Crankiness and useless stock predictions
Suffering from writer's block, I scurried off to my local palace of consumerism after I heard Adam was upgrading his wardrobe at his local Nordstroms. I walked the four blocks to the mall to check out the after Christmas sales. Despite my mall induced crankiness, I did enjoy my jaunt to the mall as I snacked on some delicious caramel popcorn and lemonade.
Cranky Cause #1: While I was waiting to buy my popcorn, a family of seven was ahead of me in line. Three of the kids were literally rubbing their faces, hands and entire bodies against the glass popcorn display. Then they proceeded to climb the popcorn stand. My only thought was, "contraception," but Wheezy thinks I'll feel differently when they're my "adorable" kids. I'm unconvinced.
Cranky Cause #2: For years, plasticmom has been nagging me about cleaning out my wallet and I've stubbornly resisted. Finally, even I had to admit my wallet had reached George Costanza proportions. I checked out the wallets at Nordstroms and picked up two Kate Spade leather wallets of the exact same style and same color. However, I was morally outraged when I discovered one wallet was clearly lower in quality. Then I figured out they were from different countries of origin, but both were being sold side by side as identical items. Anyhoo...my point being, I now have a new wallet and I'm embarrassed to admit, I found something from 1993 buried inside my old wallet. plasticmom was right afterall.
Useless Stock Prediction Spurred on by Crankiness: I'd consider selling short on Coach stock, but I'm a wuss about taking financial risks. They've successfully traded on their brand name and reputation for quality by selling lots of more fashionable goods, but I think they've swung too far in the other direction by over accelerating their design cycle and turning out lower quality goods.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Marmalade
Made tangerine marmalade the other day
Learning how to crochet
Avoiding writing my essays
Still in my jammies at 4:15pm
All in all...I'm enjoying my holiday quite a lot
Marmalade recipe
1.5 tangerines
3/8 cup lemon juice (approx 1 lemon)
1.5 pounds of sugar
3 cups of water
Wash tangerines in hot water, cut into eight segments and slice thin cross sections.
Bring tangerines, lemon juice and water to a boil in a nonreactive pot (glass/enamel/etc)
Simmer for 90 minutes stirring ocassionally until citris peels are tender and translucent
Dissolve sugar in liquid and stir
Stir mixture constantly for 15 minutes [it will bubble over if you don't stir]
Marmalade will thicken once it cools
I cooked it for too long so my marmalade was very viscous and difficult to spread, but it was high on the yum factor.
Made tangerine marmalade the other day
Learning how to crochet
Avoiding writing my essays
Still in my jammies at 4:15pm
All in all...I'm enjoying my holiday quite a lot
Marmalade recipe
1.5 tangerines
3/8 cup lemon juice (approx 1 lemon)
1.5 pounds of sugar
3 cups of water
Wash tangerines in hot water, cut into eight segments and slice thin cross sections.
Bring tangerines, lemon juice and water to a boil in a nonreactive pot (glass/enamel/etc)
Simmer for 90 minutes stirring ocassionally until citris peels are tender and translucent
Dissolve sugar in liquid and stir
Stir mixture constantly for 15 minutes [it will bubble over if you don't stir]
Marmalade will thicken once it cools
I cooked it for too long so my marmalade was very viscous and difficult to spread, but it was high on the yum factor.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Small World
plasticmom and I stopped by a shop specializing in Chinese dresses (chi-pao) when we ran into my roommate from the summer I spent at UCSD. [We actually went to kindergarten together as well, but more on that later.] She was at the store with her mom and her sister, who is getting married. I wasn't sure whether it was her, but I conferred with plasticmom, who has a superpower memory for faces and names. plasticmom was also the one who made the other connection when we roomed at UCSD the summer before college. plasticmom called me at UCSD one day to tell me she recognized my roommate from my kindergarten class when we were four or five. If that's not a superpowered memory...I don't know what is.
plasticmom and I stopped by a shop specializing in Chinese dresses (chi-pao) when we ran into my roommate from the summer I spent at UCSD. [We actually went to kindergarten together as well, but more on that later.] She was at the store with her mom and her sister, who is getting married. I wasn't sure whether it was her, but I conferred with plasticmom, who has a superpower memory for faces and names. plasticmom was also the one who made the other connection when we roomed at UCSD the summer before college. plasticmom called me at UCSD one day to tell me she recognized my roommate from my kindergarten class when we were four or five. If that's not a superpowered memory...I don't know what is.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Festivus for the Rest of Us
Fun article on folks around this fair country adopting Festivus...I particularly like the woman who handed out tiny versions of the Festivus pole as party favors for her guests. This does lead me to wonder whether, by doing this, violates the very anti-consumeristic message of Festivus.
Fun article on folks around this fair country adopting Festivus...I particularly like the woman who handed out tiny versions of the Festivus pole as party favors for her guests. This does lead me to wonder whether, by doing this, violates the very anti-consumeristic message of Festivus.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Not Hello Kitty
Steve: Hey, do you have any thank you notes......
[plasticann glances at a stack of Hello Kitty thank you notes]
Steve:......that aren't Helly Kitty? This is for MIT.
plasticann: Nope!
Steve: Hey, do you have any thank you notes......
[plasticann glances at a stack of Hello Kitty thank you notes]
Steve:......that aren't Helly Kitty? This is for MIT.
plasticann: Nope!
Hard of Hearing
plasticann: Where did you go to dinner with your parent's last night?
Amy: Paramount.
plasticann: What kind of food is it?
Amy: Very yummy!
plasticann: [pause pause pause] Did you say yummy?
Amy: Very yummy.
plasticann: I thought you said Northern Yummy and I was confused about what region that was. What did you get?
Amy: A burger!
plasticann: [pause pause pause] Did you say burger?
Amy: Yup.
plasticann: I thought you said bird for a second there. I need to clean out my ears.
plasticann: Where did you go to dinner with your parent's last night?
Amy: Paramount.
plasticann: What kind of food is it?
Amy: Very yummy!
plasticann: [pause pause pause] Did you say yummy?
Amy: Very yummy.
plasticann: I thought you said Northern Yummy and I was confused about what region that was. What did you get?
Amy: A burger!
plasticann: [pause pause pause] Did you say burger?
Amy: Yup.
plasticann: I thought you said bird for a second there. I need to clean out my ears.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
martha martha martha
Turns out plasticfamily won't be losing their shirts on MSO stock. This time, plasticann gets the credit for picking MSO. Just like how Jerry Seinfeld refuses to run against his middle school nemesis...plasticann is pondering never picking another stock to maintain her one hit wonder status.
Turns out plasticfamily won't be losing their shirts on MSO stock. This time, plasticann gets the credit for picking MSO. Just like how Jerry Seinfeld refuses to run against his middle school nemesis...plasticann is pondering never picking another stock to maintain her one hit wonder status.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Too Much Bread Pudding
I made this easy French Toast Bread Pudding on Saturday for my bible study Christmas brunch. It was tasty, but two batches was way too much. I still ahve four ramekins left in the fridge.
I made this easy French Toast Bread Pudding on Saturday for my bible study Christmas brunch. It was tasty, but two batches was way too much. I still ahve four ramekins left in the fridge.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Diameter
Our much discussed, but not yet confirmed office holiday party may probably most likely be at Radius. The following is a reconstructed lunchtime conversation regarding Radius:
Rachel: I think we're going to Radius for our party, but we're not sure when.
Steve: Diameter...if they expanded...they could name the new one Circumference.
Everyone: [peals of laughter...plasticann nearly chokes on her quiche.]
later on
Steve: I'm waiting for you to post about Radius.
plasticann: I was just doing that...how did you know I was going to post?
Steve: It seemed like something you would post about.
later later on:
plasticann: Steve asked if I was going to post about Radius.
Rachel: I think he's trying too hard to get on the blog.
plasticann: I think it's because his friend George reads it now.
Rachel: The circumference thing is actually pretty funny since it's Radius we're talking about.
plasticann: Why?
Rachel: Radius is not very funny place...it takes itself seriously. What if Circumference was a greasy spoon?
plasticann: Now that would be subversive.
Our much discussed, but not yet confirmed office holiday party may probably most likely be at Radius. The following is a reconstructed lunchtime conversation regarding Radius:
Rachel: I think we're going to Radius for our party, but we're not sure when.
Steve: Diameter...if they expanded...they could name the new one Circumference.
Everyone: [peals of laughter...plasticann nearly chokes on her quiche.]
later on
Steve: I'm waiting for you to post about Radius.
plasticann: I was just doing that...how did you know I was going to post?
Steve: It seemed like something you would post about.
later later on:
plasticann: Steve asked if I was going to post about Radius.
Rachel: I think he's trying too hard to get on the blog.
plasticann: I think it's because his friend George reads it now.
Rachel: The circumference thing is actually pretty funny since it's Radius we're talking about.
plasticann: Why?
Rachel: Radius is not very funny place...it takes itself seriously. What if Circumference was a greasy spoon?
plasticann: Now that would be subversive.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Chocolate Kahlua Cake
I made this cake on Monday from the Cake Mix Doctor. You can definately taste the Kahlua in this, but it's really moist and delicious.
Ingredients:
1 box Devil Food Cake Mix (no pudding in the mix)
1 small box of Instant Chocolate Pudding
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
4 eggs
3/4 cup Kahlua
Icing: whisk together 1/2 cup Kahlua and 1 cup powdered sugar.
Directions:
1. Spray bundt pan with oil and coat with flour.
2. Turn on oven to 350 degrees
3. Mix on low all the ingredients for 1 min.
4. Mix on medium for 2-3 min. until blended
5. Pour into pan
6. Bake for 45-50 min. until toothpick tester comes out clean
7. Cool cake in pan for 20 min.
8. Remove cake from pan and pour on icing.
I made this cake on Monday from the Cake Mix Doctor. You can definately taste the Kahlua in this, but it's really moist and delicious.
Ingredients:
1 box Devil Food Cake Mix (no pudding in the mix)
1 small box of Instant Chocolate Pudding
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
4 eggs
3/4 cup Kahlua
Icing: whisk together 1/2 cup Kahlua and 1 cup powdered sugar.
Directions:
1. Spray bundt pan with oil and coat with flour.
2. Turn on oven to 350 degrees
3. Mix on low all the ingredients for 1 min.
4. Mix on medium for 2-3 min. until blended
5. Pour into pan
6. Bake for 45-50 min. until toothpick tester comes out clean
7. Cool cake in pan for 20 min.
8. Remove cake from pan and pour on icing.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Monday, December 06, 2004
Going Postal
Turns out Rachel's roommate, an international visiting scholar, has been collecting Rachel's outgoing mail from their mailbox thinking it was mail the mailman delivered to the wrong address. Sure enough, there was a neat pile of Rachel's outgoing mail (cards, bills and whatnot) that had been retrieved over the past few weeks.
Turns out Rachel's roommate, an international visiting scholar, has been collecting Rachel's outgoing mail from their mailbox thinking it was mail the mailman delivered to the wrong address. Sure enough, there was a neat pile of Rachel's outgoing mail (cards, bills and whatnot) that had been retrieved over the past few weeks.
Friday, December 03, 2004
No Sew Solutions
Rachel was scootering around the office this morning asking for a sewing kit because she ripped the seam of her lovely chocolate brown sweater. Someone suggested she staple her sweater. Rachel, not one to destroy her sweater with staples, scoffed at the "boy solution." Inspired by the "boy solution," I've fashioned a less destructive solution with some "girly flair." I used some sheer fabric ribbon leftover from my birthday to tie a nice big bow to a mini binder clip that's now clipping together the ripped seam. The bow camouflages both the rip and the binder clip and the green ribbon is a nice festive contrast to the brown sweater. It pays to never throw things like old ribbons away.
Rachel was scootering around the office this morning asking for a sewing kit because she ripped the seam of her lovely chocolate brown sweater. Someone suggested she staple her sweater. Rachel, not one to destroy her sweater with staples, scoffed at the "boy solution." Inspired by the "boy solution," I've fashioned a less destructive solution with some "girly flair." I used some sheer fabric ribbon leftover from my birthday to tie a nice big bow to a mini binder clip that's now clipping together the ripped seam. The bow camouflages both the rip and the binder clip and the green ribbon is a nice festive contrast to the brown sweater. It pays to never throw things like old ribbons away.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Penmanship
Steve: Did you get my e-mail?
plasticann: Nope!
Steve: Could you do me a favor?
plasticann: Sure...what?
Steve: You see, I have my NYU application and well my handwriting isn't, well here's the envelope...
plasticann: Sure...I'll address your envelope.
Steve: Great, it'll look nice.
plasticann: Although, they might wonder why you have girl handwriting.
Steve: Did you get my e-mail?
plasticann: Nope!
Steve: Could you do me a favor?
plasticann: Sure...what?
Steve: You see, I have my NYU application and well my handwriting isn't, well here's the envelope...
plasticann: Sure...I'll address your envelope.
Steve: Great, it'll look nice.
plasticann: Although, they might wonder why you have girl handwriting.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
AmazingMail
I've recently discovered amazingmail through ljc's blog. I sent a postcard to Adam to test it out and I also sent a real postcard to GJDubya with a picture of MGDub. The best part, there's no minimum order per card so you can create different postcards with personalized messages for all your friends. Lastly...it can be yours for around a buck and it includes postage.
I've recently discovered amazingmail through ljc's blog. I sent a postcard to Adam to test it out and I also sent a real postcard to GJDubya with a picture of MGDub. The best part, there's no minimum order per card so you can create different postcards with personalized messages for all your friends. Lastly...it can be yours for around a buck and it includes postage.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Culture of Collaboration
My coworker Zeah just left for vacation and the office is pitching in while she's away. Amy is in charge of checking in on Zeah's cats and I'm in charge of watering Zeah's bamboo plant. Steve is in charge of reminding me to water the bamboo plant and Mark is in charge of reminding Steve to remind me to water the bamboo plant. So far, our system is working with the exception of one small spoken mishap.
Steve: Don't forget to water the plant.
plasticann: Oh yeah, thanks. Amy's in charge of the cats.
Steve: Amy, don't forget to water the cats.
My coworker Zeah just left for vacation and the office is pitching in while she's away. Amy is in charge of checking in on Zeah's cats and I'm in charge of watering Zeah's bamboo plant. Steve is in charge of reminding me to water the bamboo plant and Mark is in charge of reminding Steve to remind me to water the bamboo plant. So far, our system is working with the exception of one small spoken mishap.
Steve: Don't forget to water the plant.
plasticann: Oh yeah, thanks. Amy's in charge of the cats.
Steve: Amy, don't forget to water the cats.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Orange Cornmeal Cake
I gave this Orange Cornmeal Cake receipe from FOOD a whirl this week because I needed to find something to bake so I could procrastinate earlier. Steve's friend, George, is holding me to standards and some level of honesty so I'm going to double check all the ingredients this weekend. That said, don't bake this cake until I fact check the recipe.
Wet ingredients:
1/2 cup olive oil
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
zest from half an orange
Dry ingredients:
1 and 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Topping:
1/3 cup sugar
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Grease a 9 inch cake pan. Line bottom with parchment paper
3. Whisk together wet ingredients
4. Whisk in dry ingredients until just combined
5. Pour batter into pan
6. Sprinkle a generous layer of sugar on top
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Test cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. Clean toothpick means it's done.
I gave this Orange Cornmeal Cake receipe from FOOD a whirl this week because I needed to find something to bake so I could procrastinate earlier. Steve's friend, George, is holding me to standards and some level of honesty so I'm going to double check all the ingredients this weekend. That said, don't bake this cake until I fact check the recipe.
Wet ingredients:
1/2 cup olive oil
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
zest from half an orange
Dry ingredients:
1 and 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Topping:
1/3 cup sugar
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Grease a 9 inch cake pan. Line bottom with parchment paper
3. Whisk together wet ingredients
4. Whisk in dry ingredients until just combined
5. Pour batter into pan
6. Sprinkle a generous layer of sugar on top
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Test cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. Clean toothpick means it's done.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
This one's for Steve
plasticann: Steve, you've got to stop walking by my office with a newspaper on your way to the bathroom.
Steve: You mean I can still walk by with a newspaper, but I shouldn't stop and point it out to you.
plasticann: Yes...it's way too much information.
Steve: I'm just waiting for you to blog about it.
Note: To put an end to it, I've officially blogged about it. Steve stands outside my office on the way to the restroom pointing at his newspaper. You all do the math.
On to other topics...here's yet another reconstructed conversation with Steve.
plasticann: I think we've set a date for the wedding.
Steve: This summer? I hope it's not fourth of July weekend.
plasticann: Nope, it'll be in June, but it's going to be pretty small. Right now, it's just family and wedding party to start.
Steve: Ohhhhh....I See How It Is!
plasticann: Hey, you could have been the ring bearer.
plasticann: Steve, you've got to stop walking by my office with a newspaper on your way to the bathroom.
Steve: You mean I can still walk by with a newspaper, but I shouldn't stop and point it out to you.
plasticann: Yes...it's way too much information.
Steve: I'm just waiting for you to blog about it.
Note: To put an end to it, I've officially blogged about it. Steve stands outside my office on the way to the restroom pointing at his newspaper. You all do the math.
On to other topics...here's yet another reconstructed conversation with Steve.
plasticann: I think we've set a date for the wedding.
Steve: This summer? I hope it's not fourth of July weekend.
plasticann: Nope, it'll be in June, but it's going to be pretty small. Right now, it's just family and wedding party to start.
Steve: Ohhhhh....I See How It Is!
plasticann: Hey, you could have been the ring bearer.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
#2. Secret Life of Chickens: Not recommended for kids. Corinna and I stood in a bookstore on Martha's Vineyard and laughed at all the photos of plastic chickens struggling with the angst that comes with living in an urban jungle. More appropriate for kids is Where is Coco going?
Monday, November 15, 2004
plasticann [restrained] 2004 holiday gift guide
Last year plasticann went for broke with her "Top 100 Gift Ideas." Since she's completely blogged out of good ideas, this year's gift guide will show some restraint.
#1. Vintage Luggage Tags--fun stocking stuffer.
Last year plasticann went for broke with her "Top 100 Gift Ideas." Since she's completely blogged out of good ideas, this year's gift guide will show some restraint.
#1. Vintage Luggage Tags--fun stocking stuffer.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Fake Trees and Box Wine
Artificial Christmas tree get about the same level of respect as boxed wine. However, I've always had a soft spot for artificial trees since I had one growing up. Laurel and I have had countless discussions about the virtues of real v. fake trees and I expect that Adam and I will also have similar discussions. However, I remain unmoved by pro-fresh tree arguments citing the fresh pine scent especially since you have to water a real tree to keep it from going up in flames. Don't even get me started on the needles and the clean up. I've always wanted an artificial tree and now that Martha Stewart sells tinsel trees, I'd like to think fake trees are no longer déclassé. Maybe it's just "ironic" or "retro" as long as the tree is obviously fake and a throwback to the atomic age. As for box wine, I say if it's the same high quality wine in a different package that keeps it fresh longer and is cheaper, what's the big to do? Just think, Martha could revolutionize the box wine industry if she would only feature box wines in Living or design a decorative box wine cover.
Note: I'm taking a straw poll. Pink or Green Tinsel Tree?
Artificial Christmas tree get about the same level of respect as boxed wine. However, I've always had a soft spot for artificial trees since I had one growing up. Laurel and I have had countless discussions about the virtues of real v. fake trees and I expect that Adam and I will also have similar discussions. However, I remain unmoved by pro-fresh tree arguments citing the fresh pine scent especially since you have to water a real tree to keep it from going up in flames. Don't even get me started on the needles and the clean up. I've always wanted an artificial tree and now that Martha Stewart sells tinsel trees, I'd like to think fake trees are no longer déclassé. Maybe it's just "ironic" or "retro" as long as the tree is obviously fake and a throwback to the atomic age. As for box wine, I say if it's the same high quality wine in a different package that keeps it fresh longer and is cheaper, what's the big to do? Just think, Martha could revolutionize the box wine industry if she would only feature box wines in Living or design a decorative box wine cover.
Note: I'm taking a straw poll. Pink or Green Tinsel Tree?
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Card Carousel
plasticmom and plasticann are very excited about using the card carousel year round for bills, notes, checks and cards.
plasticmom and plasticann are very excited about using the card carousel year round for bills, notes, checks and cards.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Monday, November 08, 2004
Backup Dress
I bid and won the auction on a backup wedding dress on Ebay. Granted, the dress is not a "real" wedding dress and is more like a bridesmaid/cocktail dress, but hey it's ivory so it's a backup. My bid sat at $12.50 for days and it was still at $12.50 this morning before I left for work. I got into work and checked it and sure enough, someone had bid two bucks above my maximum with one minute left on the dress. I logged on and placed another bid and it's now mine for $22.50. It's a crapshoot since I'm not sure how it will look once I get it, but I won't feel too bad if it doesn't work out since I could cut it up and do something creative with it. The following is a reconstructed conversation between my roommate Carin and her friend Jen about the dress. I was not present for this conversation.
Carin: plasticann bid on a dress on Ebay.
Jen: That's exciting, how much?
Carin: Twelve fifty.
Jen: Twelve hundred fifty?
Carin: No...twelve dollars and fifty cents.
I bid and won the auction on a backup wedding dress on Ebay. Granted, the dress is not a "real" wedding dress and is more like a bridesmaid/cocktail dress, but hey it's ivory so it's a backup. My bid sat at $12.50 for days and it was still at $12.50 this morning before I left for work. I got into work and checked it and sure enough, someone had bid two bucks above my maximum with one minute left on the dress. I logged on and placed another bid and it's now mine for $22.50. It's a crapshoot since I'm not sure how it will look once I get it, but I won't feel too bad if it doesn't work out since I could cut it up and do something creative with it. The following is a reconstructed conversation between my roommate Carin and her friend Jen about the dress. I was not present for this conversation.
Carin: plasticann bid on a dress on Ebay.
Jen: That's exciting, how much?
Carin: Twelve fifty.
Jen: Twelve hundred fifty?
Carin: No...twelve dollars and fifty cents.
Friday, November 05, 2004
Clippings from plasticmom
Every so often plasticmom will send me random clippings in the mail, often with no written explanation. Earlier this week, she sent me catalog clippings for the following. A crank radio for emergancies and a cool card carousel tree. I'm thinking about getting one for everyday use...I could clip my rent check and other important documents on it.
Every so often plasticmom will send me random clippings in the mail, often with no written explanation. Earlier this week, she sent me catalog clippings for the following. A crank radio for emergancies and a cool card carousel tree. I'm thinking about getting one for everyday use...I could clip my rent check and other important documents on it.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Frozen Sandwiches Take 2
Adam was giving me a hard time about my frozen sandwiches the other day. My offer to make him frozen sandwiches as my contribution to our household was met with derision. However, a subsequent conversation with plasticmom revealed that my genius idea to freeze sandwiches is genetic. plasticmom freezes her Dr. Snyder (Seven Grain with Walnuts, Raisins & Honey) bread from Lovebird's in baggies of two slices. She then toasts the delicious bread in the morning for breakfast.
plasticann: I've been freezing sandwiches and eating them for lunch. I defrost one in the fridge at night and lightly toast it at lunch. Adam makes fun of me.
plasticmom: Ha ha ha...plasticaunt does the same thing.
plasticann: Really?
plasticmom: I went to Lovebird's with her one time. She bought 20 roast beef sandwiches and I wondered how she was going to eat them all. She keeps them in the freezer and takes one out in the morning and it's defrosted by lunchtime.
plasticann: Does she have vegetables in it or condiments?
plasticmom: No lettace or tomatoes, but she does get mustard and mayonnaise. I think french rolls work better than slices of bread, that's what she gets.
plasticann: No way. I haven't been using french rolls, but I use crusty bread.
Adam was giving me a hard time about my frozen sandwiches the other day. My offer to make him frozen sandwiches as my contribution to our household was met with derision. However, a subsequent conversation with plasticmom revealed that my genius idea to freeze sandwiches is genetic. plasticmom freezes her Dr. Snyder (Seven Grain with Walnuts, Raisins & Honey) bread from Lovebird's in baggies of two slices. She then toasts the delicious bread in the morning for breakfast.
plasticann: I've been freezing sandwiches and eating them for lunch. I defrost one in the fridge at night and lightly toast it at lunch. Adam makes fun of me.
plasticmom: Ha ha ha...plasticaunt does the same thing.
plasticann: Really?
plasticmom: I went to Lovebird's with her one time. She bought 20 roast beef sandwiches and I wondered how she was going to eat them all. She keeps them in the freezer and takes one out in the morning and it's defrosted by lunchtime.
plasticann: Does she have vegetables in it or condiments?
plasticmom: No lettace or tomatoes, but she does get mustard and mayonnaise. I think french rolls work better than slices of bread, that's what she gets.
plasticann: No way. I haven't been using french rolls, but I use crusty bread.
Bridal Horrors
I read the Bridal Bargains book my worker lent me last weekend. Basically the book is about how not to get screwed by the bridal industry. It was very informative and very depressing at the same time. The wedding dress stories are especially horrific. Anyone know how to sew out there?
I read the Bridal Bargains book my worker lent me last weekend. Basically the book is about how not to get screwed by the bridal industry. It was very informative and very depressing at the same time. The wedding dress stories are especially horrific. Anyone know how to sew out there?
Monday, November 01, 2004
I [heart] Brown Betty
I'm loving my eight cup teapot Adam got me for my birthday. I also got a cool set of teacups/saucers. The teapot was perfect for my tea party this weekend since I could brew a huge pot for everyone. The winner was the Creme Brulee tea I got from Tealuxe thanks to Wheezy's suggestion. I also made some madeleines for the first time. I learned to copiously spray the pan with PAM after my first batch got stuck due to only "normal" amounts of spray. Here's a tip...quickly pry the cookies out of the pan before they cool. On another note, another reason I'm excited about getting married...dishes. Bring on the consumerism. I've sometimes touted anti-consumeristic rhetoric with my, "I don't want matching plates"--it's so dull, "I don't want a couch"--it's too heavy and "maybe we shouldn't register." However I will miss the random conversations about our hodge podge collection of dishes when I can still pretend I'm poor.
Scene: plasticann passes around saucers to tea party guests to use as small plates. CAD Cowboy promptly places his mug on the saucer.
Laurel: [quietly] I think the plate is for your food.
CAD Cowboy: But plate has a circle in it and the mug fits on top.
plasticann: We don't actually have any small plates, but we have a lot of saucers.
CAD Cowboy: What happened to the teacups that go with the saucers?
plasticann: Don't know. Don't have them. Maybe we left them behind when we moved because we never used the cups, but we use the saucers.
I'm loving my eight cup teapot Adam got me for my birthday. I also got a cool set of teacups/saucers. The teapot was perfect for my tea party this weekend since I could brew a huge pot for everyone. The winner was the Creme Brulee tea I got from Tealuxe thanks to Wheezy's suggestion. I also made some madeleines for the first time. I learned to copiously spray the pan with PAM after my first batch got stuck due to only "normal" amounts of spray. Here's a tip...quickly pry the cookies out of the pan before they cool. On another note, another reason I'm excited about getting married...dishes. Bring on the consumerism. I've sometimes touted anti-consumeristic rhetoric with my, "I don't want matching plates"--it's so dull, "I don't want a couch"--it's too heavy and "maybe we shouldn't register." However I will miss the random conversations about our hodge podge collection of dishes when I can still pretend I'm poor.
Scene: plasticann passes around saucers to tea party guests to use as small plates. CAD Cowboy promptly places his mug on the saucer.
Laurel: [quietly] I think the plate is for your food.
CAD Cowboy: But plate has a circle in it and the mug fits on top.
plasticann: We don't actually have any small plates, but we have a lot of saucers.
CAD Cowboy: What happened to the teacups that go with the saucers?
plasticann: Don't know. Don't have them. Maybe we left them behind when we moved because we never used the cups, but we use the saucers.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Come on Red Sox...[clap clap clapclapclap]
Like everyone else, my roommates and I were watched the Red Sox win the World Series last night. We baked up some frozen soft pretzels Nicole brought home and I toggled between baking cookies in the kitchen and running back to the living room to make sure we were still ahead. Whenever I started to not "believe," Nicole and I would bolster my spirits by chanting "Come on Red Sox" followed by a series of syncopated claps while Carin nervously rocked back in forth in her chair proclaiming, "I'm going to be pissed if they don't win...it's way past my bedtime." Katie justified nodding off during the game claiming she would wake up if something good happened since we'd be clapping and she could watch the instant replay. Finally, Carin kept telling us to pray that there would be no violence.
Like everyone else, my roommates and I were watched the Red Sox win the World Series last night. We baked up some frozen soft pretzels Nicole brought home and I toggled between baking cookies in the kitchen and running back to the living room to make sure we were still ahead. Whenever I started to not "believe," Nicole and I would bolster my spirits by chanting "Come on Red Sox" followed by a series of syncopated claps while Carin nervously rocked back in forth in her chair proclaiming, "I'm going to be pissed if they don't win...it's way past my bedtime." Katie justified nodding off during the game claiming she would wake up if something good happened since we'd be clapping and she could watch the instant replay. Finally, Carin kept telling us to pray that there would be no violence.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Frozen Sandwiches
I'm trying out this new thing where I make a bunch of sandwiches and freeze them for later. So far so good. I made four herbed goat cheese and salami sandwiches on crusty bread last night and I have two stashed in my freezer. I lightly toasted a sandwich for lunch and it was quite tasty.
I'm trying out this new thing where I make a bunch of sandwiches and freeze them for later. So far so good. I made four herbed goat cheese and salami sandwiches on crusty bread last night and I have two stashed in my freezer. I lightly toasted a sandwich for lunch and it was quite tasty.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Free Sausage
You can thank Steve for this tasty tidbit. Free Sausages from The Sausage Guy at Fenway tomorrow from 3-6pm. For personal safety reasons, I would suggest quickly stopping in for your free food and brown bagging it for the T ride home.
You can thank Steve for this tasty tidbit. Free Sausages from The Sausage Guy at Fenway tomorrow from 3-6pm. For personal safety reasons, I would suggest quickly stopping in for your free food and brown bagging it for the T ride home.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Kookiness
Following a conversation between plasticann and Adam about plasticann's nontraditional ideas for the wedding, plasticmom enthusiastically offered the following genius ideas.
plasticmom: I know, you should get married on the Boston Tea Party ship and take pictures of people throwing the tea overboard.
plasticann: That is a pretty good idea.
plasticmom: ...or you could get married on the red line. By the time the ceremony is over, you'll be at the reception site.
plasticann: ...and maybe the pastor could give a sermon over the PA system on the T. I think Adam wants a traditional wedding. I'm not sure how he feels about the subway.
plasticmom: Well if you want "traditional," how about a horse and buggy.
Following a conversation between plasticann and Adam about plasticann's nontraditional ideas for the wedding, plasticmom enthusiastically offered the following genius ideas.
plasticmom: I know, you should get married on the Boston Tea Party ship and take pictures of people throwing the tea overboard.
plasticann: That is a pretty good idea.
plasticmom: ...or you could get married on the red line. By the time the ceremony is over, you'll be at the reception site.
plasticann: ...and maybe the pastor could give a sermon over the PA system on the T. I think Adam wants a traditional wedding. I'm not sure how he feels about the subway.
plasticmom: Well if you want "traditional," how about a horse and buggy.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Little Teton
plasticmom and Adam are on polar opposite ends of the backpack spectrum. Adam, ever parsimonious, carried the same backpack for nearly 14 years and has only recently moved on. On the otherhand, plasticmom is always searching for the perfect backpack and may one day open a museum devoted to her collection. When plasticmom eyed Adam's 2002 Little Teton last week in la la land, plasticann shamelessly encouraged plasticmom's backpack habit by promptly purchasing plasticmom her own Little Teton along with a pretty pink Nalgene. Unfortunately, plasticann is now a bit envious because plasticmom's newer 2004 Little Teton is way cooler than plasticann's 2003 Little Teton. However, plasticann has made a mature decision to not upgrade her own backpack and patiently wait for plasticmom to tire of her bag before swiping it.
plasticmom and Adam are on polar opposite ends of the backpack spectrum. Adam, ever parsimonious, carried the same backpack for nearly 14 years and has only recently moved on. On the otherhand, plasticmom is always searching for the perfect backpack and may one day open a museum devoted to her collection. When plasticmom eyed Adam's 2002 Little Teton last week in la la land, plasticann shamelessly encouraged plasticmom's backpack habit by promptly purchasing plasticmom her own Little Teton along with a pretty pink Nalgene. Unfortunately, plasticann is now a bit envious because plasticmom's newer 2004 Little Teton is way cooler than plasticann's 2003 Little Teton. However, plasticann has made a mature decision to not upgrade her own backpack and patiently wait for plasticmom to tire of her bag before swiping it.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Pastries
We're back from the "la la land," where the sun was shining and the weather was warm. We brought back some Chinese engagement pastries plasticmom ordered. Traditionally the groom brings a litany of gifts to the bride's family for the engagement, including pastries for the bride to give to friends and family as a way to announce the engagement. Keeping with the spirit of the tradition...namely the eating of pastries, plasticmom ordered a batch of engagement pastries which are essentially huge cookies with filling packaged in a red gift box. Fillings range from red bean [like a freakin' huge moon cake], eggs, sweet pork, etc. However, plasticmom went with a winning combination of sesame paste and raisins. We've been snacking on them all week and my office gobbled up their pastry this morning. The sesame paste filling is crumbly almost like peanut butter and is not too sweet.
While I was home in LA, I also heard a "back in the day" recount of traditional wedding practices..."When I got engaged, he brought a whole pig, twelve live chickens, six fish, a necklace, a ring, a bracelet, canned goods and pastries." I do love my engagement ring, but where's my whole pig?
We're back from the "la la land," where the sun was shining and the weather was warm. We brought back some Chinese engagement pastries plasticmom ordered. Traditionally the groom brings a litany of gifts to the bride's family for the engagement, including pastries for the bride to give to friends and family as a way to announce the engagement. Keeping with the spirit of the tradition...namely the eating of pastries, plasticmom ordered a batch of engagement pastries which are essentially huge cookies with filling packaged in a red gift box. Fillings range from red bean [like a freakin' huge moon cake], eggs, sweet pork, etc. However, plasticmom went with a winning combination of sesame paste and raisins. We've been snacking on them all week and my office gobbled up their pastry this morning. The sesame paste filling is crumbly almost like peanut butter and is not too sweet.
While I was home in LA, I also heard a "back in the day" recount of traditional wedding practices..."When I got engaged, he brought a whole pig, twelve live chickens, six fish, a necklace, a ring, a bracelet, canned goods and pastries." I do love my engagement ring, but where's my whole pig?
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Birthday Surprises
For my birthday surprise, Adam blindfolded me with a [clean] t-shirt and led me around Porter Exchange and into a waiting car. Apparently, bystanders do not rescue blindfolded individuals if they do not appear to be struggling. Unfortunately, my eyes were dilated when I walked into a room blurry looking people shouting "surprise." I was shocked to see all these friends in a room surrounded by lots of tasty food. Some culinary highlights included a sushi platter, refreshing Cape Code cranberry soda and Laurel's super tall sensational birthday cake creation...chocolate cake filled with mousse and strawberries topped with chocolate ganache. I also got to judge the a very fun "birthday card making contest." I tried not to play favorites, but Dave blew the competition away with his wooden birthday card complete with brass hinges. Laurel took second place with her clever use of acrylic and foam letters. Lastly, my roommate Nicole got third place for her intricately detailed Shrinky Dink craftsmanship. All winners were awarded gift cards to local coffee joints. Interestingly, the Starbucks card was last to be claimed. All in all...an excellent birthday.
For my birthday surprise, Adam blindfolded me with a [clean] t-shirt and led me around Porter Exchange and into a waiting car. Apparently, bystanders do not rescue blindfolded individuals if they do not appear to be struggling. Unfortunately, my eyes were dilated when I walked into a room blurry looking people shouting "surprise." I was shocked to see all these friends in a room surrounded by lots of tasty food. Some culinary highlights included a sushi platter, refreshing Cape Code cranberry soda and Laurel's super tall sensational birthday cake creation...chocolate cake filled with mousse and strawberries topped with chocolate ganache. I also got to judge the a very fun "birthday card making contest." I tried not to play favorites, but Dave blew the competition away with his wooden birthday card complete with brass hinges. Laurel took second place with her clever use of acrylic and foam letters. Lastly, my roommate Nicole got third place for her intricately detailed Shrinky Dink craftsmanship. All winners were awarded gift cards to local coffee joints. Interestingly, the Starbucks card was last to be claimed. All in all...an excellent birthday.
Since Adam didn't want a watch [or a sombrero for that matter] as an "engagement present," I was all out of ideas. I went for "kooky" and had our kid [age 3] pictures pop-arted. They're going to be printed on 16 inch canvas squares. A special shout out to MGDub and Lindsey for showing me how to post pictures on my blog.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Got Engaged!
plasticann enjoyed tuna tartare, sirloin steak and a warm chocolate cake at Mistral. Adam celebrated with the foie gras in brioche, beef tenderloin and the poached pear dessert. Upon seeing Adam at the public garden on her way to meet Laurel, plasticann exclaimed, "aren't you supposed to be doing your laundry and where's Laurel?" Adam got plasticann an awesome sparkly ring, which she loves. plasticmom responded "yes yes OK," when Adam asked for her blessing. Lastly, after plasticann asked Steve to be the ring bearer [in jest], Steve looked up the definition for ring bearer which is "small child or dog." It is highly unlikely Steve will agree to bear the rings.
plasticann enjoyed tuna tartare, sirloin steak and a warm chocolate cake at Mistral. Adam celebrated with the foie gras in brioche, beef tenderloin and the poached pear dessert. Upon seeing Adam at the public garden on her way to meet Laurel, plasticann exclaimed, "aren't you supposed to be doing your laundry and where's Laurel?" Adam got plasticann an awesome sparkly ring, which she loves. plasticmom responded "yes yes OK," when Adam asked for her blessing. Lastly, after plasticann asked Steve to be the ring bearer [in jest], Steve looked up the definition for ring bearer which is "small child or dog." It is highly unlikely Steve will agree to bear the rings.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Quotables
Adam: I have no money...I spent it all on calzones.
Wheezy: I'm writing my paper on Sunset Blvd. I must say, two of my paragraphs are just really "top notch." I've got some pretty awesome sentences and word combinations. [index fingers pointing and a "chh chh" sound]
MGDub: My brother is thirty................[pause]..............do you want to marry him? You could be my sister.
Adam: I have no money...I spent it all on calzones.
Wheezy: I'm writing my paper on Sunset Blvd. I must say, two of my paragraphs are just really "top notch." I've got some pretty awesome sentences and word combinations. [index fingers pointing and a "chh chh" sound]
MGDub: My brother is thirty................[pause]..............do you want to marry him? You could be my sister.
Friday, October 01, 2004
plasticnanny
"I have a new job," announced plasticmom the other night, "I'm going to be a nanny." Her friend has a family emergency and needs someone to stay with her daughter for a week. Although plasticmom has been out of the daily "child-rearing" business for eight years, but she does have a degree in "child development" and I continue to be her "guinea pig." If called upon to be plasticmom's reference, I'd speak highly of the high quality lunches she packs and her highly creative solutions to school projects.
"I have a new job," announced plasticmom the other night, "I'm going to be a nanny." Her friend has a family emergency and needs someone to stay with her daughter for a week. Although plasticmom has been out of the daily "child-rearing" business for eight years, but she does have a degree in "child development" and I continue to be her "guinea pig." If called upon to be plasticmom's reference, I'd speak highly of the high quality lunches she packs and her highly creative solutions to school projects.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Flowers...yipee yeah yeah!
Zeah walked into my office with another long box this morning:
Zeah: Adam must be in a lot of trouble.
plasticann: He's not in trouble at all. I don't know what's going on.
Zeah: Adam must think he's in a lot of trouble.
plasticann: I don't think so.
My current collection of blooms courtesy of Adam include:
Snapdragons
"Cream" Roses
Yellow Roses
Note: Adam is NOT in trouble.
Zeah walked into my office with another long box this morning:
Zeah: Adam must be in a lot of trouble.
plasticann: He's not in trouble at all. I don't know what's going on.
Zeah: Adam must think he's in a lot of trouble.
plasticann: I don't think so.
My current collection of blooms courtesy of Adam include:
Snapdragons
"Cream" Roses
Yellow Roses
Note: Adam is NOT in trouble.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Real Food
I was still munching on my fries and slurping my orange drink when MGDub and I arrived for our meeting at Zlare's house. The following is a reconstructed conversation regarding my Happy Meal.
Zlare: Welcome, I'm glad you guys made it. Do you want anything to eat?
MGDub: I'll take some water, but I'm all set.
plasticann: I got chicken mcnuggets with my Happy Meal.
Zlare: Do you want an apple or some water?
plasticann: Nope, I've got my orange drink.
Zlare: Don't you want any "real" food?
plasticann: But this is real food.
I did end up eating an apple after Zlare cut it up in cool spirals.
I was still munching on my fries and slurping my orange drink when MGDub and I arrived for our meeting at Zlare's house. The following is a reconstructed conversation regarding my Happy Meal.
Zlare: Welcome, I'm glad you guys made it. Do you want anything to eat?
MGDub: I'll take some water, but I'm all set.
plasticann: I got chicken mcnuggets with my Happy Meal.
Zlare: Do you want an apple or some water?
plasticann: Nope, I've got my orange drink.
Zlare: Don't you want any "real" food?
plasticann: But this is real food.
I did end up eating an apple after Zlare cut it up in cool spirals.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Startac RIP
As my friends (MGDub & Steve) have defected from their Startacs in recent months, I've been getting a lot of flack for my "retro old school ancient" Startac. I argued, I love my Startac and it has a great "true" ring that isn't annoying. On Sunday, I spilled water on my phone when I absentmindedly placed an open water bottle in my bag. Even more embarrassing was my inability to function without the phone. MGDub laughed at me because I had to call her to get Adam's number. Last night I trekked over to the mall and picked up a new phone. I was resigned to rebuild my phonebook, but my Startac's screen magically turned back on yesterday, which enabled Verizon to transfer my phonebook over to the new phone.
As my friends (MGDub & Steve) have defected from their Startacs in recent months, I've been getting a lot of flack for my "retro old school ancient" Startac. I argued, I love my Startac and it has a great "true" ring that isn't annoying. On Sunday, I spilled water on my phone when I absentmindedly placed an open water bottle in my bag. Even more embarrassing was my inability to function without the phone. MGDub laughed at me because I had to call her to get Adam's number. Last night I trekked over to the mall and picked up a new phone. I was resigned to rebuild my phonebook, but my Startac's screen magically turned back on yesterday, which enabled Verizon to transfer my phonebook over to the new phone.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Winner
On our way out after playing two games of Settlers of Catan with our friends Zerry and Zawrence...
plasticann: Honey, I'm sorry you didn't win tonight.
Adam: But I did win.
plasticann: That's right...you won the first game.
Adam: Actually I won both games tonight.
plasticann: Are you sure?
On our way out after playing two games of Settlers of Catan with our friends Zerry and Zawrence...
plasticann: Honey, I'm sorry you didn't win tonight.
Adam: But I did win.
plasticann: That's right...you won the first game.
Adam: Actually I won both games tonight.
plasticann: Are you sure?
Friday, September 24, 2004
Too Much Information
Yesterday
Friend: Can I borrow your paper?
plasticann: Sure, what section.
Friend: [rifling through all of plasticann's favorite sections] I'm taking Personal Journal.
plasticann: [thinking friend needs paper to wrap something] Wait, what if I haven't read it. Why don't you take Marketplace.
Friend: [walks away with Personal Journal]
plasticann: Bring that by later, I might want to read it.
Friend: I'm going to the bathroom.
plasticann: Please don't bring it back.
Today
Friend walks by with paper in hand and plasticann thinks to herself...too much information.
Yesterday
Friend: Can I borrow your paper?
plasticann: Sure, what section.
Friend: [rifling through all of plasticann's favorite sections] I'm taking Personal Journal.
plasticann: [thinking friend needs paper to wrap something] Wait, what if I haven't read it. Why don't you take Marketplace.
Friend: [walks away with Personal Journal]
plasticann: Bring that by later, I might want to read it.
Friend: I'm going to the bathroom.
plasticann: Please don't bring it back.
Today
Friend walks by with paper in hand and plasticann thinks to herself...too much information.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
If you're hungry and you know it clap your hands...
Here's an awesome, but hugely aspirational list of 54 dishes to try in Boston.
Here's an awesome, but hugely aspirational list of 54 dishes to try in Boston.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Dust Sample
To properly illustrate her recent dusty experience with construction at work, plasticmom sent me a grimey dust sample sealed between pieces of clear packing tape. Other than disgustingly black and gritty, I unable to describe the sample. I can't decide whether I'm repulsed or amused...right now I'm leaning toward the latter.
To properly illustrate her recent dusty experience with construction at work, plasticmom sent me a grimey dust sample sealed between pieces of clear packing tape. Other than disgustingly black and gritty, I unable to describe the sample. I can't decide whether I'm repulsed or amused...right now I'm leaning toward the latter.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Wimbledon
The following is a reconstructed conversation regarding Wimbledon:
Adam: We went and saw Wimbledon this afternoon. I enjoyed it.
Friend: Who's in it?
Adam: Kirsten Dunst and the main guy really looks like the guy from A Beautiful Mind...you know the imaginary friend.
plasticann: It's the same guy.
Adam: Well, there you have it!
The following is a reconstructed conversation regarding Wimbledon:
Adam: We went and saw Wimbledon this afternoon. I enjoyed it.
Friend: Who's in it?
Adam: Kirsten Dunst and the main guy really looks like the guy from A Beautiful Mind...you know the imaginary friend.
plasticann: It's the same guy.
Adam: Well, there you have it!
Friday, September 17, 2004
Hapless, but it's uphill from here on out
Unfortunately, I'm encountering multiple mishaps today:
1. My fingers keep confusing the "G" and "T" keys and I keep spelling "conglomerate," "conglomerage."
2. I keep inadvertently shutting down my computer when I'm trying to open my CD tray. Like some sort of moth, I'm fatally drawn to the lighted on/off button.
3. I got a "transcript" today except it's a media file of this guy talking. Unfortunately I don't have speakers and I don't read lips.
Fortunately, I'm implemented some preventative measures and remedies:
1. I'm going to stretch my fingers more when typing...note that I've correctly spelled fingers and did not spell "finters."
2. I taped some cardboard over my on/off button.
3. I'm getting some speakers on Monday from the IT guy.
Unfortunately, I'm encountering multiple mishaps today:
1. My fingers keep confusing the "G" and "T" keys and I keep spelling "conglomerate," "conglomerage."
2. I keep inadvertently shutting down my computer when I'm trying to open my CD tray. Like some sort of moth, I'm fatally drawn to the lighted on/off button.
3. I got a "transcript" today except it's a media file of this guy talking. Unfortunately I don't have speakers and I don't read lips.
Fortunately, I'm implemented some preventative measures and remedies:
1. I'm going to stretch my fingers more when typing...note that I've correctly spelled fingers and did not spell "finters."
2. I taped some cardboard over my on/off button.
3. I'm getting some speakers on Monday from the IT guy.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
The Mystery of the Missing Sherbet
Last week, I jaywalked over to our local Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins hybrid and picked up some vanilla ice cream and rainbow sherbet for happy half hour. Most people enjoyed the Coke floats with vanilla ice cream, but I was the only one who ventured over to the rainbow sherbet with my sparkling water sherbet concoction. Pondering our happy hour options, I checked on our frozen treat supply this afternoon. I was shocked and dismayed to discover an empty carton because I barely made a dent in the sherbet last week. I'm not sure who's been dipping into the sherbet at such an impressive rate, but I've eliminated four possible culprits...myself included. Since no one has openly flaunted their sherbet eating, I'm on a mission to weed out the sherbet enthusiast, if only to offer my congratulations.
Public Service Announcement: Not to be confused with sorbet, sherbet is not diary free.
Last week, I jaywalked over to our local Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins hybrid and picked up some vanilla ice cream and rainbow sherbet for happy half hour. Most people enjoyed the Coke floats with vanilla ice cream, but I was the only one who ventured over to the rainbow sherbet with my sparkling water sherbet concoction. Pondering our happy hour options, I checked on our frozen treat supply this afternoon. I was shocked and dismayed to discover an empty carton because I barely made a dent in the sherbet last week. I'm not sure who's been dipping into the sherbet at such an impressive rate, but I've eliminated four possible culprits...myself included. Since no one has openly flaunted their sherbet eating, I'm on a mission to weed out the sherbet enthusiast, if only to offer my congratulations.
Public Service Announcement: Not to be confused with sorbet, sherbet is not diary free.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Fever Pitch
This is a reconstructed conversation between plasticann and "friend."
Friend: Have you heard about that movie with Drew Barrymore and it's about the Red Sox?
plasticann: No...I don't think so.
Friend: It's based on a Nick Hornby book and it's called Fever Pitch. The book was about soccer, but the movie adapts the book for baseball. A pitch in soccer is the field, but I don't get why they called the movie Fever Pitch because the movie is about baseball.
plasticann: Well...don't they "pitch" the ball in baseball?
Friend: Why didn't I think of that? It's been really bothering me for days, but now it makes sense.
plasticann: I laugh at you. Ha ha ha. Just kidding.
This is a reconstructed conversation between plasticann and "friend."
Friend: Have you heard about that movie with Drew Barrymore and it's about the Red Sox?
plasticann: No...I don't think so.
Friend: It's based on a Nick Hornby book and it's called Fever Pitch. The book was about soccer, but the movie adapts the book for baseball. A pitch in soccer is the field, but I don't get why they called the movie Fever Pitch because the movie is about baseball.
plasticann: Well...don't they "pitch" the ball in baseball?
Friend: Why didn't I think of that? It's been really bothering me for days, but now it makes sense.
plasticann: I laugh at you. Ha ha ha. Just kidding.
Monday, September 13, 2004
"Zesty" Orange Cranberry Scones with Glaze
The Cranberry Orange scone I ordered last weekend was dry and chalky, but the winsome flavor combination inspired me to create a "zestier" version of my cranberry scones.
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick chilled unsalted butter
2/3-3/4 cup milk
zest from 1 orange
1 cup dried cranberries
Mix together flour, sugar, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Combine butter and flour mixture and blend by hand or with a mixer until mixture has a course crumbly texture. Mix in milk until mixture becomes doughy and holds together. Mix in the zest and dried cranberries. Just divide dough into even mounds onto a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F until tops start to turn light brown.
Orange Glaze:
Whisk together approx. 1/2 cup powdered sugar & a small amount of orange juice. Add orange juice until the glaze is the the consistency of half and half. (Not too liquid and not too thick.) Brush the tops of the cooled scones with the glaze.
The Cranberry Orange scone I ordered last weekend was dry and chalky, but the winsome flavor combination inspired me to create a "zestier" version of my cranberry scones.
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick chilled unsalted butter
2/3-3/4 cup milk
zest from 1 orange
1 cup dried cranberries
Mix together flour, sugar, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Combine butter and flour mixture and blend by hand or with a mixer until mixture has a course crumbly texture. Mix in milk until mixture becomes doughy and holds together. Mix in the zest and dried cranberries. Just divide dough into even mounds onto a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F until tops start to turn light brown.
Orange Glaze:
Whisk together approx. 1/2 cup powdered sugar & a small amount of orange juice. Add orange juice until the glaze is the the consistency of half and half. (Not too liquid and not too thick.) Brush the tops of the cooled scones with the glaze.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Road Rage
Somebody very very bad gave plasticmom the finger while she was driving the other day. Although plasticmom did not know exactly what the finger communicated, she caught wind of the negative vibes so she turned into a parking lot to lay low and to let the angry driver pass. The following is a reconstructed conversation between plasticmom and plasticann.
plasticmom: I was wondering, what does it mean when someone sticks up their middle finger?
plasticann: Very bad...very rude...why?
plasticmom: I was driving the other day and someone got mad at me and stuck up their middle finger when they drove by me. I asked my boss what it meant, but he refused to explain and told me to ask my other boss so I figured I would ask you.
plasticann: That was mean. Well, it basically means "f*&% you." Sorry!
plasticmom: That's OK...I was just wondering. I'm just glad they didn't get out of their car and start yelling at me.
plasticmom, a prolific reader, has encountered the written "f*&% you," but not so much the verbal or the nonverbal version of the sentiment.
Somebody very very bad gave plasticmom the finger while she was driving the other day. Although plasticmom did not know exactly what the finger communicated, she caught wind of the negative vibes so she turned into a parking lot to lay low and to let the angry driver pass. The following is a reconstructed conversation between plasticmom and plasticann.
plasticmom: I was wondering, what does it mean when someone sticks up their middle finger?
plasticann: Very bad...very rude...why?
plasticmom: I was driving the other day and someone got mad at me and stuck up their middle finger when they drove by me. I asked my boss what it meant, but he refused to explain and told me to ask my other boss so I figured I would ask you.
plasticann: That was mean. Well, it basically means "f*&% you." Sorry!
plasticmom: That's OK...I was just wondering. I'm just glad they didn't get out of their car and start yelling at me.
plasticmom, a prolific reader, has encountered the written "f*&% you," but not so much the verbal or the nonverbal version of the sentiment.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Who You Callin' Pedestrian?
The following is a reconstructed conversation featuring Adam and Wine Enthusiast aka WE.
Adam: I really do enjoy Riesling.
WE: Well, once you've been drinking wine for a while, you'll start to appreciate the good stuff.
Adam: That's interesting. Ann's reading Richardson and according to him, "As sugar became a cheap, staple food through the nineteenth century and its luxury status was forgotten, sweet foods began to be associated with the poor more than the rich. Today, the medieval status of sugar as the food of kings and the aristocracy has been reversed: the poorest people eat the most sugar. Those who consider themselves to be individuals of taste and discernment assiduously avoid sugar in all but its most expensive and exclusive forms ('bitter' chocolate is desirable, since its sweetness is tempered and thus made sophisticated.) A taste for sweet is seen as infantile, old-fashioned or low-class: only the lowest of the low would favour a sweet German wine over a crisp dry sauvignon blanc."
Plasticann's post showdown analysis:
Score one for Bakun. I enjoy all things sweet including Riesling. I wonder how appalled the elites would be if I were to add some simple syrup to sweeten a glass of that "crisp dry sauvignon blanc." Next up...I'll become a proponent of Riesling in a box.
The following is a reconstructed conversation featuring Adam and Wine Enthusiast aka WE.
Adam: I really do enjoy Riesling.
WE: Well, once you've been drinking wine for a while, you'll start to appreciate the good stuff.
Adam: That's interesting. Ann's reading Richardson and according to him, "As sugar became a cheap, staple food through the nineteenth century and its luxury status was forgotten, sweet foods began to be associated with the poor more than the rich. Today, the medieval status of sugar as the food of kings and the aristocracy has been reversed: the poorest people eat the most sugar. Those who consider themselves to be individuals of taste and discernment assiduously avoid sugar in all but its most expensive and exclusive forms ('bitter' chocolate is desirable, since its sweetness is tempered and thus made sophisticated.) A taste for sweet is seen as infantile, old-fashioned or low-class: only the lowest of the low would favour a sweet German wine over a crisp dry sauvignon blanc."
Plasticann's post showdown analysis:
Score one for Bakun. I enjoy all things sweet including Riesling. I wonder how appalled the elites would be if I were to add some simple syrup to sweeten a glass of that "crisp dry sauvignon blanc." Next up...I'll become a proponent of Riesling in a box.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Sweet Potato Fries with Blue Cheese
After reading the review for the fries, I promptly e-mailed the link to Adam. The following is a reconstructed e-mail conversation between plasticann and Adam.
plasticann: Magnolia sweet potato strings...looks good.
Adam: Yummy!
plasticann: When can we go? I'm hungry for french fries.
Adam: How about next Friday?
plasticann: What about Thursday?
Good thing I've killed off enough of my taste buds that I now enjoy blue cheese because Adam's a bit of a fan of the stinky stuff...he's only met one cheese he didn't like.
After reading the review for the fries, I promptly e-mailed the link to Adam. The following is a reconstructed e-mail conversation between plasticann and Adam.
plasticann: Magnolia sweet potato strings...looks good.
Adam: Yummy!
plasticann: When can we go? I'm hungry for french fries.
Adam: How about next Friday?
plasticann: What about Thursday?
Good thing I've killed off enough of my taste buds that I now enjoy blue cheese because Adam's a bit of a fan of the stinky stuff...he's only met one cheese he didn't like.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Wrong Bathroom
I stopped by the restroom before leaving work last night and saw one of my male coworkers drying his hands with a paper towel. I initially greeted him with a friendly, "Hi *&%$#," but started stammering incoherently once I realized something was wrong. My thoughts, "why am I in the same bathroom as him, it says 'women' and it looks like the women's bathroom," were expressed inarticulately as "ahhh bathroom wrong bathroom sorry men's sorry ahhh" while I quickly backed out of the restroom. Turns out the men's room was being cleaned so he was using the women's restroom so I was in the right this time. Unfortunately my worst fears are not unfounded because I have repeatedly walk into the men's room by accident at Henrietta's Table and the CPK near Park Plaza.
I stopped by the restroom before leaving work last night and saw one of my male coworkers drying his hands with a paper towel. I initially greeted him with a friendly, "Hi *&%$#," but started stammering incoherently once I realized something was wrong. My thoughts, "why am I in the same bathroom as him, it says 'women' and it looks like the women's bathroom," were expressed inarticulately as "ahhh bathroom wrong bathroom sorry men's sorry ahhh" while I quickly backed out of the restroom. Turns out the men's room was being cleaned so he was using the women's restroom so I was in the right this time. Unfortunately my worst fears are not unfounded because I have repeatedly walk into the men's room by accident at Henrietta's Table and the CPK near Park Plaza.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
33% less for 33% more food
Adam the genius has sniffed out another food find. Elephant Walk is offering a summer tasting menu: four courses for $20. Last week's Restaurant Week was 3 courses for 30 bucks (price/course=$10)...this is 4 courses for 20 bucks (price/course=$5). I don't know where Adam finds out about these things, but I'm excited.
Adam the genius has sniffed out another food find. Elephant Walk is offering a summer tasting menu: four courses for $20. Last week's Restaurant Week was 3 courses for 30 bucks (price/course=$10)...this is 4 courses for 20 bucks (price/course=$5). I don't know where Adam finds out about these things, but I'm excited.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Back to our regular programming...Food, Food and more Food
1. Rouge on Friday night in the South End: Adam and I shared the Beef Brisket, Mac & Cheese and Fried Catfingers. Very tasty, but they weren't offering their famously fabulous bread basket and the yummy spread I had heard about. Adam inadvertently created a line for the restroom by thoroughly reading the reviews posted on the restroom wall.
2. Vegetarian Ravioli at Taiwan Cafe: Wheezy, Kristen and I stopped by Taiwan Cafe (an old favorite) for a late night snack Saturday night after Princess Diaries 2 (delightful by the way). Since Wheezy is an herbivore, we were given the opportunity to actually branch out and order new items. The vegetarian raviolis were steamed dumplings stuffed with a pillowy "vegetable/tofu/glassy noodle/general good stuff" filling. I think I've found a new favorite.
3. Vietnamese sandwiches at Saigon Sandwich: Kristen and I stopped by Saigon Sandwich Sunday afternoon for a quick lunch. We both enjoyed the "VN Cold Cut" sandwich ($2). Other sandwiches, such as curry chicken, shredded pork and vegetarian tofu, cost a whopping 50 cents more at $2.50. The baguette was warm and crispy reminding me of the sandwich stall I used to frequent back in la la land. Word of caution: Kristen can attest the hot peppers are quite hot and don't think too much of what's in the "cold cuts," just enjoy it.
1. Rouge on Friday night in the South End: Adam and I shared the Beef Brisket, Mac & Cheese and Fried Catfingers. Very tasty, but they weren't offering their famously fabulous bread basket and the yummy spread I had heard about. Adam inadvertently created a line for the restroom by thoroughly reading the reviews posted on the restroom wall.
2. Vegetarian Ravioli at Taiwan Cafe: Wheezy, Kristen and I stopped by Taiwan Cafe (an old favorite) for a late night snack Saturday night after Princess Diaries 2 (delightful by the way). Since Wheezy is an herbivore, we were given the opportunity to actually branch out and order new items. The vegetarian raviolis were steamed dumplings stuffed with a pillowy "vegetable/tofu/glassy noodle/general good stuff" filling. I think I've found a new favorite.
3. Vietnamese sandwiches at Saigon Sandwich: Kristen and I stopped by Saigon Sandwich Sunday afternoon for a quick lunch. We both enjoyed the "VN Cold Cut" sandwich ($2). Other sandwiches, such as curry chicken, shredded pork and vegetarian tofu, cost a whopping 50 cents more at $2.50. The baguette was warm and crispy reminding me of the sandwich stall I used to frequent back in la la land. Word of caution: Kristen can attest the hot peppers are quite hot and don't think too much of what's in the "cold cuts," just enjoy it.
Friday, August 27, 2004
apolitical
I usually try to keep the blog far from politics so this is an anomaly. While I was trying to wake up this morning, I was listening to New Yorkers were being interviewed about the Republican National Convention on Morning Edition. Most were, understandably, miffed and annoyed about the inconvenient security measures surrounding the convention. However one man commented that he did not understand why the RNC was in NYC. All the Republicans were in Texas so the convention should be in Texas. Bwah ha ha! I laughed at him.
I usually try to keep the blog far from politics so this is an anomaly. While I was trying to wake up this morning, I was listening to New Yorkers were being interviewed about the Republican National Convention on Morning Edition. Most were, understandably, miffed and annoyed about the inconvenient security measures surrounding the convention. However one man commented that he did not understand why the RNC was in NYC. All the Republicans were in Texas so the convention should be in Texas. Bwah ha ha! I laughed at him.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Restaurant Week
Adam and I checked out Bambara last night for Restaurant Week. We both enjoyed the smoked salmon blini appetizer and the hanger steak with onion tart entree. I vastly preferred my chocolate creme brulee over Adam's strawberry/peach shortcake dessert. Bambara also offered in intriguing root beer float made with root beer granita and vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately, I forgot to ascertain what the "hanger" part of hanger steak was. Fortunately, it was just beef and not some strange meat product and it was quite delicious.
Adam and I checked out Bambara last night for Restaurant Week. We both enjoyed the smoked salmon blini appetizer and the hanger steak with onion tart entree. I vastly preferred my chocolate creme brulee over Adam's strawberry/peach shortcake dessert. Bambara also offered in intriguing root beer float made with root beer granita and vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately, I forgot to ascertain what the "hanger" part of hanger steak was. Fortunately, it was just beef and not some strange meat product and it was quite delicious.
Monday, August 23, 2004
Bohnanza
After consuming a delicious meal of carnitas, homemade guacamole and salsa among other things provided by the K & D, we sat down to a game of Bohnanza. I've been skeptical about this bean themed game, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I cared about my "beans." There are very few activities where it is socially acceptable to say, "How about a stink bean for two blue beans?"
After consuming a delicious meal of carnitas, homemade guacamole and salsa among other things provided by the K & D, we sat down to a game of Bohnanza. I've been skeptical about this bean themed game, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I cared about my "beans." There are very few activities where it is socially acceptable to say, "How about a stink bean for two blue beans?"
Friday, August 20, 2004
BoSox Snack Swap
We enjoyed our "BoSox Snack Swap" during lunch today. This fun idea came about rather organically when a couple of folks formed "the committee" a few days ago after hitting upon the winning idea of a Yankee Lunch Swap. Not willing to risk eating a "crappy lunch," the activity was downgraded to a less risky snack swap styled after the classic Yankee gift swap to gauge whether we were ready for a lunch swap.
Although "the committee" honored Steve's request that the "Yankee Snack Swap" appropriately reference the Boston Red Sox, "the committee" upheld its responsibility to ensure the integrity of the the snack swap by openly shaming Steve's flagrant attempt to flout the spirit and purpose of the snack swap. He had the audacity to [in my presence] stuff a brown paper bag (used by all to "wrap" the snacks) with random snacks found in the office kitchen. This was a crappy snack not because office snacks are crappy, but because swapworthy snacks must originate outside the office. To Steve's credit, he included a generous selection of granola bars, rice krispy treats, etc. from the office snack supply. However, "the committee" [plasticann with the blessing of "the committee"] marked his bag with a big "frowny face." Fortunately, all was redeemed when Steve honorably chose his own bag on his turn so "the committee" was not forced to make an example of Steve by shunning him.
Our "BoSox Snack Swap" turned out quite well. Not a lot of stealing, but Team Mark & Jenny with their adorable "no longer a baby" toddler came in with a last minute steal to clinch the ice cream sandwiches. Representative snacks included: chocolate muffin, homemade ice cream sandwiches, huge bag of trail mix, homemade chocolate chip cookies, raspberry yogurt drink/nutter butters and finally the aforementioned grab bag of office snacks. We may not be ready to upgrade to a lunch swap, but I got some awesome cookies so I'm lobbying "the committee" for another edition of the "BoSox Snack Swap."
We enjoyed our "BoSox Snack Swap" during lunch today. This fun idea came about rather organically when a couple of folks formed "the committee" a few days ago after hitting upon the winning idea of a Yankee Lunch Swap. Not willing to risk eating a "crappy lunch," the activity was downgraded to a less risky snack swap styled after the classic Yankee gift swap to gauge whether we were ready for a lunch swap.
Although "the committee" honored Steve's request that the "Yankee Snack Swap" appropriately reference the Boston Red Sox, "the committee" upheld its responsibility to ensure the integrity of the the snack swap by openly shaming Steve's flagrant attempt to flout the spirit and purpose of the snack swap. He had the audacity to [in my presence] stuff a brown paper bag (used by all to "wrap" the snacks) with random snacks found in the office kitchen. This was a crappy snack not because office snacks are crappy, but because swapworthy snacks must originate outside the office. To Steve's credit, he included a generous selection of granola bars, rice krispy treats, etc. from the office snack supply. However, "the committee" [plasticann with the blessing of "the committee"] marked his bag with a big "frowny face." Fortunately, all was redeemed when Steve honorably chose his own bag on his turn so "the committee" was not forced to make an example of Steve by shunning him.
Our "BoSox Snack Swap" turned out quite well. Not a lot of stealing, but Team Mark & Jenny with their adorable "no longer a baby" toddler came in with a last minute steal to clinch the ice cream sandwiches. Representative snacks included: chocolate muffin, homemade ice cream sandwiches, huge bag of trail mix, homemade chocolate chip cookies, raspberry yogurt drink/nutter butters and finally the aforementioned grab bag of office snacks. We may not be ready to upgrade to a lunch swap, but I got some awesome cookies so I'm lobbying "the committee" for another edition of the "BoSox Snack Swap."
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Retractable Highlighters
Wheezy was admiring these retractable highlighters when she stopped by the office for lunch yesterday. I could tell she liked them because she obsessively clicked my purple one and said, "these are really cool, where are they from?" I got permission from *&% Pres. Zay to "sneak" her not just one, but two highlighters from our supply room stash since Wheezy's one of his favorites.
Wheezy was admiring these retractable highlighters when she stopped by the office for lunch yesterday. I could tell she liked them because she obsessively clicked my purple one and said, "these are really cool, where are they from?" I got permission from *&% Pres. Zay to "sneak" her not just one, but two highlighters from our supply room stash since Wheezy's one of his favorites.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Wandering Trio
MGDub, Wheezy and I met up on Sunday for our shopping adventure to the new Levenger store at the Prudential. Before we reached our intended destination, we stopped by Kitty World (Hello Kitty store), EMS, the Hello Kitty Kiosk at the Prudential and The Walking Store, where MGDub picked up a pair of "bumper shoes" similar to mine. Much to my chagrin, Adam likens my "bumper shoes" to corrective "orthopedic shoes." I quite enjoy my sporty sandals with a rubber bumper toe guard and now that MGDub owns a pair, I feel vindicated.
Alas, I digress. Our cheery trio finally made our way to the Levenger store where we disrupted the neatly organized displays of goods and disturbed other shoppers with our enthusiastic bursts of chatter: "look at this," "how cool is that and how utterly unnecessary," and "how much?"
In need of sustenance, we hit the Krispy Kreme on our way out. We were intrigued by the glazed chocolate cake doughnut so I ordered a lemon filled and a chocolate cake "for the table." I mentioned to MGDub in passing we could share my extra doughnut. I doubled back after I paid only to hear MGDub and Wheezy each ordering a jelly doughnut and a chocolate cake.
plasticann: I got the chocolate cake to share, I guess you didn't hear me say that.
MGDub: No I heard. I was going to share your doughnut, but then I heard Wheezy ordering her own chocolate cake so I decided I wanted my own chocolate cake.
This was followed by a classic amusing Wheezy and MGDub exchange where they discover new things they have in common.
MGDub: You played soccer? I played soccer.
Wheezy: What position did you play?
MGDub: blah blah blah!
Wheezy: Me too.
MGDub: Nohhh Suhhh!
MGDub, Wheezy and I met up on Sunday for our shopping adventure to the new Levenger store at the Prudential. Before we reached our intended destination, we stopped by Kitty World (Hello Kitty store), EMS, the Hello Kitty Kiosk at the Prudential and The Walking Store, where MGDub picked up a pair of "bumper shoes" similar to mine. Much to my chagrin, Adam likens my "bumper shoes" to corrective "orthopedic shoes." I quite enjoy my sporty sandals with a rubber bumper toe guard and now that MGDub owns a pair, I feel vindicated.
Alas, I digress. Our cheery trio finally made our way to the Levenger store where we disrupted the neatly organized displays of goods and disturbed other shoppers with our enthusiastic bursts of chatter: "look at this," "how cool is that and how utterly unnecessary," and "how much?"
In need of sustenance, we hit the Krispy Kreme on our way out. We were intrigued by the glazed chocolate cake doughnut so I ordered a lemon filled and a chocolate cake "for the table." I mentioned to MGDub in passing we could share my extra doughnut. I doubled back after I paid only to hear MGDub and Wheezy each ordering a jelly doughnut and a chocolate cake.
plasticann: I got the chocolate cake to share, I guess you didn't hear me say that.
MGDub: No I heard. I was going to share your doughnut, but then I heard Wheezy ordering her own chocolate cake so I decided I wanted my own chocolate cake.
This was followed by a classic amusing Wheezy and MGDub exchange where they discover new things they have in common.
MGDub: You played soccer? I played soccer.
Wheezy: What position did you play?
MGDub: blah blah blah!
Wheezy: Me too.
MGDub: Nohhh Suhhh!
Monday, August 16, 2004
Garrison Confections
Spotting this new chocolate store on Hope Street in Providence, I expressed my enthusiasm by squealing like a little girl and insisting we stop by for a visit. My friend Zames described the chocolate treats as, "flavors you've always wished someone would make and high quality." I tried the Mojito and Adam ventured into sandwich territory with the PB&J. Sure enough, the PB&J was true to form with a layer of PB and a layer of J enrobed in delicious chocolate. Next time I'm in Providence, I'll be sure to pack some tupperware in a larger bag for some strategic chocolate procurement.
Spotting this new chocolate store on Hope Street in Providence, I expressed my enthusiasm by squealing like a little girl and insisting we stop by for a visit. My friend Zames described the chocolate treats as, "flavors you've always wished someone would make and high quality." I tried the Mojito and Adam ventured into sandwich territory with the PB&J. Sure enough, the PB&J was true to form with a layer of PB and a layer of J enrobed in delicious chocolate. Next time I'm in Providence, I'll be sure to pack some tupperware in a larger bag for some strategic chocolate procurement.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Crispy Glazed Pop Secret Recall
Responding positively to a Pop Secret TV commercial, I ran out and bought both varieties of the new Crispy Glazed Pop Secret: Caramel and Kettle Corn. We popped it up during happy hour a few weeks ago. I overindulged and ended up with a self induced tummy ache. Mark, who also felt a bit ill after the popcorn experience, sent me this recall notice. The popping directions involved multiple warnings about hot burning glaze. Fortunately, I heeded all precautions and narrowly escaped bodily harm...that was a close one.
Responding positively to a Pop Secret TV commercial, I ran out and bought both varieties of the new Crispy Glazed Pop Secret: Caramel and Kettle Corn. We popped it up during happy hour a few weeks ago. I overindulged and ended up with a self induced tummy ache. Mark, who also felt a bit ill after the popcorn experience, sent me this recall notice. The popping directions involved multiple warnings about hot burning glaze. Fortunately, I heeded all precautions and narrowly escaped bodily harm...that was a close one.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Quiche Pot Pie
Craving more than a piece of toast for dinner, I baked up this tasty Quiche Pot Pie last night.
Heat up the oven to 400 degrees and pull out a nine inch square Pyrex dish. Fill the pan with around an inch of a tasty combo of ingredients such as:
Cubed Ham Steak
Frozen Corn Kernels
Frozen Peas
Whisk together the following and pour over ham/corn/peas:
4 Eggs
around 1/4 cup Whipping Cream
Salt & Pepper
Mix together this Bisquik topping and spoon over egg mixtures:
1 cup Bisquik
1 Egg
1/2 cup Milk
Bake at 400 degrees for around 30 minutes or until biscuit topping is golden brown and the egg is cooked through. I think the whipping cream definately makes a difference and the egg cooks up much flufflier than watery skim milk.
Craving more than a piece of toast for dinner, I baked up this tasty Quiche Pot Pie last night.
Heat up the oven to 400 degrees and pull out a nine inch square Pyrex dish. Fill the pan with around an inch of a tasty combo of ingredients such as:
Cubed Ham Steak
Frozen Corn Kernels
Frozen Peas
Whisk together the following and pour over ham/corn/peas:
4 Eggs
around 1/4 cup Whipping Cream
Salt & Pepper
Mix together this Bisquik topping and spoon over egg mixtures:
1 cup Bisquik
1 Egg
1/2 cup Milk
Bake at 400 degrees for around 30 minutes or until biscuit topping is golden brown and the egg is cooked through. I think the whipping cream definately makes a difference and the egg cooks up much flufflier than watery skim milk.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Growing Milk
Steve, unrelated to accidentally consuming four shots of espresso this morning, was in fine comedic form at lunch.
Steve: Because there are farms nearby, people ride their horses in my town. Sometimes you just see the horse running around.
plasticann: What do they grow on the farms?
Steve: Milk!
Apparently, the farms also grow ice cream.
Steve, unrelated to accidentally consuming four shots of espresso this morning, was in fine comedic form at lunch.
Steve: Because there are farms nearby, people ride their horses in my town. Sometimes you just see the horse running around.
plasticann: What do they grow on the farms?
Steve: Milk!
Apparently, the farms also grow ice cream.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Havaianas
plasticmom has been living in her red Havaianas this summer. She reports they haven't left her feet during waking hours in months. Although her red ones are still going strong, she may want another pair for the sake of variety. I'm thinking of these cute Dot ones for her because I can't quite justify acquiring a seventh pair.
plasticmom has been living in her red Havaianas this summer. She reports they haven't left her feet during waking hours in months. Although her red ones are still going strong, she may want another pair for the sake of variety. I'm thinking of these cute Dot ones for her because I can't quite justify acquiring a seventh pair.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Eccentricities
Every so often I get random pieces of mail from plasticmom, sometimes without an explanation as to its relevancy. Once, it was a wrapper for frozen scallion pancakes. The explanation...you should try this brand of frozen scallion pancakes...they're quite tasty. plasticmom does helpfully highlight certain articles when sending clippings, but sometimes it's just an ad with no context. This morning, I received some unsolicited mail from plasticmom. The contents, a flier detailing the comprehensive Kindergarten Curriculum now offered at my pre-K and K alma mater...Happy Day School. When asked why she sent me the flier, plasticmom e-mailed this response, "you should upgrade yourself, otherwise you won't be able to compete with young Happy Day kindergarteners." She's right, back in my day, we didn't have Math, Computer, Science and Foreign Language. We did print the alphabet everyday, read little books, played with rusty nails and colored a lot. Heck, I didn't even tackle learning how to tell time until I was at least in first grade.
Every so often I get random pieces of mail from plasticmom, sometimes without an explanation as to its relevancy. Once, it was a wrapper for frozen scallion pancakes. The explanation...you should try this brand of frozen scallion pancakes...they're quite tasty. plasticmom does helpfully highlight certain articles when sending clippings, but sometimes it's just an ad with no context. This morning, I received some unsolicited mail from plasticmom. The contents, a flier detailing the comprehensive Kindergarten Curriculum now offered at my pre-K and K alma mater...Happy Day School. When asked why she sent me the flier, plasticmom e-mailed this response, "you should upgrade yourself, otherwise you won't be able to compete with young Happy Day kindergarteners." She's right, back in my day, we didn't have Math, Computer, Science and Foreign Language. We did print the alphabet everyday, read little books, played with rusty nails and colored a lot. Heck, I didn't even tackle learning how to tell time until I was at least in first grade.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Bright Idea
My massive move this weekend went swimmingly with all the wonderful friends who helped on a sweltering day. We love our apartment and we're really exited about. However, we've discovered one particularly strange quirk about our new place. I was in my room on Saturday afternoon with the Doritys and Adam when I noticed peculiar nubbins in my wall. Upon closer inspection, I realize the nubbins were pushpins that had been painted over. The geniuses who painted the wall had the bright idea to NOT pull out the push pins before painting. We later realized all our walls were "quirky." Note to visitors, DO NOT pull out ANY push pins out of our walls, you'll leave a gaping hole in our paint which is much worse than the "nubbins."
My massive move this weekend went swimmingly with all the wonderful friends who helped on a sweltering day. We love our apartment and we're really exited about. However, we've discovered one particularly strange quirk about our new place. I was in my room on Saturday afternoon with the Doritys and Adam when I noticed peculiar nubbins in my wall. Upon closer inspection, I realize the nubbins were pushpins that had been painted over. The geniuses who painted the wall had the bright idea to NOT pull out the push pins before painting. We later realized all our walls were "quirky." Note to visitors, DO NOT pull out ANY push pins out of our walls, you'll leave a gaping hole in our paint which is much worse than the "nubbins."
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Generational obsessions inherited from plasticmom
Bags: especially bags to hold other bags...v. meta
Bob Slate & Office Supplies: notebooks, pens, paper, etc.
Shopping for Performance Outdoor Gear at REI: appropriated for a sedentary indoor lifestyle
Plastic: cups, plates, etc...hence plasticann and plasticmom
Food Safety: throwing out the milk before the expiration date hits because it smells slightly "funny."
Ice Cream: as a pre-lunch snack
Dishes: glass, ceramic, you name it. [Here's a tip, always check by running your finger over the unglazed bottom of dishes to gauge roughness and prevent scratching tabletops. If it cuts your finger, it'll do some damage to your tabletop. To sand down rough bottoms, rub two bottoms of dishes together.]
Books: plasticmom refuses to check out books that are "dusty" and have less than a 5 star rating on Amazon. It works for the most part, but it's not a foolproof system so sometimes she does get some duds.
Bags: especially bags to hold other bags...v. meta
Bob Slate & Office Supplies: notebooks, pens, paper, etc.
Shopping for Performance Outdoor Gear at REI: appropriated for a sedentary indoor lifestyle
Plastic: cups, plates, etc...hence plasticann and plasticmom
Food Safety: throwing out the milk before the expiration date hits because it smells slightly "funny."
Ice Cream: as a pre-lunch snack
Dishes: glass, ceramic, you name it. [Here's a tip, always check by running your finger over the unglazed bottom of dishes to gauge roughness and prevent scratching tabletops. If it cuts your finger, it'll do some damage to your tabletop. To sand down rough bottoms, rub two bottoms of dishes together.]
Books: plasticmom refuses to check out books that are "dusty" and have less than a 5 star rating on Amazon. It works for the most part, but it's not a foolproof system so sometimes she does get some duds.
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Monday, July 26, 2004
What am I doing next Monday night?
As I'm registering for a business school info session thing next Monday night, I hear from the next office:
Steve: Hey Ann, what are you doing next Monday night?
plasticann: I'm going to the "3rd Annual: 2004 MBA Admissions Panel."
Steve: [having recieved the same e-mail] Good...just checking.
moments later
plasticann: Hey Steve, what am I supposed to be doing next Monday night?
Steve: Going to the MBA thing.
plasticann: Good...just checking.
Maybe we'll pretend not to know each other at the event...or we could amuse ourselves by unprofessionally mocking other participants...I'm sure that would endear us to the admissions panel.
As I'm registering for a business school info session thing next Monday night, I hear from the next office:
Steve: Hey Ann, what are you doing next Monday night?
plasticann: I'm going to the "3rd Annual: 2004 MBA Admissions Panel."
Steve: [having recieved the same e-mail] Good...just checking.
moments later
plasticann: Hey Steve, what am I supposed to be doing next Monday night?
Steve: Going to the MBA thing.
plasticann: Good...just checking.
Maybe we'll pretend not to know each other at the event...or we could amuse ourselves by unprofessionally mocking other participants...I'm sure that would endear us to the admissions panel.
For everthing else...there's
Hours of cleaning: Ten
Bags of trash [not actual trash, but things I'm trashing]: Eight
Bags of paper recycling: Four
Bags for Goodwill: Four
Extra showers to relieve itchiness from dust: Two
Bags of paper for shredding: One
Number of Adams helping with the room detox process: One
Kristen admiring my nearly empty room: Priceless!
Hours of cleaning: Ten
Bags of trash [not actual trash, but things I'm trashing]: Eight
Bags of paper recycling: Four
Bags for Goodwill: Four
Extra showers to relieve itchiness from dust: Two
Bags of paper for shredding: One
Number of Adams helping with the room detox process: One
Kristen admiring my nearly empty room: Priceless!
Friday, July 23, 2004
Mount St. Sundae
My housemates and I pursued a sugar high as a last hurrah last night at the Cambridge Hyatt hotel lounge. Although we had been warned the sundaes were "huge" and they usually ordered three sundaes for a dozen folks, we lived dangerously and each ordered our own sundae. When I saw the picture of the sundaes on the sign, I scoffed, "childs play...these sundaes come in martini glasses...how big could they be," except the martini glasses were almost 18 inches tall with a liquid capacity of at least 1 liter. Never have I encountered such an extreme instance where the actual food item was disproportionately larger than the picture of the said food item on a sign/billboard...usually it's much smaller. I ordered the Turtle Smoosh with Haagen Daaz Dulce De Leche ice cream and Eli's cheesecake. In retrospect, I should have gone with the banana split to balance out all the ice cream with some fruit. The Turtle Smoosh was actually smaller than the Mount St. Sundae, which was basically a mountain of ice cream and pastries. Prices were quite reasonable at six to seven dollars and the ice cream was premium. Jittery sugar high...accomplished.
My housemates and I pursued a sugar high as a last hurrah last night at the Cambridge Hyatt hotel lounge. Although we had been warned the sundaes were "huge" and they usually ordered three sundaes for a dozen folks, we lived dangerously and each ordered our own sundae. When I saw the picture of the sundaes on the sign, I scoffed, "childs play...these sundaes come in martini glasses...how big could they be," except the martini glasses were almost 18 inches tall with a liquid capacity of at least 1 liter. Never have I encountered such an extreme instance where the actual food item was disproportionately larger than the picture of the said food item on a sign/billboard...usually it's much smaller. I ordered the Turtle Smoosh with Haagen Daaz Dulce De Leche ice cream and Eli's cheesecake. In retrospect, I should have gone with the banana split to balance out all the ice cream with some fruit. The Turtle Smoosh was actually smaller than the Mount St. Sundae, which was basically a mountain of ice cream and pastries. Prices were quite reasonable at six to seven dollars and the ice cream was premium. Jittery sugar high...accomplished.
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Not Bouncy Church
Steve forwarded me this link on ebay for a fully inflatable church complete with inflatable pews, alter, candles, etc. It's out of control, but it's not a "bouncy castle" for kids...there's nothing bouncy about this inflatable house of worship. Coming soon...the inflatable pub.
Steve forwarded me this link on ebay for a fully inflatable church complete with inflatable pews, alter, candles, etc. It's out of control, but it's not a "bouncy castle" for kids...there's nothing bouncy about this inflatable house of worship. Coming soon...the inflatable pub.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Compelling
The following is a reconstructed conversation regarding joining a group at church:
plasticann: So I think I'm going to check out C*&^e's tomorrow night with MGDub.
Adam: I thought you decided not to join that one, what changed?
plasticann: Well, MGDub made a pretty compelling argument so I decided to at least visit the group.
Adam: What was the argument?
plasticann: That we're friends...
Adam: ...and?
plasticann: I thought that was a pretty compelling.
The following is a reconstructed conversation regarding joining a group at church:
plasticann: So I think I'm going to check out C*&^e's tomorrow night with MGDub.
Adam: I thought you decided not to join that one, what changed?
plasticann: Well, MGDub made a pretty compelling argument so I decided to at least visit the group.
Adam: What was the argument?
plasticann: That we're friends...
Adam: ...and?
plasticann: I thought that was a pretty compelling.
Precocious Kiddies
These kids run their own catering business for gourmet dinner parties. I can't decide if they're totally awesome or just a tad bit odd. I wonder if their nimble little fingers give them that competitive edge when it comes to tiny hors d'oeuvres. When I informed Nina that one of the pair would be matriculating at her alma mater, she responded with "Oh Brother."
These kids run their own catering business for gourmet dinner parties. I can't decide if they're totally awesome or just a tad bit odd. I wonder if their nimble little fingers give them that competitive edge when it comes to tiny hors d'oeuvres. When I informed Nina that one of the pair would be matriculating at her alma mater, she responded with "Oh Brother."
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Pass The Butter
Our lunchtime conversation about schools indirectly reminded me about "Pass The Butter," a game my friend Zarc would play in high school. [Hopefully I remember enough key details to do the story justice.] Apparently, the high school cafeteria served bagels with disproportionately thick pats of butter. Kids, in classrooms, would take chunks of the butter, write someone's name on it and throw it at them. The person whose name was inscribed on the butter was expected to catch the butter and this throwing butter game would continue from one end of the room to the other end where a chalkboard covered the wall. Kids closest to the chalkboard would catch the butter and smear it into the chalkboard. One day, they arrived to find the row of desks closest to the chalkboard pulled away from the wall. When asked what happened, the janitor responded that the kids had been rubbing their "greasy hair" on the chalkboard rendering saturated board unusable.
Our lunchtime conversation about schools indirectly reminded me about "Pass The Butter," a game my friend Zarc would play in high school. [Hopefully I remember enough key details to do the story justice.] Apparently, the high school cafeteria served bagels with disproportionately thick pats of butter. Kids, in classrooms, would take chunks of the butter, write someone's name on it and throw it at them. The person whose name was inscribed on the butter was expected to catch the butter and this throwing butter game would continue from one end of the room to the other end where a chalkboard covered the wall. Kids closest to the chalkboard would catch the butter and smear it into the chalkboard. One day, they arrived to find the row of desks closest to the chalkboard pulled away from the wall. When asked what happened, the janitor responded that the kids had been rubbing their "greasy hair" on the chalkboard rendering saturated board unusable.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Summer Tea
I had some folks over for a summer tea party yesterday afternoon, all the usual suspects were accounted for. MGDub and Lindsey brought some delicious spreadable fruit to share after Lindsey's jam selling shift...I highly recommend the peach melba. As I jotted down my post party analysis, I concluded the following:
Too much lemonade and made too many mini scones
Too few cucumber mint sandwiches and not enough mint iced tea
The cucumber sandwiches were such a big hit, I had to discretely ration them.
I had some folks over for a summer tea party yesterday afternoon, all the usual suspects were accounted for. MGDub and Lindsey brought some delicious spreadable fruit to share after Lindsey's jam selling shift...I highly recommend the peach melba. As I jotted down my post party analysis, I concluded the following:
Too much lemonade and made too many mini scones
Too few cucumber mint sandwiches and not enough mint iced tea
The cucumber sandwiches were such a big hit, I had to discretely ration them.
Friday, July 16, 2004
Martha Martha Martha
As a sign of support, I've resubscribed to Living. Given that I gaze longingly at Living everytime I'm at the market or bookstore, I figured a subscription would be money well spent. I also purchased some stock because I have an irrational appreciation for Martha's talents and good taste. I'm rooting for MSO and I do think they put out quality products...go FOOD. However, my past stock purchases do not indicate any stock picking brilliance on my part. To my credit, the stock did go up, but no one wants to buy a delisted junk bond and given the very low per share price, I've probably earned about twelve bucks despite a ten percent increase.
As a sign of support, I've resubscribed to Living. Given that I gaze longingly at Living everytime I'm at the market or bookstore, I figured a subscription would be money well spent. I also purchased some stock because I have an irrational appreciation for Martha's talents and good taste. I'm rooting for MSO and I do think they put out quality products...go FOOD. However, my past stock purchases do not indicate any stock picking brilliance on my part. To my credit, the stock did go up, but no one wants to buy a delisted junk bond and given the very low per share price, I've probably earned about twelve bucks despite a ten percent increase.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
I Make Granola
Inspired by my coworker Leah, I made granola last night adapting this recipe with what I had on hand: coconut, pecans, dried cranberries and crystallized ginger. It's nice and crunchy and tasty to boot. I'm going to buy the biggest thing of rolled oats at the market and make more.
Inspired by my coworker Leah, I made granola last night adapting this recipe with what I had on hand: coconut, pecans, dried cranberries and crystallized ginger. It's nice and crunchy and tasty to boot. I'm going to buy the biggest thing of rolled oats at the market and make more.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Alaskan Cruise Top 10
10. Cheese plate of the day...for the table.
9. Steve the "Bingo Guy"/"Senior Assistant Cruise Director"/"General go to guy when Dane the Australian 'Cruise Director' isn't around"
8. Multiple servings of multiple courses...two servings each of a five course meal equals ten courses.
7. Kid who dutifully squirted her stuffed dog's paw with hand sanitizer after sanitizing her own hands.
6. Creme Caramel...gotta love flan.
5. Discovering the "secret" lounge equipped with an espresso maker on the 7th floor.
4. Cutie Pie Henry
3. Hearing the blue icebergs crack and watching chunks of ice fall and splash into the ocean.
2. Baby Zess wearing her Baby Uggs daily.
1. Discovering a talent for ingesting food all day everyday.
10. Cheese plate of the day...for the table.
9. Steve the "Bingo Guy"/"Senior Assistant Cruise Director"/"General go to guy when Dane the Australian 'Cruise Director' isn't around"
8. Multiple servings of multiple courses...two servings each of a five course meal equals ten courses.
7. Kid who dutifully squirted her stuffed dog's paw with hand sanitizer after sanitizing her own hands.
6. Creme Caramel...gotta love flan.
5. Discovering the "secret" lounge equipped with an espresso maker on the 7th floor.
4. Cutie Pie Henry
3. Hearing the blue icebergs crack and watching chunks of ice fall and splash into the ocean.
2. Baby Zess wearing her Baby Uggs daily.
1. Discovering a talent for ingesting food all day everyday.
Monday, July 12, 2004
Henry
While on our Alaskan cruise, the Henrys would be lurking in all the hallways during the day. They were adorable so I had to take a picture (or ten) of Henry on our last day. Henry is very expressive, depending on the camera angle he looks shy, happy, etc.
While on our Alaskan cruise, the Henrys would be lurking in all the hallways during the day. They were adorable so I had to take a picture (or ten) of Henry on our last day. Henry is very expressive, depending on the camera angle he looks shy, happy, etc.
Oh my god...I can't see!
A bespectacled MGDub graciously picked up Adam and I last night from the airport and conveyed the following anecdote:
MGDub: Since I usually wear my contacts, I forget when I'm wearing my glasses. I can see with my glasses so driving is not a problem. I usually take off my sunglasses when I drive through tunnels so when I was driving through the tunnel on the way to the airport just now, I thought to myself, "it's night time...why am I wearing my sunglasses...I better take them off." Once I took off my "sunglasses," I realized, "Oh my god...I can't see." I put them back on, but it was scary.
A bespectacled MGDub graciously picked up Adam and I last night from the airport and conveyed the following anecdote:
MGDub: Since I usually wear my contacts, I forget when I'm wearing my glasses. I can see with my glasses so driving is not a problem. I usually take off my sunglasses when I drive through tunnels so when I was driving through the tunnel on the way to the airport just now, I thought to myself, "it's night time...why am I wearing my sunglasses...I better take them off." Once I took off my "sunglasses," I realized, "Oh my god...I can't see." I put them back on, but it was scary.
Friday, July 02, 2004
Celebrations
To celebrate surviving our latest big project unscathed, we walked over the river into Boston for lunch yesterday at the Beacon Hill Bistro on Charles Street. For all you foodies out there, here are some stats:
Lunch party: 6
Lunches with fries/frites: 6
Lunches with no fries/frites: (6-6)=0
Hamburgers: 3
Steak: 2
Desserts: 2 (lemon tart and flourless chocolate cake)
Man Trouble--Mrs. Z's latest book: 5
We've been joking that we should read Mrs. Z's new (not autobiographical) romance novel about a romance novelist who falls in love with a billionaire hotel developer as a primer for our project so I purchased a copy for each member of the team as a memento. I sure hope they'll proudly display their copies of Man Trouble on their bookshelves. Folks at Z Corp. seem to share the sentiment since one of her other novels is #6 for Z Corp. on Amazon or maybe the tech geeks at Z are romantic suckers.
To celebrate surviving our latest big project unscathed, we walked over the river into Boston for lunch yesterday at the Beacon Hill Bistro on Charles Street. For all you foodies out there, here are some stats:
Lunch party: 6
Lunches with fries/frites: 6
Lunches with no fries/frites: (6-6)=0
Hamburgers: 3
Steak: 2
Desserts: 2 (lemon tart and flourless chocolate cake)
Man Trouble--Mrs. Z's latest book: 5
We've been joking that we should read Mrs. Z's new (not autobiographical) romance novel about a romance novelist who falls in love with a billionaire hotel developer as a primer for our project so I purchased a copy for each member of the team as a memento. I sure hope they'll proudly display their copies of Man Trouble on their bookshelves. Folks at Z Corp. seem to share the sentiment since one of her other novels is #6 for Z Corp. on Amazon or maybe the tech geeks at Z are romantic suckers.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Shoes
I looked down just now (4:30pm) and realized I was wearing two different colors of Havaianas. I've been walking around all day and I just noticed. Even my coworkers "claim" they didn't notice the difference in color tone: one navy and one purple. I am, however, wearing one right shoe and one left shoe.
I looked down just now (4:30pm) and realized I was wearing two different colors of Havaianas. I've been walking around all day and I just noticed. Even my coworkers "claim" they didn't notice the difference in color tone: one navy and one purple. I am, however, wearing one right shoe and one left shoe.
Petsi's Pies
MGDub, Adam and I checked out Petsi's Pies a few weeks ago. Petsi's was closing so there wasn't much variety. I tried the steak and mushroom meat pie and Adam enjoyed a crumbly coffee cake. While we were there, the Australian mentioned in this article stopped in to drop off something and cycled away shouting, "I'm going to Australia right now and I'm going to tell everyone about your meat pies. I'll send you recipes." The steak and mushroom pie was very tasty, but I was looking forward to a slice of sweet pie so I'll have to visit Petsi's again sometime soon.
MGDub, Adam and I checked out Petsi's Pies a few weeks ago. Petsi's was closing so there wasn't much variety. I tried the steak and mushroom meat pie and Adam enjoyed a crumbly coffee cake. While we were there, the Australian mentioned in this article stopped in to drop off something and cycled away shouting, "I'm going to Australia right now and I'm going to tell everyone about your meat pies. I'll send you recipes." The steak and mushroom pie was very tasty, but I was looking forward to a slice of sweet pie so I'll have to visit Petsi's again sometime soon.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
plasticann solutions: Dusting Powdered Sugar
I used a snapball tea infuser to dust my cookies with powdered sugar. Since the tea infuser is closed, I no longer need to worry about lumpy clumps of sugar landing on my treats. Just shake the powdered sugar filled tea infuser over baked goods for a perfect misting of powdered sugar...no lumps.
I used a snapball tea infuser to dust my cookies with powdered sugar. Since the tea infuser is closed, I no longer need to worry about lumpy clumps of sugar landing on my treats. Just shake the powdered sugar filled tea infuser over baked goods for a perfect misting of powdered sugar...no lumps.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Random notes from the weekend:
1. FLOR is available locally at Koo De Kir: minimum order of just two tiles and 10% discount to boot.
2. Cold Stone Creamery: Banana ice cream plus peanut butter...a store at the Fenway AMC Landmark Plaza is coming soon.
3. MGDub and I stopped by the "Deborah's Kitchen Spreadable Fruit" stand at the Charles Hotel farmer's yesterday to visit MGDub's friend Lindsey, who was manning the jam stand. MGDub had predicted I would buy somehting. True to form, I bought a bag filled with jams and jellies, all of them gifts. If you're looking for an unusual regional gift that's not corny, I highly recommend checking out Deborah's stand to sample all of her quirky jams and jellies. Best of all, she sells her jams in teeny 2oz jars perfect so you can buy lots without crowding your cupboards. Since Deborah makes her own jellies, no worries about sweatshop labor or at least the sweatshop labor is local so consume away with a clear conscience. A sampling of her wicked cool flavors with abbreviated descriptions sans the zippy descriptions:
Massachusetts Rubies: Cranberries, Raspberries and Strawberries...
Peach Melba: Peaches and seeded Raspberries...
Hot, Hot Peach: Peaches and Asian Chili Peppers...
Mango Sunshine: Peaches, Mangoes and Ginger...
Fig Ginger: The frisky Fig, Orange and Ginger...
1. FLOR is available locally at Koo De Kir: minimum order of just two tiles and 10% discount to boot.
2. Cold Stone Creamery: Banana ice cream plus peanut butter...a store at the Fenway AMC Landmark Plaza is coming soon.
3. MGDub and I stopped by the "Deborah's Kitchen Spreadable Fruit" stand at the Charles Hotel farmer's yesterday to visit MGDub's friend Lindsey, who was manning the jam stand. MGDub had predicted I would buy somehting. True to form, I bought a bag filled with jams and jellies, all of them gifts. If you're looking for an unusual regional gift that's not corny, I highly recommend checking out Deborah's stand to sample all of her quirky jams and jellies. Best of all, she sells her jams in teeny 2oz jars perfect so you can buy lots without crowding your cupboards. Since Deborah makes her own jellies, no worries about sweatshop labor or at least the sweatshop labor is local so consume away with a clear conscience. A sampling of her wicked cool flavors with abbreviated descriptions sans the zippy descriptions:
Massachusetts Rubies: Cranberries, Raspberries and Strawberries...
Peach Melba: Peaches and seeded Raspberries...
Hot, Hot Peach: Peaches and Asian Chili Peppers...
Mango Sunshine: Peaches, Mangoes and Ginger...
Fig Ginger: The frisky Fig, Orange and Ginger...
Friday, June 25, 2004
Modular Rug Tiles
Install carpet of your own design using these Interface FLOR rug tiles. You can change the design of your carpet, wish your tiles in your sink, replace individual tiles rather than entire carpets and you can take them with you when you move. I'm totally getting some for my new room.
Install carpet of your own design using these Interface FLOR rug tiles. You can change the design of your carpet, wish your tiles in your sink, replace individual tiles rather than entire carpets and you can take them with you when you move. I'm totally getting some for my new room.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Oh S*&t!
I ordered some flowers for plasticmom yesterday so when I received a box this afternoon from Martha's Flowers I exclaimed, "Oh S*&T, these are supposed to go to California. I can't believe they made a mistake." I debated whether I should open the box or send it back via Fed Ex since Ms. Martha and her minions had obviously made a mistake. Figuring that flowers were perishable, I should at least open the box before calling customer service to give them an earful. Lo and behold, I open the box to find they were from Adam. Woohoo...Ms. Martha didn't make a mistake afterall and I've got beautiful flowers for my office...a big bunch of lovely pink roses to be specific thanks to dear old Adam.
I ordered some flowers for plasticmom yesterday so when I received a box this afternoon from Martha's Flowers I exclaimed, "Oh S*&T, these are supposed to go to California. I can't believe they made a mistake." I debated whether I should open the box or send it back via Fed Ex since Ms. Martha and her minions had obviously made a mistake. Figuring that flowers were perishable, I should at least open the box before calling customer service to give them an earful. Lo and behold, I open the box to find they were from Adam. Woohoo...Ms. Martha didn't make a mistake afterall and I've got beautiful flowers for my office...a big bunch of lovely pink roses to be specific thanks to dear old Adam.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Ole...try number two
Made it back to Ole for Sunday brunch and this time we were rewarded with guacamole, a generous mortar filled with the tasty green stuff served with warm chips. I confirmed with the hostess before we sat down that guacamole was still being served.
Made it back to Ole for Sunday brunch and this time we were rewarded with guacamole, a generous mortar filled with the tasty green stuff served with warm chips. I confirmed with the hostess before we sat down that guacamole was still being served.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Straw Poll: Blondies [or Brownies]...cookie or not cookie?
Unable to make my usual favorites because my baking supplies were low with one stick of butter left, I decited to give a blondie recipe from my Williams-Sonoma cookbook a whirl. I was surprised how few ingredients the recipe required and the blondies were quite tasty.
1 stick unsalted butter
1.5 cups light brown sugar
1 egg plus 1 yolk
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons flour
1/4 tsp salt
0. Preheat oven at 350. Grease an 8 x 8 pan and line the bottom with parchment paper
1. Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until mixture melts and bubbles, then cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let mixture cook for 10 min.
2. Stir in eggs and vanilla into brown sugar/butter mixture.
3. Sprinkle flour and salt (mixed together) over the mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Pour into 8 x 8 baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes, until the toothpick test comes out clean.
Unable to make my usual favorites because my baking supplies were low with one stick of butter left, I decited to give a blondie recipe from my Williams-Sonoma cookbook a whirl. I was surprised how few ingredients the recipe required and the blondies were quite tasty.
1 stick unsalted butter
1.5 cups light brown sugar
1 egg plus 1 yolk
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons flour
1/4 tsp salt
0. Preheat oven at 350. Grease an 8 x 8 pan and line the bottom with parchment paper
1. Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until mixture melts and bubbles, then cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let mixture cook for 10 min.
2. Stir in eggs and vanilla into brown sugar/butter mixture.
3. Sprinkle flour and salt (mixed together) over the mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Pour into 8 x 8 baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes, until the toothpick test comes out clean.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Unheralded & Misunderstood Creative Genius...just call me Cassandra
Fall 1999: plasticann creates a birthday card modeled after the eyechart for friends.
Summer 2004: plasticann discovers this and thinks..."Call me 'crazy,' but I think I'm ahead of the times...that was so Fall 1999." Haruumph!
Fall 1999: plasticann creates a birthday card modeled after the eyechart for friends.
Summer 2004: plasticann discovers this and thinks..."Call me 'crazy,' but I think I'm ahead of the times...that was so Fall 1999." Haruumph!
Cold Stone Creamery
This just in: there's a Cold Stone Creamery open downtown near the theatre district. I've got my Baja Fresh, Krispy Kreme and now...Cold Stone Creamery.
This just in: there's a Cold Stone Creamery open downtown near the theatre district. I've got my Baja Fresh, Krispy Kreme and now...Cold Stone Creamery.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Emma's Pizza
Vanessa, Wheezy and I enjoyed a delicious pizza from Emma's last night before we saw Saved!. Spinach, caramelized onions, goat cheese, mozzarella cheese and....sweet potato combined make a delicious vegetarian friendly pizza. MGDub, Wheezy and I enjoyed the same pizza last time we were at Emma's and it was just as delicious the second time around. MGDub was uncharacteristically famished on that excursion and she kept talking about how "famished" she was. She even asked for the last slice of pizza and munched on a chipwich ice cream sandwich when we got to the movies. Next time I go to Emma’s; I'll be lobbying for this pizza again. I just might break with the crowd and order my own pizza if the folks I'm breaking bread with are feeling "crazy" and want to try a new pizza. I'm not one for change, which is why I usually order one of two items at Pho Pasteur. Why risk not liking my food when I can order a dish I'm guaranteed to enjoy?
P.S. I did enjoy Saved! and I do genuinely love Jesus. Unlike Mandy Moore's character, I would like to be filled with Christ's love, but I do not aspire to hurling bibles at people...that's all I've got to say about that.
Vanessa, Wheezy and I enjoyed a delicious pizza from Emma's last night before we saw Saved!. Spinach, caramelized onions, goat cheese, mozzarella cheese and....sweet potato combined make a delicious vegetarian friendly pizza. MGDub, Wheezy and I enjoyed the same pizza last time we were at Emma's and it was just as delicious the second time around. MGDub was uncharacteristically famished on that excursion and she kept talking about how "famished" she was. She even asked for the last slice of pizza and munched on a chipwich ice cream sandwich when we got to the movies. Next time I go to Emma’s; I'll be lobbying for this pizza again. I just might break with the crowd and order my own pizza if the folks I'm breaking bread with are feeling "crazy" and want to try a new pizza. I'm not one for change, which is why I usually order one of two items at Pho Pasteur. Why risk not liking my food when I can order a dish I'm guaranteed to enjoy?
P.S. I did enjoy Saved! and I do genuinely love Jesus. Unlike Mandy Moore's character, I would like to be filled with Christ's love, but I do not aspire to hurling bibles at people...that's all I've got to say about that.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
We love you STATA
oh yes we do
We love you STATA
and we'll be true
when you're not near us
we're blue
STATA we love you.
[adapted from Bye Bye Birdie]
There aren't many people who genuinely share my enthusiasm for STATA, the statistical program we use at work. Adam, while happy for me, may humor me when I describe the new commands I've discovered at work, but he is generally disinterested in the specifics. Wheezy is my STATA buddy since she, as my mentor and I as her Telemachus, taught me everything I know. The following is a reconstructed conversation with my dear friend Wheezy.
plasticann: Hey Nina, how's it going?
wheezy: Not bad, how about you?
plasticann: I'm good! I've been learning all these new commands in STATA. Did you know you can generate the reverse of a string variable? "Nina" becomes "aniN"
wheezy: That's pretty cool, but why would you ever need to do that? Unless you wanted to print out the reverse of some data and iron it on a t-shirt.
plasticann: Well, you couldn't even iron it on a t-shirt because it's not mirror image, it's just backwards.
wheezy: Wicked bizaaaah!
oh yes we do
We love you STATA
and we'll be true
when you're not near us
we're blue
STATA we love you.
[adapted from Bye Bye Birdie]
There aren't many people who genuinely share my enthusiasm for STATA, the statistical program we use at work. Adam, while happy for me, may humor me when I describe the new commands I've discovered at work, but he is generally disinterested in the specifics. Wheezy is my STATA buddy since she, as my mentor and I as her Telemachus, taught me everything I know. The following is a reconstructed conversation with my dear friend Wheezy.
plasticann: Hey Nina, how's it going?
wheezy: Not bad, how about you?
plasticann: I'm good! I've been learning all these new commands in STATA. Did you know you can generate the reverse of a string variable? "Nina" becomes "aniN"
wheezy: That's pretty cool, but why would you ever need to do that? Unless you wanted to print out the reverse of some data and iron it on a t-shirt.
plasticann: Well, you couldn't even iron it on a t-shirt because it's not mirror image, it's just backwards.
wheezy: Wicked bizaaaah!
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Monday, June 14, 2004
Pre-measured
I woke up on Saturday morning thinking, "I should pre-measure my dry ingredients in Ziploc baggies for my favorite recipes." plasticmom, always an inspiration, pre-measures her rice for her rice cooker into Ziploc baggies so she's never left wondering whether she has enough rice. Following in the footsteps of my efficient mum, I pre-measured a batch of Adam's favorite cookies as well as two batches of scones. I'm really excited because not only will I wash fewer measuring cups, I no longer have to wonder, "Do I have cream of tartar?" or, "How about toffee bits?" I just have to keep track of perishables: butter, milk, eggs, etc.
I woke up on Saturday morning thinking, "I should pre-measure my dry ingredients in Ziploc baggies for my favorite recipes." plasticmom, always an inspiration, pre-measures her rice for her rice cooker into Ziploc baggies so she's never left wondering whether she has enough rice. Following in the footsteps of my efficient mum, I pre-measured a batch of Adam's favorite cookies as well as two batches of scones. I'm really excited because not only will I wash fewer measuring cups, I no longer have to wonder, "Do I have cream of tartar?" or, "How about toffee bits?" I just have to keep track of perishables: butter, milk, eggs, etc.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Frozen Delight: Top Five
5. Laurel hit the Scooperbowl twice this week not because she loves ice cream, but because she's doing her part to fight cancer and support the Jimmy Fund. Once with CAD Cowboy and another time with her buddy from lab.
4. plasticann stocked her freezer with homemade ice cream sandwiches
3. Wheezy and plasticann enjoyed soft serve ice cream served in mini Red Sox (food safe) helmets at the game. Wheezy and plasticann stayed relatively dry despite the torrential downpour.
2. The latest issue of Improper Bostonian features an article on frozen treats.
1. Toscanini's offers a micro-sundae. A nano-sundae is in the works.
5. Laurel hit the Scooperbowl twice this week not because she loves ice cream, but because she's doing her part to fight cancer and support the Jimmy Fund. Once with CAD Cowboy and another time with her buddy from lab.
4. plasticann stocked her freezer with homemade ice cream sandwiches
3. Wheezy and plasticann enjoyed soft serve ice cream served in mini Red Sox (food safe) helmets at the game. Wheezy and plasticann stayed relatively dry despite the torrential downpour.
2. The latest issue of Improper Bostonian features an article on frozen treats.
1. Toscanini's offers a micro-sundae. A nano-sundae is in the works.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Mark Your Calendars
...for the Taste of Cambridge on Wednesday, July 21. I would recommend going earlier in the evening to sample more than your fair share of samples, but not so early that you eat what would have been my samples.
...for the Taste of Cambridge on Wednesday, July 21. I would recommend going earlier in the evening to sample more than your fair share of samples, but not so early that you eat what would have been my samples.
Monday, June 07, 2004
The "Closet"
I've got this "closet" in California filled with random household items. Sometimes plasticmom will purchase an extra set of her newest kitchen find for me. Other times, I'll salvage her discarded kitchen items. All these are stored in the "closet." Whenever I'm home, I peek in my closet to assess the inventory. Recent conversations surrounding the "closet" have brought to light my erroneous assumption that items stored in the "closet" were actually in my closet. Apparently, the "closet" is not actually a closet, which would explain why my closet never seems to reflect any additions and why I'm thoroughly unaware of the contents of the "closet." The following are two reconstructed conversations regarding the closet.
Ceramic Knives
plasticmom: What should I get Adam for his birthday?
plasticann: Laurel's boyfriend [CAD Cowboy] got her a ceramic knife. Maybe you could get Adam a ceramic knife.
plasticmom: Well, actually...I've got an extra set of ceramic knives, a big one and a little one.
plasticann: Why do you have an extra set of knives?
plasticmom: I got them for you; they're in the "closet."
Egg Cooker
plasticann: Hey mom, I saw this cool egg cooker that makes hard-boiled eggs. Maybe you should get one.
plasticmom: Does it have a dome?
plasticann: Yeah.
plasticmom: Well actually...I got one of those for you years ago. Your egg cooker is really cute, the dome is shaped like a chicken. It's from Germany. We used to have one years ago in Taiwan.
plasticann: Where is this egg cooker shaped like a chicken?
plasticmom: It's in the "closet." You've got lots of things in the "closet."
plasticann: I always check my closet and I've never seen an egg cooker shaped like a chicken.
plasticmom: It's not actually in your closet, it's stored somewhere else. You should really check out the “closet” next time you’re home.
plasticann: What else is in the "closet?"
plasticmom: You've got a bunch of dishes in the "closet." I just found this meat grinder that also from Germany. We got in Japan, but it's made in Germany. I think we were going to make hamburgers using $17/lb cuts of steak, but we've never used it.
plasticann: Could you put that meat grinder in the "closet?"
plasticmom: Sure thing!
I've got this "closet" in California filled with random household items. Sometimes plasticmom will purchase an extra set of her newest kitchen find for me. Other times, I'll salvage her discarded kitchen items. All these are stored in the "closet." Whenever I'm home, I peek in my closet to assess the inventory. Recent conversations surrounding the "closet" have brought to light my erroneous assumption that items stored in the "closet" were actually in my closet. Apparently, the "closet" is not actually a closet, which would explain why my closet never seems to reflect any additions and why I'm thoroughly unaware of the contents of the "closet." The following are two reconstructed conversations regarding the closet.
Ceramic Knives
plasticmom: What should I get Adam for his birthday?
plasticann: Laurel's boyfriend [CAD Cowboy] got her a ceramic knife. Maybe you could get Adam a ceramic knife.
plasticmom: Well, actually...I've got an extra set of ceramic knives, a big one and a little one.
plasticann: Why do you have an extra set of knives?
plasticmom: I got them for you; they're in the "closet."
Egg Cooker
plasticann: Hey mom, I saw this cool egg cooker that makes hard-boiled eggs. Maybe you should get one.
plasticmom: Does it have a dome?
plasticann: Yeah.
plasticmom: Well actually...I got one of those for you years ago. Your egg cooker is really cute, the dome is shaped like a chicken. It's from Germany. We used to have one years ago in Taiwan.
plasticann: Where is this egg cooker shaped like a chicken?
plasticmom: It's in the "closet." You've got lots of things in the "closet."
plasticann: I always check my closet and I've never seen an egg cooker shaped like a chicken.
plasticmom: It's not actually in your closet, it's stored somewhere else. You should really check out the “closet” next time you’re home.
plasticann: What else is in the "closet?"
plasticmom: You've got a bunch of dishes in the "closet." I just found this meat grinder that also from Germany. We got in Japan, but it's made in Germany. I think we were going to make hamburgers using $17/lb cuts of steak, but we've never used it.
plasticann: Could you put that meat grinder in the "closet?"
plasticmom: Sure thing!
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Elevator Snafus
Adam and I stopped by my work on Monday (Memorial Day) to see my new office. We signed in at the security desk and I used my key card to activate the elevator for the 14th floor. When we got to the 14th floor, I stepped off the elevator and turned around only to see Adam still in the elevator distracted by the "captivate" television with the doors closing fast on him. After waiting for a bit, I realized that Adam was having trouble getting back on the 14th floor. Because he didn't have the key card to activate the elevator, he could only go back down to the lobby. By the time I got down to the lobby to see “wha’ happened,” the security guard had sent him back up to the 14th floor. Apparently, the distraction was a riveting news bit about Burger King serving sirloin burgers.
Adam and I stopped by my work on Monday (Memorial Day) to see my new office. We signed in at the security desk and I used my key card to activate the elevator for the 14th floor. When we got to the 14th floor, I stepped off the elevator and turned around only to see Adam still in the elevator distracted by the "captivate" television with the doors closing fast on him. After waiting for a bit, I realized that Adam was having trouble getting back on the 14th floor. Because he didn't have the key card to activate the elevator, he could only go back down to the lobby. By the time I got down to the lobby to see “wha’ happened,” the security guard had sent him back up to the 14th floor. Apparently, the distraction was a riveting news bit about Burger King serving sirloin burgers.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Parish Cafe
Adam and I checked out Parish Cafe on Memorial Day...home of sandwiches created by local chefs. The sandwiches were pretty good, but overall the experience was disappointing. We ordered the "Steak & Blue" and the "Benny." The steak was very un-rare which wouldn't have been an issue if the menu hadn't described the sandwich as "RARE" in caps.
Adam and I checked out Parish Cafe on Memorial Day...home of sandwiches created by local chefs. The sandwiches were pretty good, but overall the experience was disappointing. We ordered the "Steak & Blue" and the "Benny." The steak was very un-rare which wouldn't have been an issue if the menu hadn't described the sandwich as "RARE" in caps.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Fancy Pants Fruit Jello
Gleaned from the latest issue of MS Food is this fruit terrine recipe. Deviating from my usual preference to bake, I've made this fruit dessert twice this month. It's quite refreshing, passable as "healthy" and easy on the eyes as well. I've made some minor substitutions.
Fruit Terrine
1 quart STRAWberries
1 box BLUEberries or RASPberries
2 envelopes of KNOX unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup sugar
1 bottle of my beloved Nantucket Nectar's Grapeade (or 16 oz. white grape juice)
1. Wash and cut fruit to fill a loaf pan
2. Sprinkle two envelopes of gelatin over 1/4 cup of juice
3. Heat 1/4 cup juice dissolving sugar in juice
4. Dissolve softened gelatin in heated juice
5. Combine remaining juice and heated juice/sugar/gelatin liquid
6. Pour over fruit in loaf pan
7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until gelatin is set
Gleaned from the latest issue of MS Food is this fruit terrine recipe. Deviating from my usual preference to bake, I've made this fruit dessert twice this month. It's quite refreshing, passable as "healthy" and easy on the eyes as well. I've made some minor substitutions.
Fruit Terrine
1 quart STRAWberries
1 box BLUEberries or RASPberries
2 envelopes of KNOX unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup sugar
1 bottle of my beloved Nantucket Nectar's Grapeade (or 16 oz. white grape juice)
1. Wash and cut fruit to fill a loaf pan
2. Sprinkle two envelopes of gelatin over 1/4 cup of juice
3. Heat 1/4 cup juice dissolving sugar in juice
4. Dissolve softened gelatin in heated juice
5. Combine remaining juice and heated juice/sugar/gelatin liquid
6. Pour over fruit in loaf pan
7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until gelatin is set
Friday, May 28, 2004
Sack-O-Stickers
I picked up a Sack-O-Hello-Kitty-Sushi-Stickers last weekend. They're quite cute and they come with the following warning label, "These stickers are not edible-Do not put in mouth!" Good to know!
I picked up a Sack-O-Hello-Kitty-Sushi-Stickers last weekend. They're quite cute and they come with the following warning label, "These stickers are not edible-Do not put in mouth!" Good to know!
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Diamonds & Coals
In honor of my alma mater's upcoming commencement ceremonies...diamonds and coals.
Diamond: Pourable REESES Peanut Butter Sauce
Coal: Baskin Robbins Lime Daiquiri Ice (Blech!)
Diamond: Odd Todd's new book.
Coal: Odd Todd still claiming he's "unemployed" when he's published a book and now had a comedy central show in the works
Diamond: Memorial Day
Coal: Crappy weather
Diamond: Steve not being there when I accidentally walk into his office thinking it's mine
Coal: Steve being there when I accidentally walk into his office thinking it's mine
Diamond: Fried foods
Coal: Heart Disease
In honor of my alma mater's upcoming commencement ceremonies...diamonds and coals.
Diamond: Pourable REESES Peanut Butter Sauce
Coal: Baskin Robbins Lime Daiquiri Ice (Blech!)
Diamond: Odd Todd's new book.
Coal: Odd Todd still claiming he's "unemployed" when he's published a book and now had a comedy central show in the works
Diamond: Memorial Day
Coal: Crappy weather
Diamond: Steve not being there when I accidentally walk into his office thinking it's mine
Coal: Steve being there when I accidentally walk into his office thinking it's mine
Diamond: Fried foods
Coal: Heart Disease
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Field Trip
Taking advantage of a rare lull in our afternoon, we went on a brief "field trip.” Given that we work in Kendall, we really can't get into much trouble and there aren't that many places to go, but we made the best of it. One of the highlights was discovering a mailbox right outside our building on the side we never walk by so now we don't have to trek to the post office during lunch. We also discovered REESES pourable peanut butter sauce at Damons and each member of our merry quartet had to get a frozen yogurt sundae despite this unseasonable cold day. My good friend Kellie loves the candy shop sundaes at Friendly's and she used to melt peanut butter in the microwave for her ice cream at the Ratty. Since the peanut butter is pourable at room temperature, she could keep a tub on her kitchen counter and pump it over everything: waffles, ice cream, milk, steak...you name it.
Taking advantage of a rare lull in our afternoon, we went on a brief "field trip.” Given that we work in Kendall, we really can't get into much trouble and there aren't that many places to go, but we made the best of it. One of the highlights was discovering a mailbox right outside our building on the side we never walk by so now we don't have to trek to the post office during lunch. We also discovered REESES pourable peanut butter sauce at Damons and each member of our merry quartet had to get a frozen yogurt sundae despite this unseasonable cold day. My good friend Kellie loves the candy shop sundaes at Friendly's and she used to melt peanut butter in the microwave for her ice cream at the Ratty. Since the peanut butter is pourable at room temperature, she could keep a tub on her kitchen counter and pump it over everything: waffles, ice cream, milk, steak...you name it.
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Ole Mexican Grill
A group of us gave Ole Mexican Grill's Sunday brunch a whirl after church last weekend. We were looking forward to the fresh guacamole made tableside, but we were thwarted because they ran out of guacamole. I didn't understand how a Mexican restaurant could run out of guacamole, but I checked their guacamole carts and didn't find any avocadoes lurking around. I kept eyeing the huge things of guacamole other tables were enjoying and I was debating whether I had the gumption to politely guilt other customers into sharing a taste of guacamole. Finally, I was told [by Adam] to "stop pouting or go ask for some guacamole." I scoped out the other tables and finally approached a jovial party of folks enjoying margaritas and TWO things of guacamole. Very tasty and at 4.95 for a huge thing of fresh guacamole...I'll be at Ole some Sunday before church so I can ensure the guacamole doesn't run out. I would highly recommend going for brunch since it's significantly cheaper than the dinner menu: Brunch is around $6-8 and dinner is $15-20. Guacamole at dinner is a whopping $9.00 versus $4.95 at lunch.
A group of us gave Ole Mexican Grill's Sunday brunch a whirl after church last weekend. We were looking forward to the fresh guacamole made tableside, but we were thwarted because they ran out of guacamole. I didn't understand how a Mexican restaurant could run out of guacamole, but I checked their guacamole carts and didn't find any avocadoes lurking around. I kept eyeing the huge things of guacamole other tables were enjoying and I was debating whether I had the gumption to politely guilt other customers into sharing a taste of guacamole. Finally, I was told [by Adam] to "stop pouting or go ask for some guacamole." I scoped out the other tables and finally approached a jovial party of folks enjoying margaritas and TWO things of guacamole. Very tasty and at 4.95 for a huge thing of fresh guacamole...I'll be at Ole some Sunday before church so I can ensure the guacamole doesn't run out. I would highly recommend going for brunch since it's significantly cheaper than the dinner menu: Brunch is around $6-8 and dinner is $15-20. Guacamole at dinner is a whopping $9.00 versus $4.95 at lunch.
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