What Came Out of My Kitchen

I'm going through a phase of exhaustion. I'm not here to point fingers at the marathon or anything, but I desperately need to get myself back in the kitchen on a regular basis. I'm just lacking motivation and creativity and care and everything else that might include cooking regular meals again to do so. When the wave of motivation does hit, I run with it full force. And though I'm not going to say today was one of those days--I wasn't totally motivated--I had enough to carry me through what I needed to finish. This started with going grocery shopping at Costco, Giant, Target, and Whole Foods before even stepping foot in my kitchen. Do away with me now. I may have found a place for myself in the kitchen, but I still hate grocery shopping with every part of my being. Approximately $300 later, I found myself whipping up a variety of things.

Mexican-Style Brown Rice Casserole. This has become somewhat of a staple in our home, after the recommendation of a coworker. I actually froze this dish for a later date in time. Because, again, exhaustion. Chef's Notes: I don't believe in the fat free or low fat this and that; I substitute those items with the full fat equivalent. I also make my own refried beans using the black beans I crockpot on a near weekly basis. Though canned refried beans are smooth and wonderful, I only enjoy them when my mom hides the sliminess that sends those bean sliding right out of the can. Nasty.

Pumpkin Butter. My mom introduced me to Oh She Glows during my wannabe vegan days. I've followed this blog for years now, and I've never been let down. That being said, the pumpkin butter might be the best thing I've made to date. I've added it to oatmeal. I've slathered apples in it. I've made Pumpkin Oat Squares with Candied Pecans (from Angela's blog as well). This goodness is what heaven must taste like. Chef's Notes: This recipe is rather time consuming when roasting the sugar pumpkin(s) is factored in. On the upside, I learned how to roast a sugar pumpkin... and I'm looking forward to trying a "from scratch" pumpkin pie here soon.

Apple Rutabaga Soup. Who doesn't like a million fall vegetables tossed in a pot with butter? Also, a recipe that uses one of the thousands of apples I picked that is not a dessert? This recipe was provided by another coworker. And I knew it'd be delicious after I learned the recipe came from The Inn at Little Washington. This restaurant is continually rated among the best "in" Washington, D.C. In being in quotes because it's quite a ways outside of the city. It's also quite a ways from my paycheck, if you're curious. Chef's Notes: I cut the cream in half. And next time I would consider further reducing the amount by another half (i.e., half of a cup instead of the suggested two cups).

Apple Pie. This pie is no product of my own; it's the most beautiful pie I've laid eyes on. I imagine much effort and patience behind this work of art, which has never been my cup of kitchen tea. Chef's Note: This pie was crafted entirely from scratch in our kitchen with apples picked by us, per my insistence; ya, we're crunchy. I have no idea what recipe was used and therefore cannot provide notes, regardless of my repeated requests (to Boyfriend). An equally tasty, though not nearly as pretty, pie can be found at mine (and Barack Obama's) favorite stop in Northern Virginia--Mom's Apple Pie, for those local to the area.

Vegetable Lasagna. Are you familiar with Cooks Illustrated? If not, it's time you are. Their vegetable lasagna is the best on the planet, despite the amount of work required to whip it up. Also, this recipe does away with ricotta in favor of cottage cheese. That alone makes me obsessed. (I absolutely hate ricotta and am addicted to cottage cheese.) Chef's Note: I mentioned this is a product that requires work, however, the rewards are endless. This lasagna served us twelve sizable meals--away with portion control. When the labor is divided across the number of meals, we have an equation that isn't terrible. This is a definite Sunday activity where I don't feel rushed to immediately follow up with the insane amount of dishes produced by this dish. (That part of the equation is not--I repeat: not--pretty.) By serving this on Sunday night, I've littered the rest of the week with leftover lunch and dinner.

Let's eat.

Fall TV Line-Up

To the dismay of several, the only show on television I'm entirely loyal to is Dance Moms. I do not miss an episode, even when I'm four episodes behind, as is the current case. Abby Lee Miller infuriates me, but I adore Chloe so much I'm unable to remove myself from the dysfunction that is Dance Moms. I have also been watching this show from the start. And most everything I start, I finish. Because I don't quit, even what's unhealthy. To the best of my ability, I try to watch Dance Moms when Boyfriend is not around. We share one TV, and while he's more than willing to watch and discuss, I can tell he's only being nice; Dance Moms is not his favorite show.

When I got home from work on Friday, I had an hour to myself before Boyfriend walked in the door. I threw in a load of laundry--hello, productivity--and immediately selected Dance Moms from the On Demand menu. As mentioned, Dance Moms has deteriorated in quality. While I used to watch solely for the dancing--hello, eight-year-old talent--I watch now as a way to remove myself from reality; this show clears my head like nothing else. I'm still mesmerized by the dancing, however, not as enthralled by the inevitable amount of drama to arrive at each performance.

It's partially true that I don't otherwise have time for TV. It's more true that I simply don't prioritize TV. I've opted out of--mind-boggling expensive--cable, in lieu of adventure. The downside being obvious: There is no ESPN--airing full-time, nor do I get to start my day with MSNBC's My Morning Joe.

That being said, I enjoy keeping up with Teen Mom and The Biggest Loser. I'm not upset when I miss an episode, though I do a fair job following these shows. The laundry has to be folded at some point, and there's no better time for that, than while either of these shows are streaming. Of note, without my beloved Jillian Michaels, The Biggest Loser--two episodes in--is not holding my interest nearly as well. We'll see if I persevere.

On a happy note, in the fall television department, Heidi Klum is back on Project Runway, lending itself to all kinds of wonderful things. While I haven't actually watched... yet, I will. I'm overcoming a battle with sentimentality. I enjoy Project Runway most when viewed with my mom. And... well... it's never that we watch TV together these days. So I'm about nine episodes behind, but whatever. If you have time to fill, sit yourself down for some Project Runway, then head over to my place--the apartment could use a major scrubbing. You can also fill me in [on Project Runway]!

Boyfriend and I are also watching House of Cards. We're nearing the end of the first season. This show is significantly heavier than everything else on my line-up and is usually reserved for 'bulk weekend watching' on the off chance we're in town and not busy. It's worth your time. Though, I'm partial to it being set here in Washington, D.C.

And, last, I stay current by watching Nightly News with Brian Williams every night of the week at 7:00 pm ET. Furthermore, I "catch" Boyfriend catching The Soup for everything pop culture at least once a month.

There you have it. What, may I ask, are you watching?    

Louis and Toby and Me

This weekend I exercised and relaxed, kind of, while hanging out with my two favorite Bassets Hounds, Louis and Toby. Do you know what’s great about these two?  They’re always ecstatic to see me. And while they welcome me with open arms and have become my biggest fan, the barking and jumping and playful racing does not necessarily lend well to manners. So the fact that Pops was fielding a birthday call from his hard-of-hearing mother when I walked in the door on Wednesday night didn’t matter. Their third amigo was here for an extended play date. It was party time. The first time I walked in the door. And anytime I returned from anywhere after that. The excitement level remained consistently elevated throughout my weekend stay.

So all weekend we partied, in the form of early feedings, excessive cuddling, and long walks. 

And here’s the two of them passed out at the respectable hour of 8:00 pm after a successful day’s play. 

The thing about these two is they never make you fail to feel better after spending time with them. I have the above selfies to show for it.

An August Weekend

Let’s talk weekend, my very favorite subject of all. There were 10 things, or maybe 8 – I'll type them all out and see just how many things there were – worth sharing.

1. Boyfriend and I began my three day weekend with Stuffed Zucchini Enchilada Boats and ice cream at Larry’s Homemade Ice Cream. I then enjoyed my second Friday off of the second AWS cycle. The schedule is not all it’s cracked up to be but I do enjoy my freedom Fridays, as I refer to them. I spent the entire morning cooking – a triple batch of granola and Fresh Corn Salad before heading out to the ‘burbs.
2. I met my youngest brother for a coffee date at The Bucks. We chatted this (music and running) and that (school and work), until the panic of his unpreparedness set in; he was Richmond-bound for his sophomore year of college the very next day.
   
3. Friday night I attended Sweet Neighbor’s housewarming party. There was so much food goodness, I tried to behave. There were also cocktails galore.
   
4. The Braves beat the Oakland Athletics’, who came to Atlanta with the best record in baseball in the first, second, and third game of their three-game series. After Sunday, when the Braves were finished sweeping the A’s, they – the A’s – no longer held that record. Hooray! (Note: This win streak would be much more impressive, if the Washington Nationals were not on a tear of their own.)
5. Mom and I went to the Farmers’ Market on Saturday. She bought white peaches and yellow tomatoes and other things. I would have bought the most beautiful zucchinis ever had I not left my wallet at home. I was treated me to Pain au Chocolat from Bread House, Inc., forever reminding me of A.L.R.L., who introduced me to such goodness at The Village Bakery & Café at the ripe old age of two. This also reminded me that the no longer little A.L.R.L. will celebrate her ninth birthday in three days. Oh my aging!
   
6. I managed to find time to cuddle up with Louis for a nap on Saturday. Pure joy!
7. I ran 18.2 miles on Sunday. That is the farthest I have ever run in my life. In.My.Life. I have eight weeks to add an additional eight miles to that number and I should be good to go in October. Except, major except, I felt like death the last mile and for about three hours afterwards. This marathoning is no joke.
8. There was lots of deck time over the weekend – morning coffee and stretching; phone calls (with the recently engaged J.L.W. and my now “famous” brother) throughout the day; and dinner on Saturday night.
9. Folks, the banana boat is back in business! My ever handy boyfriend built a rack for the current ride. And it held like a champion. We paddled from White Ford Regional Park to the Monocacy Aqueduct on the Cheasapeake & Ohio Canal and leisurely floated back down the river, cleaning up the Potomac River along the way. In route home, we stopped at Temple Hall Farm Regional Park to admire the sunflowers – gorgeous!
   
   
10. Two years ago Sunday, Boyfriend visited me for the first time after his motorcycling around Southern Africa. How did we celebrate the time? Five Guys, obviously.

So it was a pretty good weekend, filled with pretty good people and puppies. (And another engagement!) 

Looq Here: C.D.H. Visits and Another Weekend Captured

Are you sick of weekend recaps? I’m not. So on I will write. And as to whether you continue on reading is entirely up to you.

At this point in my life, The Blog is a place to talk about the weekends I live for as my job is oh so rough. Even yesterday, a day that was supposed be easy breezy, collapsed before my eyes. We had a Team Lunch scheduled to watch the United States/Germany World Cup game at one of my favorite Washington, D.C. establishments, Busboy’s and Poets.  But the following events supervened: First, our 90-minute Team Meeting ran over. Then Busboy’s and Poets released our table by the television, the only television, to another party. This required Busboy’s and Poets to set up a projector in the back, since our Team Captain specifically requested a table within view of The Game in the reservation. And, last, the projector did not work, so instead of relocating to a more spirited environment, we listened to the game… not actually watching any. I monitored the play-by-play on Twitter and angrily stewed.

This is why I don’t talk about The Dark Period, my nine to five. I already have to endure it. I find extending the day by venting to family, to friends, to the world unhealthy.

Last week, my brother drove up from Atlanta, GA to visit the family in Northern Virginia. And I’m not sure who was most excited to see him; my excitement level was pretty high! Though he arrived on Tuesday, I had to wait until Thursday night to see him. When that time came, I walked over to Nationals Park, where I was meeting both of my brothers for a Washington Nationals/Atlanta Braves game. C.D.H. is not a Braves superfan; it was pure coincidence the Braves were in town to battle the Nationals. I do, however, appreciate his taking the time to indulge me for a game. I teleworked on Friday, providing time for a Starbucks run with my brothers before heading out to the suburbs for the weekend. We made time for Melt on Friday because duh. And we might have over-consumed leaving us not as hungry for the Birthday Boy’s dinner at Fords Fish Shack. I still feel as though I managed to consume my fair share. Everything I put in my mouth was delicious, specifically the French fries. Afterwards I watched the second game in the Braves/Nationals series (on DVR), then hit the sack. 

On Saturday, C.D.H. and I met up with Boyfriend and some friends at the Northern Virginia Beer Fest. There was kettle korn, so this designated driver was delighted. And the rain held off. And Louis got to join us briefly before I was escorted out by police—no dogs allowed, dumb. Despite Boyfriend probably having contracted Lyme Disease, it was a wonderful time with wonderful people. I hear the beer was nice too!

My mom graciously gifted me a Looq, a selfie arm; oh the joy! 

My parents cooked an incredible dinner on Saturday night. We all sat around and ate merrily.

I mostly remember sitting around waiting for the 6:00 pm start of the US/Portugal World Cup match on Sunday. And I think we the people of the United States of America will forever remember how that game ended – a final play in the final seconds – in a deflating blow. (But hey, writing a week later pays off, we’re moving on to the Round of 16 – Belgium beware!) There was a run to the dog park with Louis, which my friends and I might have enjoyed even more than Louis—oh the spectating to be had!

Leaving home is always hard, especially so when it means saying goodbye a brother I’m not sure when I’ll see next.

Weekend Bliss

Conversation. Sugar cookies from Mom’s Apple Pie. A brief visit with Latte Woman and Sweet N.J.M. among others. A pre-race chirizo pasta meal. Sleep.

Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon. Food. An afternoon at the pool. Magazines. Time with the M family. Two loads of laundry. Shower. Televised Altanta Braves game. A steak, corn on the cob, and ceasar salad dinner. Dessert (also from Mom’s)--peach raspberry pie. And more, much needed sleep.

A shakeout run on The Woods road. A cinnamon roll breakfast, followed by hours of coffee on the deck. Another afternoon at the pool. More magazines. Reading. One more load of laundry. Grilled caprese salad, more commonly known as bruschetta to my people. A walk with Louis. (Toby was on the bench; he’s suffering from a case of arthritis, poor puppy dog.) Pork tacos with grilled Mexican ceasar salad. 

There is nothing better than a weekend at home.

Easter Weekend

My college friend was in town visiting for Easter, providing an excuse to live a less lethargic life. We started Friday night off with some District of Pi deep-dish pizza, then a birthday party. Those are still fun when you are old. They are even more fun when you are celebrating older friends.
After sleeping in, I hit the ground running Saturday. The rest of the weekend followed suit, aside from the two episodes of trash television I was pinned down for in the afternoon. There were pedicures to be had, gourmet sandwiches to consume, a commute out to my parents, dogs to be walked, more fuel—in the form of over-sized hamburgers at Melt, my absolute favorite stop for quick-ish, greasy food in Northern Virginia, and cinnamon roll dough to be started. I essentially rose and repeated the eat-exercise-eat-activity frenzy on Sunday.

This was Easter, according to my photographs. The table décor caught my eye—and camera’s attention.

So simple and pretty. So easy. So not trying too hard.

(I am (and feel) old. Very old. I am detailing table arrangements on The Blog.)

The arrangement channeled early spring, appropriately so, as spring is just now finally springing in the metropolis of Washington, D.C. Though it’s late April, pastels would have been too warm for this occasion; navy and burnt orange worked.

(I was not disappointed the color pallet was that of my dear ol’ Clemson Tigers either.)

There was a lot more to Easter (beyond the one photograph captured). And Easter Weekend in general. Those plates were later filled with the hard work of Mom and Pop—lamb, rice pilaf, lemon roasted potatoes, green beans, spinach salad, and Sister Schubert rolls. Sister Schubert rolls because we—friends and family—needed a third starch. And for dessert—my contribution, there was banana pudding. Before dinner, we brunch’d on strata, cinnamon rolls, and fruit salad. There was also tons of Easter candy to snack on throughout the day, of course.

This weekend I made the sad realization I fall into the ‘run to eat’ category and not the reverse despite grand attempts to live a consistently healthy life. I assured Mom we needed Sister Schubert rolls because duh. And I ignore the ingredient list—including two cups of butter and sugar—when I pound cinnamon rolls like a champion.

I did not start the week as rested as I might have liked, however, my heart (and stomach) were certainly happy.

January Goal: A Review

If you're new here, I posted my goals here. As someone whose strengths are achiever and discipline, I really like goals. Goals keep me focused, motivated, and constantly improving. My task at hand in January was to finish decorating and organizing the new apartment. I would say I was about 90% successful in accomplishing my goal. There is a tiny pile left for Boyfriend to go through. And we don't have our picture frames filled nor did we hang (or frame) our map of Lesotho. The result: lots of blank, white walls. These are failures I can live with. For the most part, the apartment has come along way. As have we in learning how to adjust to being two people sharing one life. Never has it taken so much to feel settled in a new place! This might be why this effort spanned nearly four months.

Anyway, I think we've settled into a nice, simple routine. In a nice, simple apartment. I'll let you be the judge.

This is only one of three featured storage closets in the apartment. These coupled with the balcony make this one of the best apartments I have rented to date. For some reason, photos of the front and bedroom closet and the balcony did not make the cut. Perhaps at a later date in time?  

On the negative, I did not indulge in a day of solitude nor have I really started learning the Arabic alphabet--my personal and spiritual goals for the year. I downloaded the study sheets though, so that counts for something, right? And I whizzed through three books on my way to finishing 30 for the year.

Up next: My goal for February is to follow a strict vegan diet. Due to an unusual amount of milk and eggs in our fridge left at the end of January, I decided it would be fiscally irresponsible for me to begin this goal on February 1. As soon as these items are consumed, I will begin tackling this goal. And hey! I got lucky as I was able to indulge in buffalo chicken dip, pulled pork, spinach artichoke dip, and more on Super Bowl Sunday.

Spent Words, Spent Grain

Boyfriend has this hobby I know nothing about; he homebrews. I should mention I've been very wary of his hobby prior to his actually deciding to start making beer in our home. When Boyfriend confirmed this was happening, I hoped upon hope it would occur at a friend's house. I would be wrong. It was within seconds of starting this project that "my" kitchen was a disaster. I hear the kitchen will "never be cleaner" than after my brewmaster finishes this session. And I'm forced to believe him.

I have too much pride with you to give you the full kitchen view. 

Because--for months--he has been telling me that I'll be able to make breads and cookies and dog biscuits with his leftover grains. I didn't realize just how many leftover grains he was referring to. I would have prepped myself with the most highly rated recipes on the World Wide Web. This is where Pinterest is good in a pinch; images sell. I pinned a couple enticing recipes and got to work. I've used four cups (on a decent batch of spent grain chocolate chip cookies and dog biscuits for my favorite basset hounds--Louis and Toby) and would estimate I have at least that much left to experiment with. Note: He is in the process of making one gallon of beer. As he reestablishes himself in this world, I'm going to be feeding all of Washington, D.C. with spent grain goodies. 

(He didn't lie about the grains. He's smarter than to joke around about kitchen cleanliness, I pray.) 

Let me backtrack: I should have been more suspicious of the decadent breakfast waiting for me when I rolled out of bed this morning. Had I known I wouldn't be allowed back in the kitchen today, I would have had two servings. My lunch consisted of snacks--dark chocolate covered espresso beans, crackers, leftover roasted vegetables, Sour Patch Kids, and I'll admit cookie or two--I could reach without distributing the crafter.

Is he a homebrewer, a brewmaster, or a crafter? I've yet to decide. 

Today being the day he decided to reinstate himself in this world (i.e., the day of his dreams), I'm slightly envious of the patience and skill and experience he has devoted to his trade. I'm inspired even. I had one goal for this weekend--finish The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith. Not all of us can be so ambitious. I'm still in my pajamas at 4:35 pm on this Saturday; he's been in the kitchen since 10:00 am. Oh and the beer he has spent over seven hours preparing will not be tasted for more than six weeks. 

This blog--my hobby?--is sorely lacking direction lately. It's sad, honestly. As a result, I'm fear my writing has gone downhill and have on more than one occasion considered wrapping up with the "final" chapter on Lesotho and shutting down Explore. Dream. Discover. forever. I think I would miss writing as I've enjoyed the journey. But these days capturing time feels more like a chore and I never want to get to a point with my writing where the words are forced. And I certainly don't want to bore my audience. Those are directions I'm headed. 

But again, it's with piqued interest and desire, I present my spent grain chocolate chip cookies. 

The photos my dog biscuits will come with the next batch of beer; I need to steal cookie cutters from my mom in the interim. The ones from this batch of spent grain are boring blobs of what I hope is puppy dog goodness. Here is to waiting forever to see if these cookies or an upcoming batch of pretzels pair well with the beer I will not taste. 

PS: For a fleeting moment, I thought about "challenging" myself to document about my kitchen escapades as I continue to be more adventurous. But hello every other blog on the internet. Even in my quick search this afternoon, I discovered blogs dedicated to cooking with spent grain--homebrew remnants--already exist. In my attempt to share my ventures with spent grain, I would be but another voice navigating a world I know less than nothing about. Sigh.

These are the Days

This weekend I had a moment when I paused, breathed deeply and realized how peaceful everything around me seemed. The apartment was clean. I had two hours to myself outside running and walking along the local trails while colorful leaves slowly fell from trees all around me. The temperature was perfect. A friend visited, allowing us to deepen our roots through time together. There were several hours of college football watched while our crock pot dinner prepared itself. When it was time, we dined--together, slowly. There was pumpkin cheesecake for a (late) dessert; Boyfriend kindly whipped one up at my request while I was out enjoying the outdoors. After watching Florida State demoralize Miami, we had had just enough football and put on a movie. (And finally got to taste dessert! There are apparently strict cooling rules when it comes to cheesecake.) So we all know that means I dozed off while the guys watched.

I think my actual "aha" moment was this morning during our prolonged coffee hour(s). There was pot after pot of French press coffee. And then, this afternoon Kansas City Chiefs (at Buffalo Bills) football--more rest and relaxation. I said goodbye to J.W.M., my friend, shortly after the Chiefs win and filled the rest of the evening organizing all the paperwork that has piled high during the moving madness. A little productivity to follow all the lethargy! There was another satisfying crock pot dinner--chili--to cap the weekend.

As far as scorecards go, this was a boring weekend. But something filled my heart with joy this weekend. Something tells me these are the days I'll remember.

Today I Tackled Showering

I was dreading Saturday with all my being. The stress (i.e., my biggest fault) being I don’t deal well with change. I like routine and stability and control and things of those likes. And I follow a pattern, be this pattern good or bad, of creating comfortable situations and habits. In high school, my parents uprooted our family – exchanging a quiet Midwestern upbringing for a bit of southern charm. This moved was hard to accept for a l-o-n-g time. I recovered, went to college, and proceeded (as most probably do) to move every year, twice during my freshman year. Those college moves were slightly easier – from a dorm to an on-campus apartment to an off-campus apartment to a house in the downtown. So though I stood grounded in South Carolina working my way through the rigors of college, my family remained in motion – switching their residence from Georgia to Michigan and eventually to Virginia; I was never certain as to where I might be spending my summers. Following college, I of course opted for a unique ‘next step’ – forming a home in Africa. That, like the high school move, was an adjustment, though this time one chosen by my own doing. In college, Peace Corps, and my young adult life, I never knew where to tell people I was from… Kansas? South Carolina? Or – being family oriented – where my family happened to be located during that particular moment?

So in all this, moving lost a lot of luster. And while if only me, this past move could be considered one of the smaller ones – one apartment in Washington, DC to another, it was compacted by the fact Boyfriend and I were moving in together. Moving two apartments into one and in doing so melding two lives into one; this qualifies as a big change. And while it’s super exciting, it’s also terrifying. 

For this move, I enlisted my parents’ help. This ended up being a wise decision as the four of us worked from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm without stopping, moving belongings from my parents’ home in Northern Virginia and Boyfriend and my apartments into our new space. For 10 hours we piled heavy boxes and bulky furniture from in our new home. After bidding my parents a thankful farewell, Boyfriend and I returned our borrowed UHAUL from which we had unloaded three full loads throughout the day. Then, exhausted – to the point Boyfriend was called out for being so (at the Uhaul drop off) – we headed to Rice Paper, our favorite restaurant, for a celebratory dinner. And not quite ready for what awaited us, I convinced Boyfriend to go for a post-dinner bubble tea. With the sole goal of getting the bed set up, we paved our way through boxes and built a bed-assembly workspace. Boyfriend constructed while I busied myself elsewhere – out of his way. And that was only Saturday. 

The Red Panda on the UHAUL truck made his day. 

I drove out to my parents early the next morning. Rain fell the entire hour cruise as I relished in my silent, clean car. Boyfriend was left to himself with a million unpacked boxes. After the baby shower, I went to “collect forgotten items” (i.e., hang out with Old Roommate). Upon returning home, I was in a less than good mood. Because nothing says happiness like a disheveled home. While away, I had been to my parents’ cozy, puppy-filled home, my parents’ neighbors decorated, candle-lit home, and my old apartment – restocked with the replacement roommate’s belongings – in the early staging of creating her life there. I loved that little apartment – the oversized windows and the balcony over looking the park; it’s been my favorite home to date. I shall not discount Boyfriend’s effort – our place was becoming more livable; I was pleasantly surprised that was possible for when I left, it was as though we just had too much stuff to make this place work. 

(I admit I was disgusted by the amount of “cherish-ables” I’ve accumulated. I can’t blame this on Boyfriend; my junk is doing the cramming.) 

I forced my sour attitude into action, hoping to give my deserving man some relief.

There was some fun amidst all the work - homemade pumpkin seeds.

Monday was a holiday for me, the irony being that I’ve essentially been on holiday since returning from Lesotho; I do not thank you Government Shutdown 2013 – I am about to lose my mind. I celebrated Columbus in style because I feel it’s what Columbus would have wanted. I kid. I occupied my time organizing and unpacking the bathroom, then preceded to make grand progress in the bedroom. I also grocery shopped and prepared a meal we both love – pizza on my new pizza stone(!!!). And if you don’t have a pizza stone and enjoy pizza as much as we do, go ahead and make that purchase. It makes all the difference. It took 45 minutes for the oven to reach 500 degrees but the pizza a.m.a.z.i.n.g. Boyfriend doesn’t see beet, goat cheese, red onion, and spinach pizza as a complete meal so I whipped up a tortellini pasta salad, recipe courtesy of the Barefoot Contessa, to accompany the dish. After working all day for a company that clearly has zero respect for Columbus, Boyfriend further slaved away trying to get cable up and running. To no avail, though we are able to hardwire Internet. So not all was failed.

And today I tackled showering. There is something about showering that makes everything real. I can’t shower in a new place until I’m in the beginning stages of sure. Tuesday, being four days in – ready or not – it was time. The shower did not sell me on this place. No, not even one bit. But Boyfriend claims, it’s gets better with time – he’s taken at least six showers, including two on move-in day. I’ll hold on to the hope he’s given me. So there you have it, 1000 words on my accomplishment – showering. 

Homeward Bound

I went home this weekend. It would have been really nice to see some of my (parent's) neighbors. And even though it was part of my plan, that did not happen. I pretty much gave up on the idea Friday afternoon when I mapped out my mission. A mission that could only happen in the suburbs. A mission in need of accomplishing before returning to the office on Monday.

The mission:

1. I had to finish Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. City life is fabulous, more than. However, it comes with many non-reading late nights and several more distractions. I needed the comfy couch, a fire place, and a calm, quiet house to bulldoze through the final parts of this bizarre novel. Finished.  
2. In an effort to save money, I wanted frozen berries and olive oil from Costco. Purchased.
3. I needed to venture to Target to buy cheap-o curtains and sheets. I needed to convince my mom to tag along as a voice of reason. Bought. She silenced my indecision and ensured I came home with something. And two days in, I am quite happy. For the past four plus months, I have been sleeping on flannel... and my roommates--they are great, but they like the heat on 80 degrees. So even when the temperature drops to 19 degrees (outdoors), with my curtains, blinds, and window open, I am the saturated in sweat variety of H-O-T. 
4. Finalize the homemade steal-each-and-every-yummy-recipe-from-Ma-and-Pa cookbook I received as a birthday present, oh something like six months ago. I also need to print out some good looking my style recipes while at home... because I am pretty sure that is not the main purpose of the company. I have been cooking all sorts of delicious vegan meals. You (audience) would be proud, of the cooking part that is. Task completed.
5. Avoid cooking. And eat mega delicious home cooked meals. Sated. There is nothing quite like packing on five pounds in a weekend.
6. Spend quality time with my youngest brother, C.A.H... who is 17 and awesome and hard working and inspiring and talented. And is going to be leaving me very soon for college. Check. He took me on a date! There was two hours of focused one-on-one time, filled with fluent conversation (and not a cell phone ring). How sweet is that?
7. And sleep. I needed sleep. LOTS. My crabbiness has been getting the best of me lately. Rested.

So really, I am just rambling here. That pretty much sums up my weekend. I apologize that I cannot make it any more interesting than this, but some weekends are just like that. A whole lot of nothing with the people you love.

Remembering December, Week 4

December 22 -

• I did not get out of bed until 1:00 pm. I justified my laziness with the face I was nursing a cold. 

 December 23 -

• I baked seven dozen cookies.
• I watched a lot of football. 
• I patiently waited as my brother, C.D.H., made his way from his Atlanta home to the family home in Northern Virginia. 

 December 24 -

• I worked from home and had a Yankee Candle Holiday Trio candle burning all day. If you have to work on Christmas Eve, you find joy in simple things.
• Snowflakes fell most of the afternoon. No real accumulation, but it was pretty as it fell.

• Does it make everyone as sad and/or disappointed to witness all the garbage--kites, balloons, plastic bags--in the winter trees as it does me? This fleeting thought crossed my mind as I walked around with neighborhood with my parent's "puppies," Louis and Toby.

• We had our traditional fondue dinner, which was quiet this year with just our family of five. 

• The yearly unveiling of Christmas pajamas was done before 9:00 pm, leaving me with plenty of time to wrap my head in a new book--Bunch of Amateurs by Jack Hitt--before bedtime.

Christmas Day -

• The snow stuck around throughout the evening, making for my first white Christmas in a long time.
• After a 'better-than-Thanksgiving' dinner of broccoli, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, a hand-plated citrus, fried goat cheese, and pomegranate salad, rolls... and some sort of roasted meat for those so inclined, the poppers were popped to reveal cheesy jokes, crowns, and a prize.   

December 26 -

• I worked, again. Cruel world. 
• It snowed again. Awesome world.
• Our family of five ventured to Georgetown, D.C. in the snow/wintery mix/rain for at Mexican tapas at Mike Isabella's Bandolero. For those of you who, like me, do not idolize chefs and therefore have never heard the name Mike Isabella, he is a former Top Chef contestant. He might of won. Or maybe he just cooked a lot of food and was critiqued. Maybe he had this heavenly restaurant before. And maybe he did not. Bottom line: stop in at Bandolero for drinks, appetizers, dinner, and/or dessert--you will not regret it.  
• After this blue haired dinner, we went to the Kennedy Center for a showing of Million Dollar Quartet. The tickets were a surprise for the master musician in the family, but the show was enjoyed by all. 

December 27 -

• After getting home late the previous night, and with that full holiday weekend of family bonding time before me, waking up at 4:00 am, driving an hour to Baltimore, and hopping on a 6:00 am flight to Orlando, FL was really fun. Like so much fun. 
• I made it to Orlando amongst a trillion overly-excited Walt Disney World bound children, waited an hour for Bridesmaid No. 3, rented a car, and drove an hour to Howey-in-the-Hills, FL for the Royal Wedding... where my life was planned for the next 36 hours. 
• So the first 12 hours was lunch, followed by professional finger and toe nail painting, a hair washing session, a group bus ride to The Catholic Community of St. Paul church were the rehearsing (and later wedding) took place, dinner at the Angler's Club in The Villages, and a bus ride back to Mission Inn Resort where the out of town guest were welcomed with an official party. Then I found some time, albeit only a few hours, before...

December 28 -

• I got to wake-up for ROYAL WEDDING DAY(!!!). After I clothed myself, viola! my personal escort was outside my door, waiting to drive me to the S family ranch in Leesburg, FL.
• From morning to early afternoon, a make-up artist and two hair stylists transformed regular girls into glamour queens. I was unidentifiable. The things I endure for my favoritist friends. 

• There was brunch. And snacks. Do you know what a challenge eating becomes when your hair is being ripped out of your head by curlers and you face is layered in plaster?

• Picture Time. I sold this to myself as enjoying Florida sunshine time. 
• Once we were officially documented as the bridal party, we jumped onto the party bus and headed church for the exchanging of vows. 
• And, of course, the best part of every wedding is celebrating the happy couple... and we did that in grand style with dinner, cake, an open bar, and a live band. Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. M!

The week was another full one. And here I am on January 13, 2013 catching up on all that is and was. The deeper message from this week is I appreciate my life. I have a job I am thriving in. I had time surrounded with my immediate family. There were Christmas and wedding festivities. And time with a precious friend of nearly eight years before she said, "I do." And even though Florida is my least favorite state, there was travel during this week and the ability to escape the ruts of my daily life.