So...been a while.
What's up?
Do you want to come over and watch a movie?
I imagine that's how awkward text conversations between two people who used to be close (at least for a few hours anyway?) would start out at this point. It's been months. I'm sorry to the four of you out there who read this. It's not you, it's me.
Anyway, I could go into detail about all of the exciting things I've been up to that have prevented me from updating this blog but all of the things I would say would be lies. I've been laying pretty low, trying to take care of myself, and trying to develop a formula to make my hair grow quicker because I chopped it all off. Like, a foot of hair. Don't get me wrong, it's exactly what I wanted at the time. But then I figured out in order to get the cute, short waves I want, I would actually have to wake up earlier to do my hair. Well, that was a major flaw I was not ready to contend with. So I'm biding my time until my hair grows and requires nothing but a shampoo every other day and a few strokes of a hairbrush. It's almost there. My ponytail is no longer the size of a radish.
Anyway, let's get down to brass tacks. (I heard that in an episode of Homestar Runner once. Whoa, talk about a thowback. What is the correct twitter hashtag for Mondays? I can't keep up with the kids and their internets crazes these days.)
After working in downtown Nashville for the past two years, I've developed a pretty intimate knowledge of the dining out options. You have burrito place #1, the Thai place, the sushi place, burrito place #2, the most mediocre restaurant of all restaurants in existence, the meat and three that is either a ghost town or has a 2 hour wait, burrito place #3, the new hipster-ish darling of downtown dining (which I must be the only person who is not a fan...this is why I could never live in East Nashville. Way too un-cool), the generic sandwich/soup/salad place which is fine getting there but not worth the trek up the hill after loading on carbs, and supposedly now there is a burrito place #4 my boss told me about last week.
Several factors go into where I select to eat my lunch. Am I craving hit or miss food but the best fruit tea? Obviously, burrito place #2 it is. Am I craving being stared down while I try to eat my $14 salad because the four businessmen than just walked in are shocked to find that at 12:01 all tables are taken and want to eat, like, now? Meat and three, coming right up. Do I want abnormally large chunks of avocado in my sushi? Well, this one speaks for itself. I am probably one of the few people not a fan of the quarter sized chunks of fruit, but avacado is yet another trend I can't get behind. When it's bigger than my piece of spicy crab, we have an issue. Last week we ventured out to one of the restaurants in the hotels downtown. We all agreed it looked like Oberyn Martell (RIP Red Viper) and Ellaria Sand would definitely have eaten there daily. It was very red and looked like a brothel, but we were into it. Sadly, the fried green tomato blt's bacon wasn't fully cooked (this is why you do not use turkey bacon...IT IS NOT THE SAME!) and even though I may return to relive the nostalgia of one of my favorite literary and television characters of all time (can we just decide the actor Pedro Pascal needs to use that accent all the time? Oh, and another side note, I am delighted to find out in real life he dates a woman who has had relationships with both men and women. I feel he is doing his character justice. Just don't think you can take on a 422 lb opponent Pedro, and I think you'll be okay).
So here is my foray back into the world of blogging. Not sure how often I'll return, but this is a start. The Favorite Redhead wants me to do a blog comparing SEC schools to Game of Thrones characters. Yes, I am aware there is an original and I can in no way take credit for the idea. But, I haven't read it and the thought is intriguing, so hopefully the writers won't be miffed if this little sliver of a corner of the interwebs takes a stab at it. Preview: Alabama = Hodor, obviously. All you hear the fans say is 'Roll Tide!', much like Hodor's mantra/battlecry/sob/almostwrotesomethinginappropriateuntilIrememberedmyfamilyreadsthis of 'Hodor!'
Until next time.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
The Art of Bucking Up
Well readers, it is technically Christmas, so Merry Christmas.
I have to be honest...my Christmas is not super merry. I cried all the way home today. I miss my dad so much and for some reason Christmas is hitting me so much harder than Thanksgiving did. His headstone is finally done, so I'm going to go and see his final resting place for the first time since he was buried in June. Not the most uplifting activity for Christmas. Our home feels so bare without his presence and without the Christmas decorations he'd always put up.
So instead of getting lost in the sadness, I'm trying to focus on good things that happened this past year. 2013 was a shit year, but there were shining moments. As I listed to my all-time favorite Christmas song, O Holy Night, I want to share five of the things I can look back on in 2013 and genuinely be happy.
1.) Marriages. This year, two of my favorite couples got married. The love these twosomes share is the kind of love I hope to have some day. Their weddings were celebrations of their love and their personalities. I can't remember going to two more fun weddings. They are wonderful people and to be able to share in the joy of one of the happiest days of their lives were nights I'll never forget.
2.) Babies. Y'all, this was a good year for babies. My friends had the most beautiful identical twin boys imaginable. They were born a day before my father died and I remember showing him the photos of the boys...he said they were perfect, and they are. Their picture made my dad smile one of his last smiles and I'll never forget that look on his face. They are perfect. But with a hot dad and an even hotter mom, why would I expect anything less? My other friends had an adorable little boy. I love seeing the pictures his mom posts about him. It is so obvious how loved he is. He is very lucky to have the mom and dad that he has. He will be raised as a proper UK fan! And lots of my friends are pregnant. A new life is something to always celebrate and I am so excited for my friends who are expecting a new addition to the family in 2014.
3.) Healing. The day my father passed away a friend of mine's dad was admitted to the very floor in St. Thomas where my dad was. I am so thankful his father was rehabilitated and healed. While I am sad the same can't be said for my father... and a little jealous, if I'm honest, I am so grateful this man has the chance to meet his grandson, who was born a few days ago. While I mourn my loss, I am glad a friend did not have to experience what I'm going through. I am also thankful for the healing of people I'm not close to. A friend on Facebook's daughter has been healed of cancer. Another friend beat breast cancer. 2013 was full of miracles for some people and I need to remember that although my miracle didn't happen, countless others did. And I should be happy for them.
4.) Opportunities. I have been blessed with great opportunities at work. What could be better than having the chance to move upward in an organization that you believe in and care about? Not much. My friends have always had great opportunities. Although I am extremely sad, my best friend in Nashville has an amazing job opportunity in California. She'll be leaving in two weeks, and I will miss her, but I could not be more excited for her new path.
5.) Friends. In 2013 I said goodbye to some friends, hello to others, and nice to see you again to a few. As you grow, friendships evolve, and I am so blessed to have the people in my life that I do.
Although I am sad, I am also thankful for the things I have been blessed with. Merry Christmas to you and yours, and may you all have at least five things to celebrate and be thankful for.
I have to be honest...my Christmas is not super merry. I cried all the way home today. I miss my dad so much and for some reason Christmas is hitting me so much harder than Thanksgiving did. His headstone is finally done, so I'm going to go and see his final resting place for the first time since he was buried in June. Not the most uplifting activity for Christmas. Our home feels so bare without his presence and without the Christmas decorations he'd always put up.
So instead of getting lost in the sadness, I'm trying to focus on good things that happened this past year. 2013 was a shit year, but there were shining moments. As I listed to my all-time favorite Christmas song, O Holy Night, I want to share five of the things I can look back on in 2013 and genuinely be happy.
1.) Marriages. This year, two of my favorite couples got married. The love these twosomes share is the kind of love I hope to have some day. Their weddings were celebrations of their love and their personalities. I can't remember going to two more fun weddings. They are wonderful people and to be able to share in the joy of one of the happiest days of their lives were nights I'll never forget.
2.) Babies. Y'all, this was a good year for babies. My friends had the most beautiful identical twin boys imaginable. They were born a day before my father died and I remember showing him the photos of the boys...he said they were perfect, and they are. Their picture made my dad smile one of his last smiles and I'll never forget that look on his face. They are perfect. But with a hot dad and an even hotter mom, why would I expect anything less? My other friends had an adorable little boy. I love seeing the pictures his mom posts about him. It is so obvious how loved he is. He is very lucky to have the mom and dad that he has. He will be raised as a proper UK fan! And lots of my friends are pregnant. A new life is something to always celebrate and I am so excited for my friends who are expecting a new addition to the family in 2014.
3.) Healing. The day my father passed away a friend of mine's dad was admitted to the very floor in St. Thomas where my dad was. I am so thankful his father was rehabilitated and healed. While I am sad the same can't be said for my father... and a little jealous, if I'm honest, I am so grateful this man has the chance to meet his grandson, who was born a few days ago. While I mourn my loss, I am glad a friend did not have to experience what I'm going through. I am also thankful for the healing of people I'm not close to. A friend on Facebook's daughter has been healed of cancer. Another friend beat breast cancer. 2013 was full of miracles for some people and I need to remember that although my miracle didn't happen, countless others did. And I should be happy for them.
4.) Opportunities. I have been blessed with great opportunities at work. What could be better than having the chance to move upward in an organization that you believe in and care about? Not much. My friends have always had great opportunities. Although I am extremely sad, my best friend in Nashville has an amazing job opportunity in California. She'll be leaving in two weeks, and I will miss her, but I could not be more excited for her new path.
5.) Friends. In 2013 I said goodbye to some friends, hello to others, and nice to see you again to a few. As you grow, friendships evolve, and I am so blessed to have the people in my life that I do.
Although I am sad, I am also thankful for the things I have been blessed with. Merry Christmas to you and yours, and may you all have at least five things to celebrate and be thankful for.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
The Art of Ignoring Christmas
Greetings and salutations readers!
This time last week I was on the deck of a cruiseship, sunning myself. This week, I'm in my childhood bed at home, still nursing a cold, and cramped because mom's dog, cat, and my cat have all decided to sleep in my single bed too. But, I sure do feel loved!
This year, my mom has decided to ignore Christmas. We're not putting up a tree, we're not having a traditional special meal, and gifts we give eachother are not to be wrapped in holiday wrapping paper. I could argue, but I know when to pick my battles, and this is not one I am going to win.
When she first told me at Thanksgiving that we were basically ignoring Christmas, I was fine with it. Holidays have never been large productions at my house because I have such a small family. But now that I'm home for a day or so, this close to Christmas, and there is no sign of holiday cheer anywhere at the Stergas residence, I'm beginning to regret going along with her decision. I want to go into our living room and break out my old Christmas carols piano book, but I'm afraid it will make mom upset. I miss having a tree with our family ornaments to read next to at night. I miss the joy that usually comes with the holiday season.
I've tried to do Christmas my own way this year. I've sought out ways I can help families who actually do want a Christmas for their children, they just may not have the means to do it this year. I'm really excited for my friends' Booze Exchange party on Friday night, because that's going to be the extent of my Christmas cheer this year.
Instead of dwelling on all the things I'm going to miss about Christmas, let me tell you all about four of my most favorite Christmas moments.
1.) The trampoline. Okay, so at a certain age, most children stop believing in Santa Claus, or at least become skeptical of the jolly old man who supposedly comes into homes through chimneys, even if your house does not have a chimney. Supposedly reindeer dust disables security systems, or so I was told as a wee one. One year in particular, I thought I had this all figured out. I'd go to bed, mom and dad would assemble all of the Barbie accessories I'd asked for, throw in a few clothing items I immediately passed over, and filled my six foot (yes, six foot) stocking. I was an only child. What can I say? So I woke up on Christmas morning and played along with the whole 'Santa' bit. Because if you stop believing in him, he stops coming, and I wanted to most presents I could possibly get. Greedy, yes...but don't tell me you wouldn't have done the same. I read my letter from Santa in which he says what a good girl I had been this year, trying to speed through the letter so I could get down to business and assess how I'd made out this year. I get to the last line and it says 'look in the backyard.' I was perplexed as to what could be there. I saw the Barbie jeep I'd requested in the corner, so it's not like it was sitting outside. Maybe there is an injured reindeer I need to nurse back to health back there? I ran into the den, looked outside, and saw.... A TRAMPOLINE!!!!!!!!!!!! OHMYGOSHHOWDIDMYPARENTSSNEAKTHATBACKTHERE?!??!?!?!
Needless to say, Santa was obviously real. At least, for that Christmas.
2.) The year I became an adult. Don't worry male readers, this has nothing to do with any processes the female body goes through. It deals with the point in my life in which my six foot long stocking could no longer be stuffed with Barbies and video games. Determined to still fill the giant sock with presents, my father had the brilliant idea to fill it with printer paper packets because I was typing so many papers for school. At that point I thanked my parents for their valiant efforts over the years to fill my stocking, but I was relieving them of their duty. Getting printer paper is probably the 2000 equivalent of coal.
3.) The Jeep. One year I got a Hot Wheels jeep to drive around in and I knew the world was mine for the taking. I would cruise around my backyard for hours, chasing Scout, our dog, and leaning back in the driver's seat like I was large and in charge. I'd wear sunglasses even in the winter and I would pack myself a lunch (usually of dunkaroos and gushers) for the road, in case my journeys ever took me out of my backyard. Life was glorious, until two jerks stole my beloved Jeep and trashed it. Luckily, said jerks were not very smart and trashed it in one of their backyards and left evidence. Their mothers made them save up enough allowance to buy me a new one and present it to me, along with a letter of apology. I said I forgave them (to much oohing and ahhing about how cute I was and how sweet) but I totally lied. I did not forgive, nor did I forget.
4.) The last Christmas I had with my grandmother. Christmas of 1993 was probably the last Christmas I was truly naïve of how precious life is. Until that point I had never experienced loss, and it didn't dawn on me that people wouldn't be around for forever. We went to my grandparents house, had a meal, played with the awesome toy train my grandfather set up for me each year, and had a great time laughing and loving eachother. The next day at church we found out my grandmother, Mama Helen (or Gree, as I usually called her), had suffered a heart attack and was in the hospital. She would later pass away in February of 1994. That Christmas was the last time I felt like I had a whole family. Since that Christmas, I've lost my great grandmother, my grandfather and my dad, and my family has dwindled to two.
One thing reflecting on past Christmases has done is made me realize what I want in my future family. I hope to marry someone one day that comes from a larger family so I can experience the big family affairs. Someone with brothers and sisters so my children can have cousins their own age to play and cause mischief with. I hope that my future family will have enough people to survive losses but still keep the family gatherings a tradition. Obviously I'm in no rush to get married since I am almost 29 and have been single for a very long time, but one day I'll be ready. I am excited for the day when I have children of my own and can find ways to make Christmas a time of wonder for them. I'm not sure about this Elf on a Shelf stuff because personally, I think a voyeur elf is pretty darn creepy, but I'm sure I'll change my viewpoint if it makes my little ones smile.
If I don't write anymore before Christmas, enjoy your holidays and being with your families. May you all be blessed with good fortune in 2014. Be safe, be kind, and most of all, be happy.
This time last week I was on the deck of a cruiseship, sunning myself. This week, I'm in my childhood bed at home, still nursing a cold, and cramped because mom's dog, cat, and my cat have all decided to sleep in my single bed too. But, I sure do feel loved!
This year, my mom has decided to ignore Christmas. We're not putting up a tree, we're not having a traditional special meal, and gifts we give eachother are not to be wrapped in holiday wrapping paper. I could argue, but I know when to pick my battles, and this is not one I am going to win.
When she first told me at Thanksgiving that we were basically ignoring Christmas, I was fine with it. Holidays have never been large productions at my house because I have such a small family. But now that I'm home for a day or so, this close to Christmas, and there is no sign of holiday cheer anywhere at the Stergas residence, I'm beginning to regret going along with her decision. I want to go into our living room and break out my old Christmas carols piano book, but I'm afraid it will make mom upset. I miss having a tree with our family ornaments to read next to at night. I miss the joy that usually comes with the holiday season.
I've tried to do Christmas my own way this year. I've sought out ways I can help families who actually do want a Christmas for their children, they just may not have the means to do it this year. I'm really excited for my friends' Booze Exchange party on Friday night, because that's going to be the extent of my Christmas cheer this year.
Instead of dwelling on all the things I'm going to miss about Christmas, let me tell you all about four of my most favorite Christmas moments.
1.) The trampoline. Okay, so at a certain age, most children stop believing in Santa Claus, or at least become skeptical of the jolly old man who supposedly comes into homes through chimneys, even if your house does not have a chimney. Supposedly reindeer dust disables security systems, or so I was told as a wee one. One year in particular, I thought I had this all figured out. I'd go to bed, mom and dad would assemble all of the Barbie accessories I'd asked for, throw in a few clothing items I immediately passed over, and filled my six foot (yes, six foot) stocking. I was an only child. What can I say? So I woke up on Christmas morning and played along with the whole 'Santa' bit. Because if you stop believing in him, he stops coming, and I wanted to most presents I could possibly get. Greedy, yes...but don't tell me you wouldn't have done the same. I read my letter from Santa in which he says what a good girl I had been this year, trying to speed through the letter so I could get down to business and assess how I'd made out this year. I get to the last line and it says 'look in the backyard.' I was perplexed as to what could be there. I saw the Barbie jeep I'd requested in the corner, so it's not like it was sitting outside. Maybe there is an injured reindeer I need to nurse back to health back there? I ran into the den, looked outside, and saw.... A TRAMPOLINE!!!!!!!!!!!! OHMYGOSHHOWDIDMYPARENTSSNEAKTHATBACKTHERE?!??!?!?!
Needless to say, Santa was obviously real. At least, for that Christmas.
2.) The year I became an adult. Don't worry male readers, this has nothing to do with any processes the female body goes through. It deals with the point in my life in which my six foot long stocking could no longer be stuffed with Barbies and video games. Determined to still fill the giant sock with presents, my father had the brilliant idea to fill it with printer paper packets because I was typing so many papers for school. At that point I thanked my parents for their valiant efforts over the years to fill my stocking, but I was relieving them of their duty. Getting printer paper is probably the 2000 equivalent of coal.
3.) The Jeep. One year I got a Hot Wheels jeep to drive around in and I knew the world was mine for the taking. I would cruise around my backyard for hours, chasing Scout, our dog, and leaning back in the driver's seat like I was large and in charge. I'd wear sunglasses even in the winter and I would pack myself a lunch (usually of dunkaroos and gushers) for the road, in case my journeys ever took me out of my backyard. Life was glorious, until two jerks stole my beloved Jeep and trashed it. Luckily, said jerks were not very smart and trashed it in one of their backyards and left evidence. Their mothers made them save up enough allowance to buy me a new one and present it to me, along with a letter of apology. I said I forgave them (to much oohing and ahhing about how cute I was and how sweet) but I totally lied. I did not forgive, nor did I forget.
4.) The last Christmas I had with my grandmother. Christmas of 1993 was probably the last Christmas I was truly naïve of how precious life is. Until that point I had never experienced loss, and it didn't dawn on me that people wouldn't be around for forever. We went to my grandparents house, had a meal, played with the awesome toy train my grandfather set up for me each year, and had a great time laughing and loving eachother. The next day at church we found out my grandmother, Mama Helen (or Gree, as I usually called her), had suffered a heart attack and was in the hospital. She would later pass away in February of 1994. That Christmas was the last time I felt like I had a whole family. Since that Christmas, I've lost my great grandmother, my grandfather and my dad, and my family has dwindled to two.
One thing reflecting on past Christmases has done is made me realize what I want in my future family. I hope to marry someone one day that comes from a larger family so I can experience the big family affairs. Someone with brothers and sisters so my children can have cousins their own age to play and cause mischief with. I hope that my future family will have enough people to survive losses but still keep the family gatherings a tradition. Obviously I'm in no rush to get married since I am almost 29 and have been single for a very long time, but one day I'll be ready. I am excited for the day when I have children of my own and can find ways to make Christmas a time of wonder for them. I'm not sure about this Elf on a Shelf stuff because personally, I think a voyeur elf is pretty darn creepy, but I'm sure I'll change my viewpoint if it makes my little ones smile.
If I don't write anymore before Christmas, enjoy your holidays and being with your families. May you all be blessed with good fortune in 2014. Be safe, be kind, and most of all, be happy.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
The Art of Loving to Cook
Hello readers!
I'm trying to forget the fact that I was on a cruise ship two days ago in 80 degree weather and now I'm sitting on my living room floor in pajama pants (pirate themed, though!), a long sleeve shirt and a sweater and I'm still cold. The fact that I have a fever probably doesn't help. It's time for the Anna-just-went-on-vacation-so-naturally-her-body-hates-her annual illness. This post is sponsored by Dayquil and Nyquil, which both knock my on my ass, as my five friends I cruised with saw when I was passed out on the boat most of Sunday and had not had a single thing to drink. But, I digress.
We had some amazing food on our trip to Mexico. We started and ended the trip in New Orleans where, obviously, good food is everywhere. The food on the ship was good for the most part, and even if you hated what you ordered, you could order like four other things in its place until you found something you liked. In Mexico I had the best shrimp nachos and guacamole of my life. It was a good week for food.
But even though I enjoyed all of the food, I missed cooking. I have always liked to cook, but in the past couple of years, it has really become a passion of mine. I frequently spend all of Sunday afternoons in my kitchen, prepping and making my meals for the week, since I know I'm not going to have a lot of time for cooking after work. It's peaceful to me. I love the sounds of roasting vegetables in the oven and the crackling of hot oil in the skillet before you put your ingredients in. I like chopping vegetables...when I'm angry or frustrated at something it's a great way to expend energy and do something productive. I don't so much care about the eating part though, which is weird. Most of the time after I have spent hours cooking, I don't even want to eat anything I made and end up eating a sandwich for dinner. I love the prep more. But my favorite thing about cooking is watching other people enjoy my food. I'm a people pleaser by nature, but few things make me happier than cooking a delicious meal for friends and being with them while they enjoy it. I love planning menus for full meals or even just a tailgate dish. I seriously spend hours combing through recipes, tweaking them to make them my own, and counting down till I can make them. Living alone, I don't get the opportunity to cook for others as much as I'd like. I plan on changing this in 2014. I want to have friends over for dinner at least twice a month. I want to plan elaborate meals I'd never cook just for me (even though I have done that on occasion) and enjoy time with the people that mean the most to me.
People often ask me what are my favorite things to cook. I have listed my top 6 go-tos below. Let me know if you want the specific recipes, or if you want to come over and have me cook them for you! Seriously, I would be so excited if people wanted to invite themselves over!
1.) Scallops. I have mentioned before on this blog how much I love scallops, but they are my absolute favorite. They are delicious and you can do so many things with them. They seem very fancy, but require very little attention: two minutes on each side and they are done and ready to be consumed. Sometimes I'll just use salt & pepper and some lemon juice. Lovely. Other times I'll make a saffron sauce to serve with them. I was playing around in the kitchen one day and ended up creating a champagne cream sauce I served over pasta with scallops that I need to figure out how to make again. I really need to write things down more!
2.) Salmon. Seafood is my favorite, so I cook a lot of fish. I know it's more expensive than chicken, but it's what I like, so it's what I make. A simple rub of brown sugar and Dijon mustard is a great, quick, go-to recipe for work nights. Also, mixing grainy mustard and sour cream makes a great topping for your salmon. Rosemary is a great spice to use too, if you're looking for something different than the normal dill associated with salmon. Seriously, there are so many options for this yummy fish, and it's super good for you!
3.) Roasted vegetables. I make pans of roasted vegetables every week. Broccoli with lemon, asparagus, balsamic green beans & mushrooms, sriracha & honey brussel sprouts...YUM. Roasting is super easy, keeps the nutrients in the vegetables, and give the outside a crunch while cooking the inside to a comfort food temperature. I haven't found anything that I don't like to roast yet! Maybe I'll try eggplant next since I really want to like it, but haven't found a recipe I like yet.
4.) Homemade pasta. Yes, it's a lot of work. Yes, if you don't do certain things right you'll have a glob of basically playdough on your table. But, if you do it right, there are few things better. One of my goals in life is to be able to recreate my dad's lasagna that he would spend all day making. My mom won't be my guinea pig because she says it brings back hard memories, but I'm taking volunteers!
5.) Pad thai. I make the best pad thai I've ever had. I'm sorry, it's how I feel. There's a place downtown with good pad thai and of course, the Smiling Elephant is delicious, but I really feel like mine is just as good, if not better, and it's incredibly easy to make. I have trouble ordering it while I'm out, because it is so simple to make in my kitchen.
6.) Meatloaf. We were talking about this the other day in New Orleans: there are few ways to make meatloaf look appetizing. I mean, who hears the word 'loaf' and is like, man, that shit is going to be fancy?!?! But I actually really like it, and enjoy making it something people want to eat. I make buffalo chicken meatloaf with large chunks of bleu cheese and frank's red hot sauce. I also make a really good turkey and cranberry meatloaf that is really hearty and a great winter meal. I think I like making meatloaf so much because you can just thrown a lot of random ingredients in a bowl, mix together, and cook it. Chances are, if you know the ingredients you're putting in the bowl mix well, you'll have a tasty dinner.
I'm serious friends, let me know if you want to come over for dinner. I look forward to having many of you at my place soon for great food and some laughs!
I'm trying to forget the fact that I was on a cruise ship two days ago in 80 degree weather and now I'm sitting on my living room floor in pajama pants (pirate themed, though!), a long sleeve shirt and a sweater and I'm still cold. The fact that I have a fever probably doesn't help. It's time for the Anna-just-went-on-vacation-so-naturally-her-body-hates-her annual illness. This post is sponsored by Dayquil and Nyquil, which both knock my on my ass, as my five friends I cruised with saw when I was passed out on the boat most of Sunday and had not had a single thing to drink. But, I digress.
We had some amazing food on our trip to Mexico. We started and ended the trip in New Orleans where, obviously, good food is everywhere. The food on the ship was good for the most part, and even if you hated what you ordered, you could order like four other things in its place until you found something you liked. In Mexico I had the best shrimp nachos and guacamole of my life. It was a good week for food.
But even though I enjoyed all of the food, I missed cooking. I have always liked to cook, but in the past couple of years, it has really become a passion of mine. I frequently spend all of Sunday afternoons in my kitchen, prepping and making my meals for the week, since I know I'm not going to have a lot of time for cooking after work. It's peaceful to me. I love the sounds of roasting vegetables in the oven and the crackling of hot oil in the skillet before you put your ingredients in. I like chopping vegetables...when I'm angry or frustrated at something it's a great way to expend energy and do something productive. I don't so much care about the eating part though, which is weird. Most of the time after I have spent hours cooking, I don't even want to eat anything I made and end up eating a sandwich for dinner. I love the prep more. But my favorite thing about cooking is watching other people enjoy my food. I'm a people pleaser by nature, but few things make me happier than cooking a delicious meal for friends and being with them while they enjoy it. I love planning menus for full meals or even just a tailgate dish. I seriously spend hours combing through recipes, tweaking them to make them my own, and counting down till I can make them. Living alone, I don't get the opportunity to cook for others as much as I'd like. I plan on changing this in 2014. I want to have friends over for dinner at least twice a month. I want to plan elaborate meals I'd never cook just for me (even though I have done that on occasion) and enjoy time with the people that mean the most to me.
People often ask me what are my favorite things to cook. I have listed my top 6 go-tos below. Let me know if you want the specific recipes, or if you want to come over and have me cook them for you! Seriously, I would be so excited if people wanted to invite themselves over!
1.) Scallops. I have mentioned before on this blog how much I love scallops, but they are my absolute favorite. They are delicious and you can do so many things with them. They seem very fancy, but require very little attention: two minutes on each side and they are done and ready to be consumed. Sometimes I'll just use salt & pepper and some lemon juice. Lovely. Other times I'll make a saffron sauce to serve with them. I was playing around in the kitchen one day and ended up creating a champagne cream sauce I served over pasta with scallops that I need to figure out how to make again. I really need to write things down more!
2.) Salmon. Seafood is my favorite, so I cook a lot of fish. I know it's more expensive than chicken, but it's what I like, so it's what I make. A simple rub of brown sugar and Dijon mustard is a great, quick, go-to recipe for work nights. Also, mixing grainy mustard and sour cream makes a great topping for your salmon. Rosemary is a great spice to use too, if you're looking for something different than the normal dill associated with salmon. Seriously, there are so many options for this yummy fish, and it's super good for you!
3.) Roasted vegetables. I make pans of roasted vegetables every week. Broccoli with lemon, asparagus, balsamic green beans & mushrooms, sriracha & honey brussel sprouts...YUM. Roasting is super easy, keeps the nutrients in the vegetables, and give the outside a crunch while cooking the inside to a comfort food temperature. I haven't found anything that I don't like to roast yet! Maybe I'll try eggplant next since I really want to like it, but haven't found a recipe I like yet.
4.) Homemade pasta. Yes, it's a lot of work. Yes, if you don't do certain things right you'll have a glob of basically playdough on your table. But, if you do it right, there are few things better. One of my goals in life is to be able to recreate my dad's lasagna that he would spend all day making. My mom won't be my guinea pig because she says it brings back hard memories, but I'm taking volunteers!
5.) Pad thai. I make the best pad thai I've ever had. I'm sorry, it's how I feel. There's a place downtown with good pad thai and of course, the Smiling Elephant is delicious, but I really feel like mine is just as good, if not better, and it's incredibly easy to make. I have trouble ordering it while I'm out, because it is so simple to make in my kitchen.
6.) Meatloaf. We were talking about this the other day in New Orleans: there are few ways to make meatloaf look appetizing. I mean, who hears the word 'loaf' and is like, man, that shit is going to be fancy?!?! But I actually really like it, and enjoy making it something people want to eat. I make buffalo chicken meatloaf with large chunks of bleu cheese and frank's red hot sauce. I also make a really good turkey and cranberry meatloaf that is really hearty and a great winter meal. I think I like making meatloaf so much because you can just thrown a lot of random ingredients in a bowl, mix together, and cook it. Chances are, if you know the ingredients you're putting in the bowl mix well, you'll have a tasty dinner.
I'm serious friends, let me know if you want to come over for dinner. I look forward to having many of you at my place soon for great food and some laughs!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
An Empty Spot at the Table
I swear, not every blog entry I write from now on will have something to do with my dad. But, it's on my heart, so it's coming out through my words.
This Thanksgiving, there will be a void at the Thanksgiving table. This void will be added to the existing ones which once held places for my great grandmother, grandfather, and grandmother. They say one is the loneliest number, but this year, two seems pretty damn lonely to me.
When my mom asked what I wanted to do for Thanksgiving this year, I immediately had an idea. In the past we'd always done the traditional turkey, dressing, cranberry crap, green bean casserole, rolls, and pie that seem to make up the standard Thanksgiving fare. Having mom slave away over a turkey for just two people seemed silly. I told her I wanted to have Italian food and she said she didn't know how to make it because she never learned how to...dad always cooked it.
And boy, did he.
My daddy was an amazing cook. He could make pasta from scratch and I don't think I'll ever taste anything as good as his lasagna. He would make traditional Italian pastries for special occasions. He'd give out his creations to his friends at Christmas...I always thought it was hilarious he'd give cakes to his favorite spin instructors at the YMCA. Cooking is one thing I got from him, although mom is a good cook too. But she doesn't have the love for it that daddy and I had/have.
So this year, I'm cooking my first holiday meal. I'm making a traditional Italian meal in honor of dad. I'm going to attempt to make the lemon bars he'd always make for mom's birthday, but since the recipe was only in his head, that one will be tricky. But while I'm cooking tomorrow, I'm going to pretend that dad is there watching me and helping me make the pasta dough. I'm going to pretend that he'll do the dishes and complain that I'm not helping. I'm going to pretend that after our meal we'll return to the living room and get trapped watching one of those silly Hallmark holiday movies he loved so much. I'm going to pretend he's sitting in his chair, talking to Cooper the cat, acting like he can't stand the cat but he secretly loves him. I'm going to pretend that before I go to bed, I'll hug him goodnight and tell him I love him.
This will be the first major holiday without dad. Yesterday was five months to the day that he died. It's going to be a hard day. Mom isn't taking it well. There will be many tears. But alongside the tears, there will be memories. Memories of the daddy who would spend hours playing Barbies with me and taking me to pottery lessons in the summer while listening to Oak Ridge Boys tapes. Memories of the man who survived so much in his life but never complained...except about little things like papercuts. Memories of the times I made him proud and I thought his face was going to crack from smiling so wide. Memories of the times I made him laugh, a deep laugh from the belly...most of those came from making fun of my mother's odd habits in some ways. And memories of the last time I told him I loved him.
Treasure your loved ones this Thanksgiving, whether they be the family you were born with or the family you accumulated along the way. Make memories, even if they seem silly or small. Laugh together and love. Be thankful for one another.
I know I am eternally thankful for the 28 years, 132 days, 8 hours, and 2 minutes I got to spend with my daddy.
This Thanksgiving, there will be a void at the Thanksgiving table. This void will be added to the existing ones which once held places for my great grandmother, grandfather, and grandmother. They say one is the loneliest number, but this year, two seems pretty damn lonely to me.
When my mom asked what I wanted to do for Thanksgiving this year, I immediately had an idea. In the past we'd always done the traditional turkey, dressing, cranberry crap, green bean casserole, rolls, and pie that seem to make up the standard Thanksgiving fare. Having mom slave away over a turkey for just two people seemed silly. I told her I wanted to have Italian food and she said she didn't know how to make it because she never learned how to...dad always cooked it.
And boy, did he.
My daddy was an amazing cook. He could make pasta from scratch and I don't think I'll ever taste anything as good as his lasagna. He would make traditional Italian pastries for special occasions. He'd give out his creations to his friends at Christmas...I always thought it was hilarious he'd give cakes to his favorite spin instructors at the YMCA. Cooking is one thing I got from him, although mom is a good cook too. But she doesn't have the love for it that daddy and I had/have.
So this year, I'm cooking my first holiday meal. I'm making a traditional Italian meal in honor of dad. I'm going to attempt to make the lemon bars he'd always make for mom's birthday, but since the recipe was only in his head, that one will be tricky. But while I'm cooking tomorrow, I'm going to pretend that dad is there watching me and helping me make the pasta dough. I'm going to pretend that he'll do the dishes and complain that I'm not helping. I'm going to pretend that after our meal we'll return to the living room and get trapped watching one of those silly Hallmark holiday movies he loved so much. I'm going to pretend he's sitting in his chair, talking to Cooper the cat, acting like he can't stand the cat but he secretly loves him. I'm going to pretend that before I go to bed, I'll hug him goodnight and tell him I love him.
This will be the first major holiday without dad. Yesterday was five months to the day that he died. It's going to be a hard day. Mom isn't taking it well. There will be many tears. But alongside the tears, there will be memories. Memories of the daddy who would spend hours playing Barbies with me and taking me to pottery lessons in the summer while listening to Oak Ridge Boys tapes. Memories of the man who survived so much in his life but never complained...except about little things like papercuts. Memories of the times I made him proud and I thought his face was going to crack from smiling so wide. Memories of the times I made him laugh, a deep laugh from the belly...most of those came from making fun of my mother's odd habits in some ways. And memories of the last time I told him I loved him.
Treasure your loved ones this Thanksgiving, whether they be the family you were born with or the family you accumulated along the way. Make memories, even if they seem silly or small. Laugh together and love. Be thankful for one another.
I know I am eternally thankful for the 28 years, 132 days, 8 hours, and 2 minutes I got to spend with my daddy.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
A Letter To My Awful Downstairs Neighbor On The Day I Move Out
Greetings readers! Or, reader...
Yes, it's been a long time. I know. I wish I could say I was out saving the whales or walking little old ladies across the street, but really, I've just been lazy. Work was really insane for a while and when I came home at the end of the day, all I wanted to do was watch Modern Family re-runs on TNT and eat roasted mushrooms and green beans, apparently my new favorite thing. Coating in balsamic vinegar and olive oil and roasting for 35 minutes makes pretty much any vegetable a delightful treat.
So what's new since I last wrote?
Well, I'm buying a townhouse. I haven't found it yet, but I'm buying one. Instead of moving apartments when my lease is up, I am going to put down roots and be a big girl and buy something. I had hoped to move to Chicago in the near future, but for a lot of reasons, I just don't see that happening. I'm all mom has left and I don't want to be that far away from her in case something happens. But, things are also going extremely well in my career, and I don't want to give that up to start over somewhere else. My boss is fantastic and gives me lots of great opportunities to grow and learn new skills. Plus, I'm starting a year long leadership program next month that I'm really excited about.
Mainly, I'm excited to have an end date to living in my apartment with the world's loudest man upstairs. I have (frequently) dreamed about writing him a nasty-gram and leaving it on his door on my last day. It would go a little something like this:
Dear Asshole in 1408
It is with extreme pleasure that I bid you adieu, sir. For the past nine months I have listened to you slam your sliding glass door, stomp as loud as an elephant every time you move (which is constantly...do you wear a pedometer or something? Do you have goals as to how many steps you walk each day?), yell at your ex-wife over the phone, scream at your girlfriend in person (wow sir, you sure do know how to treat the ladies), and yell to whoever will listen to you on the phone about how you're trying to get a job and you're not a deadbeat. Well, I kind of think you are, since I've caught you sleeping in your car in the middle of the day on more than one occassion, but that is neither here nor there.
I hope your next downstairs neighbor brings an arsenal of fans and noise machines to drown out your constant blundering around at 2:47 in the morning. I hope they enjoy the plethora (I bet you don't know what that word means) of decorative cigarette butts you so kindly drop onto my porch on a daily basis. And I really hope they enjoy listening to you throw items and break them, only to immediately vaccum them up. At least you're tidy. I'd hate if you cut your foot on a piece of ceramic lamp you demolished during one of your stomping tirades. With as hard as your feet land, the piece of lamp would get jammed up practically to your ankle.
So good luck to you in finding a job, being nicer to your poor girlfriend (no idea why she puts up with you...maybe you make a mean lasagna?) and working toward not being a total dick. Let me know how that works out for you.
Or actually...don't. Because I'm moving out and I never have to see or hear you again.
Best,
Your newly-liberated former neighbor in 1404
Yes, it's been a long time. I know. I wish I could say I was out saving the whales or walking little old ladies across the street, but really, I've just been lazy. Work was really insane for a while and when I came home at the end of the day, all I wanted to do was watch Modern Family re-runs on TNT and eat roasted mushrooms and green beans, apparently my new favorite thing. Coating in balsamic vinegar and olive oil and roasting for 35 minutes makes pretty much any vegetable a delightful treat.
So what's new since I last wrote?
Well, I'm buying a townhouse. I haven't found it yet, but I'm buying one. Instead of moving apartments when my lease is up, I am going to put down roots and be a big girl and buy something. I had hoped to move to Chicago in the near future, but for a lot of reasons, I just don't see that happening. I'm all mom has left and I don't want to be that far away from her in case something happens. But, things are also going extremely well in my career, and I don't want to give that up to start over somewhere else. My boss is fantastic and gives me lots of great opportunities to grow and learn new skills. Plus, I'm starting a year long leadership program next month that I'm really excited about.
Mainly, I'm excited to have an end date to living in my apartment with the world's loudest man upstairs. I have (frequently) dreamed about writing him a nasty-gram and leaving it on his door on my last day. It would go a little something like this:
Dear Asshole in 1408
It is with extreme pleasure that I bid you adieu, sir. For the past nine months I have listened to you slam your sliding glass door, stomp as loud as an elephant every time you move (which is constantly...do you wear a pedometer or something? Do you have goals as to how many steps you walk each day?), yell at your ex-wife over the phone, scream at your girlfriend in person (wow sir, you sure do know how to treat the ladies), and yell to whoever will listen to you on the phone about how you're trying to get a job and you're not a deadbeat. Well, I kind of think you are, since I've caught you sleeping in your car in the middle of the day on more than one occassion, but that is neither here nor there.
I hope your next downstairs neighbor brings an arsenal of fans and noise machines to drown out your constant blundering around at 2:47 in the morning. I hope they enjoy the plethora (I bet you don't know what that word means) of decorative cigarette butts you so kindly drop onto my porch on a daily basis. And I really hope they enjoy listening to you throw items and break them, only to immediately vaccum them up. At least you're tidy. I'd hate if you cut your foot on a piece of ceramic lamp you demolished during one of your stomping tirades. With as hard as your feet land, the piece of lamp would get jammed up practically to your ankle.
So good luck to you in finding a job, being nicer to your poor girlfriend (no idea why she puts up with you...maybe you make a mean lasagna?) and working toward not being a total dick. Let me know how that works out for you.
Or actually...don't. Because I'm moving out and I never have to see or hear you again.
Best,
Your newly-liberated former neighbor in 1404
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
The Art of Writer's Block
Writing has been tough the past couple of months. I've already written two pretty depressing entries but don't worry...this is not a third. Or at least, I set out at 1:00 a.m. this morning to make it cheery. We'll see how things go.
I've just been uninspired lately. I haven't really had any major adventures (other than Kroger on Senior Tuesday), haven't passed any major milestones (I guess I did turn 28 & 1/2) and haven't made any amazing discoveries (other than I could possibly live on hot & sour soup for the rest of my life if I needed to because it is my new FAVORITE. And we all know how I hate all-caps.)
I've started and scrapped several blog entries over the past few weeks. Below is a comprehensive list (maybe not completely comprehensive...I get the distinct feeling I started a blog entry in a wine haze after too many glasses of Lonely Cow after a dinner) but it's the best you're going to get.
Live-Blogging the MTV movie awards: At this point, why bother posting? You're over it, I'm over it, and the only thing that isn't over it is Miley Cyrus's tongue. One of the best parts of the show was the Beyonce Pepsi commercial (yes, a repeat, I know. The show was that bad.), the NSYNC reunion was way too brief but I don't think 4/5's of the guys could have gone on much longer, I'm even more excited to see JT in November than I already was, and I think the show was in Brooklyn but I'm not positive because they didn't say where it was located enough. Done. You're welcome for that summary.
My Thoughts On the Current State of Traffic in Nashville: Spoiler alert - it's turrible. I think the source of my ire comes from the fact that school has started back up, thus adding 20 minutes to my commute each morning. I did get some satisfaction this morning when a motorcycle cop pulled over the jackass who cut from the back of the right lane waiting to merge on I-40 all the way to the left lane in front of me, forcing me to let her in or rear end her. He looked very mad (he was on the shoulder of the exit ramp) and waived her over angrily. I can't imagine that he could do anything but scold her and shake his finger at her, but it did give me some sort of sense of justice in the world. Bravo, cop. Bravo.
Apparently I'm Really Good At Coming Up With Insults: My co-worker/friend/sorority sister has brought out this new-found talent within me. She'll usually ask me, "Okay, so this person isn't quite a (really bad name) but (mediocre bad name) doesn't do him/her justice. What's in between?" She's asked me this two times and both times I have come up with a satisfactory answer. I won't write on here what I say because I know once it's on the interwebs it never goes away, and I don't want my future litter of children to find this on their holographic 3D super speed computers and ask why mommy was allowed to say bad things if they weren't. My biggest fear is that my kid's first word will be 'fuck.' Who am I kidding...I'll laugh. Let's be honest. But I'll try to do so out of earshot of my children. And I'll probably blame it on their daddy.
How Excited I Am To Watch Sports I Care About Again: But really, who isn't excited that football is back and basketball is vastly approaching? This would be completely uninteresting and therefore, I did not get past the first sentence.
The Art of Personal Space: I have a big thing about personal space. I live in a very small bubble and not everyone is invited to invade said bubble. I can't stand hover-ers at work, who will stand in front of you until acknowledged, even if you're on the phone and I can't stand to be hugged unless I know you and at least one dirty secret about you. But this is turning into a negative entry and I'm trying not to do that. Remember, 'Choose Joy' and all that...I got it tattooed on my body for a reason...listen to your tattoo!
Thos are the few I can remember and could write something witty about. Lots of entries didn't even make it past the first line. I hope you enjoyed my (attempted) return at my normal style of blogging. Hopefully I'll have more of my wisdom (opinions) to contribute to the world soon.
Love & Light
I've just been uninspired lately. I haven't really had any major adventures (other than Kroger on Senior Tuesday), haven't passed any major milestones (I guess I did turn 28 & 1/2) and haven't made any amazing discoveries (other than I could possibly live on hot & sour soup for the rest of my life if I needed to because it is my new FAVORITE. And we all know how I hate all-caps.)
I've started and scrapped several blog entries over the past few weeks. Below is a comprehensive list (maybe not completely comprehensive...I get the distinct feeling I started a blog entry in a wine haze after too many glasses of Lonely Cow after a dinner) but it's the best you're going to get.
Live-Blogging the MTV movie awards: At this point, why bother posting? You're over it, I'm over it, and the only thing that isn't over it is Miley Cyrus's tongue. One of the best parts of the show was the Beyonce Pepsi commercial (yes, a repeat, I know. The show was that bad.), the NSYNC reunion was way too brief but I don't think 4/5's of the guys could have gone on much longer, I'm even more excited to see JT in November than I already was, and I think the show was in Brooklyn but I'm not positive because they didn't say where it was located enough. Done. You're welcome for that summary.
My Thoughts On the Current State of Traffic in Nashville: Spoiler alert - it's turrible. I think the source of my ire comes from the fact that school has started back up, thus adding 20 minutes to my commute each morning. I did get some satisfaction this morning when a motorcycle cop pulled over the jackass who cut from the back of the right lane waiting to merge on I-40 all the way to the left lane in front of me, forcing me to let her in or rear end her. He looked very mad (he was on the shoulder of the exit ramp) and waived her over angrily. I can't imagine that he could do anything but scold her and shake his finger at her, but it did give me some sort of sense of justice in the world. Bravo, cop. Bravo.
Apparently I'm Really Good At Coming Up With Insults: My co-worker/friend/sorority sister has brought out this new-found talent within me. She'll usually ask me, "Okay, so this person isn't quite a (really bad name) but (mediocre bad name) doesn't do him/her justice. What's in between?" She's asked me this two times and both times I have come up with a satisfactory answer. I won't write on here what I say because I know once it's on the interwebs it never goes away, and I don't want my future litter of children to find this on their holographic 3D super speed computers and ask why mommy was allowed to say bad things if they weren't. My biggest fear is that my kid's first word will be 'fuck.' Who am I kidding...I'll laugh. Let's be honest. But I'll try to do so out of earshot of my children. And I'll probably blame it on their daddy.
How Excited I Am To Watch Sports I Care About Again: But really, who isn't excited that football is back and basketball is vastly approaching? This would be completely uninteresting and therefore, I did not get past the first sentence.
The Art of Personal Space: I have a big thing about personal space. I live in a very small bubble and not everyone is invited to invade said bubble. I can't stand hover-ers at work, who will stand in front of you until acknowledged, even if you're on the phone and I can't stand to be hugged unless I know you and at least one dirty secret about you. But this is turning into a negative entry and I'm trying not to do that. Remember, 'Choose Joy' and all that...I got it tattooed on my body for a reason...listen to your tattoo!
Thos are the few I can remember and could write something witty about. Lots of entries didn't even make it past the first line. I hope you enjoyed my (attempted) return at my normal style of blogging. Hopefully I'll have more of my wisdom (opinions) to contribute to the world soon.
Love & Light
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