So this morning, I woke up freaking out because it's already November. Not bad freaking out though freaking out isn't good either. Just shocked that so much time has passed so fast. I can't say that I recall staying home any weekends in August, September and October. It was a lot of fun while it lasted though now we have to start getting busy with overdue work. November means it's close to our anniversary, thanksgiving and our trip to India............ yikes. oh the shopping... let the dreaded shopping re-begin..
I still have so much shopping and packing left for the trip. I am already overwhelmed. I love shopping but shopping for others is definitely not my forte b/c I don't know what to get for people. My in laws told me to get anything and everything for the kids. well that sounds like a great way to pack couple bags, if I knew what kids liked or wanted. I don't have kids and haven't spent more than couple hours with them to know what to get; let alone fill 2 giant suitcases for India. We bought clothes and toys, the obvious answers but now we're stuck. I told them to send me a list but unfortunately they don't know what America has to offer kids so they can't come up with a specific list.... what a dilemma...
I must say, I am really excited to spend some time with his family. The weather isn't so great these past few days. It's cloudy, rainy at times, kinda ewwy which never makes for a good work week. I am really glad it's Wednesday and not Monday. Work's been ehhhhh... A lot of pressure from here and there, with this and that deadlines but I'm managing, I think. A little stressed and overwhelmed at times but it wouldn't be work without it.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Sunday, July 09, 2006
enjoying myself....
These past few weeks have been somewhat crazy. The ups and a sudden down haven't helped but my friends certainly have been very supportive and fun. E & I have been going to the gym regularly in the past couple weeks. I am proud us.
Recently I've been cooking food I didn't have the time or energy to make on work night. Here's my chai (Indian tea) and corncake brunch.
This is how street vendors serve chai in India. It is believed that street vendors make the best chai. And they serve it in glasses one half - three quarter full. Working people often take afternoon chai breaks. It made me think of home and India's charm. Other than chai, there is always some kind of delicious food found on the streets. A good way to tell is to look at the lines/number of people at the stands. I got the corncake recipe from Domestic Goddess. She suggests adding red pepper flakes, I think the flakes enriched the taste. Instead of hot sauce or syrup, I added the cilantro chutney for taste and dipping. I am a dipper. haha
Thereafter on Saturday, E & D came over for an Indian dinner. I'll have to get some pictures from E to post on here. We chose Indian theme because E wanted to learn a good chicken curry recipe. It was tasty. Along with chicken curry, E made the Samosa filling and the dough at home. Finally, I made Mango Lassi for dessert. (a drink made from mango, milk, yoghurt, and sugar) After dinner, we played spades. Ladies vs. Men. Unfortunately with a very close finish, the men beat us by 15 points.
Since then I've applied to few positions and have gotten couple calls for interviews. I had an interview with a company downtown so I hope that comes through. I also applied to EES and am praying for a call. That position is exactly what I want to do in my professional career.
This past Sunday, I dropped the husband off at the airport. He left to go to a conference in Charlottesville, VA for a week. It was exciting when he first told me because that's where I grew up. It's home. When my family and I were there it was a midsize college town, rated one of the best- because it is; especially in the fall. It's my first time being alone in the house. The first couple nights it was weird but I am okay now. Thankfully I've met up with E, D and plan to meet with A so the week will go by in no time.
One evening, I made chicken florentine with spaghetti and tomato cream sauce.
The filling was made from sauted shallots, garlic, spinach, dried oregano, feta, salt & pepper. After pounding out chicken, I stuffed it with the filling. As you can see; it wasn't wrapped as well as it should have but I didn't mind it. The tomato cream sauce is made from a bechamel sauce- cook butter & flour on med- low heat until the mixture starts to smell nutty. After the flour cooks, I added half & half and broth stirring constantly for a lighter sauce. You can add any one of these or combination of any two; heavy cream, broth, half & half, whole milk. Overall, it was really good however I would make a different sauce with the pasta. There were a lot of great flavors but unfortunately they were all overbearing. The cream sauce would be excellent as a stand alone and same with the stuffed chicken.
Since these are my days to treat myself, I also made a mocha frappuccino. I used instant coffee powder with hot water, milk, sugar & ice. I blended all of it together and served it with dark chocolate. The only change I'd make is add more milk for a creamier taste.
Yesterday, I thought long and hard about something; staying at home isn't feasible for me. I have to be out and about, meet people, do something with my life. From that thought I searched volunteer opportunities and came across dress for success. It's a non profit organization that helps women get back in the work force. Coaches women on dressing professionally for interviews and pushes them to secure an interview as well as a job. The woman I spoke with told me I could come in Monday to discuss different positions. If that goes well, I'll be happy to be doing something with myself. I am starting to get bored and TV isn't as entertaining anymore. I'll know for sure next week.
Recently I've been cooking food I didn't have the time or energy to make on work night. Here's my chai (Indian tea) and corncake brunch.
This is how street vendors serve chai in India. It is believed that street vendors make the best chai. And they serve it in glasses one half - three quarter full. Working people often take afternoon chai breaks. It made me think of home and India's charm. Other than chai, there is always some kind of delicious food found on the streets. A good way to tell is to look at the lines/number of people at the stands. I got the corncake recipe from Domestic Goddess. She suggests adding red pepper flakes, I think the flakes enriched the taste. Instead of hot sauce or syrup, I added the cilantro chutney for taste and dipping. I am a dipper. haha
Thereafter on Saturday, E & D came over for an Indian dinner. I'll have to get some pictures from E to post on here. We chose Indian theme because E wanted to learn a good chicken curry recipe. It was tasty. Along with chicken curry, E made the Samosa filling and the dough at home. Finally, I made Mango Lassi for dessert. (a drink made from mango, milk, yoghurt, and sugar) After dinner, we played spades. Ladies vs. Men. Unfortunately with a very close finish, the men beat us by 15 points.
Since then I've applied to few positions and have gotten couple calls for interviews. I had an interview with a company downtown so I hope that comes through. I also applied to EES and am praying for a call. That position is exactly what I want to do in my professional career.
This past Sunday, I dropped the husband off at the airport. He left to go to a conference in Charlottesville, VA for a week. It was exciting when he first told me because that's where I grew up. It's home. When my family and I were there it was a midsize college town, rated one of the best- because it is; especially in the fall. It's my first time being alone in the house. The first couple nights it was weird but I am okay now. Thankfully I've met up with E, D and plan to meet with A so the week will go by in no time.
One evening, I made chicken florentine with spaghetti and tomato cream sauce.
The filling was made from sauted shallots, garlic, spinach, dried oregano, feta, salt & pepper. After pounding out chicken, I stuffed it with the filling. As you can see; it wasn't wrapped as well as it should have but I didn't mind it. The tomato cream sauce is made from a bechamel sauce- cook butter & flour on med- low heat until the mixture starts to smell nutty. After the flour cooks, I added half & half and broth stirring constantly for a lighter sauce. You can add any one of these or combination of any two; heavy cream, broth, half & half, whole milk. Overall, it was really good however I would make a different sauce with the pasta. There were a lot of great flavors but unfortunately they were all overbearing. The cream sauce would be excellent as a stand alone and same with the stuffed chicken.
Since these are my days to treat myself, I also made a mocha frappuccino. I used instant coffee powder with hot water, milk, sugar & ice. I blended all of it together and served it with dark chocolate. The only change I'd make is add more milk for a creamier taste.
Yesterday, I thought long and hard about something; staying at home isn't feasible for me. I have to be out and about, meet people, do something with my life. From that thought I searched volunteer opportunities and came across dress for success. It's a non profit organization that helps women get back in the work force. Coaches women on dressing professionally for interviews and pushes them to secure an interview as well as a job. The woman I spoke with told me I could come in Monday to discuss different positions. If that goes well, I'll be happy to be doing something with myself. I am starting to get bored and TV isn't as entertaining anymore. I'll know for sure next week.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
it was a night full of socializing
Today was a busy but very nice day. I was able to meet up with different friends and run into old ones for a change. After the interview at a community developing company (if I get the job; I'll explain later), I went out to have coffee with one of my favorites. Then I came home and made gherkin dish for the husband and his coworker. His coworker, is living a bachelor's life because the wife is visiting India for 3 months. Poor guy, I am sure he's living on bread and butter. The cooking had to be rushed because I was meeting BP & her sister for drinks. That was fun and consisted of lots of venting. I complained about my previous employer and their acts of discrimination against me. I can't prove it but it's probable. I had a small cup of chicken chili at Mulligan's and was overstuffed. I ran into some of the husband's coworkers at the bar and spoke to them about life. Thereafter I came home to watch Big Brother (bad bad reality tv, I know) Kaysar was voted back in the house for Big Brother all stars. I am glad they have Janelle & Howie back also. I received a text from my bestest friend in the whole world, TB in DC, "Go Kaysar" Thanks! :)
After overeating at Mulligan's, I even had dinner at home. I always do that. eat more than I should but it's so tempting. For those of you that are wondering, gherkin is part of the cucumber family. we don't pickle them.
Gherkin, Indian way
Vegetable oil
1 lb Gherkins, thinly sliced
1 small potato, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp chili powder
salt
In a large pan, add vegetable oil, and heat mustard seeds. When they start popping, add gherkins (if using, potatoes, add those first). Then add turmeric, chili powder and salt. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Serve with Roti.
A friend and I were talking online about new blogs. We're planning a new project in which we'd co-create and co author a new blog full of recipes and foods. Since we both have a passion for food, we agreed this would be a good start to our career in the food business. This would also involve taking wonderful photographs of our food and posting it for the world to appreciate. We'll see where that takes us....
After overeating at Mulligan's, I even had dinner at home. I always do that. eat more than I should but it's so tempting. For those of you that are wondering, gherkin is part of the cucumber family. we don't pickle them.
Gherkin, Indian way
Vegetable oil
1 lb Gherkins, thinly sliced
1 small potato, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp chili powder
salt
In a large pan, add vegetable oil, and heat mustard seeds. When they start popping, add gherkins (if using, potatoes, add those first). Then add turmeric, chili powder and salt. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Serve with Roti.
A friend and I were talking online about new blogs. We're planning a new project in which we'd co-create and co author a new blog full of recipes and foods. Since we both have a passion for food, we agreed this would be a good start to our career in the food business. This would also involve taking wonderful photographs of our food and posting it for the world to appreciate. We'll see where that takes us....
Monday, April 17, 2006
april 14th weekend
This past weekend was one of the best weekends in a long time. Friday, I was being a pooper and got angry with him for no reason at all. I was upset at the weather and took it out the husband. He doesn't deserve it at all I know, but sometimes I get so frustrated, I end up taking it out on him. I am sorry. After the fiasco, we went to a friend's anniversary party. It started at 10 and went through until 1. Who has a anniversary party at 10? In their defense, it was a Friday and the actual date was Saturday. But regardless, I thought it was pointless to have it that late. The party was alright. They had pizza (which I don't dislike) but it was from Papa John's (eww) & the hosts had someone else pay for it and pick it up. How rude! I doubt I'll be attending any of their parties anytime soon. ODD PEOPLE!
On Saturday I woke up at 11 because we came home late. It was wonderful sleeping in so late and relaxing with a book cuddled up in my bed. I love Saturday & Sunday mornings. I can sleep in, eat late, do whatever I please. I started to cook at 1PM after a long breakfast. I started with shami kababs and vegetables in coconut gravy/curry. I assembled the kabab mixture and baked them right before the party. I also made coconut curry and that was a hit. EB made palak paneer (Spinach with cottage-like cheese cubes) & aloo tikki. She's a wonderful Indian cook, even though she's not Indian. She's got a hand for cooking and following recipes to the tee. T made parathas & mango ice cream. That was really good. N & S came and had a great time also. I am looking forward to the next one.
life is good....
On Saturday I woke up at 11 because we came home late. It was wonderful sleeping in so late and relaxing with a book cuddled up in my bed. I love Saturday & Sunday mornings. I can sleep in, eat late, do whatever I please. I started to cook at 1PM after a long breakfast. I started with shami kababs and vegetables in coconut gravy/curry. I assembled the kabab mixture and baked them right before the party. I also made coconut curry and that was a hit. EB made palak paneer (Spinach with cottage-like cheese cubes) & aloo tikki. She's a wonderful Indian cook, even though she's not Indian. She's got a hand for cooking and following recipes to the tee. T made parathas & mango ice cream. That was really good. N & S came and had a great time also. I am looking forward to the next one.
life is good....
Monday, April 10, 2006
shopping galore
This past weekend, the husband & I went clothes shopping. We went to an outlet mall that is close to our house. I didn't find as many deals as I would have hoped, but we found cute kids clothes for our neices & nephews. Since we're planning a trip to India this winter, we need to get a head start on the shopping.
As much as I used to love shopping, it just isn't my thing anymore, especially if it isn't for food. :) I'm shopped out. I should be okay, until the fall.
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