The lovely author of Chocolate & Zucchini passed though Seattle on her book tour, which leads to new things to add to my list of things to do once I hit Seattle.
- Visit Pike Place Market. This is a classic tourist thing to do, but darned if it doesn't look cool.
- Have lunch at Salumi. Mmmmm.... fancy cured meats.
- Visit World Spice Merchants. I bet it smells so good in there.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Life
Life, in this case, being pictures from my garden.
It turns out that reports of the trees in the garden were somewhat exaggerated.Yes, the trees exist (although the Philippine lemon trees are definitely kumquat trees), but they were apparently only watered four times last year and so were in need of some loving. As you can see, since I've started watering them regularly the trees have begun sprouting new branches and leaves. I don't think I'll ever be getting any mangoes off the poor mango tree, though.
The backyard happens to be a sunny and excellent place for growing vegetables. I've planted some and they've really taken off. Here is one of my tomato plants.
Delicious cucumber.
Watermelon. I just had my first slice of the season today. What bliss!
Corn! I'm so excited for my first harvest. Nothing better than fresh fruits and veggies.
It turns out that reports of the trees in the garden were somewhat exaggerated.Yes, the trees exist (although the Philippine lemon trees are definitely kumquat trees), but they were apparently only watered four times last year and so were in need of some loving. As you can see, since I've started watering them regularly the trees have begun sprouting new branches and leaves. I don't think I'll ever be getting any mangoes off the poor mango tree, though.
The backyard happens to be a sunny and excellent place for growing vegetables. I've planted some and they've really taken off. Here is one of my tomato plants.
Delicious cucumber.
Watermelon. I just had my first slice of the season today. What bliss!
Corn! I'm so excited for my first harvest. Nothing better than fresh fruits and veggies.
Monday, May 28, 2007
When life throws you lemons...
... it's polite not to post about them. Well, actually, it isn't me who received the lemons, so much as my sister. One of her friends, in truth an ex she was very close with, died this weekend. I could tell you about my weekend (biking, BBQ, Pirates 3), but it all seems very mundane. I could also tell you more about B's weekend, how her ex's mother called her right after she got the call and they both rushed down to the ICU to sit by his bedside all Saturday until he died, but I won't. Not only does death lead me to say inappropriate things, but my feelings on this one are decidedly conflicted. You see, my sister's ex died because he was driving drunk without a seat belt on. So, you all be safe out there. Don't celebrate too hard.
Friday, May 25, 2007
They can be so cute sometimes
Wednesday was my last day of apprentice teaching. When my host teacher announced this to the class there was a general cry of sadness which promptly disintegrated into talking (which is quite typical of this class, the talking). I got a couple of hugs from students - I think a few are going to genuinely miss me. Of course, I also gave them candy, so that's bound to sweeten their recollection of me (pun intended).
Being done with apprentice teaching, I suddenly have a lot more time then I used to. Some of this is taken up with sleeping (no more 5:30 am wake up calls, at least few months), but it has also been nice to be able to do stuff around the house. I put together a bookshelf today. We went to Ikea last weekend to acquire some new furniture, only to find that they'd slightly changed the color of the bookshelves (even though they're calling it the same color). They also slightly changed the size of the cheap bookshelves we have in our bedroom, seemingly in preparation of phasing out that line entirely. We wound up having to settle, but since this is just apartment furniture it isn't the end of the world. We're also trying to get the last few boxes unpacked (or at least hidden away in the garage), as Sunday we're having people over to show the place off. I'm calling it our Memorial Day Weekend BBQ House Warming Shindig Get-Together.
Being done with apprentice teaching, I suddenly have a lot more time then I used to. Some of this is taken up with sleeping (no more 5:30 am wake up calls, at least few months), but it has also been nice to be able to do stuff around the house. I put together a bookshelf today. We went to Ikea last weekend to acquire some new furniture, only to find that they'd slightly changed the color of the bookshelves (even though they're calling it the same color). They also slightly changed the size of the cheap bookshelves we have in our bedroom, seemingly in preparation of phasing out that line entirely. We wound up having to settle, but since this is just apartment furniture it isn't the end of the world. We're also trying to get the last few boxes unpacked (or at least hidden away in the garage), as Sunday we're having people over to show the place off. I'm calling it our Memorial Day Weekend BBQ House Warming Shindig Get-Together.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Bachelors in Memology
Another meme, stolen from Laura.
1. The phone rings; whom do you want it to be?
Anyone but my mom. The woman can go on forever about anything!
2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart?
To the store itself? Rarely. To one of those kart korrals? Almost always.
3. If you had to kiss the last person you kissed, would you?
Every day (and hopefully more than once).
4. Do you take compliments well?
No, not really. More often than not I don't really agree with the person, so I think they just lack perspective.
5. Do you play Sudoku?
I did for a couple of days, but there are just so many better things out there. Books, for example.
6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive?
For a little while, at least. I don't think I could make a fire, though, even if you left me a cigarette lighter. One of those BBQ lighters, however, and I'd be set.
7. Do you like nipple rings?
They're... interesting.
8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid?
Oh yeah. Day camp, Girl Scout camp, 6th grade camp, music camp - I did the whole spectrum.
9. If a sexy person were pursuing you, but you knew he/she were married what would you do?
I'd tell them to look at the ring and then back off. Look at my ring, that is (of course, this also applies to sexy single people).
10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you?
Possibly, but it would depend on how religious they are. It's easier if you and your partner are at least somewhat in agreement.
11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued?
Be pursued. I'm shy and lazy.
12. Use three words to describe yourself at the moment:
Tired, full (of mango chicken), cramped (I had a charley horse of the calf in the middle of the night and the darn thing is still all funny).
13. Do any songs make you cry?
No, but there is one that gets me pretty close.
14. Are you continuing your education?
Yup. Currently I'm getting my Masters in Education, and I figure down the road I'll get another Masters or a Doctorate. I'm a degree junkie.
15. Do you know how to shoot a gun?
Nope.
16. If your house were on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed?
During the big wildfire, R and I packed up our important documents, pictures, and DVDs so that we could quickly get them into the car if we needed to evacuate (the fire actually came up a canyon within a quarter mile of our apartment, so this wasn't just idle paranoia). Now, if there was a fire in the house, first thing would be to make sure the other people were awake and escaping and the second thing would be the cats.
17. Who was the last person you shared a bed with?
R. Same as for the last few years.
18. Whom do you text the most?
I guess my sister, but really I don't text much.
19. Favorite children’s books?
The Ordinary Princess.
20. What color are your eyes?
Blue.
21. How tall are you?
5'6", which makes me practically a midget in my tall Scandinavian family.
22. If you could do it over again, start from scratch, would you?
No, because I'd probably just make the same dang decisions.
23. Any secret admirers?
If I knew then they wouldn't be secret, now would they?
24. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth?
Yup. I've still got 3 of the 4 of me and my dad from back in the day (my dad has the 4th on his nightstand).
25. Where is the farthest place you have traveled?
Either Hawaii or Costa Rica.
26. Do you like mustard?
I love mustard.
27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat?
Well, if I'm hungry, then eating, and if I'm tired, then sleeping. They both are wonderful.
28. Do you look like your mom or dad?
When I was little I looked just like my mom when she was the same age. Now... I look like my cousin. Genetics is a funny thing.
29. How long does it take you in the shower?
Depends how much time I have. 15 minutes-ish, but I do enjoy a long shower.
30. Can you do splits?
No, but I can touch my foot to the back of my head (and not by bringing it up and over my shoulder).
31. What movies do you want to see right now?
Pirates!
32. What did you do for New Year’s Eve?
Is it sad if I don't remember?
33. Was your mom a cheerleader?
Nope, she was too tall (pretty hilarious, eh? Actually, I'm guessing it was because she was a big dork).
34. Whats the last letter of your middle name?
N.
35. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
6 or 7 on weeknights, 8 to 10 on weekends.
36. Do you like Care Bears?
Not being allowed to watch much TV when I was a child, I missed out on the whole Care Bears phenomenon.
37. What do you buy at the movies?
I don't actually buy anything. R buys two tickets.
38. Do you know how to play poker?
Yup. I've finally gotten to the point where I don't lose all my money immediately, which makes it much more fun.
39. Do you wear your seat belt?
Click it or ticket, biatch. Actually, in high school I did stop the car when my sister didn't have her seat belt on (I also stopped the car when my stepsister was playing with a lighter in the back seat. So not okay to hear that right behind my head).
40. What do you wear to sleep?
Nothing. It's so much better than wearing anything.
41. Anything big ever happen in your town?
Fire? Near bankruptcy of the city? All the illegal immigration that the rest of the country wants to talk about? I'm sure there are other things.
42. Is your hair straight or curly?
As straight as can be. My mom and I tried to perm my hair once in 2nd grade. My hair was apparently too immature, so it didn't take, but to make up for it my mom's hair turned out extra curly. She wound up cutting it short and wearing a wig while it grew out.
43. Is your tongue pierced?
Nope.
44. Do you like liver and onions?
I've never had it as a dish, but I do like the components. The onions would need to be caramelized, though.
45. Have you ever been in love?
I'm so there.
46. Do you like funny or serious people better?
I like funny, but it has to be the right kind of funny. I enjoy dry humor.
47. Ever been to L.A.?
Yup. May I never return. B, however, is moving there in August, so I probably won't get my wish.
48. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads?
Lately I pay, but if I can't find the song I want or they only have it in wma format then I will find alternate procurement methods.
49. Do you hate chocolate?
Nope. I love dark chocolate and tolerate milk chocolate.
50. What do you and your parents fight about the most?
My dad and I don't fight. My mom and I fight about stupid things. Of course, sending me "A Case for Faith" for Valentine's Day (and my sister a Dr. Phil self-help book) is really just asking for it.
51. Are you a gullible person?
Sometimes. I'm too trusting and innocent to pick out good and determined liars.
52. If you could have any job, what would it be?
Trust-fund baby, though firefighter sounds good too.
53. Are you easy to get along with?
I think so, but then I rarely fight with myself.
54. What is your favorite time of day?
Evening.
55. Are you a generally happy person?
I'm... at peace. My host teacher described me as Zen-like.
1. The phone rings; whom do you want it to be?
Anyone but my mom. The woman can go on forever about anything!
2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart?
To the store itself? Rarely. To one of those kart korrals? Almost always.
3. If you had to kiss the last person you kissed, would you?
Every day (and hopefully more than once).
4. Do you take compliments well?
No, not really. More often than not I don't really agree with the person, so I think they just lack perspective.
5. Do you play Sudoku?
I did for a couple of days, but there are just so many better things out there. Books, for example.
6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive?
For a little while, at least. I don't think I could make a fire, though, even if you left me a cigarette lighter. One of those BBQ lighters, however, and I'd be set.
7. Do you like nipple rings?
They're... interesting.
8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid?
Oh yeah. Day camp, Girl Scout camp, 6th grade camp, music camp - I did the whole spectrum.
9. If a sexy person were pursuing you, but you knew he/she were married what would you do?
I'd tell them to look at the ring and then back off. Look at my ring, that is (of course, this also applies to sexy single people).
10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you?
Possibly, but it would depend on how religious they are. It's easier if you and your partner are at least somewhat in agreement.
11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued?
Be pursued. I'm shy and lazy.
12. Use three words to describe yourself at the moment:
Tired, full (of mango chicken), cramped (I had a charley horse of the calf in the middle of the night and the darn thing is still all funny).
13. Do any songs make you cry?
No, but there is one that gets me pretty close.
14. Are you continuing your education?
Yup. Currently I'm getting my Masters in Education, and I figure down the road I'll get another Masters or a Doctorate. I'm a degree junkie.
15. Do you know how to shoot a gun?
Nope.
16. If your house were on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed?
During the big wildfire, R and I packed up our important documents, pictures, and DVDs so that we could quickly get them into the car if we needed to evacuate (the fire actually came up a canyon within a quarter mile of our apartment, so this wasn't just idle paranoia). Now, if there was a fire in the house, first thing would be to make sure the other people were awake and escaping and the second thing would be the cats.
17. Who was the last person you shared a bed with?
R. Same as for the last few years.
18. Whom do you text the most?
I guess my sister, but really I don't text much.
19. Favorite children’s books?
The Ordinary Princess.
20. What color are your eyes?
Blue.
21. How tall are you?
5'6", which makes me practically a midget in my tall Scandinavian family.
22. If you could do it over again, start from scratch, would you?
No, because I'd probably just make the same dang decisions.
23. Any secret admirers?
If I knew then they wouldn't be secret, now would they?
24. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth?
Yup. I've still got 3 of the 4 of me and my dad from back in the day (my dad has the 4th on his nightstand).
25. Where is the farthest place you have traveled?
Either Hawaii or Costa Rica.
26. Do you like mustard?
I love mustard.
27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat?
Well, if I'm hungry, then eating, and if I'm tired, then sleeping. They both are wonderful.
28. Do you look like your mom or dad?
When I was little I looked just like my mom when she was the same age. Now... I look like my cousin. Genetics is a funny thing.
29. How long does it take you in the shower?
Depends how much time I have. 15 minutes-ish, but I do enjoy a long shower.
30. Can you do splits?
No, but I can touch my foot to the back of my head (and not by bringing it up and over my shoulder).
31. What movies do you want to see right now?
Pirates!
32. What did you do for New Year’s Eve?
Is it sad if I don't remember?
33. Was your mom a cheerleader?
Nope, she was too tall (pretty hilarious, eh? Actually, I'm guessing it was because she was a big dork).
34. Whats the last letter of your middle name?
N.
35. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
6 or 7 on weeknights, 8 to 10 on weekends.
36. Do you like Care Bears?
Not being allowed to watch much TV when I was a child, I missed out on the whole Care Bears phenomenon.
37. What do you buy at the movies?
I don't actually buy anything. R buys two tickets.
38. Do you know how to play poker?
Yup. I've finally gotten to the point where I don't lose all my money immediately, which makes it much more fun.
39. Do you wear your seat belt?
Click it or ticket, biatch. Actually, in high school I did stop the car when my sister didn't have her seat belt on (I also stopped the car when my stepsister was playing with a lighter in the back seat. So not okay to hear that right behind my head).
40. What do you wear to sleep?
Nothing. It's so much better than wearing anything.
41. Anything big ever happen in your town?
Fire? Near bankruptcy of the city? All the illegal immigration that the rest of the country wants to talk about? I'm sure there are other things.
42. Is your hair straight or curly?
As straight as can be. My mom and I tried to perm my hair once in 2nd grade. My hair was apparently too immature, so it didn't take, but to make up for it my mom's hair turned out extra curly. She wound up cutting it short and wearing a wig while it grew out.
43. Is your tongue pierced?
Nope.
44. Do you like liver and onions?
I've never had it as a dish, but I do like the components. The onions would need to be caramelized, though.
45. Have you ever been in love?
I'm so there.
46. Do you like funny or serious people better?
I like funny, but it has to be the right kind of funny. I enjoy dry humor.
47. Ever been to L.A.?
Yup. May I never return. B, however, is moving there in August, so I probably won't get my wish.
48. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads?
Lately I pay, but if I can't find the song I want or they only have it in wma format then I will find alternate procurement methods.
49. Do you hate chocolate?
Nope. I love dark chocolate and tolerate milk chocolate.
50. What do you and your parents fight about the most?
My dad and I don't fight. My mom and I fight about stupid things. Of course, sending me "A Case for Faith" for Valentine's Day (and my sister a Dr. Phil self-help book) is really just asking for it.
51. Are you a gullible person?
Sometimes. I'm too trusting and innocent to pick out good and determined liars.
52. If you could have any job, what would it be?
Trust-fund baby, though firefighter sounds good too.
53. Are you easy to get along with?
I think so, but then I rarely fight with myself.
54. What is your favorite time of day?
Evening.
55. Are you a generally happy person?
I'm... at peace. My host teacher described me as Zen-like.
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