My last day of work before heading to Indiana a woman came into my shop and we chatted about tea and delicious things. Then she told me about a project she was doing where she took a portrait of a person a day and would I mind. What's really cool is that she took a picture of Mike as well in the summer. When I told her she was completely thrilled - we're the closest connected folks she's photo'd.
The blog is gorgeous and a great collection of images. Check me out - #327 - and Mike - #146 - (his hair blowing in the wind) as well as the blog itself http://www.limagequotidienne.blogspot.com/ I think it's a neat idea, especially since she's doing it to meet new people in a new place (I've heard that before!)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Turkey turkey
Thanksgiving still tops my list of holidays, probably because it's when the Qualls family gathers at my house and makes merry for days on end. Was talking with Uncle Jim and Kenny this year and it seems like the tradition has been going on for almost 10 years now. Wow. The cousins are certainly bigger, though the noise level is about the same :)
Things I have learned from my whirlwind trip to Indiana are as follows:
1. When taking a red-eye on the Monday of Thanksgiving week make sure there are no teams on the flight. Even though there were children galore, they made no noise. The teenage girls behind me talking in graphic detail about their pseudo sex lives and general gossip, however, did. At length. And since the plane sat at the gate longer than usual I got to hear all of it since there were no engines on. Glorious.
2. Swimming is fantastic. As it playing badminton with my brother Michael's 3 times a week crew, though still lost. I am much better at badminton and swimming than Guitar Hero or Rock Band. Much, much better.
3. My cousin Aqdas and I have impeccable, frugal fashion sense. We both were wearing the same shirt when she arrived on Wednesday though in different colors. Old Navy does have its uses.
4. White dog when like black = lots of hairs to clean off furniture, clothes, etc. Cassie has learned this lesson with a vengeance.
5. Dinner will never actually be ready to serve at 1 p.m. Carving 2 turkeys makes the 2nd one go faster because Uncle Bill and I have gotten our rhythm back. Carrot souffle is always delicious.
6. Playing Apples to Apples with Yuki's sister was tons of fun and aided by her little pocket translator. Clever.
7. Waking up before 5 a.m. to catch a flight isn't fun, but isn't too hard when you only have to do it once. The Indy airport is incredibly long, though the lines at 6:30 are nonexistent. I'm glad too that I never had to be at coffee shop at 3 a.m. at an airport for work.
I'm sure there's more but I must get ready for work. Getting off a plane and then going to work yesterday was interesting, though I was beyond hungry by the end. Yay for going out to eat with Mike at a Peruvian place we'd never tried; the ceviche was amazing. And a change from holiday festive food. But it was a wonderful holiday - I hope you all had a great time as well!
Things I have learned from my whirlwind trip to Indiana are as follows:
1. When taking a red-eye on the Monday of Thanksgiving week make sure there are no teams on the flight. Even though there were children galore, they made no noise. The teenage girls behind me talking in graphic detail about their pseudo sex lives and general gossip, however, did. At length. And since the plane sat at the gate longer than usual I got to hear all of it since there were no engines on. Glorious.
2. Swimming is fantastic. As it playing badminton with my brother Michael's 3 times a week crew, though still lost. I am much better at badminton and swimming than Guitar Hero or Rock Band. Much, much better.
3. My cousin Aqdas and I have impeccable, frugal fashion sense. We both were wearing the same shirt when she arrived on Wednesday though in different colors. Old Navy does have its uses.
4. White dog when like black = lots of hairs to clean off furniture, clothes, etc. Cassie has learned this lesson with a vengeance.
5. Dinner will never actually be ready to serve at 1 p.m. Carving 2 turkeys makes the 2nd one go faster because Uncle Bill and I have gotten our rhythm back. Carrot souffle is always delicious.
6. Playing Apples to Apples with Yuki's sister was tons of fun and aided by her little pocket translator. Clever.
7. Waking up before 5 a.m. to catch a flight isn't fun, but isn't too hard when you only have to do it once. The Indy airport is incredibly long, though the lines at 6:30 are nonexistent. I'm glad too that I never had to be at coffee shop at 3 a.m. at an airport for work.
I'm sure there's more but I must get ready for work. Getting off a plane and then going to work yesterday was interesting, though I was beyond hungry by the end. Yay for going out to eat with Mike at a Peruvian place we'd never tried; the ceviche was amazing. And a change from holiday festive food. But it was a wonderful holiday - I hope you all had a great time as well!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Just a travelin' lady - US style
With the new job I've found a whole new world that doesn't begin at 4:15 a.m. It's exciting times, though I've been perhaps spending too much money going out to eat and drink in the evenings. What can you do? There are so many delicious places here... but this is not another San Francisco food blog. Not yet anyway.
The end of October had me and Mike heading to Baltimore to visit his parents; they moved in May to Ellicot City and now live in what used to be a huge textile mill (since converted into apartments). It was gorgeous, right on the river with a train track near by and woods. We walked one morning into the little town, just a mile or so along the river on a slightly muddy path. Lots of antiques, little shops that you wonder how they stay open (answer: tourists).
Crab is the food of, well, always in the Baltimore area. First restaurant we went to was a great place right on the water. A crab stuffed pretzel covered with cheese made for delicious - the fact that you could get anything stuffed with crab on the menu was eye-opening. As were the crab cakes. One afternoon met my friend Robin from Earlham down at Fell's Point and explored a gentrifying neighborhood. There was a chess store - with tables for playing - as well as incredible gelato. Sunday we explored the Baltimore Art Museum and saw excellent Matisse print exhibition. The museum was also part of the Antioch mosaic excavation so saw floors from where we'd been in Turkey in '08. It was like seeing old friends unexpectedly. A copy of Rodin's The Thinker completed the glass-walled courtyard.
And then Maggie was there in a flurry of excitement having driven up from D.C. We got snacks and chatted, then drove to have dinner with Mike's folks and chat the evening away. A lovely time overall even if transnational flights seem to never end.
This past Sunday, traveling on the brain, I took off for Tahoe to see Alojzya for the first time. Driving up mountains in the dark late at night perhaps wasn't the most convenient way of doing things, but it was what needed to be done. Tahoe was incredible with its lake, the mountains, the pine forests, the coyotes singing at night... even if high altitudes make me sleepy and everything just a little bit more exhausting. Will post pictures soon!
The end of October had me and Mike heading to Baltimore to visit his parents; they moved in May to Ellicot City and now live in what used to be a huge textile mill (since converted into apartments). It was gorgeous, right on the river with a train track near by and woods. We walked one morning into the little town, just a mile or so along the river on a slightly muddy path. Lots of antiques, little shops that you wonder how they stay open (answer: tourists).
Crab is the food of, well, always in the Baltimore area. First restaurant we went to was a great place right on the water. A crab stuffed pretzel covered with cheese made for delicious - the fact that you could get anything stuffed with crab on the menu was eye-opening. As were the crab cakes. One afternoon met my friend Robin from Earlham down at Fell's Point and explored a gentrifying neighborhood. There was a chess store - with tables for playing - as well as incredible gelato. Sunday we explored the Baltimore Art Museum and saw excellent Matisse print exhibition. The museum was also part of the Antioch mosaic excavation so saw floors from where we'd been in Turkey in '08. It was like seeing old friends unexpectedly. A copy of Rodin's The Thinker completed the glass-walled courtyard.
And then Maggie was there in a flurry of excitement having driven up from D.C. We got snacks and chatted, then drove to have dinner with Mike's folks and chat the evening away. A lovely time overall even if transnational flights seem to never end.
This past Sunday, traveling on the brain, I took off for Tahoe to see Alojzya for the first time. Driving up mountains in the dark late at night perhaps wasn't the most convenient way of doing things, but it was what needed to be done. Tahoe was incredible with its lake, the mountains, the pine forests, the coyotes singing at night... even if high altitudes make me sleepy and everything just a little bit more exhausting. Will post pictures soon!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
you sunk my... battleship?
Looking at my spam hoping that a job offer went in there by mistake, I'm amazed at how many, cough cough, euphemisms there are for, let's call them, virility drugs. And why everyone seems to assume that I'm in need of either greater length, girth, or staying power. Add to that all the messages in languages I don't speak and you have an amazing amount of... spam.
Been exploring some more; old friend Mart was in town so good excuse for Nopalito, one of my favorite Mexican places. Meditating on how sometimes you don't know why you're in part of your journey until later... and hoping that my patience and perseverance will see me through. Here's to good thoughts. And reading in the park!
Been exploring some more; old friend Mart was in town so good excuse for Nopalito, one of my favorite Mexican places. Meditating on how sometimes you don't know why you're in part of your journey until later... and hoping that my patience and perseverance will see me through. Here's to good thoughts. And reading in the park!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
C is for cookie
Job hunting is never easy, but I've landed another part time gig (to start) working at Paulette, a small place 5 minutes from my house that sells French macarons (delicious cookies). The owner is a Parisian woman who I talked to months ago about English classes. That's still a possibility, but as we talked more about food and my work in coffee and the neighborhood she asked if I'd be interested for working with her at the shop. Yum, yes! I start tomorrow officially and am totally pumped. Even if I will be working double shifts the next 2 days - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. with an hour off in between. Woo!
The summer mural class I was co-teaching was a rousing success as well; we finished it yesterday even though our dedicated mass of students had dwindled. I'll try to get a photo up sometime soon; need to go and take one once we've finished the edges. And they've figured out where to hang it.
So times, they are a changin' for the better. I can't wait to speak French and English during a shift and work in a totally different service environment to see what that's like. I also interviewed with an international relocation company yesterday and will be put into their tutor network for working with their clients, it sounds much like what I was doing in Beograd. Good stuff...
The summer mural class I was co-teaching was a rousing success as well; we finished it yesterday even though our dedicated mass of students had dwindled. I'll try to get a photo up sometime soon; need to go and take one once we've finished the edges. And they've figured out where to hang it.
So times, they are a changin' for the better. I can't wait to speak French and English during a shift and work in a totally different service environment to see what that's like. I also interviewed with an international relocation company yesterday and will be put into their tutor network for working with their clients, it sounds much like what I was doing in Beograd. Good stuff...
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Summertime... not so easy
Yes. I have been slacking on this here blog front.
Now that's out in the open - my birthday was grand. Chocolate fondue fountain is always a success. Also champagne. And good company. I was pleased by the whole event, especially one of my favorite customers who, finding out it was my birthday, went and got me flowers that she brought back a few moments later. I love that woman. They were gorgeous too...
Mike and I trekked to Seattle for a not so relaxing vacation involving his friend Genna getting married (which was a grand occasion and one of the quickest ceremonies I have ever been to in my life. Under ten minutes I think). It was fabulous to meet his friends from Boise and explore a new city that actually does experience summer. We rode a ferry and resolved to do more riding in boats; it's always a good time.
Fourth of July brought hordes to our home for 6 racks of ribs plus tons of other dead animal parts on the grill (with fixin's); a diverse mix made our stoop into a block party as all the roommates had friends (and their friends) show up. We discovered that people don't do much on sidewalks here so we got some funny looks. But the foldup couch/futon is a great seating arrangement next to the little tree out front. And watching fireworks through fog is kind of like being on the ground during the blitz. There's haze of colored lights, not the details. Especially as they explode in the fog so you get half firework, half fuzzy light.
Sarah's ribs were off the hook. BBQ sauce was a revelation - it simmered for seemingly hours on the stove. Have I mentioned that I love my roommates?
The job search is revived again. Will keep you posted. Promise.
In other recent news, got a visit from uncle Jim and aunt Chuck, cousins Henry & Joe. We walked around a large part of San Francisco. Ate sourdough, got fortune cookies from a bakery/factory... and walked some more. I loved it!
Now that's out in the open - my birthday was grand. Chocolate fondue fountain is always a success. Also champagne. And good company. I was pleased by the whole event, especially one of my favorite customers who, finding out it was my birthday, went and got me flowers that she brought back a few moments later. I love that woman. They were gorgeous too...
Mike and I trekked to Seattle for a not so relaxing vacation involving his friend Genna getting married (which was a grand occasion and one of the quickest ceremonies I have ever been to in my life. Under ten minutes I think). It was fabulous to meet his friends from Boise and explore a new city that actually does experience summer. We rode a ferry and resolved to do more riding in boats; it's always a good time.
Fourth of July brought hordes to our home for 6 racks of ribs plus tons of other dead animal parts on the grill (with fixin's); a diverse mix made our stoop into a block party as all the roommates had friends (and their friends) show up. We discovered that people don't do much on sidewalks here so we got some funny looks. But the foldup couch/futon is a great seating arrangement next to the little tree out front. And watching fireworks through fog is kind of like being on the ground during the blitz. There's haze of colored lights, not the details. Especially as they explode in the fog so you get half firework, half fuzzy light.
Sarah's ribs were off the hook. BBQ sauce was a revelation - it simmered for seemingly hours on the stove. Have I mentioned that I love my roommates?
The job search is revived again. Will keep you posted. Promise.
In other recent news, got a visit from uncle Jim and aunt Chuck, cousins Henry & Joe. We walked around a large part of San Francisco. Ate sourdough, got fortune cookies from a bakery/factory... and walked some more. I loved it!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Lamb and opera. and baseball.
Word to the wise - summer and San Francisco is not a time of warmth and sun. It's a time of deception, the cold and wet week, the questioning of why I still own tank tops.
(To answer the last question, it's because there are sometimes periods of warmth midday where basking in the sun is a great idea. They're over by 6 p.m. though.)
Friday night was spent at Opera in the Park, a live simulcast of Tosca from the San Francisco Opera house on a giant screen at, coincidentally, Giant's stadium. I mean, AT&T Park. Mike and I met a couple of friends there and we found seats on the field itself. Ballpark grass is incredible plush stuff. And very green. Sitting in left field we had decent neighbors, luckily the women in front of us left at the first intermission so we could stretch our legs out. They couldn't deal with the music apparently.
There was something wonderful about a clear night, bright moon, breeze off the water and a stadium packed with people all watching an opera while having snacks and drinking whatever they smuggled in illegally or bought at an overpriced concession stand. Popcorn and tragedy go surprisingly well together. Also great was when Tosca stabbed the evil police chief (who you understand is evil because he comes in wearing black and is a baritone) people cheered and clapped, then someone yelled "You go Tosca!"
Not your average opera-going crowd.
My bike went flat on the ride over, so Sarah (who joined us for the third act and we smuggled her onto the field) and I wandered towards Market street to get out of the crowd that thinned with every block and caught buses towards home and her friend's place. Just a fun evening, looking forward to the next one in September.
And then, last night, a revelation in lamb. Delicious. Sarah got some pieces that were too small to serve at her restaurant, but perfect size for us. Leaving the artist to her work, a plate of quinoa with lemon juice and herbs, lamb porterhouse, and delicious greens with a balsamic & dried cherry pan reduction appeared before my exhausted eyes. Incredible.
Also Sunday brought me to the Alameda antique market right at its end. Jaylan and I had some issues since the website gave a location that wasn't correct, so lots of driving around the deserted naval base in a zippy champagne colored mini cooper. So hip. We found interesting things to look at, but nothing to bring home except some odd painted postcards for her, a Moroccan tea table for Sarah. Shala found the best: a gorgeous stained glass lampshade that apparently is worth more than the seller knew. It was about the size of her trunk, luckily she has high ceilings and the space for it in her new pad.
Next adventures for the Grove household include making yogurt, more meat experiments, and my figuring out what I'll be doing for my birthday in two weeks. Huzzah!
(To answer the last question, it's because there are sometimes periods of warmth midday where basking in the sun is a great idea. They're over by 6 p.m. though.)
Friday night was spent at Opera in the Park, a live simulcast of Tosca from the San Francisco Opera house on a giant screen at, coincidentally, Giant's stadium. I mean, AT&T Park. Mike and I met a couple of friends there and we found seats on the field itself. Ballpark grass is incredible plush stuff. And very green. Sitting in left field we had decent neighbors, luckily the women in front of us left at the first intermission so we could stretch our legs out. They couldn't deal with the music apparently.
There was something wonderful about a clear night, bright moon, breeze off the water and a stadium packed with people all watching an opera while having snacks and drinking whatever they smuggled in illegally or bought at an overpriced concession stand. Popcorn and tragedy go surprisingly well together. Also great was when Tosca stabbed the evil police chief (who you understand is evil because he comes in wearing black and is a baritone) people cheered and clapped, then someone yelled "You go Tosca!"
Not your average opera-going crowd.
My bike went flat on the ride over, so Sarah (who joined us for the third act and we smuggled her onto the field) and I wandered towards Market street to get out of the crowd that thinned with every block and caught buses towards home and her friend's place. Just a fun evening, looking forward to the next one in September.
And then, last night, a revelation in lamb. Delicious. Sarah got some pieces that were too small to serve at her restaurant, but perfect size for us. Leaving the artist to her work, a plate of quinoa with lemon juice and herbs, lamb porterhouse, and delicious greens with a balsamic & dried cherry pan reduction appeared before my exhausted eyes. Incredible.
Also Sunday brought me to the Alameda antique market right at its end. Jaylan and I had some issues since the website gave a location that wasn't correct, so lots of driving around the deserted naval base in a zippy champagne colored mini cooper. So hip. We found interesting things to look at, but nothing to bring home except some odd painted postcards for her, a Moroccan tea table for Sarah. Shala found the best: a gorgeous stained glass lampshade that apparently is worth more than the seller knew. It was about the size of her trunk, luckily she has high ceilings and the space for it in her new pad.
Next adventures for the Grove household include making yogurt, more meat experiments, and my figuring out what I'll be doing for my birthday in two weeks. Huzzah!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Yay!
Right quick since I have to get up early in the morn...
Mike got into grad school at SFSU (known as "state" if you're in the know around these parts). It's incredibly exciting and he'll start in the fall, so that's just a bunch of good.
I've been working crazy hours as I get more tutoring, travel to Indiana and all the while attempt, well, a semblance of sanity.
Meanwhile yesterday it was 90, today barely mid 60s, misty and lots of wind. Yet more joys of the bay.
Mike got into grad school at SFSU (known as "state" if you're in the know around these parts). It's incredibly exciting and he'll start in the fall, so that's just a bunch of good.
I've been working crazy hours as I get more tutoring, travel to Indiana and all the while attempt, well, a semblance of sanity.
Meanwhile yesterday it was 90, today barely mid 60s, misty and lots of wind. Yet more joys of the bay.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tolerance
It's a virtue. Like patience, right? One of those things that I've been working on my whole life.
And yet I've discovered that working with the public five days a week is strangely changing my personality. My capacity for fools is probably about the same, but I can be at least surface-level polite for a longer period of time with those I face across the counter. So that's a plus.
However, now when I have time off I don't want to deal with idiots. At all. And thus my social tolerance has dwindled; I can't stand people who puff themselves up on the first meeting much like a bird in a nature episode. I see your plumage. And your disdain that I work in a coffeeshop instead of a dot com, a non-profit, anything else a trendy liberal arts graduate should be doing in this oh-so-trendy city.
Perhaps it's the cliche that rubs them the wrong way.
I take insult perhaps too quickly, am too harsh in my judgments when we start hanging out. But then again, if who you really are doesn't impress people, why bother trying to change? Sorry, I know the answer to that question - I think I'm suffering from a venue issue. That those who travel seem to do it on trust funds and look at me oddly when I talk about struggling through moving to the US in a period of crisis.
Will just keep keeping on. And hopefully get more phone calls at the right time so I can duck socializing that isn't actually an obligation. Perhaps I need to hide in the woods...
And yet I've discovered that working with the public five days a week is strangely changing my personality. My capacity for fools is probably about the same, but I can be at least surface-level polite for a longer period of time with those I face across the counter. So that's a plus.
However, now when I have time off I don't want to deal with idiots. At all. And thus my social tolerance has dwindled; I can't stand people who puff themselves up on the first meeting much like a bird in a nature episode. I see your plumage. And your disdain that I work in a coffeeshop instead of a dot com, a non-profit, anything else a trendy liberal arts graduate should be doing in this oh-so-trendy city.
Perhaps it's the cliche that rubs them the wrong way.
I take insult perhaps too quickly, am too harsh in my judgments when we start hanging out. But then again, if who you really are doesn't impress people, why bother trying to change? Sorry, I know the answer to that question - I think I'm suffering from a venue issue. That those who travel seem to do it on trust funds and look at me oddly when I talk about struggling through moving to the US in a period of crisis.
Will just keep keeping on. And hopefully get more phone calls at the right time so I can duck socializing that isn't actually an obligation. Perhaps I need to hide in the woods...
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday musings
I'm thrilled because I've procured a ticket home to Indiana for a bit over a week in April (huzzah frequent flyer miles coming in handy for once) AND filed my taxes in the same evening. A burst of productivity to counterbalance the general feeling of blah that working early Sunday morning often brings on (along with naps... those are generally good though).
My sister Cassie just left from spending her spring break here - it was a grand old time, lots and lots of walking around the city (unsurprising I know) and she got to meet some of my friends, eat delicious food, and get a little tan. What more do you need? We spent Friday wandering Berkeley, meeting up with Sally before taking naps on the campus lawn in the sun. Spring must be here.
Yesterday after running to the airport I came out of the BART to find a bunch of police facing off with anti-war protesters - heavy. And disturbing way to come home. Luckily there was an incredible dinner at Cortez to look forward to in the evening; the chef is a regular at Peet's and it was a lovely, delicious time with lots of small plates and bubbles to go with. Who knew that jasmine ice cream 1) was a good idea and 2) went so well with mint-chocolate lava cake? I do now! It was also grand to spend time with all housemates as well as the lovely Maren as we nibbled our way through seemingly countless dishes. I'll be going back for sure.
Things just got to keep getting better. Right?
My sister Cassie just left from spending her spring break here - it was a grand old time, lots and lots of walking around the city (unsurprising I know) and she got to meet some of my friends, eat delicious food, and get a little tan. What more do you need? We spent Friday wandering Berkeley, meeting up with Sally before taking naps on the campus lawn in the sun. Spring must be here.
Yesterday after running to the airport I came out of the BART to find a bunch of police facing off with anti-war protesters - heavy. And disturbing way to come home. Luckily there was an incredible dinner at Cortez to look forward to in the evening; the chef is a regular at Peet's and it was a lovely, delicious time with lots of small plates and bubbles to go with. Who knew that jasmine ice cream 1) was a good idea and 2) went so well with mint-chocolate lava cake? I do now! It was also grand to spend time with all housemates as well as the lovely Maren as we nibbled our way through seemingly countless dishes. I'll be going back for sure.
Things just got to keep getting better. Right?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
March??!??!
How does time go so quickly? It all blurs together when you wake up repeatedly at early o'clock I suppose...
There's not been too much to report though, shameful at that sounds. Enjoying the library and reading through the Termeraire books since there are 2 new ones since I first read them (Sarah and Mike are also devouring them). Dragons with moral dilemmas. Excellent.
Tutoring is proving to be an adventure as I remember how recessive genes work and how to simplify equations - I have decided that I can do anything a high school freshman do, though I need to review at times. It shocks me that students often don't have textbooks but only can use them in class - makes looking things up difficult. Coffee has given me health insurance (woo!); I'm looking to get new glasses soon too...
Lots of minutiae. But decent, especially since Mike and I did a 20 mile bike ride yesterday along the water - gorgeous though lots of wind. My legs were protesting this morning about going up hills again. But it felt so darn good.
And now Cassie is coming for a week! I'll post adventures soon!
There's not been too much to report though, shameful at that sounds. Enjoying the library and reading through the Termeraire books since there are 2 new ones since I first read them (Sarah and Mike are also devouring them). Dragons with moral dilemmas. Excellent.
Tutoring is proving to be an adventure as I remember how recessive genes work and how to simplify equations - I have decided that I can do anything a high school freshman do, though I need to review at times. It shocks me that students often don't have textbooks but only can use them in class - makes looking things up difficult. Coffee has given me health insurance (woo!); I'm looking to get new glasses soon too...
Lots of minutiae. But decent, especially since Mike and I did a 20 mile bike ride yesterday along the water - gorgeous though lots of wind. My legs were protesting this morning about going up hills again. But it felt so darn good.
And now Cassie is coming for a week! I'll post adventures soon!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Internet! Roommate! Chicken Feet!
Ummm, we moved. You knew that, right? Basically successfully though there are still boxes lingering. Need to figure out more heating a place where the heater is in a silly place, doesn't move air, and the power surges if you use space heaters. Though we now have a key to get into the fuse box, that's yet another thrill.
Also exciting was that we finally found a roommate - Nic (for Nicole) is hilarious, lived in London and loves tea, bakes yummy things and works at a design firm with an incredible job title I can't remember off the top of my head. We like her; she came over to meet the landlady and everyone ended up hanging out, eating nachos and telling stories. Definitely a good start.
Barb told me to post this last bit - we've been experimenting with soups and slow cooked food since Mike got a crock pot. At the market yesterday found free-range organic stew chickens for $5, thought we'd make stock. Picked one up and some other yummy things, went to look at incredible Asian art, and then came home. Mike took a nap and I started onions, opened the plastic bag with the chicken (can you feel the tension build?) so I could chop it up for the stew pot.
And there, naked and floppy, were chicken feet! YIKES! I just couldn't deal with their paleness, so I closed up the bag, put it in the fridge and made a cup of tea. Mike had no interest in dealing with it so I sent Sarah a text saying we'd, ummm, need her help majorly. When she came home, tired and worn from work, she laughed at us and then proceeded to pull out the bird only to discover it still had its head attached too! It was a mini horror movie as she deconstructed the bird, and now we have stock.
I did read a lot in the River Cottage Meat Book and learned why buying industrial chicken is pretty gross. As well as how to make stock, his take on pot-au-feu, and some delicious sounding lamb dishes.... Good things to do as the rain begins to actually fall (finally). And it keeps us warm, yes? Huzzah for gas stoves!
Also exciting was that we finally found a roommate - Nic (for Nicole) is hilarious, lived in London and loves tea, bakes yummy things and works at a design firm with an incredible job title I can't remember off the top of my head. We like her; she came over to meet the landlady and everyone ended up hanging out, eating nachos and telling stories. Definitely a good start.
Barb told me to post this last bit - we've been experimenting with soups and slow cooked food since Mike got a crock pot. At the market yesterday found free-range organic stew chickens for $5, thought we'd make stock. Picked one up and some other yummy things, went to look at incredible Asian art, and then came home. Mike took a nap and I started onions, opened the plastic bag with the chicken (can you feel the tension build?) so I could chop it up for the stew pot.
And there, naked and floppy, were chicken feet! YIKES! I just couldn't deal with their paleness, so I closed up the bag, put it in the fridge and made a cup of tea. Mike had no interest in dealing with it so I sent Sarah a text saying we'd, ummm, need her help majorly. When she came home, tired and worn from work, she laughed at us and then proceeded to pull out the bird only to discover it still had its head attached too! It was a mini horror movie as she deconstructed the bird, and now we have stock.
I did read a lot in the River Cottage Meat Book and learned why buying industrial chicken is pretty gross. As well as how to make stock, his take on pot-au-feu, and some delicious sounding lamb dishes.... Good things to do as the rain begins to actually fall (finally). And it keeps us warm, yes? Huzzah for gas stoves!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Quelle surprise!
Did you know there are strikes in France??!?!
I had no idea!
But the BBC does. And watch out world - hopefully no one is trying to travel Thursday in that great nation. Here I thought that groups weren't allowed to strike in support of others - but I guess everyone can agree that the economy is only going downhill. Everywhere.
Roommate hunt still progresses; we had over 25 responses that first day of craigslist ad. Just goes to show - people want to live with people. Or cheaply. Or both.
I had no idea!
But the BBC does. And watch out world - hopefully no one is trying to travel Thursday in that great nation. Here I thought that groups weren't allowed to strike in support of others - but I guess everyone can agree that the economy is only going downhill. Everywhere.
Roommate hunt still progresses; we had over 25 responses that first day of craigslist ad. Just goes to show - people want to live with people. Or cheaply. Or both.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Social experiment time
WOOOOOOOO inauguration. A little girl kept saying Obama was a present, not the president. Perhaps a bit of both.
In the spirit of "yes. we. can." the roommate/housing saga has progressed to a whole new level. Apparently when someone says "I'm committed 110%" it actually means that they can then tell you the day before you're supposed to sign your lease that, well, ummm, he's backing out because there's something he likes better that's possible. On Friday (and it's Tuesday evening). And he wants the biggest room (though the two that share one are paying equal rent to all other house members).
Today I told customers I was full of ire. They seemed taken aback.
But, wait, you say. It's the time of CHANGE. Of NEW direction. So Mike, Sarah, and I did what anyone sane would do - we signed a lease tonight and have started looking for a roommate. It's cheap, centrally located in Hayes Valley. Our landlady is wonderful already - she said she was hoping that we'd come back after Sarah and Mike had looked at the house weeks ago. She even spontaneously hugged Sarah when she found out her job as a chef. And our idea of having a rack of ribs bbq once the back yard renovations are done. (Yes, we have a yard. In the middle of the city).
I posted not even a half hour ago, already two responses from responsible sounding grad students. Woot! Feel free to guess how many I get in one day - I'll post the answer soon!
Take that to people who aren't honest. And taking destiny into own hands... Now to start making our home. It's heady stuff - the day has gotten much much better.
But ask me about describing tea tastes. I may or may not have said to the trainer that since I don't eat leather (or hay or other fodder) that I can't quite get to saying the brew tastes like that. It was silly, especially since another attendee and I discovered that if you squint right you can make anything sound serious when it comes to descriptions. "Composty" "Wet" "Woodsy" "Complex"
Just try it. Think "blue steel" and run with it.
Delicious.
In the spirit of "yes. we. can." the roommate/housing saga has progressed to a whole new level. Apparently when someone says "I'm committed 110%" it actually means that they can then tell you the day before you're supposed to sign your lease that, well, ummm, he's backing out because there's something he likes better that's possible. On Friday (and it's Tuesday evening). And he wants the biggest room (though the two that share one are paying equal rent to all other house members).
Today I told customers I was full of ire. They seemed taken aback.
But, wait, you say. It's the time of CHANGE. Of NEW direction. So Mike, Sarah, and I did what anyone sane would do - we signed a lease tonight and have started looking for a roommate. It's cheap, centrally located in Hayes Valley. Our landlady is wonderful already - she said she was hoping that we'd come back after Sarah and Mike had looked at the house weeks ago. She even spontaneously hugged Sarah when she found out her job as a chef. And our idea of having a rack of ribs bbq once the back yard renovations are done. (Yes, we have a yard. In the middle of the city).
I posted not even a half hour ago, already two responses from responsible sounding grad students. Woot! Feel free to guess how many I get in one day - I'll post the answer soon!
Take that to people who aren't honest. And taking destiny into own hands... Now to start making our home. It's heady stuff - the day has gotten much much better.
But ask me about describing tea tastes. I may or may not have said to the trainer that since I don't eat leather (or hay or other fodder) that I can't quite get to saying the brew tastes like that. It was silly, especially since another attendee and I discovered that if you squint right you can make anything sound serious when it comes to descriptions. "Composty" "Wet" "Woodsy" "Complex"
Just try it. Think "blue steel" and run with it.
Delicious.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
And one more thing
I'm more than my credit score. Or my bank account balance.
Why can't we find people who happen to be renting a place we want to live in who agree? Is that really too much to ask?
Why can't we find people who happen to be renting a place we want to live in who agree? Is that really too much to ask?
Happy, um, mid-January?
We threw a party Thursday night because, well, we live in a dance studio. It was surprisingly good times, though not everyone came that said they would we had some new guests and a whole lot of yum chili and snacks. Mike, Sally, and I also rigged up the projector to hit the disco ball and then thought one better - put movies on it! So the original Batman with Adam West provided ceiling entertainment. It was a good party and I'm glad my strategy in Belgrade - invite everyone you know and then see what fun ensues - carried across the ocean.
Housing hunt is demoralizing. But we've found another roommate that allows us to look for bigger places, which has been a success so far. He's a graphic designer, been in the city awhile, and appears to be entertained by our antics. Whew.
I've now gone to a coffee training for work - we tasted SO many and talked about body, if it was dry and lingering or a clean finish, origins and why they make a difference. After that I BARTed over to Berkeley and met Sally and Sarah, ran off to help Cole move a couch. And yes, that's more excellent news - Cole, my old college roommate, has moved to the Bay! His partner, Al, will be going to law school at Berkeley come the fall and currently is working for a non-profit that assists those on death row. Cole's way into bikes and we have plans for riding, gallivanting and general chilling.
Which will be infinitely easier once we have a new house. Lease ends 31st so time is counting down... Unfortunately I've become a bit one track about it. So hopefully this week we'll get things wrapped up.
Housing hunt is demoralizing. But we've found another roommate that allows us to look for bigger places, which has been a success so far. He's a graphic designer, been in the city awhile, and appears to be entertained by our antics. Whew.
I've now gone to a coffee training for work - we tasted SO many and talked about body, if it was dry and lingering or a clean finish, origins and why they make a difference. After that I BARTed over to Berkeley and met Sally and Sarah, ran off to help Cole move a couch. And yes, that's more excellent news - Cole, my old college roommate, has moved to the Bay! His partner, Al, will be going to law school at Berkeley come the fall and currently is working for a non-profit that assists those on death row. Cole's way into bikes and we have plans for riding, gallivanting and general chilling.
Which will be infinitely easier once we have a new house. Lease ends 31st so time is counting down... Unfortunately I've become a bit one track about it. So hopefully this week we'll get things wrapped up.
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