Although Mardi Gras went off without a hitch this year, Niel, remembers when he visited there in college, the French Quarter was always a more well to do area then the other neighborhoods. So he wasn't surprised the event was able to happen again even after Hurricane Katrina. My coworker who recently returned from a business trip to the Big Easy says there are still many people and neighborhoods who still need a lot of help. One way is to donate to The New Orleans Public Library. If you have any gently used books you are looking to get rid of please consider them.


Song Stuck In My Head: I do not know the name. I think its Bob Dylan.

Craving: People not to be such dumb asses.

The weekend was good. Ran errands, did laundry, cleaned apartment. Saw my parents and brother on Sunday. My mom and I watched the Food Network while Niel, my dad and brother fixed my dad's dartboard and then they played some darts. They were going to play Poker too but then more company came because of my grandmother so Niel and I took my brother home. They were giddy that we got a new car. My brother and his girlfriend went away for President's Day weekend and brought us back a little souvenir. We got some pizza from Pizza Hut. Niel mentioned he wanted to try the new Cheesy Bites pizza and then it got stuck in my head so we got some. I wonder though why do the franchise pizza companies spend so much money on gimmicks for consumers to buy their pizza instead of just making good pizza like the guy down the block. But I did fall for it because we purchased the chain pizza. The dough and the cheesy bites portion I liked but the sauce and pepperoni were iffy. I also tried Entenmann's Marble loaf and I wasn't impressed either. I used to looove Marble cake when I was little, that and Sara Lee's Strawberry Short Cake. I must admit something if I already have not. I love watching the Disney Channel. I guess its a given since I love Disney in general. There are a few shows I would like to recommend yes I know the network is kid centric but I really like Phil of the Future. although I fear it will get cancelled like Even Stevens. And a new one I found Life With Derek. It's actually a Canadian show that Disney also airs. It's about this family who is brought together by marriage, that is the closest similarity to the Brady Bunch. The mom has two daughters, the dad has two sons and a little girl. Both parents work and everyone is trying to adjust to their new life together. And I hope these rumors I am hearing that Showtime will pick up Arrested Development are true. I hope they give it a chance, unlike Dead Like me. Sniff.



Song Stuck In My Head: "Candy Girl" by New Edition

Craving: For this bitter cold wind to stop!!

Why Weekends Are Good:

* Eager to spend time with my wonderful Niel. He is my refuge. Happy to share a story with him because he's my friend.
* Wearing Christmas gifts that make me feel lovely
* Eating yummy leftovers all weekend
* Waking up earily to accomplish many tasks

So Wednesday night I started feeling sick. I don't normally get sick often. The Gods must have pity on me since I seem to have my fair share of other medical ailments. Niel recommended I try his Coldeeze. Luckily we had some in the medicine cabinet from his last bout with the sniffles. He purchased some soup for us(egg drop for me, wonton for him) and we sat on the couch and watched Myth Busters as I let the Coldeeze do its magic. Next morning I was feeling much better. That stuff is amazing. However the pesky germ was a fighter and at work I started feeling gross again. I had a fever and the worst sore throat. Actually not the worst. I have had strep before and that is the worst sore throat EVER. About two I left work and went home to rest and remedicate myself. Again I have to praise Coldeez because although you are sick you never feel sick, until you miss a dose that is and then you're back to feeling like poop. So right now I am feeling well, knock wood and will go into work. So if you feel the beginnings of a cold take Coldeeze. No they are not paying me for my blogammercial but I would welcome any free Coldeeze.



Song Stuck In My Head: "City of Blinding Lights" by U2

Craving: To be home

I've stumbled upon a wonderful food mixture melted cheese on Challah bread. The sweetness of the bread goes beautifully with the cheddar. I was ordering breakfast one morning to eat at work and I asked for bacon, egg and cheese on a roll. The man at the counter gave me Challah bread instead. Again I did not realize this till I got to work. I think it may have been the first time I tried Challah. It was amazing. The egg and bacon kept falling off but cheese being sticky kept itself nicely on the bread. It was heaven. A nice option to white bread. A happy accident. I've also heard it is a good bread to use if you are making French Toast.



Song Stuck In My Head: "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper

Craving: For it to be Friday!

Enjoying: Egg Drop Soup and Myth Busters

Although I brown bag 99% of the time I am excited to say I found two new dining options near my office in case I don't bring in my lunch one day. Well one I have eaten previously at (Teriyaki Boy) but then they closed down. They now have relocated a few blocks away. Still delicious! The second place is Better Burger. I had heard about this burger joint from my friend Isabel and wanted to try it. The food is organic and their menu offers burgers, hot dogs, fries, soup, salad, dessert, smoothies, coffee, juice, regular soft drinks(with multi filtered water) and salads. You can choose a beef burger, turkey burger, ostrich or veggie burger. I recently went and ordered a turkey burger, fries and a soft drink. I thought it was odd the sodas come in Styrofoam cups because surely a place that has organic food would also be considerate about the environment but apparently their Styrofoam does not have any CFCs. Anyway I was accidentally given a beef burger. I was back at my office by this time and didn't care to shlep back. So I ate it. I have no problem with beef. I just grew accustomed to the taste of ground turkey. Their burgers and fries sort of taste like Burger Kings do. I don't expect organic to taste any better but for a ten dollar meal maybe they could also add a few more seasonings?
















Song Stuck In My Head: "Now Mary" by The White Stripes

Craving: To always appreciate what I have

I'm not a huge fan of drinks that are not water. On the rare occasion I do drink something that is not water it will be either Coke/Pepsi, Welches grape Soda, limeaid, or cranberry juice. But I do like to try new things. Where am I going with this tangent? I was in the grocery store when I noticed that Snapple released an apple pie flavored drink called Snapple Pie. It is pretty authentic tasting but yet again too sweet for me and Niel. I wish I had found it around Thanksgiving as another drink option. Thought you should know about Snapple Pie.



Song Stuck In My Head: "La Isla Bonita" by Madonna

Craving: My neck shots to work

The weekend was good although it went by a bit too quickly. I am at work today. Presidents Day is considered a floating holiday in my office. We can choose to come in and take the day off on another day. Friday night I did a bit of cleaning then fell asleep early, Saturday we ran errands and then went to a birthday party for one of Niel's aunts on his father's side. She turned 85! She is a sweet lady. The food was really good at the catering hall they chose and we found parking which is unusual in Brooklyn. Niel got to see some of his extended family members and commented he had a nice time. Sunday we went to look for a new winter coat for me again. I've been looking with no luck. I know I am a bit late since Spring items are in stores already but I did get lucky. Niel suggested one more spot after searching for a couple of hours and we found my new coat at 85% off because it was reduced from the sale rate online, at my new favorite store Fashion Bug! I normally am an Old Navy girl but lately the sales and cute items I have been finding at Fashion Bug have persuaded me to shop there. The coat is pretty and warm. The old coat I had for about three years and was just worn out. We then went home and watched the two new Netflix movies that came in the mail. And Indian movie called Dus and The Transporter 2. When I was little my mom and I would watch Asian soap operas from India, Japan, Korea, etc. She worked during the week and so the weekends we would watch the only soap operas on TV and they were the international ones. So one Saturday a few months ago I was channel surfing and found and Indian music video channel and Niel looked up from whatever he was doing at the moment when the video Dus came on. We were so transfixed with this video that every now and then we break out into this wacky version of the song. So Niel found that the video was made for the movie Dus and he put it on our Netflix queue. Anyway the movie was really really good. Of course we saw it with subtitles. Dus is action packed, with a bit of romance, a very good plot and some funny/cheesy scenes and one scene with singing. As the case with most Bollywood films singing is always mandatory. I highly recommend the film. The Transporter 2 was good also. Entertaining but had the same plot as Transporter one. Tough guy with a heart of gold saving a little kid from the bad guys.
I forgot to mention Valentine's. Although it is hip not to like Valentine's Day, the greeting cards companies have such a hold over me that we do celebrate it. After work Niel and I met at the bus stop where he gave me lovely tulips. Then we got off at the stop for the Japanese restaurant in our neighborhood and enjoyed a tasty meal of Miso soup, a shared salad, both came with the combo, Shumai, Gyoza, shared a Sushi& Sashimi combo for one, and chicken cutlet Domburi. After a nice walk home to relieve our expanded bellies we exchanged gifts. Here are my lovely presents plus this cupcake and cookie stencils and here are my gifts to Niel, minus a shirt I got him which is in the laundry. Heh heh. I also got a splendid Valentines package from the sweet Jessica. I am grateful! We also finally purchased a car. It is a Honda Civic. We named him Max and are enjoying it greatly. I hope we can keep him running well, clean and damage/scuff free. I am happy we finally purchased a new car. Tine to tighten our belts even more. This dealership was so much nicer than the last place. But I am very sad to say good bye to our old car Duke. We had him almost a decade and have plenty of good memories with him.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Island In The Sun" by Weezer

Craving: An unsore bum

Stupid Story of The Week: The Wolf Guards The Hen House

I normally don't enjoy meatloaf and have trouble cooking it as well. But the premade meatloaf from Tyson is really delicious. I was licking the plate clean. Ok too much info.



Song Stuck In My Head: "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.(shut up Niel :)~)

Craving: For The Office never to end.

Is it wrong to love office supply stores? It's a place where I can find neat items for organization and drool over cute knick knacks like below! Yes I know I'm sick.





Song Stuck In My Head: "Daysleeper" by REM

Craving: Less bills hahahahahahahah

Jess tagged me with this four meme that has been circulating.


4 Jobs in my Life
All 4 have been in sales


4 Films I could see a million times
So many to choose. This is difficult.
Never ending Story
Legend
Princess Bride
Emma



4 Places I lived
Yerevan Armenia
Various New York counties and boroughs



4 TV Series I really like to watch
Gilmore Girls
The Office(American version)
My Name is Earl
Scrubs



4 Places I've spent my holidays
Seattle, Washington
Victoria, B.C.
Disney World
Lake George, New York



4 Favorite Foods
Sushi
Anything cheesy
Indian
Anything from my childhood



4 Websites I visit every day
My own
My husbands
Yahoo
My links


4 Places I’d love to be right now (instead of *here*)
Anywhere with Niel
At home
At the movies
A trip to Europe


4 People who should do this
Niel and whoever else wants to


For Yvett . First 10 songs on my Ipod Shuffle.

Yesterday - The Beatles

Catch My Fall - Billy Idol

Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley

Dead Leaves and The Dirty Ground - White Stripes

Just Like Heaven - The Cure

Gossip Folks - Missy Elliot

Aerials - System of A Down

Stand By Your Man - Dixie Chicks

Synthesizer - Electric Six

Sweetest Thing - U2


Also keep forgetting to mention with everything going on but All Things Girl February edition is out.


Song Stuck In My Head: "I Want To Go Home" by Ryan Adams
Craving: Melted snow

Happy Valentines Day all. Hope everyday is as wonderful as today is expected to be. Well New York City got the worst snow storm in its history. 27 inches of snow fell. 27 inches!!!! In anticipation of not being able to do much because of the snow we stocked up on supplies during the week and cozied ourselves in for TV and movie watching. Watching the Olympics is fantastic! We also cleaned and did stuff we had been delaying because the winter had been so mild. Niel and I also went sledding. That was a fun snow activity! Pictures
here.



Song Stuck In My Head: Dominick The Donkey

Craving: For my appointment to go well.

Thank you again to all of those who left sweet comments, emailed, called or sent cards. I really appreciate your thoughtful acknowledgments. I know I will never get over the loss of my grandmother but it will get a little easier each day. I know I am lucky to have had a grandparent for so long and it was an honor to know her. I will miss my her greatly. The weekend was spent saying goodbye, mostly being at my parents home and seeing my mom's side of the family, their friends and sitting around and reminiscing while we ate platters and platters of food. My grandmother usually cheered everyone up at funerals. That was her job. And since her death we've been looking at pictures of her expecting them to speak back. Or the phone to ring and hear her voice one more time. This poem from an episode of Little House on The Prairie is stuck in my head since she passed away.

"Remember me with smiles and laughter,
for that is how I will remember you all.
If you can only remember me with tears,
then don't remember me at all."

I do have things to blog about like the massive snowstorm NY finally got, but haven't felt like it much. Just been reading other people's blogs because that is one of the ways I get through the day. Reading your entries cheer me up. Will post more tomorrow.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Adia" by Sarah McLaughlin
Craving: For things not to change

It's funny how life changes in a blink of an eye. I do know that but it seems even more true when something sad happens. I got a call from my mother as soon as I got into work Friday morning. That is not unusual but her calm voice turned into a warbly mess. I really did not want to hear why she was crying. I knew it would be bad. She called me to say my only living grandparent, her mother, my Mehtzma Rose passed away early Friday morning. I didn't want to deal with it. Because if I ignore it then it can't be true. If I stayed at work and went on with my day then everything wouldn't change. I know I am lying to myself. Since her passing I go between crying and being fine.
Even though my grandmother did not live with us I loved her just the same. She was so funny, spunky and a great cook. One recipe of hers I loved was crepes with a savory filling. And the other was a spinach pie but I think she added dill to hers. She made them the last night I was in Armenia. I was only five but the memory of those meals still remain. I remember eating watermelon infront of her house. The little blue raincoat and red ballet shoes she brought me. Her coming to Lake George and playing basketball with us. Watching cartoons in her living room. Just walking around with her and playing in her back yard. She loved to talk. My grandma was always on the phone with everybody. Keeping in touch. I really am having a hard time typing and referring to her in the past tense. Now I am afraid that link in my mom's side of the family is gone. My mothers generation of cousins and especially mine have not been that good at keeping in touch. My grandma was a complicated lady. Modest, old world, but forward thinking, tidy, told jokes, loved wrestling and let out a curse here and there. My grandma was cracking my mother up at my wedding rehearsal. We had surprised her and asked her to be a part of the wedding party. And my grandma was not happy about walking down the aisle. She was shy and nervous and didn't want to look silly. She was never part of a ceremony before. I remember hearing my mother in the back of the church practically hyperventalating because she was laughing so hard at what my grandmother was saying. But my grandmother did great on my wedding day as she walked down the aisle and waved at everyone she knew.
My grandmother was sick for a very long time. Her heart just gave out. I guess I hoped she wouldn't be sick enough to go so soon. Soon seems like a funny word to use because she was just about 84. She would have been on February 7. So her death wasn't a tragedy like the various children who were murdered by "caregivers" in New York City recently, but for me it is still sad. And very painful. Many times I have to stop writing this because I get too upset and can't type. But I need to have a full entry about her. She was born to a poor Armenian family in Romania. She had three sisters. One older and two younger. She never learned how to read or write because going to school was a privilege her parents couldn't afford. She had worked most of her life. When her older sister Sourpuhi got married and was going to move to Armenia, their mother sent Rose to Armenia too so Sourpuhi wouldn't be lonely. Funny to have your little sister tagging along your first year of marriage. My grandmother was upset that although it was a good life change her family would be split up.
She married an Armenian from Bulgaria and they had two children. First my mom and then my uncle. My grandmother used to make trips frequently to visit Romania and always brought back clothes and toys for my brother and me and I am sure later on for my younger cousins. My grandma was quite giving. She was sad when my parents, me and brother moved to America. Her family was broken up once again.
I am glad my grandmother saw me get married. She flew back to New York special for that. I was happy to see her last June when I went to California and was making plans to visit again in the Fall. I have an image of her my last day in California and my cousin had his arm on her shoulder and they are waving goodbye as my aunt drives me to the airport. That's what keeps going through my head. The last time I saw her. She gave me some drinking glasses. They were from her mother. I have them in safe keeping and when I have a china cabinet I'll display them proudly. I spoke to her last week and can't believe it was my last time. I am trying to record her voice in my head because I am ashamed to say I have forgotten my grandfather's voice and my other grandmother's voice. I hope I don't forget hers.
She didn't live near us most of my life. She was either in Armenia, a short time in New York and then moved to California. But I loved her desperately. She always had a funny story and people loved to be around her. Besides her memorable meals and personality she was a mean crocheter. I also have some pieces she made. Once when I have more room I will display them proudly as well. Niel and I went to my parents last night. A few people had already come over and paid their respects. I foresee that happening until her burial. She requested to be buried in New York near my grandfather. My mom was telling me stories of how in between visits to Romania her friends and relatives who still lived there would send her clothing and she would give them to her nieces and children. Because they were younger and should have more. She never had a decent sofa but she found the money to give a new one as a wedding present to her niece who got married. Rose was funny, kind, talented and generous and I woke up this morning a bit disoriented and the first thought I had was that its true. She really is gone. The funeral won't be till next week. I don't know why they are waiting so long. I think it's good for my mom to have some closure. I am happy that I can go visit her gravesite. I would see her more than I could previously. But in a way I like to think that she is still out in California and its just distance that is keeping us apart once again.

I had heard about Panko not too long ago. I wanted to try it because I never liked to use flour or breadcrumbs for frying. They both were to heavy and soggy. I thought that cornmeal relieved this problem until I tried Panko. It makes the outside of the food crunchy but the inside stays moist. Panko is made from the inside of whole wheat bread and not the outside like Italian breadcrumbs. It is traditional in Japanese cooking and can be found in Asian supermarkets or in the international aisle of your supermarket. It has less salt and calories as well. Another bonus. I highly recommend it. Especially when cooking with seafood and fish.



Song Stuck In My Head: "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson

Craving: To clone myself so I can get more done

I really didn't have a favorite type of warm fish. Until I tasted Tilapia. But more on that shortly. I don't count shell fish as fish although it is seafood. I know I have wacky reasoning. I do love all shellfish: lobster, shrimp, squid, scallops, oysters, crabs, mussels. In a cold or warm dish. Ok maybe not all shellfish. I'm not too keen on crawfish. My favorite cold fish is Lox which is basically salted Salmon. Love those salty peach colored, creamy fishies. It's heavenly on a bagel with plain cream cheese, onion and tomato. Ok onto my favorite warm fish. Tilapia is light and easy on the palate. I whipped up some for dinner recently. I coated the Tilapia in egg, patted it in Panko(so awesome but that is for another post) seasoned with Adobo and Paprika and lightly fried it in olive oil. It was a delicious meal. If you want recipes click here.


Alive


Not so much


Song Stuck In My Head: Afternoon Delight from Anchorman.(Damn you Ron Burgundy & Niel!)

Craving: For it to be 5PM

I wanted to tell you about a neat new magazine called Wondertime. It sort of reminds me of Family Fun and Real Simple combined. Very different than most of the parenting/baby magazines out there. It is for parents who have kids under seven. One of the interesting articles featured is about what your baby is thinking. Wondertime basically shares how to bond with your child and nurture their love of learning. "Focusing on the joy of parenting and less on the job of parenting". The layout reminds me of Real Simple. Very clean and bright. I always like to find new magazines no matter the subject matter. I am a bit of a magazine junkie. I thought I would share cause I know some of my bloggy buddies have kids and I couldn't resist the chubby face on the cover of the magazine. I love chubby babies.



Song Stuck In My Head: "It Doesn't Matter" by Wyclef Jean and The Rock

Craving:My back to stop aching