Because I am not in the mood to post. So I will leave you with some pics I have uploaded from Niel and my venture to the Ziegield Theater, The MOMA and lunch at Mee Noodle shop, and from Kelvin's birthday. Have a good weekend.





Here is also a little list to cheer me up:

*Dairy Queen's Strawberry milkshake is the best!

*EZ pass rules!

*The country french chicken bread/soup bowl from Quiznos is fantastic! Niel even liked it.

*Laughing through all of Wallace and Grommit: Curse of the Wererabbit. Grommit says so much with his eyes.

*Cheese and grapes for a snacking.

"The "More You Know" NBC spots with the cast of The Office...so clever!

*MCD's steak, egg and cheese on a bagel.

*Lovely Spring Weather.

*Thursday night shows on NBC(minus Four Kings).

*Grilled cheese sandwiches.



Ok I guess I just did post.

The funny thing about life is even though you know something is coming, something you don't want to happen there is still hope left that there could be a miracle. I wouldn't necessarily say one would be lying to themselves. But you go about your business thinking to yourself "Everything will be Ok". That was how most of the weekend was. We went about our business enjoying having friends in town. But in the back of our minds we were waiting. It was Kelvin's 30th birthday celebration. Niel has known Kelvin since Kelvin was in 3rd grade. They became friends with him through Niel's brother. Another good friend from their neighborhood who I mentioned before Dave also came to town. Niel enjoyed seeing Kelvin and Shawnda on Friday night. And hanging out with them, his brother and Dave on Saturday for lunch; as well as later in the evening at Kelvin's birthday bash. Kelvin had a co birthday bash with a fraternity brother Tommy. They held it at a neat bar in Brooklyn. Nearby our house. We live on the border of Brooklyn. My brother and his girlfriend Christine came as well. It was nice to see them. They brought us Incense. The bar had a photo booth, a nice ladies room, a makeshift mini golf in the back, a juke box, cool fixtures, cool seating and ambiance. We had a good time taking pictures, picking songs, running next door to the Chinese fast food place and getting some food, and taking pics in the photo booth. We called it a night when the crowd got too big. A few hours after we got home we got the dreaded call, Niel's grandfather had passed away. Such a mixture of emotions. Sadness that such an important person in Niel's life is now gone. But also relief that he is not suffering any longer. It's hard to let go. Even though in many ways Niel said good bye to his grandfather when he first succumbed to alzheimers many years ago visiting and seeing the man you physically recognized you couldn't really grieve. Sometimes the grandfather Niel knew would be there for a few moments but for the most part not. We drove up Sunday to help his family collect his things from his room at the home. Tomorrow is the wake. It's been a long hard road for my inlaws.

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional Those who like you crave security

What Kind of Pie Are You?

Song Stuck In My Head: "Beep" by The Pussycat Dolls(blech)

Craving: The Quiznos Soup Bread Bowls

I recently joined the Candy Swappers. It is a candy lovers group put together by Mariko of Super Eggplant. Candy Swappers teams people from around the country and world to exchange candy with one another. It is a neat opportunity to try candy from different regions(the theme for the first one) and countries as well as find some cool new blogs. People who want to join fill out a questionnaire about what candies they like, do not like and are allergic to. There has only been one swap so far. Members can post recipes on Yahoo and photos on Yahoo or Flickr. Members also do not have to participate in each one.




Song Stuck In My Head: "You're beautiful" by James Blunt

Craving: For the postman to hurry up with my Candy Swappers treats.

Dave told me about a cool site called Yelp. Yelp gives people the opportunity to review what is neat about their neighborhood/city. I have had a good time writing little blurbs about eateries I have enjoyed. I think it's particularly helpful to visit the site prior to going on a trip. So go Yelp!

UPDATE: I received an email from Yelp asking me to be an executive member which just means they are happy that I have written a few little things about my town/city. I think I'm also getting a t-shirt. So go on and write a little something something about your area and feel good.

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

Craving: Lunch

Yesterday was the first day of Spring. It sure does not feel like it weather wise and in general. With my grandmother's death being so recent and now Niel's grandfather things have been a bit blaah. We rushed to New Haven, CT yesterday to see his grandfather. All I wanted to worry about was how to delay jury duty and doctor/t appointments. But those were just distractions. The only father figure Niel's really known is so near to passing himself. It's been rough to say the least. His grandfather has suffered from Alzheimers for ten years I would say. But for his age(94) he was in perfect health (besides his mental condition)until he broke his hip. We visited him in the hospital when that happened and thought things were stable. He was moved back to the nursing home and would beginning physical therapy. But things got worse. He got Pneumonia. He was rushed back to the hospital on Sunday night. One of his lungs collapsed and both of his kidneys have failed. The hospital is just trying to keep him comfortable until its his time. I feel like they are trying to hurry it up though by asking if they want the breathing tube removed. Luckily his grandfather has two daughters near him and Niel's mother has been practically living in Connecticut herself to be close and help out anyway. Did I forget to mention her youngest sister has breast cancer? Niel and I thought we would have to fly to California for my grandmother's funeral but now we will probably go to Puerto Rico for his grandfather's. I did not want to visit Puerto Rico under these circumstances. I just wish there wasn't such suffering for his family. It's just weird how its happening so close together.

Song Stuck In My Head: "The A La Menthe" by Nikkfure De La Caution

Craving: Peace

It was a good but busy weekend. Friday night Niel went to hang out with his brother and Kelvin who was in town. Niel was feeling a little blah so I suggested he go out for a bit. I saw an old episode of Ellen where Hazel Smith was the guest chef. She is a hoot!! I wish I could find more info on her. All I could find is Hazel Smith is a popular chef from Tennessee. I was also watching the news. I am really concerned about Missouri is trying to pass a law making Christianity their state religion. Now I am Christian myself though probably not the kind they accept though.; but I don't believe Christianity is the only way to heaven. Why ostracize yourself from other religions and cultures who live in your state and do not believe in Christianity? Don't even get me started on South Dakota. I am scared American rights are being taken away slowly. Then Saturday I made crepes for breakfast then Niel and I went to the MOMA to see the Munch exhibit. We really liked his work. I thought Munch's style was only how he painted The Scream. Not not at all. The exhibit showed all this variety in his art. I liked woodcut Anxiety, and an oil painting Blue Kiss(which reminded me of Klimt. Another favorite artist). Munch seemed to be influenced by other artists. He also did his own version of Starry Night. We agreed that much of his work seemed so sad. He had a difficult life. Munch's mother and a sister died young. Plus he was in love with a married woman. And then he became blind in one eye. But he kept painting though. After we finished looked at his work we looked around the gift shop and then went to find some lunch. We chose a restaurant near where we parked the car. We drove into the city to try out our Easy Pass. It works great. But we won't be using it for city driving. We just wanted to test it out. Anyway while we were walking to the museum I noticed a noodle shop called Mee. Their specialty is you guessed it noodles! You can have them on a sizzling platter with sauce and pork dumplings like Niel did or in a soup with seafood dumplings like I did. They also have Americanized Chinese food too such as ribs, general Tsao's chicken, wantons, etc. We also ordered appetizers: scallion pancakes and fried shrimp balls. It was all so tasty. We then tried to go to the new Trader Joe's downtown but there was a line to get in to it. We couldn't believe it. A line for a supermarket? So we just headed back home. We were going to watch our newest Netflix film but Niel took a nap so I decided to do a bit of housework. In the evening we went to visit with my brother and his girlfriend. We played Trivial pursuit and with their new kitty. They adopted a new kitten that day. She is adorable. All black. They haven't settled on a name yet. Their first cat Merrill is taking sometime warming up to the kitten. Merrill is ginormous. I wish we took pictures. The kitten was running around and crawling all over everyone. I wish I could have taken her home. I don't think my allergy shots are working though because I was itching like mad and had a runny nose which triggered my asthma. My chest was very tight. For dinner they ordered Chinese food and it was so good. I didn't mind eating it twice in one day. We brought over a pineapple upside down cake. I wish my local Chinese takeout place had Lo Mein like theirs. Their noodles were thinner, yellow and so spicy. Plus they also sell pizza rolls!! I haven't had those since elementary school. Sunday my mother had a gathering to commemorate my grandmother. First at the cemetery and then at my parents where got to hang out with my brother again. It is Armenian tradition to do this gathering after 40 days. My mother made soooooo much food. It was tasty. She made dumpling soup, two different types of bean salad, roast chicken(more on that later), the best brown rice, fish, potato salad, the best egg salad, Perrier, wine, soda, coffee pita bread, lavash bread, olives, feta cheese, flan, Baklava, and cookies. A cousin who came from Boston told a story of how my grandmother helped her make a crank call when she was in high school. My grandma called her great-niece's rival and cranked her. We picked up the three roast chickens from this supermarket that we had never been before. It is in a nice neighborhood but the supermarket was a bit hmmm run down? That should have been the first clue. The guests liked the chicken though. Niel and I thought it was pretty terrible. My dad agreed. We came home and watched the Simpsons and the Sopranos. Which by the way! What the heck?!! I was looking forward to the Surreal Life and the second season of the Hogans but decided I am not going to end up watching it. This morning I came into work and got some bad news. Niel's grandfather is not doing well. He now has Pneumonia because the nursing home was careless and should have got him out of bed after the hospital released him. It does not look good at all. It has not been an easy time for Niel and his family either these past months.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall

Craving: Longer Weekends!

Happy St. Pat's everyone. Hope today is a festive day filled with green, soda bread and Irish bands. Today is also when Trader Joe's will open their first store in Manhattan. I am very excited by this news because although I am a fairly new fan of this supermarket I do like it a lot.



Song Stuck In My Head:"Breaking Free" from High School Musical

Craving: The Shamrock shakes available in Canada for St. Pat's.

A few bags of Dale and Thomas Popcorn have been delivered to my office. My coworkers and I have been inhaling it as if we were zombies from A Night Of The Living Dead. Anyway if you can get your hands on the brand do so! I recommend the Dale's Caramel, North Country Cheddar, and toffee Crunch Drizzle Corn.



Song Stuck In My Head:"The Rainbow Connection" by Sarah McLachlan

Craving: For the moon to be as lovely as it was last night. Hanging in the dark blue velvety sky surrounded by a few scattered gray clouds.

I've been trying to accomplish my list of 101 things. Some of the things I crossed off my list is:making my chicken stock, own tomato sauce from scratch, printing out the pictures of what I have on my computer & start putting them in albums, purchased a new car, getting my ears pierced(again), making a good Paella, getting our passports, taking pictures of important items in our house in case of fire and securing those pics in a safe place and going fruit picking. This 101 project has really assisted me in better time management. Now instead of saying "someday when I have time" I put the list on my calendar and do it. I'll never have the time unless I make it. I normally try to accomplish as much during the day by making lists, or multi tasking, but there are still things that need to get done and for me the 101 list has been effective.



Song Stuck In My Head: The recent Old Navy song

Craving: For the lovely weather from last Friday to return

Whenever Niel and I are in the car together he makes sure to download Pod Casts. He has introduced me to Pod Casting and I look forward to hearing the ones he finds. One in particular we like is the Don and Mike Show. We used to get Don and Mike in New York. But no longer. They are a popular talk radio show based in the Metro D.C. area. But now I can listen to them because of Pod Casts. Yay!




Song Stuck In My Head: "More Than A Feeling" by Boston

Craving: For people to know how to flipping PDF!!!!!

The weather Friday was beautiful. People were out enjoying it. I thought I could do anything. I wanted to soak all the beautiful weather up. After a busy week I was happy for the weekend. Niel suggested some ice cream. After dinner we enjoyed some Coldstone Creamery. Niel invented a really neat flavor. I thought it was odd when I first heard it but it tasted sooo good. Vanilla ice cream with strawberries and brownies. Saturday we wanted to take a little road trip. Niel was toying with the idea of driving to one of our favorite eating dives. Either Shake and Stake or Der Waffle House but those were unfortunately too far. Any of you who run those delicious companies open one up farther North please!! Anyway we were on the NJ Turnpike after deciding to drive to Philly for some cheese steaks when Niel's mother calls. His grandfather had broken a hip and was transferred from the nursing home to a hospital. He has been suffering from Alzheimers I want to say about ten years now. So we turned back around. It took us some time to get back into Queens because there was a lot of traffic coming out of it as there was going in at the tolls. We are breaking down and getting EZ pass. We finally arrive at MIL's house and pick her up. We drive to CT. Not as much traffic at the tolls. We stop and get a bite because Niel is starving. But we all end up eating and use the restroom. Drop my mother in laws bags at her sisters' house, Niel and I fall asleep on the couch for twenty minutes. A very nice nap. We then see his mom and one aunt checking out the new car. The other aunt compliments us on it after our nap. We then decide if we are going to see his grandfather before his surgery we should vamoose to the hospital. The nurses at the hospital were so very nice. His doctor felt it would be better to have his surgery soon so he is not sitting in bed confused and in pain. Plus the longer he is in bed he could get pneumonia. But I don't know how much they will do rehab because he would have to learn how to rewalk again. Hopefully it will all work out. At one point I think I have lost my purse. So after we miss his grandfather at the hospital because he just went into surgery. Niel and I drive back to his aunts where I find my purse and my heart begins to beat again. On the way hlme we stop at a Dairy Queen because we hadn't been to one in five or six years. Then I proceed to spill the Strawberry Short Cake Sunday on my legs and a bit on our new car floor. Niel stops and I clean up. Yes I was the first one to spill something in the car. I was so pissed. Then we find a Denny's and order but I lose my appetite and we take the food home. Sunday I prepared a pasta dinner for us because I knew we would get back tired. We drove back to visit his grandfather and hang out at the hospital for a bit. We come home and clean out the old car(Duke) because the charity he is being donated to is picking him today. In hind sight we should have just gone to Philly on Saturday and to Connecticut on Sunday. We are both exhausted and Niel is a bit shellshocked. We hope his grandfather will be alright. It's a lot for his family to handle because one of his aunts is sick, doing a bit better and then now his grandfather breaks a hip. Rest of the night we sat around and watched television. Woo hoo The Sopranos are back:)

Song Stuck In My Head: "Lemon" by U2
Craving: More Sleep

Lately I have been enjoying the color pink or at least acquiring pink products. I have no idea why. I don't really consider myself very girly. And I always associate pink with being very girly. Otherwise I don't practice things I associate with being girly such as getting my hair or nails done. The last time I did was for my wedding. I do enjoy pretty patterns and certain romantic comedies but that is the only way I can think that I am girly. Niel thinks this pink fascination started with when he got me a pink Ipod for my birthday last year. Now I have a pink winter coat and some other pink items in my wardrobe. But I am not very much alarmed because I have been enjoying other color combinations with pink and without. Such as pink and brown and blue and brown etc etc.















Song Stuck In My Head: "Travelin' Thru" by Dolly Parton

Craving: For this lovely weather to continue

I finally tried
Choxie. I forgot which kind but it had a caramel and peanut center. Very chewy. Which is fine with me. I liked the filling but not the actual chocolate. I wish I tried it prior to sending out some as my V-Day gifts. Pooh.



Song Stuck In My Head: "Whip It" by Devo

Craving: For my noisy neighbors to keep it down

I used to collect a lot of tzchackies. I don't any longer. But I am afraid this habit that I broke has manifested itself into buying gadgets for the kitchen. The latest domestic toy I covet is the
Jello jellybean maker. Arrgh it's too cute. I have one that makes
Jello eggs but I need the jelly bean one too. I know I need this like I need another hole in my head.



Song Stuck In My Head:"Hooked on a Feeling" redone by David Hasselhoff(I hang my head in shame!)

Craving: See above post

Lately I've gotten back into watching British comedies. I love the British humor and accents. Condensation. That word an inside joke for Niel. But if you watch Family Guy you'll get it. I used to watch British comedies a lot when I first got married but found other television shows to distract me. My favorite British comedies are Coupling and As Time Goes By. I adore Judy Dench. I wish she was my aunt and I could visit her and we would chat over some crumpets and vanilla or Lemon Zinger tea. I wish I could find Nigella's Lawsons cooking show again too. Even though it's not a comedy I like it as well. I am sure I have seen every episode of it a few times but I wouldn't mind rewatching it and I can't say that about a lot of television shows.

Song Stuck In My Head: "It's Too Late" by Carol King

Craving: Very little

The weekends lately have been whizzing by. I think it's time for a vacation. I hope soon. It was a nice weekend none the less. Friday after work went to get my allergy shot and told the doctor I was dizzy for a few weeks and he checked my ears and says its because I have an ear infection. I haven't had an ear infection since I was five. I got a prescription and the bottle is so tiny but hopefully it will clear up soon. Got a dentist appointment and hair cut on Saturday morning and then Niel and I went to see Indiana Jones at the Ziegfeld theater afterwards. He had read in one of the free daily papers that the Ziegfeld every so often shows older movies at a discounted price plus if you buy one ticket you get the second free. The theater is so lovely and had a nice variety of people. Everyone behaved and there was cheering when the film started. The movie was really meant to be seen on the big screen. We had a good time. I got a notice in the mail to serve for jury duty at a federal court two hours from my house. This was my first notice for federal jury duty. I am going to try to get them to transfer me to a court closer to my house. Wish me luck. Sunday after some errand running, chores and the World Baseball Classic we watched the Oscars. Niel's office had a pool going. He was so cute sitting there on the couch with his Oscar list checking off the names as they were announced. I thought John Stewart did a good job hosting. And thank God the show didn't run long. None of the outfits really wowed me. What is with the bowties? The show had its funny and interesting moments but overall it was eh. But I guess its the Oscars it can't really get wacky like the Grammys.
Also today starts the beginning of Lent for the Armenian Orthodox church. Unlike Catholic Lent which started last Wednesday. I honestly don't follow Lent. I don't go to church during the year so I would feel a little bit hypocritical if I followed Lent. I believe in God but I'm more traditional and spiritual than religious. I would like to find a church but a more open one like Episcopalian or Unitarian. More so for community than anything else. Although I think both our parents would have a cow. I thought it would be interesting to share a little about Orthodox Lent. The Orthodox church you have to give up all meat and meat/dairy products for all of Lent. You basically live on veggies and I believe some bread? The day before Lent you have a big feast and eat all the foods you can't prior to Easter. Good luck to those who are participating in Lent.

Song Stuck In My Head: "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" from the movie Hustle and Flow
Craving: To be Friday!!!!

Weekends are good..............




Enjoy leisurley meals
Revisit old movies
Feel human again

The 2006 Winter Olympics didn't get high ratings in the US this year. I don't know why. I like the idea of the entire world coming together and putting their differences aside for some friendly competition. I like the views of the different states and countries. The stories behind the towns and athletes. The media sure didn't help with all the negative attention it gave. Sometimes you win a gold and sometimes you don't. I think it is neat just to be able to go and compete. The US released special commemorative stamps for the Olympics. Italy has some cool Olympic stamps as well.





Song Stuck In My Head: Theme song to Life With Derek

Craving: To be home

Niel, and I finally got around to trying Famous Dave's. I mentioned sometime ago they had opened a chain relatively near our house. Niel is right thank God its place is not closer to use because we would eat there all the time. Famous Dave's is great! It has ambiance and delicious food. It's decorated like a cabin, with lanterns, has a working fireplace, each table has a paper towel held up by a pipe, and their dipping sauces are on the table in beer bottles. The menu predominately offers bbq but also gives the option of fish. We ordered the All American Feast for two. It is served on a garbage lid. Clean of course. It consists of half a chicken, half a rack of ribs, choice of Georgia chopped pork or Texas beef brisket, corn on the cob, fries, corn muffins, baked beans and cole slaw. So if you have a Famous Dave's near you it's worth a try.



Song Stuck In My Head: This Little Light of Mine(I have no idea why).

Craving: To be back in bed and I am so going out for my lunch break.

At my local grocery store I found a Swedish potato dish called Roschti The instructions were pretty simple, just open the package and brown the potatoes. It looked like hash browns. But it wasn't very flavorful. It probably would have been if it was fresh. Maybe their Potatoes Gratin will be tastier?



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

Craving: Simplicity