tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154501712024-03-13T09:57:37.847-05:00Rees26"Come quickly! I am tasting stars!" - Dom PerignonErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.comBlogger530125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-58956604203408921962010-05-22T15:21:00.002-05:002010-05-22T15:30:14.417-05:00His/Hers<span style="font-family: arial;">His version:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Eagle Eye Cherry, Save Tonight</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >go on and close the curtains<br />'cause all we need is candlelight<br />you and me ... and the bottle of wine<br />and hold you tonight [ ohh ]<br /><br />well we know i'm going away<br />and how i wish - i wish it weren't so<br />so take this wine and drink with me<br />let's delay our misery<br /><br />save tonight and fight the break of dawn<br />come tomorrow - tomorrow i'll be gone<br />save tonight and fight the break of dawn<br />come tomorrow - tomorrow i'll be gone<br /><br />there's a log on the fire<br />and it burns like me for you<br />tomorrow comes with one desire<br />to take me away [ ohh it's true ]<br /><br />it ain't easy to say good bye<br />darling please - don't start to cry<br />'cause girl you know i've got to go<br />and Lord i wish it wasn't so<br /><br />save tonight and fight the break of dawn<br />come tomorrow - tomorrow i'll be gone<br />save tonight and fight the break of dawn<br />come tomorrow - tomorrow i'll be gone<br /><br />tomorrow comes to take me away<br />i wish that i - that i could stay<br />but girl you know i've got to go<br />and Lord i wish weren't so<br /><br />save tonight and fight the break of dawn<br />come tomorrow - tomorrow i'll be gone </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">My version:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">India Arie, Long Goodbye</span><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mmhmmmm..... </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I say I love you </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> You say that's kind </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> You don't wanna get too close </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> You loved me crazy </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I lost my mind </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Listen... </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> You're everything I never wanted </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> And all the things I didn't need </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> This ain't who I wanna be </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> You don't have to stay forever </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I'll take passion over pride </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Full moon, high tide </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Let's make it a long goodbye </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Tomorrow we'll pick up the pieces </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Try to mend our broken lives </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Soft kiss, sweet lies </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Let's make it a long goodbye </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Yeah... </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I cried in silence </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I lived through you </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I've given everything away </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> And maybe I can learn to fall </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> For someone who can give me all </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> The things I"m not afraid to lose </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Whenever you see lonely faces </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> That's where I'll be </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Don't cry for me, no no no no </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Don't cry for me, don't cry for me yeah yeahhhh </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Hey, don't cry for me, no no no </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I'm gonna be okay </span></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-56025935920261316502010-05-19T10:01:00.002-05:002010-05-19T10:08:45.262-05:00Excitements<span style="font-family: arial;">Awesome stuff going on/coming up around here as spring springs and summer is right around the corner. Some things that I'm looking forward to -<br /><br />- Going home for a flash trip in for few days for my Grandfather's 80th birthday party. Other funs included in that weekend will be the first Follies Girls' Dinner in waaay too long, Luke's birthday party at Stacey's house, and seeing Richmond's baseball team play (despite the horrifically stupid mascot name - the Squirrel. Shudder.)<br /><br />- Brandi Carlile concert at the end of June at Mountain Winery<br /><br />- Mom and Lefty coming in September<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-8451092712986358772010-04-10T10:20:00.003-05:002010-04-10T10:25:02.636-05:00A very. Good. Date.<span style="font-family: arial;">You know, the kind where he's tall. And where you look into each other's eyes all night, and are comfortable there. And where you finish each other's sentences. And where you are immediately smiling, just being in each other's presence. And where when he kisses you at the end of the night, it's hot, and passionate, and you both want more. Which is amazing, because it's been a while since it's been like that - where you were even comfortable kissing someone the first time you met them. Where you didn't feel like you had to constantly run defense because the reality was, you didn't want to be kissing that person. Nope, not on this date. On this date you were dying to keep kissing him, do dig your fingers into his arms while he pressed against you. Your eyes automatically clenched shut, and didn't open until a few seconds after it was over. <br /><br />It was a good date.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-16688737725022159882009-11-03T22:13:00.001-05:002009-11-03T22:15:21.403-05:00See, this is why I have them<span style="font-family: arial;">Me: I don't know, guys. He was cute, super attentive, and seemed really sweet... but he's unemployed right now.<br /><br />Friends: (Without missing a beat) Kinda like you were 4 months ago?<br /><br />Me: (<span style="font-style: italic;">blink, blink</span>) Ok, I'll go to out with him.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-32953778795003453182009-11-01T17:54:00.002-05:002009-11-01T17:57:59.911-05:00Grace in Small Things<span style="font-family: arial;">1. A freshly made, lavender fabric softener scented bed.<br /><br />2. The coziness that settles in when it starts to get dark early.<br /><br />3. Pumpkin muffins.<br /><br />4. Library books.<br /><br />5. Lazy Sundays where you don't leave the house.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-78618237076376063692009-10-28T11:25:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.864-05:00Loving my crooked neighbors with my own crooked heart<span style="font-family: arial;">Monday I left my apartment at 8am, darting to the airport to board a 10am flight to Palm Springs for the day to represent my winery at a small tasting event. It was a long day, but a fun way to break up the monotony of a normal work week. When back to the airport at 6pm to board my first flight of the two-legged journey home, I checked a voice mail from my next door neighbor, which announced that they were making a 5 pound leg of lamb for dinner, and did I want to come over?<br /><br />DAMN. THE. LUCK. I wasn't due to land back in San Francisco until about 10pm, so was doomed to a very rushed fast food airport dinner, at best. I returned the call, having to decline the invite, or so I thought.<br /><br />"Well," my neighbor cheerily replied, "I'll be up all night working on a document for work, so when you get home come on over for a lamb sandwich if you want." I practically teared up at the relief of not having to stuff a very unappetizing Burger King meal into my mouth during my thirty minute layover.<br /><br />So at 10:30 my weary body climbed the stairs of their porch and I knocked on the door. The house still smelled like lamb, and five minutes later I had sunk down on the couch, lamb sandwich and glass of red wine in hand. My neighbor took a much needed work break, and flipped the TV to a recorded episode of the Colbert Report, and we chatted while I ate, relaxed and happy. <br /><br />I don't remember the exact context, but somewhere in the show there was a quote about "loving your crooked neighbors with your own crooked heart". That night, as with many of the nights of the last year living here, I felt so grateful for the block that I moved onto, and the wonderful friends I have found in my neighbors. To be welcomed in, taken care of after a day of weary travel, was indescribably valuable to me that night. And this was not an unusual occurrence around here - this is just how we roll. We really do love and take care of each other on this block.<br /><br />It's awesome to feel so at home at home.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-18200794474836041582009-10-20T11:49:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.873-05:00Cruelty.<span style="font-family:arial;">There I am, sipping coffee and innocently checking my email this morning, and suddenly this image pops up on my screen, courtesy of the <a href="http://www.mzwallace.com/">MZ Wallace</a> list that I am on:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/St3qlUdhrrI/AAAAAAAAAMw/h9m8zYcBg4g/s1600-h/cruelty"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/St3qlUdhrrI/AAAAAAAAAMw/h9m8zYcBg4g/s320/cruelty" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394725855528332978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">It's just not fair, internet. Because now I want one. Bad. Look at the beautiful fall plum color, and the chic woman inspecting pumpkins... That could totally be me! I love plum colored bags and pumpkins too.<br /><br />Sigh. Does anyone have $345 I can borrow? Actually, no wait. I already have one MZ Wallace. If I'm going to borrow $345, I'd probably use it towards a <a href="http://www.rebeccaminkoffstore.com/">Rebecca Minkoff</a> instead...<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-16415279383281060452009-10-14T10:26:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.892-05:00Batton down the hatches<span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday the weather in the Bay Area was miserable. The first big rain of the season, complete with huge winds, occasional floods and power outages swept through the area. Luckily, we were all ready for it since for the three days before the meteorologists had been warning us as if the Apocalypse were coming. So late Monday night, after putting my mother and her friend onto their red-eye flight back East, I came home to snuggle into bed for the night, letting the sound of rain on my skylights lull me to sleep.<br /><br />The next morning I awoke to everything that the weathermen had been predicting. The weather outside was absolutely gross, so I took advantage of my flexible sales job and called it a "work from home" day, and set about to do the only proper thing on a day like that - I made chili. <br /><br />I got my basic recipe from my mother, and over the years have adjusted it a bit to fit my own tastes, following ideas that I've gotten from other sources. It's made in a Crockpot (my all time favorite kitchen appliance), and makes your kitchen smell like heaven. During the fall and winter I make it a habit to always have the ingredients for it on hand (meat safely in the freezer) for days like yesterday when the last thing you want is to have to run to the store. Oh, and it's best served in big bowls, pasta bowls if you have them, while sitting in front of the TV, blanket over your lap, loved one by your side.<br /><br />Here is the basic recipe, and at the end are the substitutions/add ons that I've been doing lately. Feel free to adapt it in your own way, and portion off any leftovers into tupperware containers to freeze - it works beautifully.<br /><br /></span><p style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="ecxMsoNormal">Crock Pot Chili</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 ½ lbs ground beef</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 med onion chopped</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 can dark red kidney beans</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 can light red kidney beans</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 can red kidney beans</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 large can crushed tomatoes</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 (16) oz can tomato sauce</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 (16) oz can stewed tomatoes</p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 small can chopped green chilies</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">¼ tsp garlic powder</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">4 Tbsp chili powder</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">½ tsp black pepper</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">2 shakes crushed red pepper</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 tsp salt</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">1 Tbsp vinegar</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">Brown beef with onion; drain well. Combine beef with all other ingredients in large crock pot. Simmer on low heat all day (at least 8 hours). Serve with crackers or corn chips. Top with shredded cheese.</p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">*For the last few years, I've been using a pound of ground turkey and a log of breakfast sausage instead of ground beef. Just using turkey works just fine, and once I even used two packages of veggie burger crumbles to accommodate a vegetarian I was cooking for, and it worked great!</p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">*If I have it on hand, I'll add about half of a dark beer. Nothing lighter than an Amber. If I do this, I usually only use about half of the crushed tomatoes, so that there isn't too much liquid.<br /></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">*I add about a tablespoon of curry powder</p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">*I serve it with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Chipotle Tobasco as condiments.</p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal">*Homemade cornbread or Fritos on the side are a must.<br /></p>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-8665762085637827122009-09-30T17:54:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.905-05:00I know it's fall because...<span style="font-family:arial;">Someone put a pumpkin on my doorstep. (Ok, it was me.)</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsPisYpxrjI/AAAAAAAAAMY/_Dm1u0YaTX8/s1600-h/IMG_0069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsPisYpxrjI/AAAAAAAAAMY/_Dm1u0YaTX8/s200/IMG_0069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387398831425039922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">And I'm getting to wear my favorite boots again.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsPis7MrvfI/AAAAAAAAAMg/TWW-kfJhViQ/s1600-h/IMG_0070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsPis7MrvfI/AAAAAAAAAMg/TWW-kfJhViQ/s200/IMG_0070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387398840698256882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">And the grapes are rolling in to the winery.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsPjjARKNVI/AAAAAAAAAMo/f1myetZscaU/s1600-h/IMG_0053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsPjjARKNVI/AAAAAAAAAMo/f1myetZscaU/s200/IMG_0053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387399769772143954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">And I'm drinking at least two Pumpkin Spice Lattes a week. (Side note: Peets Coffee's are a million times better than Starbucks. The 'Buck is too sweet, and since Peets has stronger brew in general, the espresso shots balance the potentially cloying flavor nicely.)<br /><br />And I crunched on some leaves walking down the street yesterday.<br /><br />And <span style="font-style: italic;">How I Met Your Mother</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Big Bang Theory</span> are all new again. (How excited are we about Robin/Barney and Penny/Leonard!?!?)<br /><br />And accounts are busy again.<br /><br />And I'm craving red wine instead of white.<br /><br />And a lot of birthdays are rolling around. (I'm an Aquarius, and all I know about my sign is that we get along really well with Libras and Geminis, and seriously, you have no idea how many Libras I have in my life. Not as many Geminis, but I'm swimming in Libras!)<br /><br />Happy October, everyone!<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-49199794260840496102009-09-28T14:22:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.912-05:00Homemade Chicken Stock<span style="font-family:arial;">A long time ago, I remember reading a blurb in <span style="font-style: italic;">Glamour</span> magazine about tips for a "Babe on a Budget", and for some reason that phrase stuck in my head. I guess I liked the idea of a modern, chic woman who wasn't afraid to admit that she didn't have all the money in the world, so wanted to find ways to still strut down the Fabulous Lane without emptying her checking account. So whenever I find myself doing something to save money, or talking about being cheap, it always pops back in and I find myself mentally, and sometimes out loud, referring to myself as that Babe on a Budget.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Combine that sentiment with my obsession with th</span><span style="font-family:arial;">e foodie culture over the last few years, hearing Ina Garten over and over refer to using homemade chicken stock and reading on a few blogs about how easy it is to make - I became intrigued. I like to use chicken stock for a lot of things - certain pasta dishes like risotto - but the thing is, it's not cheap. Usually for my standard risotto recipes I have to buy two containers of it, which can add up to $10+. That considerably ups the ante on how much the whole meal is costing, especially considering that oftentimes the idea to cook at home is born from a desire to save a few bucks. So last fall when I started roasting chickens regularly, it seemed like a total waste to just throw away</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> the carcass when I knew that something else could be done with it.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsGg2u1F8cI/AAAAAAAAAMI/1bVB0zoYiHQ/s1600-h/IMG_0064.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 198px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsGg2u1F8cI/AAAAAAAAAMI/1bVB0zoYiHQ/s400/IMG_0064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386763491455922626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I did a little research on recipes and methods, and the basic conclusion that I came to was this - throw the carcass into the biggest pot you have, along with a loosely chopped onion, a few carrots cut into huge chunks, whatever herbs you've got on hand (parsley, thyme, rosemary, etc), <span style="font-style: italic;">a lot</span> of salt and pepper, and then fill the pot the rest of the way with water. Bring it to a boil on your stove and let it hang out at a slow boil for 4-5 hours. It'll reduce down considerably. Then filter out all of the chicken and veggies, and you're left with the stock! Ladle it into whatever containers (portion it into q</span><span style="font-family:arial;">uart-sized Ziploc tuperware thingys), and throw them into the freezer.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsGg3t1GHhI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/TDPX3id4mDk/s1600-h/IMG_0065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 197px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SsGg3t1GHhI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/TDPX3id4mDk/s400/IMG_0065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386763508367367698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Voila</span>.<br /><br />So if you're like me, you've got enough chicken stock at this point to last you for a couple of months, at least. I've heard some people say that they don't think that this is worth it for the effort, but to me it totally is. I've found it to be super easy and cheap - if you've already got the carcass from a roasted chicken, all you have to do is buy an onion, a few carrots and maybe a bunch of parsley. Yeah, it's time consuming - but as long as your schedule allows you to carve out an afternoon while you're already at home doing other things, you've got it covered!<br /><br />Plus, in addition to the money saving benefits that I've already touted, let's not forget the reason why Ina and so many others all but insist on using homemade stock in their recipes - it tastes better. Now, not necessarily in a side-by-side taste test of yours and the grocery store's. The grocery store's will have a lot more sodium, so therefore will perform better just by itself, but trust me, once you start cooking with your own stock there will be no going back. Yours will have a depth of flavor and layers that add a homey quality to your dishes that you just won't get with the pre-made stuff. (Although you might want to up the salt quantity in whatever dish you are making, just to adjust for that factor.)<br /><br />And, cooking the stock will make your apartment smell good for days. Trust me...<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-36053204403172624192009-09-27T17:12:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.924-05:00Quote of the week<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >"Listen to the whispers, or soon you'll be listening to the screams." - </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Elizabeth Gilbert, quoting her husband. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />I actually think that this one is going to extend to become more than just a quote of the week for me, and hope that it is something that I will repeat to myself over and over again when I start to second-guess my instincts on certain situations.<br /><br />Or more specifically, certain people.<br /><br />As someone who has dated a considerable amount in the last 10+ years, I have definitely landed myself into some shitty situations. Liars, users, the insecure, the overconfident, the emotional basketcases, I think - or <span style="font-style: italic;">hope</span> - that I've pretty much seen it all. And I know that I've gained the strength to avoid and extricate myself from these situations in a timely manner. Sadly, that wasn't always the case. And when I did end up realizing just how yucky the situation was, I could always look back and see warning signs that I should have heeded. I've long been chiding myself for not following my instincts more closely, but often times I was following other, stronger impulses - like boredom or loneliness - that were causing me to doubt my judgment.<br /><br />So that is why this quote resonated with me so much - because I've gone through plenty of whispering and then screaming, and recently feel like I am honing the ability to listen and observe with an open, yet smart, heart when letting someone new into my life.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-29845231441149857902009-09-25T00:17:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.931-05:00Eat, Pray... Queef<span style="font-family: arial;">I am absolutely in awe of Elizabeth Gilbert. Just around two years ago, my good friend <a href="http://www.ubergirlelijah.blogspot.com/">Elijah</a> told me that I must read her book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Eat, Pray, Love</span>. I picked it up, plowed through it, and it changed my life. I am here in California because that book inspired me towards the courage to decide that I was ready for a change, and coached me towards the patience that is required to open your heart and allow a change to happen. Moving here was one of the best things I've ever done, and in some way I have Elizabeth Gilbert to thank for it. She taught me to slow down, listen to myself, and take care of my needs.<br /><br />In preparation for the release of her new book in January (which, naturally, I can't wait for), she is touring around a little bit, talking about and reading from it. Tonight she was at an auditorium about twenty minutes away from where I live. As soon as I saw the marquee announcing her presence a few weeks ago, I immediately got a ticket. I didn't send out an email, I didn't go nuts trying to organize an evening with friends - I just dropped by the box office and purchased a ticket. For myself. Because I knew that it would be a rejuvenating evening, kinda like a spa day for the brain, and I wanted to treat myself to it without allowing myself to indulge in the normal social paranoia that inevitably ensues whenever I try to rally people to an event. So I got a seat towards the back of the auditorium, frugally saving myself about $20, and marked my calendar, giddy with anticipation.<br /><br />Tonight I drove to the auditorium, had my ticket torn, and took my seat about two thirds of the way back. I sat there for five minutes before she took the stage, mainly looking at my iPhone (you know, because if I'm going to to an hour and a half without looking at it I have to see if anyone has texted, check email, and Tweet about what I am doing before I can turn it to silent) and glaring at the woman seated next to me who had the audacity to poke my elbow accidentally. When she did come on, she addressed the crowd's situation immediately.<br /><br />Because it was kinda like being in church - most people were sitting towards the back. Hey, there really isn't a bad seat in the house, and it was a good $20 less for the cheap seats! So she addressed the economy, and the way the audience was seated, and then basically told everyone in the back to move forward to the front. I'm not sure if she intended to cause a near-stampede, but suffice it to say, people took her up on her offer in about two seconds flat. Myself included. And not having anyone there with me to slow me down, I managed to deftly scoot through the crowd and snag a front row seat. I could not believe my luck.<br /><br />She was fabulous. Amazingly articulate. Hilarious. She said <span style="font-style: italic;">fuck</span> at least a dozen times. She answered the few questions that people were allowed to ask with complete genuineness and honesty. She read from her new book. She endearingly showed off her new, sparkly ballet flats. And she said that, yes, she had seen the episode of South Park that mocked her book, titled <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eat,_Pray,_Queef">Eat, Pray, Queef</a> - and she <span style="font-style: italic;">loved</span> it.<br /><br />I sat there and listened, enthralled, excited, and breathing in slow, even breaths for the first time in a while. Let me explain that last part...<br /><br />Oftentimes, I am so stereotypical of a certain part of my generation, that it kinda starts to frighten me - the MTV part. Those of us who came of age in the 80s and 90s grew up watching MTV and playing on computers, among other things. What that means is that we are incredibly used to having a lot of information hurled at us very quickly. We can understand and process it with no problems, and then oftentimes just spit it right back out, as if it never even entered our brains in the first place. It is why pretty much everyone I know jokes about having ADD - because for the most part, our attention spans are shit. It's why we don't talk on the phone anymore - sustaining a conversation without having the person right in front of you is too difficult and inconvenient. We send text messages almost exclusively, which allows us to either address quickly, or completely ignore until a more suitable time emerges, whatever issue is at hand. We check Facebook to see what people have been up to, rather than reaching out to find out ourselves, even via email.<br /><br />When I'm not careful, I can become such a poster child for this generation, it's ridiculous. And lately, that's exactly what I've been. See, what happened is this - I got a job that requires me to be self-motivated and organize a lot of information in my head, and I got an iPhone right around the same time. So with my brain having to kick into a gear that the previous 8 months of <span style="font-style: italic;">under</span>-employment had not required, coupled with the acquisition of a shiny new toy that allows me waaaay to much stimulation at my fingertips, and essentially my mind hasn't been still since. My attention span is all but gone, so I haven't read a book in two months because I can't go two pages without my mind wandering and picking up my phone to check my hotmail. I haven't written anything in two months because I can't organize my thoughts into anything but arbitrary lists. I'm becoming frazzled more easily, and forgetful of little things when that never used to be a problem. Not to grossly mis-diagnose myself here by saying that I actually have ADD, but when one can't stop at a stoplight without picking up her phone to check Twitter, things are getting ridiculous, and slight lifestyle changes are in order.<br /><br />And it's amazing how contagious energy is. Seeing Elizabeth Gilbert tonight calmed me down internally, in a way I haven't felt in a few months. It's time to consciously bring my mind back down to earth, even if that requires literally imposing limits on myself about how many times a day I'm allowed to look at email, or taking a month off of Facebook, or forcing thirty minutes of uninterrupted reading time a day. Because for me, when my mind starts whirling like it has been lately, it's really hard to keep perspective on the important things - big and small. Like where I want my life to ultimately lead me, and remembering to keep food in the house and clean the litter box.<br /><br />So that it, really. As of tonight, I'm turning off the TV more, not keeping the phone within arms reach as much, and basically just working on bringing my mind back down to earth a bit. Oh, and starting the countdown to when Elizabeth Gilbert's next book comes out, of course.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-11827098019929154882009-09-07T22:23:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.939-05:00I just read LAST Sunday's paper<span style="font-family:arial;">So when I say that I had a crazy week, I meant it.<br /><br />It was pretty awesome, though. I got to:<br /><br />- Head up to Napa three times</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Have one of my best friends visit for three days<br /><br />- Play a rousing game of bocce ball at <a href="http://www.diamond-oaks.com/">this winery</a> with two 80 year old Texan women<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SqXQphFf3MI/AAAAAAAAAL4/NDvFZ9GzlBI/s1600-h/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 260px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SqXQphFf3MI/AAAAAAAAAL4/NDvFZ9GzlBI/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378934741638569154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Sell wine <a href="http://www.a16sf.com/">here</a>, <a href="http://www.wellingtonswinebar.com/Home.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.hogislandoysters.com/">here </a><br /><br />- Go on two dates<br /><br />- Sit on a foggy beach for a few hours</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />- And finished the week off with waaaaay too much online shopping and chocolate bar nibbling<br /><br />Ok, ok... enough. This blog has become nothing but a series of lists. That stinks, right? Kinda like this should have:<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SqXQqNfdYRI/AAAAAAAAAMA/glIb-uz7iOY/s1600-h/IMG_0030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 234px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SqXQqNfdYRI/AAAAAAAAAMA/glIb-uz7iOY/s400/IMG_0030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378934753558618386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">But it didn't. It was delicious. Kinda like life right now.<br /><br />Oh my God. What a horrific metaphor. I'm sorry. I'll try to come up with some actual stories to tell soon. I promise.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-70118081936365004262009-08-29T14:59:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.945-05:00Really, what I want right now is...<span style="font-family: arial;">To flounce around in heels at night.<br /><br />To have time for the gym every day, and work on trimming my waist down a bit.<br /><br />To build up my wardrobe more, with a few key and a few fun pieces.<br /><br />To work my way through Entourage and Mad Men with my Netflix account.<br /><br />To kick ass at work.<br /><br />To get back into the rhythm of reading books.<br /><br />To rebuild my savings a bit.<br /><br />To spend quality time with my friends.<br /><br />These are the things that are important to me right now, and how I want to build my days and weeks. If you think you can fit into this program without messing it up, great. If not, leave me alone.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-23940677986714509692009-08-28T12:26:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.953-05:00Things you will always find in my car<span style="font-family: arial;">Since I spend so much time driving for work, it often feels like I live in my car. And maybe I could, considering all of the shit that is in there on a regular basis.<br /><br />- A half full bottle of water<br /><br />- A yoga mat<br /><br />- Small first aid kit<br /><br />- Jumper cables, flares, and a tire patching kit, all in a neat little car emergency kit<br /><br />- Gym towel<br /><br />- Hands free headset/earphones<br /><br />- Hand wipes<br /><br />- Baseball cap<br /><br />- Garmin GPS<br /><br />- A granola bar<br /><br />- Pens<br /><br />- Suntan lotion<br /><br />- A blanket<br /><br />- Book on learning Italian (this really needs to go, I have no idea why it is still in there)<br /><br />Interestingly enough, most of this shit is tucked away pretty neatly. I swear I do not drive the equivalent to a rolling dumpster.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-11919724608006625902009-08-26T20:26:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.959-05:00Ok, probably my favorite picture EVER. Of my whole life. EVER.<span style="font-family:arial;">And I mean that.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SpXhBOQgANI/AAAAAAAAALw/n2KSlAiFAt0/s1600-h/11_deeplysouthern2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SpXhBOQgANI/AAAAAAAAALw/n2KSlAiFAt0/s400/11_deeplysouthern2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374449141459976402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">More pictures of the scrumptious Mac 'n Cheese contest over on <a href="http://www.chow.com/galleries/17?pos=22&start=22&rows=12">Chow.com</a>.</span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-4037328558814872592009-08-26T10:26:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.966-05:00Snag.<span style="font-family: arial;">Lately I can't sleep.<br /><br />I go to sleep just fine, and I've been waking up in the middle of the night for a few hours, and then I'll drift back. I'm not sure what's up. When I was a little girl I had phases of pretty bad insomnia, but it straightened itself out around college and I've been fine ever since. I hope this isn't a precursor that it's coming back...<br /><br />I've been going to bed really early lately, like asleep by ten, and I wake up around 2 or 3, then go back to sleep at some point for a few hours. But if you add up the hours, I'm getting plenty of shut-eye, sooo...<br /><br />Maybe I should force myself to stay up a little bit later. Maybe I should get back into the habit of setting my alarm, so that I know I'll wake up in time once I've back to sleep. Maybe it's no big deal, because even as I sit here writing this, I'm not tired.<br /><br />I suppose we'll see.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-27464790027010742152009-08-24T20:56:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.972-05:00Sorry, y'all<span style="font-family:arial;">I know. I've like, barely posted at all lately. But I've been busy. Doing things like...<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Actually working on a challenging and rewarding job<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Hitting the town with <a href="http://www.sweatsinthecity.wordpress.com/">fabulous friends</a><br /><br />- Making Macaroni 'n Cheese for hundreds of people</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Yes, you read that last one right. On Sunday I had the blessing/curse experience to participate in <a href="http://www.sffoodwars.com/">SF Food Wars's</a> first competition - the Mac 'n Cheese contest. Seriously, everyone should check out the website. This group is too cool. I stupidly got myself involved in the contest thanks to a bit of shit-talking via Twitter, and the next thing you know I had agreed to represent the Southern states by bring a baked mac 'n cheese that included lots of cheddar, sour cream, bacon, and <span style="font-style: italic;">looove</span>, y'all.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Although there were several moments during the planning and execution that I cursed myself for getting myself roped in, the contest itself was a ton of fun. And, added bonus, my recipe will be featured in the <a href="http://www.chow.com/">Chow.com</a> article about the event later this week! Very exciting. Here is a picture of my little station, that featured "Miss Erin's Deeply Southern Mac 'n Cheese".<br /><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SpNODfcBoqI/AAAAAAAAALg/27izKyPnvno/s1600-h/IMG_0366.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SpNODfcBoqI/AAAAAAAAALg/27izKyPnvno/s200/IMG_0366.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373724602268754594" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So, that's about it. Working, cooking, going out, and oh yeah - dating. (Mainly, the person who provided the very beautiful flowers that adorned my station.) Those are the things that have kept me from doing less and less writing and relaxing lately. Which I'm pretty much ok with. Because there has been <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span> time to kick up the footsies.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SpNOC0_cs3I/AAAAAAAAALY/jrh9HdHizzQ/s1600-h/DSC05798.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SpNOC0_cs3I/AAAAAAAAALY/jrh9HdHizzQ/s200/DSC05798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373724590874604402" border="0" /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-19358707935876054962009-08-18T11:47:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.980-05:00Too much<span style="font-family: arial;">I woke up last night at about 3am, bothered by something. My tummy, mainly. I had eaten way too much at dinner last night, and my stomach still felt so full it was difficult to get comfortable in bed. No good.<br /><br />But something else was unsettling. These last few weeks have been great to the point of overwhelming, and I just need a breather. Too much stimulation. Too many new situations. Too much food. Too much wine. Too many social engagements. Too much shopping. Too many emails. Too much to plan for. I don't want to come down from any of the highs I've been experiencing, but I need some kind of break. And furthermore, I feel like kind of a jerk to be complaining right now - I mean, things have truly been awesome. <br /><br />I just need things to level out a bit, I suppose. I had a very rough few months, and then <span style="font-style: italic;">careened</span> into an awesome few months. And while I am incredibly grateful for the awesome few months, I also am craving a bit of a slow down and a return to normal.<br /><br />But with the visitor, event, and job schedule of the next few months, it doesn't look like it's coming anytime soon. Guess I'd just better keep holding on. And stop whining. These are the days.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-70096570077354296012009-08-13T20:48:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.986-05:00What I want to be when I grow up<span style="font-family:arial;">Yeah, my creativity sucks lately. Sooo... I'm blatantly stealing a post idea from <a href="http://www.thisfish.com/">my most favorite blog ever</a>. Here's what I want to be when I grow up:<br /><br />- the Hostess with the Mostess<br />- someone who has a really tight family<br />- still a size 6<br />- out of room for stamps on my passport<br />- someone that friends come to with their problems<br />- a partner<br />- holder of a solid career<br />- a yogi<br />- peaceful<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-84151945311713852172009-08-07T08:53:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:29.999-05:00Grace in Small Things<span style="font-family:arial;">1. Smoky almonds<br /><br />2. First paycheck from new jobs!<br /><br />3. Morning hikes (and an excuse to wear my new hiking boots)<br /><br />4. A schedule that has me back to Flexible Fridays<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">5. This little face</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SnxFSFAxLgI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Cw-RGGHvx-U/s1600-h/IMG_0008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4JpQgmKLrFE/SnxFSFAxLgI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Cw-RGGHvx-U/s200/IMG_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367241032804150786" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-39358108523447302492009-08-07T08:41:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:30.006-05:00This shit is way better than anything I could ever come up with<span style="font-family:arial;">One of my besties is constantly regaling a group of us with the crap that goes on in his office space. Here is an email from yesterday:<br /><br /></span><div id="readMsgBodyContainer" class="ReadMsgBody BorderTop" onclick="return Control.invoke('ReadingPane', '_onBodyClick', event);"> <div class="ExternalClass" id="MsgContainer"> <div style="font-family: arial;">"Background Info - We have a coffee machine in the office that makes individual cups of coffee and tea. Next to this machine is a case of drawers that hold the various coffee and tea packets. (a pic is attached)<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">So amusing event of the morning...<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">Our office admin comes up to my desk: Jason, would like to start ordering the coffee and tea from now on?<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">I'm like RANDOM!!!!!!!!!! And with my usual smirk I respond - Well I hardly ever drink it and I'm on the road most of the time. Maybe Martin (co-worker) would like to do it, you could ask him.<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">Admin (mad b/c I'm not taking her seriously) -ARE YOU THE ONE REARRANGING THE COFFEE AND TEA DRAWERS?<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">Me (No Idea what she's talking about) - No, that was Brent. (random guy in the office)<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">Admin (practically yelling) SOMEONE HAS DONE IT TWICE THIS WEEK! WHO EVER IS RE-ARRANGING THE COFFEE AND TEA, CAN ORDER IT FROM NOW ON. THE SUMATRA WAS WHERE THE JASMINE TEA WAS, THE TEA WAS WHERE THE KONA COFFEE WAS, AND THE KONA WAS WHERE THE SUMATRA WAS! AND LAST WEEK SOMEONE MOVED THE SUGARS!<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">At this point a crowd has gathered and I make the fatal mistake of laughing.....<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">She, fully perturbed, announces/screams to the whole floor. WELL I THOUGHT IT WAS JASON, SINCE HE'S A JOKESTER, BUT WHOEVER IS RE-ARRANGING THE COFFEE AND TEA BETTER STOP IT!!!! OR ELSE THEY CAN ORDER THE COFFEE AND TEA FROM NOW ON!!!!! I'M TIRED OF THIS. THEY'VE BEEN MOVED TWICE THIS WEEK, SO STOP IT!<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">For their safety, the gathered crowd has now taken cover.<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">She storms off. Although innocent - I'm officially persona non grata with her! lol<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">Needless to say we've all been gossiping like little school girls as to:<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;">1) why rearranging the display would totally fuck up the reordering process?<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;">2) who would feel the need to rearrange the display to fuck with the admin?<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;">3) who outed me to the admin as being the likely suspect? - We have figured this out. It was Harlee (that's right, her name is Harlee). She told the admin that when our group is on the road, Me and Martin are the pranksters. So it must have been me or him.<br /><br /></div> <div style="font-family: arial;"> </div> <div style="font-family: arial;">So this led to question #4) why did she yell at me and not Martin?"</div> </div> <div id="PhotoAttachments" class="ThemedLinkContainer"><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="padding-bottom: 8px;" aidx="0" adepth="0"><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://co109w.col109.mail.live.com/att/GetAttachment.aspx?tnail=0&messageId=528e9c4d-de2d-4468-ae27-1784dd38f2ec&Aux=44%7C0%7C8CBE4DDA679EB80%7C" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" onclick="return Control.invoke('ReadingPane', '_onAttachmentClick', event);" height="300" width="300" /> <br /></div><br /> </div> </div> </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-29535680727619681172009-08-06T11:17:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:30.014-05:00My happy dance<span style="font-family: arial;">I can always sort of gauge my level of personal satisfaction with my life with one thing - am I singing along to the radio in my car? When I'm brooding and unhappy I usually just drive along, giving not much thought to what is playing on the radio. When I'm in a really good place, I'm singing along to pop music, driving with the windows down, and generally reveling in the freedom and release I feel.<br /><br />Lately, I've been singing along for sure, and I've even noticed a new development - dancing in my apartment. Boogie-ing to Michael Jackson while I get ready to go out, blasting the radio as I blow dry my hair, hell, last night I even caught myself shaking my booty a little bit to an upbeat commercial on the TV.<br /><br />So I guess life is pretty good right now. Happy dances all around.<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-16974521396184020172009-08-05T10:40:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:30.022-05:00Fabulous Foodie Week<span style="font-family: arial;">Right now I am three days into a week that basically sums up the entire reason that I moved here to the Bay Area. <br /><br />Already happened...<br /><br />Tuesday night - Glasses of wine at <a href="http://www.bin38.com/">Bin 38</a>. We started off with the Seghesio Arneis, which was bright and lively with a really nice weight on the palate, and moved onto a Vermentino (name of the producer I didn't catch). Then we scooted down Chestnut Street to <a href="http://www.a16sf.com/">A 16</a>, which is definitely one of the hottest foodie spots in the country right now. We sat at the bar and shared a pizza with olives, anchovies, and hot peppers, along with a bottle of juicy red wine from Mt. Vesuvius (again, I'm bad about remembering names of producers...) and lamb meatballs. The bartender treated us to a strawberry and ricotta filled crepe for dessert that was to die for. The conversation was lively, and the food and wine were amazing. All in all a great evening.<br /><br />And planned...<br /><br />Thursday - drinks in Napa with a wine-pro girlfriend who I haven't seen in months. We get to catch up on our various romantic scandals, I get to finally hear about the few months she spent in New Zealand this spring working a harvest, and we'll sip and nibble our way through downtown Napa, one glass at a time.<br /><br />Friday - Already have tickets lined up to see <a href="http://www.julieandjulia.com/">Julie and Julia</a>. To say that I cannot wait is a ridiculous understatement. I can barely even watch the previews, I feel such a strong connection to this movie. I absolutely devoured both of the books that it is based on when they first came out, and profoundly loved them both. My and my girls (Jason and Rodrigo, natch) are seeing a 7:15 show at a theater that allows drinks inside - as all should - and then heading out for French food and wine at <a href="http://mylifeinvino.blogspot.com/search?q=elite+cafe">one of our favorite spots</a> afterwards.<br /><br />Sunday - Dinner at <a href="http://www.saisonsf.com/">Saison</a>, the new Sunday-night-only hot spot in the Mission. Run by two up-and-coming San Fransicso hot shots, the reservations are hard to get, the food is supposed to be amazing, and the buzz is huge. Added bonus - my dinner companion is all for dressing up for the occasion. I can't wait to slip into my heels and really enjoy making an event out of a random Sunday night.<br /><br />And now I'm off to the gym. So that I'll look pretty in my dress on Sunday. Happy foodie-ing, everyone!<br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15450171.post-13122911673332452902009-08-02T12:44:00.000-05:002010-05-22T15:50:30.030-05:00Grace in Small Things<span style="font-family:arial;">1. The phrase "take the paper" in lieu of reading or subscribing to the paper<br /><br />2. Treating myself to an afternoon chick flick<br /><br />3. Really feeling ok when something you knew was going to happen finally does<br /><br />4. Taking a few hours to slowly get your apartment back in order after a whirlwind few days left it looking like a bomb went off inside<br /><br />5. Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark" album<br /><br /><br /></span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994551716906072073noreply@blogger.com0