Love getting surprise packages in the mail. A cool bag for the beach from Just Jenn as a thank you.

 


Song Stuck In My Head:"Kokomo" by The Beach Boys

I had some time last night to put the finishing touches on my portion of Believe for Collective Souls, while Niel went to hang with Mr. Squilky. I did two pages and had a good deal of fun with it. I hope to get better at this.

 


 


Song Stuck In My Head: "Waiting Room" by Fugazi

Niel played for his company's softball team this Spring/Summer. It's something he's always wanted to do. His team's last game was yesterday. I want to about half of the games to cheer him on. Niel really loves the game and did not miss one. I'm very proud of him. Pics here.

 


Song Stuck In My Head: "Speed of Sound" by Coldplay

While Baklava is Niel's favorite Armenian pastry, Taluba is mine. Or more commonly known as Talumba. Taluba is a light, soft yet crispy honey confectionery that I don't get to eat too often. Because it is very difficult to make, Taluba is only served at special occasions. I sometimes find them at Armenian baby showers and then oh my those few moments of devouring them are bliss. I did find some at a bakery near an appointment I had the other day. I went inside the bakery because they advertised an ATM sign. When I told the cashier her ATM was out of service I noticed Taluba in their glass cabinet. I think the Fates made that ATM out of service on purpose. You see it had been too long since I hate enjoyed a good Taluba. I was shocked but not surprised at the price per pound $14.99. Yes that is how much work Taluba takes to be make and is also why it is heavily priced. There is also a special contraption Armenian housewives use, one which I have not personally found, yet is needed to crank out the special shape. And two people are needed to make it. Because while one is pushing out the shape out from the mechanism, the other is making sure it lasts only a few moments in the hot oil. One can be standing at a hot stove for hours. But in the end, it is so worth eating. I went to find another ATM while wondering to myself why did they sell Taluba in this neighborhood, then I saw the golden dome of St. Vartan's Armenian Apostolic Church. And it all made sense. They make them because sometimes after services people come into the bakery to buy the Taluba and other assorted pastries. I hurriedly found another ATM, took out my copay and another amount and went off to my appointment. Afterwards I brought a few pieces of Taluba to share with Niel. A pound of even this wondeful pastry was too much. After leaving the bakery I explored St. Vartan's gift shop and noticed before going in, that the park directly across the church was named after the church. While in the gift shop I got to use my Armenian a bit with a stranger and I did pretty well for myself. It felt a bit homey to be surrounded by the books, tapes, cd's, Armenian Orthodox crosses, jams, Armenian flags, magnets and DVD's. I felt like I had walked through a little portal to a little place in my heart I keep for Armenia. For that small time in the gift shop I did not feel like the strange foreign little girl that I sometimes still feel like, even though I've been in America for about 25 years. Although I never left New York that afternoon I did feel like I had visited my birthplace.

 


Song Stuck In My Head: "Dear Prudence" by Siouxsie and the Banshees(redone)

It was a nice low key weekend. Friday evening we enjoyed dinner at Johnny Rockets. They have good chili cheese fries. And then we walked around Barnes and Nobles to settle our full stomachs. Saturday morning I met my mom at a local mall to help her shop for her upcoming trip to California. After I returned home Niel and I proceeded to run some errands and then we noticed the car was leaking some fluid and decided to take the car to the mechanic for some minor and inexpensive repairs. We stopped by Niel's mom's house for a little bit and then decided to do our errands by foot. The weather was pleasantly cool. We then came home and had nice dinner of roast lamb, mashed squash and salad. And for dessert berries!!! Sunday I participated at a local craft show. I hadn't been to one in a while and decided to try at it again. All in all a good weekend.

But the nice weekend turned sad when I heard the news of the bombing in Egypt. My heart goes to the people who are suffering and to those who are actually trying to stop those monsters.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Manic Monday" by The Bangles

Sometimes there is nothing that hits the spot better then surf and turf.

 


Music Stuck In My Head is from Conga dancing. I have no idea why. LOL.

Just saw on CNN that there were four more bombings in London. I am so very sorry for them and wish this would all go away.

I forgot to post about Father's Day this year instead of going out Niel and I went to my parents. My dad barbecued and my mom made some great side dishes. She also used some flowers from her garden as the table centerpiece. They have a variety of flowers and plants such as sunflowers, Iris, violets, Hyacinth and grape tomatoes. For dessert my mom made strawberry jello, flan and we brought over mini cherry cheesecakes. My brother was there so we got to hang out a bit. Jakop is a happy go lucky, genuine person. And very introspective. He's a busy lad these days. He has a place of his own, two jobs, a side project with some of his friends, and his lovely girlfriend. I'm happy he is finally coming into his own. My dad had a good day. Pics here.

Niel and I watched So You Think You Can Dance last night. Not as entertaining as Idol.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Rio" by Duran Duran.

A few weeks back Niel and I were invited to our friend Isabel's birthday potluck picnic in Prospect Park,Brooklyn. A very lovely park with loads of activities and a large lawn. The party was a lot of fun. There was a varieties of foods from Isabel's native country of Bolivia, Indian cuisine brought by her friend Sharin and Ameen, and various cookies and cakes for dessert. Niel and I made mini Moroccan Lamb pies, mini Thai chicken sausage rolls, mini spicy pork quesqudillas, and cupcakes for her party. After eating, we played frisbee for a while and then some softball. We had a really good time. Pics here.

Today is also the 36th anniversary of the first moon landing. Amazing. Seems so long ago but its really not. We've made such progress but at the same time still so much to learn.

Song Stuck In My Head:"Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS

Update: There are dancers on top of my building. Calvin Klein is promoting a new scent and there'd DJ's and dancers just boogying.

And across the street Red Robin is giving out free Speckled lemonade. Either they're going public because it's infront of the Nasdaq building or there will be a store opening up in New York City.

These are the times I wish I had a camera phone. I won't carry our new camera with us.

No movies for us this weekend. In between cleaning and laundry Niel and I managed to squeeze in some fun. Much easier to get chores done when two people work as a team.

Saturday we went Blueberry and Raspberry picking at Wickham's Fruit Farm. It was our first time berry picking. And it was a lot of fun! My gosh that area of New York is so breathtaking. There was so much nature, farms, trees, ponds, cute houses and shops. It's always nice to get out of the city a bit. Too bad its so far from the work we need and the real estate is so pricey. Otherwise it looked like paradise.

The berries tasted so much better than what we get on the fruit stand and a gazillion times better than the supermarket. We picked two containers each. We were thinking of baking something with it, but since they taste so good as is we'll probably just eat them fresh.

The farm also had some lovely vegetables and cheeses. Depending on the weather and the season there is also peach, apple, pumpkin, cherry and strawberry picking. Must go back next year for cherry and strawberry.

After our picking we drove through the little town which has also been over taken by corporate giants such as Wal-Mart, Target, BJ's. And since Tanger outlets was so close by we went to the Gap and Old Navy outlets before driving back home.

Even though it was a day trip, it really felt a bit longer I guess cause we did a few different things.

After a rest back at our place we had a delicious sushi dinner with my brother and his lovely girlfriend Christine. My parents and I really like her and hope they stay together forever.

Sunday we went to the Mets game. Also a lot of fun and since we were under an awning we were not affected by the sporadic rain. We ate yummy ball park food and cheered the Mets on. Happily they won.

Here are pics of our weekend.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Free Falling" by Tom Petty

Today is my two year Bloggerversary. I didn't know what to expect when I started this little blog of mine. Mostly I just wanted to write. I didn't actually think that anyone besides my husband would read it, but that I would also meet interesting people. And learn a bit about them as well as learn from them. Their joys and sorrows. Their quest for having babies, travel to far away places, moving to new homes and states, stories about precocious children, exchanging recipes and participate in various crafty pursuits. Even though these people I've come to call my bloggy pals are across the country and world, and I can only access them online, I welcome the time each day that I get to visit their sites.

 


On two separate notes Family Guy is the best TV show, especially last night's episode. Did anyone see it? Also Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle, is the funniest film I've seen in a while. It really surprised me.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Big Time" by The Soundtrack Of Our Lives

I forgot to mention a few weeks back when I was talking about cornmeal that another thing I use cornmeal for is frying fish. I only fry white fish and the cornmeal gives the fish a much lighter flavor than flour does. Plus a pretty color. Goes great wtih a cold bean salad, or a relatively cold potato and dill salad.

 


Song Stuck In My Head:"Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac

Niel and I went to the San Genero/Mt. Carmel Festival in Williamsburg, Brooklyn last night. We try to attend it yearly. It's our favorite street fair. There is delcious greasy street fair food to be eaten(my beloved roasted corn has been replaced with corn pancakes(Aerepas) with melted Mozzeralla in the middle. SINFUL!), crowds like you won't believe, hard to win games, rickety rides, and of course the Giglio. The Giglio is over a 300 year tradition in Italy and the past century in communities throughout the greater New York, where 125 men carry an ornate Five-Ton, Five-Story, Hand-Sculptured Tower and a 12- piece Brass Band on their shoulders dancing it through the fair in tempo to happy Italian music. It is an anuual celebration to honor faith, folk-art and family. The faith part is to specifically honor a Roman Catholic Saint, San Paolino di Nola and his heroic act of sacrifice & valor in the ancient Italian city of Nola in the year 409 AD. For pics click here.

 



Song Stuck In My Head: "Dominic the Donkey"

It's really nice to come home and there are packages waiting to be opened.

I received Believe the other day from Stephanie and along with it a lovely Raindrop because it's apparently very rainy in Portland. I FINALLY have an idea for Believe and am very excited about participating in all the journals. I think Spring Fling is coming to me soon from Amanda. Hee hee. Look at all the lovely pages of Believe that talented bloggers put together. And I get to participate in it. Yay for Creative Souls!

Rain Drop from Stephanie 


And inside of the first book of Believe I found a cool book mark from Jes who thought of various journals being put together from bloggers all over the country and world. Cool huh.

 


The next was a thank you print and awesome waffle recipe from Tammy! The kitty is darling!

 


Leslie also sent a little thank you for participating in her contest. A plum bag!

 


Have to say I thought it was classy of Major League Baseball to have a moment of silence for London at last night's game. They also played Britain's national anthem and hung their flag.

And kudos to John Stewart for putting the London bombings in perspective and admonishing the television shows who made the tragic events be about us, when the focus should completely be about London.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Bad, Bad Man" by John Cena

As mentioned previously the Saturday before I left Niel and I went to the annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, Brooklyn. It was our first time there and it was a very neat experience. We ate yummy Nathan's Hot Dogs(our first time eating them in Coney Island) and enjoyed the festivities. We heard that Buster Pointdexter was the King of the Parade, although we didn't see him. There were loads of people in their underwater costumes; such as mermaids(of course), sharks, crabs, whales, but also various organizations also walked in the parade. There were punks, goths, the polar bear club where we saw Holly's brother Jay (nice guy), and a few naked chickies. All in all it was a good time and I do recommend it. Pics here.

 


Song Stuck In My Head: "Don't phunk with my heart" by The Black Eyed Peas

It was a good weekend. I was so giddy just waiting for the weekend to come. I always am though.

Saturday Niel and I ran some errands and got to see Fantastic Four. It was pretty good film for its genre. It moved a bit slow at times for me and I thought Dr. Doom should have had an accent to go along with the fake country he's from, but overall good. And the best character I thought was The Thing. He was just so tortured. And had some yummy smoothie at a new place we found.

Sunday we went to a birthday party for our friend's Anna and Harry's son. He turned one. And is just too cute. I realized after being around some babies that most don't care about all the cool toys available to them. The parents do more. I know I had fun playing with his toys a bit. He just enjoyed crawling around and touching things like the remote control, phone and being cuddled.

Their were a good variety of guests. There was a couple who had a four year old daughter (who loved a rocking horse in Anna an Harry's apartment), a couple who just had a baby, a couple who just got married, Niel and me who don't have kids, a couple who're dating, and of course Anna and Harry who have a one year old. Their son really had a crush on the four year old. He would just light up around her. It was a fun afternoon of party food and Taboo playing.

On the reality show front we watched a bit of The Princes of Malibu. And I had to stop after a few minutes because I was getting as angry as the father on the show. And they weren't even my kids. I'm sure the dad doesn't always want to be a hard ass, but the wife never backs him up and is constantly spoiling the sons who should by now be able to take care of themselves since they're 21 and 24. And I highly doubt they are only spoiled because they are rich. They're just spoiled. I've known plenty of middle class people who have kids as spoiled. I knew someone in high school who now can't take care of herself, because her attitude was and most likely still is "my parents had me so they have to take care of me." Uh no. Those boys will pretty much be ruined because they don't wish to be productive members of society. They don't bring any money into the house. I mean if you don't have jobs at least pick up after yourself, do your own laundry and cook for yourself. The mom doesn't enforce the rules her husband tries to instill. She just babies them. They just spend and think the money will last forever. And it might, but the parents worked for it. The boys throw it away. I dislike moochers who make every excuse and blame everyone else for their bad behavior. No thank you to that show. I like having my blood pressue low.

A show I will be watching is Hogan knows best. I love wrestling ever since I was little and my favorite wrestler then was Hulk Hogan. So I find his show fun to watch. The first episode was about his daughter going on a date and him being the protective dad. On a side note his house is gorgeuse. It is one of the few nicest wealthy person's homes I've seen. I love how the beams in the ceiling show and the hunter green cabinets in the kitchen. I think the show is more of a platform to help get his daughter's singing career going.

We also caught a bit of Clerks on TV. Still a great movie.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Used to love her" by Guns N Roses

London is a city I have always wanted to visit ever since high school when I fell in love with bands from England. Such as The Beatles, The Cure, The Clash, and Echo and The Bunnymen (to name a few.)

Besides the rich music I've loved the various accents, their different words for elevator (lift), and apartment (flat), fries (chips), their rich culture and many sites to see. And I hope someday to still visit the lovely city.

But right now my heart is sad for this incredible city. I thought the tragic news had to be a mistake!? I thought the reporter meant to say Iraq. It's terrible to admit but I had gotten immune to constantly hearing about Iraq's fatalities. But London? It hadn't had such problems in a while.

May this never happen again, anywhere.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Yesterday" by The Beatles

My grandmother has the smartest little dog in the world. His name is Hercules and he is three years old. He is half Italian Spinoni and Chihuahua. His body shape is Chihuahua but his fur is Spinoni. In the picture below they had shaved him because it is a bit hotter now in California. Hercules is quite cute and not just physically. He knows how to play catch and will let you know when he wants to by bringing you the ball and then leading you to the door. I guess that is the Spinoni part of him, enjoying going after something. He had me wrapped around his paw, because I would play with him everyday. When he barks he puts a ball in his mouth so he is not too noisy. Hercules had no training, he's just naturally smart. He barks at strangers first unless he gets to know you then he'll try to get you to play ball with him. Hercules hates people on bikes because he was run over by one and is terrified of flies. He loves to drive around in the car like most dogs do, but doesn't enjoy eating. He rather nibble throughout the day. Hercules did enjoy our daily walks through his neighborhood and used to stop at one particular gate to say hello to his doggy friend Meano. Meano is a Bull Mastif. I used to be particular to larger dogs before I met Hercules, but now I like both types equally. I miss you Hercules.

 



Forgot to mention it before but my review of Sin City got published. Please read it here if you have a minute. Thanks.

Song Stuck In My Head:"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison

I was pretty set on using Song as the airline I would fly to California to. Niel and I had used Song previously when we visited Seattle a few years ago, so I was familiar with it. And for an inexpensive airline, it really has nice perks. The stewardess give hot towels to clean your hands and each seat has its own television. One can watch movies, or tv with over 24 channels to choose fro(Food Network yes!), or play games against the other flyers. In case Delta (which is its parent company) switched me to a Delta plane I was prepared with two books and my Ipod for the long flight. Ok enough of my endorsement.

 


Song Stuck In My Head: "Come Fly With Me" by Frank Sinatra

It's difficult to grasp being back at work after all those lovely days off. Before I left Niel and I went to the Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn. More on that Friday. California was very relaxing. I stayed with my grandmother, uncle, his wife, their three kids and dog. It was more of a visiting trip then a siteseeing one, since I had been to California atleast twice previously. Coming back to New York felt like I moved here from California though. Niel says because I lived in some one's house(without having the responsibilities of paying rent and bills) and did everyday things and not really site see. I did help out with the dishes, the dog and vacuuming though. I wanted to be useful since they housed and fed me for a few days. I did get to see Universal Studios with my cousins on Monday, eat all you can eat Sushi, go to a cool department store, visit my favorite aunt, see a new mall and just enjoy the company of my family. And Niel did a great job of keeping the apartment clean while I was away. I was proud. Some pics of my trip can be found here. I made a list to summarize my trip.

The apartments in California are much nicer and there are more for rent signs than NYC.

The houses are colorful, cute and mostly ranch style.

LA traffic stinks.

Carl Jr's burgers sort of taste like Burger King.

My grandma loves the Jerry Springer Show, CBS soaps and watching rastling!

I missed Niel loads! Thank goodness for phones!

Except for Carl Jr.'s eating lots of healthy foods such as feta, tarragon, tomatoes, tabouli, whole wheat bread, and Armenian cold cuts.

The Burbank Mall is nicer than the Westfield/Fashion Square Mall.

I love that no matter where you look one can see mountains in LA.

There are mobile veggie/fruit stands that drove through daily my grandmother's neighborhood

LA is very hazy.

The weather is great. Very cool at night and warm but not humid during the day.

There are variety of fast food joints! One's we have in NYC that LA also had McDonald's, IHOP, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chinese, Mexican, and Thai. And one's we don't have in NYC that LA had, Dairy Queen, Carl Jr's, Jack In The Box, In & Out, Sonic, and Denny's.

My aunt really knows how to pack a suitcase well.

Ross's beats Marshalls and TJ Maxx any day!

I love Odd Lots!

I fell for a little dog named Hercules. Sometimes I think he's still behind me with a ball in his mouth ready to play catch.

My aunt and I trying to get a large package in her car.

It was funny to hear my name called so many times and the person was not looking for me. There are so many Armenians in LA!

I found a place that serves Mexican and Armenian food.

The high schools in LA are much bigger than New York City.

I'll remember laughing with my aunt in her car while driving back from somewhere, as I held Hercules in my lap in the front seat. His ears flapping in the wind while he barked at people.

My grandma loves to pop bubble wrap!

Universal was cool but I am a Disney girl!

The entire trip felt like a dream now that I am back.

Song Stuck In My Head: "It's Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" by Boys To Men

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!!

Update:
4th of July was fun. Niel and I briefly ran an errand in the morning, afterwards dropped by my parents and then went to my mother in laws for a bbq. We brought over some chocolate devil food's cup cakes, Italian sausage and potato salad. Niel's brother Mike, Kelvin and his girlfriend Shawnda was there. She's nice. Niel and I like her. Shawnda is originally from Wisconsin and had brought some Cheese Curd with her. I had heard about Cheese Curd previously, but had never had the opportunity to try it. I was excited. Shawnda brought two kinds, a garlic flavored white cheese and cheddar. Both were yummy! Very mild in flavor. The boys grilled up some burgers, hot dogs, and sausages. We then sat around eating while Ripley went from one person to another trying to get some human food. I finally succumb to his big eyes. I really cannot wait till Niel and I have a home of our own. I have so many bbq recipes I would love to try. After a while we came home and watched the Macy's fireworks display. Not that we haven't been listening to what sounds like small bombs going off in our neighborhood for the past few weeks already, but with barely any fireworks to show for. Just noise. They start celebrating America's birthday early in Queens. Niel and I are able to see the Macy's fireworks from our apartment, so it is a treat. My favorites were the stars, porcupines, happy faces and circles. Pics here. Will post about California tomorrow.

 

Also from Lisa's blog. I prefer Strawberry daiquiris though.






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