcoal afghan that I made G years ago, hanging off the arm of the couch downstairs). These two boys have impeccable taste that carries an obvious artistic touch. Please check out their home tour and see for yourself. Make sure you take a double look at all of the fantastic pillows featured by G's endeavor, Gregory Keith.

Sensing Sunday: October 31, 2010

2010-10-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Mr. and Mrs....Halloween 2010

What I am:

Hearing: 'The Crazies' Hearing it because I refuse to watch it. I hate scary movies, I don't care what the day of the year it is.

Seeing: All the cute pics of all my friends that have kids that dressed up for Halloween.

Smelling: Pumpkin seeds starting to roast from the pumpkins I carved tonight.

Tasting: Chocolate.

Feeling: Between the leftover Halloween candy and the 'Witches Hats' I made today (normally known as Peanut Butter and Hershey Kiss Blossoms), I feel kinda sick to my stomach. I haven't had this much sugar in a long time.

Sensing Sunday: October 24, 2010

2010-10-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

What I am:

Hearing: The most adorable beagle howl, next to my own pup's.

Seeing: My transaction receipt for the ticket to La Soriee that I just purchased. So excited!

Smelling: A cup of Folger's with a dash of sugar and a splash of milk in my zebra striped coffee mug. I bought it on a whim from the dollar store about 7 years ago and has become my favorite mug to sip from.

Tasting: Oroweat Dutch Country Extra Fiber toast with a smudge of chunky peanut butter.

Feeling: It was a stressful week for me. Insomnia set in, handfuls of hair fell out in the shower and I seem to have lost my appetite. On the plus side the numbers on the scale are plummeting so maybe its more of a lose win situation. Hope next week is a little better.

Sensing Sunday: October 17, 2010

2010-10-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

What I am:

Hearing: The second game of the Giant's and the Philly's on the TV behind me. The Giant's just walked a run in because the bases were loaded and its only the first inning...this is why I have a hard time watching sports, I get too riled up.

Seeing: The overcast sky of the first legitimate fall day of the year through my office window. I love it.

Smelling: My favorite apple pie baking in the oven. I am sharing it with my friend/cousin Andrea while we watch the final episode of Mad Men tonight.

Tasting: A tall glass of milk.

Feeling: Relaxed, it was the first weekend that I let myself enjoy being a bit lazy in a long time. Now I don't want to go to work tomorrow.

Go Fetch!

2010-10-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

Don't hate me but that is the only picture I was able to get of the wonderful time I had at the 3rd Annual Modesto Disc Dogg Competition.

I decided that I was leaving town too much in the past couple of months on my days off and really needed to stay closer to home so that I could tend to things more domestic on my weekends (laundry, dishes, dusting, vacuuming, et all) and the Mr. really needed to tend to the yard work. He is outside mowing the lawns as we speak while I am updating the blog (he is a much better person than I am today).
Just because I was planning on staying close to home didn't mean that I had to let myself stay cooped up in the house all day. I had been catching up on all my favorite design and DIY blogs and was bit by the 'before and after' bug. My plan today was to scour Craigslist with a budget of about $25 dollars and see what I could find to re-purpose for my own home. I am in dire need of a new entertainment unit for the television in the front room but still haven't found anything that I feel would be the best fit. I moved on to the local newspaper hoping to find something in the events calendar for this weekend. I know many people that live (or have lived for that matter) in my community that constantly complain that there is nothing to do in this po-dunk town of almost 250,000 people. To them I say, 'You just aren't trying hard enough.' This weekend I found the perfect way to say 'I told you so'. After finding it on the events calendar, the Mr. and I headed out to the 3rd Annual Modesto Disc Dogg Competition. It was held at John Muir Park. I grew up in this town and had never been to this park. It is tucked away on High Street which is close to the downtown area and by the cemetery. It is an older neighborhood in town and I always believed it to be somewhat rundown that I never thought to venture further down the street. Big mistake on my part because at the end of the street is a picture perfect little park nestled in the middle of quaint, nostalgic houses. It was in this setting that the Mr., the Pup and I sat under ancient oak trees, in mild weather (finally) and watched other pups make amazing (and not so amazing) jumps and frisbee catches to score points to see who would be top dog that day. We headed out and I was able to get two pictures on the way there and one picture once we arrived...and that was it. Dummy Jen forgot to charge the camera and I couldn't coax anymore photos out of it. I was so disappointed and I know you are too.
These are the potential photo ops that were missed out on:
Baby crawling on all fours at the same level as some of the more well behaved pups.
Cute older couple that showed up to watch on their beach cruiser bicycles. (I love cute, older couples).
Dogs catching some serious air reaching for the frisbees.
Sammy Davis Jr, a dautsund that, for me, stole the show. That dog was hustling!
Eli. I wasn't sure what kind of dog he was but he was beautiful. He was brown with a white streak over his forehead that made him look a little like Pepe Le Pew.
A dog named Zip...only because he had the coolest name that day.
While there, the Mr and I had an opportunity to meet Jill. She walked over to introduce herself and to let us know more about the Disc Doggs. We let her know what a great time we were having but that our own pup was hopeless when it came to fetch. She gave us some tips and gave us some hope that maybe next year, the Pup might make it to the novice competition. She let us know a trick to getting your dog to return the frisbee to you is to dab a bit of peanut butter under the lip. I said, 'Thats great to get her to go after it but how can I get her to return it to me?' Her answer was so simple, 'Have another one waiting for her and she will come back to you.' Brilliant. Like I said it gave us hope, now all we have to do is practice and maybe next year the Pup will be out there chasing frisbees and scoring points.

The Pup eagerly anticipating going to the park. Taking the Mr.'s seat while he was getting the car gassed up.

Rare, although carefully cropped, self portrait taken today in support of two of my favorite people.

Not to brag (ok, TOTALLY to brag), the above flower was constructed of vintage fabric from my good friend (boyfriend to my best friend G) Anthony Franco. He is showing this week in LA Fashion Week and I cannot be there. G keeps giving me random updates; certain A-list celebrities are to be in attendance and at the after party, certain D-list celebrities (who are more A-list to me than the actual A-list celebrities) are promised to be there as well. I know he is doing this to entice me to make the mid-week trip but I can't and now its becoming more and more painful. I promise a full post soon after the event on Wednesday. Until then please check out Behind the Line with Anthony Franco. His show is sponsored by Cotton (Yes, THAT Cotton. The touch, the feel, the fabric of our lives...you know you know it) and they have followed him from the beginning of designing his Spring 2011 line. I will be there in spirit and will be watching a live feed at Behind the Line with Anthony Franco on Wednesday, you definitely should too.

Riverbank Wine and Cheese Exposition 2010

2010-10-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday we stayed close, very close, to home and went out to the Riverbank Wine and Cheese Exposition. The Mr. and I really could have walked there from our house but because we did tons of walking the day before, we decided to drive the three minutes and find a parking space. At first I felt pretty lazy but in the end I am glad that we did because we didn't stay that long. Its not that we didn't have fun, its just that we go almost every year and had seen most of it before. I was excited to find out that Cupcake Vineyards was showing this year. I hadn't tried their wine yet but of course I was intrigued because of the adorable name. When we reached the wine tasting area, the Mr. and I ultimately decided that we didn't want to pay the $35 dollars when we only wanted to try to few of the wines. I was disappointed that I didn't get to try the Cupcake wine but I think I would rather just purchase a bottle some other time. Last year we went to the free cheese tasting, but the community center (where the tasting is held) was too warm, too crowded and we ended with only a couple of morsels of cheese. This year it seemed we might face the same problem so we avoided that all together. This year the expo seemed more 'family friendly' with a carnival with games and rides for the kiddies and there seemed to be more festival fare geared towards the younger set. Because it was pretty warm, the Mr. and I headed to the beer garden. We walked the rest of the expo with refreshing beer in hand. I have to say, I am glad that we decided on beer that day instead of the wine...is that wrong?

The tasting corral.

Ginormous inflatable hawk advertising a local radio station.

Celebrating fall even though it hasn't quite reached us yet.

This was outside the community center. Downtown Riverbank has gone through a makeover in the past couple of years and the statue (along with other statues around town) is a new addition to the community center.

This was the coolest thing for the kids that day. A mad scientist concocting 'volcanoes' made of juice and dry ice.

Who could resist BBQ being sold by the Duke?

October 9th would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday. It is strange to think of him as an old man and I wonder what the world would have been like if he hadn't been senselessly gunned down.

John watching over the Wine and Cheese.

Sensing Sunday: October 10, 2010

2010-10-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

'The Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria' Grame Wilkinson

What I am:

Hearing: Laundry tumbling in the dryer...more specifically, the buttons on the jeans clanging against the dryer drum.

Seeing: 'Columbus: The Lost Voyage' on the History Channel (Did you know that Columbus had an illegitimate child named Fernando? I had no idea!)

Smelling: 'Chance' by Chanel (Its what I wore on my first date with the Mr. and it is what I wore the day I married him)

Tasting: Just finished breakfast...homemade Buttermilk Vanilla Bean Pancakes, turkey bacon and coffee with Italian Sweet Cream by Coffee Mate.

Feeling: Satisfied, happy, productive, anxious, excited, in love...oh a bunch this morning! Hope everyone is feeling the same!

Fleet Week 2010: The Pup's First Trip to San Francisco

2010-10-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

I swear that I do more than escape to San Francisco.
I was confronted with a very tough decision this weekend. Do I go to the Riverbank Wine and Cheese Exposition, or do I go to San Francisco Fleet Week? "Why can't I do both?" I said, and that's what I did (or at this point, plan to do). I don't know why I never really thought to take the pup with me before, considering that SF is such a dog friendly city, but I decided that today was the day to make her official debut. The pup, the Mr. and I headed out early. Well...early enough. We had a late night with friends the night before dining on huge steamed oysters, hamburgers, sausage and drinking good, cheap beer. There was too much food, including pasta salad, an amazing sun dried tomato dip that I must have the recipe for, and a delicious Chinese Chicken salad. It was so good that I was sure I didn't like that sort of thing but have now changed my mind. We ate well and sat on the edge of our seats as the SF Giants let the Braves take the win last night in the 11th inning. The night would have ended earlier for us if the Mr. and his best friend hadn't egged each other on to rally on Mario Kart for the next hour or so. At that point felt I had to step in to put a stop to it. My tactic didn't work too well because I found myself, with Wii-mote in hand, screaming at Toad to stop falling off the edges and putting me in last place for a couple more games.
I don't know how we managed to get out of bed but we did and were in SF by 11:00am. We stopped to visit my brother at Books, Inc. so that he could give his dog-niece a doggy treat (pathetic I know, don't judge me.) and then the Mr. and I walked on until we reached Barney's. I have been here before and knew the Mr. would love it. We took a seat outside so that the pup wouldn't go nuts (she has a little separation anxiety problem). The burgers are ridiculously large but hard to stop eating. I was hoping that if I ordered the BLT that the meal might be a little more modest. I was wrong. I had to leave the restaurant with half of my sandwich because the first half was more than enough for me. The Mr. had the Chipotle Burger. He loves spicy things and is usually unimpressed when a restaurant insists that a dish is spicy because for him, it usually isn't and he is disappointed. He wasn't disappointed this time. He said the burger had quite a kick.

Oh yeah, the sweet potato fries...um...pretty much the best thing ever and the reason I return to Barney's time after time.

Guys from Cal Berkeley decorating the neighborhood for Fleet Week. Go Bears!

After lunch we made our way down to the water. We walked along the 'St. Fancy Yacht Club' (St. Francis Yacht Club) and strolled through the Marina Green. We walked passed displays from the Marine's and of course the Navy. Walking amongst all of the service men and woman dressed in uniform made me feel patriotic and very proud of my country. These are men and woman, as well as the rest of our military branches, who are risking their lives for the freedoms of our nation. This is something that I couldn't step up to do. No matter what your belief is about the war that we are fighting, these men and woman are the true heroes of our country. Not the celebrities or athletes that we see in front of us everyday and definitely not the pseudo-celebrities on reality television grasping at their last 15 minutes of fame.

The best part of the day was taking the pup to Chrissy Field and finding a spot to watch the Blue Angel's Air Show. We walked to the end of the beach and let her loose to frolic with the other dogs on the beach. It was the first time that she had ever been to the ocean and I thought that she would be fearful (see THIS earlier post) but she wasn't. She charged every wave until she was tuckered out. We caught only the first part of the air show before deciding to get an early start out of the city. What we saw was terrific. I loved watching the synchronized planes leave a trail of red white and blue behind them as they passed. There were jets that, when you heard the rumble of their engines, you looked up and they were already passed you flying faster than the speed of sound. It was insane! We loved it.

Please excuse to excessive amount of photos of my pup playing on the beach...yes, I am THAT kind of dog-momma.

Its not the best picture but this guy was gettin' it. He made me feel very lazy for sitting on my duff watching him cruise by.

I am a pretty sad 'action' photographer so this was pretty much the only photo I was able to get of the air show :(

One last fun note. Below was the most random, but quintessential San Francisco, photo op of the day...

Peace and Love Man!

The 'Allllll Baaaadddd' Sunday

2010-10-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry again for the delay between posts. Events have been happening but I have been horrible about writing them up. At this 'new' job (not so new anymore), I sit in front of a computer all day. By the time I get home I do a quick check of my emails and designated social networking site and then I try to stay away from it. This last weekend was quite eventful in fact.
First up, my good friend had her baby girl 2 weeks early on Friday morning. Both baby and mama are happy and healthy. She is too cute for words and I find myself 'cyber-stalking' her pictures online (but not in the creepy or pervy way). Congratulations T on your little OG!
I camped out in my kitchen for 2 nights working on sweet treats for the bake sale that I mentioned before. For the Saturday delivery I made, what I call, Dirty Southern Red Velvet Cupcakes and Grasshopper High Hat Cupcakes. I have almost perfected my red velvet cupcake recipe and topped it with a whipped cream cheese icing that turned out lighter than most cream cheese icings I have used before. I garnished these with homemade, chopped pralines. I mentioned these in the last post and was excited that they worked out to be the perfect topping to a cupcake favorite. The Grasshopper High Hat was a devil's food cupcake and buttercream lightly flavored with peppermint piled as high as I could get it. After setting these puppies in the freezer for a bit, I dipped them upside down in a chocolate opera glaze. I was trying to get them to taste like a peppermint patty but ended up tasting more like a Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookie (which, in my opinion, was a better turnout). For Sunday I stuck to our traditional 'Monster Cookies'. This is a recipe that was handed down from the Mr.'s grandmother and I make them every year as gifts at Christmas. We also included these in our wedding favors as his childhood cookie (mine was chocolate chip and walnut that my mother used to call 'Frog Leg Cookies' to try to keep us kids from eating them. The 'frog legs' were the walnuts.) The recipe is meant to make an obscene amount of cookies and I had dough left over. I finally got around to baking the rest of them and now they are in my house looking for a home.
After dropping the cookies off at the bake sale on Sunday, I stopped to visit with my grandmother. The visit was pleasant. I left and was in a little bit of a hurry to get out of town to SF to make it to my french macaron class (taught by the same instructor at Baking Arts where I learned the opera glaze used on the High Hats) that I had been anticipating forever. I realized I forgot my phone at home and made my way there to pick it up before getting out of town. On my way there I got into a little fender bender. Everyone was alright but after the police report was taken and all was said and done I was running really late. I made it into the city 30 minutes late and could not find parking ANYWHERE! I finally gave up, called my instructor and hoped that he would call me back so that I could reschedule the class. I met up with my brother at the 'Secret Starbucks' in the Presidio. Walking out of the Starbucks we saw, hand to God, a three legged dog!! My evening was starting to look up slightly. We had some fantastic seared ahi sandwiches at Pacific Catch and we had dessert at the Grove Cafe. The Grove Cafe was adorable, when we walked in it felt as if we were in a ski lodge in the middle of the mountains. It was the perfect setting for my cheesecake and hot apple cider. I dropped my brother off and started for home.
The reason I couldn't find parking anywhere when trying to get to my class was because it was the last division game for the SF Giants (Go Giants!). I have nothing but love for the Giants, but the Giants fans in the city that evening...well...that is a completely different story. These guys had no clue how to drive in the big city. It took me 2 and a half hours to get from my brother's apartment to the other side of the bay bridge. I was beyond irritated. Oh it was alllll baaaddd.
The next day I ended up getting sick, but that is for another blog post later...

Cookies for Kids Cancer and Antiquing

2010-09-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

First up...pralines! Why have I never made these before?
Next weekend I am participating in another charity bake sale. This time it is in support of Cookies for Kids Cancer. More specifically it is in support of two amazing young men (Noah and Caden), one beautiful angel (Chase) and their families that have been affected by this terrible disease. I was asked to break out my mixing bowls and measuring cups. Anything that I can do to help I will. A high turnout is expected because of the overwhelming support of friends and a small write up in the local newspaper (Around the Region), I thought it might be the perfect time to try out some new recipes. I spent the better part of last week just trying to perfect a red velvet cupcake recipe. I am still working on it but I am determined to get it by the sale. I got the idea to sprinkle homemade pralines on top of the cupcakes to make them extra extra southern. After my first attempt at making them I found myself asking, "Where have these been all my life?" They are crunchy, sweet and salty (with my own addition of a sprinkle of sea salt to the recipe). The first batch didn't last for my second try at red velvets. I am actually grateful that I have not known how terrific these lil guys are because I am sure I wouldn't be able to fit through the front door if I had known about them before now. I can't wait to debut them next weekend.

On Saturday, even though it was scorching hot (at the end of September, I am more than ready for fall weather), I took a little trip to the Antique Warehouse. I was prepared to look and not buy but, for the most part, the prices were extremely reasonable. I got lots of inspiration for future decorating. The store is right off the freeway and when you pull into the parking lot the entrance can be kind of tricky to find. Good thing they have flags up at either side of the door to make things easier to figure out. The great things about this place is that it is comprised of multiple stalls that are rented out by people wanting to sell their collectibles. Every stall is different making it a place for all sorts of different styles. The staff is very helpful and will call the stall renter for you if you want to barter on an item. It had been years since I had last been and it was just as fun as I remembered it. Part flea market, part museum.
Below are some of my favorite and not so favorite finds.
The Good...

I had to show some real restraint when I found the cookie cutters and I loved the old tool boxes. I am a big lamp fan as well, can you tell?

If I was going to buy anything it would have been a tea set bit nothing screamed out to me. I really liked the weathered cookie jar and the ice crusher might be on my Christmas wish list. I found some vintage linens with adorable retro bows printed on the corners that I thought seriously about buying. I forgot to get a picture of those (I think subconsciously so that no one else would buy them and I could go back and get them).

My favorite things in the shop that day were these AMAZING porcelain bunnies...could you just die?!? I love them so much. These I definitely might go back to get...now I just need to find out where I would put them...

The Bad...

What tha??? Old timey toilet? Kinda gross.

...and The Downright Creepy...

Nightmare inducing dolls that follow you with their vacant eyes....creeeeeeeppppyyyy...

Highs and Lows

2010-09-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today's high point of the day so far:
Turning the down the volume on my own radio to better hear 'Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None)' coming from the car next to me so that I could sing along before the light changed. Surprised that I still remembered all the words...

Today's low point of the day so far (when I went to pick up the pup):
Having the groomer ask me as sweet as she could, 'Sadie's an only dog isn't she?'
Me: 'Why was she a brat?'
Groomer: 'Not a brat exactly...'
Me: '...a big baby...'
Groomer: 'Yeah...'

Sheesh dog, I can't take you anywhere...

Just Can't Get Enough

2010-09-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

I escaped to San Francisco again this weekend and it wasn't even my idea.

Friday night my dad invited the Mr. and I to a Linguica Dinner at the local Elk's Lodge. For those that don't know I am an Elk, my dad is an Elk and my grandfather was an Elk...its kinda our thing. I wish I was a better Elk than I am. I am already late with my dues for this year and I have not volunteered for one event. Oktoberfest is coming up, maybe I will volunteer to help out then....Sorry, rambling...
We all had a little too much fun at the lodge that night and ended up shutting the place down. The next morning I woke with a start because I thought my cupcake order was due Saturday morning. Come to find out it was for the next day. Now I am awake, dressed and bored. The Mr. was awake as well and he casually said to me 'You wanna do something today'
Me: 'Kinda...what were you thinking?'
Mr.: 'I dunno, fishing or something...'
Me: 'Eh, I don't really want to go fishing...'
Mr.: 'How about San Fran...?
Me: '...you don't have to tell me twice!'
I was up, on the computer checking out day trip ideas before he could even finish his sentence.
I have a book titled 'San Francisco, As You Like It' by Bonnie Wach. I love this book because it maps out wonderful day guides specific to the type of person that is visiting the city and what their interests are. Of course I want to take every single guides but I thought it was a perfect reference for someone like my husband because lots of times he is very anti-San Francisco (I have no idea what is wrong with him either). Of all days I could not find my copy so we ended up winging it. First stop was my brother's just to say a quick 'Hello' and then off to Union Square. On the way there we decided to first go to the Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building and then to Chinatown. I parked in a garage in Union Square and we walked down to the market. Last time we were there we spent way too much money. This time we took a different approach. We spent a little money just sampling things. We each had an oyster for $1.50 a piece at the San Francisco Fish Company. The Mr. also had a clam for the same price. The oyster was amazing and so fresh. The Mr. said that he thought so as well and actually enjoyed the clam more. Next stop was the Cowgirl Creamery. I can't begin to describe the smells wafting out of that place. It was incredible. I could have stood in line there all day. We were going to buy a little sample of cheese (he wanted a Sharp Cheddar while I was eyeballing the Smoked Gouda) but the line was a little too long for us so we moved one. We passed Sharffen Berger Chocolate (which I have already tried and know how good it is) and Far West Fungi. We stopped at Boccalone and made the most expensive purchase that we made all day there. The Mr. bought a salami gift pack for $25. Miette was there as well and I can't pass that place up without buying at least two macarons. This time it was the Chocolate Lavender and the Chocolate Hazelnut. I think the hazelnut was my favorite this time...mmm....

We made it out of the market without spending all that much money and still feel that we got the full effect. I was starving and begged the Mr. to take me to lunch (although it was already around 3:00 at this point). We took the cable car up California to Grant to get to Chinatown. Many tourists don't realize that at California and Embarcadero the cable car that runs at that stop rarely draws the same crowd as the one at the Powell stop at the base of Union Square. I hadn't ridden a cable car since I was about six years old and for $5 we spared ourselves a couple of blocks of walking uphill and enjoyed a San Francisco must-do at the same time.

We wandered around Chinatown for a bit before deciding to stop to eat at Yee's Restaurant. Walking into that restaurant was like walking into another world. Plates and plates of food was laid out on several tables when you first walk in and the smells were unbelievable. We were able to get a seat in the back and decided to split three plates. We had the Roast Pig, Broccoli with Oyster Sauce and Yee's Pan Fried Noodles. We ate like kings, had more than enough food left over to take home and were pleasantly surprised when our bill only came to be $24.00 for the both of us. We walked up to Broadway and I wished that I had enough room in my stomach for a little dessert because in Little Italy that is where you go to get amazing desserts. Unfortunately there was no room left. We walked back into Chinatown and stopped in a pet store that had a huge selection of fish. I told the Mr. that 'Who needs to spend $40 at the aquarium when we can go the Chinatown aquarium for free?'. We slowly made our way back to Union Square stopping along the way to look into all the fresh fish markets that dotted Stockton, the best ones being near Stockton and Pacific. The Mr. found a place to buy a few pork buns on Stockton as well.

After grabbing a quick coffee to get me through drive home, we made it back to our car. I was fully prepared to pay $40 for our fare but I must have read the sign wrong when we parked because our fare was only $14.00. We were back on the freeway in no time. Crossing the bridge and heading home I could see the sun start to set and a wisp of fog start to roll in and hover over the bay in my rear view mirror. I just can't get enough.

I forgot to mention this because it seemed so fleeting. While the Mr. was popped into a fish mart on Stockton I waited outside. All of a sudden I heard 'God Bless America' coming from half a block away. At the corner was a police escort directing traffic. When the song was over, the band quickly dispersed. Some left in convertibles directed by the police while others scattered on foot, headed in the opposite direction of other band mates. It really was the strangest thing.
Last thought I promise...
Below are pics of this weeks cupcake order. I used my cinnamon recipe and my chocolate recipe with a new chocolate frosting recipe that I liked much more than the one I posted previously. It was for a baby shower that a friend of mine hosted.

Very Chocolate Frosting
2 oz (1/2 stick) of butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
3 Tablespoon hot milk or water (I used coffee left over from this morning)
Whip butter until lightly fluffy. Mix together powdered sugar and cocoa power. Mix in half the sugar and cocoa into butter. Add the other liquids (milk, water, or coffee in my case) Mix in remaining sugar and cocoa until desired consistency is reached.

Sensing Sunday: September 12, 2010

2010-09-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

(photo of Knight's Ferry from last year)

What I am:

Hearing: 'Maverick' with Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner

Seeing: The leaves outside rustling in the late summer breeze. I can't wait for autumn to get here.

Smelling: Bed Head 'Dumb Blonde' and antibacterial soap.

Tasting: The last licks of homemade chocolate icing that was left over from today's cupcake order.

Feeling: Domestic. I have big plans to clean the house and grocery shop today...and of course Mad Men tonight!

Drinks With Dino Revisited

2010-09-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

(photo credit Daily Icon)

When I abandoned that-other-social-networking-site-that-is-now-a-ghost-town, I had left behind some blog posts that I had put up before I found my new home here. I went through them tonight and had forgotten what gems some of them are. This week I am dedicating my posts to those long lost entries.

Its funny, I loved this before my infatuation (ok, obsession) with Mad Men and before I had ever experienced Palm Springs.

Drinks With Dino
(originally posted in the 'best of' on Craigslist in 2006)

"I'm moving to Canada." Since the 2004 Presidential election, this phrase rings out in most political discussions. In fact, Canada does welcome Americans. They'll welcome you with open arms if have a post-graduate degree, own your own business, or already have a job lined up with one of the big accounting firms in Toronto, eh?

These next four years of military spending, education reforms that emphasize standardized test scores over actual learning, and the invasions of a pair of countries I can barely find on a map overwhelm me. I, however, won't contemplate moving to the Great White North. It's too damn cold there, and their money has ducks on it.

I have a better plan. I'm moving to another era.

Look in a box of old postcards. This is easy for me, since I live in Palm Springs, where the detritus of yesteryear is catalogued and sold. Retro is very popular where Sinatra's hangouts are treated like the Stations of the Cross. No question about it, back in the 50's and early 60's, this place was the bomb! Swimmin' pools. Movie stars. Dean Martin knocks a golf ball through your window: he comes over to apologize, and ends up staying for dinner. What a time we had that night! I'll never forget his story about playing blackjack in the steam room of the Sands Hotel. Oh, did we laugh.

Let's look at some other towns. How about New York City in the 1930's? Sure, there was rampant unemployment, but who wouldn't want to be there for the construction of the Chrysler Building? Especially if you knew a brand-new Gershwin musical was opening next week? Take me there!

Let's try Los Angeles during the Second World War. All the women all have great jobs building battleships. The music coming over the radio is so good, and it helps you forget that Johnny is off fighting in the Philippines. And the news is heartening! With the help of our staunch Russian allies, Hitler is on the run.

Honolulu in the 70's. Miami in the 80's. San Diego in the 60's. San Francisco in either 90's – the 1890's has loose women hanging out in saloons with feathers in their hair. The 1990's were much the same, only with men.

I've decided to move to Palm Springs in the late 50's. I'm going to go to the library to print out four years of newspapers off the microfilm spools. (Sure, it's going to be expensive, but it's nothing compared to the price of a condo in Vancouver.) I'm thinking of starting in 1957 and going to 1961. Each morning, I will smoke my pipe and read one full day's paper, sitting out on the verandah in my slippers. Oh yeah, I gotta go buy a pipe. And slippers. And a verandah. When I get home, I'll play nothing but Ella Fitzgerald and Elvis records, and cook dishes like tuna croquettes and beef roasts. Big beef roasts. I have a recipe for – get this – cherry Jello made with Coca-Cola and pieces of Twinkies floating in it.

I will reprogram my TV to just two channels, Turner Classic Movies and American Movie Classics. The radio will be locked on our local station KWXY, which I used to refer to as "the old people's station" but now I'll welcome for its nonstop Nelson Riddle with the occasional adventurous foray into Jo Stafford.

Sure, the plan isn't perfect. I can't quit my job as a criminal lawyer, so I will still deal with my drunk drivers, methamphetamine addicts, men who beat their spouses, and meth-addicted drunk-driving wife-beaters. A real 1950's man could only dream of a car like mine, my color television the size of an oven, or that amazing telephone I carry in my shirt pocket. Mr. Nineteen Fifty-Seven would have a heart attack if I took him to Costco. But it evens out – I covet his satisfaction about America's place in the world and his belief that the future holds nothing but good. He knows we beat the Jerries outta Europe and the Japs from the Pacific. Everyone has a job, and we're getting television-phones any day now – I know because they showed it at the 1956 World's Fair! Now if I could just stop referring to people as "Jerries" and "Japs" – that can't be nice. I also can't wait for my car that converts into a boat. Saw that one in Popular Mechanics.

So join me, will you? Imagine if all our neighbors moved to the 50's together. We could probably get a group discount on our cable service – remember? Just two channels. And we could hire a neighborhood kid to ride a shiny red bike every morning, delivering the antique newspaper with a satisfying thump against the front door.

Jimmy. The kid's name has to be Jimmy.

"Like Buttah..."

2010-09-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

All week I have been thinking that I should bring in something sweet to work. Later in the week a friend of mine asked me to make cupcakes for a baby shower that she is hosting and another friend asked me to make cupcakes for her sister-in-law's 30th birthday party (both parties are this month, score!!) I have been wanting to practice and perfect a chocolate cupcake. To kill all those birds with one stone, I made chocolate cupcakes this evening. For the cake part I altered the French Toast Cupcake recipe. Instead of yellow cake mix I used Triple Chocolate Fudge cake mix. Instead of the vanilla pudding I used chocolate fudge pudding. I was trying to get these puppies as chocolaty and mouth watery as I could. I altered the recipe a tad more but those secrets I am keeping to myself. Sorry guys. I have to say, for the cake part, mission MORE than accomplished!
Now here's the tricky part. For the frosting, I used a recipe that called for 3 sticks of butter. It seem excessive but the chocolate I was to use was semi-sweet and I was to add at least 2 cups of powdered sugar (more to reach the desired consistency). I thought that maybe all of the ingredients combined would even out the flavors. I kept tasting the frosting and kept adding more powdered sugar until I felt I couldn't add any more. It still tasted a little too buttery for my liking. I frosted all the cupcakes and tasted the completed package and, although it tasted better, it still tasted too buttery. This is only my opinion though. You my very well like a buttery frosting, lots of people do. For me, I think I will keep looking for one that is more rich in dark chocolate flavor. I still have time to experiment.

*Magnolia Chocolate Buttercream

(from Suzybakes)

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

2 Tablespoons milk

9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

1. To melt the chocolate, place in a double boiler over simmering water on low heat for about 5-10 minutes. Stir occassionally until completely smooth and no pieces of chocolate remain. Remove from heat and let cool 5-15 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, on the medium speed on an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the milk carefully and beat until smooth. Add the melted chocolate and beat well, about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat for 3 minutes. Gradually add the sugar and beat on low speed until a desired consistency is reached.

* Yes from THAT Magnolia Bakery.

Although I used sugar crystals to decorate the cupcakes, I considered using sea salt. Opinions anyone? I had a chocolate cupcake topped with Fleur de Sel before and really liked the saltiness combined with the sweetness and the richness of the chocolate. I couldn't find Fleur de Sel at my local grocery store (go figure) but I was willing to improvise. I didn't this time because the frosting was so buttery that it already seemed a little salty and the sea salt might have been a little too much.

Headed West

2010-09-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

No one wanted to go to the balloon festival with me. I begged the Mr. all week and was hopeful that he would go with me but he bailed at the 11th hour. I was left to go by myself. I wish that I had an earlier start because by the time I got to Color the Skies it was already 8:00 AM and most of the hot air balloons were already down for the morning.
Lowlights of my time there:
I missed most of the balloons.
I didn't stay long enough for the Patriots Jet Team
I missed my chance to go up in a hot air balloon for the bargain price of $10
I paid $5 parking and was only there about 45 minutes.
I had to go alone. I wasn't sure if dogs were allowed and when I got there I realized that I could have forced the dog to go with me. Unlike the Mr., she really has no choice in the matter.
Highlights of my time there:
All the bright colors turned up fantastically in the pictures I took.
The kite show was in full force.
I got a parking space right up front on account that someone was leaving.
The weather was gorgeous.
It wasn't too crowded.
...and the best part of my time there?
On my way out of the parking lot I noticed the cutest older couple walking in holding hands. I had just enough time to grab the camera and snap a picture before they disappeared into the crowd.

The Festival

The Hot Air Balloons

The Happy Couple

After I left the festival I wasn't ready to go home yet. I was feeling adventurous and started to travel West. I called my brother to see if he had any time to meet up before he went to work if only for a few hours. No answer. I decided to keep driving and came up with a plan to head to Ikea. I hadn't been there in forever and a day and, although I barely had a dime to my name, thought that maybe I would just take a look. My brother returned my call when I had reached Livermore (about the halfway point from where I live to SF). I changed my plans again and headed into the city. It was a beautiful day and by the time I got there it was that grey area between breakfast and lunch. You know, brunch. My brother and I took a walk through his neighborhood and ended up at Judy's on Chestnut. He ordered the Sourdough French Toast with Strawberries and I followed suit. We split an order of the Apple Sausage and we each had coffee and a glass of water. First up was the coffee. It was amazing. I took a sip and it stopped me in mid conversation. I can't pinpoint what it was, some earthy berry flavor...I don't know, whatever it was it gave it a very unique flavor. Next came the french toast and it was to die for and the sausage was the same. Everything was absolutely divine. For some reason, everything taste better in San Francisco. To work off our brunch and to kill time before my brother had to be at work, we walked around the Marina. As we walked by St. Francis Yacht Club (or as my brother and other 'locals' call it, St. Fancy Yacht Club on account of all the hoity toity rich patrons), I got a quick education on sailboats and a little history of the club. We walked alongside Chrissy Field and though the Palace of Fine Arts. Up a few more blocks we were back in the Presidio. I brag all the time of the sweet sweet neighborhood that my brother lives in and this time I got the pictures to prove it. We ended our trip with me dropping him off at the bookstore he works at on Chestnut and then I headed home.

This is Judy's and this is what we ate. The top was the before and don't worry, although I wasted a bit of food, I didn't finish it all. The bottom right made me laugh because every table had a 'pot of jam' and for some reason it reminded me of Six Degrees of Separation.

This is literally my brother's neighborhood. I wasn't kidding when I said he lives in a forest. The bottom right picture is what I called 'The Secret Starbucks' because during the weekend it stays pretty empty even though it has some of the best views of the entire city. Shhh...don't tell a soul.

This is from our walk around the St. Francis Yacht Club, Chrissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts.

I wanted to show what I am openly jealous of...see that white truck in the first frame? That is where I get to park when I visit. There is always a spot waiting for me in a city that stops people from visiting because of its shortage of parking. The second frame is one street over from my brother's apartment, could you just die? The third is on the corner across the street where he lives...nothing but meadow. Not fair.

On my way home I decided to detour and take Altamont Pass Road. Instead of going through the Altamont, I drove somewhat around it. Without wasting much time, I was given a completely different view of the pass.

That was my Sunday...in a nutshell.

Sensing Sunday: September 5, 2010

2010-09-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

What I am:

Hearing: "It's So Easy" Buddy Holly

Seeing: The pics that I took of my friend's baby shower and the ones that I took today from my adventures.

Smelling: "Romance" Ralph Lauren

Tasting: Sugar Free Mountain Dew Amp. Horrible, I know.

Feeling: Accomplished. I was go go go all day long and have only now sat down to rest my barking dogs.

Your Morning Cry

2010-09-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Danny & Annie.

Sobbing...thanks Cup of Jo

Sensing Sunday: August 29, 2010

2010-08-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

What I am:

Hearing: The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards

Seeing: A nice clean house with all the dishes done and almost all of the laundry

Smelling: My new dragonfruit candle

Tasting: A sip of Pinot Noir

Feeling: Excited. I went to a good friend's baby shower today. It was absolutely lovely and I cannot wait to meet her sweet daughter in about a month or so.

Thursday Night Review

2010-08-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

With the new job, I work three full days a week and two six hour days. I LOVE this schedule. I love working the six hour days because it makes me motivated to take advantage of those two hours that I have to myself. I think I took advantage of those hours to the fullest today.

3:00-4:30pm: I headed over to my mom's house. She is off right now and getting ready for the new school year to start (for those that don't know, she is a college professor). She decided to have a couple of small moles removed that were on her face. I hadn't really noticed them but she had and thought that, with the time off, she could get this done. When I talked to her she told me that she didn't want to leave the house because they had put stitches in her face. All she wanted was a diet cola for two days so after I got off work I made a quick stop to McDonald's to take advantage of their 'any size drink for a dollar'. Isn't this the best thing to happen this summer? When I showed up to drop off her diet Coke, I couldn't hide my reaction to seeing her face. Oh, my poor mom. She looked like ants were crawling all over the right side of her face. My heart was breaking for her. The good news is that she gets the stitches out on Sunday.

4:30-6:00pm: Normally I would go to Sephora for any beauty needs but today I thought I would give the new Ulta a try. I have a friend that is a hairstylist there and, although she works in the Salon at Ulta, I had high hopes for the rest of the store. I like that Ulta has both high end and bargain products. For some reason I will spend a small fortune on skin care but when it comes to actual makeup I stick to the cheap stuff. I didn't want to go too cheap on this trip but...well....I hate to say it but I ended up disappointed from my first trip there. I planned on testing out products in the Ulta Collection. I had picked out a mineral powder and was trying to find my shade in the tinted moisturizer I wanted. There were tons of empty holes on the shelves and when I asked someone if they had more, she keenly inspected the same shelf that I was already looking at and told me 'Oh no, we're out of that. I think we get a new shipment in on Friday...wait what's today? Thursday? Oh yeah, we get a shipment in tomorrow. ' Ok, I don't want to sound too harsh but her name tag said that she was a manager. Good grief! At least she was friendly enough. All the employees were. There was so much staff there and not very many customers, shopping there gave me the feeling of stepping on a used car lot. They did have some good 'buy two get one free' deals and I scored with products from Covergirl.

6:00-7:30pm: I need a new pair of flip flops. I lost my best pair on the Float and Bloat and thought because it is so close to fall that the stores would be putting out their new fall stuff and severely discounting their summer stock. I was hoping to score a decent pair but no such luck. I went to MJM Designer Shoes and saw some really great stuff. The new shoes they have in are super cute and they have some fantastic purses as well. I don't really need any other shoes other than flip flops and maybe a new pair of sneakers. I don't need a new purse thanks to my gorgeous birthday present from my best friend G. Next door to MJM is Burlington Coat Factory. I walked over just for the heck of it. Burlington is one of my favorite places to get fun costume jewelry for almost next to nothing. I don't think I saw one pair of flip flops. What I DID see what a fantastically tacky, 'gold chain' looking, bed-in-a-bag set. Upon closer inspection I saw that it was an 'Apple Bottom Bed-In-A-Bag'. It was too awesome to not get a picture. Unfortunately the only camera I had was the one on my phone. The 'Apple Bottom Bed-In-A-Bag' didn't make it into my shopping cart. I walked away with a new wallet and a the cutest little pearl and gold cherry pin. I have become a die hard Mad Men fan and thought that the little pin was very swinging 60s. I can't wait to wear it. The wallet I got was the type that insists that can hold everything. So far so good, it holds everything comfortably with plenty of room to spare. I was afraid that it might look a little too grandmotherly but I still feel that it looks chic. Well, chic enough.

7:30-8:00pm: I made a quick call to the Mr. and found out that he was playing softball tonight and that I was on my own for dinner. Instead of making the obligatory stop at a fast food joint, I splurged. I made a call to Sushi Garden and half an hour later I was home dining on the Tiger Roll and sipping on Diet Cherry 7-Up. For dessert...two Otter Pops. Poncho Punch and Alexander the Grape.

When You're Perfect

2010-08-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

My house is a disaster right now. There is clean laundry in the recliner, five pairs of shoes scattered around the front room, the sewing machine is out and taking up space in the office and I really don't know what is causing the smell that is wafting from the kitchen. Speaking of smells, the Mr. has been butchering for his best friend to help out (its more of a help for us right now) and every day comes home smelling a combination of meat, vinegar and sweat. It is appalling. Every time he would come near me my gag reflexes took over and I would have to back away. It took me almost a week to recognize why I was so repulsed. Please forgive me for the lack of 'political correctness' but...he smells like a homeless person. He smells like a person that had not had a decent shower all summer long. He has been working very hard lately and I try not to give him a hard time but, yikes. The dog is overweight and now that the Mr. and I are both working full time, she never gets out of the house. I never make it to the gym myself and the longer that I stay still the bigger my rear end gets. My face is breaking out (after becoming an esthetician, I have become quite OCD about my skin). My cuticles are raggedy and sometimes the bills don't get paid on time. The truck is in the shop and the repair costs amount to enough to feed a small underdeveloped country. The other car is sitting in front of the house where it hasn't moved in months, its next to go into the shop. There is a film of dust covering it and it now looks like 'rich taupe' instead of the color it is, 'snowdrift white' (I made that color up, by the way). Life has thrown us many curve balls (some of the worst I haven't mentioned here and won't) but we know that we could have it much worse than we do. It is hard to remember that when we are in the midst of dodging those curve balls though. With the invention of social networking I start comparing my life to what I think others do or have. It is easy for me to think, 'Why me? Why is it that MY life is so tough and others seems to have it easy?' I look online and everyone else seems so perfect and I think 'What did I do wrong?'
I was just on one of those social networking sites and a friend that I have known for years was feeling the same way. I told her, 'Fake it, that's what I do'. I said it as a joke but then I really thought about it. I do fake it, most of the time. I fake that my life is more picturesque than it actually is. For me it makes me feel better. For me it is kind of an escape. When things get rough in the real world, I can relish in the small things that bring me joy. Today I treated myself to some delicious frozen yogurt at a local favorite yogurt shop. Dulce de Leche. It felt so decadent. It made my day and became my 'status update'. Last night I was a super ball of stress and woke up with bags under my eyes but today it was all turned around by a simple cup of frozen yogurt.
This is why I write about the 'little things'. This is why I write about San Francisco, cupcakes and day trips. This is why I post wistful photos, nostalgic art and classic literature I am reading. Maybe I am luckier than I think I am. I am able to fully leave reality even if it is only for a few moments at a time. These things are my escape. This is how I 'fake it'.

Sensing Sunday: August 22, 2010

2010-08-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

('Le Moulin Rouge' Antoine Blanchard)

What I am:

Hearing: The washing machine on the rinse cycle

Seeing: 'Moulin Rouge' with Nicole Kidman and the dreamy Ewan McGregor (mmmm...)

Smelling: 'Stella' Stella McCartney

Tasting: Sun tea and sourdough pretzels

Feeling: A little sad and reflective. Nine years ago today my view of the world was forever changed when my grandfather passed away from cancer. It was the first death of someone close to me that I had experienced up until that point. Three weeks later, on September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was brought down by terrorists and everyone's view of the world was forever changed. I can't think of one without thinking of the other.

Pinecrest and the Hike of Death

2010-08-22T00:57:00.000-07:00

Today, I became acutely aware that I am out of shape.
In January I started joining my dad on his daily walks as a means to spend some time with him catching up and as a means to be a little more active. He walks, on average, six miles a day. This is not including the 18 holes he used to play a day which put his distance covered at about 10 miles! It had been quite a while since the last time I walked with him (I like to say it is because he started working and our schedules conflicted but really it was mostly sheer laziness on my behalf. So lazy in fact that I couldn't even pick up the phone...bad daughter) On Thursday I casually called my dad to see if I could join him on his afternoon/ evening walk over the weekend while the Mr. was going to be out of town. He said why don't I come with he and my stepmother to Pinecrest and we would hike around the lake together. He thought that it was about two or three miles and we could probably do it in a couple of hours. My stepmother's two nieces would be with us as well as the dogs. The older niece would even do the hike with us. She is eleven. I tell you all of this to understand that my father made it sound like this 'hike' would require only a little more exertion than was needed for a normal walk. I thought, 'Great! A walk with a view. Count me in.' Famous last words...
Please see my internal pep talk below:
0-0.5 miles: 'Holy s*&t! This part HAS to be the worst of it'
0.5-1.5 miles: 'Is that my pulse rate that I can feel beating on the inside of my head?'
1.5 miles: Little did I know that while we were taking our 'halfway' break that my legs (and the rest of my body for that matter) were plotting to go on strike. My legs were basically getting ready to give me the big 'Eff you Jen!'
1.5-3 miles: 'Please don't fall down these rocks, please don't fall down these rocks...' (At this point we were passed by a group of about 20 strapping young men. This irritated my father because he is not used to being passed up. I know this because he explained it to me while I was bringing up the rear.)
3-4 miles: Honestly, I really can't remember much from this point. I think the high altitude of the mountains was getting to me. I do remember passing the restrooms and thinking that the drinking fountain outside of it was a mirage. The only communication I was capable of at this point was the 'thumbs up' when my dad asked me how I was doing. I may have been exhausted but I wasn't about to wimp out.
When we got back to the picnic area all I could do was immediately lay down and close my eyes. I attempted to eat a little and drink some fluids but all I wanted was a nap. After my nap the only thing that made me feel better was the soft serve from the snack bar. After resting for a bit, I felt that I had just enough energy to snap some pictures of the beautiful Pinecrest Lake.

(Hike of Death)

(the pretty Pinecrest Marina)

(Sadie was kinda over it)

One of the things that I wish we could have stayed for was 'Movies Under the Stars'. Starting at 8:10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through the summer season, movies are shown in the Pinecrest Amphitheater, just as it's advertised, under a blanket of stars. Movies shown are relatively new releases and family friendly. Tickets are $6.50 and children under the age of three are free.

One last thing. Another mirage appeared when we returned to the picnic area after our hike. Remember those 20 strapping young men that passed us around mile three? They happened to be a local collegiate water polo team. They happened to be taking a team photo to commemorate their Pinecrest trip. I happened to have my camera ready. Ta da!

Best. Game. Ever.

2010-08-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

(from Improve Everywhere)

"A little league baseball game is turned into a major league event. All players, coaches, and parents do not know what is happening. We worked with the league commissioner to get the kids' names and access to the field to setup our equipment the morning of the game. He was the only one in on it. NBC Sports worked with us and got us the jumbotron and the blimp."

Awesome, right? What's not so awesome? The last day of summer is about a month away...(heavy sigh)...

Embarcadero and Market

2010-08-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

(strangers enjoying better days)

One of my absolute favorite things to do when I lived in SF was to go atop the Hyatt Regency, at the foot of Market Street and Embarcadero, and have a leisurely cup of Jo and dessert at the Equinox. The best part of the Equinox? While sitting in the restaurant you could enjoy breathtaking views of the city and be right where you started after a 40 minute rotation. Dinner was a little too pricey for me but for a little over the price of toll for the Golden Gate, you could get the same experience by ordering only a piece of decadent chocolate cake and a glass of champagne (my most favorite of all things to order there). It is only a block away from the Embarcadero BART station and this made it easy to get there. I have friends that are going into San Francisco tomorrow and they were looking for a nice place to see the sunset. I immediately thought of the Equinox, what could be more perfect? Looking into more information for my friends, I discovered the most devastating news.
In January of 2007, The Hyatt Regency was bought out by Dune Capital Management and Di Napoli Capital Partners. Doesn't sound that bad, right? The horrible thing is, when this happened, the new owners decided to close down the Equinox and in its place open an elite club called the Regency Club Lounge. Boooooo!!!! Grrrr!!!! Wait... it gets worse. There is now a hideous concrete frame surrounding the former revolving restaurant making it stationary forever. Still not bad enough for you? Like I said, this club is elite making it only open to certain guests of the Hyatt Regency.
It is a sad, sad day my friends (although it has been closed for a couple of years now apparently, the pain is still brand new for me). I hold too many wonderful memories. My first time, when I was about 8 years old and not yet afraid of heights, was amazing. My last time, sipping that champagne, nibbling that chocolate cake, and watching the stars come out over the Bay Bridge... oh Equinox, I will miss you everyday.

(the monstrosity it is today...ewww...)