With a goal of 104 books to read this year, I'm sure the whole world is wondering why I haven't been updating about books like crazy. *listens to crickets* Ok, so maybe the fact that it's mid-February and I haven't been posting about books is just making ME feel a little guilty, but I have been reading, I promise!
Unfortunately, I have mostly been REreading. One of the very reasons I set this goal for myself was because of my proclivity towards re-reading. I love cuddling up with a comfortable book and losing myself in the familiar story. However, I also find that my reading stagnates, I don't push myself, and, although I am reading constantly, the number of books I move through dwindles.
In addition, publicly posting the books I read makes me want them all to be "good" books, not guilty pleasure reads. But, books are books, and if guilty pleasures are what it takes to get this party started, then so be it.
Without further ado, the book to date list:
1) Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte
I read this to fulfill January's Victorian Challenge, since I had read everything written by Charlotte and Emily and nothing written by Anne. I have a feeling that my free Kindle version might have been the warned-about version edited by Charlotte, rather than Anne's presumably more radical version, but I still enjoyed this in a predictable governess-meets-a-nice-man way.
2) Outlander by Diana Gaboldon (627 pages)
This qualifies for my chunkster challenge and also makes me happy to have a long-stored book off my "to read" shelf. Although the Outlander series comes highly recommended - and I will probably finish several more books since I own them (thanks, Borders going out of business sales) - all historical fiction set in Scotland pales in comparison to the Grand Dame, Dorothy Dunnett.
3) On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
4) Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
Written by a recently discovered author, I found myself turning to these quick reads on recent plane rides (yay, Kindle!). In the questionable "urban fantasy" genre, they were predictable but enjoyable reads. They certainly did nothing to add to my intellectual development, but my 5 hour plane ride passed quickly!
5) The Magicians by Lev Grossman
I'm a completionist, so I will most likely read the sequel to this one, but overall, my impression was "eh". Other than the discovery of the existence of magic (hello, Harry Potter), I found the narrator to be a badly-written Emma Bovary. Obsessed with a fantasy world similar to Narnia (and who didn't want to go to Narnia when they were 10), this college-age young man moves through the book longing to go to the happier world of his childhood stories. He's never happy. Never. And he knows he's not happy, but he seems to be incapable of doing anything about it, except comment on the fact that he acknowledges his unhappiness and wishes it otherwise. Potentially interesting fantasy elements were overwhelmed by my desire to point the author in the direction of C. S. Lewis and Flaubert and say "They did it better."
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
E-Readers: My Thoughts
I have long resisted the siren song of the e-reader. I had the first version of such a thing a million years ago, (Honestly, I might not even have been in high school yet. That's like the paleolithic age in tech years.) but since that time I have been uninterested. I like books, especially new books. I have shelves upon shelves of (mostly read) books, and I love flipping back through them, seeing old notes or coffee stains or particularly well-loved spines and dog-eared pages.
But I am now in possession of a Kindle Touch, which I received as a Christmas gift. I figured it was only fair to give it a trial run, as it were, so here are my thoughts six weeks later.
Pros:
But I am now in possession of a Kindle Touch, which I received as a Christmas gift. I figured it was only fair to give it a trial run, as it were, so here are my thoughts six weeks later.
Pros:
- I LOVE how small/lightweight the Kindle is. I can tuck it in my handbag and haul it around everywhere. For someone who routinely packs 3-4 books on every trip she takes, this frees up a lot of space in my luggage.
- I appreciate the ability to download books on the spot. I have extreme book anxiety when I travel - what on earth would I do if I ran out of things to read? - so this is helping to alleviate this fear. (Mind you, I still brought a paperback on my most recent trip "just in case," but you can't expect miracles overnight.)
Cons:
- It drives me batty that, due to several factors including the ability to change font sizes, text does not stay in the same place. I'm a compulsive re-reader and can always count on remembering not only where in the book a passage is located but also where on the page. My e-reader keeps moving text, and it's hard to skim. Plus it really does make me bonkers that a passage I KNOW was on the bottom of the "page" the first time I read it is now in the middle. Aargh. Others may not have this particular issue.
- The screen is super responsive to any touch, not just fingers, so occasionally it will jump around, making it difficult to locate where I left off. This usually only occurs when I have to shove the Kindle under my legs to hide it from flight attendants during take off. I'm a rebel, what can I say.
Basically, I like my Kindle. It goes on airplanes with me. It goes to Starbucks. But it won't ever replace my actual books. In fact, I have basically been buying books twice - one for my Kindle and one for my bookshelf. Just don't tell my husband!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
February Health and Fitness Goals
Ooops... where did yesterday go? Better late than never, I guess, or pick your platitude of choice. Here goes:
1) Complete a 45 min cardio workout a minimum of three days per week.
So, since I didn't manage to make this one last month, I figured there was no reason to build on no foundation. So we're sticking with the basics.
2) Eat at least two servings of fruit a day.
I like fruits and vegetables. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. At least, I think I do. The more I start paying attention, the more I realize that, even though I like and sometimes prefer vegetables and fruits, it's easy to go through a whole day eating basically none, especially in winter. In summer, I hardly think about fruit consumption; the weekly farmer's market provides too much temptation! But in the winter, I get bored of apples and clementines. So we're starting with fruit. Oh, and don't forget the water drinking; that isn't going to stop now that we've moved on to month two.
1) Complete a 45 min cardio workout a minimum of three days per week.
So, since I didn't manage to make this one last month, I figured there was no reason to build on no foundation. So we're sticking with the basics.
2) Eat at least two servings of fruit a day.
I like fruits and vegetables. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. At least, I think I do. The more I start paying attention, the more I realize that, even though I like and sometimes prefer vegetables and fruits, it's easy to go through a whole day eating basically none, especially in winter. In summer, I hardly think about fruit consumption; the weekly farmer's market provides too much temptation! But in the winter, I get bored of apples and clementines. So we're starting with fruit. Oh, and don't forget the water drinking; that isn't going to stop now that we've moved on to month two.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
January Health and Fitness Update
How in the world have we reached the end of January? I'm still waiting for 2012 to begin, and here we're already 1/12 of the way finished. Yikes!
So how did I do with my health and fitness goals this month? Middling, at best, to be honest (which I have to be, since what's the point otherwise?). Let's take a more specific look:
1) Complete a 45 minute cardio workout at least 3 times a week.
Yup, this was a very good goal. Definitely didn't make it, though. Started the month off with a sinus infection and allowed that to be an excuse for much longer than strictly needed. I did learn some things, however, which is the point. First, it's much easier to get a workout in on the weekends, because Stan and I often hike or do things together. So apparently I need a buddy. Second, if I haven't worked out by 10 a.m., I am just plain not going to do it. Once the day gets rolling, there are too many excuses. Therefore, I need to get my workout out of the way first thing.
I'm taking these lessons into February, where I hope I can show improvement.
2) Drink at least 6 (8 oz) glasses of water a day.
I did much better here for someone who drinks basically nothing at all (except wine - I'm very good at that). 21/31 days I managed to drink all six of my glasses, with only minimal whining and complaining. However, and here's the really impressive thing, I managed to drink SOME water every single day. I'm ordering - and actually drinking - more water out at restaurants, and basically paying more attention all the way around.
So while perfection wasn't achieved, I'm feeling much more mindful about my fluid consumption and optimistic about my continued success drinking water. I make no promises about the whining, though!
Look for my February goals tomorrow!
So how did I do with my health and fitness goals this month? Middling, at best, to be honest (which I have to be, since what's the point otherwise?). Let's take a more specific look:
1) Complete a 45 minute cardio workout at least 3 times a week.
Yup, this was a very good goal. Definitely didn't make it, though. Started the month off with a sinus infection and allowed that to be an excuse for much longer than strictly needed. I did learn some things, however, which is the point. First, it's much easier to get a workout in on the weekends, because Stan and I often hike or do things together. So apparently I need a buddy. Second, if I haven't worked out by 10 a.m., I am just plain not going to do it. Once the day gets rolling, there are too many excuses. Therefore, I need to get my workout out of the way first thing.
I'm taking these lessons into February, where I hope I can show improvement.
2) Drink at least 6 (8 oz) glasses of water a day.
I did much better here for someone who drinks basically nothing at all (except wine - I'm very good at that). 21/31 days I managed to drink all six of my glasses, with only minimal whining and complaining. However, and here's the really impressive thing, I managed to drink SOME water every single day. I'm ordering - and actually drinking - more water out at restaurants, and basically paying more attention all the way around.
So while perfection wasn't achieved, I'm feeling much more mindful about my fluid consumption and optimistic about my continued success drinking water. I make no promises about the whining, though!
Look for my February goals tomorrow!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Recipe #3: Fennel and Pork Stew
I don't think we usually eat this much pork, but cold-ish, and certainly rainy, weather finally rolled in to NoCal, so comfort food sounded fabulous this weekend. I was planning on cooking this Friday, but we went out with friends instead. Then it was destined for Saturday dinner, but we ate lunch too late. Turns out it made a perfectly lovely - and hearty - Sunday lunch.
Fennel and Pork Stew
adapted from Eating Well magazine, February 2012
8 cups thinly sliced fennel (2-3 med bulbs)
1 med onion, halved and thinly sliced
2.5 pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch chunks
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 teaspoons pepper
3/4 cup dry white wine (I used a cheap Sauvignon Blanc)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp finely chopped fresh oregano
1 28-oz can whole tomatoes, drained (next time I'll just use diced)
1) Spread fennel and onion in an even layer in a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Add pork to the top.
2) Sprinkle port with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and oregano. Top with white wine and tomatoes.
3) Cover and cook for 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.
Confession: the original recipe said to brown the pork in 2 tbsp olive oil, then use the wine to deglaze the pan. I have tried crock pot recipes both ways (browning and not), and I find that usually the meat is more tender if you don't brown it, with minimal change in flavor. Plus, the point of using a crock pot is convenience, and having to dirty extra pans and take the extra time is NOT convenient. So I didn't do it. But you can if you want.
I served this over a hearty, textured polenta (lightly flavored with parmesan), which was the perfect foil for the rich herb-and-fennel flavor. The original recipe says this serves 8, and I would concur. I froze half, so I'll update if there are any problems after freezing.
Fennel and Pork Stew
adapted from Eating Well magazine, February 2012
8 cups thinly sliced fennel (2-3 med bulbs)
1 med onion, halved and thinly sliced
2.5 pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch chunks
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 teaspoons pepper
3/4 cup dry white wine (I used a cheap Sauvignon Blanc)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp finely chopped fresh oregano
1 28-oz can whole tomatoes, drained (next time I'll just use diced)
1) Spread fennel and onion in an even layer in a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Add pork to the top.
2) Sprinkle port with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and oregano. Top with white wine and tomatoes.
3) Cover and cook for 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.
Confession: the original recipe said to brown the pork in 2 tbsp olive oil, then use the wine to deglaze the pan. I have tried crock pot recipes both ways (browning and not), and I find that usually the meat is more tender if you don't brown it, with minimal change in flavor. Plus, the point of using a crock pot is convenience, and having to dirty extra pans and take the extra time is NOT convenient. So I didn't do it. But you can if you want.
I served this over a hearty, textured polenta (lightly flavored with parmesan), which was the perfect foil for the rich herb-and-fennel flavor. The original recipe says this serves 8, and I would concur. I froze half, so I'll update if there are any problems after freezing.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Recipe #2: Fennel Crusted Pork Loin with Roasted Potatoes and Pears
With company coming over on a weekday last week, I was in search of a recipe that was tasty, hearty, and had virtually no last minute components to take me away from my guests. And, as always, it had to be something my husband would enjoy as well. This was a decided hit and so simple that I will definitely be repeating it.
Fennel Crusted Pork Loin with Roasted Potatoes and Pears
from Real Simple magazine, October 2007 (and yes, I clipped this recipe that long ago and had stashed it in another cookbook!)
1 tbsp fennel seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
2 pounds boneless pork loin
2 onions (red or yellow) cut into quarters or eighths
1 pound small white potatoes, washed and quartered
3 firm, ripe pears (Bosc worked well), cored and quartered
1) Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
2) Crush the fennel seeds (mortar and pestle, bottom of a heavy pan, spice grinder). Mix the seeds, garlic, 1 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of pepper, and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Rub the mixture over the pork, then place the pork in a roasting pan.
3) In a large ziplock bag (or a bowl, if you want to wash more dishes) toss the onion, potatoes, and pears with the remaining olive oil, plus 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Scatter around the pork.
4) Roast until thoroughly cooked, about 70 minutes. (I took mine out when the internal temp was 140 and let it rest for about 10 min to finish cooking.) Serve with the roasted vegetables/fruit.
I followed the directions almost exactly, although I doubled the fennel-garlic rub (everything except the oil). The results were delicious, and the prep was super easy.
Fennel Crusted Pork Loin with Roasted Potatoes and Pears
from Real Simple magazine, October 2007 (and yes, I clipped this recipe that long ago and had stashed it in another cookbook!)
1 tbsp fennel seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
2 pounds boneless pork loin
2 onions (red or yellow) cut into quarters or eighths
1 pound small white potatoes, washed and quartered
3 firm, ripe pears (Bosc worked well), cored and quartered
1) Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
2) Crush the fennel seeds (mortar and pestle, bottom of a heavy pan, spice grinder). Mix the seeds, garlic, 1 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of pepper, and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Rub the mixture over the pork, then place the pork in a roasting pan.
3) In a large ziplock bag (or a bowl, if you want to wash more dishes) toss the onion, potatoes, and pears with the remaining olive oil, plus 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Scatter around the pork.
4) Roast until thoroughly cooked, about 70 minutes. (I took mine out when the internal temp was 140 and let it rest for about 10 min to finish cooking.) Serve with the roasted vegetables/fruit.
I followed the directions almost exactly, although I doubled the fennel-garlic rub (everything except the oil). The results were delicious, and the prep was super easy.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Recipe #1: Curried Vegetable Pot Pies
I did not set out to start with a vegetarian recipe, since my husband's response to vegetables is usually lackluster at best, but I was flipping through never-used wedding cookbooks, and this just caught my eye. Pot pie always sounds so warm and cozy in the winter, plus it actually was all vegetables my husband eats (minus the peas). Score! So here you are:
Curried Vegetable Pot Pies
adapted from Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home
Curried Vegetable Pot Pies
adapted from Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home
- 1 package frozen puff pastry dough, thawed according to package instructions
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 leek, white and pale green parts only, cut into 1/2" half moons, washed well
- 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk, plus more for brushing
- 1 russet potato (8 oz) peeled and cut into 2" by 1/2" matchsticks
- 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 cup frozen peas
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut pastry dough into four squares (just large enough to cover the top of each 10 oz baking dish). Make several vents for steam in each piece. Chill on a baking sheet until firm.
2) Meanwhile, melt butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium high heat. Cook leeks, parsnips, and carrots with 1 tsp salt, stirring frequently until slightly soft (3-5 min). Add flour; cook, stirring, until golden (2-3 min).
3) Whisking constantly, stir in milk, potato, and curry powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently until potato is tender, stirring occasionally (8-10 min). Season with salt and pepper
4) Stir in frozen peas. Divide cooked mixture evenly among baking dishes and top with pastry. Brush pastry with milk. Place on a baking sheet and bake until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. 22-25 min. Let cool 10 min before serving.
My Variations/Notes
- I don't do matchsticks - who has the time? So I just chopped the veggies into small enough pieces that I thought they would cook in roughly 10 min.
- I added 1 cup frozen pearl onions. I love them. I'll put them in anything that will hold still long enough.
- I used small Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled and diced, instead of russet.
- I topped mine with a biscuit topping instead of puff pastry - just as yummy, slightly healthier.
- I only did 3 cups of milk - four would have been veggie soup!
- Next time I will replace some of the milk with light coconut milk.
- I baked it in one container rather than small ones. I'm lazy about dishes.
All in all, I thought this was a good but not fabulous recipe. I'm always thrilled to find something vegetarian my husband wouldn't mind me serving again (although I think you could add diced chicken to this), and I'm certain I will try it again. Definitely with coconut milk. And in individual containers, so I can have peas in mine!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
January Health and Fitness Goals
Happy New Year, everyone!
It feels productive to be posting on January 1. It feels productive to be doing pretty much anything on a Sunday morning, especially a holiday morning.
Without further ado, my health and fitness goals for the month of January...
1) Complete a 45 minute cardio workout at least 3 times a week.
I'm blithely ignoring the fact that this should already be happening, because that way lies self-recrimination and perceived failure. Instead, I'm reaffirming that, as a small step in the correct direction, what a wonderful habit I'll have established in the next 31 days. And hey, I have a free gym with this apartment. Might as well use it before we find that dream house!
2) Drink at least 6 (8 oz) glasses of water each day.
I'm horrible about drinking water. Or anything, really. I'm sure I spend my life partially dehydrated. However, every time I commit to drinking more water, it also means I commit to spending more time running to the loo. I've heard your body adjusts, but when your body is expected in a classroom to deter mayhem, you don't always have time for adjustments ;-) But now I do. So. Water. In January. Lots of it. At least, lots for me.
It feels productive to be posting on January 1. It feels productive to be doing pretty much anything on a Sunday morning, especially a holiday morning.
Without further ado, my health and fitness goals for the month of January...
1) Complete a 45 minute cardio workout at least 3 times a week.
I'm blithely ignoring the fact that this should already be happening, because that way lies self-recrimination and perceived failure. Instead, I'm reaffirming that, as a small step in the correct direction, what a wonderful habit I'll have established in the next 31 days. And hey, I have a free gym with this apartment. Might as well use it before we find that dream house!
2) Drink at least 6 (8 oz) glasses of water each day.
I'm horrible about drinking water. Or anything, really. I'm sure I spend my life partially dehydrated. However, every time I commit to drinking more water, it also means I commit to spending more time running to the loo. I've heard your body adjusts, but when your body is expected in a classroom to deter mayhem, you don't always have time for adjustments ;-) But now I do. So. Water. In January. Lots of it. At least, lots for me.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2012 Resolution #3 - Set (and measure!) Monthly Health and Fitness Goals
Um, isn't this everyone's New Year's Resolution? Lose weight. Eat more healthy foods. Get in shape.
Well, that's all well and good, but I've been trying to lose 10 pounds for about 10 years now, and all I have to show for it are the extra 8 pounds I've put on since the wedding. (I'm not fat, I'm fluffy.)
However, with the passing of my grandfather and the advent of my 30th birthday this past year, I have decided that 2012 is about genes, not jeans. Yes, it'd be fab to fit in a size four (um, I'm not really sure what that even looks like), but I'd so much rather live 89 HEALTHY years being able to enjoy the activities I choose. So health and fitness goals it is.
In the name of accountability, I have decided that I will choose 1-2 monthly goals to concentrate on for each month of 2012. These are going to be small, daily changes in my lifestyle that will hopefully create a long-lasting impact for my health and well-being. Because, let's face it, I'm not giving up chocolate for the rest of my life. I'm probably not even giving up chocolate for the rest of the day.
The challenge (besides, you know, actually achieving a goal) will be that these are cumulative goals. Since the purpose of each of these goals is to create a lasting habit, each month will (hopefully) build on the ones that come before. It's all about grace around here, though, so if I don't achieve a monthly goal, I'll have to figure out what went wrong and tackle it again.
Please feel free to chime in with advice and encouragement. I have a feeling I'm going to need it.
Well, that's all well and good, but I've been trying to lose 10 pounds for about 10 years now, and all I have to show for it are the extra 8 pounds I've put on since the wedding. (I'm not fat, I'm fluffy.)
However, with the passing of my grandfather and the advent of my 30th birthday this past year, I have decided that 2012 is about genes, not jeans. Yes, it'd be fab to fit in a size four (um, I'm not really sure what that even looks like), but I'd so much rather live 89 HEALTHY years being able to enjoy the activities I choose. So health and fitness goals it is.
In the name of accountability, I have decided that I will choose 1-2 monthly goals to concentrate on for each month of 2012. These are going to be small, daily changes in my lifestyle that will hopefully create a long-lasting impact for my health and well-being. Because, let's face it, I'm not giving up chocolate for the rest of my life. I'm probably not even giving up chocolate for the rest of the day.
The challenge (besides, you know, actually achieving a goal) will be that these are cumulative goals. Since the purpose of each of these goals is to create a lasting habit, each month will (hopefully) build on the ones that come before. It's all about grace around here, though, so if I don't achieve a monthly goal, I'll have to figure out what went wrong and tackle it again.
Please feel free to chime in with advice and encouragement. I have a feeling I'm going to need it.
Friday, December 30, 2011
2012 Resolution #2 - 52 New Recipes
It's amazing that no matter how many great recipes I have, I frequently find myself thinking "I have no idea what to cook for dinner!" I love falling back on familiar favorites, but it's time to expand that list of familiar favorites - or at least find a few new things to whip out at dinner parties.
For the next year, I am determined to try 52 new recipes, averaging one recipe per week. To further specify, at least 26 of these recipe must be main courses so that I can hopefully add to my collection of "favorites".
Suggestions are welcome, and be sure the check back for recipes and reviews!
For the next year, I am determined to try 52 new recipes, averaging one recipe per week. To further specify, at least 26 of these recipe must be main courses so that I can hopefully add to my collection of "favorites".
Suggestions are welcome, and be sure the check back for recipes and reviews!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Reading Challenges Galore!
Since I'm planning on reading 100+ books anyway... I might as well join a few challenges to keep me on my toes.
#1 : The Pulitzer 2's
I really wanted to join this challenge last year (when it was The Pulitzer 1's!), but between wrapping up a school year, planning a wedding, and executing a move, I wisely decided to refrain. This year I'm all in, and I'm looking forward to acquainting myself with a variety of Pulitzer Prize winners (Although I am grateful to have already read The Good Earth, because I have no need to revisit that one!).
#2 : The Chunkster Challenge
Reading "big books" is not intimidating to me, but I want to ensure that I don't fill up my list with lightening quick reads starting in November. I will be participating at the "Do These Books Make My Butt Look Big" level (six books, 2 at 450+, 2 at 550+, and 2 at 750+).
#3: The Victorian Challenge
I'm modifying this one a bit. I will try to read one novel by each of the highlighted author's per month, for a total of 12 books. Many of the authors I have read before, so I will enjoy exploring new works. A few are on my "should read" or "why the heck haven't I read" list, and it's always nice to check those off!
There are several more tempting challenges, but I think three is enough to get started! Happy reading, 2012!
#1 : The Pulitzer 2's
I really wanted to join this challenge last year (when it was The Pulitzer 1's!), but between wrapping up a school year, planning a wedding, and executing a move, I wisely decided to refrain. This year I'm all in, and I'm looking forward to acquainting myself with a variety of Pulitzer Prize winners (Although I am grateful to have already read The Good Earth, because I have no need to revisit that one!).
#2 : The Chunkster Challenge
Reading "big books" is not intimidating to me, but I want to ensure that I don't fill up my list with lightening quick reads starting in November. I will be participating at the "Do These Books Make My Butt Look Big" level (six books, 2 at 450+, 2 at 550+, and 2 at 750+).
#3: The Victorian Challenge
I'm modifying this one a bit. I will try to read one novel by each of the highlighted author's per month, for a total of 12 books. Many of the authors I have read before, so I will enjoy exploring new works. A few are on my "should read" or "why the heck haven't I read" list, and it's always nice to check those off!
There are several more tempting challenges, but I think three is enough to get started! Happy reading, 2012!
2012 Resolution #1 - 104 Books
I have flirted with making New Year's resolutions off and on for most of the last 30 years, although it has always seemed strange timing. To me, the new year has always begun in September, with the advent of the new school year. However, considering I am not presently involved in a school year, I thought it might be time to reinvigorate the idea of setting some goals for 2012.
As a lifelong reader, I actually have no idea how many books I have read throughout the years. If you were to ask me how many books I read this year, the answer would be "a lot". Not very satisfactory. So this year I am giving myself a personal goal, and we will see how easy or difficult this goal is to achieve.
And, of course, the internet comes to my rescue, because not only do I have the opportunity to make my goal public, but I also have the opportunity to join in a "formal" challenge hosted by Book Chick City. So consider me formally engaged for the year!
My personal goal: Read 104 books in 2012, averaging 2 books per week
There are very few formal rules for this challenge, but I have created some of my own to prompt me in challenging myself:
As a lifelong reader, I actually have no idea how many books I have read throughout the years. If you were to ask me how many books I read this year, the answer would be "a lot". Not very satisfactory. So this year I am giving myself a personal goal, and we will see how easy or difficult this goal is to achieve.
And, of course, the internet comes to my rescue, because not only do I have the opportunity to make my goal public, but I also have the opportunity to join in a "formal" challenge hosted by Book Chick City. So consider me formally engaged for the year!
My personal goal: Read 104 books in 2012, averaging 2 books per week
There are very few formal rules for this challenge, but I have created some of my own to prompt me in challenging myself:
- Print and e-books are acceptable (as permitted by all challenges)
- No Young Adult books
- A book can only count for two challenges, if crossovers are permitted
- Anthologies are permitted, if the entire book is read.
- NO REREADING!
Fingers crossed and wish me luck - I'll be updating as I go!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Right Tool for the Job
The past two days, my father and step-mother have been in town helping me tame the chaos that is our apartment. Susan is a genius at hanging pictures - what would take me measuring and re-measuring, second guessing myself, and still having multiple nail holes takes her about five minutes.
Of all the tasks I was most eager to have help/advice about, the bookshelf placement in the small "den" was the number one. I have three bookshelves that have been side by side for the past few years, and on this particular wall, they were literally an eighth of an inch too wide. Bummer. I crammed and cussed and shoved when I was setting them up, but I eventually decided to leave it be and have one bookshelf awkwardly placed on the adjoining wall. I was hoping Susan could arrive at a more elegant solution.
She took one look at the room and said "Take off part of the baseboard."
...
Say what? Take out part of the baseboard? No big deal? Stick it back later with some caulk and paint? None of these things sounded like me; however, the lure of actually being able to (a) store my books together and (b) use the den was strong. So I went to the hardware store for advice.
Before this goes further, I should state for the record that I am not a DIY kind of girl; I am most certainly a "hire someone to do it" kind of girl. Of course, my previous track record of "house repairs" has included such incidents as tree-on-roof and tree-in-closet, which seem like a fairly steep learning curve to the nascent home owner of 2.5 months. Hiring help has seemed like the best route.
It took a bit of time to convince the very nice man at customer service that I did not need (and could not, in fact, operate or store) a $100+ saw, despite the fact that it would, indeed, be the best tool for the job. I was all about second best and cheap.
Exit me, with one small hacksaw and an exacto knife, armed with good intentions.
The premise was simple: cut the baseboard, loosen the pain/caulk, and out it will pop. The reality was not quite so simple: the angle for cutting was not ideal, since the saw would really only move one direction without damaging the floor. It took some serious time and dedication.
But as the project progressed, another small problem emerged. I needed something to pry the piece of baseboard away from the wall enough to both get the saw through the remaining bit and to pop out the chunk. I had thought to use a flathead screw driver, but that proved useful only in denting the wood.
I hunted through Stan's tool kit to no avail - nothing was both thin enough and sturdy enough to give me the leverage I needed. At this point, with a fairly mangled baseboard, a blister, and some serious time committed to this project, I refused to give up. Finally I turned to the place all good handymen turn when they are in need of a specialized tool: the kitchen.
I'm fairly certain there is a picture of me on the floor, prizing apart the baseboard with great concentration, using my trusty spatula.
I'm so proud of myself, I might even try learning how to drill today!
Of all the tasks I was most eager to have help/advice about, the bookshelf placement in the small "den" was the number one. I have three bookshelves that have been side by side for the past few years, and on this particular wall, they were literally an eighth of an inch too wide. Bummer. I crammed and cussed and shoved when I was setting them up, but I eventually decided to leave it be and have one bookshelf awkwardly placed on the adjoining wall. I was hoping Susan could arrive at a more elegant solution.
She took one look at the room and said "Take off part of the baseboard."
...
Say what? Take out part of the baseboard? No big deal? Stick it back later with some caulk and paint? None of these things sounded like me; however, the lure of actually being able to (a) store my books together and (b) use the den was strong. So I went to the hardware store for advice.
Before this goes further, I should state for the record that I am not a DIY kind of girl; I am most certainly a "hire someone to do it" kind of girl. Of course, my previous track record of "house repairs" has included such incidents as tree-on-roof and tree-in-closet, which seem like a fairly steep learning curve to the nascent home owner of 2.5 months. Hiring help has seemed like the best route.
It took a bit of time to convince the very nice man at customer service that I did not need (and could not, in fact, operate or store) a $100+ saw, despite the fact that it would, indeed, be the best tool for the job. I was all about second best and cheap.
Exit me, with one small hacksaw and an exacto knife, armed with good intentions.
The premise was simple: cut the baseboard, loosen the pain/caulk, and out it will pop. The reality was not quite so simple: the angle for cutting was not ideal, since the saw would really only move one direction without damaging the floor. It took some serious time and dedication.
But as the project progressed, another small problem emerged. I needed something to pry the piece of baseboard away from the wall enough to both get the saw through the remaining bit and to pop out the chunk. I had thought to use a flathead screw driver, but that proved useful only in denting the wood.
I hunted through Stan's tool kit to no avail - nothing was both thin enough and sturdy enough to give me the leverage I needed. At this point, with a fairly mangled baseboard, a blister, and some serious time committed to this project, I refused to give up. Finally I turned to the place all good handymen turn when they are in need of a specialized tool: the kitchen.
I'm fairly certain there is a picture of me on the floor, prizing apart the baseboard with great concentration, using my trusty spatula.
I'm so proud of myself, I might even try learning how to drill today!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Down in the Depths
Monday finally brought the remainder of my belongings (hello, stuff.... goodbye, month long move). As thrilled as I was to finally be reunited with my bowls and measuring spoons, I was a bit dismayed to watch the moving van leave at 5:07 p.m. In the excitement of shuffling furniture around to accommodate the missing entertainment center (storage!), I almost forgot that All Those Boxes were also going to remain, sitting exactly where I instructed them to be dumped in my eagerness to finally have two large usable pieces of storage-worthy furniture.
Tuesday was one of those, two steps forward, twenty steps back kind of days. I unpacked and unpacked, organized and reorganized, shuffled, and finally searched in vain for a tiny place I could hide from the chaos. To make matters worse, I realized by the end of Tuesday there was a box missing. A box full of wedding presents, to be exact, which I really didn't want to lose before I even had a chance to use them! Before I called the movers to complain, I had one last possibility...
The Storage Room
This is a dark, scary room in the bottom of my parking garage, which has been "subdivided" by chain link fence into tiny boxes for residents to use. I have not been to our storage unit since I blindly asked movers #1 to put a bunch of boxes down there. In short, I was scared. But needs must, so yesterday I ventured down, taking my iPhone (no reception, music only), scissors, keys, and a resigned attitude.
It was bad.
One would think that movers have a sense of logical packing, since they spend days cramming other people's belongings into trucks. Not the case, apparently. Or at least not the case when they don't actually have to deal with it at all.
Big boxes stacked on top of small boxes. Heavy boxes on top of light. Brass bed frames casually draped over everything. I had a frightening image of a Jenga tower about to topple over, and I was the one stuck on the bottom.
Like every good Jenga player (which I am not, btw. I always make the tower fall) I studied the piles and slowly began to drag the boxes out. It took some time before I found the likely box, but I didn't pause to investigate. At that point I was determined to actually organize the stupid space, since I had been experiencing that mild feeling of guilt that exists when you know you SHOULD do something but have been ignoring its very existence.
What I discovered in the basement:
- the missing box
- two boxes of every day china, now properly stored
- ten - TEN - boxes of books (this is not counting the 12 boxes of books I've already unpacked, some of which were destined for storage but they ran out of room)
- two brass twin beds, now no longer perilously draped over box piles
- two Christmas boxes, which I cheerfully added to
- a mysterious bike peddle
- all my tutoring materials (I wondered where that had gone!)
- a few friendly spiders
I was proud of myself for hauling around the boxes, making nice stacks, and generally being able to lift things of substantial weight. Then I got to the missing box, and it would. not. budge.
I tugged and I pushed and I made some unladylike noises, until I finally set aside my vanity (I can lift big things, darn it all!) and opened the box. (It was why I had brought my scissors down, after all).
Right away, I discovered part of the problem - a bocce ball set (15 lbs) and a marble cutting board (35 lbs). Well no wonder. I removed the offending items, as well as a few other heavyish objects (cutting board with metal handles? surprisingly heavy metal ice bucket?) and hauled the whole mess upstairs.
I'm relieved to report that all the missing wedding gifts have appeared (and WHO packs crystal with marble cutting boards? Apparently people who want to shell out insurance money.) plus all three of my Le Creuset pots. No wonder I couldn't lift the darn box!
I'm also relieved to report that I no longer have to spend any time dreading a morning down in the depths of the parking garage. The storage room has been tamed, and I'm not going back until Christmas!
Tuesday was one of those, two steps forward, twenty steps back kind of days. I unpacked and unpacked, organized and reorganized, shuffled, and finally searched in vain for a tiny place I could hide from the chaos. To make matters worse, I realized by the end of Tuesday there was a box missing. A box full of wedding presents, to be exact, which I really didn't want to lose before I even had a chance to use them! Before I called the movers to complain, I had one last possibility...
The Storage Room
This is a dark, scary room in the bottom of my parking garage, which has been "subdivided" by chain link fence into tiny boxes for residents to use. I have not been to our storage unit since I blindly asked movers #1 to put a bunch of boxes down there. In short, I was scared. But needs must, so yesterday I ventured down, taking my iPhone (no reception, music only), scissors, keys, and a resigned attitude.
It was bad.
One would think that movers have a sense of logical packing, since they spend days cramming other people's belongings into trucks. Not the case, apparently. Or at least not the case when they don't actually have to deal with it at all.
Big boxes stacked on top of small boxes. Heavy boxes on top of light. Brass bed frames casually draped over everything. I had a frightening image of a Jenga tower about to topple over, and I was the one stuck on the bottom.
Like every good Jenga player (which I am not, btw. I always make the tower fall) I studied the piles and slowly began to drag the boxes out. It took some time before I found the likely box, but I didn't pause to investigate. At that point I was determined to actually organize the stupid space, since I had been experiencing that mild feeling of guilt that exists when you know you SHOULD do something but have been ignoring its very existence.
What I discovered in the basement:
- the missing box
- two boxes of every day china, now properly stored
- ten - TEN - boxes of books (this is not counting the 12 boxes of books I've already unpacked, some of which were destined for storage but they ran out of room)
- two brass twin beds, now no longer perilously draped over box piles
- two Christmas boxes, which I cheerfully added to
- a mysterious bike peddle
- all my tutoring materials (I wondered where that had gone!)
- a few friendly spiders
I was proud of myself for hauling around the boxes, making nice stacks, and generally being able to lift things of substantial weight. Then I got to the missing box, and it would. not. budge.
I tugged and I pushed and I made some unladylike noises, until I finally set aside my vanity (I can lift big things, darn it all!) and opened the box. (It was why I had brought my scissors down, after all).
Right away, I discovered part of the problem - a bocce ball set (15 lbs) and a marble cutting board (35 lbs). Well no wonder. I removed the offending items, as well as a few other heavyish objects (cutting board with metal handles? surprisingly heavy metal ice bucket?) and hauled the whole mess upstairs.
I'm relieved to report that all the missing wedding gifts have appeared (and WHO packs crystal with marble cutting boards? Apparently people who want to shell out insurance money.) plus all three of my Le Creuset pots. No wonder I couldn't lift the darn box!
I'm also relieved to report that I no longer have to spend any time dreading a morning down in the depths of the parking garage. The storage room has been tamed, and I'm not going back until Christmas!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Small Things
It's a small thing, going to the grocery store, but I love it.
Today I was perhaps the most annoying customer in the store... I wandered the aisles, learning what goes where and wasting brain power on another futile attempt to understand grocery store organizational logic. I was ridiculously happy to find familiar brands, bemused by the lack of products I consider indispensable, and eager to try new things as I stumbled across them.
I had the satisfaction of pushing an (overly) full cart to the checkout, knowing that my pantry is finally going to be something more than bare. I have a choice about what to cook for dinner, and can even change my mind now that my stock of staples is increasing from nothing to something. Of course, I still have to organize said pantry, but that's for another day.
I ran a multitude of smaller errands without getting lost, which was also a simple joy. All this productivity in the name of procrastination, for I neither tackled any piles, nor did I tackle any reading. Perhaps a homemade dinner will fortify me for a lack of procrastination tomorrow!
Today I was perhaps the most annoying customer in the store... I wandered the aisles, learning what goes where and wasting brain power on another futile attempt to understand grocery store organizational logic. I was ridiculously happy to find familiar brands, bemused by the lack of products I consider indispensable, and eager to try new things as I stumbled across them.
I had the satisfaction of pushing an (overly) full cart to the checkout, knowing that my pantry is finally going to be something more than bare. I have a choice about what to cook for dinner, and can even change my mind now that my stock of staples is increasing from nothing to something. Of course, I still have to organize said pantry, but that's for another day.
I ran a multitude of smaller errands without getting lost, which was also a simple joy. All this productivity in the name of procrastination, for I neither tackled any piles, nor did I tackle any reading. Perhaps a homemade dinner will fortify me for a lack of procrastination tomorrow!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Up to My Ears
At this point, I was hoping to be kicking back for a nice relaxing hour or two with Plato's Republic (ok, maybe I had other books on my mind, but I am trying to motivate to finally read the dialogue I haven't), but since I cannot find any of the chairs or sofas in my house, it looks like unpacking is the plan for the day.
It's amazing what chaos the arrival of furniture and boxes can achieve in an apartment. If I look at the pile of flattened boxes in my hallway, I can be proud of what I managed to accomplish yesterday afternoon. However, the fact that I have one small path leading to the necessary places in my house - refrigerator, bed, and bathroom - indicates that I have miles to go before I sleep. (Amazing how Frost can stay in your head after all these years. Need new allusions). Also interesting is the fact that a solid quarter to third of my belongings is still in Tulsa, hopefully to arrive within a week or so.
I'm compiling a list of items I'm noticeably missing, which includes but is not limited to
It's amazing what chaos the arrival of furniture and boxes can achieve in an apartment. If I look at the pile of flattened boxes in my hallway, I can be proud of what I managed to accomplish yesterday afternoon. However, the fact that I have one small path leading to the necessary places in my house - refrigerator, bed, and bathroom - indicates that I have miles to go before I sleep. (Amazing how Frost can stay in your head after all these years. Need new allusions). Also interesting is the fact that a solid quarter to third of my belongings is still in Tulsa, hopefully to arrive within a week or so.
I'm compiling a list of items I'm noticeably missing, which includes but is not limited to
- the top to my coffee table
- two bases and one top of my end tables (one top made it)
- one lampshade
- all my bowls (where did these go??)
- cookbooks
- all table related linens (and this is quite a feat, since they weren't stored together)
- pillows for my bed
An interesting assortment to say the least, and these are on top of the larger furniture items I knew were going to be in round two. Fortunately, there are plenty of items here (the REST of my kitchenware, for example) which gives me plenty to do for the remainder of this week. Just not reading Plato. Or pretty much anything else, until I find a seat. God bless audio books!
Monday, July 25, 2011
The First "Last Conversation"
I feel a bit like a vulture, but with the announcement that Borders is indeed closing its doors forever, I immediately began to scour the internet for Borders in the San Francisco area. It was actually a bit more challenging than I had presumed, since many closed during the spring, but I persevered and located a few potential options for purchasing books-on-sale.
On Saturday I broached the idea of making a Sunday Borders run, and Stan immediately countered with "Do you need more books?" I think I blinked my eyes and looked dumbfounded. I'm an intelligent woman. I played that sentence over in my head. Yes, I knew all the words. I could parse that sentence. Heck, I could even diagram that sentence with ease, but still... the words did not compute. Do. I. need. more. books. Nope. No idea what that even means.
After some spluttering and attempts at coherency, Stan watched me process that question, sighed, and said, "This is the last time we're going to have this conversation, isn't it?"
I'm relieved we understood each other ;-)
On Saturday I broached the idea of making a Sunday Borders run, and Stan immediately countered with "Do you need more books?" I think I blinked my eyes and looked dumbfounded. I'm an intelligent woman. I played that sentence over in my head. Yes, I knew all the words. I could parse that sentence. Heck, I could even diagram that sentence with ease, but still... the words did not compute. Do. I. need. more. books. Nope. No idea what that even means.
After some spluttering and attempts at coherency, Stan watched me process that question, sighed, and said, "This is the last time we're going to have this conversation, isn't it?"
I'm relieved we understood each other ;-)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Elegance of The Hedgehog
Strangely, or perhaps not considering my profession, I love browsing the tables of "Summer Reading" in bookstores. Not, of course, the tables of the latest beach reads, but the tables of books that teachers have lovingly picked with which to torture their hapless students over the summer.
Frequently I find myself wondering why in the world someone would choose THAT novel for summer reading (case in point: Beowulf. I have a difficult time imagining any middle/high school student successfully navigating Beowulf on their own and coming out the other side with something other than utter and profound relief to have put that experience behind them. Such a waste, when a month in the classroom can have your students coming in one day to inform you that they "ruined the movie with all that sex and violence.") Other times I find suggestions to include on my own school reading lists, summer or otherwise. And occasionally I find myself inspired to either pick up a book entirely new to me or finally read that novel that has been nagging me for years.
Enter The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. It is no surprise that I missed the publication of this novel, for if anything happens in the world of books during a school year, I am almost guaranteed to miss it (must. not. start. new. books.). But I picked it up on a whim, after reading the first page, and then devoured it in my usual 24 hour fashion.
So what did I think? The honest answer? I'm not sure. Of course, I could not put it down, which always says something. However, the ending struck me as startling and unnecessary, which definitely colored my reading experience. In addition, there were small details which disrupted my reading, such as the almost-too-perfect entrance of Monsieur Ozu and the camellias (a pale imitation of Proust's hawthorns). On the other hand, the language was delightful, which can carry me far in a novel.
Without question the story and the language have both stayed on my mind, which again speaks for itself. I think I am adding this to the list of books I think I enjoyed but could not recommend to others, a category which is only lately revealing itself in my life.
And now back to history reading!
Frequently I find myself wondering why in the world someone would choose THAT novel for summer reading (case in point: Beowulf. I have a difficult time imagining any middle/high school student successfully navigating Beowulf on their own and coming out the other side with something other than utter and profound relief to have put that experience behind them. Such a waste, when a month in the classroom can have your students coming in one day to inform you that they "ruined the movie with all that sex and violence.") Other times I find suggestions to include on my own school reading lists, summer or otherwise. And occasionally I find myself inspired to either pick up a book entirely new to me or finally read that novel that has been nagging me for years.
Enter The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. It is no surprise that I missed the publication of this novel, for if anything happens in the world of books during a school year, I am almost guaranteed to miss it (must. not. start. new. books.). But I picked it up on a whim, after reading the first page, and then devoured it in my usual 24 hour fashion.
So what did I think? The honest answer? I'm not sure. Of course, I could not put it down, which always says something. However, the ending struck me as startling and unnecessary, which definitely colored my reading experience. In addition, there were small details which disrupted my reading, such as the almost-too-perfect entrance of Monsieur Ozu and the camellias (a pale imitation of Proust's hawthorns). On the other hand, the language was delightful, which can carry me far in a novel.
Without question the story and the language have both stayed on my mind, which again speaks for itself. I think I am adding this to the list of books I think I enjoyed but could not recommend to others, a category which is only lately revealing itself in my life.
And now back to history reading!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Corn Risotto with Summer Succotash
I served this with a grilled sausage, and my non-veggie loving husband informed me that he would even like it "without any meat at all." That's what I call success!
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup Arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine
3-4 cups chicken broth or water
3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears)
5 ounces mild cheese crumbled (goat cheese and feta have both worked for me)
1 cup sliced (i/4 inch) green beans (I have also used sugar snaps)
1 garlic clove, grated or minced
2 cups diced tomatoes
1/4 cup loosely packed torn fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper
The Risotto
1) Heat chicken broth or water in a small sauce pan.
2) Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saute pan. Add 1/2 the onion and cook until tender (about 5 min).
3) Add the rice and stir until coated with oil.
4) Add wine to rice and stir.
5) When the wine is mostly absorbed, begin adding chicken stock or water, about one ladleful at a time. Stir at each addition, and then add the next ladle when the previous addition is mostly absorbed.
6) Add 1 cup of corn with the final ladle of liquid.
7) Finish risotto by stirring in 1/2 cup of cheese until melted. Add salt and pepper if necessary.
The Succotash
1) Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Add remaining onion and cook until tender (about 5 minutes).
2) Add remaining corn, green beans, and garlic and cook, stirring until the green beans are crisp-tender (about 3-5 minutes).
3) Add tomatoes, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
To Serve: spoon the risotto into a shallow bowl and top with the succotash. Sprinkle each serving with a bit of the remaining cheese. Serves 4.
Recipe adapted from Fresh & Fast Vegetarian: Recipes that Make a Meal by Marie Simmons
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup Arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine
3-4 cups chicken broth or water
3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears)
5 ounces mild cheese crumbled (goat cheese and feta have both worked for me)
1 cup sliced (i/4 inch) green beans (I have also used sugar snaps)
1 garlic clove, grated or minced
2 cups diced tomatoes
1/4 cup loosely packed torn fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper
The Risotto
1) Heat chicken broth or water in a small sauce pan.
2) Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saute pan. Add 1/2 the onion and cook until tender (about 5 min).
3) Add the rice and stir until coated with oil.
4) Add wine to rice and stir.
5) When the wine is mostly absorbed, begin adding chicken stock or water, about one ladleful at a time. Stir at each addition, and then add the next ladle when the previous addition is mostly absorbed.
6) Add 1 cup of corn with the final ladle of liquid.
7) Finish risotto by stirring in 1/2 cup of cheese until melted. Add salt and pepper if necessary.
The Succotash
1) Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Add remaining onion and cook until tender (about 5 minutes).
2) Add remaining corn, green beans, and garlic and cook, stirring until the green beans are crisp-tender (about 3-5 minutes).
3) Add tomatoes, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
To Serve: spoon the risotto into a shallow bowl and top with the succotash. Sprinkle each serving with a bit of the remaining cheese. Serves 4.
Recipe adapted from Fresh & Fast Vegetarian: Recipes that Make a Meal by Marie Simmons
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday Afternoon Perfection
Things are rolling right along at the King apartment. This weekend is our first full weekend in town (and our last for a few weeks as well). We've put the time to good use, enjoying having the windows open as the weather finally returned to California gorgeous (absolutely NOT missing the 100 degree Oklahoma days).
Yesterday I finally ran errands with a car. It's a little intoxicating to walk into the grocery store and not have to think about what I can carry the mile home. Although I'm still limited on my cooking utensils (cannot wait to be reunited with my All Clad!), I did take advantage of the opportunity to stock up the pantry a bit. I also hit up the huge Target just blocks from the apartment - every time I've gone in there, I've gotten lost. Of course, I also got lost in our parking garage both times I took the car out, so that doesn't say a lot for my sense of direction.
Our biggest achievement this weekend has been closet installation. Stan installed the Elfa systems for both our closets, while I supervised helpfully. The difference is already night and day. It's amazing how much STUFF you can put in a properly organized space - there are drawers and shelves and hanging racks. Definitely worth the time and money. I'm especially glad to have that pulled together before the moving van rolls in with the next wave of boxes and chaos.
We celebrated our productive day with fruit, cheese, and champagne on our patio (yay, World Market furniture!). I made easy cucumber appetizers, courtesy of my mother's "recipe". Surprisingly fresh and delicious - definitely an example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts.
Easy Cucumber Appetizer
- thin slices of cucumber
- cracker of choice (I used rice crackers)
- hummus (I had garlic chive on hand)
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
1) Spread the hummus on each cracker and top with cucumber slices.
2) Dot each cracker with olive oil, then salt and pepper to taste.
Easy and very summery.
I keep buying books because all the books I want to start reading are in a box in Oklahoma. Has anyone read The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery? I'm on page 12.
Yesterday I finally ran errands with a car. It's a little intoxicating to walk into the grocery store and not have to think about what I can carry the mile home. Although I'm still limited on my cooking utensils (cannot wait to be reunited with my All Clad!), I did take advantage of the opportunity to stock up the pantry a bit. I also hit up the huge Target just blocks from the apartment - every time I've gone in there, I've gotten lost. Of course, I also got lost in our parking garage both times I took the car out, so that doesn't say a lot for my sense of direction.
Our biggest achievement this weekend has been closet installation. Stan installed the Elfa systems for both our closets, while I supervised helpfully. The difference is already night and day. It's amazing how much STUFF you can put in a properly organized space - there are drawers and shelves and hanging racks. Definitely worth the time and money. I'm especially glad to have that pulled together before the moving van rolls in with the next wave of boxes and chaos.
We celebrated our productive day with fruit, cheese, and champagne on our patio (yay, World Market furniture!). I made easy cucumber appetizers, courtesy of my mother's "recipe". Surprisingly fresh and delicious - definitely an example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts.
Easy Cucumber Appetizer
- thin slices of cucumber
- cracker of choice (I used rice crackers)
- hummus (I had garlic chive on hand)
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
1) Spread the hummus on each cracker and top with cucumber slices.
2) Dot each cracker with olive oil, then salt and pepper to taste.
Easy and very summery.
I keep buying books because all the books I want to start reading are in a box in Oklahoma. Has anyone read The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery? I'm on page 12.
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