Some controversial news these days.....
What does everyone think about:
the Mosque being built a few hundred feet from Ground Zero in NYC?!?
Proposition 8 is overturned in California?
France's lower house of Parliament banning burqa style face veils - with more countries in Europe discussing similar bans?
Judge blocks Arizona Immigration Law?
just to name a few.....
doesn't it feel like things are changing by leaps and bounds lately?
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Routine.
According to one PaleoArchaeologist i recently met (yes, that's right) there have been at least five major extinction events (a.k.a. mass extinctions) in the history of the Earth. (Ok. nerds, i know that arguably there are upward of twenty mass extinctions based on periods when the rate of extinction increases with respect to the rate of speciation...but she was of a more conservative mind and was on the team that believed a more stringent criteria needed to be met before the term "mass extinction" could be trotted out; and since she was holding the big ass Euoplocephalus femur and i wasn't, i decided i'd take her word for it.)
Today my children were all sitting around the den like many other Sundays past, watching their father and their uncle engage in a grueling game of golf (on the Wii) while their jovial brotherly banter, discussion of proper putting techniques, and general philosophies and pontifications on life carried through to the kitchen - where i stood laughing to myself, as usual, as i brewed another pot of coffee and pulled some meat and vegetables out to thaw for Sunday dinner. I was chuckling to myself and enjoying this brief moment of pleasure (my poor babies have been sick all week and all together miserable) when i reflected on my own Sunday's growing up.
My father's parents lived five minutes away, and though they were over every Mon. thru Fri. to see my brother and i off to school, then walk us home from the bus stop, most Sunday's they would be over for whatever my mother was cooking up special in the kitchen. While my brother and i did homework - my mother toiled over the most wonderful comfort foods (pot roasts, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, fried chicken cutlets, pork chops, etc. etc.) that made my house smell cozy and inviting and down right homey - in the summer, my Dad would grill, the smell of booze, charcoal and cigarettes in the air. Though fraught with daily anxieties (im sure), i recall these habitual Sunday dinners fondly - as warm family times - full of noise and laughter, good food, and love. Though they seemed to take up most of my childhood, year after year if you asked me then, they ended all too soon when both my grandparents passed in the time of a month, over a cold, lonely winter before i was 13. I guess you could say in the short history of our lives, we've suffered "extinctions." Each marked, quite clearly, the end of one time period in my family's life, and the beginning of another. I look back at my life and i can see the pattern - the rise of good times, good people; a routine - and then the slow, but all too sudden, fall that finally ends with us scratching our heads, looking down at our empty hands, and those wobbly steps toward the beginning of a new day.
Will my children remember these days? - brief certainly in the grand scheme of things - but the hallmark of their childhood "Sunday's" - a memory of better days, and happy times that, like all things, will one day become extinct.
Today my children were all sitting around the den like many other Sundays past, watching their father and their uncle engage in a grueling game of golf (on the Wii) while their jovial brotherly banter, discussion of proper putting techniques, and general philosophies and pontifications on life carried through to the kitchen - where i stood laughing to myself, as usual, as i brewed another pot of coffee and pulled some meat and vegetables out to thaw for Sunday dinner. I was chuckling to myself and enjoying this brief moment of pleasure (my poor babies have been sick all week and all together miserable) when i reflected on my own Sunday's growing up.
My father's parents lived five minutes away, and though they were over every Mon. thru Fri. to see my brother and i off to school, then walk us home from the bus stop, most Sunday's they would be over for whatever my mother was cooking up special in the kitchen. While my brother and i did homework - my mother toiled over the most wonderful comfort foods (pot roasts, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, fried chicken cutlets, pork chops, etc. etc.) that made my house smell cozy and inviting and down right homey - in the summer, my Dad would grill, the smell of booze, charcoal and cigarettes in the air. Though fraught with daily anxieties (im sure), i recall these habitual Sunday dinners fondly - as warm family times - full of noise and laughter, good food, and love. Though they seemed to take up most of my childhood, year after year if you asked me then, they ended all too soon when both my grandparents passed in the time of a month, over a cold, lonely winter before i was 13. I guess you could say in the short history of our lives, we've suffered "extinctions." Each marked, quite clearly, the end of one time period in my family's life, and the beginning of another. I look back at my life and i can see the pattern - the rise of good times, good people; a routine - and then the slow, but all too sudden, fall that finally ends with us scratching our heads, looking down at our empty hands, and those wobbly steps toward the beginning of a new day.
Will my children remember these days? - brief certainly in the grand scheme of things - but the hallmark of their childhood "Sunday's" - a memory of better days, and happy times that, like all things, will one day become extinct.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Remembering You - Villanelle
Oh love of mine will you return?
I know, you've left but please recall
i caught your eye and heart did earn.
Caught your eye when tears did burn
caught your cheek when tears did fall
caught my breath on earth and fern.
Yet, my breaking heart you cannot discern
pressed above your frame, slender and tall?
Dont tell me here i'm not free to yearn,
Away from you im not free to yearn!
There broken fists splash the wall;
Oh love of mine will you return?
Like wintry ice your fingers burn
Dont touch me there my faith's too small.
Oh love of mine, too late i've learned.
The wind blows my hair and my dreams will churn
beneath these trees once and for all.
On i grope beneath this canopy, my urn.
On i remain until, my love, you return.
I know, you've left but please recall
i caught your eye and heart did earn.
Caught your eye when tears did burn
caught your cheek when tears did fall
caught my breath on earth and fern.
Yet, my breaking heart you cannot discern
pressed above your frame, slender and tall?
Dont tell me here i'm not free to yearn,
Away from you im not free to yearn!
There broken fists splash the wall;
Oh love of mine will you return?
Like wintry ice your fingers burn
Dont touch me there my faith's too small.
Oh love of mine, too late i've learned.
The wind blows my hair and my dreams will churn
beneath these trees once and for all.
On i grope beneath this canopy, my urn.
On i remain until, my love, you return.
Point of Interest #2 - You're not who I thought you were A.K.A 2nd Chances
So, the other day i mentioned there were two articles i found to be mildly thought provoking on HuffingtonPost.com, and then never got around to mentioning the second...this was because i rambled on for so long regarding SYTYCD, i figured i better give it a rest and come back to POI later.
Later being now i suppose.
http://www.popeater.com/2010/07/14/whoopi-goldberg-mel-gibson-the-view/
Now, it is purely coincidence that for the 2nd time in a week i mention The View and Whoopi Goldberg. As i said, i was on HP and saw this article "Whoopi Goldberg defends herself defending Mel Gibson." I, like many of you, have an opinion on the former movie star's antics - but i figure, i dont need to be one more person adding to the noise...rather, its a curious thing Goldberg standing up for him. (I invite you to check out the link here)...
"I know Mel, and I know he's not a racist. I have had a long friendship with Mel. You can say he's being a bonehead, but I can't sit and say that he's a racist having spent time with him in my house with my kids. I don't like what he's done, make no mistake."
Vehemently heated remarks poured into Goldberg's office and let forth their own phone message tirades (come on people, pot - kettle here), to which the View star responded with her own fervid words...
"There has been a lot of hassle ... in the media recently about moi because I had the audacity to say that I had some personal time with Mel that goes over years and years and said that I did not think of him as a racist," Whoopi began on 'The View' today.
If you had actually watched the show, you would have heard us say, and you would have heard me specifically say, 'I don't condone this. I don't think this is right, I don't think this is smart. But here's the piece of information that I have. My experience tells me that this is not a racist,'" she continued.
Being a black woman, you'd think you would give me a little bit of leeway to have some feelings if I was around a racist.
You can kiss my behind!"
This whole thing got me thinking, not about Mel and his idiocy, not about Whoopi and her situations with the viewers....but about people and their relationships with others. For better or worse, Goldberg, having spent time with the man and considering him a good friend, Stood Up for his character even when it was the unpopular thing to do. (You'll notice i say character and not Behavior, because there is a distinction.) Dont we, shouldnt we all do this??? Even when our friend is being a butt-hole, if they are truly our friend, wont we rush to their side? Isn't that just instinctual? Does that make us better people or worse, I wonder??? I think also part of being a good friend is then pulling them aside and privately kicking them in the ass for shitty behavior. "WTF Man? If you EVER pull that crap again, you are on your own MF!" Well, maybe not quite so nastily, but you know, in your own softer, gentler way.
Is there a point (short of murder and the other obvious BIG no-no's) our friends can go too far? Does that mean we never really knew them at all? I think of people i would have sworn i knew their character, and then after years of friendship pulled something so shocking it was like looking at a stranger. Can we believe it was all a facade for all these years? or is their nature really that of the kind, compassionate friend that has stood by our side through thick and thin, and therefore, deserve our understanding and a free pass???
Who knows....I suppose we just follow our gut - though that's not always right, is it? What about the women who stand by their man after they continually verbally and/or physically abuse them, insisting he "doesn't mean it" and he's really "a good person"...???
I think, right or wrong i follow MY gut - trying to weigh what i know of the person vs. an act of stupidity. I dont know if that makes me a good person or not - its just how i opperate. Benefit of the doubt, trust, betrayal, loyalty, forgiveness?
Still, people always manage to surprise me, so...there you go.
Later being now i suppose.
http://www.popeater.com/2010/07/14/whoopi-goldberg-mel-gibson-the-view/
Now, it is purely coincidence that for the 2nd time in a week i mention The View and Whoopi Goldberg. As i said, i was on HP and saw this article "Whoopi Goldberg defends herself defending Mel Gibson." I, like many of you, have an opinion on the former movie star's antics - but i figure, i dont need to be one more person adding to the noise...rather, its a curious thing Goldberg standing up for him. (I invite you to check out the link here)...
"I know Mel, and I know he's not a racist. I have had a long friendship with Mel. You can say he's being a bonehead, but I can't sit and say that he's a racist having spent time with him in my house with my kids. I don't like what he's done, make no mistake."
Vehemently heated remarks poured into Goldberg's office and let forth their own phone message tirades (come on people, pot - kettle here), to which the View star responded with her own fervid words...
"There has been a lot of hassle ... in the media recently about moi because I had the audacity to say that I had some personal time with Mel that goes over years and years and said that I did not think of him as a racist," Whoopi began on 'The View' today.
If you had actually watched the show, you would have heard us say, and you would have heard me specifically say, 'I don't condone this. I don't think this is right, I don't think this is smart. But here's the piece of information that I have. My experience tells me that this is not a racist,'" she continued.
Being a black woman, you'd think you would give me a little bit of leeway to have some feelings if I was around a racist.
You can kiss my behind!"
This whole thing got me thinking, not about Mel and his idiocy, not about Whoopi and her situations with the viewers....but about people and their relationships with others. For better or worse, Goldberg, having spent time with the man and considering him a good friend, Stood Up for his character even when it was the unpopular thing to do. (You'll notice i say character and not Behavior, because there is a distinction.) Dont we, shouldnt we all do this??? Even when our friend is being a butt-hole, if they are truly our friend, wont we rush to their side? Isn't that just instinctual? Does that make us better people or worse, I wonder??? I think also part of being a good friend is then pulling them aside and privately kicking them in the ass for shitty behavior. "WTF Man? If you EVER pull that crap again, you are on your own MF!" Well, maybe not quite so nastily, but you know, in your own softer, gentler way.
Is there a point (short of murder and the other obvious BIG no-no's) our friends can go too far? Does that mean we never really knew them at all? I think of people i would have sworn i knew their character, and then after years of friendship pulled something so shocking it was like looking at a stranger. Can we believe it was all a facade for all these years? or is their nature really that of the kind, compassionate friend that has stood by our side through thick and thin, and therefore, deserve our understanding and a free pass???
Who knows....I suppose we just follow our gut - though that's not always right, is it? What about the women who stand by their man after they continually verbally and/or physically abuse them, insisting he "doesn't mean it" and he's really "a good person"...???
I think, right or wrong i follow MY gut - trying to weigh what i know of the person vs. an act of stupidity. I dont know if that makes me a good person or not - its just how i opperate. Benefit of the doubt, trust, betrayal, loyalty, forgiveness?
Still, people always manage to surprise me, so...there you go.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Pizza, I didn't order any pizza! A.K.A. Research Project
O.k. now ladies and gentlemen. Its time to put on our grown-up faces, hunker down, and get serious. There is no reason to be bashful, or embarrassed or judgmental here. We're amongst friends (right?). I was recently asked by an anonymous friend if i could recommend some couple friendly, mildly pornographic films. You know, something that might appeal to both men and women - or perhaps just women (although i cant imagine a porno in existence that wouldn't appeal to men. I mean, come on, as long as there's 2 or more people having sex, how could it NOT? Am i right men?). So, here is what I've decided I would do for you ladies equally curious, and men looking to introduce something to your women...I would do a XXX movie review, for you! Stay tuned - as my horizons broaden, I'll keep you posted.
Points of Interest #1
So, here are some things I've read recently that got me thinking. Both coincidentally come from the same "news" site, Huffington Post....
I am a hard core, nerdlicious fan of So You Think You Can Dance (airing Wed. and Thurs. nights on the Fox network). As a mom of three, i rarely have a must see show. The kind you schedule your day around, shut the ringer off on the phone, live and die by show. I was never able to keep up with such convoluted, intricately plotted shows such as 24, Lost, Heroes or those of similar character, where you miss one episode and your screwed (Lucky for me, they are all over and done with so i dont have to feel like the odd man out in pop-culture TV society). There are many great shows i wish i had time for, but that still require a commitment, Weeds, Fringe, In Treatment...but somehow, over 5 seasons now, come SYTYCD time, i find a way to make time in my week for the one show that continues to bring me adolescent joy (cuz lets face it, its geared toward youth) and wonderful abandon (cuz some of the routines are so full of physical and emotional abandon you cant help but be swept away in it...). Long story short, (i know, i know - too late) I read this article yesterday and was kinda thrilled by what it was getting at...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/miles-mogulescu/the-most-culturally-radic_b_645943.html
...in short, SYTYCD is "the most culturally radical show on TV. Here the cultural wars of the last 30 years appear over." And i LOVE THAT - because its probably, mostly TRUE! A-Mazing! People from every walk of life come together - no exclusions - have talent, accepted! And that is one of the things i have truly always loved about this show. It IS based on talent (not mediocre crap you can kinda fake and wing by on with cute but ditsy personality) - these people are the real deal; making some thing your life, and working at it, training day in and day out. And ok, cheese ball time, its really inspiring. Plus, the choreography just kicks ass. The only downer is the over the top comments by the judges, which i noticed Mr. Mogulescu alluded to in his article. Its not so much for me the constant reminder to "get in character," and play a role, as much as it is the fits of tears, rants and hysterics that drags the serious nature of the performances down into the whole world of corny realty TV. Those kids perform/dance their hearts out, and when the judges let out and ear splitting scream, or when a lower lip starts to quiver from sheer rapture, one cant help but gag and feel a bit nauseated from the overt and seemingly fake enthusiasm.
So, am i pleased that the only show on TV that I religiously watch and swoon over is gaining notoriety and praise? You bet! Even more so that its being celebrated for something as exciting and encouraging as equal rights and equality!!! Come on SYTYCD, change the world one dance at a time - who knows, maybe one day even the news will be brought to you in interpretive dance! :)
I am a hard core, nerdlicious fan of So You Think You Can Dance (airing Wed. and Thurs. nights on the Fox network). As a mom of three, i rarely have a must see show. The kind you schedule your day around, shut the ringer off on the phone, live and die by show. I was never able to keep up with such convoluted, intricately plotted shows such as 24, Lost, Heroes or those of similar character, where you miss one episode and your screwed (Lucky for me, they are all over and done with so i dont have to feel like the odd man out in pop-culture TV society). There are many great shows i wish i had time for, but that still require a commitment, Weeds, Fringe, In Treatment...but somehow, over 5 seasons now, come SYTYCD time, i find a way to make time in my week for the one show that continues to bring me adolescent joy (cuz lets face it, its geared toward youth) and wonderful abandon (cuz some of the routines are so full of physical and emotional abandon you cant help but be swept away in it...). Long story short, (i know, i know - too late) I read this article yesterday and was kinda thrilled by what it was getting at...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/miles-mogulescu/the-most-culturally-radic_b_645943.html
...in short, SYTYCD is "the most culturally radical show on TV. Here the cultural wars of the last 30 years appear over." And i LOVE THAT - because its probably, mostly TRUE! A-Mazing! People from every walk of life come together - no exclusions - have talent, accepted! And that is one of the things i have truly always loved about this show. It IS based on talent (not mediocre crap you can kinda fake and wing by on with cute but ditsy personality) - these people are the real deal; making some thing your life, and working at it, training day in and day out. And ok, cheese ball time, its really inspiring. Plus, the choreography just kicks ass. The only downer is the over the top comments by the judges, which i noticed Mr. Mogulescu alluded to in his article. Its not so much for me the constant reminder to "get in character," and play a role, as much as it is the fits of tears, rants and hysterics that drags the serious nature of the performances down into the whole world of corny realty TV. Those kids perform/dance their hearts out, and when the judges let out and ear splitting scream, or when a lower lip starts to quiver from sheer rapture, one cant help but gag and feel a bit nauseated from the overt and seemingly fake enthusiasm.
So, am i pleased that the only show on TV that I religiously watch and swoon over is gaining notoriety and praise? You bet! Even more so that its being celebrated for something as exciting and encouraging as equal rights and equality!!! Come on SYTYCD, change the world one dance at a time - who knows, maybe one day even the news will be brought to you in interpretive dance! :)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
A note from Kim
On a quick note - you may have noticed the format and overall look of our page has changed...aaaaaand it may do so again...and again. We're tinkering a bit with the feel and look. After all, temperaments change, as do tastes; expect our page to do some changing as well. In fact, if you dear readers (all 6 of you *smile*) have any input, feel free to share (unless KT says otherwise).
Summer: time for a good book!
So, i thought i would do some book reviews for the summer, but didn't quite know where to begin...
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20355856_20399391,00.html
...this is where i finally ended up. It's a top6 list by none other than America's own world renowned author Mr. Stephen King (have you ever been to a bookstore and stumbled into the shelves with King's novels, they take up their own case!). However, it is not for his horror writing prowess that i trusted this man to a top reading list, or the fact that he lived in Boulder, CO for a short time, but his blurb in Entertainment Weekly, which i find acutely accurate and insightful regarding culture and life (true). It will be interesting to see how the group as a whole reads; will they share a common thread, perhaps something in the more morbid vein? Or, can I trust as an author his tastes will prove broader? I'll keep you posted as i make my way through his selections :) I confess, i'm awfully excited!
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20355856_20399391,00.html
...this is where i finally ended up. It's a top6 list by none other than America's own world renowned author Mr. Stephen King (have you ever been to a bookstore and stumbled into the shelves with King's novels, they take up their own case!). However, it is not for his horror writing prowess that i trusted this man to a top reading list, or the fact that he lived in Boulder, CO for a short time, but his blurb in Entertainment Weekly, which i find acutely accurate and insightful regarding culture and life (true). It will be interesting to see how the group as a whole reads; will they share a common thread, perhaps something in the more morbid vein? Or, can I trust as an author his tastes will prove broader? I'll keep you posted as i make my way through his selections :) I confess, i'm awfully excited!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A word of Thanks
So, I was watching The View today, yes, occasionally i catch Whoopi Goldberg, because i love her (the other women kinda drive me insane; who's too liberal, who's too conservative, who's too Barbara Walters...) and they discussed an article in New York magazine called, "I Love My Kids. I Hate My Life." Now, let me preface this rant with I HAVE NOT READ THE ARTICLE...i am responding to the discussion by the women on The View...
Apparently, more and more parents are coming out and admitting this "truth." For them, there is a direct correlation between having children and their unhappiness. I canNOT relate to this. Jokingly the other day on my FB page, i said, "how can one minute my children make me so insane i want to scream and the next cry because they are growing up so fast i feel like its all slipping away; and i want to squeeze them and hold them and never let them go. Parenthood sucks. I mean its amazingly joyful blah blah blah." This is a good opportunity to qualify that remark. My children are air to me. They are what makes the sun come up and go down. They are why i get out of bed, put my best foot forward, try each day to be a better person...they are the glue that keeps my heart held together. Thus, you may understand how they are the first and quickest to break it. When my child is left out of a game of tag on the playground - when he is teased for his speech - when they have to monitor her respiratory rate because she "isn't thriving" - when when when - and God Help Me - IF IF IF (dont even get me started on the world of IF's)....its enough to bring you to your knees. On top of that you worry; you choke on thoughts like, "am i getting this right? Doing a good job? Teaching them to have a good moral compass? Am i screwing them up completely???? What are other mom and dads doing?" And finally, lets face it, they are not always little rays of sunshine; "who chipped their brother's tooth? You fed the baby WHAT? Why, WHY would you think its o.k. to use your SOCK as WIPE YOUR ASS?!?" So, what I'm saying is...every day, in every way, you feel like an emotionally worn out dish rag - so yeah, it sucks sometimes. But then - they put their hand on your cheek when you're sad, (really), they kiss your boo boo's better, they tell you "good job" for cooking dinner, and you watch as they hand their baby sister her binki and dolly when she cries...they giggle until they cry, run like there is nothing holding them back, smile at you like you make their sun come up and go down....and you know, you know that if there is no heaven its because you've been given this time. With these children. And though there are days when you shatter apart, theirs are the little hands that pick up the pieces and hold you together. They drive me insane, and keep me sane.
But though i cannot relate to these parents who "Love their kids. Hate their lives..." I have seen how there are responsibilities and anxieties and needs and unfair lots dealt and obstacles that can keep the joy away - so this is not a critique or a judgment of others....i guess its just my way of saying how grateful i am. I am unfamiliar with this sad sentiment (and it is sad indeed) - and I am fortunate enough to Love my kids. Love my Life. Thank you my babies, thank you.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Full to Bursting
I feel like I'm about to explode! I've got so many emotions jumbled up and rumbling around inside that I just know it means something wonderful is changing within me.
Every negative day has a positive outcome, something I learn or take away from it.
And, more importantly, I am having fantastic days! Day in which I feel good - like myself again. Confident, clever, pretty, and full of win. I am no longer second-guessing myself every minute of every day. I'm worrying less, and laughing more. I'm listening to music and bopping. My smiles are becoming contagious.
And I know that whatever happens, however things turn out, I am a worthwhile person.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Every negative day has a positive outcome, something I learn or take away from it.
And, more importantly, I am having fantastic days! Day in which I feel good - like myself again. Confident, clever, pretty, and full of win. I am no longer second-guessing myself every minute of every day. I'm worrying less, and laughing more. I'm listening to music and bopping. My smiles are becoming contagious.
And I know that whatever happens, however things turn out, I am a worthwhile person.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Untitled
Like grasping at water, I could not close
My fists tight enough amidst the onslaught
To compress a reflection. Here, I froze,
Trapped within the very confines I sought.
Every pinprick was a bell toll sounding
The minute come hour coming undone.
I crumpled, over nothing, surrounding
Myself with echoes of my frustration.
What is come undone resolves and unblurs
The carousel - each animal now free
To wander. But freedom can be a curse;
More walls cultivate the sanctuary.
Therein lies the calm, but too calms the lies.
Muffled by echoes, I’m deaf to my cries.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
My fists tight enough amidst the onslaught
To compress a reflection. Here, I froze,
Trapped within the very confines I sought.
Every pinprick was a bell toll sounding
The minute come hour coming undone.
I crumpled, over nothing, surrounding
Myself with echoes of my frustration.
What is come undone resolves and unblurs
The carousel - each animal now free
To wander. But freedom can be a curse;
More walls cultivate the sanctuary.
Therein lies the calm, but too calms the lies.
Muffled by echoes, I’m deaf to my cries.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Learninating the Peasants
So for the past month I've done a lot of thinking, educating, learning, and self-affirming. And I feel like I'm at once becoming a whole new person, and rediscovering a person inside that I'd forgotten all about.
Yeah, it's kinda confusing.
But awesome. And I've got wonderful support all around me that's helping me through it.
I know the outcome of all this change will be good, and that's really exciting.
I'm beginning to realize that I'm actually pretty darn amazing.
Why didn't I allow myself to know this sooner?
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Yeah, it's kinda confusing.
But awesome. And I've got wonderful support all around me that's helping me through it.
I know the outcome of all this change will be good, and that's really exciting.
I'm beginning to realize that I'm actually pretty darn amazing.
Why didn't I allow myself to know this sooner?
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Ch-ch-ch-changes
So it seems I spoke too soon - not quite out of the woods of depression yet. But I'm working on it.
In somewhat related news, the depression, combined with some good talks with friends, has sparked a contemplative fire within me. I can't stop thinking about Big Things and the Big Picture. There are changes I'd like to make, but changes are scary and require effort and work to affect. I'm not always so great at getting over my anxiety and lack of motivation to cause said changes, but I feel like it's time once again to move forward. I know I'm being vague, but I'm not quite ready to commit to these changes, or admit to them for that matter. Some of them are deeply personal. While others, like reboarding the diet and exercise wagon, are more surface matter.
Last year was all about accepting who I am, this is the year that's supposed to be about moving forward. It's already May and I feel like I've let myself down a bit. But the year isn't over yet. I don't want to put too much pressure on myself, but I'm tired of saying "I wish I was more this" and/or "I want to be more like that." I can't change everything in my life, but there are certain things I definitely can if only I can stretch my boundaries just a little bit more. One of my best friends told me how much better I am now as opposed to this time last year - I want him to be able to say the same thing about me next year. Even better, I'd like him to be able to say it about me next week.
I want to be the person I want to become.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
In somewhat related news, the depression, combined with some good talks with friends, has sparked a contemplative fire within me. I can't stop thinking about Big Things and the Big Picture. There are changes I'd like to make, but changes are scary and require effort and work to affect. I'm not always so great at getting over my anxiety and lack of motivation to cause said changes, but I feel like it's time once again to move forward. I know I'm being vague, but I'm not quite ready to commit to these changes, or admit to them for that matter. Some of them are deeply personal. While others, like reboarding the diet and exercise wagon, are more surface matter.
Last year was all about accepting who I am, this is the year that's supposed to be about moving forward. It's already May and I feel like I've let myself down a bit. But the year isn't over yet. I don't want to put too much pressure on myself, but I'm tired of saying "I wish I was more this" and/or "I want to be more like that." I can't change everything in my life, but there are certain things I definitely can if only I can stretch my boundaries just a little bit more. One of my best friends told me how much better I am now as opposed to this time last year - I want him to be able to say the same thing about me next year. Even better, I'd like him to be able to say it about me next week.
I want to be the person I want to become.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Oh...um...hi!
Yeah so it's been forever since I posted. That's what happens when you get depressed for a month or so and are all hanging out in a pit of despair and wallowing in your issues and refusing to come out and say hello because dammit you're comfortable in your sad little pit.
That being said, in an effort to start writing again now that I've emerged triumphant from this latest bout of "woe is me," I am reintroducing myself to the blog.
Hello blog, I'm Katy. Nice to meetcha. Well, re-meetcha. Long time no see.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
That being said, in an effort to start writing again now that I've emerged triumphant from this latest bout of "woe is me," I am reintroducing myself to the blog.
Hello blog, I'm Katy. Nice to meetcha. Well, re-meetcha. Long time no see.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Reunited and it feels so Good
How much have i missed writing? Like, SO MUCH. I am so thrilled to be back (for God knows how long, but still..)and writing! And write i shall, however mundane my life may seem, i shall fill the Internet with minutiae and i will feel glorious. So, welcome me back ladies and gentlemen, bringing you the small and insignificant but utterly intimate and foremost aspects of my life.
Tortoise Shell
So im looking for modern tortoise shell eyeglass frames....round, cats eyes, even horn rim - i've always wanted to splurge on a pair, and while i dont have an actual dime to splurge with...and though my children have broken EVERY pair of glasses ive owned for the last five years (true story) i really want to just say F-it. I mean, after all, how often do i spend $ on myself? Next to never (maybe because i dont have any $ to spend in general)! Ok, i know, its probably an irresponsible purchase, but i figure (as my hubby would say) "its an investment." In what you ask? Well how about my self esteem, which is dangerously low these days. Im tired of being fat (yet i never work out; when i do have time, im so tired id rather sit and eat. LOL). Im tired of my pony tail! Im tired of my wardrobe from 5 years ago (although they have really hung in there. Gap jeans are indestructible, right?) And while most days i figure, as a stay at home mom, why do i need anything other than my boot cuts, a ratty t-shirt for little sticky fingers covered in maple syrup and paint, and my hair pulled back out of my eyes alla pony tail - there are days now and again, especially when said jeans are getting a bit tight (yikes) when i catch my reflection in the mirror and i cringe, or cry, or just shriek.
To sum up, though my car may need tires, my chimney sweeping, a BBQ would be nice and helpful, so would an inspection on the car - i think new glasses is the way to go, dont you?
To sum up, though my car may need tires, my chimney sweeping, a BBQ would be nice and helpful, so would an inspection on the car - i think new glasses is the way to go, dont you?
Monday, May 3, 2010
Troubling week
Borrowing my hubby's computer tonight....
i know no one has been waiting around - peeking in time to time in hopes i might come back - thats better anyway for now. It will making writing easier if I know its mostly for myself ...
Im writing tonight cuz im loosing my grip - a bit. a wee bit.
Here's the thing....parenthood - how do you know? how do you know youre getting it right? I dont, i just know, for a while now, i havent liked how ive been as a mom. So all the kids are washed, changed, fed - and by the time i fiinish i have to start all over again - and there is no time - NONE - no time for fun - for learning - for adventures. Where is my energy for such things? Where is patience??? Im not tired, exactly - someone said i looked spent - and who cares really? Exept it makes everything else more difficult, and thats another thing, not only is it affecting how i interact with the kids, but im just falling apart - losing it, you know? And i keep looking for something deep down in myself to get a grip, grab hold of the day and make it what i want it to be...but there is just confusion and nerves....
I tell myself, "come on, get back up."
There are things i just want to do better, there is more i want to be, more that i expect of myself - i need to rally.
Come on, get back up.
i know no one has been waiting around - peeking in time to time in hopes i might come back - thats better anyway for now. It will making writing easier if I know its mostly for myself ...
Im writing tonight cuz im loosing my grip - a bit. a wee bit.
Here's the thing....parenthood - how do you know? how do you know youre getting it right? I dont, i just know, for a while now, i havent liked how ive been as a mom. So all the kids are washed, changed, fed - and by the time i fiinish i have to start all over again - and there is no time - NONE - no time for fun - for learning - for adventures. Where is my energy for such things? Where is patience??? Im not tired, exactly - someone said i looked spent - and who cares really? Exept it makes everything else more difficult, and thats another thing, not only is it affecting how i interact with the kids, but im just falling apart - losing it, you know? And i keep looking for something deep down in myself to get a grip, grab hold of the day and make it what i want it to be...but there is just confusion and nerves....
I tell myself, "come on, get back up."
There are things i just want to do better, there is more i want to be, more that i expect of myself - i need to rally.
Come on, get back up.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sadness
So, with the computer broken and lack of options available, i've kinda been missing from the blog scene. I hope this will be resolved soon -
~Kim
~Kim
Thursday, April 1, 2010
PAX East!
Last Friday, the hubby, DB, Huggy (my friend who is known for his hug-giving prowess, and enjoyment of same), and I trekked into the city to attend PAX East. A fun time was had by all. The End.
I should probably elaborate.
First, the hubby, Huggy, and I went to The Pour House for lunch, which is this super awesome, low-key, bar and grill with really great bar food and a fun "brick walls with graffiti on them" type atmosphere. The hubby had been telling me about this place for years, but I'd never been. Highlight of the meal definitely had to be the wings appetizer - it consisted of four different flavors of wings: teriyaki, jerk, Thai, and buffalo. Sooo good. I was all about the teriyaki style, and didn't leave many behind. I think I allowed the hubby and Huggy one or two each (to be fair, I didn't really eat many of the other flavors).
After our bellies were nice and full, we went to the Hynes Convention Center, badges in hand, and met up with DB for a rousing game of Waiting On Line For Things To Happen. Highlight of the Line Game...I would vote the girl in the slutty Pikachu costume.
Side note: I just tried to Google a pic of the Pikachu girl, and instead came up with this BRILLIANT Craigslist posting:
You were sexy pikachu at PAX - m4w - 25 (Hynes)
At PAX East, you were dressed like a sexy pikachu, with a yellow skirt, ears, and painted cheeks. I was one of the thousands of male attendees. You shot me a glance once when we crossed paths. Let me know if you want to go get coffee or something sometime.
Hahaha, amazing. Anyways.
Then The Awesome Foursome (see what I did there? I made it sorta kinda rhyme because that's how I roll) grabbed balcony seats for Wil Wheaton's keynote address. Highlight of the speech? ALL OF IT. It was nerdy as all anything and chock-full of geeky references. It made me feel proud to be as nerdy as I am, and with an entire huge room filled with people all feeling the same exact way, I really got the warm and fuzzies during the speech. Wil is definitely a Geek God. Below please find an adorable pic of the hubby and I waiting for the speech to begin, along with a fun shot of the main theater.
Next up was a Q&A with the guys from Penny Arcade, but we opted to head out to the floor to see what games were being shown. And boy, there was everything you could think of. From indie board games, to Magic cards, to PC and console games galore, it was nerdgasmic. We didn't stay on the main floor of it too long, though, as it was really crowded and we didn't really feel the need to wait on line to test any of the video games. However, the hubby and I did manage to get talked into buying a new indie board game to add to our ever-growing collection. After a long talk with a board game geek (or two or three) at one of the booths, we walked away with Dungeon Lords. And so far, we love the game. From their website:
Dungeon Lords is a game for 2 to 4 aspiring Dungeon Lords. You get to dig tunnels, mine gold, hire monsters, create traps and care about all the things a proper dungeon needs. It is not easy, as the competition for resources is stiff and sometimes you have to get a bit evil to get what you want – and the more evil you get, the stronger the adventurers your dungeon attracts.
It's got some very tongue-in-cheek humor to it. If you know anything about indie board games, it's got a worker placement phase similar to Agricola, followed by a puzzle phase in which you utilize what damage you have available as best you can against the adventurers. Score are based upon victory points received for adventurers captured, dungeon rooms constructed, and titles earned. Good times. Definitely the highlight of the floor...although, the Magic card photo is a close, close second - see picture below for instant hilarity.
So you know how I said I get all bashful and retarded around famous people I like? Well, it's not just famous people that I get stupid around. Honestly, it could be around anybody, for any particular reason. I'm just wired that way. I blush easily, trip over my own words (and feet) easily, and squee and grin like an idiot when happy. I even clap my hands like a little kid. Yeah. Did I mention I'm a Dorkopotamus? Because I really, really am.
Case in point - DB does not like physical contact. It's kind of thing with him. It's super fun to tease him about, because he'll flinch and whine like a puppy if you even come close to poking him, let alone doing something as drastic as hugging him. Therefore, it's kind of a not-so-secret goal of mine to hug him. So far, I've hugged him a total of three times. Now that may not seem like a lot, but it really is. The first was during a really rough time for me, he was sweet and offered me a hug to comfort me (because secretly he's not actually a DB, but don't tell him I told you). The second time, I surprise-hugged him as punishment for him belching in my face. It was a fair punishment.
Now the third time, happened at PAX East. We were all being indecisive about what to do next on our magical mystery tour of PAX, and he said to me, point-blank, "If you make a decision, I'll let you hug me." Bam, I made a decision before the words were even completely out of his mouth. He tried to renege on the deal and I was like, oh no, screw that. So I hugged him, and he half-heartedly hugged me back, and I got giddy and stupid and blushed and made a fool out of myself. And now, he teases me about it mercilessly. Sigh. Just imagine how retarded I was in middle school/high school/college around boys I actually had crushes upon? Oh, it was bad. Just ask Kim - she'll be more than happy to tell you my "carried a watermelon" story (ala Dirty Dancing).
Long story short, I don't hide my emotions very well when I'm happy.
Okay, back on track. My favoritest part of the day had to be getting to "rent out" indie board games from a room filled with them, like a board game library. It was a nerd's wet dream. Just drop off some ID, grab a game, and then head to another room where tables and chairs were all set up for you to play. We tried out two that day: Dominion and Power Grid. Both were totally different and totally awesomesauce, and we now need to own and play regularly. I really like board games.
From their website, in Dominion:
You are a monarch, like your parents before you, a ruler of a small pleasant kingdom of rivers and evergreens. Unlike your parents, however, you have hopes and dreams! You want a bigger and more pleasant kingdom, with more rivers and a wider variety of trees. You want a Dominion!
It's a card management game not totally unlike Magic, only it's a strict set of cards that all the players are building up their decks from during the game. Each round you play cards to get cards, with the end goal being to buy up the cards that are worth victory points at the end of the game. I was surprised at how much fun I had playing it - I really liked that there are multiple strategies. Like DB and I played completely differently with completely different cards in our decks, and yet there was only a one-point difference between our scores at the end of the game.
From their website, in Power Grid:
The object of Power Grid is to supply the most cities with power when someone’s network gains a predetermined size. In this new edition, players mark pre-existing routes between cities for connection, and then vie against other players to purchase the powerplants that you use to supply the power. However, as plants are purchased, newer more efficient plants become available so you’re potentially allowing others to access to superior equipment merely by purchasing at all. Additionally, players must acquire the raw materials, like coal, oil, garbage, or uranium, to power said plants(except for the highly valuable ’renewable energy’ wind/solar plants), making it a constant struggle to upgrade your plants for maximum efficiency while still retaining enough wealth to quickly expand your network to get the cheapest routes.
Their description makes it sound really boring, but in reality it's quite fun. I don't know how else to describe it, as it's unlike any of the other games I've previously played. You want to most cities (to gain money and eventually win), powered by the most efficient plants (that you acquire through bidding), with the easiest to get resources needed to power the plants (that you acquire with money). It's a lot of resource and money management, but not tedious at all. I didn't enjoy it as much as I did Dominion, but I think it's one that needs to be played a few times before you really get the hang of it.
And there you have it. My experience at PAX East. I wish I'd been up for going on Saturday as well, but I was so so so tired. That day, in addition to trying more board games and actually making it to the concert, the hubby and Huggy played Dungeons & Dragons, led by an experienced DM from Wizards of the Coast. I'm really sad I missed out on that, but there's always next year! I already can't wait.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
P.S. - I also saw an Axe Cop cosplay!!!!!!!! Axe Cop is this amazing webcomic that's written by a very imaginative 5-year-old and drawn by his 29-year-old artist brother. You should go and check it out because it is the greatest.
I should probably elaborate.
First, the hubby, Huggy, and I went to The Pour House for lunch, which is this super awesome, low-key, bar and grill with really great bar food and a fun "brick walls with graffiti on them" type atmosphere. The hubby had been telling me about this place for years, but I'd never been. Highlight of the meal definitely had to be the wings appetizer - it consisted of four different flavors of wings: teriyaki, jerk, Thai, and buffalo. Sooo good. I was all about the teriyaki style, and didn't leave many behind. I think I allowed the hubby and Huggy one or two each (to be fair, I didn't really eat many of the other flavors).
After our bellies were nice and full, we went to the Hynes Convention Center, badges in hand, and met up with DB for a rousing game of Waiting On Line For Things To Happen. Highlight of the Line Game...I would vote the girl in the slutty Pikachu costume.
Side note: I just tried to Google a pic of the Pikachu girl, and instead came up with this BRILLIANT Craigslist posting:
You were sexy pikachu at PAX - m4w - 25 (Hynes)
At PAX East, you were dressed like a sexy pikachu, with a yellow skirt, ears, and painted cheeks. I was one of the thousands of male attendees. You shot me a glance once when we crossed paths. Let me know if you want to go get coffee or something sometime.
Hahaha, amazing. Anyways.
Then The Awesome Foursome (see what I did there? I made it sorta kinda rhyme because that's how I roll) grabbed balcony seats for Wil Wheaton's keynote address. Highlight of the speech? ALL OF IT. It was nerdy as all anything and chock-full of geeky references. It made me feel proud to be as nerdy as I am, and with an entire huge room filled with people all feeling the same exact way, I really got the warm and fuzzies during the speech. Wil is definitely a Geek God. Below please find an adorable pic of the hubby and I waiting for the speech to begin, along with a fun shot of the main theater.
Next up was a Q&A with the guys from Penny Arcade, but we opted to head out to the floor to see what games were being shown. And boy, there was everything you could think of. From indie board games, to Magic cards, to PC and console games galore, it was nerdgasmic. We didn't stay on the main floor of it too long, though, as it was really crowded and we didn't really feel the need to wait on line to test any of the video games. However, the hubby and I did manage to get talked into buying a new indie board game to add to our ever-growing collection. After a long talk with a board game geek (or two or three) at one of the booths, we walked away with Dungeon Lords. And so far, we love the game. From their website:
Dungeon Lords is a game for 2 to 4 aspiring Dungeon Lords. You get to dig tunnels, mine gold, hire monsters, create traps and care about all the things a proper dungeon needs. It is not easy, as the competition for resources is stiff and sometimes you have to get a bit evil to get what you want – and the more evil you get, the stronger the adventurers your dungeon attracts.
It's got some very tongue-in-cheek humor to it. If you know anything about indie board games, it's got a worker placement phase similar to Agricola, followed by a puzzle phase in which you utilize what damage you have available as best you can against the adventurers. Score are based upon victory points received for adventurers captured, dungeon rooms constructed, and titles earned. Good times. Definitely the highlight of the floor...although, the Magic card photo is a close, close second - see picture below for instant hilarity.
Har har har! You can tell by our expressions that we are terrified of the dreaded Eldrazi Death Hug!
Around this time we also got on line to meet MC Frontalot and snag his new CD. He is teh awesome, and I wish I had gotten up the courage to ask for a picture with him. But alas, I am stupid and bashful around even semi-famous people that I admire. So DB snagged a pic of the hubby's head and MC Frontalot for me, since I was a total chicken. Alas, we did not get to see him in concert that night because:
1. The music was ridiculously too loud and we all had terrible headaches from watching one of the other bands.
2. When 12:30am rolled around and he still wasn't on stage, we were all becoming really frustrated.
3. And said headache turned into a migraine for the hubby, and he had work early the next day so I was a good wife and took him home.
4. Sadness. I know this doesn't really belong in this list, but I felt it nonetheless, so here it is.
So you know how I said I get all bashful and retarded around famous people I like? Well, it's not just famous people that I get stupid around. Honestly, it could be around anybody, for any particular reason. I'm just wired that way. I blush easily, trip over my own words (and feet) easily, and squee and grin like an idiot when happy. I even clap my hands like a little kid. Yeah. Did I mention I'm a Dorkopotamus? Because I really, really am.
Case in point - DB does not like physical contact. It's kind of thing with him. It's super fun to tease him about, because he'll flinch and whine like a puppy if you even come close to poking him, let alone doing something as drastic as hugging him. Therefore, it's kind of a not-so-secret goal of mine to hug him. So far, I've hugged him a total of three times. Now that may not seem like a lot, but it really is. The first was during a really rough time for me, he was sweet and offered me a hug to comfort me (because secretly he's not actually a DB, but don't tell him I told you). The second time, I surprise-hugged him as punishment for him belching in my face. It was a fair punishment.
Now the third time, happened at PAX East. We were all being indecisive about what to do next on our magical mystery tour of PAX, and he said to me, point-blank, "If you make a decision, I'll let you hug me." Bam, I made a decision before the words were even completely out of his mouth. He tried to renege on the deal and I was like, oh no, screw that. So I hugged him, and he half-heartedly hugged me back, and I got giddy and stupid and blushed and made a fool out of myself. And now, he teases me about it mercilessly. Sigh. Just imagine how retarded I was in middle school/high school/college around boys I actually had crushes upon? Oh, it was bad. Just ask Kim - she'll be more than happy to tell you my "carried a watermelon" story (ala Dirty Dancing).
Long story short, I don't hide my emotions very well when I'm happy.
Okay, back on track. My favoritest part of the day had to be getting to "rent out" indie board games from a room filled with them, like a board game library. It was a nerd's wet dream. Just drop off some ID, grab a game, and then head to another room where tables and chairs were all set up for you to play. We tried out two that day: Dominion and Power Grid. Both were totally different and totally awesomesauce, and we now need to own and play regularly. I really like board games.
From their website, in Dominion:
You are a monarch, like your parents before you, a ruler of a small pleasant kingdom of rivers and evergreens. Unlike your parents, however, you have hopes and dreams! You want a bigger and more pleasant kingdom, with more rivers and a wider variety of trees. You want a Dominion!
It's a card management game not totally unlike Magic, only it's a strict set of cards that all the players are building up their decks from during the game. Each round you play cards to get cards, with the end goal being to buy up the cards that are worth victory points at the end of the game. I was surprised at how much fun I had playing it - I really liked that there are multiple strategies. Like DB and I played completely differently with completely different cards in our decks, and yet there was only a one-point difference between our scores at the end of the game.
From their website, in Power Grid:
The object of Power Grid is to supply the most cities with power when someone’s network gains a predetermined size. In this new edition, players mark pre-existing routes between cities for connection, and then vie against other players to purchase the powerplants that you use to supply the power. However, as plants are purchased, newer more efficient plants become available so you’re potentially allowing others to access to superior equipment merely by purchasing at all. Additionally, players must acquire the raw materials, like coal, oil, garbage, or uranium, to power said plants(except for the highly valuable ’renewable energy’ wind/solar plants), making it a constant struggle to upgrade your plants for maximum efficiency while still retaining enough wealth to quickly expand your network to get the cheapest routes.
Their description makes it sound really boring, but in reality it's quite fun. I don't know how else to describe it, as it's unlike any of the other games I've previously played. You want to most cities (to gain money and eventually win), powered by the most efficient plants (that you acquire through bidding), with the easiest to get resources needed to power the plants (that you acquire with money). It's a lot of resource and money management, but not tedious at all. I didn't enjoy it as much as I did Dominion, but I think it's one that needs to be played a few times before you really get the hang of it.
And there you have it. My experience at PAX East. I wish I'd been up for going on Saturday as well, but I was so so so tired. That day, in addition to trying more board games and actually making it to the concert, the hubby and Huggy played Dungeons & Dragons, led by an experienced DM from Wizards of the Coast. I'm really sad I missed out on that, but there's always next year! I already can't wait.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
P.S. - I also saw an Axe Cop cosplay!!!!!!!! Axe Cop is this amazing webcomic that's written by a very imaginative 5-year-old and drawn by his 29-year-old artist brother. You should go and check it out because it is the greatest.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Cake vs. Pie - Down To The Sweet Sixteen (Pun Intended)
The Cake Conference saw Carrot triumphing over Black Forest, and Ice Cream beating the crap out of Spice.
In the Pie Conference, it was an incredibly close race between Cherry and French Silk, with French Silk just taking the win by a few votes. Also, Cheesecake dominated over Brown Sugar (mostly because Cheesecake IS A CAKE, AND CAKE > PIE).
This round we now have Birthday Cake vs. Pound Cake, and Apple Pie vs. Pecan Pie. While I believe Birthday is just going to walk all over Pound, I'm not quite sure who will come out on top among the pies.
Cast your votes!
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Getting Shit Done And Gearing Up For PAX East
I am in such a haze today. Lack of sleep will do that to you. However, it's such a gorgeous day out that I can't help but be in a good mood, regardless of how little sleep I got last night. I have the sliding door that leads to the porch wide open - it's so great to get some fresh air in here. Maybe I'll bring a blanket and go sit out on the porch with a book a little later. That actually sounds kind of awesome.
It's been a busy day so far!
Ah, well. At least tomorrow and this weekend will be super fun. It's time for PAX East in Boston! Woo! From their FAQs, PAX East is:
...a three-day game festival for tabletop, videogame, and PC gamers. We call it a festival because in addition to dedicated tournaments and freeplay areas we've got nerdcore concerts, panel discussions, and an exhibitor hall filled with booths displaying the latest from top game publishers and developers. Even with all this amazing content the best part of PAX East is hanging out with other people who know their shit when it comes to games.
Awesomesauce. Say it again with me. Awe-some-sauce.
In addition to all the cool panels and games and swag, I am very excited to see the amazing Wil Wheaton (yes, that Wil Wheaton - Mr. Wesley Crusher of ST:TNG fame, among other things) deliver the keynote speech. You may not know this, but he's actually an amazing writer with a great blog and a number of books under his belt, along with being a great speaker as well.
I also can't wait for the nerdcore concerts!! What is nerdcore?? I'm glad you asked! From Wikipedia, nerdcore hip-hop is:
...is a sub-genre of hip hop music characterized by themes and subject matter considered to be of general interest to nerds, though it can appeal to others as well. Self-described nerdcore musician MC Frontalot coined the term in 2000 in the song "Nerdcore Hiphop". Frontalot, like most nerdcore artists, self-publishes his work and has released much of it for free online. As a niche genre, nerdcore generally holds to the DIY ethic, and has a history of self-publishing and self-production.[1]
Though nerdcore rappers rhyme about anything from politics to science fiction, there are some perennial favorites in nerdcore subject matter, including Star Wars, science, fantasy and computers.
Basically, it's some of the best shit ever. Seriously. If you are at all nerdy, and like hip-hop even a little bit, you will like it. I mean, how can you not? One of the most well known nerdcore rappers is MC Frontalot, who is incredibly talented. His lyrics are incredibly clever, often funny, and always nerdy. He has a really unique voice, and unique style to his rapping - he raps a bit slower in pace to many other rappers, and his flow is always changing along with the lyrics.
In fact, he has a very apropos song entitled "I Hate Your Blog". Here are the lyrics.
Fantastic! Tee hee. Other awesome nerdcore rappers include MC Lars (one of the more popular nerdcore rappers), ytcracker (probably the best technical rapper of my favorites), and k.flay (an awesome chick rapper!). I'll have to make another post one day that expands on these guys, because really, they're all so much fun to listen and rock out to that it would be crime not to get their music out there to more people. Someone remind me to do this later.
In conclusion, huzzah for being a nerd and doing nerdy fun things!!
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
It's been a busy day so far!
- Trying to figure out the best health insurance for our buck (I needs my cray-cray pills!)
- Switching to a new cable provider and upgrading to HD (finally - we've had an HDTV for like a year and a half already) and saying hello to HV-DVR and goodbye to Tivo (awww, no more boop-boops)
- Getting the POS car in to the shop for repairs, inspection, oil change and whatnot...figuring out how to get it back while the hubby's at work (they were supposed to call me at 12:00pm - it's 2:00pm now!)
Ah, well. At least tomorrow and this weekend will be super fun. It's time for PAX East in Boston! Woo! From their FAQs, PAX East is:
...a three-day game festival for tabletop, videogame, and PC gamers. We call it a festival because in addition to dedicated tournaments and freeplay areas we've got nerdcore concerts, panel discussions, and an exhibitor hall filled with booths displaying the latest from top game publishers and developers. Even with all this amazing content the best part of PAX East is hanging out with other people who know their shit when it comes to games.
Awesomesauce. Say it again with me. Awe-some-sauce.
In addition to all the cool panels and games and swag, I am very excited to see the amazing Wil Wheaton (yes, that Wil Wheaton - Mr. Wesley Crusher of ST:TNG fame, among other things) deliver the keynote speech. You may not know this, but he's actually an amazing writer with a great blog and a number of books under his belt, along with being a great speaker as well.
I also can't wait for the nerdcore concerts!! What is nerdcore?? I'm glad you asked! From Wikipedia, nerdcore hip-hop is:
...is a sub-genre of hip hop music characterized by themes and subject matter considered to be of general interest to nerds, though it can appeal to others as well. Self-described nerdcore musician MC Frontalot coined the term in 2000 in the song "Nerdcore Hiphop". Frontalot, like most nerdcore artists, self-publishes his work and has released much of it for free online. As a niche genre, nerdcore generally holds to the DIY ethic, and has a history of self-publishing and self-production.[1]
Though nerdcore rappers rhyme about anything from politics to science fiction, there are some perennial favorites in nerdcore subject matter, including Star Wars, science, fantasy and computers.
Basically, it's some of the best shit ever. Seriously. If you are at all nerdy, and like hip-hop even a little bit, you will like it. I mean, how can you not? One of the most well known nerdcore rappers is MC Frontalot, who is incredibly talented. His lyrics are incredibly clever, often funny, and always nerdy. He has a really unique voice, and unique style to his rapping - he raps a bit slower in pace to many other rappers, and his flow is always changing along with the lyrics.
In fact, he has a very apropos song entitled "I Hate Your Blog". Here are the lyrics.
Fantastic! Tee hee. Other awesome nerdcore rappers include MC Lars (one of the more popular nerdcore rappers), ytcracker (probably the best technical rapper of my favorites), and k.flay (an awesome chick rapper!). I'll have to make another post one day that expands on these guys, because really, they're all so much fun to listen and rock out to that it would be crime not to get their music out there to more people. Someone remind me to do this later.
In conclusion, huzzah for being a nerd and doing nerdy fun things!!
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Jezebel and I Are Friends
Yesterday, Amanda Hess of Jezebel.com wrote Women’s Health Marketing Embraces Misogyny In The Name Of “Awareness”. In this article, Hess makes exactly the sames points, only far more eloquently, as I do in my post Cervical Cancer Sure Does Smell Pretty...Wait, WTF?.
Great minds...
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Great minds...
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Cake vs. Pie - Round 5
No surprises from last round - the chips fell as predicted, with Red Velvet's trimpuh over Coconut, and Key Lime kicking the crap out of Sweet Potato. Boring! Hopefully this next round will be more interesting.
In the Cake Conference, we now have Carrot going up against Black Forest.
In the Pie Conference, we have Cherry taking on French Silk.
Hmmm, some interesting choices here. I'm honestly not sure how these are going to play out.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Update: Cherry and French silk are neck-and-neck with only a 96 vote difference between them!! Your votes DO count!! Yes, I get excited by the little things in life.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Dakota Skye - An Enjoyable Indie Flick
Lately I've been poring through Netflix searching for random movies to add to my Watch Instantly Queue, mostly searching for fun indie flicks and science fiction "B" movies. Earlier this week I came across "Dakota Skye", which Netflix describes as follows:
Superpowers rarely come without a price, and for 17-year-old Dakota Skye (Eileen Boylan), the price is cynicism that stems from spotting the truth in every lie. Disengaged, she watches life go by from the sidelines … until she meets the unfailingly honest Jonah (Ian Nelson). Problem is, Jonah is her beau's best friend -- which leaves Dakota navigating the treacherous waters between friendship and romance in this well-crafted indie drama.
Sounds intriguing, right? I was expecting it to be a bit fluffy, but it really wasn't. It was quite serious, and quite good. Since I didn't really have any cons about the movie, here are some of my non-spoilery pros:
1. Good acting - could have gone either way given the actors are all playing high-school to college-aged kids, but they all play immature well without actually being immature
2. Along these lines, the characters are all likeable, even when being annoying - it's easy to remember being that age and making stupid choices, so you end up identifying with them without even meaning to
3. Cute story - although mostly predictable, there are one or two times where it can go either way on a plot line, which keeps things interesting even though you know how the movie is going to end
4. The characters pose a few thought-provoking questions to one another that get you thinking outside of the movie
5. The way in which they show Dakota's superpower throughout the movie is well done
The hubby also approved - as it turned it, it was a total date movie and perfect for the two of us.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Cake vs. Pie - Round 4
No major surprises in the outcomes of Round 3. The Cake Conference saw German Chocolate win easily over Funfetti (I think Funfetti was just too boring in comparison), and Wedding Cake's deliciousness beat out that of Pineapple Upside-Down. In Pie, Pumpkin trounced its competition in Lemon Meringue, and Blueberry did the same with Rhubarb. No upsets this week - pretty much went as I suspected it would.
This Round, we have Red Velvet vs. Coconut, and Key Lime vs. Sweet Potato. I predict that both Red Velvet and Key Lime will take home the wins, but we shall see!
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Cake vs. Pie - Round 3
Some surprising results from last week!
In the Cake Conference, we had a very close call with Pound just taking the win from Angel Food, and Coffee wiping the floor with Bundt.
In the Pie Conference, I was saddened to see Pecan kick Banana Cream's ass, but my spirits were lifted when Boston Cream* won over Peanut Butter.
*Now, I'm curious about Boston Cream's inclusion in the Pie Conference. Isn't it really more of a cake? Even its Wikipedia entry says, "A Boston cream pie is a round cake that is split and filled with a custard or cream filling and frosted with chocolate.[1] Although it is called a Boston cream pie, it is in fact a cake, and not a pie.[2]" So, although I am firmly entrenched in Team Cake, I will state now that if Boston Cream Pie takes the overall win, I will not be disappointed or upset.
Anyways, in Round 3, we have the following battles:
In Cake: German Chocolate vs. Funfetti, and Wedding vs. Pineapple Upside-Down.
In Pie: Pumpkin vs. Lemon Meringue, and Blueberry vs. Rhubarb.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Cornmeal-Crusted Roasted Ratatouille Tart
Last night, to celebrate the arrival of my new food processor, I attempted Ellie Krieger's Cornmeal-Crusted Roasted Ratatouille Tart from her cookbook The Food You Crave. I think it came out well, and the hubby really enjoyed it. I liked it, but I didn't love it. When I make it again, I think I need to spice it up a bit to give it some extra oomph. But, it was good as was, and certainly fun to make!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup whole-grain pastry flour or whole-wheat flour (I used whole-wheat flour)
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 tbsp. canola oil (I used vegetable oil)
3 tbsp. water
For the filling:
2 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil (I ended up forgetting to use some oil at one point, whoops)
2 shallots, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup) (I substituted a quarter of a large yellow onion here, finely chopped in the food processor - I might use more next time)
Cooking spray
1 small eggplant (about 1/2 pound), cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds
1 small zucchini (about 1/2 pound), cut into 1/8-inch-thick-rounds
3 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. salt (totally forgot)
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (totally forgot)
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 3 oz.) (I used more because cheese is delicious)
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil (I used 1/8 cup dried basil)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
To make the crust, combine the cornmeal, flour, and salt in a food processor and pulse to incorporate.
Add the butter and oil and pulse about 20 times, until the mixture resembles small pebbles (it looked more like wet sand to me).
Add the water and pulse until the mixture forms a loose dough.
Remove the dough from the processor and press into the bottom and about 1/8 inch up the sider of a 9-inch tart pan with a detachable rim (I used a 9.5 inch glass pie plate and it worked out fine).
Press aluminum foil into the bottom and up the sides of the pan on top of the dough. Weigh it down with uncooked rice or pie weights.
Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the rice and foil and bake for another 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees.
To prepare the filling, heat 1 tsp. of the oil in a small nonstick pan (doesn't have to be nonstick) over medium heat; cook the shallots (or onion if you're me), stirring, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup whole-grain pastry flour or whole-wheat flour (I used whole-wheat flour)
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 tbsp. canola oil (I used vegetable oil)
3 tbsp. water
For the filling:
2 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil (I ended up forgetting to use some oil at one point, whoops)
2 shallots, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup) (I substituted a quarter of a large yellow onion here, finely chopped in the food processor - I might use more next time)
Cooking spray
1 small eggplant (about 1/2 pound), cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds
1 small zucchini (about 1/2 pound), cut into 1/8-inch-thick-rounds
3 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. salt (totally forgot)
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (totally forgot)
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 3 oz.) (I used more because cheese is delicious)
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil (I used 1/8 cup dried basil)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
To make the crust, combine the cornmeal, flour, and salt in a food processor and pulse to incorporate.
Add the butter and oil and pulse about 20 times, until the mixture resembles small pebbles (it looked more like wet sand to me).
Add the water and pulse until the mixture forms a loose dough.
Remove the dough from the processor and press into the bottom and about 1/8 inch up the sider of a 9-inch tart pan with a detachable rim (I used a 9.5 inch glass pie plate and it worked out fine).
Press aluminum foil into the bottom and up the sides of the pan on top of the dough. Weigh it down with uncooked rice or pie weights.
Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the rice and foil and bake for another 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees.
To prepare the filling, heat 1 tsp. of the oil in a small nonstick pan (doesn't have to be nonstick) over medium heat; cook the shallots (or onion if you're me), stirring, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes.
Coat two baking sheets with cooking spray. Arrange the eggplant, zucchini, and tomato slices on the sheets in a single layer and brush with the remaining 2 tbsp. oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast the vegetables until soft but not browned, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
(I did this totally different. I forgot to use the oil, salt, and pepper completely. I also found I had way more veggies than could fit on just two baking sheets, so I did them in shifts; two sheets of eggplant, one sheet of zucchini, and then two of tomatoes. I also found the cooking time to be WAY off. It only took about 4-5 minutes for the veggies to reach the desired softness. Maybe this is because the food processor sliced the veggies fairly thin? See eggplant example below.)
Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Lay the eggplant slices on the bottom of the tart, overlapping them if necessary; cover with 1/4 cup of the mozzarella and some of the shredded basil. Add the zucchini and shallots (onions), top with another 1/4 cup of the mozzarella and the remaining basil, then the tomatoes.
Top with the last 1/4 cup mozzarella (I added more after that until it "looked right" - I really like cheese) and the 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the vegetables have further wilted, about 25-30 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and cut into 8 slices. Serve warm
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Food Processor
When I visited Kim last month, I watched with great interest as she used her food processor to make a delicious pesto stuffing for a piece of pork she was making for dinner (OMG soo good, btw). Now, I always knew about these mysterious items known as food processors, but I'd never really used one before. But watching her slice and dice with such ease really piqued my interest, as I despise the work that goes into manually slicing and dicing for meals.
When I returned home, I broke out my mini-processor. It only holds about one cup, so it's really, really tiny. But I was determined to give it a shot. So, I started using it basically whenever I needed to cut veggies. And damn if it didn't make my life easier, even though I had to dump and refill that sucker like a billiondy times.
Now for Christmas, my brother and his wife gave us a generous gift card to Williams and Sonoma, which we had been waiting to use until we thought of something really good to use it for. I'm sure you can see where this is going. The hubby and I finally went yesterday and used it to purchase our very first food processor!
I just finished washing all the bits and pieces, and cannot wait to begin using it! Yeah, I'm actually that excited about a food processor. What of it.
When I returned home, I broke out my mini-processor. It only holds about one cup, so it's really, really tiny. But I was determined to give it a shot. So, I started using it basically whenever I needed to cut veggies. And damn if it didn't make my life easier, even though I had to dump and refill that sucker like a billiondy times.
Now for Christmas, my brother and his wife gave us a generous gift card to Williams and Sonoma, which we had been waiting to use until we thought of something really good to use it for. I'm sure you can see where this is going. The hubby and I finally went yesterday and used it to purchase our very first food processor!
I just finished washing all the bits and pieces, and cannot wait to begin using it! Yeah, I'm actually that excited about a food processor. What of it.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Blessings and Books for Moms-to-be
So, babies seem to be on the brain and in the air lately. Many of my friends are preggers, or trying,q1e3 or thinking of trying or just thinking of thinking. Now, children is one of those things that people KNOW they will or wont have....there is rarely a wishy washy feeling when it comes to kids (and thank goodness for that, cuz if your thinking they might be fun to have around occassionally, then you should probably wait til those feelings go somewhere a little more concrete before diving into the role of parent)...anyway, having said that, i realize this post will only appeal to half of you (the half that know they will be having kids, or at least are interested in the idea).
Im often asked, as a mom and an aspiring midwife and doula, about pregnancy and birth - and while i could honestly spend hours discussing both, i often start with a few simple suggestions for reading, outside of the mere What to Expect When.. of course...heres my list of must haves for moms-to-be...
Birthing from Within, Pam England
Hypnobirthing (A celebration of Life), Marie F. Mongan
Now, understand these books lean toward the more natural side of pregnancy and childbirth! This is important to note because not everyone will love what they have to say....BUT, i think they are important because they open women's eyes to a picture of childbirth outside of the preconceived norm most of us have, a picture that most of us didnt even know existed, or could be. I would also like to state that i did not swallow 100% of what the authors had to sell, but i dont think any one book or philosophy would - we are all individuals with our own hopes and desires for our birthing experience (much like our wedding day, we all have an idea of how this is going to go, what we want and like, and no wedding book/magazine would get it all right. Think of clippings you take from here, pictures from there, and add them all up together to make your perfect wedding picture- its the same for childbirth). So i recommend taking the bits and peices you like, work them into your birth plan, and leave the rest. For example, Hypnobirthing claims labor can be pain free...ok...but i did like their breathing and focusing techniques, as well as how they broke down the physical explantion of contractions. There were even diagrams. And once i understood the way my body was working, more than just "pushing the baby out" i was able to let the contractions come, because i understood the process behind them. Finally, WARNING, some stuff in these books you might find shocking - facts and figures about childbirth that might seem scary...if you are a worrier, LEAVE THESE, skip them - although, you will find them in most books about childbirth, unfortunately, as they like to lay out the often frightening statistics. We can all understand why, but a pregnant mommy does not need the added stress, savvy?
Now, if you liked these books and are interested in learning a bit more, taking it a bit further in the way of natural childbirth and all that (as i was), here are a few more titles to consider....
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Ina May Gaskin
The Birth Partner, Penny Simkin
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, Sarah Buckley
The Thinking Womans Guide to a Better Birth, Henci Goer
I was like any other mom-to-be - wanting the best for my baby. Afraid of labor. Nervous about, well, the whole thing....and i had a picture in mind - the stereotypical Mom on the table, legs in stirrups, screaming bloody murder, smacking her husband, epidural, episiotomy, doctors, nurses, the whole shebang...i had no idea it could be peaceful, intimate and worth remembering. The mom could be strong, in control, drug free and even happy. If you have any question, please dont hesitate to ask, and ill answer as well as i can, and honestly as i can. Happy Birthing Moms and many Blessings :)
~Kim
Im often asked, as a mom and an aspiring midwife and doula, about pregnancy and birth - and while i could honestly spend hours discussing both, i often start with a few simple suggestions for reading, outside of the mere What to Expect When.. of course...heres my list of must haves for moms-to-be...
Birthing from Within, Pam England
Hypnobirthing (A celebration of Life), Marie F. Mongan
Now, understand these books lean toward the more natural side of pregnancy and childbirth! This is important to note because not everyone will love what they have to say....BUT, i think they are important because they open women's eyes to a picture of childbirth outside of the preconceived norm most of us have, a picture that most of us didnt even know existed, or could be. I would also like to state that i did not swallow 100% of what the authors had to sell, but i dont think any one book or philosophy would - we are all individuals with our own hopes and desires for our birthing experience (much like our wedding day, we all have an idea of how this is going to go, what we want and like, and no wedding book/magazine would get it all right. Think of clippings you take from here, pictures from there, and add them all up together to make your perfect wedding picture- its the same for childbirth). So i recommend taking the bits and peices you like, work them into your birth plan, and leave the rest. For example, Hypnobirthing claims labor can be pain free...ok...but i did like their breathing and focusing techniques, as well as how they broke down the physical explantion of contractions. There were even diagrams. And once i understood the way my body was working, more than just "pushing the baby out" i was able to let the contractions come, because i understood the process behind them. Finally, WARNING, some stuff in these books you might find shocking - facts and figures about childbirth that might seem scary...if you are a worrier, LEAVE THESE, skip them - although, you will find them in most books about childbirth, unfortunately, as they like to lay out the often frightening statistics. We can all understand why, but a pregnant mommy does not need the added stress, savvy?
Now, if you liked these books and are interested in learning a bit more, taking it a bit further in the way of natural childbirth and all that (as i was), here are a few more titles to consider....
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Ina May Gaskin
The Birth Partner, Penny Simkin
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, Sarah Buckley
The Thinking Womans Guide to a Better Birth, Henci Goer
I was like any other mom-to-be - wanting the best for my baby. Afraid of labor. Nervous about, well, the whole thing....and i had a picture in mind - the stereotypical Mom on the table, legs in stirrups, screaming bloody murder, smacking her husband, epidural, episiotomy, doctors, nurses, the whole shebang...i had no idea it could be peaceful, intimate and worth remembering. The mom could be strong, in control, drug free and even happy. If you have any question, please dont hesitate to ask, and ill answer as well as i can, and honestly as i can. Happy Birthing Moms and many Blessings :)
~Kim
Portuguese Food Is Delicious
So tonight was a blast. As previously mentioned, Ms. Industrious and I had a date planned to see her wedding dress for her second fitting, and also to grab some dinner at a Portuguese restaurant that she said was awesomesauce.
First of all, her dress is a-maz-ing. Seriously. It looks like it was made just for her, and it suits her personality to a T. I couldn't stop squeeing the entire time we were there, and neither could she for that matter! Sooo perfect, pretty, and elegant. I wish I could say more, but of course I cannot. Picard* is going to just keel over, stunned and speechless, when he sees her. Hee hee hee I cannot wait!
*I asked for Ms. Industrious' help in choosing a name for her fiancé, and she suggested Trekkie since he is a huge huge huge ST:TNG fan. I really liked this, but something about it didn't have quite enough oomph. And then it hit me - Picard. His complete adoration for Captain Jean-Luc Picard has sealed his nickname fate.
Secondly, she treated me (because she is a doll, and also because she totally ninjaed the check the second it arrived) to a fantabulous meal at the Madeira Restaurant in East Providence, RI.
Let me sum up my feelings about the food there in one word: NOM. Now let me sum up the meal in a lot more words. Because I love food, and a meal like this deserves detailed praise.
To start there was this awesome bread. Now I know you're thinking, ho-hum it's just bread. You'd think that, but no. This bread was exceptional. It was so light and fluffy, but with a very distinct bready flavor that you wouldn't confuse with any other bread. I stuffed my face with like five slices before Ms. Industrious tactfully reminded me that we had more food coming, haha.
Then we had an appetizer of Chourico `a Bombeiro, which is flame grilled Portuguese sausage. And they weren't kidding about the flame part. The sausage literally arrived ON FIRE. The flame was so huge that when they set it down in front of us and walked away, we stared at it and each other for a few moments wondering how to put the fire out and go about eating it. Then Ms. Industrious became brave and stabbed it with a fork and knife, put it on her plate, and blew out the flame. My hero! Now I was a bit concernd that this sausage would be Kielbasa-esque - of which I am not a fan. But no, it was nothing at all like Kielbasa. It was salty and delicious with a mild kick to it. I gobbled it up quickly, and then started longingly at Ms. Industrious' portion because I wanted to steal it from her.
For the main course, I had Escalopes no Forno, which is baked scallops in a light lemon and butter sauce topped with bread crumbs and served with rice, roasted potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Sounds pretty conventional, right? WRONG! The "light lemon and butter sauce" was really some kind of awesome semi-creamy, maybe tomatoey?, and uber garlicky sauce. I nearly died and went to heaven. I savored each bite, wiping up every last drop of that sauce with my potatoes. I also tasted her swordfish dish, which came with pasta (I think it was linguine), littlenecks, and more of that delicious Chourico sausage. OMG her swordfish was so tender it was ridonk, and the sauce here was also decadent and delicious. Both meals were out of this world.
Can you tell I'm a food person yet?
Lastly, we split a slice of Chocolate Truffle Cake for dessert. And guess what. It was amazing, too. Big surprise given the rest of the evening's food, I know. My favorite part of the cake was that not only was the frosting or ganache or whatever delicious, and the truffley mousse delicious, but the very cake itself had strong flavor and was delicious as well. Too often cakes are just a vehicle for frosting, with the cake itself either being dry or boring. But not this cake. Sooo good.
At the end of the meal, Ms. Industrious and I came to the conclusion that part of the reason we're such great friends and get along so well is our mutual love of good food. We're the kind of people who take a bite, and if it surpasses our high standards, close our eyes and smile to ourselves in utter enjoyment. Same kind of people who lean back after a good meal, eyes half-lidded and bodies ready for bed. Food coma FTW.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
First of all, her dress is a-maz-ing. Seriously. It looks like it was made just for her, and it suits her personality to a T. I couldn't stop squeeing the entire time we were there, and neither could she for that matter! Sooo perfect, pretty, and elegant. I wish I could say more, but of course I cannot. Picard* is going to just keel over, stunned and speechless, when he sees her. Hee hee hee I cannot wait!
*I asked for Ms. Industrious' help in choosing a name for her fiancé, and she suggested Trekkie since he is a huge huge huge ST:TNG fan. I really liked this, but something about it didn't have quite enough oomph. And then it hit me - Picard. His complete adoration for Captain Jean-Luc Picard has sealed his nickname fate.
Secondly, she treated me (because she is a doll, and also because she totally ninjaed the check the second it arrived) to a fantabulous meal at the Madeira Restaurant in East Providence, RI.
Let me sum up my feelings about the food there in one word: NOM. Now let me sum up the meal in a lot more words. Because I love food, and a meal like this deserves detailed praise.
To start there was this awesome bread. Now I know you're thinking, ho-hum it's just bread. You'd think that, but no. This bread was exceptional. It was so light and fluffy, but with a very distinct bready flavor that you wouldn't confuse with any other bread. I stuffed my face with like five slices before Ms. Industrious tactfully reminded me that we had more food coming, haha.
Then we had an appetizer of Chourico `a Bombeiro, which is flame grilled Portuguese sausage. And they weren't kidding about the flame part. The sausage literally arrived ON FIRE. The flame was so huge that when they set it down in front of us and walked away, we stared at it and each other for a few moments wondering how to put the fire out and go about eating it. Then Ms. Industrious became brave and stabbed it with a fork and knife, put it on her plate, and blew out the flame. My hero! Now I was a bit concernd that this sausage would be Kielbasa-esque - of which I am not a fan. But no, it was nothing at all like Kielbasa. It was salty and delicious with a mild kick to it. I gobbled it up quickly, and then started longingly at Ms. Industrious' portion because I wanted to steal it from her.
For the main course, I had Escalopes no Forno, which is baked scallops in a light lemon and butter sauce topped with bread crumbs and served with rice, roasted potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Sounds pretty conventional, right? WRONG! The "light lemon and butter sauce" was really some kind of awesome semi-creamy, maybe tomatoey?, and uber garlicky sauce. I nearly died and went to heaven. I savored each bite, wiping up every last drop of that sauce with my potatoes. I also tasted her swordfish dish, which came with pasta (I think it was linguine), littlenecks, and more of that delicious Chourico sausage. OMG her swordfish was so tender it was ridonk, and the sauce here was also decadent and delicious. Both meals were out of this world.
Can you tell I'm a food person yet?
Lastly, we split a slice of Chocolate Truffle Cake for dessert. And guess what. It was amazing, too. Big surprise given the rest of the evening's food, I know. My favorite part of the cake was that not only was the frosting or ganache or whatever delicious, and the truffley mousse delicious, but the very cake itself had strong flavor and was delicious as well. Too often cakes are just a vehicle for frosting, with the cake itself either being dry or boring. But not this cake. Sooo good.
At the end of the meal, Ms. Industrious and I came to the conclusion that part of the reason we're such great friends and get along so well is our mutual love of good food. We're the kind of people who take a bite, and if it surpasses our high standards, close our eyes and smile to ourselves in utter enjoyment. Same kind of people who lean back after a good meal, eyes half-lidded and bodies ready for bed. Food coma FTW.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Cake vs. Pie - Round 2
In Round 1, we had two conferences.
In pie, we had Apple vs. Grasshopper. In cake, Birthday vs. Fruitcake. The winners were unsurprising on both fronts, with both Apple Pie and Birthday Cake trouncing their respective competitions.
This Round, we have the following conferences - in cake, Angel Food vs. Pound, and Coffee vs. Bundt; in pie, Pecan vs. Banana Cream, and Peanut Butter vs. Boston Cream. WHO WILL COME OUT ON TOP?!
Click below to cast your votes while you can!
Cake vs. Pie - Round 2
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Cooking Endeavors and Plans with Ms. Industrious
So I attempted bolognese sauce for the first time last night, from a recipe I found in a cookbook by the awesome Ellie Krieger. Most of her recipes have turned our splendidly so far, so I was hoping for the best. However, this one was not so much bolognese sauce. It's not that it was bad, per se, it just wasn't what it was advertised to be. In my experience, bolognese sauce is a semi-creamy red meat sauce. Apparently Ellie Krieger thinks bolognese sauce is some flavored meat and tomatoes tossed with pasta. You see the incongruity. Someone I know makes an excellent bolognese sauce *coughcoughKIM* and should give me some tips for next time.
In other news, I'm looking forward to tonight! I'm going with Ms. Industrious to a dress fitting for her wedding gown! Woohoo! Girly time! I can't wait to see the dress in person. It's been a lot of fun hearing about all the planning and decision-making that's been going into planning her wedding. I love this stuff, and I couldn't be more excited for them. I've known the groom since high school, but have been super-close for about...7 or 8 years now? Wow...has it really been that long already, or am I just terrible at math? Anyways, I couldn't have chosen a better girl for him if I'd tried. They are simply fantastic together.
Hmm...he needs a nickname, too. I guess Mr. Industrious makes sense? But that's too obvious. This is too difficult. I will have to think on it.
Anyway, all of this makes me reminisce about my own wedding.
I miss all the hoopla that comes with planning a wedding. As stressful as it was, it was so totally worth every second of planning, every curse, every tear. To have that one perfect, magical day marrying the person you love. *sigh* Memories... Yeah, I'm a romantic sap, what of it?
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
In other news, I'm looking forward to tonight! I'm going with Ms. Industrious to a dress fitting for her wedding gown! Woohoo! Girly time! I can't wait to see the dress in person. It's been a lot of fun hearing about all the planning and decision-making that's been going into planning her wedding. I love this stuff, and I couldn't be more excited for them. I've known the groom since high school, but have been super-close for about...7 or 8 years now? Wow...has it really been that long already, or am I just terrible at math? Anyways, I couldn't have chosen a better girl for him if I'd tried. They are simply fantastic together.
Hmm...he needs a nickname, too. I guess Mr. Industrious makes sense? But that's too obvious. This is too difficult. I will have to think on it.
Anyway, all of this makes me reminisce about my own wedding.
I miss all the hoopla that comes with planning a wedding. As stressful as it was, it was so totally worth every second of planning, every curse, every tear. To have that one perfect, magical day marrying the person you love. *sigh* Memories... Yeah, I'm a romantic sap, what of it?
Our Cake Topper
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Why Are Driver's License Photos Always So Terrible?
In my old license photo, B below, I looked like a 45-year-old librarian. With weird squinty eyes. Dowdy clothes. And a terrible haircut.
(Not that all 45-year-old librarians aren't hotties - just my version happened to be atrocious)
Whenever I had to use that one as ID, people always would glance at the photo, glance at me, and then repeat this process several more times. I mean, I guess it's a compliment that I don't look like I'm 16 years older than I am, but the constant scrutiny got really old.
So, when it came time to renew my license I thought, hey, let's take a new picture. Great idea, right?
Now my frigging face takes up the entire frame, as seen in A below. I look like I have an ENORMOUS head! Ah, well. I suppose any improvement is an improvement...or is it?
What do you think?
New Picture
Old Picture
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
(Not that all 45-year-old librarians aren't hotties - just my version happened to be atrocious)
Whenever I had to use that one as ID, people always would glance at the photo, glance at me, and then repeat this process several more times. I mean, I guess it's a compliment that I don't look like I'm 16 years older than I am, but the constant scrutiny got really old.
So, when it came time to renew my license I thought, hey, let's take a new picture. Great idea, right?
Now my frigging face takes up the entire frame, as seen in A below. I look like I have an ENORMOUS head! Ah, well. I suppose any improvement is an improvement...or is it?
What do you think?
New Picture
Old Picture
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Quick Dish, but with no fancy pictures
So, this is a great one dish meal....v. easy, w/not a lot of prep. I dont have my own comp. yet...and no way to upload pictures....so, the recipe and description will have to suffice.
Need
~ 4lbs. chicken breast trimmed and pounded thin
1 cub bread crumbs
8oz. chopped mushrooms (can use more if mushroom fan)
1 box low sodium Stove Top stuffing for chicken
1 cup white wine
half of 1 can cream of mushroom soup - low sodium (can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery)
1/2 stick melted butter (preferably unsalted, but no biggie if only have salted in house)
8 slices swiss cheese (can also use mozzarella)
Preheat oven to 325
Make sure chicken breasts are washed, trimmed and pounded, then split each breast in 2. Coat with bread crumbs and lay flat along bottom of baking dish (pyrex or corning ware type). Sprinkle one box of stove top over bottom layer of chicken using entire box. Mix 1/2 can of soup, wine and melted butter together, then pour over stove top mixture. Saute mushrooms til slightly browned and layer on top stove top mix. Last cover with cheese on top and pop into the overn. Bake for about 35-40min or until meat thermometer reads 160 and cheese is crisp on top. Serve up with a salad or favorite veggie and done. Easy, yummy chicken dinner to feed the whole family. :)
btw, i love how KT has been showing you pics along the way of her cooking endeavors, and apologize that i could not do the same. (Guess youll just have to take my word that this both looks and tastes yum yum)
Need
~ 4lbs. chicken breast trimmed and pounded thin
1 cub bread crumbs
8oz. chopped mushrooms (can use more if mushroom fan)
1 box low sodium Stove Top stuffing for chicken
1 cup white wine
half of 1 can cream of mushroom soup - low sodium (can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery)
1/2 stick melted butter (preferably unsalted, but no biggie if only have salted in house)
8 slices swiss cheese (can also use mozzarella)
Preheat oven to 325
Make sure chicken breasts are washed, trimmed and pounded, then split each breast in 2. Coat with bread crumbs and lay flat along bottom of baking dish (pyrex or corning ware type). Sprinkle one box of stove top over bottom layer of chicken using entire box. Mix 1/2 can of soup, wine and melted butter together, then pour over stove top mixture. Saute mushrooms til slightly browned and layer on top stove top mix. Last cover with cheese on top and pop into the overn. Bake for about 35-40min or until meat thermometer reads 160 and cheese is crisp on top. Serve up with a salad or favorite veggie and done. Easy, yummy chicken dinner to feed the whole family. :)
btw, i love how KT has been showing you pics along the way of her cooking endeavors, and apologize that i could not do the same. (Guess youll just have to take my word that this both looks and tastes yum yum)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Skin Deep (no giggles please, this is mature subject matter, I MEAN, adult, ahem, serious, ok serious)
Ok, so a great website is Skin Deep (wait for it) Cosmetic Safety Database (aw shucks). Ok, bust still a good website (I think you were thinking of the other way around). You can enter any cosmetic product from shampoo to wrinkle cream, baby butt cream to sun screen and find out how safe it is to use. Now I know what youre thinking, who cares? But a few years back a handfull of popular make up brands, for example, had traces of lead YES lead in their lipstick. Sunscreen we have all heard can carry carcinogens, and if youre trying to protect yourself from sun cancer, you dont want the crap you smear on yourself to be nearly as dangerous, right? Especially when youre putting SPF 70 on your baby/child. So it rates products on a scale from 0-10 (0, being perfectly safe - 10, being instat death, well, no not really, but just a step above pesticide and arsenic). And if you find yours falls on the more lethal side, it offers better options and connects you directly to a site you can purchase the safer products from. So, i really like this for screening all my baby stuff, and also for checking out a few essentials for myself (cough cough stretch mark remover, eye lift in a bottle, home bikini wax, lol, not really, I prefer au naturale), you get the idea. So check it out sometime...feel good about your safer purchases and oh yeah, watch out, shopping safe is WAY expensive,(but SO worth it - meh).
~Kim
Btw, KT how do i post the link on our sidebar? :) Man i am so tech savvy.
~Kim
Btw, KT how do i post the link on our sidebar? :) Man i am so tech savvy.
Aaaand Now I'm Manic and Dreaming Dreams
Well, maybe not full-blown manic, but manic enough.
It started yesterday, but was mild enough that I was like, well, maybe I'm just finally coming out of this depression and feeling better. Wouldn't that be lovely! And on such a beautiful day! But the foot-tapping, leg-shaking, and doing a million tasks super quickly, were definite red alerts to the hubby and I that I might be swinging a little further up than I'd like.
Today, after a good night's sleep, I'm all:
1. WHEE, I'M UP EARLY PLAY WITH ME
2. WHY AREN'T WE DOING SOMETHING THIS VERY MINUTE...
3. ...AND EVERY MINUTE THEREAFTER
4. ENTERTAIN ME RIGHT NOW
5. OOH LOOK SOMETHING SHINY I MUST PURCHASE IT IMMEDIATELY
6. FIDGET FIDGET FIDGET
7. I'M BORED YET CAN'T SIT STILL OR PAY ATTENTION LONG ENOUGH TO ENJOY ANYTHING
8. I'M IMPATIENT WHY AREN'T YOU KEEPING UP WITH ME
Good times. Well, if it stays at this level I can deal as long as it doesn't last longer than a few days. At least I'm feeling perky and upbeat. But man, can NOT sit still, and REALLY want to buy myself presents. MUST. RESIST. THE. SHINY.
During my restful sleep last night, I dreamt last night that my consciousness went back to high school and usurped my old body. I was back in some kind of high school play, but couldn't remember any of the steps. But I really didn't care, because I was only a bit part, and was super excited to be back in high school. I honestly couldn't wait to do it all over again only knowing what I know now. I've had this dream before, and I really dig it. The idea of having so much control over my own destiny is exhilarating. I knew who I wanted to be friends with, who I wanted to date, and how to get through it all without cracking. I was excited to not only make positive changes in my own life, but also to help facilitate them in the lives of people I care about. It was awesomesauce.
But then, I'm one of those people who loves the idea of traveling back in time to one's old self only knowing everything one knows now. I think that's why I just rented 17 Again. Yeah, it's a fluffy flick, and stars Zac Efron, but I think I'm gonna enjoy it.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
It started yesterday, but was mild enough that I was like, well, maybe I'm just finally coming out of this depression and feeling better. Wouldn't that be lovely! And on such a beautiful day! But the foot-tapping, leg-shaking, and doing a million tasks super quickly, were definite red alerts to the hubby and I that I might be swinging a little further up than I'd like.
Today, after a good night's sleep, I'm all:
1. WHEE, I'M UP EARLY PLAY WITH ME
2. WHY AREN'T WE DOING SOMETHING THIS VERY MINUTE...
3. ...AND EVERY MINUTE THEREAFTER
4. ENTERTAIN ME RIGHT NOW
5. OOH LOOK SOMETHING SHINY I MUST PURCHASE IT IMMEDIATELY
6. FIDGET FIDGET FIDGET
7. I'M BORED YET CAN'T SIT STILL OR PAY ATTENTION LONG ENOUGH TO ENJOY ANYTHING
8. I'M IMPATIENT WHY AREN'T YOU KEEPING UP WITH ME
Good times. Well, if it stays at this level I can deal as long as it doesn't last longer than a few days. At least I'm feeling perky and upbeat. But man, can NOT sit still, and REALLY want to buy myself presents. MUST. RESIST. THE. SHINY.
During my restful sleep last night, I dreamt last night that my consciousness went back to high school and usurped my old body. I was back in some kind of high school play, but couldn't remember any of the steps. But I really didn't care, because I was only a bit part, and was super excited to be back in high school. I honestly couldn't wait to do it all over again only knowing what I know now. I've had this dream before, and I really dig it. The idea of having so much control over my own destiny is exhilarating. I knew who I wanted to be friends with, who I wanted to date, and how to get through it all without cracking. I was excited to not only make positive changes in my own life, but also to help facilitate them in the lives of people I care about. It was awesomesauce.
But then, I'm one of those people who loves the idea of traveling back in time to one's old self only knowing everything one knows now. I think that's why I just rented 17 Again. Yeah, it's a fluffy flick, and stars Zac Efron, but I think I'm gonna enjoy it.
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients:
8 red potatoes
1 lb. of baby carrots
1 medium onion
3-5 cups water
3 diced garlic cloves
2 and a half bay leaves
1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket (with or without spice packet, as you prefer)
1 small head of cabbage
Step 1: Peel and quarter 8 red potatoes.
Step 2: Place in bottom of large crockpot.
Step 3: Add approximately 1 lb. of baby carrots to the crockpot.
Step 4: Chop a medium onion into bite-size pieces and add to the crockpot.
8 red potatoes
1 lb. of baby carrots
1 medium onion
3-5 cups water
3 diced garlic cloves
2 and a half bay leaves
1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket (with or without spice packet, as you prefer)
1 small head of cabbage
Step 1: Peel and quarter 8 red potatoes.
Step 2: Place in bottom of large crockpot.
Step 3: Add approximately 1 lb. of baby carrots to the crockpot.
Step 4: Chop a medium onion into bite-size pieces and add to the crockpot.
Step 5: Add 3 cups of water, 3 diced cloves of garlic, and 2 and a half bay leaves on top (I really don't need to add a picture of this, but I took one, so what the hell). You can feel free to add the spice packet that comes with the corned beef - I chose not to because it included mustard seeds and the hubby is horribly allergic to them. Plus, we both prefer a less-seasoned taste to our corned beef and cabbage.
Step 6: Place the corned beef on top (I had to cut mine in half so it would fit). Cover with another cup or so of water, so that the corned beef is about half-covered with liquid. Cover the crockpot, and cook on low for approximately 2 and a half hours (total cook time will be approximately 8 hours).
Step 7: At the 2 and a half hour mark, flip the corned beef over. Do it again in another 3 hours, squishing things down a bit as you can. The broth should be getting a more browny-brothy color at this point (like in the second picture below).
Step 8: In another hour and 15 minutes, quarter a small cabbage, and squish it in there. I had to scoop out some of the broth so things wouldn't overflow. Turn the crockpot to high. Another 30 minutes in, flip the cabbage over. It should start looking less bright green (as in the second picture below).
Step 9: Let the crockpot do its magic for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 10: Take the meat out, trim the fat, and slice (totally forgot to snap a pic). Serve with the veggies, and enjoy! The hubby likes his without broth and without cabbage, and with butter mashed into the veggies. I prefer mine with lots of broth, and I heart cabbage. It was nom nom nom either way!
~Dorkopotamus (aka Katy)
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