It's the name of the book that recently turned one of my sisters vegetarian (not quite vegan). Naturally, I had to check it out. The two women authors take a tough love approach to educate women on their diet, including why they shouldn't eat meat and dairy. I thought they made many good points, including some regarding the problems associated with the meat industry in the USA, the differences between simple and complex carbs, some truth associated with dairy (some of which I already knew, being lactose intolerant), info on how pesticides and growth hormones affect both meat and fresh produce (why to buy organic), and even a chapter on pooping (ha). Their no-nonsense and sometimes even vulgar presentation really grabs the reader's attention and make them think. I actually learned a few things that will likely have some effect on my day to day living. I will, however, continue to eat meat. I would have respected my sister's decision regardless of whether I had read this book, but now I have a better understanding of why she made such a (what I would call) drastic life change.
On another note, Thanksgiving was nice and lazy, food and rest and food and rest and food and rest... until I met up with my good friend and ended up staying out past 4 AM. How the hell did that happen? A friend of my friend had us over to play some NHL '09, and I got to meet his two cats... makes me miss my parents' cat.
I didn't mind going back to work after my vacation. One might say my vacation "worked". And now it was a short week, and I'm on the beginning end of a four-day weekend. Yay.
The unofficial tradition on Thanksgiving eve is to go to the White Bear bars for an annual "class reunion". Well, I'm putting my foot down this year. I've gotta be honest. I really, really don't like going out in the WB. I could list the reasons, but it might be a little bit too honest... I'll save it. Maybe once or twice a year is fine, but I'm far past that quota in 2008.
My plans for my "in" night on Friday have been canceled as my partner in crime was swept away by the lure of free Wild tickets (and who can blame her?), so, I suppose I'll just stay in tonight. Gotta get that popcorn and a movie...
Oh, and this jewelry store in the mall sent me a voucher for a free pair of pearl and gold earrings, no strings attached. I, of course, don't have a use for them myself, but hey, why not make the 2 mile trek and pick them up... I'll give them away at some point, I suppose.
It feels good to just be sitting here for a night. Tomorrow I'll wake up to no alarm. :)
...these ideas in my mind, and I can't shake them. It starts with one item, then it grows. And the plan formulates. And then I go to the store, buy the ingredients, and make it. Tonight it was chicken fried rice. Why? I don't know. But it included brown rice made with chicken broth rather than water, fresh carrots, yellow onions, fresh garlic, fresh broccoli, frozen peas (lazy), lemon pepper marinated chicken breast, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and eggs. Whenever I buy chicken fried rice from a restaurant, there is a little bit of egg, but not enough fo rmy tastes, so I included a lot of it in my version. I made enough for dinner and now have like 4 huge tupperware containers full of chicken fried rice in my fridge... both an advantage and shortcoming of being single and cooking for myself. The diminishing marginal returns on each successive leftover meal usually results in some waste. What to do, what to do...
This is, I suppose, part 3 of the vacation posts. Parts 1 and 2 are below this post...
So why the title "Twisted around, upside-down"? I'll rattle off as many bullet points that immediately come to mind:
My internal clock is off-axis. It's 1:38 AM right now, and I figure I'll get to bed at around 3.
Contrast between Florida and Vegas portions of the trip.
No computer for a week. Hard to believe.
Lack of exercise -- feel out of shape. Hockey tonight helped. I weighed myself when I got home, and somehow my weight didn't change. I was really expecting to put on 3, maybe 4 pounds. Probably lost muscle and added some flab. I'll reverse that over the next few days.
Well the lack of cooking, I suppose. That changed back today with the whole ribs thing.
STRESS. Crushed it. Had a lot in prior weeks.
Don't have to come back to a five-day work week; only three days then a four-day weekend. That makes me so, so happy.
Was in warmer weather on vacation, colder back here in MN.
Planned the Vegas trip the way I wanted it this time. Usually I go with friends that have a #1 priority of gambling. This time, went with a friend that liked to go out, with gambling a mere little thing on the side. So much better.
Didn't sleep in my own bed for nine days.
Was on vacation Monday-Friday rather than at work. Okay, I only added this one to add another bullet point to make my list look long...
Some other closing thoughts...
I feel as thought I have done a good job of visiting friends that have spread to other cities this year. Madison, Milwaukee, New York, Florida. Texas is on the radar.
Pending trips for 2009... high probability for Vegas in February, but for work. Seriously, there's a conference there. Hope that one doesn't fall through. Likely at least three other work trips, one possibly in San Francisco. Possible Mexico trip for wedding at all-inclusive resort in Spring. Possible trip to New Orleans... it's been discussed. I wonder how many frequent flier miles I have now?
I wonder if I'll panic next weekend when I have no books to read. I probably will. And then I'll go get some.
Just filled up for $1.599/gallon. Uh, what?!
At least one night next weekend will be an "in" night, with popcorn, at least one movie, and maybe some company. And I never plan "in" nights.
<insert witty thought here>
<insert witty thought here>
<insert witty thought here>
Forgot to mention that I watched the Ricky Hatton fight last night. Very entertaining with his huge fan following from Manchester. Kinda cool that it was shown live at the MGM Grand which I walked by 24 hours previously.
Twice this vacation I had weird dreams where I saw someone doing something that annoyed me and I was there in my dream yelling "stop!", and then I'd yell "stop!" again in my dream, and then I'd yell "stop!" for real and wake up. I have always wondered why I dream some of the things I dream of. I have to say there was quite a mix of people I know in my dreams, sometimes in the same dream scene, and I don't exactly know why. No, I will not list them on here.
So I had made the transition from the laid-back atmosphere of Florida to the go-go-go-go-go setting of Vegas. I had, however, made plans to take advantage of what would likely be my only chance for a workout. I resisted the urge to do anything else and paid the fee to use the Flamingo's workout facilities, prepping myself for the next few days. I had flown in a day earlier than my friend, so I had a solo evening to myself. I dabbled in poker and a few table games, chatting up anyone interesting I came across. People working in Vegas come from all over the world from numerous cultures, and so many are eager to share their background with me. It made for an interesting and rather low-key evening.
The rest of the Vegas experience was great.
One night we hit up Body English at the Hard Rock... and hit the dance floor for a solid three hours straight. The nightclubs in Vegas really have everything down, from the service to the decor to the clientele to the drinks themselves. The temperature on the dance floor was somehow kept absolutely perfect, which I don't ever see around here in MN (it usually gets uncomfortably hot)... three hours and I don't think I broke a sweat.
Another night we made our way to Tao at The Venetian. The place was absolutely beautiful, and everyone was dressed to impressed. It was another memorable night, with something else that was simply hilarious. I'll keep that one in Vegas ;).
Food was great, with the highlight being the Bellagio buffet. At most buffets, there is quantity, but the quality isn't quite there. This had both. And I had six plates. I'll try to remember everything I had. Creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and gravy, capicolla, salami, three different kinds of pasta, chicken wellington, lamb, asparagus, red potatoes, Chilean sea bass, sourdough roll, sushi, chicken noodle soup, maple spinach salad, german potato salad, antipasto, iced tea with lemon. OMG I'm a pig.
I'll leave the rest of the Vegas experience for the imagination. Imagine fun.
Flight from Vegas back to MSP was good. Sat next to a very nice older couple who seemed similar to my parents, having kids around my age, one also an engineer. The lady saw my James Patterson and said she liked. I looked at her book, and, lo and behold, it was the Vince Flynn that I had finished earlier in the trip. I forgot to mention that mine was a signed copy. Hers was too. Kinda cool. B+
Mom picked us up from the airport, I dropped off my stuff at the apartment, and then I headed back to my friend's house to catch up on The Office and It's Always Sunny. Then we went out for a little bit. Then I watched the Death Proof part of Grindhouse, very Tarantino and entertaining. Then I blogged part 1.
Today was back to cooking. BBQ ribs on the grill with corn on the cob, red potatoes, and zucchini/yellow squash. Later is hockey. After that I get to sleep in my own bed for the first time this vacation. Now I think I'll end part 2 and finish The Alchemist. The end.
The time of this post is just one element supporting the above title. 5:34 AM, Sunday. I didn't get up early... I'm still up. I won't lie and admit that the past few hours have been spent on the internet, but what can a person like myself expect when he hasn't seen a web browser in over a week?
Vacation has been everything I wanted it and needed it to be. The first rule of my vacation was that I was not allowed to think about work. The second rule of my vacation was that I was not allowed to think about work. It was initially much harder than I thought it would be, but for the most part, I think I did a pretty good job. I'll give myself an A-. Not perfect. But close. The rule unofficially existed as I figured it to be the main source of my late frazzled state. I say 'late frazzled state' as I think it's gone, dead, non-existent. At minimum, at a minimum.
A last-minute dinner party started things out on Friday #1. Good food, better company, all-around great night. Haven't been to many dinner parties, ever, really, so something different. Good. Three new people met. Great. Rock Band. Always fun. Dancing. Bonus.
Mom met me for lunch before driving me to airport. Was half-finished with The Alchemist, and already had new Vince Flynn (Extreme Measures) waiting to be read during the three flights... well Mom stole The Alchemist after I said she'd like it after I was only half-done, so I left with only the Vince Flynn, making sure to make her promise to bring it back when she picked me up when I returned. She did. I'll be finished with it before tomorrow night. No doubt in my mind. As for the Vince Flynn... finished half on the plane to Florida, and the rest in Florida. Oops...
I'll make a point to rate each of my three flights for this vacation. MSP to Orlando wasn't great... sat next to a rather big and slightly smelly guy around my age. He was exceptionally nice though. But big. And stinky. C-
Florida was... chilly. Caught a cold front. No biggie, I got to see Tails and meet her boyfriend. A very nicely decorated home for a great couple, an awesome little Daschund (weiner dog), and time to relax.
While in Florida... saw my second showing of Demetri Martin, a ridiculously intelligent and funny comedian (not live, just on TV...). YouTube him. I bet you like him. Heck, here's a link to the first part of the show I watched:
Also while in Florida... saw the new Bond. Liked it for the most part, but had, imo, some shortcomings. Good overall though. I'll shut up now so I don't slip and ruin anything.
Also while in Florida... visited a natural spring. WOW. Favorite part of the Florida trip. Crystal clear water surrounded by the natural beauty of trees and plants common to Florida that I'm not used to seeing. Oh, and while we were walking away from the spring, I was lucky enough to hear someone behind me say "Oh look, a baby manatee". I thought I misheard, and I asked Tails if she thought this could be... she said she didn't think so. Damn. We looked anyways. And there wasn't... only a baby, but the mommy as well. Whoa. This was so cool because it was in the wild, not in an aquarium or at a park. I could have reached out and touched it. One of these days I'll have to go snorkeling. I think I'd be blown away. Also, it was at this point in the trip where I really started missing my digital camera... :(
Also while in Florida... ate gator. I had to, right?
Also while in Florida... walked the beach and watched the sunset. Beautiful.
Also while in Florida... had dinner at a hole-in-the-wall pier restaurant overlooking the gulf in Tampa. Delicious grouper. Mmmmmmm
Also while in Florida... made temporary book trade with Tails' mom since I finished the Vince Flynn. She recommended James Patterson and gave me the first two books in one of his series... 1st to Die, and 2nd Chance. (Side note: it was a good thing she gave me two as I finished 1st to Die on the flight to Vegas and finished 2nd Chance on the return flight today. Makes the plane ride seem so much faster!)
Also while in Florida... didn't have to do any of the cooking and ate some good food. I was very aware of this and enjoyed every second.
Flight from Tampa to Vegas was the best, by far. Was my first experience flying Southwest, where they put you in order and you walk on the plane and seat yourself... kind of a free-for-all. Thought I screwed myself for not checking-in online (didn't have internet access) earlier and was one of the last in line out of around 130 passengers. They announced it was a full flight. I knew for sure I was doomed to a horrible middle seat. And I really do mean horrible, as the best middle seats would have obviously already been nabbed. Just shoot me. I got on and saw the few remaining middle seats. And then, like magic, a mom made a last-minute seat rearrangement with her family of four... instead of going window-aisle-aisle-window, they switched to window-middle-aisle-aisle, and offered me the window seat. JOY. And the remaining family member on my side was the daughter. Their very pretty daughter, around my age. Okay she was hot. Like, really hot. And smelled good. I nearly chose the middle seat over the window. So I sat there, waiting for the last passenger to take the middle seat. Minutes passed, and then the doors closed. I looked to the cute girl and asked if we lucked out and she smiled and shrugged. It took me a minute to fully realize and accept this had happened. Let's recap. Full flight on Southwest where seating is a free-for-all and I was one of the last ones on. I get a window seat next to a hot girl with the precious middle seat gap in-between us. And it's on the longest flight I've ever taken -- five hours (well, behind the one-way flight I took from South Korea to the US when I was adopted at 10 months old). For my best flights ever, this probably places a close second behind the one time I luckily got bumped to first class. Probably. I'd say it's debatable. A+ (Funny how this gets the longest paragraph of this post...)
I think that sums of most of the Florida part. The next part was much different... in Vegas. But that will have to wait. I'm finally getting tired. Part 2... sometime later.... zzzzzzzz
Nine days off. In a row. I haven't had such a long time away from work since the summer of 2006. Surely I'll find that I'm rested when it's all over, right?
I was planning on an "in" night tomorrow night to meticulously pack my bags and get some rest, but I just can't seem to say no... now tomorrow it's a dinner party. And I don't have to cook. That may have been the kicker to convince me to go... I have always thought that food tastes better when someone else makes it. Nearly everyone that I mention that to also agrees. Why is that?
...this really is going to be the longest week ever. I'm caught up on all of my errands, there's no backlog of work to catch up on, my apartment is clean, and I even cooked tonight. Should I pack yet? No... too early... but... yearning... to go...
So anyways I got to watch some Food Network this past weekend and there was a full 30-minute show on Philly cheesesteaks. I had just finished eating 30 minutes prior and my mouth was watering. Naturally, it was still in my head as I left work today, so I stopped and got the essentials... ribeye, peppers, onions, mushrooms, provolone, crusty french bread. Oh, and on the show, instead of slapping the provolone on top to melt, he made a provolone cheese sauce. He didn't say how, but I already knew... basic white sauce beginning with roux made of butter and flour, add milk (water for me, can't tolerate that lactose...), stir in cheese to melt. The finished product was qual-i-ty. Plenty for lunch tomorrow and some to share too. I need to get my damn camera back... is it weird that I like to take pictures of food?!
Some of my favorite things about things are activities that deviate from the normal weekend lineup and meeting new people. I hadn't had a quiet night in for who knows how long, so that change of pace on Friday was fantastic... although it wasn't at my place. Saturday, made more bleu cheese burgers; ordinary as of late, but always good... not sick of 'em yet. I suppose not-so-ordinary this time as I took the extra time to make the crispy onion straws... a bit of work, but work damn well worth it. Later Saturday, went out to places previously unseen and met someone outside of the normal circle... refreshing to say the least. I don't understand some of my friends who all but refuse to make an attempt to meet new people or introduce others into our group... to each his own, I suppose. Sunday, made NY strips + hash browns + green bean casserole for five during the Vikings game. The food + agonizing game almost gave me a heart attack at age 25, but I survived, thanks to an unlikely wide-right 52-yard missed field goal by our biggest rival. PHEW. Then there was hockey with post-game banter over apps, and then back home for the first time since Friday. I guess that isn't anything new. Now to continue on with the longest week evar. You know, because of the week-long trip next week.
Sometimes I wonder... and I luckier the the average person?
Those restaurants that have the box to drop your business card in to win 10 free lunches? I've won twice.
My apartment building has a monthly drawing with rent checks for tickets to the Timberwolves, Wild, or Twins... and they're really good tickets. I'm in my 25th month here, and I've won Timberwolves tickets twice, and yesterday I just won Wild tickets... one of the games with the highest demand, lower level, 1 section off of center ice, 11 rows up. Maybe they just want me to continue renting here...
My addictive personality loves shows you can watch entire seasons of in one sitting. My latest and greatest fave is It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.... a clip:
Friday: I had no plans. I had planned on doing nothing. A nice, peaceful, restful evening on one of the biggest nights of the year. I must have been kidding myself. After the fourth person called me to go out, I obliged. For a costume, I stole an idea I had seen the previous weekend at a Vegas-themed Halloween party... a bouncer/bodyguard/secret service agent. It's easy: wear a full suit and tie with one iPod headphone coming up out of the jacket for an earpiece and put on shades. Downtown + after hours at a friend's place downtown made for a very, very fun night... and I can't believe I almost missed out on seeing all the creative costumes that adults can come up with.
Saturday: Open house at work. Good food, met family of others, dunked upper management in dunk tank. From there, went to friend's house before Kings of Leon concert. Went to bar next to the Orpheum, went to concert, had awesome time. From there moved to Uptown back to friend's house briefly then to Independent. I like that place, especially the late night half-off apps. Another fun and late night.
Sunday: Dad's b-day. At his local bar of choice they have a celebrity chef thing where the bar gives you money to buy supplies to make a meal for everyone at the bar. Dad was the celebrity chef. Saw a lot of parents' friends that I haven't seen in a while and the Vikings even won. After that, went back to the parents' house with sisters and extended fam and watched Dad's b-day present from me, The Office season 4. Nearly finished the entire thing. All of a sudden it was 10 PM... time really does fly when you're having a good time.
This week: start an exercise streak that will hopefully end when I leave for my vacation in 2 weeks... I need it after a weekend like this.
