Thursday, May 15, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!!!
To all the mothers out there, (and especially my own) Happy Mother's Day! None of us could be here without your love and support.
After John finishes singing in choir today, we're off to Metairie and New Orleans to celebrate Mother's Day with John's grandmother, aunt, and uncle. Coincidentally, John's grandmother and aunt both have birthdays within the next week and a half, so we'll
be celebrating that too, as well as dropping off our potted plants so they can be cared for while we are in Virginia. Plans for today include eating at one of our favorite restaurants, Mandina's, gift-giving to two very wonderful women, and enjoying each other's company. Ever since finals ended, I've worked on making paper roses and daffodils this week so we can each present each mom with a bouquet of flowers. It took longer than I thought--a whopping 11 hours of tracing and cutting out approximately 200 petals, shaping them, and gluing and taping them to wire stems. It's definitely the most I've ever done for people who aren't actually my mother on Mother's Day!
Of course, it's all worth it, because they have been such good family to us I since we've moved here. So, three cheers for mothers everywhere!
(And, in case you were wondering about my last blog entry--my cookies never made it past their prototype stage. I was feeling horrendously ill when the time came, but never fear--the cookie prototypes were still devoured through the week.)
After John finishes singing in choir today, we're off to Metairie and New Orleans to celebrate Mother's Day with John's grandmother, aunt, and uncle. Coincidentally, John's grandmother and aunt both have birthdays within the next week and a half, so we'll
be celebrating that too, as well as dropping off our potted plants so they can be cared for while we are in Virginia. Plans for today include eating at one of our favorite restaurants, Mandina's, gift-giving to two very wonderful women, and enjoying each other's company. Ever since finals ended, I've worked on making paper roses and daffodils this week so we can each present each mom with a bouquet of flowers. It took longer than I thought--a whopping 11 hours of tracing and cutting out approximately 200 petals, shaping them, and gluing and taping them to wire stems. It's definitely the most I've ever done for people who aren't actually my mother on Mother's Day!Of course, it's all worth it, because they have been such good family to us I since we've moved here. So, three cheers for mothers everywhere!
(And, in case you were wondering about my last blog entry--my cookies never made it past their prototype stage. I was feeling horrendously ill when the time came, but never fear--the cookie prototypes were still devoured through the week.)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
à la bibliothèque
It's a beautiful Sunday and John and I have spent most of it toiling away at the library. Well, I worked on my cookies for Martha Stewart's Favorite Cookie Contest (I reeeaaallllly want to be one of the 10 that wins a free Cookies cookbook, but I doubt I'll win with my limited time and resources, and relative inexperience making pretty things....if you wanted an "ugliest yet still tasty cookie" contest winner, then I'm it!) for most of the early afternoon, but they're still in their "prototype" stage. More on that tomorrow, when I actually have to submit my photos. Anyway, it's that time again--you guessed it: FINALS WEEK! :O
I have to quote the lovely JG here...she summed up the entire finals week experience in a most apt fashion:
Though we've been here for the past few hours, I still don't feel like I've done much--or maybe it's just because I haven't met my slightly over-ambitious goals for the evening? Of course, it probably doesn't help that I've taken a blogging break, but a girl can only look at articles for so long. Sometimes I wish I could go back and warn my bright-eyed undergraduate self: Scholarly articles aren't always as riveting as you think! In fact, they can be as dry and burnt as that first batch of ill-conceived cookies I pulled out of the oven last night.....
But I digress. While finals week is dreaded by all, I don't think I would really feel like things will have come to a close without it. Sure, I will experience a semester next year where I will take no classes, but I'll still have my comprehensive exams and thesis defense. There's still torture ahead of me--I guess it's all part of the end-of-semester rite of passage.
I have to quote the lovely JG here...she summed up the entire finals week experience in a most apt fashion:
I'm sitting in the library, and it's amazing how the shared experience of having to write rediculous amounts of papers before the final week of classes brings people together. People you don't know actually say "bless you" when you sneeze. People smile. We're all drowning under an extrodinary amount of dull white paper and faded computer screens, but we know that--and we appreciate human contact, even if it's with strangers, now more than ever.
Though we've been here for the past few hours, I still don't feel like I've done much--or maybe it's just because I haven't met my slightly over-ambitious goals for the evening? Of course, it probably doesn't help that I've taken a blogging break, but a girl can only look at articles for so long. Sometimes I wish I could go back and warn my bright-eyed undergraduate self: Scholarly articles aren't always as riveting as you think! In fact, they can be as dry and burnt as that first batch of ill-conceived cookies I pulled out of the oven last night.....
But I digress. While finals week is dreaded by all, I don't think I would really feel like things will have come to a close without it. Sure, I will experience a semester next year where I will take no classes, but I'll still have my comprehensive exams and thesis defense. There's still torture ahead of me--I guess it's all part of the end-of-semester rite of passage.
Grasshopper parrot
Every Saturday or Sunday, I go to Petco to take pictures of rescue animals for the Ascension Animal Advocates animal rescue. On these days, I also go visit a little pineapple green-cheeked conure that's been at Petco since January (as any self-respecting parrot lover would). When I went to visit him today, he started doing something new--he hopped! Thankfully, I had my camera with me from the animal rescue picture taking, and was able to take a video:
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
A new addition
Lots of interesting stuff these past few days!
First and foremost, John and I have a new nephew. My sister called me to tell me tha
t she was in the hospital while I was working for Dr. G Thursday afternoon. The phone reception was bad, so I only caught a few key words--thank goodness for nursing school friends like AS! I immediately texted him and he called me back, and put together all the words and medicine I had heard previously. To make a long story short, the baby was born on Friday at 12:04 am (EST). His big brother is ecstatic (I hear it's very cute) and feels important helping his mom out when she needs things. I just wish I could be there with them! I can't wait to see them in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I'm trying to search for newborn-sized blue Hawaiian print swim trunks (so he can match with Dad and Big Bro) for our family trip to the beach this summer. If anyone has any leads, please let me know!
Last week while we were enjoying a walk around the lakes (no puppies to pet, alas), we spotted an alligator. I had a weird feeling that I should bring my camera before we left to go to the lake, but forgot to in the last minute. It was crazy! The alligator looked like a juvenile, about 6 feet from nose to tail and lean looking. It was just sitting there sunning itself on a log like it was an every day occurance...what I want to know is how an alligator got into a man-made lake? I wonder if the alligator was a product of some prank, or some frustrated pet owner. Only in Louisiana (and other Gulf states) I guess. Some butthole of a dude kept trying to throw rocks at it like that was going to accomplish something. Luckily, his wife had the sense to yell at him and drag him back to the car.
On the food front, I tried
out Giada's Pancetta-Wrapped Pork Roast. It was fantastic! Of course, I am the daughter of my freestyle-cooking mother, so I only really used the recipe as a guideline for what I should do. I nixed the pancetta (since I didn't have any and wanted to be healthier), and used A TON more herbs and garlic, with the addition of sea salt (I don't measure anything either, unless I'm baking....all I know is that it was a lot). I used the leftover wine/chicken brother/herb pork drippings to make a gravy, and I have to say that it was one of the best tasting things I've ever made--at least in my opinion--I think John begs to differ.
Edit: I just realized that I've mentioned Giada twice now in my blog, but have said nothing about my absolute favorite TV chef, Lidia Bastianich. Her recipes are much more complex but incredible. Anyone who makes me enjoy cooking and eating chicken livers is definitely amazing.
First and foremost, John and I have a new nephew. My sister called me to tell me tha
t she was in the hospital while I was working for Dr. G Thursday afternoon. The phone reception was bad, so I only caught a few key words--thank goodness for nursing school friends like AS! I immediately texted him and he called me back, and put together all the words and medicine I had heard previously. To make a long story short, the baby was born on Friday at 12:04 am (EST). His big brother is ecstatic (I hear it's very cute) and feels important helping his mom out when she needs things. I just wish I could be there with them! I can't wait to see them in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I'm trying to search for newborn-sized blue Hawaiian print swim trunks (so he can match with Dad and Big Bro) for our family trip to the beach this summer. If anyone has any leads, please let me know!Last week while we were enjoying a walk around the lakes (no puppies to pet, alas), we spotted an alligator. I had a weird feeling that I should bring my camera before we left to go to the lake, but forgot to in the last minute. It was crazy! The alligator looked like a juvenile, about 6 feet from nose to tail and lean looking. It was just sitting there sunning itself on a log like it was an every day occurance...what I want to know is how an alligator got into a man-made lake? I wonder if the alligator was a product of some prank, or some frustrated pet owner. Only in Louisiana (and other Gulf states) I guess. Some butthole of a dude kept trying to throw rocks at it like that was going to accomplish something. Luckily, his wife had the sense to yell at him and drag him back to the car.
On the food front, I tried
out Giada's Pancetta-Wrapped Pork Roast. It was fantastic! Of course, I am the daughter of my freestyle-cooking mother, so I only really used the recipe as a guideline for what I should do. I nixed the pancetta (since I didn't have any and wanted to be healthier), and used A TON more herbs and garlic, with the addition of sea salt (I don't measure anything either, unless I'm baking....all I know is that it was a lot). I used the leftover wine/chicken brother/herb pork drippings to make a gravy, and I have to say that it was one of the best tasting things I've ever made--at least in my opinion--I think John begs to differ.Edit: I just realized that I've mentioned Giada twice now in my blog, but have said nothing about my absolute favorite TV chef, Lidia Bastianich. Her recipes are much more complex but incredible. Anyone who makes me enjoy cooking and eating chicken livers is definitely amazing.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Call me a dork, but...
I'm ridiculously excited about the summer blockbuster season!! In particular:
1. Sex and the City
2. Get Smart
3. X-Files
4. Futurama (!!!!)
What's even greater is that all the movie release dates are spaced pretty evenly, so it won't be a matter of seeing everything at once and not having anything to look forward to for the rest of the summer. So excited!
1. Sex and the City
2. Get Smart
3. X-Files
4. Futurama (!!!!)
What's even greater is that all the movie release dates are spaced pretty evenly, so it won't be a matter of seeing everything at once and not having anything to look forward to for the rest of the summer. So excited!
Friday, April 18, 2008
The week started out sunny and breezy, but has been one of the busiest for John and I so far. We're definitely looking forward to the weekend, but it is currently being prefaced by a rain, cool misty air, and grey skies. But am I gloomy? No, for I have just gotten a free lemon square. All is well. :)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Absolutely incredible....
Make sure you watch the video in its entirety. It keeps getting more and more amazing. Art painted by these elephants are sold here, and proceeds go to this elephant conservation center in Thailand.
Monday, March 24, 2008
It's-a me, Mario
Tonight, John and I spent the evening playing Super Mario World on SNES, equipped with Chinese food and a Mountain Dew. I guess my secret dream is to be a 10-year-old boy...
Friday, March 21, 2008
Nothing in particular
AS's visit came and went quickly, as did our spring break. It's already Friday, school starts Monday--where did the time go?
I have been very productive this week, though not with school-related things. This week has been devoted to house things, which has desperately needed a face-lift. I have been having serious motivation issues this semester, but don't feel like I can get my outside life in order without having my home fixed up first.
A few random things:
1. I can't wait to have a home of my own.
2. However, home ownership is still a little daunting to me.
3. I never thought having just one bathroom would be a dilemma, but it certainly can be.
4. I wish Red Lobster would quit having their lobster fest commercials; it's not like we have one nearby!
5. There's no cookin' like mom's cookin'.
John and I are trying to take advantage of the springtime weather Baton Rouge is throwing at us, before we get to 5000% humidity levels again in early May. We've been walking quite a bit and discovered that a nearby neighborhood has sidewalks, so we decided to explore it. It was surreal, walking in a real neighborhood again--people mowing their grass, children in backyards, and friendly couples waving at us from their cars and front doors. Baton Rouge isn't an unfriendly place, but it never had that suburban feel to it either. It was a nice change of pace.
In food news, I haven't done anything too new and exciting lately. When AS was here, I made a pasta salad one night as a side dish to a salmon fillet that I had topped with pesto and crushed crouton breadcrumbs (a trick I had learned from Giada on Food Network--pour a bag of good quality croutons into your food processor and ta-da--you have a flavorful batch of bread crumbs). I had a good volume of bread crumbs left over, so I poured it into my pasta salad (another trick I learned from Giada). I was afraid the breadcrumb theme would be too redundant, but it turned out really well! The flavor from the crumbs really complemented the pasta salad, and added an interesting crunch as well.
Anyway, speaking of food and sunshine, I'd better get some lunch ready and perhaps go out for another walk....or maybe I'll make a picnic out of it? Hmmm....
I have been very productive this week, though not with school-related things. This week has been devoted to house things, which has desperately needed a face-lift. I have been having serious motivation issues this semester, but don't feel like I can get my outside life in order without having my home fixed up first.
A few random things:
1. I can't wait to have a home of my own.
2. However, home ownership is still a little daunting to me.
3. I never thought having just one bathroom would be a dilemma, but it certainly can be.
4. I wish Red Lobster would quit having their lobster fest commercials; it's not like we have one nearby!
5. There's no cookin' like mom's cookin'.
John and I are trying to take advantage of the springtime weather Baton Rouge is throwing at us, before we get to 5000% humidity levels again in early May. We've been walking quite a bit and discovered that a nearby neighborhood has sidewalks, so we decided to explore it. It was surreal, walking in a real neighborhood again--people mowing their grass, children in backyards, and friendly couples waving at us from their cars and front doors. Baton Rouge isn't an unfriendly place, but it never had that suburban feel to it either. It was a nice change of pace.
In food news, I haven't done anything too new and exciting lately. When AS was here, I made a pasta salad one night as a side dish to a salmon fillet that I had topped with pesto and crushed crouton breadcrumbs (a trick I had learned from Giada on Food Network--pour a bag of good quality croutons into your food processor and ta-da--you have a flavorful batch of bread crumbs). I had a good volume of bread crumbs left over, so I poured it into my pasta salad (another trick I learned from Giada). I was afraid the breadcrumb theme would be too redundant, but it turned out really well! The flavor from the crumbs really complemented the pasta salad, and added an interesting crunch as well.
Anyway, speaking of food and sunshine, I'd better get some lunch ready and perhaps go out for another walk....or maybe I'll make a picnic out of it? Hmmm....
Sunday, March 9, 2008
It's gonna be a good week...
...because AS just flew in from Richmond last night to come visit us for his spring break! We've already toured the Abita beer factory and Oak Alley Plantation, and have eaten po boys, muffalettas, and turtle soup. More good times, good food, good laughs, and lack of sleep to come. Hooray for our first non-family out-of-town visitor, and here's to hoping more of you will come down to see us once you've seen what a great time he's had here (and it's not even Mardi Gras!).
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
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