Just made three boring taking-care-of-business phone calls in a row and it took less than 10 minutes and I am pumped with myself. When you work full time it's annoyingly difficult to make personal calls when the people you need to contact are also only in the office from 9 - 5.
What I haven't done - uploaded any recent photos to share with you, planned any real meals (side benefit - eating scrambled eggs for dinner three nights every week really frees up your food budget) or done anything remotely useful with my life except research and order a vast variety of products claiming to help with dry eyes (90% sure my eyes are trying to slowly kill me) and then watching Sons of Anarchy every weeknight while trying to convince Circe that getting her ears washed is secretly awesome or at least better than another $200 vet bill. None of this is as depressing as it sounds and actually, with the exception of the getting-to-be-too-routine visits to the ophthalmologist and the vet, it's pretty pleasant around here.
I have also been eating a lot of Fudgesicles. And thinking about making fancy homemade ones but then just buying another box.
So basically, you aren't missing out on much.
Goals for the weekend: move photos from camera to computer to interwebs. Potentially make fancy popsicles.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
You need these ...
Just a quick public service announcement. If you haven't already discovered the peanut butter chips from Trader Joe's, you're missing out.
I've been swapping them in for half the chocolate chips called for in my favorite recipe (I usually just cut the chocolate in half, because I like more cookie than chip). They are slightly salty and so, so good.
They get soft easily so I keep them in the freezer. But that might just be because our kitchen becomes an oven at the drop of a hat. Hard to tell.
{the best thing}
I've been swapping them in for half the chocolate chips called for in my favorite recipe (I usually just cut the chocolate in half, because I like more cookie than chip). They are slightly salty and so, so good.
They get soft easily so I keep them in the freezer. But that might just be because our kitchen becomes an oven at the drop of a hat. Hard to tell.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Reading, lately
I had a pretty good run this time around! And I may have overcome my Didion aversion, although I'm not sure we're ever going to be on close terms.
Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead, Claire DeWitt and the Bohemian Highway - Self-destructive, drug addicted, semi-psychic detective with a biting sense of humor. Loved these. If you're looking for a straightforward (or realistic) murder mystery, these probably won't be your thing, but I fell into them deep. The writing is great, the character is unusual, the cover art is awesome. And of course, now I'm left impatiently waiting for a third one. I would never have found these if it weren't for a reader recommendation.
The Last Thing He Wanted - In an attempt to get myself to appreciate Joan Didion, after two failed attempts, I checked out every Didion novel the library had available at the moment and dove right in. For the first couple chapters I was resistant because her voice is so strong and to be honest, it can drive me a little batty. The loooong sentences with complex construction that leave me hunting around for clauses. The frequent use of "it seems" or "it occurs" that distract me from the narrative. The constant repetition that still leaves me feeling like we're circling around a point instead of driving it home.* But then I fell into the story and was able to let go of Didion (mostly - it's fiction but there are an awful lot of references that sound drawn from Didion's actual life) and the writing actually started to work for me. The novel centers around a female protagonist who ends up being an accidental pivot point in an international incident on an unidentified Caribbean island. The plot is complex and dark.
A Book of Common Prayer - Since I was already warmed up to Didion's writing style I decided to keep going and I was able to get caught up in this immediately. Again, the main character is a female on a foreign island who becomes embroiled in political issues. I enjoyed this quite a bit and found the protagonist really intriguing.
The Year of Magical Thinking - I did not enjoy Blue Nights, which is Didion's other book on her experience of loss. The Year of Magical Thinking felt completely different to me. There isn't as much of Didion's signature voice and it's laid out in a much more straightforward way. I found Blue Nights incredibly painful/irritating to read because I hated the constant circling (and the weird obsession with referencing expensive clothes/restaurants/neighborhoods). This book is easier to manage and I found myself sympathizing with Didion. I can totally understand her obsession with attempting to control uncontrollable situations by marshaling as many facts as possible and it felt like the most relatable trait she has, as far as I'm concerned.
Run River - This ended up being my favorite of the Didion binge. It's a dark drama based in personal conflicts rather than political ones, which is always more appealing to me, Philistine that I am. None of the characters are particularly appealing, but why do they have to be (is what I ask myself every time I voice this complaint about a book)? They are interesting, which is more important.
Little Failure - It was hard not to take a break from Didion the second this became available, but I was afraid of getting derailed. It's probably good that I waited because this book is amazing. I knew it would be funny (it is) but somehow I wasn't expecting the raw emotion and unflinching exploration. Shteyngart doesn't pull any punches when it comes to himself or his relationship to his parents and yet in the end it's surprisingly tender. Now I want to re-read all his novels.
* I know, I know! Didion is a literary icon and I am an idiot for not appreciating her unique voice immediately. All of these books later and I'll admit that some aspects of her writing style still grate on me, so I guess I'm just have to live with that failing.
Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead, Claire DeWitt and the Bohemian Highway - Self-destructive, drug addicted, semi-psychic detective with a biting sense of humor. Loved these. If you're looking for a straightforward (or realistic) murder mystery, these probably won't be your thing, but I fell into them deep. The writing is great, the character is unusual, the cover art is awesome. And of course, now I'm left impatiently waiting for a third one. I would never have found these if it weren't for a reader recommendation.
The Last Thing He Wanted - In an attempt to get myself to appreciate Joan Didion, after two failed attempts, I checked out every Didion novel the library had available at the moment and dove right in. For the first couple chapters I was resistant because her voice is so strong and to be honest, it can drive me a little batty. The loooong sentences with complex construction that leave me hunting around for clauses. The frequent use of "it seems" or "it occurs" that distract me from the narrative. The constant repetition that still leaves me feeling like we're circling around a point instead of driving it home.* But then I fell into the story and was able to let go of Didion (mostly - it's fiction but there are an awful lot of references that sound drawn from Didion's actual life) and the writing actually started to work for me. The novel centers around a female protagonist who ends up being an accidental pivot point in an international incident on an unidentified Caribbean island. The plot is complex and dark.
A Book of Common Prayer - Since I was already warmed up to Didion's writing style I decided to keep going and I was able to get caught up in this immediately. Again, the main character is a female on a foreign island who becomes embroiled in political issues. I enjoyed this quite a bit and found the protagonist really intriguing.
The Year of Magical Thinking - I did not enjoy Blue Nights, which is Didion's other book on her experience of loss. The Year of Magical Thinking felt completely different to me. There isn't as much of Didion's signature voice and it's laid out in a much more straightforward way. I found Blue Nights incredibly painful/irritating to read because I hated the constant circling (and the weird obsession with referencing expensive clothes/restaurants/neighborhoods). This book is easier to manage and I found myself sympathizing with Didion. I can totally understand her obsession with attempting to control uncontrollable situations by marshaling as many facts as possible and it felt like the most relatable trait she has, as far as I'm concerned.
Run River - This ended up being my favorite of the Didion binge. It's a dark drama based in personal conflicts rather than political ones, which is always more appealing to me, Philistine that I am. None of the characters are particularly appealing, but why do they have to be (is what I ask myself every time I voice this complaint about a book)? They are interesting, which is more important.
Little Failure - It was hard not to take a break from Didion the second this became available, but I was afraid of getting derailed. It's probably good that I waited because this book is amazing. I knew it would be funny (it is) but somehow I wasn't expecting the raw emotion and unflinching exploration. Shteyngart doesn't pull any punches when it comes to himself or his relationship to his parents and yet in the end it's surprisingly tender. Now I want to re-read all his novels.
* I know, I know! Didion is a literary icon and I am an idiot for not appreciating her unique voice immediately. All of these books later and I'll admit that some aspects of her writing style still grate on me, so I guess I'm just have to live with that failing.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
And so it goes ...
As soon as I had that first planter hung I started thinking about two more. I wanted something that would balance the first one, which is pretty intricate, so I decided to go both simpler and smaller.
We're still adjusting the heights (and I am really sad that I didn't have brass rings and brass chain, so that everything is totally matching) but I think it's going to be good.
I didn't work with a tutorial for these. I knew I wanted brass incorporated in both and I knew I wanted to try out a tripod style for one. I just messed around with them a bit and because there are so few knots they came together really quickly. The bowls are from the same line as the larger white one, also from Sunset Nursery. I used all cotton cord again but a much thinner one. D picked up the brass rods at the hardware store.
For the one on the left I just used a length of brass rod and threaded the cord through it.
The one on the right was a little more complicated, but I basically just threaded the strands through the three pieces and then threaded some clear fishing line through to make the triangle a little sturdier.
But maybe just a little dessert bowl sized one should be floating in the back, closer to the wall? I think I'm just making up excuses now.
Just ignore the fact that we're apparently never going to get around to hanging any more of our artwork.
{planter trio}
We're still adjusting the heights (and I am really sad that I didn't have brass rings and brass chain, so that everything is totally matching) but I think it's going to be good.
I didn't work with a tutorial for these. I knew I wanted brass incorporated in both and I knew I wanted to try out a tripod style for one. I just messed around with them a bit and because there are so few knots they came together really quickly. The bowls are from the same line as the larger white one, also from Sunset Nursery. I used all cotton cord again but a much thinner one. D picked up the brass rods at the hardware store.
For the one on the left I just used a length of brass rod and threaded the cord through it.
{brass rod}
The one on the right was a little more complicated, but I basically just threaded the strands through the three pieces and then threaded some clear fishing line through to make the triangle a little sturdier.
{brass triangle}
But maybe just a little dessert bowl sized one should be floating in the back, closer to the wall? I think I'm just making up excuses now.
Just ignore the fact that we're apparently never going to get around to hanging any more of our artwork.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Around here
A few scattered photos from the last few weeks ...
I finished a couple more planters and incorporated some brass. Really happy with how they turned out. Pictures tomorrow.
We made the best tomatillo salsa.
Trying to plan the simplest meals possible, so that I'm not standing over a hot stove for too long. We're relying heavily on salad.
Re-discovering my love of index cards since I unearthed a package of them during our office desk set up.
{triangle}
{salsa prep}
{monday night}
{notes}
I finished a couple more planters and incorporated some brass. Really happy with how they turned out. Pictures tomorrow.
We made the best tomatillo salsa.
Trying to plan the simplest meals possible, so that I'm not standing over a hot stove for too long. We're relying heavily on salad.
Re-discovering my love of index cards since I unearthed a package of them during our office desk set up.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Eugene and Portland
I had a work trip to Eugene so I made the most of it by tacking on a quick visit to Portland and getting D to join me there. We didn't have much time (and I didn't take many pictures) but we kept busy!
Despite the fact that I had the most days in Eugene, I also had the least free time. I was completely booked until my last night there. But I took full advantage of that one evening! I walked three miles to the Blair Blvd area and had a flight at Ninkasi and then stopped in at Falling Sky and had dinner and a pint. Going out by myself is a rare pleasure and I love it. I don't usually read and I make a point of not messing with my phone much. I just sort of zone out and tune in at the same time, if that makes sense. Also notable in Eugene - coffee from Perk with housemade burnt sugar syrup.
D had flown into Portland and spent some time with friends and family and he met me in Eugene on Friday afternoon. I loved both breweries so much that I did the whole thing over again with him. Which was awesome, because the one downside to solo brewpub hopping is that you can't possibly taste enough beers without someone to help. At Ninkasi I loved, loved, loved the dry hopped pale ale (sadly, not available in bottles) and the Tricerahops. The tasting room is lively and full of people getting their growlers filled for the week. Falling Sky is just down the street, and it's a beautiful light filled space with the best graphics I've seen at any brewery. Their food is awesome and their beer list is extensive. Make sure to come with at least one other person so you can share a couple flights. But if you're alone, they're very nice about recommending some options and giving you tiny tastes so you can make a decision.
After a small dinner in Eugene we drove up to Portland, really appreciating the long days because we could see the scenery the whole way. It wasn't dark until after 9:30 pm, which felt crazy to me. We had a late second snack at Lardo and stopped in for drinks at the Lucky Labrador.
Because we had the rental car until 10 am, we woke up early and drove to the International Rose Test Garden, which is gorgeous in June. We returned the car and made a quick stop at Voodoo Doughnut, because really, how could we not? The donuts were fine but the experience ended up being even better. Just as we'd sat down with our donuts a wedding started at the front counter. Apparently you can get married there. The packages look like a pretty good deal, I have to say.
We were staying in Southeast Portland to have better access to the breweries but we walked all over on Saturday, crossing the river and heading towards the Pearl District in downtown, stopping by the Saturday market on our way. We browsed some of the boutiques on Alder, including Alder & Co, which was lovely. We wandered into a little alley of shops and found Quin, an all natural candy store (try their version of Starburst!).I have no idea what the alley is called but ETA - A kind reader informed me that the alley is called Union Way! You can enter from Burnside just after 11th St and it's full of fun places, including a Steven Alan, although we resisted that particular temptation.
We ate several crepes from Perierra at Cartopia, a little collection of food carts with a seating area on the corner of SE 12th and Hawthorne. If you're there, you must try the coconut milkshake with basil and sea salt. It was crazy. We also had a pizza from Pyro Pizza and french fries from Potato Champion.
Despite staying in Southeast specifically to be close to the breweries, we overestimated how much we could get to in one day and it quickly became clear that we were going to max out. We made a point of visiting Cascade Brewing because they specialize in sours, which can be hard to find. The frite galois was insanely good. After a long walk and an afternoon nap we decided to switch to cocktails and ventured out to Rum Club. If you're looking for an understated yet perfect Tiki bar, Rum Club is a must. The drinks were amazing and the bartender even gave us the recipe for one of our favorites of the night. I'll get it up here once I have a chance to track down the ingredients.
On Sunday morning we had a couple hours so we walked in the other direction, east along Hawthorne, and stumbled into Blue Star Donuts. I had a dulce de leche hazelnut donut that was so ridiculously good that after one bite D, who is not that into donuts, went back up to the counter and ordered one for himself. I was sorely tempted to bring back several dozen.. I rounded out my breakfast with an awesome egg sandwich from Fried Egg I'm in Love (all the sandwich names are puns involving song titles, so you kind of have to sing to yourself while you read the menu).
If you're wondering how we managed to try so many food items over the course of ~36 hours, well, it's not for the faint of heart but it works out okay if you graze. We try to order just 1 - 2 things at each place and share. That way we can eat at a different place in two hours. This works best if you aren't eating at sit down restaurants, obviously. We share beer flights (duh) but not cocktails or pints (one cocktail for two people is just embarrassing). However, tasting the other person's drink is always a given. In the end, you also just have to accept that none of your clothes will probably fit when you get home. We all have to make sacrifices.
It was a great trip but waaaay too short. I'm hoping we get a chance to go back and spend a little more time here in the future.
And yes, we had Stumptown coffee, which was wonderful, although D feels the latte at Ristretto was actually the winner.
I am bummed that we ran out time (and liver stamina) to do tastings all along distillery row, because that looks awesome. I also would have liked to try more restaurants, but given the short time frame our cart grazing worked out well.
{ninkasi brewery - eugene - boxes to go}
{ninkasi flight}
{falling sky brewery - eugene}
{falling sky flight}
{international rose test garden - portland}
{climbing roses}
{because we had to...}
{blue star - dulce de leche hazelnut}
{egg sandwiches}
{crepes at cartopia}
Despite the fact that I had the most days in Eugene, I also had the least free time. I was completely booked until my last night there. But I took full advantage of that one evening! I walked three miles to the Blair Blvd area and had a flight at Ninkasi and then stopped in at Falling Sky and had dinner and a pint. Going out by myself is a rare pleasure and I love it. I don't usually read and I make a point of not messing with my phone much. I just sort of zone out and tune in at the same time, if that makes sense. Also notable in Eugene - coffee from Perk with housemade burnt sugar syrup.
D had flown into Portland and spent some time with friends and family and he met me in Eugene on Friday afternoon. I loved both breweries so much that I did the whole thing over again with him. Which was awesome, because the one downside to solo brewpub hopping is that you can't possibly taste enough beers without someone to help. At Ninkasi I loved, loved, loved the dry hopped pale ale (sadly, not available in bottles) and the Tricerahops. The tasting room is lively and full of people getting their growlers filled for the week. Falling Sky is just down the street, and it's a beautiful light filled space with the best graphics I've seen at any brewery. Their food is awesome and their beer list is extensive. Make sure to come with at least one other person so you can share a couple flights. But if you're alone, they're very nice about recommending some options and giving you tiny tastes so you can make a decision.
After a small dinner in Eugene we drove up to Portland, really appreciating the long days because we could see the scenery the whole way. It wasn't dark until after 9:30 pm, which felt crazy to me. We had a late second snack at Lardo and stopped in for drinks at the Lucky Labrador.
Because we had the rental car until 10 am, we woke up early and drove to the International Rose Test Garden, which is gorgeous in June. We returned the car and made a quick stop at Voodoo Doughnut, because really, how could we not? The donuts were fine but the experience ended up being even better. Just as we'd sat down with our donuts a wedding started at the front counter. Apparently you can get married there. The packages look like a pretty good deal, I have to say.
We were staying in Southeast Portland to have better access to the breweries but we walked all over on Saturday, crossing the river and heading towards the Pearl District in downtown, stopping by the Saturday market on our way. We browsed some of the boutiques on Alder, including Alder & Co, which was lovely. We wandered into a little alley of shops and found Quin, an all natural candy store (try their version of Starburst!).
We ate several crepes from Perierra at Cartopia, a little collection of food carts with a seating area on the corner of SE 12th and Hawthorne. If you're there, you must try the coconut milkshake with basil and sea salt. It was crazy. We also had a pizza from Pyro Pizza and french fries from Potato Champion.
Despite staying in Southeast specifically to be close to the breweries, we overestimated how much we could get to in one day and it quickly became clear that we were going to max out. We made a point of visiting Cascade Brewing because they specialize in sours, which can be hard to find. The frite galois was insanely good. After a long walk and an afternoon nap we decided to switch to cocktails and ventured out to Rum Club. If you're looking for an understated yet perfect Tiki bar, Rum Club is a must. The drinks were amazing and the bartender even gave us the recipe for one of our favorites of the night. I'll get it up here once I have a chance to track down the ingredients.
On Sunday morning we had a couple hours so we walked in the other direction, east along Hawthorne, and stumbled into Blue Star Donuts. I had a dulce de leche hazelnut donut that was so ridiculously good that after one bite D, who is not that into donuts, went back up to the counter and ordered one for himself. I was sorely tempted to bring back several dozen.. I rounded out my breakfast with an awesome egg sandwich from Fried Egg I'm in Love (all the sandwich names are puns involving song titles, so you kind of have to sing to yourself while you read the menu).
If you're wondering how we managed to try so many food items over the course of ~36 hours, well, it's not for the faint of heart but it works out okay if you graze. We try to order just 1 - 2 things at each place and share. That way we can eat at a different place in two hours. This works best if you aren't eating at sit down restaurants, obviously. We share beer flights (duh) but not cocktails or pints (one cocktail for two people is just embarrassing). However, tasting the other person's drink is always a given. In the end, you also just have to accept that none of your clothes will probably fit when you get home. We all have to make sacrifices.
It was a great trip but waaaay too short. I'm hoping we get a chance to go back and spend a little more time here in the future.
And yes, we had Stumptown coffee, which was wonderful, although D feels the latte at Ristretto was actually the winner.
I am bummed that we ran out time (and liver stamina) to do tastings all along distillery row, because that looks awesome. I also would have liked to try more restaurants, but given the short time frame our cart grazing worked out well.