May, 2012
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may 2012 #10on10
Every 10th of the month, I belated remember to participate in twitter’s #10on10. In theory, you post a picture every hour on the hour for 10 hours as you progress through the day.
It rarely works out for me. I have clusters of photos and long stretches of absences ~ and I usually tap out before I’ve hit ten pics.
Today, I remembered all on my own ~ before we hit PM hours no less (!!!) and I got all ten photos in. I’m going to share for your (?) enjoyment.
Welcome to my 10th of May, 2012.
#1 – Green trees, blue skies – thank you Thursday!
#2 – My WT? face reading work email.
#3- My workday beverage staples.
#4 – My Italian word for the day – triciclo!
#5 – Tickets to this event = purchased! Super excited!
#6 – In. Love.
#7 – For my #team green runners ~ in remembrance of Sunday.
#8 – The postcard from NYC’s Schillers that inspired the man and my grading system for our wine journal (for @iwasneverhere).
#9 – Watching a #bigbangtheory marathon on TBS following season 5’s finale. It’s one of our fav shows.
#10 – Three years ago, the man and I saw this photo. We loved it, but didn’t purchase it. And then, we never saw it again. Two months ago, we tracked it down and I drove to South Philly to buy it. It was the finishing touch of our home ‘renovations.’ Every day I look at it in complete satisfaction ~ with the reminder of how far we’ve come since that day three years ago, when we passed it up.
giugno
What the man and I were sipping on in June, 2010.
i. Ray’s Station Vineyards; Merlot
2006 North Coast
14.5%
Notes/Comments: Bold and rich in style … black cherry flavors with a touch of caramel
Grade: B+
ii. Kenwood; Red Table Wine
2007 California
13.5%
Notes/Comments: Select varietals from fine California vineyards … barrel aging has softened the wine
Grade: B+ (I was surprised how much I loved this ~ very drinkable and enjoyable)
iii. Callia Alta; Malbec
2009 Argentina
13.8%
Notes/Comments: Deep and attractive purple wine. Dominant notes are spices and wild berries. Good structure, fresh and elegant mouth-feel, with a long and intense finish.
Grade: B
iv. Casita Mami; Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
2004 Crianza Spain (Spanish Red)
14%
Notes/Comments: Subtle yet balanced courtship of fruit and oak
Grade: B
v. Pedronicelli; Sangiovese
2006 Sonoma
14.7%
Notes/Comments: Multi-layered berry aromas, full-bodied with medium tannins and a long, balanced fruit
Grade: B
vi. Ravenswood Vintner Blend; Zinfandel
2007 California
13.5%
Notes/Comments: Bright & richly flavored
Grade: B++ (A gns fav)
vii. Rex Goliath; Cabernet Sauvignon
California
13.5%
Notes/Comments: Dark and Intense; long on fruit, short on attitude
Grade: B
viii. Rex Goliath; Shiraz
California
13.5%
Notes/Comments: Peppery and plummy ~ a demonstration of why the world has gone ga-ga over shiraz
Grade: B+
ix. Hogue; Chardonnay
California, 2008
13.5%
Notes/Comments: Fruit-focused, dry white wine; showcases bright apple and citrus flavors.
Grade: B++ (delish; good, peppery -JEH- exceptionally drinkable)
in the words of buddah
“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”
~ Buddah
I absolutely adore my yoga class on Tuesdays. For me, it is the perfect blend of tough physical poses and really great ideas. I was completely stoked today because some of the more advanced poses and holds were a little easier for me. Although I still wasn’t doing grasshopper, and probably won’t be anytime soon.
I thought the quote (above) that began class was really interesting and provocative. Don’t believe anything for any other reason than you have found it logical, and reasonable, and that it is beneficial to the greater good. When you really start to meditate on it, that’s fairly powerful.
Think how many things you believe because that is what you were taught, that is what your religion has ingrained in you ~ that is what someone wiser has advised you to believe. It’s amazing how many things I believe because of these reasons. Religion, parenting and elders teach us morals, values ~ things that make up the essence of who we are.
How disconcerting to be told to reconsider all these things, and choose to believe only in things we ourselves have tested and analyzed. It throws quite a wrench in religion, not to mention other things. For me, the toughest idea is not to believe that which is written in books. That nearly goes against everything I know. My family is very academic ~ words written on paper are knowledge. How does one dispute that?
On the other hand, what the Buddah is asking us all to do is think for ourselves. Make informed decisions based on observed information rather than hearsay. That cannot be bad advise. It’s the same principle that holds true in a court of law ~ unless a person experienced or witnessed something first hand, the information is inadmissible. It’s hearsay. Which is an attempt to eliminate the distortion that occurs as information is translated from one fallible source to the next. Like the game ‘telephone.’
It also plays in with last week ~ in order to be confident in who you are as a person, you should also be confident in what you believe. Having conviction, believing something inherently ~even if, or possibly especially if it is not the commonly accepted idea ~ gives a person power. It means, from my point of view, that one knows who they are, and isn’t afraid to stand up for oneself.
There are certain things I feel very strongly about. Even when I am told it is foolish. Even when people disagree. Even when a person is scornful, and doubts my conviction. I know, within my very being, that nothing can change how I feel. That belief gives me strength. And the things I believe in most vehemently, are ideas and thoughts I have come to just as Buddah advised ~ by personal observation and analysis. By understanding that my thoughts and beliefs are reasonable, and beneficial to the greater good. Not everyone agrees with me. But that doesn’t deter me. To me, that signifies a true belief that defines my character.
Initially, I struggled with the mental aspect of class tonight. But the more I think on it, the more powerful it becomes. And I love anything that gives me the seed of contemplation. It helps keep life in perspective.
dinner date
Lucy was so great today that the man and I were able to rekindle an old tradition ~ cooking dinner together.
Yesterday, our neighbor gave us two fresh trout for dinner, but because I was exhausted, hurting and completely unmotivated to do anything, we didn’t end up eating it.
But fresh trout is sort of amazing, so we had a lot of fun ideas to try tonight.
The man is excellent at being creative in the kitchen. Our final plan? Citrus stuffed trout with potato pancakes.
And that is almost what we had!
First, we grated some potatoes and mixed them with grated cheese, bread crumbs, hickory smoked salt and parmesan cheese.
Next, I pressed some garlic cloves, and grated the rind of an orange. I mixed the garlic and the orange rind with some oatmeal (we were out of breadcrumbs!) and stuffed the fish, adding two thin slices of orange to the inside, plus layering orange on the outside.
We cooked the potatoes around 400 degrees on cookie sheets, checking them every so often, and flipping them ~ we discovered that they weren’t really sticking together like potato-cakes, so we just tried to make really yummy potato hash.
When the potatoes looked nearly done, we pulled them and bumped the heat to 425 for the fish. We cooked the fish for a little under ten minutes, while prepping the dishes.
I have to say, the potatoes tasted amazing!
When the fish felt nearly done, we put the broiler on, and slid the fish on the top shelf to “crispen” up the skin.
In the end, I would say we were 80% happy with the results. We felt as though we could have seasoned things more (we used some S & P on the potatoes and on the fish, but not nearly enough in the stuffing).
However, it was our first foray into baking fresh trout (I have previously only sautéed in butter), and when a bite came together … the orange, the garlic, the potato … it was a really good bite.
And it was a really good Monday night. I hope Lucy continues to have great days, because cooking with the man again ~ so very nice.
I DID IT!
Team green #runrunrun! Broad Street Run 2012!
After one hour and fifty-eight minutes, my team and I crossed the finish line.
It wasn’t all easy!
We got to the finish line just before 7am to catch the subway to the start. It was craziness how many people were EVERYWHERE! The race kicked off at 8.30am, but we didn’t cross the start until 9.05a. We set out at an easy pace (about eleven minutes/mile). The first mile flew by. The second (for me) was rough. But that’s pretty typical for me during a run. I knew once I got over the 2 mile hump, I would hit a groove. The three mile marker came up pretty fast, and then you could clearly see City Hall and Ben Franklin looming in the distance.
It was completely bananas looking up and seeing the sea of people jogging ahead of us. It was a whole lot of dry fit, lycra and neon trim!
Some friends of mine were at the seven mile-marker, and from seven to eight was the toughest part of the run for me. I am fairly certain that it was extra-long! 😉
Once we got to the nine mile-marker, it felt like we were almost done. The excitement was palpable. And just as I started to feel as though we were gonna do it, the man appeared on the sidelines and caught this snap (I was in the middle of saying ‘BABE!’). I have to admit, I nearly cried from joy for nearly being done, and for seeing him so surprisingly. It was incredible.
Of our team (of three, because Minda wasn’t able to run), Noelle & I both had never run any sort of organized race in our lives. Dave did a great job of helping us keep on pace and stay motivated. We laughed from the minute we got into the car to drive down until the race started. We were a bundle of nerves, and then it started, and even though it was scary and intimidating, we just put one foot in front of the other.
I had three goals. To finish, to run the whole time, and to do it under two hours. We accomplished all three. It was such an overwhelming exciting feeling.
We’re going to do a half marathon in September. Training starts … um, in a few days! My legs need a little bit of a recovery. But I know that when training does start, Lucy will be ready to help her mama train. And the man, who has been so incredibly supportive and helpful through all of it, will be there with me again. I have a great family ~ I’m a lucky girl.
the day before
As the man said this morning as I worked myself into a panic, there isn’t much that can be done the day before that hasn’t already been done.
So we enjoyed a leisurely day, including lunch at the Four Dogs Tavern ~ where Lucy Lou got to join us on the patio!
Some of the things we noshed ~
It was great to enjoy the day, and now, it’s bed time. Tomorrow is approaching fast, and no amount of procrastination is going to make the run come slower. It’s now or never, do or die!
Next time I blog, hopefully, I can say I just completed a 10 mile run!
finally friday!
Every other Friday, Lucy gets to spend the whole day with her Grandpa (my dad), and after work, the man and I drive down to Chester County and enjoy a relaxing night in the country being fed yummy food.
Luckily, after a few really grumpy days, the weather was beautiful as we drove through the countryside tonight: beautiful skies, green fields, and the beginnings of a very hazy, colorful sunset.
This weekend is IT for me ~ my race is finally (almost!) here. So this evening, the man and I are going to enjoy the family, some duck for dinner, and laughing at the adorable-ness of Miss Lucy Lou. We hope you enjoy your Friday as well!
if I had a million dollars
This will be short, but sweet. The man and I have been indulging in ‘what if’s’ recently, and I thought I’d share a few with you. Mostly, we think about ‘what if’ I had a million dollars ….
Here are our top thoughts.
1. The man wants a bike. Like, a real, grrrr, man bike. And he has a buddy to go riding with, so we look at a lot of bikes, “just for fun.”
2. I would like to travel to the next few places, in no particular order …
Burgundy, France
Banff, Canada
Malaysia
Edinburgh, Scotland (yes, I know I’ve been there, but I really want to go with John!)
I know this list probably seems a little skimpy (if you know me at all) but it’s what’s on my mind right.now.this.minute. In fact, I really really really really really really really want to go to France.
The cheese.
The bread.
The gorgeous-ness.
The, the, well, the French-ness.
HGTV. It’s a dangerous thing. I’m off to check flights to la belle Francais.
a little surprise
Yesterday afternoon I received a little surprise gift!
And today, because the day dawned gray, rainy and much colder than my weather app forecast at bedtime last night(!), I decided to break out the new goods.
In general, I can be one of those people who receive nice bath products and then allow them to gather dust in my closet ‘saving’ them for a special occasion. I am SO SO glad I did not do that with these. Instead, I spent the whole day enjoying how great I smelled!
The whole regime began with the lemon-sage body scrub. After reading the directions (yes, I’m one of those people), I spent the specified five minutes scrubbing down prior to jumping in the shower. I have never done that before ~ and it makes a HUGE difference! I followed up my skin polish with lemon-sage body wash, and then, the “cherry on the top”, if you will (aaaaand, I will!), the vanilla+bergamot body butter. Oh. My. Goodness. You know how sometimes moisturizer, despite all the promises on the label, just fails to impress? As in, it’s greasy, it doesn’t spread well … it feels heavy and thick on your skin?
Not. This. Stuff. Seriously. One of the best moisturizers I have ever used. And I’m a bit of a product snob, because I’m a little vain about my skin. AND. To top it all off? I smelled like an elegant vanilla sugar cookie. I can’t even begin to find the words to articulate what a great bath experience.
And on a work day!
It helped keep my spirits up during the incredibly gloomy day.
Even better, Lucy was an absolute peach all day, so there was very little clean up when I got home. Whoo Hoo!!!! It made me get a little experimental with dinner. I’d been craving polenta all day, so I tried to use what we had in the fridge and make a polenta lasagna.
It ended up being a little more like a Polenta Mac & Cheese. But, it was yummy.
What I Used:
1 pkg organic polenta, sliced thin
2 large portobello caps, sliced
1 pkg Italian grated cheese
1/4c. Colby Jack grated cheese
1/4c. heavy cream (optional)
1/4c. dry white wine
S & P
Garlic Powder
EVOO
What I did:
Preheat oven to 350.
1. In a saucepan, combine sliced portobello, a healthy pour of EVOO, salt, pepper and garlic salt to taste. Cook until mushrooms soften.
2. In a greased glass casserole dish, line bottom with a layer of polenta. Sprinkle half the package of Italian cheese. Layer 3/4 of the mushrooms evenly on top of cheese.
3. Use remaining polenta to create a second layer on top of the mushrooms. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese, and finish off with the remaining mushrooms, and the 1/4c Colby Jack (I used it because I ran out of Italian cheese, so it’s really all about improvising!)
4. Whisk together the cream and wine and drizzle evenly across the top (I did this to prevent it from drying up and burning, which happened to a dish the man & I made a few weeks ago … I didn’t want to waste good mushrooms by allowing them to shrivel up!).
5. Pop in the oven for about 20 minutes (it should be bubbling!) and then allow to cool for at least five. Enjoy your polenta mac & cheese with a nice glass of vino, and (as I did) some grilled asparagus!
Now, for some HGTV this gloomy Wednesday night. I just love Property Brothers!
unconquered/undefeated
Happy May Day!
As you may have noticed, Tuesdays = yoga for me, so it also usually means revisiting class and really chewing on the ideas.
Today, we ‘meditated’ on the idea of divinity being within all of us, and how we (in the collective sense of humanity) pull away from this, and are timid about or stifle our greatness. It made me immediately think of Nelson Mandela, so I googled the quote that the man and I have on our bedroom wall. Much to my surprise, the following is inaccurately attributed to Mandela ~
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
~ Marianne Williamson in A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles
I’m sure everyone has been guilty of self-deprecation, or undermining one’s own worth. What is important to think about ~ for me at least ~ is that if I don’t give myself credit where credit is due, how can I expect others to respect me, and acknowledge my strengths and talents?
Nelson Mandela kept the following poem (written on a scrap of paper) in his prison cell for the 27 years he was imprisoned on Robben Island. While these are also not his words, they are more than worth sharing. I have had a copy of this poem taped to the inside of my daily planner for the past few years ~ and I should probably read it more often, and remind myself not to shrink who I am.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
D5 Creation