Working Late and Eating Right: I am doing the former but not the latter. I need to find a solution to this problem.
Working Late and Working Out: My friend turned colleague and I are going to start running after work. I usually find it easier and better to run mornings, but it will be nice to have a buddy. The only problem is that it will be very late before we hit the pavement.
It turns out -- surprise, surprise -- that I am not domesticated. I was reminded of this over dinner at a friend's last night, as we discussed their new cabinets and light fixtures and men's interest in tools and multiple trips to Home Depot in the same week. It's not so much that I am incapable of putting a new floor down in my kitchen (although it would undoubtedly be a disaster), as that I have very little interest in spending crisp, sunny fall days inside a warehouse.
My Thai friend Fluke today reported that "for many Bangkokians this is a 'happy coup d'etat' as it finally gives us a way out of the political crisis that has gripped the nation this year." She also attached pictures of people smiling around the army tanks and adorning them with flowers.
It is fascinating that there has been such widespread support, but will the military hold its word and curb existing civil liberties only for a short time?
My mom and I found our way in and around the Chinatown supermarket yesterday afternoon. Boy, there are some yummy treats to be found there (and some not-so-yummy-looking treats). Still, I preferred the bakery across the street. I just love those puffs with the almond-coconut filling that my friend's girlfriend introduced me to after dim sum one afternoon last year. It sure is a good thing that I don't live close enough to stop by every day.
As it turns out, Aquene can cook! And, boy, does she do it well. It seems a little unfair that all we contributed, though, was the wine and some store-bought ice cream. Actually, we found the ice cream at Target. I had no idea they had a dairy section. Ahhh... in America, you can find your ice cream anywhere.
Many celebrations today in the lives of those close to me: Happy Birthday, Mom! Good Marrow, Andrea! Happy Honeymoon, Saul and Michelle! Welcome New Addition, Kelly and Phousi!
Saul and Michelle's wedding weekend was filled with an energy unsurpassed by those who've come before. The views were amazing. The people were even better. The serenity was superb.
Isn't it amazing how much better a morning walk is with good company? Today, I had double the pleasure.
To my surprise and delight, the 3:2 animal to person ratio laid out over 600 sq ft worked out well. There was no barking or hissing -- at all! After a morning walk with Poncho along the city side of the river, I met Andrea across the bridge for a walk, talk, and cup o' joe.
My spirits were high as I entered the office. I got to thinking -- I rarely drink coffee. Maybe it is true that it is good for you? And that it even helps with cutting the risk of Type 2 diabetes? Maybe I really could use it to start the day off right? Nah, it was the company.
I have the best friends!
The key to good sushi is the right sake and the right person to share it. Admittedly, I used to find most sake too sharp and raw (no pun intended) for my taste buds. In Japan, I grew to appreciate the variations on the traditional.
Only last year when Osushi opened, however, did I discover momokawa asian pear sake. It is smooth and delightful. Last night, Tonya and I found out that we are sushi soulmates -- and paired the pear sake with the $6 rolls (that are *missing* from the menu) among others.
Like any other match in life, you often don't realize that it's been right in front of you all along. When Tonya and I ordered our sake (warm not cold) and maki (small not large), and even edamame (not salad) in sync, we knew we should've been doing this a long time ago.
For some states, that day is today. For others, it will be next week. Wherever you are, become engaged in the process, and please get out and vote.
What a beautiful weekend. I was off-line, as I took some time out for Kate and Nicole's clams, Shelley's lamb, a morning chat on the patio with Ky, a sunny swim, afternoon fog on the beach, a ferry ride, a sip of double chocolate beer with Jim, a triathlon, and Four Seas' homemade butter crunch ice cream with Mere and Missy. The highlights still seem to be food-related, but the people and the adrenaline were key. I was still home in time to sip wine on the roofdeck last night. I feel good!
Labor Day has now passed, but I may just go on wearing white. Fortunately, my weekend was namely about food, friends, and family and not really about fashion.
Eating outdoors about town under heat lamps is one of my favorite ways to dine. Friday night, Amy and Andrea and I enjoyed the luxurious, yet warm and authentic ambiance of Oleana's outdoor patio. I am not sure that we "partied like rock stars" in the traditional manner, but it was one quality evening out.
Following a dreary day of driving under cloudy skies, I was eating fresh salad and pesto noodles, drinking chai tea, and then enjoying traditional Burmese yams and curried chicken with Andi and Sarah (Sam wasn't really interested in trying any of that).
Sunday included a spinach and goat cheese omelet with egg whites (I tried!) at Oriole 9 (which we loved so much we went back to it) and chicken on a stick that afternoon with my cousins at the Craft Fair. We had Janet's homemade grilled veggie pizza that evening. Then, last night's "Budino" was phenomenal (albeit so rich that it was appropriately shared among six of us).
Like I said, there was a lot of food. Oh -- there was a little fashion that I found in Woodstock of all places. I finally tossed the worn out Reefs and upgraded to closed toe sporty black and whites!
It's supposed to be good for you. Well, I hope the conventional wisdom is true because I had a glass of El Coto de Rioja at a sidewalk cafe after midnight.
I will have you know that I still made it to the office by 8 a.m., too. I am glad that I managed to avoid the allure of the Espresso Martini. Neither one helps me to shape up for my upcoming triathlon, but wine still has less calories than a martini.
