Damn, I'm being so lazy today. I have no idea what time I went to bed, but I woke up sometime around 11am. I made my way home, threw in a load of clothes, ate some cereal, researched Fantasy Football for an hour, took a nap, and here I am.
I need to go put those clothes in the dryer/on the drying rack. (Aside: Can I just say how much I fucking HATE doing this? I hate hate hate hate hate hate hate this task. It takes FOR-EV-ER. Mostly because I am neurotic about my clothes and have this belief that the fabric & color lasts longer if you don't put them in the dryer - even stuff that says go in the dryer - so I end up only tossing mainly underwear and socks in the dryer and trying to find a place to air dry everything else. Such a fucking pain in my ass.)
I need to clean the bathroom.
I need to walk the dog.
I need to sweep.
I need to clean the kitchen.
I need to sort through the giant stack of mail on my table, on the counter, in the mailbox....
But here I am. Writing this blog entry. Yoga Pose of the Week didn't fare as well as I intended, but I'm not giving up. I'm still yoga-ing and my friends gave me a badass Astanga book I can't wait to dig into. Hopefully I'll have the inspiration and time to share some of it on the blog.
Oh, the blog. Pretty sure no one reads it anymore, and that's fine and understandable. I am sporadic about reading everyone else's, too. I don't want to give up on it, though, so that's why I'm writing this post. It's been awhile since I've posted anything beyond yoga, food, hot celebrity stuff. Don't get me wrong, those things are well and good, but there is so much more to my life, too. A lot of it I can't/don't want to write here, for privacy's sake, for embarrassment's sake, for a hundred twenty-seven other reasons. But the other day I thought of something that I normally wouldn't share on the blog, but the takeaway point was pretty important to me, so fuck it. I'm going to write it.
Over the past several weeks, I have been hanging out with a Boy. A few people know about him, but mainly I keep my relationships under wraps until I know how substantial they are going to be. I've dated enough to know myself and the men I date - these things can be fleeting. But this thing with Boy seems different. Well, sort of. We have a lot of fun together, we have excellent chemistry, we seem to think the same about life. . .and on it goes. I will confess. I am developing more than a crush on him.
And because of my past experiences, of course once I realized this possibility beyond a crush, I freaked the fuck out. Number One because I don't want to get hurt. Number Two because Boy has an expiration date; there is almost no way it will last "forever" and I don't want to get hurt (I won't go into detail here; just trust me on this). I spent a couple of days brooding, determined I should just end things now, before I get in too deep, before it leaves a wound that will scar instead of just a paper cut.
Ordinarily I live my life the opposite way - living in the moment, dealing with consequences later. It is better to have loved and lost. . .blah blah blah. . .never say no to an adventure. . .you know me. You get the point. There was just something about this, something that made me balk at the possibility of hurt. It has been a rough few years for me, broken heart-wise, and I just wasn't sure I could face another one.
Then I realized something I've been learning with yogic philosophy and Buddhism: Nothing is forever. No thing. No one. No relationship. Some last longer than others, but everything lives and then dies. We have no way of knowing how long anything will last. Even if Boy had the potential for "forever," anything could take him or me away at any moment.
That's when I took my head out of my ass and decided to embrace it head on. Get back to my roots and live in the moment. Appreciate every. single. second. of happiness. Life is an ebb and flow, an up and down. Every day, even, has its moments of good and bad, a progression of moods. Why deny myself these delicious times with a great person just because he won't always be there? It was silly to even consider it.
So here I am. Lazy on a Saturday because we stayed up too late last night laughing and drinking and watching funny things on TV. And I don't care about the laundry, the dirty kitchen, the mail. These things will get done because they must. For a moment, for a few hours, I will soak in the happiness and just be.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Yoga Pose of the Week: Balasana/Child's Pose
Balasana/Child's Pose
Today has been rainy and relaxing. When I was walking the dog, I started thinking about this week's yoga pose. I literally almost did "naptime pose" because it's just that kind of Sunday. In that spirit, I give you child's pose - best known as a resting pose in both yoga and Pilates. Literally, there are days I come home from work and my body is craving child's pose. I think I cannot possibly work out or walk the dog or make dinner, but after doing balasana for a few minutes, I'm rejuvenated. Several instructors I've had also start off class in this pose because it helps prepare the mind and body for the practice to come.
This is how I go into child's pose, and there's a cheesy video at the end to show you another variation (complete with shirtless man. You're welcome!).
1) Get in table top position - on your hands and knees, flat back.
2) Spread your knees wide and let your toes touch.
3) Press your hands into the mat as you push your butt and hips onto your heels. If you aren't that flexible, try putting a block or blanket on your thighs and calves. Rest your head on the ground.
4) Either bring your hands palm facing upward by your hips or remain in extended child's pose with your palms pressing into the mat, arms extended. If taking the latter variation, remember not to let your shoulders crunch into your ears but remain down your back.
According to Yoga Journal, this pose should NOT be practiced by pregnant women. Also, be careful of knee injuries; if it hurts your knees don't do it. For what it's worth, I have issues with my knees, but I've found this pose actually stretches them out and makes them feel better. But those are my issues, my knees, and the pose doesn't hurt. If it hurts, stop!
Otherwise, you can enjoy these benefits from the pose (taken from Yoga Journal):
* Stretches hips, thighs, ankles
* Calms the mind, relieves stress
* Relieves neck and back pain when doing the supported version
Almost anyone can do this pose, so I encourage you to try it and feel the calming effects for yourself!
Namaste
Today has been rainy and relaxing. When I was walking the dog, I started thinking about this week's yoga pose. I literally almost did "naptime pose" because it's just that kind of Sunday. In that spirit, I give you child's pose - best known as a resting pose in both yoga and Pilates. Literally, there are days I come home from work and my body is craving child's pose. I think I cannot possibly work out or walk the dog or make dinner, but after doing balasana for a few minutes, I'm rejuvenated. Several instructors I've had also start off class in this pose because it helps prepare the mind and body for the practice to come.
This is how I go into child's pose, and there's a cheesy video at the end to show you another variation (complete with shirtless man. You're welcome!).
1) Get in table top position - on your hands and knees, flat back.
2) Spread your knees wide and let your toes touch.
3) Press your hands into the mat as you push your butt and hips onto your heels. If you aren't that flexible, try putting a block or blanket on your thighs and calves. Rest your head on the ground.
4) Either bring your hands palm facing upward by your hips or remain in extended child's pose with your palms pressing into the mat, arms extended. If taking the latter variation, remember not to let your shoulders crunch into your ears but remain down your back.
According to Yoga Journal, this pose should NOT be practiced by pregnant women. Also, be careful of knee injuries; if it hurts your knees don't do it. For what it's worth, I have issues with my knees, but I've found this pose actually stretches them out and makes them feel better. But those are my issues, my knees, and the pose doesn't hurt. If it hurts, stop!
Otherwise, you can enjoy these benefits from the pose (taken from Yoga Journal):
* Stretches hips, thighs, ankles
* Calms the mind, relieves stress
* Relieves neck and back pain when doing the supported version
Almost anyone can do this pose, so I encourage you to try it and feel the calming effects for yourself!
Namaste
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Yoga Pose of the Week: Padahastasana
Padahastasana, or Hand to Foot Pose
This is my favorite variation on a forward fold. Forward folds in general have a calming, re-focusing effect on the body and are great to do right after last week's YPW - Handstand. I like this version for a few reasons. 1) It gives me a nice stretch on my shoulders while also stretching the hamstrings and low back. 2) It's fun to say! (Pronounced - PAH-duh-ha-STAH-san-uh, Pada = foot, hasta = hand, thus hand to foot pose)
Here's a video which demonstrates the proper alignment and steps to the pose. It's pretty simple.
Some thoughts from my own practice:
* Keep your low back straight. If you cannot come all the way to the floor with straight legs, just bend your legs. You will increase your flexibility more and better by being mindful of your body rather than rushing just to the floor.
* Don't let your shoulders get scrunched into your ears. Envision them sliding down your back to get the best benefit from this pose.
* This pose has a slight balancing aspect. It's good to try to put more weight on the hands than the heels, which can be a little scary. I *may* have almost fallen over trying to do this, so be careful! But don't worry, as one of my yoga teachers used to say, you have a roll bar if you do fall. :)
* Check out these couple of pages for the numerous benefits of this posture, which include increasing blood flow to the head, alleviation of bloating or constipation, toning of the abdominal muscles, and increasing spinal flexibility.
Namaste
This is my favorite variation on a forward fold. Forward folds in general have a calming, re-focusing effect on the body and are great to do right after last week's YPW - Handstand. I like this version for a few reasons. 1) It gives me a nice stretch on my shoulders while also stretching the hamstrings and low back. 2) It's fun to say! (Pronounced - PAH-duh-ha-STAH-san-uh, Pada = foot, hasta = hand, thus hand to foot pose)
Here's a video which demonstrates the proper alignment and steps to the pose. It's pretty simple.
Some thoughts from my own practice:
* Keep your low back straight. If you cannot come all the way to the floor with straight legs, just bend your legs. You will increase your flexibility more and better by being mindful of your body rather than rushing just to the floor.
* Don't let your shoulders get scrunched into your ears. Envision them sliding down your back to get the best benefit from this pose.
* This pose has a slight balancing aspect. It's good to try to put more weight on the hands than the heels, which can be a little scary. I *may* have almost fallen over trying to do this, so be careful! But don't worry, as one of my yoga teachers used to say, you have a roll bar if you do fall. :)
* Check out these couple of pages for the numerous benefits of this posture, which include increasing blood flow to the head, alleviation of bloating or constipation, toning of the abdominal muscles, and increasing spinal flexibility.
Namaste
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Yoga Pose of the Week: Handstand
In my effort to return to semi-regular blogging, I'm going to attempt to feature a yoga pose every Sunday. I know some of you would rather eat pigs' feet than try yoga, but one of my new goals in life is to get my yoga teacher certification so I can convince even more people that yoga is awesome. In that vein, I'm going to share some of my 7+ years of yoga love with you.
Adho Mukha Vrksasana/Handstand (click it to learn how to pronounce)
Handstand is probably one of my top five favorite poses even though I have not "mastered" it, and that's one of the reasons I chose it as my first pose to feature on the blog. It shows that yoga can be fun and fulfilling regardless of where you are in a pose. It isn't about being flexible or making a perfect triangle. It's about trying the movements and feeling the benefits in your body and mind. With that said, let's get to handstand.
The Benefits:
Handstand is excellent for waking you up and giving you productive energy. Most of ya'll know I'm hyper sensitive to caffeine, so I rarely drink coffee. It kind of makes me feel cracked out - I am awake, but I feel so spazzy I can't focus. Instead, I get my energy boost by doing handstand in the morning. I have noticed that when I do handstand, I get more accomplished, and with a better attitude, than days I do not. My co-worker and I have also been known to do them around 3pm in one of our offices instead of hitting the M&Ms. It makes us laugh, too, which is also an awesome stress reliever.
Many yogis also believe inversions help with circulation and give internal organs a rest. Handstand also gives the physical benefit of strengthening wrists, arms, and shoulders.
What you need:
* A wall (eventually you can do it without the wall, but I'm still working on that)
* Open space
* Courage
What you DON'T need:
* A skirt w/o bloomers
* A yoga mat - if you have one, great, otherwise a stable, non-slick surface is fine; I have used regular carpet, commercial carpet, hardwood floors, almost anything.
* Fear - A certain amount of anxiety is completely normal with this pose. Check out this excellent article from Yoga Journal to help fight the fear. As an added benefit, doing handstand can also increase our ability to overcome fears outside the yoga mat.
Notes of caution:
Use your common sense. If your wrists are hurt or you are having problems with your arms, don't try this pose.
If you have high blood pressure or if you are menstruating, some yogis caution against doing any inversions whatsoever.
But don't trust me. If you have any misgivings, do NOT do the pose without consulting a doctor.
How to do it:
Here's the method I use (taught to me at my favorite yoga studio):
1. Place your hands about 1 hand length away from the wall.
2. Go into downward dog.
3. Slowly walk your legs forward about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way to your hands.
4. Engage your abs. (Practice building your abdominal strength with plank poses. A lot of handstand is in the abs.)
5. Look toward the wall. (This is very important. Your body follows your eyes.)
6. Bend one leg and kick up to the wall with the other. Let your bottom leg follow. (See the video below on not bicycling the legs. One leg will be easier than the other. I always bend my right and kick up with the left. When I do it the other way, it's a disaster, so I should probably work on that, but I don't.)
7. Once you're upside down, press your hands into the floor and use your back, shoulders, and abs to keep you up. Eventually you want your body to be in one straight line (again, I'm still working on this).
8. Come back down. (I usually do the pose 2-3 times, holding for as long as I can, which isn't very long because I'm working on keeping my feet away from the wall. If I were just staying on the wall, I would probably hold it longer and only do it once.)
9. Rest in child's pose or standing forward fold.
It definitely helps to watch someone. Here is a video from yoga journal that shows a way very similar to the one I just described:
If you still can't quite make it up to the wall, or if you want to know more about improving your handstand, I urge you to not only read this awesome Yoga Journal article but also go to a yoga studio!
Be careful and have fun!
Namaste
Adho Mukha Vrksasana/Handstand (click it to learn how to pronounce)
Handstand is probably one of my top five favorite poses even though I have not "mastered" it, and that's one of the reasons I chose it as my first pose to feature on the blog. It shows that yoga can be fun and fulfilling regardless of where you are in a pose. It isn't about being flexible or making a perfect triangle. It's about trying the movements and feeling the benefits in your body and mind. With that said, let's get to handstand.
The Benefits:
Handstand is excellent for waking you up and giving you productive energy. Most of ya'll know I'm hyper sensitive to caffeine, so I rarely drink coffee. It kind of makes me feel cracked out - I am awake, but I feel so spazzy I can't focus. Instead, I get my energy boost by doing handstand in the morning. I have noticed that when I do handstand, I get more accomplished, and with a better attitude, than days I do not. My co-worker and I have also been known to do them around 3pm in one of our offices instead of hitting the M&Ms. It makes us laugh, too, which is also an awesome stress reliever.
Many yogis also believe inversions help with circulation and give internal organs a rest. Handstand also gives the physical benefit of strengthening wrists, arms, and shoulders.
What you need:
* A wall (eventually you can do it without the wall, but I'm still working on that)
* Open space
* Courage
What you DON'T need:
* A skirt w/o bloomers
* A yoga mat - if you have one, great, otherwise a stable, non-slick surface is fine; I have used regular carpet, commercial carpet, hardwood floors, almost anything.
* Fear - A certain amount of anxiety is completely normal with this pose. Check out this excellent article from Yoga Journal to help fight the fear. As an added benefit, doing handstand can also increase our ability to overcome fears outside the yoga mat.
Notes of caution:
Use your common sense. If your wrists are hurt or you are having problems with your arms, don't try this pose.
If you have high blood pressure or if you are menstruating, some yogis caution against doing any inversions whatsoever.
But don't trust me. If you have any misgivings, do NOT do the pose without consulting a doctor.
How to do it:
Here's the method I use (taught to me at my favorite yoga studio):
1. Place your hands about 1 hand length away from the wall.
2. Go into downward dog.
3. Slowly walk your legs forward about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way to your hands.
4. Engage your abs. (Practice building your abdominal strength with plank poses. A lot of handstand is in the abs.)
5. Look toward the wall. (This is very important. Your body follows your eyes.)
6. Bend one leg and kick up to the wall with the other. Let your bottom leg follow. (See the video below on not bicycling the legs. One leg will be easier than the other. I always bend my right and kick up with the left. When I do it the other way, it's a disaster, so I should probably work on that, but I don't.)
7. Once you're upside down, press your hands into the floor and use your back, shoulders, and abs to keep you up. Eventually you want your body to be in one straight line (again, I'm still working on this).
8. Come back down. (I usually do the pose 2-3 times, holding for as long as I can, which isn't very long because I'm working on keeping my feet away from the wall. If I were just staying on the wall, I would probably hold it longer and only do it once.)
9. Rest in child's pose or standing forward fold.
It definitely helps to watch someone. Here is a video from yoga journal that shows a way very similar to the one I just described:
If you still can't quite make it up to the wall, or if you want to know more about improving your handstand, I urge you to not only read this awesome Yoga Journal article but also go to a yoga studio!
Be careful and have fun!
Namaste
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Tomato Sandwich. Reinvented.
A southern staple food, at least in my house, is the tomato sandwich. Two pieces of bread, one giant slice of tomato, a little salt and pepper, and mayonnaise, and you've got lunch perfection. Except one thing. I have always, always hated mayonnaise. To this day my father will ask me whether I want mayonnaise, and to this day my reply is, "Have I ever wanted mayonnaise?"
I do acknowledge there needs to be a little bit of lubrication on the tomato sandwich, so for the most part I add mustard, the best condiment in the universe. The only issue some people have with mustard is that it adds an entirely new flavor, a new dimension to the simple flavors of the more traditional tomato sandwich. I agree, even though in my book, mustard can never do wrong.
But let me get to the point. Ladies and gentlemen, over the past two days I have perfected the mayonnaise-less tomato sandwich and enjoyed a perfect at-home lunch. Here you go:
1. I start by toasting some bread, whatever kind you love.
2. Then I spread some hummus on both sides. I like a lot of hummus. Maybe you like a little or just a medium amount. Whatever floats your boat.
3. Put the tomato slice(s) onto the hummus.
4. Drizzle some olive oil on the tomato.
5. Sprinkle some salt and pepper.
Voila! Bon Appetit!
(If this were a real food blog I'd show you a picture of the delicious sandwich. But it's not. So use your imagination.)
I do acknowledge there needs to be a little bit of lubrication on the tomato sandwich, so for the most part I add mustard, the best condiment in the universe. The only issue some people have with mustard is that it adds an entirely new flavor, a new dimension to the simple flavors of the more traditional tomato sandwich. I agree, even though in my book, mustard can never do wrong.
But let me get to the point. Ladies and gentlemen, over the past two days I have perfected the mayonnaise-less tomato sandwich and enjoyed a perfect at-home lunch. Here you go:
1. I start by toasting some bread, whatever kind you love.
2. Then I spread some hummus on both sides. I like a lot of hummus. Maybe you like a little or just a medium amount. Whatever floats your boat.
3. Put the tomato slice(s) onto the hummus.
4. Drizzle some olive oil on the tomato.
5. Sprinkle some salt and pepper.
Voila! Bon Appetit!
(If this were a real food blog I'd show you a picture of the delicious sandwich. But it's not. So use your imagination.)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Black Bean Hummus...MMMM.
Last night my friend had a small get-together to celebrate the return of football season. As the sole non-carnivore, I promised I would bring some delicious vegetarian edibles for others to enjoy. Shortly thereafter I began to think, "What the hell am I going to bring? I don't know what other people are gonna like!"
Luckily, we have the internet, and a tasty recipe is no more than a Google search away. "Vegan football food" led me to quite a few interesting ideas, but a lot of them had "weird" ingredients that people might balk at or stuff that I didn't think I could find around here. (I did, however, find an AWESOME looking "Tempeh Hot Wings" recipe that I'm dying to try. But that post is for another day.)
In the end I settled on making this "Speedy Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna," which I've made before and meat-eaters and vegs alike enjoyed. (NOTE: To make it more speedy, just use salsa instead of trying to put together all those first ingredients. I always add whatever spices I have on hand, but for me it's cheaper and faster to start off with salsa.) Yes, it has dairy, but I figured I'd better start slow with normal people because sometimes even the word "vegetarian" causes panic, and I didn't want to start a riot with the word "vegan."
For my other dish, I found this Black Bean Hummus recipe that looked pretty easy, and for which I already had most of the ingredients. The only one I thought I'd have trouble with was soy yogurt, which, lo and behold, is unavailable in BFE. Shocking. Instead, I substituted 0% fat, plain Fage Greek yogurt.
O.M.G.
Y'all.
This dip was awesome. It was an even bigger hit than the Mexican lasagna (which, to be honest, suffered from having to sit around for over an hour while we waited on other people, other food, etc.). Because the recipe makes a pretty good amount, I had leftovers to bring home. When I woke up this morning, I beelined it for the fridge and to my surprise it is even more delicious after the ingredients have a chance to meld and chill together.
I think next time I'll try it without the yogurt, to see if I can find a suitable "vegan" version, but for you guys not bothered by that constraint, this yogurt version is DE.LI.SHUS. Make it now!
Luckily, we have the internet, and a tasty recipe is no more than a Google search away. "Vegan football food" led me to quite a few interesting ideas, but a lot of them had "weird" ingredients that people might balk at or stuff that I didn't think I could find around here. (I did, however, find an AWESOME looking "Tempeh Hot Wings" recipe that I'm dying to try. But that post is for another day.)
In the end I settled on making this "Speedy Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna," which I've made before and meat-eaters and vegs alike enjoyed. (NOTE: To make it more speedy, just use salsa instead of trying to put together all those first ingredients. I always add whatever spices I have on hand, but for me it's cheaper and faster to start off with salsa.) Yes, it has dairy, but I figured I'd better start slow with normal people because sometimes even the word "vegetarian" causes panic, and I didn't want to start a riot with the word "vegan."
For my other dish, I found this Black Bean Hummus recipe that looked pretty easy, and for which I already had most of the ingredients. The only one I thought I'd have trouble with was soy yogurt, which, lo and behold, is unavailable in BFE. Shocking. Instead, I substituted 0% fat, plain Fage Greek yogurt.
O.M.G.
Y'all.
This dip was awesome. It was an even bigger hit than the Mexican lasagna (which, to be honest, suffered from having to sit around for over an hour while we waited on other people, other food, etc.). Because the recipe makes a pretty good amount, I had leftovers to bring home. When I woke up this morning, I beelined it for the fridge and to my surprise it is even more delicious after the ingredients have a chance to meld and chill together.
I think next time I'll try it without the yogurt, to see if I can find a suitable "vegan" version, but for you guys not bothered by that constraint, this yogurt version is DE.LI.SHUS. Make it now!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Hotness
I thought I couldn't love Jakey G anymore.
I was wrong.
Seriously. Why couldn't I be at that party dancing silly with him? Bitches.
I was wrong.
Seriously. Why couldn't I be at that party dancing silly with him? Bitches.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Mmmm. Brownies.
I just made these, and oh my god, right out of the oven. . .I know I haven't had sex in awhile but still, orgasmic doesn't seem like a big stretch. My first attempt at vegan baking is awe. some.
Ingredients
I adapted this recipe from this one at all recipes. Taking it into work tomorrow for a belated Administrative Professionals' Day thank you gift. That will be the true test, but so far, so delicious. Make these. NOW.
Ingredients
- 2 c unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 c white sugar
- 3/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 c vegetable oil (I used Smart Balance Omega)
- 3/4 c applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 bag Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a whole bag. whatever. Ghiradelli is vegan, Nestle is not.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Pour in water, vegetable oil, applesauce and vanilla; mix until well blended.
- Stir in chocolate chips. Spread evenly in a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is no longer shiny. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. (NOTE: I had to cook mine probably 35-40 mins for the center to be done.)
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Quick, Delicious Brunch
This morning I woke up early (7am = early for me), went to 50 minutes of spinning followed by 75 minutes of yoga. After that I had to run by the store to pick up a few things, then home to shower off the workouts. By the time I was clean and ready to cook, it was about 11:15, and I was starving.
For the past few weeks I've been semi-vegan. Very little dairy (except as may appear in chocolates or other delicious treats), no meat (obviously), and no eggs (just for the hell of it). Because I like to bake, and eat baked goods, and I haven't mastered any vegan recipes, I bought eggs yesterday because I volunteered to make cookies for an SPCA fundraiser. Since I had the eggs, I was seriously craving them for breakfast.
I dug around in my fridge and pantry to find some new and some almost-expired ingredients to create an off-the-cuff but fucking fantastic brunch. It's a lot of food, but I was a hungry girl, and it was delish. To commemorate my momentary culinary genius, I'm posting the very simple recipes in case anyone is ever starving, and wants a relatively nutritious, pretty quick, and absolutely yummy and filling brunch.
Sauteed Potatoes
I had a red potato lying around that needed to be used before it went bad. I chopped it up and made my own version of "home fries."
1. Heat small amount of oil in pan.
2. Throw in chopped potato. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, ground cumin. (Cumin is my current favorite spice. I love it, put it on almost everything.)
3. Sautee/pan fry until delicious. (I cut my potatoes almost bite sized so they cook faster.)
I cooked these until they were almost done, then pushed them aside to make the next part of my brunch. I don't like cleaning up, so I use as few dishes as possible.
Spinach & Mozzarella Eggs
Mix together 1 egg + 2 egg whites (= 3 total eggs used), a little salt & pepper in a bowl. This is my preferred method of eating eggs. To me, it maximizes protein, taste and portion size without as much cholesterol.
1. Throw some baby spinach (I use pre-bagged) on the hot oil. Sautee until almost done.
2. Pour the egg mixture on top of the spinach. Mix it all up. (If you're using the same pan as the potatoes, make sure you tilt the pan a little when you put the egg in or it will all get scrambled together. All scrambled together isn't necessarily a bad thing, in fact it's probably delicious, but it wasn't what I was going for this morning.)
3. Scramble eggs & spinach until done.
4. Throw some shredded mozzarella on top of egg & spinach, mix it up if you want. Remove from heat when cheese melts. (*I used mozzarella because it was almost expired, bought before I tried to cut cheese out of my diet. Cheddar or monterey jack or whatever kind of cheese you love is also probably perfect.)
If you've timed it right, everything should be done at once.
Serve with 2 pieces of toast. I am in love with Genesis bread. I topped one of my toast pieces with Marmite, because I like to pretend I'm British. Also, it tastes awesome. :)
Serve with whatever your favorite breakfast beverage. This morning I drank water. Juice, tea, mimosa, and bloody mary also highly recommended.
Bon Appetit!
For the past few weeks I've been semi-vegan. Very little dairy (except as may appear in chocolates or other delicious treats), no meat (obviously), and no eggs (just for the hell of it). Because I like to bake, and eat baked goods, and I haven't mastered any vegan recipes, I bought eggs yesterday because I volunteered to make cookies for an SPCA fundraiser. Since I had the eggs, I was seriously craving them for breakfast.
I dug around in my fridge and pantry to find some new and some almost-expired ingredients to create an off-the-cuff but fucking fantastic brunch. It's a lot of food, but I was a hungry girl, and it was delish. To commemorate my momentary culinary genius, I'm posting the very simple recipes in case anyone is ever starving, and wants a relatively nutritious, pretty quick, and absolutely yummy and filling brunch.
Sauteed Potatoes
I had a red potato lying around that needed to be used before it went bad. I chopped it up and made my own version of "home fries."
1. Heat small amount of oil in pan.
2. Throw in chopped potato. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, ground cumin. (Cumin is my current favorite spice. I love it, put it on almost everything.)
3. Sautee/pan fry until delicious. (I cut my potatoes almost bite sized so they cook faster.)
I cooked these until they were almost done, then pushed them aside to make the next part of my brunch. I don't like cleaning up, so I use as few dishes as possible.
Spinach & Mozzarella Eggs
Mix together 1 egg + 2 egg whites (= 3 total eggs used), a little salt & pepper in a bowl. This is my preferred method of eating eggs. To me, it maximizes protein, taste and portion size without as much cholesterol.
1. Throw some baby spinach (I use pre-bagged) on the hot oil. Sautee until almost done.
2. Pour the egg mixture on top of the spinach. Mix it all up. (If you're using the same pan as the potatoes, make sure you tilt the pan a little when you put the egg in or it will all get scrambled together. All scrambled together isn't necessarily a bad thing, in fact it's probably delicious, but it wasn't what I was going for this morning.)
3. Scramble eggs & spinach until done.
4. Throw some shredded mozzarella on top of egg & spinach, mix it up if you want. Remove from heat when cheese melts. (*I used mozzarella because it was almost expired, bought before I tried to cut cheese out of my diet. Cheddar or monterey jack or whatever kind of cheese you love is also probably perfect.)
If you've timed it right, everything should be done at once.
Serve with 2 pieces of toast. I am in love with Genesis bread. I topped one of my toast pieces with Marmite, because I like to pretend I'm British. Also, it tastes awesome. :)
Serve with whatever your favorite breakfast beverage. This morning I drank water. Juice, tea, mimosa, and bloody mary also highly recommended.
Bon Appetit!
Saturday, April 03, 2010
SXSW: Tacos, Beer, & Cupcakes. Oh, is there music here, too?
It's been a couple weeks since I got back from SXSW. Epic - the only word to even come close to describing it. Since I suck and forgot to pack a travel journal, my tweets from the trip will have to do. Instead of trying to write it all out narrative-like, I present to you the timeline of my tweets below. They don't do the trip justice, but it's all I've got to commemorate it. (Additional commentary follows)
No one cares, but I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve today. My insides are jumping up & down. Leave for SXSW tomorrow. I heart my life! 11:13 AM Mar 16th via web
Holy shit. This SXSW stuff is overwhelming. Will never, ever see it all. Must have strategy meeting tonight.
I give up. Scheduling SXSW is impossible. Just going to let it happen. Now I'm going to drink w/friends before leaving. Then pack. Obvs. :) 9:05 PM Mar 16th via web (Typical Niki form: I stayed up til like 1-1:30am, didn't pack until the next morning. I think I have mad-rush packing down to an artform. About 30 mins flat and I'm good to go.)
St. Pat's day, 70s and gorgeous, on my way to Austin and Federer lost last night. I love my life!
Fuck yes. Irish pub in layover airport playing rafa! (Seriously. I was beside myself with glee. Found a seat a table right near the match. Crazy dude playing a keyboard? guitar? something. Was a bustling little Irish pub. Oh, and an $8 Harp. WTF? It wasn't even green. I didn't care. It was a perfect moment. Another perfect moment: most beautiful, vibrant sunset from the airplane. It was almost a perfect color spectrum. Glorious.)
Isner looks like he's wearing Umbros circa 1991.
Goddamn. Sensory mother fuckin overload. Austin is like Athens on steroids right now. (Seriously. It was CRAY-Z. Hipsters everywhere. Bars all over the place. St. Patrick's Day made SXSW blow the fuck up. Was awesome, awesome people watching like I haven't seen since last Halloween at West Palm Beach's Moonfest.)
I heart breakfast tacos! Do not heart saddle creek and merge records doing showcases at same time at diff venues. Austin rocks.
Mini golf while drinking. Austin just keeps getting better. (For real. More places should have mini-golf where you can bring your own beer. So. Much. Fun. I got sunburned, but whatevs. Also, my terrible streak at mini-golf continues. I suck. Hard.)
Sugar Mama's cupcakes in Austin, TX. Highly recommend. My butt will be Texas-sized by the time I leave here.
Heading out sans cell phone bc don't want to lug purse. Slightly scary. Sad. Good times ahead though.
FYI: it is entirely possible to live off tacos, beer, and cupcakes. Life. Is. Good.
Free drinks at free concert. Goodbye sobriety, hello bloody mary!
(Note the time: 1:55PM, barely after the morning. I think I'd already had one at this point. Turns out only my first bloody mary was free, but 16oz Lone Stars were free. We were at the Birmingham show to see Taylor Hollingsworth, one of the Mystic Valley Band that plays with Conor. Taylor is from Birmingham, Alabama. He tried to eat lunch with me outside on the patio, but his brother tried to sit in my friend's seat while my friend was on beer run. Tried to get them a different chair, but they switched tables. :( Later on introduced myself to Taylor and got a picture which is now my phone wallpaper. Such a sweetie. Also played a good set!)
Lol. Drunk at three o'clock. Did i mention i love my life?
I love boys.
(Sometime in between the previous tweet and the next tweet I began drunk dialing almost everyone I know. At least, that's what I found out later on, the next morning, and over the next few days as people started telling me about our conversations. Yeah. NO recollection. ZERO.)
Fuck this vegetarian shit. That dog's bbq looked awesome! Sxsw is so. Much. Fun!
Omg. Bbq is delicious. (Yeah. Ya'll read that right. I ate some fucking BBQ. In my defense, a) Had been drinking since 1:30ish, b) Had not eaten, c) Could not find anything else to eat, d) Was super drunk, e) It's mother-fuckin' Texas. I had to experience the local "culture," right? Will not tell you how many times I made Shawn go buy us a sandwich to split, but uh, yeah, it was more than one. Per Tempe, I apparently called her after this and said it was "life-changing" BBQ.)
Just found out rafa and marc in dubs finals and rada in semis today. Can't watch or otherwise follow. Vamos!
I am the anti- hipster. Pink shirt, girlie t, blonde hair.
40 Watt free party rocks.Athens music is the best. Listen to Futurebirds! (Futurebirds is a really good band. Check them out. Band I saw before them was also really good. No recollection of their names, but the bloody mary I had while watching them also stellar.)
Venice is Sinking. Best band so far. Check them out!
Just saw bathroom graffiti that said 'miri is hotter than smoking.' @nadalnews (Was at The Broken Spoke. They have filmed part of Friday Night Lights the TV show there. Met a cowboy. Borrowed his hat for a photo. Another awesome day. Oh, and Miri is the name used by the creator of Nadal News, so that's why I was tweeting her. On another note, she lives in Austin, ergo, could've been about her :)
Thank goddess i don't live in texas. The mexican food is killing me. Must've gained ten pounds in 3 days.
(Saw She & Him this night. Was fucking cold. Didn't care. M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel were awesome, awesome. God, I love them. Buy their cd. Now. You'll thank me later.)
I'm a little too excited about the o.g. Whole foods.
At something called chicken shit bingo. Um...i love my life?
Apparently it can take this chicken up to 1hr 45mins to poop on a number and declare a winner. I'm gonna need another beer.
(Umm. . .had WAAAY more than just another beer. We did not win despite having #38 and also the line. Still tons of fun.)
Best night ever. Met a guy who could flip me while dancing. We might get married. Heh.
(If you haven't been flipped while swing dancing, you haven't lived. That's all I'll say about that. Oh, and he really did propose to me. :)
Migas tacos are my new fave food. Great ending to a great SXSW. Thanks, Austin. Definitely coming back!
Hartsfield, I got nothin but love for you but would it be too much to ask for some people movers if you have to run from north to south ...
(Dude. I had like 30mins to get from one end of the terminal to the exact opposite end. . .lugging my giant backpack. Was not fun, but I made it. Thanks plane being delayed!)
@nadalnews Just got your tweets from when I was in TX. Have ghetto phone. Was totally going to do Hey Cupcake compare but not enough time!
Brought home wicked sinus infection/cold from SXSW. Just got to work. Suffice it to say I'd rather be in Austin.
@julesdc It's already on my calendar next yr. Mark yours. We'll make it a date!
(Definitely going next year. SXSW is the best. The. Best.)
@nadalnews And yes, it was totally Peter Pan. That place alone is enough to make me want to move to Austin! Good times. Am envious of you!
(Peter Pan = mini golf place w/scary cartoon character statutes and BYOB policy. Oh, and I'm totally moving to Austin. In. Love.)
@julesdc Chose Merge, but long-ass line + needed "official" badge. Went to Saddle Creek, also needed badge. Ended up at random free fun show
@nadalnews So true-grass is always greener. My Peter Pan experience was followed by tacos & cupcake-best beginning to SXSW ever!
No one cares, but I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve today. My insides are jumping up & down. Leave for SXSW tomorrow. I heart my life! 11:13 AM Mar 16th via web
Holy shit. This SXSW stuff is overwhelming. Will never, ever see it all. Must have strategy meeting tonight.
I give up. Scheduling SXSW is impossible. Just going to let it happen. Now I'm going to drink w/friends before leaving. Then pack. Obvs. :) 9:05 PM Mar 16th via web (Typical Niki form: I stayed up til like 1-1:30am, didn't pack until the next morning. I think I have mad-rush packing down to an artform. About 30 mins flat and I'm good to go.)
St. Pat's day, 70s and gorgeous, on my way to Austin and Federer lost last night. I love my life!
Fuck yes. Irish pub in layover airport playing rafa! (Seriously. I was beside myself with glee. Found a seat a table right near the match. Crazy dude playing a keyboard? guitar? something. Was a bustling little Irish pub. Oh, and an $8 Harp. WTF? It wasn't even green. I didn't care. It was a perfect moment. Another perfect moment: most beautiful, vibrant sunset from the airplane. It was almost a perfect color spectrum. Glorious.)
Isner looks like he's wearing Umbros circa 1991.
Goddamn. Sensory mother fuckin overload. Austin is like Athens on steroids right now. (Seriously. It was CRAY-Z. Hipsters everywhere. Bars all over the place. St. Patrick's Day made SXSW blow the fuck up. Was awesome, awesome people watching like I haven't seen since last Halloween at West Palm Beach's Moonfest.)
I heart breakfast tacos! Do not heart saddle creek and merge records doing showcases at same time at diff venues. Austin rocks.
Mini golf while drinking. Austin just keeps getting better. (For real. More places should have mini-golf where you can bring your own beer. So. Much. Fun. I got sunburned, but whatevs. Also, my terrible streak at mini-golf continues. I suck. Hard.)
Sugar Mama's cupcakes in Austin, TX. Highly recommend. My butt will be Texas-sized by the time I leave here.
Heading out sans cell phone bc don't want to lug purse. Slightly scary. Sad. Good times ahead though.
FYI: it is entirely possible to live off tacos, beer, and cupcakes. Life. Is. Good.
Free drinks at free concert. Goodbye sobriety, hello bloody mary!
(Note the time: 1:55PM, barely after the morning. I think I'd already had one at this point. Turns out only my first bloody mary was free, but 16oz Lone Stars were free. We were at the Birmingham show to see Taylor Hollingsworth, one of the Mystic Valley Band that plays with Conor. Taylor is from Birmingham, Alabama. He tried to eat lunch with me outside on the patio, but his brother tried to sit in my friend's seat while my friend was on beer run. Tried to get them a different chair, but they switched tables. :( Later on introduced myself to Taylor and got a picture which is now my phone wallpaper. Such a sweetie. Also played a good set!)
Lol. Drunk at three o'clock. Did i mention i love my life?
I love boys.
(Sometime in between the previous tweet and the next tweet I began drunk dialing almost everyone I know. At least, that's what I found out later on, the next morning, and over the next few days as people started telling me about our conversations. Yeah. NO recollection. ZERO.)
Fuck this vegetarian shit. That dog's bbq looked awesome! Sxsw is so. Much. Fun!
Omg. Bbq is delicious. (Yeah. Ya'll read that right. I ate some fucking BBQ. In my defense, a) Had been drinking since 1:30ish, b) Had not eaten, c) Could not find anything else to eat, d) Was super drunk, e) It's mother-fuckin' Texas. I had to experience the local "culture," right? Will not tell you how many times I made Shawn go buy us a sandwich to split, but uh, yeah, it was more than one. Per Tempe, I apparently called her after this and said it was "life-changing" BBQ.)
Just found out rafa and marc in dubs finals and rada in semis today. Can't watch or otherwise follow. Vamos!
I am the anti- hipster. Pink shirt, girlie t, blonde hair.
40 Watt free party rocks.Athens music is the best. Listen to Futurebirds! (Futurebirds is a really good band. Check them out. Band I saw before them was also really good. No recollection of their names, but the bloody mary I had while watching them also stellar.)
Venice is Sinking. Best band so far. Check them out!
Just saw bathroom graffiti that said 'miri is hotter than smoking.' @nadalnews (Was at The Broken Spoke. They have filmed part of Friday Night Lights the TV show there. Met a cowboy. Borrowed his hat for a photo. Another awesome day. Oh, and Miri is the name used by the creator of Nadal News, so that's why I was tweeting her. On another note, she lives in Austin, ergo, could've been about her :)
Thank goddess i don't live in texas. The mexican food is killing me. Must've gained ten pounds in 3 days.
(Saw She & Him this night. Was fucking cold. Didn't care. M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel were awesome, awesome. God, I love them. Buy their cd. Now. You'll thank me later.)
I'm a little too excited about the o.g. Whole foods.
At something called chicken shit bingo. Um...i love my life?
Apparently it can take this chicken up to 1hr 45mins to poop on a number and declare a winner. I'm gonna need another beer.
(Umm. . .had WAAAY more than just another beer. We did not win despite having #38 and also the line. Still tons of fun.)
Best night ever. Met a guy who could flip me while dancing. We might get married. Heh.
(If you haven't been flipped while swing dancing, you haven't lived. That's all I'll say about that. Oh, and he really did propose to me. :)
Migas tacos are my new fave food. Great ending to a great SXSW. Thanks, Austin. Definitely coming back!
Hartsfield, I got nothin but love for you but would it be too much to ask for some people movers if you have to run from north to south ...
(Dude. I had like 30mins to get from one end of the terminal to the exact opposite end. . .lugging my giant backpack. Was not fun, but I made it. Thanks plane being delayed!)
@nadalnews Just got your tweets from when I was in TX. Have ghetto phone. Was totally going to do Hey Cupcake compare but not enough time!
Brought home wicked sinus infection/cold from SXSW. Just got to work. Suffice it to say I'd rather be in Austin.
@julesdc It's already on my calendar next yr. Mark yours. We'll make it a date!
(Definitely going next year. SXSW is the best. The. Best.)
@nadalnews And yes, it was totally Peter Pan. That place alone is enough to make me want to move to Austin! Good times. Am envious of you!
(Peter Pan = mini golf place w/scary cartoon character statutes and BYOB policy. Oh, and I'm totally moving to Austin. In. Love.)
@julesdc Chose Merge, but long-ass line + needed "official" badge. Went to Saddle Creek, also needed badge. Ended up at random free fun show
@nadalnews So true-grass is always greener. My Peter Pan experience was followed by tacos & cupcake-best beginning to SXSW ever!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 08, 2010
Calvin Klein...THANK YOU.
Possibly NSFW, but very, very safe for the bedroom. Or kitchen. Or wherever you have a moment alone.
That would be tennis hottie, Fernando Verdasco (who isn't as hot as Rafa, but is Spanish so I'll take it), Mehcad Brooks (from True Blood and other stuff I haven't seen), Kellan Lutz (from Twilight, and the new 90210), and Hidetoshi Nakata (former Japanese soccer player.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
no.words.
Yeah, I totally dropped the ball on the Olympics. Whoops. Let's not dwell on that, shall we? (Hope to do semi-recap post this weekend, so fret not. Like any of you are out there fretting besides spam commenters, but whatevs.)
Let's enjoy Shakira's new video for "Gypsy" starring my boyfriend, Rafa, looking hotter-than-anyone-ever-in-the-entire-universe-oh-my-god-i-need-a-cold-shower.
This blog pretty well sums it up.
Shakira, you are my hero. (PS Glad you got the memo that my favorite outfit of all time on any man is t-shirt in jeans and/or no shirt and jeans. Again...HERO.)
Let's enjoy Shakira's new video for "Gypsy" starring my boyfriend, Rafa, looking hotter-than-anyone-ever-in-the-entire-universe-oh-my-god-i-need-a-cold-shower.
This blog pretty well sums it up.
Shakira, you are my hero. (PS Glad you got the memo that my favorite outfit of all time on any man is t-shirt in jeans and/or no shirt and jeans. Again...HERO.)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Olympics 2010: Day 2
When I did the last post, I didn't know about the luge accident. My heart is heavy with sadness and I feel so badly for his family.
I also didn't know about the torch screw up, which makes me kind of giggle.
Watching some figure skating pairs at the moment, about to eat some pizza with friends. Good times!
Congrats to my secondary boyfriend, Apolo Ohno, on his silver in the 1500m race and Hanna Kearney is adorable. Adorable.
Ooh, ooh, ooh. As I type this Team USA is ahead with 5 total medals in the medal count. Yeah, I'm sure this won't last, but it's fun for now!
I also didn't know about the torch screw up, which makes me kind of giggle.
Watching some figure skating pairs at the moment, about to eat some pizza with friends. Good times!
Congrats to my secondary boyfriend, Apolo Ohno, on his silver in the 1500m race and Hanna Kearney is adorable. Adorable.
Ooh, ooh, ooh. As I type this Team USA is ahead with 5 total medals in the medal count. Yeah, I'm sure this won't last, but it's fun for now!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Olympics 2010: Day 1?
I didn't get to see the Opening Ceremony last night, and I'm too lazy to look it up right now, but I'm pretty sure competition didn't get underway in Vancouver until today.
So far all I've watched was the Men's 5000m skating competition. It went like this: Woke up from nap dazed and confused. Skating seemed pretty boring since it lasted 6+ mins and only two skaters raced at a time, but nonetheless I sat there, nearly comatose watching because honestly, I was so hungover I couldn't do anything else.
Then all of a sudden it got interesting, and I actually got into it. Shani Davis, a black speed skater for Team USA is totally hot. Korean dude Seung-Hoon Lee was also pretty good looking. Then there's Netherlands' speed skating Michael Phelps - Sven Kramer (pronounced KRAH-mer not KRAY-mer, weird) who is absolutely adorable (photogenic, no, but on camera he was pretty cute, especially when he won and climbed the bleachers to his family and girlfriend).
But let's talk about the outfits, shall we? Who the hell designed those monstrosities? It looks like a spring wet suit with tights and long sleeves underneath. And they all. look. the same. Speed skating body condom fail. Check it out here b/c again, too lazy to copy and post pics myself.
So far all I've watched was the Men's 5000m skating competition. It went like this: Woke up from nap dazed and confused. Skating seemed pretty boring since it lasted 6+ mins and only two skaters raced at a time, but nonetheless I sat there, nearly comatose watching because honestly, I was so hungover I couldn't do anything else.
Then all of a sudden it got interesting, and I actually got into it. Shani Davis, a black speed skater for Team USA is totally hot. Korean dude Seung-Hoon Lee was also pretty good looking. Then there's Netherlands' speed skating Michael Phelps - Sven Kramer (pronounced KRAH-mer not KRAY-mer, weird) who is absolutely adorable (photogenic, no, but on camera he was pretty cute, especially when he won and climbed the bleachers to his family and girlfriend).
But let's talk about the outfits, shall we? Who the hell designed those monstrosities? It looks like a spring wet suit with tights and long sleeves underneath. And they all. look. the same. Speed skating body condom fail. Check it out here b/c again, too lazy to copy and post pics myself.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sports Addict
I've been pretty bummed this week. For starters, the Minnesota Vikings lost in sort of a heartbreaker on Sunday night. I mean, they kind of deserved to lose since they played hot potato instead of football, but still. I wanted it for Favre. I wanted it for rookie and ex-Gator Percy Harvin. It just wasn't meant to be.
But I was willing to put that behind me because Rafael Nadal was pretty much cruising in the first week of the Australian Open. There were some tense moments, but overall, his play was very close to his pre-stupid-fucking-knee-injury form. Then came Monday night. I went to sleep around 10-10:30pm and woke up at 3:45am to watch his match live from Australia. He was playing Andy Murray in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and if it hadn't been a Grand Slam event or had been a less impressive player, I probably would've just slept, like I had every other late-night match. But I was "living in the moment" and decided to do it.
Well, this is what happened. I watched the first set which was intense and really fucking close and Rafa lost. By that time I was feeling slightly nauseous due to sleep situation and also the match. So I dozed a little, woke up midway through second set to watch Rafa lose it again. And even though I know never to give up on Rafa, because he is nothing if not a fighter, it seemed like Andy was playing better overall and it was a done deal. Plus, I was SO.TIR-ED. I closed my computer around 5am and went to dreamland.
Well, more like nightmare land. I dreamed that he had to "retire." This is what they call it when a player must forfeit the remainder of a match because of injury. I woke up relieved that it had been a dream. Then I got to work, checked the score, and lo and behold the stupid-fucking-knee injury was back. He HAD retired, just 3 games into the third set. My stomach sank. Will he ever recover? Will he ever be that same player that won the epic Wimbledon final in 2008?
So I've been bummed. I know it's silly, but I can't help it. I've been waiting for him to make the "comeback," to show everyone that he's still got game, and now he's *this* close, and the knee just won't cooperate. And he's so darn disappointed.
So now football season is almost over, the Gators lost the SEC Championship, the Vikings lost the NFC Championship, and my boyfriend can't even finish his quarterfinal match at the Australian Open and will be out for who knows how long. WTF am I supposed to do for sports now? (Because clearly, going without sports is worse than going without food & water.) Tennis is on at random times. Haven't loved basketball since high school-ish. Hockey? Soccer? No clue.
That's when I remembered Winter Olympics! Vancouver 2010 begins in 14 days. Holla! Am hoping to do a daily "recap" or "commentary" or "WTF" or "Did you see ?!" like I did for the 2008 games. . .we'll see how it goes. To get you all as amped as I am for said Olympics, I give you the fabulous Johnny Weir, performing to Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." Love. It.
But I was willing to put that behind me because Rafael Nadal was pretty much cruising in the first week of the Australian Open. There were some tense moments, but overall, his play was very close to his pre-stupid-fucking-knee-injury form. Then came Monday night. I went to sleep around 10-10:30pm and woke up at 3:45am to watch his match live from Australia. He was playing Andy Murray in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and if it hadn't been a Grand Slam event or had been a less impressive player, I probably would've just slept, like I had every other late-night match. But I was "living in the moment" and decided to do it.
Well, this is what happened. I watched the first set which was intense and really fucking close and Rafa lost. By that time I was feeling slightly nauseous due to sleep situation and also the match. So I dozed a little, woke up midway through second set to watch Rafa lose it again. And even though I know never to give up on Rafa, because he is nothing if not a fighter, it seemed like Andy was playing better overall and it was a done deal. Plus, I was SO.TIR-ED. I closed my computer around 5am and went to dreamland.
Well, more like nightmare land. I dreamed that he had to "retire." This is what they call it when a player must forfeit the remainder of a match because of injury. I woke up relieved that it had been a dream. Then I got to work, checked the score, and lo and behold the stupid-fucking-knee injury was back. He HAD retired, just 3 games into the third set. My stomach sank. Will he ever recover? Will he ever be that same player that won the epic Wimbledon final in 2008?
So I've been bummed. I know it's silly, but I can't help it. I've been waiting for him to make the "comeback," to show everyone that he's still got game, and now he's *this* close, and the knee just won't cooperate. And he's so darn disappointed.
I has a sad, too, Rafa. Let's hug it out. (via Nadal News photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
So now football season is almost over, the Gators lost the SEC Championship, the Vikings lost the NFC Championship, and my boyfriend can't even finish his quarterfinal match at the Australian Open and will be out for who knows how long. WTF am I supposed to do for sports now? (Because clearly, going without sports is worse than going without food & water.) Tennis is on at random times. Haven't loved basketball since high school-ish. Hockey? Soccer? No clue.
That's when I remembered Winter Olympics! Vancouver 2010 begins in 14 days. Holla! Am hoping to do a daily "recap" or "commentary" or "WTF" or "Did you see ?!" like I did for the 2008 games. . .we'll see how it goes. To get you all as amped as I am for said Olympics, I give you the fabulous Johnny Weir, performing to Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." Love. It.
Monday, January 18, 2010
My New Happy Video?
My 2009 "Happy Video of the Year" was "I'm On A Boat."
2010 has only just begun, but I am already near tears after watching (and let's be honest, re-watching) this pure awesomeness from American Idol.
But Andy, don't worry. You're still my boo. General Larry got nothin' on you.
2010 has only just begun, but I am already near tears after watching (and let's be honest, re-watching) this pure awesomeness from American Idol.
But Andy, don't worry. You're still my boo. General Larry got nothin' on you.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
The Truth of the Matter
Every break-up or ending has that moment. That moment you know in your heart and bones that s/he's not coming back, that you're not going back, that it will not be fixed, that it truly is over. Sometimes you don't even realize you've been holding on to the tiniest of tiny hopes; sometimes you have outwardly longed and prayed for a reversal of events. Either way, the time always comes - sooner or later, but always - when you know.
I think the pscyhologists call it "acceptance" or similar. I call it "reality-smacks-you-in-the-fucking-face-and-forces-you-to-wake-the-fuck-up."
It seems strange, because it feels like a brick in your stomach, but in actuality, you've been waiting for this moment, the final grieving. When you can let go and honestly live again. When you can stop looking backward or forward and be present in the now.
It doesn't mean you will no longer think of the person/place/thing or even that you will never be sad again. But you are now on the way toward true healing because you are viewing the situation as it is, not as you hope or wish it to be. The truth of the matter.
So today, I am sad but also happy because this part is almost over. . .and I'm this close to being me again.
UPDATE: My Deepak Chopra Quote of the Day from Twitter is very apropos. "Today I will commit myself to detachment. I will allow myself and those around me the freedom to be as they are." Deepak Chopra
I think the pscyhologists call it "acceptance" or similar. I call it "reality-smacks-you-in-the-fucking-face-and-forces-you-to-wake-the-fuck-up."
It seems strange, because it feels like a brick in your stomach, but in actuality, you've been waiting for this moment, the final grieving. When you can let go and honestly live again. When you can stop looking backward or forward and be present in the now.
It doesn't mean you will no longer think of the person/place/thing or even that you will never be sad again. But you are now on the way toward true healing because you are viewing the situation as it is, not as you hope or wish it to be. The truth of the matter.
So today, I am sad but also happy because this part is almost over. . .and I'm this close to being me again.
UPDATE: My Deepak Chopra Quote of the Day from Twitter is very apropos. "Today I will commit myself to detachment. I will allow myself and those around me the freedom to be as they are." Deepak Chopra
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Holy. Shit.
Urban Meyer stepped down as Florida's head football coach.
Shocked. Stunned. Scared.
As GatorBenPBP said on Twitter: "From Tebow's concussion to Spikes' eye-gouging to Dunlap's DUI to now Urban stepping down, this has been the strangest football season ever."
So much word.
And next year is gonna...Suuuuhhh-uck.
Props to Meyer for putting health and family before football, though.
Shocked. Stunned. Scared.
As GatorBenPBP said on Twitter: "From Tebow's concussion to Spikes' eye-gouging to Dunlap's DUI to now Urban stepping down, this has been the strangest football season ever."
So much word.
And next year is gonna...Suuuuhhh-uck.
Props to Meyer for putting health and family before football, though.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Girl's Best Friend (aka Pathetic Singleton Life)
I'm not sure when this happened, but what used to be a once-in-awhile occurrence is now an every night given: Masala sleeps in my bed with me. Then, when my alarm goes off in the morning, he noses his face into mine, wags his tail, then lays his head on arm/stomach/leg to wait for me to hit the snooze button.
Eventually I open my eyes, and he's immediately up in my grill again, as if he's been waiting for this moment ALL. NIGHT. LONG. and he rolls on his back so I can rub his belly and scratch his stomach. It's really very sweet, and the morning snuggles with my pup help get my day off to a good start before I emerge from the covers into the cold, evil reality of a December morning.
Then tonight I noticed another thing that has become our routine. Whenever I eat, he almost never begs anymore. Instead, he lays down next to me, waits for me to finish, and then I hand him my plate so he can lick it clean. Again, this is very sweet, but holy shit, it dawned on me that my dog and I act like an OLD MARRIED COUPLE.
If gay marriage is barely legal in the United States, I'm fairly certain cross-species marriage is way, way down on the list. Damn it. Maybe finding a husband should be on my to-do list after all.
Eventually I open my eyes, and he's immediately up in my grill again, as if he's been waiting for this moment ALL. NIGHT. LONG. and he rolls on his back so I can rub his belly and scratch his stomach. It's really very sweet, and the morning snuggles with my pup help get my day off to a good start before I emerge from the covers into the cold, evil reality of a December morning.
Then tonight I noticed another thing that has become our routine. Whenever I eat, he almost never begs anymore. Instead, he lays down next to me, waits for me to finish, and then I hand him my plate so he can lick it clean. Again, this is very sweet, but holy shit, it dawned on me that my dog and I act like an OLD MARRIED COUPLE.
If gay marriage is barely legal in the United States, I'm fairly certain cross-species marriage is way, way down on the list. Damn it. Maybe finding a husband should be on my to-do list after all.
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