I Cook!

I recently decided to begin cooking at least one meal per week, because pb&j can only cut it for so long. So far, I have cooked two meals in the past month, one was gourmet, and the other was definitely not. Both revealed my nervousness over cooking times. How do you know when it’s just right? Not undercooked, yet not overcooked. I suppose it just takes practice.

My first meal was only slightly ambitious, as I found it in The Gourmet Cookbook, but it involved a small number of ingredients. Seared Salmon with a Balsamic Glaze. At least it sounds fancy. When I saw that the recipe involved “reducing”, I became very excited. “I know how to reduce! I know what that word means!” This is thanks, of course, to my roommate Lyn who has taught me everything I know in the kitchen. My mother tried, but I had a long list of excuses to get me out of making dinner, such as “I’m reading my Bible” or “I’m doing homework”. The latter she should never have believed.

The salmon dish turned out delicious, but I should’ve reduced the sauce just a bit more. I served it with steamed asparagus and Whole Foods Seeduction bread. I will only buy my seafood from Whole Foods, which means I won't be making it very often. Four fillets cost me $20. Here is the recipe:

Seared Salmon with Balsamic Glaze

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. brown sugar
4 (6 oz.) center-cut pieces of salmon fillets with skin
salt and pepper
2 tsp. vegetable oil

• Stir vinegar, water, lemon juice, and brown sugar in small bowl.
• Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in 12 inch skillet over medium high heat until hot, not smoking.
• Increase heat to high, add salmon (skin up) and sear until well brown (about 4 min.)
• Turn over until just cooked through (about 3-4 min.)
• Transfer salmon to plates and add mixture to skillet (liquid will bubble and steam). Simmer, stirring until thick and reduced to 1/3 cup (2 min.)
  
• Spoon over salmon.

This week, I finally used my Trader Joe's pineapple salsa. I knew it would be amazing! There really isn't a recipe for this one, because all I did was stir-fry chicken, red and green bell peppers, and pineapple salsa. Delish! I will be keeping a jar of pineapple salsa on hand from now on!

Introductions

Colleague to Russian girl we're interviewing:

" . . and this is Ned. He speaks Russian . .

. . and this is Lisa. She also speaks Russian; she lived there, right Lisa? . .

. . and this is L. She's our big waterskiier and just a really happy person. We need more people like her. "

I may not be bilingual, but I'm happy and I love to waterski. I think that's better than speaking multiple languages, don't you? *smile*

Weekend Update

What a fun-filled weekend I had! And it began with me taking over the world! It appears I am an excellent Risk-player. I exclaimed to my roommate that I hated the game I’d never played before, but I still went over to her friends’ place to play. We ordered kabobs from a nearby Middle Eastern joint, and I made a pre-game announcement that I was about to dominate. Everyone laughed, but my statement soon proved to be accurate. I had taken over Asia (the largest continent), Australia, and was moving into Europe and North America. My red armies were all over the board! I was defeating armies larger than my own, and it quickly became apparent that no one stood a chance at taking me down. I love winning! Maybe I am more strategic than I thought.

Saturday was a lake day, but not at the usual spot with the usual guys. Instead I was at a beautiful lake in Warrenton with my old co-worker/Friend. Her realtor was having an annual party, and I left with a full belly and a new t-shirt! J I also left exhausted from the intense heat and not so much as a light breeze! A pint of Americone Dream at the convenience shop made me feel much better, as did the Coldplay tunes from her stereo. On a side note: Are any of you brought to tears by their amazing new album? Because Friend and I were! I’m not sure I’ve ever been moved so much by a secular album. I don’t know what he’s even singing about, but the music is incredible.

On Sunday, my bedroommate Lyn and I, took a road trip to Philadelphia to visit one of her friends. It was my fourth time to the city, and I was still able to see new things. We had lunch at White Dog Café on the UPenn campus, saw the Liberty Bell, and went through the Constitution Center and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (home of the “Rocky” steps), featuring an Ansel Adams exhibit. All that history made me want to go home and watch the History Channel, but I came home and crashed instead. I love short, quick trips like that. And it cost me under $20, food and all! (thanks to her friend treating us to lunch and ice cream, that is).

I love Google!

Due to lack of love life, I’m living vicariously through my friend right now. She’s out in San Francisco and was just asked on her first date since moving there four months ago. I got the scoop on the guy from her, tried to see his tiny picture on Facebook, but then decided to do a little research on my own. Much to her surprise, I sent her an email the day of her date letting her know at which law firm he worked, how long he had practiced law, where he attended undergrad and law school, and that his childhood friend was a Marine who sadly lost his life in Iraq a couple of years ago.

“I’m confused. If he’s still practicing law, why did he tell me he’s involved in football recruitment.”

“He does entertainment law.”

If anyone needs me to do some snooping, I charge by the hour.

Speaking of a love life and me not having one, The Kansan is actually still in the picture. As a friend. One that consistently asks me to hang out (just the two of us) about every other week or so and occasionally calls me to see how my day was. Strangest thing I’ve ever experienced with a guy, but I feel like I’m on the exact same page. I really enjoy just being his friend . . and hearing how awesome and smart I am on a regular basis is pretty nice, too. We agree on everything from politics to our least favorite college football division, which makes for great conversation. Plus he brings me free copies of US Weekly (sent to his house’s previous tenant) every time we hang out. It’s a pretty sweet deal if you ask me! Now if he would only invite me to see Coldplay with him next month . .

Happy Early Birthday to me!

And it’s much earlier than usual that I’m getting excited this year, because my gift has already come in a way: my plane ticket to New Hampshire has been purchased! I haven’t seen Best Friend since Christmas, the longest we’ve ever gone by far, but I decided a weekend with her is all I wanted for a gift. So although it will be a bit weird to not get any tangible presents from my parents or grandparents, it will be more than worth it to visit her over my birthday (one month from today!). I won’t start planning my itinerary yet, but she does have sole permission to use her in-laws beach house that weekend, so I know some sand and sun are in my future. And hopefully Boston, too!

The last time we celebrated my birthday together (three years ago), it involved a “Rocky Mountain” dinner at a new restaurant and re-runs of the Cosby Show. Exciting, yes . . but clearly this year will be way better!

Pictures from Home

Hi!  I feel like I never "see" you all anymore.  I've hardly had any time to read your blogs, and if I haven't commented, I apologize, because I've probably been at work, and that is one thing I refuse to do at work.  It's ok to read blogs occasionally, but noooo commenting.  

Today I turned in a 10-page proposal at work, and I get to wait all weekend before finding out what my "boss" thinks.  He did say, upon a brief glance, that it was exactly what he was looking for and lengthwise, much more than he expected.  So I'm optimistic.  Except that after he tells me he likes it, I have to really start doing my job and executing all the "action items" I recommended.  Maybe ten pages was a little long.  

I am still getting familiar with the MacBook and probably will be for the next six months, because I just don't have as great an urge to be online anymore.  We'll see how long that lasts.

I do want to share a few pictures from my trip to Nebraska.  It's hard to choose which ones,

 because I had such a wonderful week and every picture seems to have some story behind it.  

This is downtown Omaha, the Old Market area.  Cobblestone streets and old buildings.  Unique shops and restaurants.  I like it.

My sister and I, still downtown.  Look at those big buildings! :)

Pontoon ride at Grandma's lake on a perfect summer evening.

The cake for my sister's lingerie shower.  It was made by my friend, Anne, who just started a cake business.  It was delicious!  Vanilla with chocolate mousse filling.  Plus chocolate cake truffles that were to die for. If you live in Omaha, you've gotta get your cakes from her!

My cute sister and me at her rehearsal dinner.  We made it casual and grilled out Omaha Steaks burgers and chicken at the lake.

On top of the obvious slalom skiing I did, there was also a hotdog ride with my cousin and aunt.  We were whooping and hollering the entire way, attempting to stand up, and laughing when we fell off.

The Fourth of July means fried chicken and lots of yummy sides.  Followed by lots of yummy cakes and homemade ice cream.

Minutes before walking down the aisle.  Doesn't she look pretty?  I mean, she IS pretty, but with that fab make-up job I did, she's beyond pretty. ;)

They took some great pictures!  The ceremony was one of the sweetest I've been to . . and I've been to some incredibly sweet ones.  

back and unmotivated

I've been back since Sunday, but I'm too busy playing with my new black MacBook to talk about my wonderful week at home! There are plenty of pictures and stories to share, of course, and hopefully this weekend I'll sit down and do it.

For now, can I just tell you who added me as a friend on Facebook? The Texan! Ha. I think I'll make him wait for a bit.

last days

Hi! I'm here in Nebraska enjoying the last few days of my sister's singleness. We've had brother/sisters bonding day, an evening of wall painting at her apartment, a day of decor shopping (my gift to her), a fun lingerie shower/bachelorette party, and a mostly smooth rehearsal followed by a fun little BBQ at Grandma's lake. It's all been flying by too quickly, of course, and I can't believe I only have two full days left. Crossing my fingers that crying does not enter the picture at any point within those two days! So far, I feel far from tears, but we'll see if that changes once I see her in her lovely dress. I can't wait to celebrate!

Yum Yum!

Usually strained finances and expensive meals don't go together, but this is me we're talking about . . and I've been eating well lately. And documenting it, of course.

A few weeks ago, my roommate, a fellow food lover and fantastic cook, mentioned a new chocolate restaurant in town. We had no plans on a Friday night, so at 8:30pm we headed to Coco Sala. First of all, restaurant isn't exactly the right word for it. And we shouldn't have been surprised as the name means chocolate lounge. It was more of a posh NYC-style bar with modern decor and velvet booths where we looked completely out of place in our flip flops. We declined the owner's offer of a drink at the bar - we just wanted the chocolate! And after a half hour wait, we got it. Plus a few additional delicious appetizers like:

crispy Louisiana crabcake with mango salsa, chipotle chocolate tomato glaze, and avocado cilantro emulsion

and

mac n cheese with elbow pasta, parmesan and cheddar cheeses, fresh sage, and a cream cheese crust

I was in heaven already.

And then, three courses of chocolate each. My roommate and I shared every dainty treat. Our favorites were:

mini boston cream doughnut with cappuccino panna cotta
milk chocolate, peanut butter and banana foster split &

cinnamon churros with dulce de leche dip

Here's one course:

In Toronto, I took advantage of my travel per diem by treating myself to an extravagant lunch in the classiest neighborhood in town. I later learned that the chef was known as one of the best in the city! No wonder my lunch cost $66! Here's what I ate:

orechiette with braised rabbit, rapini, garlic, and chili - WOW, it was amazing, especially with a yummy glass of Chardonnay

And you know I ordered dessert: chocolate peanut butter bread pudding with caramelized bananas and yogurt sorbet. Words cannot describe.

And this week it was Lebanese food. It had been too long. Again, my roommate and I went to dinner together, ordering a bottle of wine and six small plates to share. It left me perfectly satisfied . . and just barely tipsy, oops! My favorite was the phyllo breaded and fried shrimp with a tahini pistachio sauce.

I'd sleep sheetless for her

I'm back from another summer weekend at the beach, ready (but not feeling ready) to take on the big week ahead, the week where I finish planning and preparing for my little sister's wedding festivities. I can't believe I'll be home in just one week! I hope that week at home is the slowest week of my life, because I want to savor every last moment with Alyssa P_____. I don't even care if she hogs the sheets.

Ok, that last part was a lie. I will always hate it when she hogs the sheets. But maybe not as much this time.

my trip thus far

Word to the wise: Mark your clear 3 oz. bottles when you travel! Since arriving, I have attempted to both clease and moisturize my face with Aveda curl cream! I knew something didn't feel right, but all my liquids are the same color! And they all seem to smell the same, as well.

Twenty-four hours later, I have survived the conference thus far. I've been extremely well-fed and have met lots of nice people, mainly men. I say this only because I often wish I had more females to talk to, because maybe they would throw just a little less over-my-head industry language at me . . and maybe we could talk about clothes or make-up for a few seconds. It's not exactly 'natural' to walk around an event all by yourself trying to strike up conversations with hundreds of men, many of whom know several other members in attendance. I knew no one. But I did it. And I got to talk about football. And I got to watch the last few holes of the U.S. Open. So maybe I'm ok with all the men.

The "grand event" was quite the event last night. Each room had a different theme, played different music, had different dancers (ex: flamenco and tango), and served different gourmet snacks. I felt like I was on Top Chef! I have one more briefing tomorrow morning and then I'm off to be a tourist! I've made a list of neighborhoods I'd like to visit, but with only six hours to do everything, we'll see how far I get . .

about to leave my comfort zone

I don't want to go downstairs. I'm up on the 31st floor in my lovely room with its lovely view of the lake, the CN Tower, and many other skyscrapers. The King-size bed is calling my name, and the flat screen TV looks like it might be fun to watch. Also, I'm pretty hungry and perhaps should be ordering room service. But the real reason I don't want to join the conference? I'm kinda scared.

I'm about to be surrounded by hundreds of senior executives, and I am responsible for telling them all about an initiative that I, myself, am still becoming familiar with. Yikes!

I mean, if you called me up right now, I'd have no problem sharing all the details, boring you to tears, and getting excited about it in the process. But you also probably wouldn't ask me any hard questions.

It's always the unknown we're afraid of, the "what ifs", and the chance of failure or not living up to (usually) our own expectations. But, tough! You've just gotta bite the bullet and do what you have to do. Wish me luck!

busyness

Three weeks until my little sister walks down the aisle. I better go get my dress altered! It still doesn't quite seem real, and I'm sure it won't sink in until I'm there amidst all the final preparations.


Until then, I'll be planning her personal shower, traveling to Toronto for work (and shopping :), spending a weekend at the beach, and picking up the pace at work. A lot going on in the next two weeks, so we'll see how often I get to blog.

Here's what else I've been up to (babysitting the cousins and slalom skiing two weekends in a row):

passionate

What a fantastic first week at work. Not once did I feel anxious or unable to handle this new position, and I was welcomed warmly by all my new colleagues.

On Thursday evening, I visited my Cousin J and his wife, K. My aunt and uncle were in town, and J grilled up some yummy kabobs for everyone. In catching up with everyone, I was asked what I enjoy doing in my free time out here, a question that is always too hard to answer. It could best be summed up in one word: Everything. I am always up to something it seems, so it's hard to nail down what I enjoy doing most. Having just been out to Lake A.nna for the first time this year, I of course mentioned slalom skiing, a sport my family is quite familiar with as my grandmother has lived on a lake for the past thirty years. I described my first ski of the season and found myself saying "my heart just sings when I ski". Um, did I just say that?! Am I that much of a dork?! I mean, it's true, but still!

And my heart sang yet again this weekend, as I was invited out to the lake for the second week in a row. I'm not sure why these guys always invite me, but we do have a great time together sharing our love for the water and the feel of the wind in our faces.

Yesterday was more exhausting than usual when the temps got up to 96 degrees with 94% humidity, proof that I'm not exaggerating when I call this place (D.C.) a swamp. By the end of my ski, I wanted to curl up in a ball under the shade of a tree. I felt like collapsing. But all the fun and sun was well worth it.

had a bad day

Things I wish would not have happened today:

• the six-block walk (because I still can't find the shuttle schedule) to work in high heels resulting in a blister
• the absence of lunch
• the tearing of my lovely brand-new suit pants from catching my heel in the cuff of my pantleg too many times
• the nearly two hours of unsuccessfully trying to get my ID badge so I can do things like go to the bathroom without an escort; my clearance is not in the system yet
• the pouring rain/tornado warning that kept me at the "badge place" longer
• the missing of the last shuttle after work
• the six-block walk back to the metro with my purse, a small shopping bag around my wrist, a folder tucked under my arm, and my hands holding my long pants up so I could actually wear flip flops home and stop rubbing my blister
• all the sweating in the humidity

Ugh! Despite all of that, the actual work part of the day was good. I made my first suggestion, which was well-received, and although it was minor, it was nice to have a little confidence boost when facing something so big.

The Kansan and I have been in touch, and we have plans to play golf on Sunday. I'll be honest, even with all our joking and the nice words we've been exchanging, I don't know if this is merely a "friend thing" or what, but the good news is that I'm not worried about it. I would be content just being his friend, and I'm just enjoying the chance to get to know him better. I'm not sure myself if I'd have any interest beyond that, so I can't be upset if he feels the same way. Any other time, I would be overanalyzing and wondering, but fortunately I feel just as chill as the conversations we're having. It's nice for a change.

first day

I ended my last two days of freedom with a day at the lake, slalom skiing and basking in the warm sun, and a re-organization of my closet. Only I couldn't fit everything in it. And then I got very, very overwhelmed and had to breathe deeply and remind myself that the first day at the job was going to be fine. I didn't want to go to work with my closet in such a mess. I wanted to feel put together and totally prepared.

I took all my suits, my business-y skirts, and my blouses and hung them on one side of my closet, cramming everything else on the other side. As long as I knew what my work wardrobe options were, I would be fine.

And I was. My first day went really well. Scariest comment: "We had three phenomenal candidates, and you were the cream of the crop. We're expecting a lot from you." First of all, I have a hard time believing that first part is entirely true, and not because I have self-confidence issues. Second of all, I hope they don't expect a lot tomorrow because there is just so much to learn.

I also hope I can get a passport in twelve days, because I need one. I had no idea it took weeks to get your passport, so I hope the word 'expedite' means less than two weeks.

I was so blessed today, because so many of my wonderful friends sent me texts and emails wishing me luck and asking me later how it went. I love them. And I love my new job.

No need to be disappointed!

I didn't have to feel disappointed for long. On Tuesday afternoon, my friend KC and I drove up to Baltimore to stay the night with her step-brother and go to his game: Orioles v. Yankees. Although Johnny had spent the night on Monday, I didn't want to get my hopes up. Sure enough, he had moved to the hotel that night, and I couldn't expect to meet him or any other Yankees that evening.

At the game, we sat behind home plate with her step-brother's wife as she blew him kisses every time he glanced back at her before going up to bat. His son had given both he and Johnny Damon "home run kisses" that morning at breakfast, and within the same inning they proved to be effective. :) After sitting out the rain delay in a suite with several other baseball wives, we watched the Orioles take the game. We were then given player guest passes and allowed to head to the basement after the game. I sat in the hallway right outside the locker room, just waiting for the Yankees to begin exiting in their street clothes, ready to head to the hotel for the night.

The first guy I cared to meet was Joba Chamberlain, a 22-year old Nebraskan who was just moved up to the major leagues last August. He has so far been an excellent relief pitcher, but it has just been announced that he'll have his first start on Monday! I was able to chat with him briefly about our home state and what I'm doing in the area, and of course have my picture taken with him.

Before long, Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi were walking down the hall together. They stopped to talk to KC's step-brother's wife and suddenly they were turning and reaching out their hands to shake mine! My hat was taken note of, and after exchanging a few words, I was having my picture taken with them as well!

Just moments after Johnny and Jason had left, I saw him - one of the best all-around ball players in the major leagues, A-Rod. He stopped to shake the hand of his pilot (a man who I would spend the evening with, even staying at the same house) but continued walking. And that's when I did it. I annoyed Alex Rodriguez.

"Alex!" I called out, trying to maintain a friendly tone. Nothing.

"Alex!!" I shouted again. He still kept walking.

One more time, "ALEX!" I yelled as a final attempt. And then he turned, but only his head.

"HI!" I said, excited that my shouts had been successful.

"Hi," he said unethusiastically.

"I just wanted to meet you," I said sweetly.

"Nice meeting you," he said in an insincere, annoyed tone. And he walked away.

More like A-hole, seriously. And even the people that coordinate his flights on his private jet agree. They call him that when he's not around. Throughout the rest of the evening, I was let in on the gossip, and it was interesting (and sad) to have that glimpse into someone's life. I would never want to marry a ball player. But I'm thrilled that I got to meet some!

bad decision

This is the man I should've met today: New York Yankee Johnny Damon. I spent an amazing weekend at the Jersey Shore with a big group of friends, but decided to head home last night versus today.

In doing so, I was able to enjoy Memorial Day free of traffic and hours on the road. I went to the gym, laid out by my pool, had lunch on the Waterfront, made a gourmet dinner for my roommate (who will be moving next week), and had a dance party in my living room. (My roommates and I attempted to teach our fourth roommate how to "get down".)

But in going home early, I totally missed Johnny! My friend's step-brother plays for the Orioles, used to play for the Red Sox, and is therefore friends with Johnny Damon. On the drive back to D.C., the girls stopped at her brother's house to hang out and Johnny came home with him (from the game) to attend a neighbor's BBQ! A-Rod was on his way, as well, but my cute Yankee-loving friend said she couldn't handle staying for the BBQ due to her now-sweaty armpits and inability to speak!

I love the Yankees, so I am kicking myself right now! (I DID meet Derek Jeter a couple years ago, but a "hang out" it was not!)

FUN

Look at that - all caps! Yes, it was a good time. And I was not nervous once I made it out to the car. I am a dork! - not that that is news. More later . . probably.

nerves

Having all day to prepare for a non-date - or a date (not quite sure what this is) - can't be good. I don't think I have a single hair on my face, my skin has the perfect amount of shimmer and glow, I am sufficiently lotioned, and I smell great. I'm hungry, but I can't eat. Wouldn't want an EBS, an emergency bathroom situation. Sixteen minutes until he gets here. But who's counting? Gosh, I hope this goes well. "Girl, you have fifteen minutes to get it together," my roommate just said. I'm usually never nervous for this stuff. Because hello, I'm awesome and so much fun, and it's his lucky day today! Yet right now I'm a bit anxious. Maybe if I visualize things going smoothly . . I mean, it's not just the fear of awkwardness. This isn't the first date, so what is going on? Why the sudden interest again? Whatever, I don't care. I'm signing off and will be back with a full, or half-full report (depending on how much I decide to share). "You've got nine minutes," she just said, laughing. Oh, how she loves to harrass me.