tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63344832011-10-02T06:24:24.052-07:005'7" : Aries : Fire Dragon : Olives : Guinness : Thunderstorms : Tawny Port : Pottery : Cotton : Speeding : Red : MeCarolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.comBlogger1361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-68470657546862763852009-10-17T10:13:00.000-07:002009-10-17T10:20:50.773-07:00

Been away a long time. Almost forgot I had a blog. Okay, I DID forget I had a blog. But, a lot has happened since the last time I posted, so maybe it's time to get back in the saddle. I'll start small, though, maybe a few bullet points:My long-time love, Ron, moved in with Dakota Sue and me in July of 2008.Ron surprised me by proposing this past Fourth of July at the Algona Motorcycle Rally, just

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-38979326016958579542008-06-30T10:12:00.000-07:002008-06-30T10:23:28.322-07:00

No, not an arm rest, an arm roast. A chuck arm roast, to be exact, and one of the cuts of Grazier's Organic Beef from Josh's and my first beef order. I figured I should ease up on the rationing a bit and use some of the non-hamburger beef while it was still only a month or two old.So, unsure of whether I'd ever used an arm roast before (I don't think I had), I decided to go with the Old Faithful

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-91348988759582679542008-06-26T10:22:00.000-07:002008-06-26T10:24:39.352-07:00

I see no reason for this.http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/06/26/meserve.livestock.cnn(Be forewarned, this is a graphic video)

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-23024084074049629702008-06-16T10:32:00.000-07:002008-06-16T11:10:24.259-07:00

So, I figured I should document what I'm growing in my garden. I think I'm done, but that's never a guarantee...In the raised bed:'Marketmore 80' cucumber (1)Zucchini (3)Italian parsley (1)Curly parsley (1)A couple miscellaneous herbs (thyme & marjoram, maybe?)Sweet basil (4)Cilantro (2)Sage (1)Butternut squash (2)'Ghostbuster' white eggplant (1)'Neon' eggplant (1)Red bell pepper (1)Yellow bell

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-17848114926507010892008-06-10T12:28:00.001-07:002008-06-16T10:32:45.893-07:00

cowpooling pp. Purchasing a whole cow or side of beef from a local farmer and sharing the cost among multiple families. [Blend of cow and carpooling.]From WordSpy.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-89941203020104761262008-06-10T05:34:00.000-07:002008-06-10T05:51:12.368-07:00

How to make my Tuesday? Show me a major news organization reporting on locavory.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-53077438164498286282008-06-03T11:04:00.000-07:002008-06-03T11:06:19.446-07:00

If you're interested in trying to eat more locally, but are not sure where to start, try the Eat Well Guide. Just input your zip code and a mile radius, and it will return farms, restaurants, farmer's markets and other local eating resources.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-87568907646457215392008-06-03T10:59:00.000-07:002008-06-03T11:03:17.835-07:00

A "baby carrot" is just a full-sized carrot that's been cut with a lathe into those convenient shapes. And, for the privilege of buying processed carrots for more money, you get the nutritious skin removed.Why not just buy plain carrots?

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-43943950301479081982008-05-30T14:16:00.000-07:002008-06-03T11:31:16.049-07:00

After being almost done with my second loving pass through Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (one of only a handful of books I've ever read twice, and the only one I immediately started over after finishing it), I'm working on a new book: "The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan.If "AVM" inspired me, "Omnivore's Dilemma" is pissing me off and scaring me. We have become

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-32958605835792907772008-05-22T08:52:00.000-07:002008-05-22T09:31:08.600-07:00

A sampling of the things finding their way onto my plate lately:A little bison roast from Cherokee Bison Farms, done in the crockpot with onions, carrots and potatoesPasta with spinach and ramps, based on this recipe and using Parmesan cheese from Farmer John. I actually did this dish twice, once with chicken and once with scallops. Both were delicious.Grilled organic chicken from Jen-Ehr Farms,

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-85906545886588112822008-05-21T10:53:00.000-07:002008-05-22T08:10:23.991-07:00

It's official. I'm attempting to be a locavore. Not militantly, but conscientiously and, quite honestly, with a great deal of joy, at least so far. How can I describe the sea change that has occurred in how I think about the food I eat, where it comes from, what impacts my choices have? It's been, in a word, life-changing.And it kind of started with a book. It's totally Barbara Kingsolver's

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-29562850408066669752008-05-21T10:39:00.000-07:002008-05-21T10:49:40.445-07:00

Well, hello blog. Wow. I've been away a while.Well, I haven't really been away, I've just been occupied doing other, non-bloggy stuff. Bought a house (another post entirely), participated in a huge, and hugely successful, work project that seemed to hover over everything I did this past winter, went through some tough stuff in my personal life, generally kept the home fires burning and my social

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1165107311859724912006-12-02T16:27:00.000-08:002006-12-04T17:31:35.683-08:00

So, in July, at Capital Brewery's Cheers to a Cure event, Josh and I won a beer-making kit from Madison's own Wine and Hop Shop. I say that Josh and I both won this kit because, even though it was my money that purchased the raffle tickets, it was Josh's hands that put our five magical raffle tickets into the mix so late in the game, ensuring they would float, ever so enticingly, on the surface

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1162063449030748982006-10-28T12:09:00.000-07:002006-10-28T12:24:09.066-07:00

It's a sunny, windy fall Saturday, and I'm here in the house watching The Haunting on TCM and drinking a very delicious Sirius Cream Ale from Lagunitas. I've partially watched this movie probably more than five times -- have never seemed to be able to get through it, due to not being in the right mood or falling asleep or other distractions. It is largely considered to be the finest ghost story

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1161956068642737422006-10-27T06:24:00.000-07:002006-10-27T06:37:42.623-07:00

On November 7, one of the issues coming before Wisconsin voters is a constitutional ban on same-sex unions. Given that this is a matter close to my heart that directly affects people I love (even though those people don't live in Wisconsin), I am encouraging anyone who may happen to stumble upon my blog who is a Wisconsin voter to PLEASE VOTE NO.I don't hope to change anyone's mind all on my own,

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1161532111280023262006-10-22T08:42:00.000-07:002006-10-22T08:48:31.296-07:00

I made a big mistake yesterday at the grocery store. Huge. Can't believe I did this.I bought a package of cake donut holes, and now I can't...stop...eating...them.I am not generally a "donut person." I'm not susceptible to the donut mystique. I could kind of care less about them, actually. I'd rather have eggs and some sort of pork product. But there's something about cake donut holes that I do

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1161530951164975622006-10-22T08:03:00.000-07:002006-10-22T08:29:11.186-07:00

So, around 8:30 or so last night, I let Dakota outside and discovered the backyard was blanketed in a layer of wet, wet snow. SNOW! Now, I do believe it'd snowed in my backyard already -- a couple weeks ago when I was in Ottawa. But I wasn't here to see it, so this was officially my first snow of the season.And, I have to admit, I enjoyed seeing it. Because, you see, this is what is classified as

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1161529245631821832006-10-22T07:55:00.000-07:002006-10-22T08:00:45.660-07:00

My beleaguered Spartans won against Northwestern yesterday. Considering Northwestern (2-6, 0-4) is not a fantastic team this year and yesterday was their fifth straight loss, you might wonder why I find this win by Sparty to be of note. The reason is twofold: The Spartans broke their own four-game losing streakThey also, by coming back from a 38-3 deficit to win it 41-38, now have the greatest

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1159813110566667052006-10-02T11:15:00.000-07:002006-10-02T11:20:15.660-07:00

So, lately I'm getting a great amount of enjoyment from these two links (via Dooce).Marmaduke Explained: The daily Marmaduke comic strip, explained in 500 words or less.Jesus Christ in a dog's butt: Some poor terrier has Our Savior manifesting himself on his hindquarters. CAUTION! Do not view if you do not consider it a possibility that the Absolute Power of the Universe has a mad wicked sense of

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1159728739032953682006-10-01T11:16:00.000-07:002006-10-02T11:24:35.030-07:00

Having your dog be in a frenzied good mood when she wakes you up, which leads to the morning starting with lots of play and laughter.Taking a long, hot shower after having just scrubbed it down, opening the blinds enough that the morning sun shines onto the smooth and crystal-shiny porcelain. It's made all the better if you haven't showered the previous day, and you can use some of your Lush

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1159726511975840002006-10-01T11:07:00.000-07:002006-10-01T11:15:11.996-07:00

MSNBC has this article today about prisoners training "death-row dogs," those animals potentially doomed to euthanasia due to behavioral or aggression problems, to the point where they are adoptable. The program allows the dogs to be adopted with in a few weeks, and there seems to be less violence among the inmates due to the influence of working with the dogs.Sounds like a fantastic symbiosis to

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1159293213564271072006-09-26T10:39:00.000-07:002006-09-26T10:53:33.586-07:00

In my continuing journey of exploring the wonders and mysteries of ethnic cooking, I have discovered the utter joys of curry paste. And oh, how my horizons have broadened, much like my hips will if I let myself get carried away on this culinary journey!I first went shopping for curry paste at the estimable Yue-Wah to make what would become an instant favorite recipe with a cult following among

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1158887833188414762006-09-21T17:56:00.000-07:002006-09-21T18:17:13.206-07:00

Monday evening, I'd written a post about Dakota's visit to the vet and the resulting diagnosis of her "girlie infection." One of the remaining variables at the time of that post was the application of the Elizabethan Collar, or E-collar, which was prescribed to keep Dakota from licking at her "area," her "region," her "bitch topology."So, after letting her out for a last potty break, giving her

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1158886598540464432006-09-21T17:53:00.000-07:002006-09-21T17:56:38.553-07:00

So, I've always thought I was a 38C. Come to find out, I'm actually a 36D. Huh. Go figure. That's interesting. And slightly jarring, in a certain way. Very interesting.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1158627345898887662006-09-18T17:39:00.000-07:002006-09-18T17:55:45.916-07:00

A trip to the vet late this afternoon confirmed that Dakota Sue has an infection in her girly parts. It may be a urinary tract infection, it may be a bladder infection. A swabbed culture confirmed it is not a yeast infection, but the lack of a urine sample made it impossible while at the vet's office to pinpoint what it is. What it certainly is, even in the absence of a full diagnosis, is red,

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1158626373710155452006-09-18T17:31:00.000-07:002006-09-18T17:58:58.016-07:00

So, while watching a rerun of The Daily Show where Jon Stewart's guest was Gary Hart, I was amused by the following exchange. Stewart was asking Hart about the current administration's assertion that the fight against terrorism was akin to fighting for civilization."So," Stewart puzzled, "are we in a fight for our very lives?"Hart looked down at the desk, his shock of gray hair floating

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1158527944167573522006-09-17T14:08:00.000-07:002006-09-17T14:19:04.216-07:00

Eating a pound of edamame as a meal, sprinkled liberally with Pico LimonPulling tufts of hair out of Dakota Sue, twisting them and leaving them in piles on the carpetWalking, walking, walkingThunderstorm forecastsGetting drunk on a Sunday for no damn reasonThrift storesThe smell of Aveda Sap Moss shampoo and conditioner (they say "arboreal," I say "earthy," we all say "rustically delicious")

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1158523937441426992006-09-17T13:04:00.000-07:002006-09-17T14:05:10.163-07:00

Friday night, I had a dream that I was hanging out in the old Wherehouse Records spot on Grand River Avenue in downtown East Lansing. It had been turned into an open-air gourmet restaurant/store, sort of like Zingerman's, but less crowded, less Jewish, and with a great deal more dark wood. It was raining, and the roof was not entirely sealed, so there were sections of the dining area that were

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1158433390893082462006-09-16T11:59:00.000-07:002006-09-16T12:13:06.640-07:00

So, I was chatting with Mom on the phone after getting home and opening a beer, which DIRECTLY led to Michigan State scoring their first touchdown and tying Pittsburgh. I have tremendous power. It's a burden. She laughed at my omnipotence and asked what I was drinking."Autumnal Fire," I replied. I'd gotten a sixer of that and Lake Louie's Coon Rock Cream Ale because, you know, it's the weekend

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1158433142793817912006-09-16T11:27:00.000-07:002006-09-16T11:59:02.813-07:00

I went downtown to the Farmer's Market this morning and, after filling my backpack with scallions, edamame, a half-peck of apples, cajun cheese curds, raspberries, cilantro, cucumbers, and a decidedly lovely necklace and earrings set from the Himalayan jewelry vendor, I wandered down State Street to another favorite haunt, the Soap Opera, with the intent to scan their clearance rack in the hopes

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1143247407355538792006-03-24T16:40:00.000-08:002006-03-24T16:43:27.356-08:00

So, I'm out walking Dakota this evening, and I pass a car that has a yellow bumper sticker on it with red lettering that says, "Goodnight CHESTY, wherever you are." I have GOT to get one of these stickers. And only one person who might read this post will fully appreciate this need. Others will just have to wonder. See, this is me being MYSTERIOUS.Also, I have decided that I really love Cheez-Its

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1140275078172817712006-02-18T06:57:00.000-08:002006-02-18T07:04:38.173-08:00

So, I was walking into the grocery store last night after work, and stopped at the bunch of "clearance carts" they always have set up near the doors. These carts are where they'll put huge overstocks of mini plasticene photo albums or off-brand Valentine's candy, or random selections of flashlights, whatever. But they'll also occasionally put food items here. Not perishable stuff, but stuff

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1140274408794146272006-02-18T06:40:00.000-08:002006-02-18T06:56:24.726-08:00

I was reading the Isthmus this morning and saw a short review of this HBO documentary called "Dealing Dogs," about dogs used for research in veterinary schools and the like. There are Class A dog dealers, and Class B dog dealers. Class A dog dealers specifically breed dogs for research. Class B dog dealers are the bad ones. Class B dealers buy dogs from pounds, shelters, small breeders, and

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1140098686962674222006-02-16T05:51:00.000-08:002006-02-16T06:04:47.003-08:00

Nothing like a tribute to a Donald Fagen album to start off a blog posting, eh? In reality, I didn't get to sleep in today, nor are we snowbound...yet. But it's coming. Oh yes, it's coming.Madison is due to get slammed with winter weather today. A majority of the state is under a Winter Weather Warning. We got about 3-4" of it overnight, and there's anywhere between 4-8" more coming, with

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1139535054209846142006-02-09T17:21:00.000-08:002006-02-09T17:30:54.220-08:00

We had a tragedy last week, roundabouts Tuesday or so. Dakota killed Monkey. Or, rather, she de-legged him. We were playing tug-of-war (I wasn't wearing any clothes at the time, I can't remember why), and she growled and tugged and growled and tugged, and Monkey and all of his weary seams just sighed in resignation and released his leg into my grasp. There wasn't even a sound, really. No dramatic

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1138413517226007712006-01-27T17:55:00.000-08:002006-01-27T17:58:37.226-08:00

So, I was on the phone with Mom just now, and I disclosed to her that I'd drank a WHOLE BOTTLE of Alice White Cabernet/Shiraz blend this evening. A decidedly "ghetto" blend, but hey, it's drinkable and alcoholic, perfect for a Friday whose bright point was an oil change for Harleybird. Anyway, her sage advice, from her many years of experience was:"Go drink a couple glasses of water and open

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1138411809688285172006-01-27T17:05:00.000-08:002006-01-27T17:55:45.496-08:00

I was on the phone with Mom today (I believe, talking about the virtues of downloadable Yahoo Messenger vs. NON-downloadable Yahoo Messenger), and she suggested something I should do with my day off work: update my blog. UPDATE MY BLOG. Oh ye, whose blog has been since conspicuously not updated! Get busy and update!!!Yes. I have been a total blog slacker. I admit it. I'm resigned to it. I can't

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1132322409376573732005-11-18T05:57:00.000-08:002005-11-18T06:00:09.393-08:00

...my landlord, who stopped over last night to remove my air conditioner (which was leaking cold air like a sieve into my house), and who surprised me and my upstairs neighbor by amending the terms of our leases so that he'll pay the first $300 of the heating bill every month, rather than $200. My neighbor and I split any balance of the bill after that. He said none of us expected the 50%

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1131497382357386502005-11-08T16:36:00.000-08:002005-11-08T16:49:42.370-08:00

Just saw an article on MSNBC that says that the Kansas Board of Education has approved new public school science standards. Not only that, but they've rewritten the definition of science as it applies to Kansas, so it's no longer limited to the search for natural explanations of phenomena. The most recent vote marks the third time in six years the board has rewritten standards using evolution as

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1131496305374101322005-11-08T16:14:00.000-08:002005-11-08T16:31:45.393-08:00

I was in the workout room yesterday over lunch, having just finished my 30 minutes of combination jogging (5.4 mph), fast (4.4 mph) walking and incline (8.0%) walking, and I decided to step on the scale. Fucking stupid scale. Fuck you and your numbers.Oh, I'm sorry. Didn't you hear me? I said F-U-C-K Y-O-U! Fucking fuck.I know, it's not the scale's fault. Whose fault is it? Mine. Why is the scale

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1131128330385293672005-11-04T10:09:00.000-08:002005-11-04T10:23:08.133-08:00

The leaves are starting to fly off the trees here in Wisconsin, so it occurred to me that I might want to grab a few pictures of them before they all fly away. Last night, before taking Dakota to the dog park for a 2.25 mile sunset walk, I took a few shots. It's always amazing to me how the camera really doesn't capture the stunning beauty of nature's displays. Well, at least MY camera doesn't

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1131062631163694332005-11-03T16:01:00.000-08:002005-11-03T16:04:23.480-08:00

I can't, for the life of me, find any internet references about this wine, so it is a bit of a mystery to me. I'm pretty sure it was one of my Wine of the Month wines, as I don't see anything about it that would've intrigued me enough to pick it off the shelf myself. Anyway, it's a 2003 Castel Sallegg Kalterer See Classico. Almost Beaujolais-like -- it's fruity, young, and doesn't leave much of

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1130680600882867372005-10-30T05:37:00.000-08:002005-10-30T05:56:40.940-08:00

I went to a Halloween party last night, only for a couple hours, but it was a pretty good time. I went as a Biker Cow. Yes, I said a BIKER COW. I have this cow costume that I purchased at the last minute from Target back in 1999, for the very first Halloween party I was invited to as a Madison resident. That, along with a vampire cape and a set of spiked jewelry (one necklet, two cufflets)

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1130510335803019032005-10-28T07:33:00.000-07:002005-10-28T07:38:55.803-07:00

Once again, my blog has languished for a while. But, being in the autumn-ish mood I am, I have at least redesigned my color scheme to more accurately reflect the rich changing of the colors outside my window, and the transition I'm feeling within myself to the urge for sweaters, soups and snoozing. As October fades, the sun is starting to feel thinner, the sky now fills with those unmistakable

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1128866493014840362005-10-09T07:00:00.000-07:002005-10-09T07:01:33.016-07:00

"You know, that's when it helps to have a good gag reflex on both ends."(Three men, walking up the stairs as I was walking down. They didn't realize I was coming, and I heard them all chuckle self-consciously after I passed them. I almost yelled out "Amen!" after I heard this context-less comment, but didn't)

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1125616847392992122005-09-01T16:02:00.000-07:002005-09-01T16:20:51.906-07:00

Two weekends ago, I went to Milwaukee to hit IKEA with Yosh so he could shop for a couch and a TV stand. He found a lovely TV stand at IKEA and an even lovelier leather couch at Dinesen's in Milwaukee. Congratulations, Yosh!After this whirlwind of driving and shopping, we decided to go on a pub crawl before heading to Irish Fest to see a bunch of drunk, red-haired, fair-skinned and pugnacious

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1125615656230757322005-09-01T15:48:00.000-07:002005-09-01T16:00:56.236-07:00

I've been neglecting my blog, and I'm shocked that I haven't gotten a prompting nudge from Mom. I suppose I don't have much excuse, other than that I haven't much felt like blogging lately. I suppose it goes in cycles. But, I'm back, and, though much has probably happened in my life, it all feels very small and unimportant compared to acknowledging what is happening on the Gulf coast right now.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1123201308520086922005-08-04T17:21:00.000-07:002005-08-04T17:21:48.520-07:00

Yeah. Cats. Jumping.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1123201108502572552005-08-04T17:11:00.000-07:002005-08-04T17:22:15.240-07:00

I was cruising around on some of my favorite blogs, and I found the link to Threadless.com on Maggie Mason's Mighty Goods shopping blog. She made reference to a super-charming "I (Heart) D3str0y" t-shirt that I had to admit was super-charming. Anyway, this t-shirt came from Threadless, so I went and started looking around.And these shirts are cool, people. They're cool AND clever. In fact, I

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1123200697519979032005-08-04T17:01:00.000-07:002005-08-04T17:11:37.523-07:00

I've decided to knit an afghan. No, not a hound (especially a recently cloned one). No, not a resident of a currently U.S.-occupied country in the Middle East. A blanket. Still a "flat" project, so I haven't yet graduated beyond the two dimensional knitting, but it's at least a BIG flat project! I'm using the light green Sensations Angel Hair yarn from JoAnn's. It's a blend, 22% wool, 50% acrylic

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1121993302035326922005-07-21T17:43:00.000-07:002005-07-21T17:48:22.040-07:00

2002 Kitfox Foxy Red, an 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah table wine, referred to by its makers, as an "opulent food wine, plum garnet in color, with cherry-tobacco and spicy berry notes on the nose."I just think it's gooooood. And I'm very pleased to see that, while the suggested retail price is $13.99, I only paid $9.99. Nyah, nyah, nyah!So, is it wrong to break into an opulent food wine and

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1121991339010319812005-07-21T17:05:00.000-07:002005-07-21T17:16:34.003-07:00

Went to the eye doctor today for my yearly exam and, I swear, it cannot be a whole year since I was last there. It felt like I'd just been in that chair, getting the hurricane force air blown into my poor, flinching eyes for that glaucoma test, facing the performance anxiety of reading the letters on the wall across the room, and dropping hundreds of dollars on a year's worth of small pieces of

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1121971663459478642005-07-21T11:43:00.000-07:002005-07-21T11:47:43.463-07:00

I brought my iPOD into work today, since I'm without my usual pair programming partner (he's parted this place for Pittsburgh...ppppppbltt). For some reason, though I have all 807 songs on shuffle, the iPOD was just loving Jack Johnson. I heard at least seven Jack Johnson songs in less than three hours. That's statistically significant. Then, my little white oblong music friend decided to switch

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1121863242047530512005-07-20T05:39:00.000-07:002005-07-20T05:40:42.046-07:00

On my way into work today, I passed a Calypso Green Ford Probe, and thought of my Mom. She bought one of those shortly after she and my Dad were divorced, and I remember thinking, "Mom bought a sports car!" It was a fun car to drive, and I think it made an impression on Mom, as she still loves Calypso Green.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1121862497016824402005-07-20T05:19:00.000-07:002005-07-20T05:28:17.023-07:00

I just watched the premiere of TLC's new show, "Miami Ink," last night. It's a reality show based on the exploits and artistry of five tattoo artist friends (well, four tattoo artists and one apprentice and punching bag named Yoji).The first show was pretty good, but I swear, one girl who came in wanting the chorus to Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Under the Bridge" requested the incorrect lyrics. I

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1121823539939284782005-07-19T18:37:00.000-07:002005-07-19T18:38:59.940-07:00

I need to wear more skirts. I think I own two, maybe three, skirts. I wear only one -- a short denim number I got at St. Vinny's for a whole $2.99. Maybe St. Vinny's is the place to go for skirts I'll actually wear.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1121823300791528322005-07-19T18:26:00.000-07:002005-07-19T18:35:00.796-07:00

I realized my wine cupboard was getting a little bare of the type of wine I generally reach for. This being a bottle under $10, that I can shamelessly quaff after an ultra-casual dinner of Cheez-Its and leftover curried chicken salad. So, this evening, I headed to Barriques to pick up my Wine of the Month and shop for a few more grapey victims for my ardent thirst. I found four bottles, all

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1121821123450862792005-07-19T17:55:00.000-07:002005-07-19T17:58:43.456-07:00

Ever since she was a puppy, Dakota has related the sound of a Harley-Davidson to the arrival of probably her most favorite person (besides me, of course): Big Daddy. This has created a very humorous behavioral characteristic in this dog. Every time she hears or sees a Harley, she assumes it's Big Daddy. She has jolted herself out of what appears to be a deep sleep to run to the window as those

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1117212035535981462005-05-27T09:39:00.000-07:002005-05-27T09:41:05.566-07:00

Just found a blog today where people mail in postcards with secrets on them. Some amazingly revealing stuff here. Anonymous, yet so familiar. I came away from the site feeling exhilirated and depressed at the same time. I don't think I like that combo, but it's still an interesting site. http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1117153810286635582005-05-26T17:25:00.000-07:002005-05-26T17:30:10.290-07:00

Overheard at my window, with three pairs of little-girl hands pressed against the screen, Dakota pressing herself as close as possible to these hands from the OTHER side of the window:Katie: "Caroline!"Me: "What?"Chloe: "Oh, we dropped the pizza." [They'd been teasing Dakota with a piece of their dinner pizza.]Me: "Oh no, that's too bad!"Chloe: "We're playing a dog game. I'm Dakota."Katie: "And

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1117152464773175322005-05-26T17:04:00.000-07:002005-05-26T17:07:44.776-07:00

I remember Grammie's sandwiches, served up to me when I was staying over at her house, sick with a cold or maybe just out of school for the day. They were always on white bread, with generous schmears of mayo, tomato, lettuce and one or two different kinds of cold cuts (turkey, ham) that she always had in the fridge. Eaten from a TV tray while watching the game show 'Scrabble,' or 'BumperStumpers

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1117151206759592992005-05-26T16:35:00.000-07:002005-05-26T16:53:43.180-07:00

I have a motorcycle. Her name is Pirate. I bought her last year from someone who work at the same company I do. She's what you might call "retro" (she's a year older than I am), but the person who sold her to me rebuilt her from parts taken off of three bikes of the same model, and she generally runs damn good for an old lady.Anyway, I have realized that, when I'm a passenger on a bike, I'm

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1116549047701567932005-05-19T17:29:00.000-07:002005-05-19T17:34:57.426-07:00

Now, with all the hype around the new Star Wars movie, I'm betting this is just SO much more entertaining.May the farm be with you...

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1116288767187154772005-05-16T17:10:00.000-07:002005-05-16T17:12:47.193-07:00

And now for your daily news of the weird. According to Sports Illustrated, Italian police have discovered a racetrack with mob connections where, get this, the horses were doped with Viagra to increase their race performance.My favorite line of the article: "It was not clear how the Viagra affected the horses' speed."

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1116191974350476302005-05-15T14:13:00.000-07:002005-05-15T14:19:34.356-07:00

So, a friend of mine from work asked me the other day if I'd be interested in going with him and a group to see "Star Wars Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith." Being in a technical department, the upcoming Star Wars movie has generated a lot of buzz among my coworkers. Unfortunately, I had to decline the invitation, because I've made a vow now to watch any of the "prequels" to the classic Star

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1116048937179582972005-05-13T22:16:00.000-07:002005-05-13T22:35:37.183-07:00

So, Jason and Sara and I went to dinner tonight at the local Claddagh Irish Pub and, as we were sitting out on the patio and I was watching the gray, blue, gray clouds pass by us without opening up and raining on us (thank you, oh benevolent gods and goddesses of outdoor dining), I realized something quite shocking.I wanted to buy some shoes.Now, I am what you might consider a somewhat unusual

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1115940030144114922005-05-12T16:11:00.000-07:002005-05-12T16:20:30.150-07:00

What is it that Popeye says? "I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam?" Well, today, I yam a total slacker. Well, not a total slacker. I did work all day, and I was on-call, and I solved a few problems and went to a couple meetings. So during the day, I was distinctly NOT a slacker.Well, that's not entirely true. I guess it would be most accurate to say that the initial dive into the slacker

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1115606265010836442005-05-08T19:34:00.000-07:002005-05-08T19:37:45.016-07:00

So, it would appear that Flickr, my newest addiction, has been down for at least the last two days. Evidently, they had a planned outage on Friday night, but it would seem they didn't exactly recover well from that. And can I say, I'm having some serious withdrawal symptoms. This is not good. It's completely silly to be so semi-obsessed with a photo-sharing site, but Flickr is damn fun. And I

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1115350196365472392005-05-05T20:06:00.000-07:002005-05-05T20:30:11.920-07:00

So, before it becomes a distant, breathless memory, I figured I ought to post about my experience last weekend running the Crazylegs Classic here in Madison. This was my second race, but my first 8K and, while I'd been training up for it since the beginning of February, it was still plenty challenging. But in a GOOD way. The Crazylegs Classic is named after some dude named Elroy "Crazylegs"

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1115174489483270452005-05-03T19:41:00.000-07:002005-05-03T19:45:28.343-07:00

Damn, we look good drinking! Originally uploaded by Wild Wend. Here's a shot of Josh and me at Eldorado Grill a couple weekends ago when Dad & Colleen were in town. Those were some yummy margaritas...how could we NOT smile like this? After I posted this on Flickr, somebody made a comment saying I should post this picture in some "Smiles" public group they were a part of. Mmmmm, maybe not,

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1115084176007075092005-05-02T18:30:00.000-07:002005-05-02T18:41:19.956-07:00

I see you! You haven't seen me, though, not for over a month. Where have I been, you ask? Well, that's a good question. Where the hell HAVE I been? I suppose the truth is simply that I've been living life and neglecting my blog. I have much to post about, but I'm way too buzzed on Bogle's Pinot Noir right now to do the English language justice. While I know all one or two of you who actually

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1110676518874522252005-03-12T17:03:00.000-08:002005-03-12T17:15:18.876-08:00

So, I felt like drinking a little wine tonight, and my stash of cheap, everyday wines had pretty much been depleted, so I stopped by Whole Foods to see what they might have on sale. After walking around and sampling their 12-grain and seed bread, some Irish Dubliner cheese and some Spanish date cake, I found a jug that looked promising.Yes, I said "a jug." It's a jug of wine. One liter of jugged

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1110675772106715162005-03-12T17:00:00.000-08:002005-03-12T17:16:50.456-08:00

I realize I've been lax in logging my Crazylegs training progress. I'm not sure why that is, but I guess I'm comforted by knowing that I've been more diligent about actually doing the training than I have been about blogging about it.In short, I'm in approximately week six of my training, with six more weeks to go. Today, I had a personal best, and I'm frankly quite proud of myself. About 3:00

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1110675601186447992005-03-12T16:54:00.000-08:002005-03-12T17:00:01.186-08:00

So, one of my favorite times of year is finally here. The beginning of March Madness is less than a week away. Mom has fired up the March Madness Wendish Spartans group on Yahoo, commentators are throwing around terms like "bubble," "Big Dance" and "Cinderella."The Big Ten tournament is this weekend and, alas, my Spartans were one and done yesterday with a loss against Iowa. After hearing the

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1108514497053320782005-02-15T16:36:00.000-08:002005-02-15T16:41:37.053-08:00

Day 12 (last Friday): Didn't get a workout in today, due to having to go over to Sara's at lunch and let the puupoes out. Probably not a bad thing -- rest days are good.Day 13 (Saturday): Took my long run of 2.5 miles today. It actually felt pretty good. I'm so pleasantly surprised at the small increases my body is making in endurance and strength. They're small, but they're perceptible. That

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1108082427812674532005-02-10T16:30:00.000-08:002005-02-10T16:40:27.813-08:00

So, Mom calls me at work today. She hasn't done that in a while, I think because every time she used to do it, I complained about how busy I was. Sorry, Mom. I wish I wasn't so busy. I miss talking to people like Mom and Mr. Sushi. Anyway, she left me a voice mail saying she had some 'good news' for me. My first thought was, "cholesterol test!" I couldn't remember exactly the day she told me she

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1108081794408999462005-02-10T16:12:00.000-08:002005-02-10T16:29:54.406-08:00

...well, not as damn much as usual, due to the running training, but I'm still squeezing some imbibing in. Have no fear, good people. I will still drink. Anyway, tonight I'm drinking another glass out of a bottle of that McManus Syrah. It's an old favorite, still good after two days open. Who loves wine? I do! I do!

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1108079912562594072005-02-10T15:52:00.000-08:002005-02-10T15:59:09.056-08:00

Okay, so I think my body has realized that I'm doing something to it. And I don't think it likes it very much. It seemed to like it last week, but maybe that was just the honeymoon period. And now we're in the "terrible twos" period. Heaven only knows if week three will bring some relief. Training this week has been hard. Not so hard as to make me quit, but hard enough to make me think about

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1107735561530445052005-02-06T16:15:00.000-08:002005-02-06T16:20:30.630-08:00

Weekends. Aren't they wonderful? I've had a great one -- just full enough, but not too full.Milagro Anejo tequila, and the person I drank it with yesterday.Finding out that two friends of mine from work are dating. They're just the cutest people, and I'm so glad they're a couple. Chips and salsa. And beer.A gay man I just met today at brunch telling me I was "strikingly beautiful" and joking that

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1107710169294694452005-02-06T09:14:00.000-08:002005-02-06T09:16:24.730-08:00

Took my first outdoor run today. I *think* I ran about 2.5 miles, but I'll need to plot it out to be sure. Anyway, I was out there for about 35 minutes, and it felt pretty good! A few slow spots, but all in all, my body wasn't too cranky. Hopefully a good sign. This week's running total = ~7.5 miles

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1107650740735135582005-02-05T16:43:00.000-08:002005-02-05T16:45:40.736-08:00

Didn't do any running on Friday. Instead, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer, followed by 10 minutes on the treadmill doing incline walking at 8%. Got a little bonus workout, too, as Dakota needed a walk when I got home. So, tack on another 2 miles or so...and a pair of wet shoes due to the unseasonably warm temps causing our snow to thaw. Today (Saturday), I was intending to do my "long

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1107475183765663772005-02-03T15:56:00.000-08:002005-02-03T15:59:43.766-08:00

One of Dakota's favorite treats are "bully sticks." There's really no way to put a fine point on this, so I'll just say it: They're dried bull penises. They look like oversized cinnamon sticks. They smell like body sewage and unwashed livestock. Herein lies my quandary...she LOVES them, but they almost knock me over when she eats one in the same room with me. How much do I love this dog? I guess

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1107474889008339502005-02-03T15:50:00.000-08:002005-02-03T15:55:48.990-08:00

On Tuesday, I rested. Now, I know it sounds funny to rest only one day after starting a training program, but it's what my body was asking for. If it hadn't been my day to let the puupoes out over lunch, I probably would've done something, but I was on potty-duty. Plus, by the time I got Dakota home, we'd really run out of time for a walk before the ill-fated Spartan game against the supernatural

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1107474603947770752005-02-03T15:47:00.000-08:002005-02-03T15:50:03.946-08:00

So, the State of the Union address was last night. Did I watch a minute of it? Hell, no. In fact, I plan to listen to our Monkey-in-Chief as LITTLE as possible over the next four years until we're paroled from his completely idiotic administration. Actually, I shouldn't call him Monkey-in-Chief...that's insulting to the monkeys.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1107302614217161582005-02-01T16:01:00.000-08:002005-02-03T15:56:38.170-08:00

My beloved Michigan State Spartans are just about to take the court at Breslin against the Illinois Fighting Illini. I have a feeling the next two hours are going to be stressful. I will either be dejected or elated when this game is done. If I'm elated, I'm also going to be really damn surprised, because it'll mean we won. Could we win? Could we? It's the Spartans. I guess anything could happen

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1107219622869563432005-01-31T16:35:00.000-08:002005-01-31T17:00:22.870-08:00

Ran two miles today, at 5.3 mph. It felt really pretty good. My legs were getting a bit tired toward the end, but I never felt like I couldn't finish it. The training plan calls for me to do the same thing on Wednesday and Saturday. Shouldn't be a problem, but I can tell that I need to stick with the training plan and not do too much too soon. Also took Dakota for a half-hour walk after work,

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1107217949857806802005-01-31T16:20:00.000-08:002005-01-31T16:32:29.856-08:00

You're not going to believe this. I, the appealingly zaftig Wendish wench, have registered myself for an 8K run. April 30th. I have about three months to train. What, am I NUTS? Perhaps I am, but I'm also excited about this. Last week, during the course of my weekly workouts, I kicked the treadmill up to 5.0 mph and ran a mile. I hadn't run since before Christmas, and I wasn't sure how it would

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106530096408172202005-01-23T17:26:00.000-08:002005-01-23T17:28:16.406-08:00

As an addendum to the previous post, don't be surprised, web-world, if I finish this whole goddamn bottle of Black Granite Shiraz tonight. Somehow, my legs keep on walking to the kitchen and my arms keep on pouring voluminous glasses of this stuff. Work should be fun tomorrow morning. Thank God red wine is so good for your heart. I should get a health insurance break for this, shouldn't I? It's

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106529732710722832005-01-23T17:04:00.000-08:002005-01-23T17:22:12.710-08:00

I'm pretty good at keeping up with the dishes. I make my bed every day. I vacuum at least once a week. Mildew rarely shows its face in my bathroom. I'm even pretty good about dusting. But you know what I suck at? Dealing with paper. My house is generally a semi-neat place. It is by no means immaculate in that anal-retentive, "I have nothing better to do with my time than personally lick my

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106439459492975652005-01-22T15:50:00.000-08:002005-01-22T16:17:39.493-08:00

Just like everyone else, I like to have fun. However, I'm not what I would consider a "social butterfly." I actually like quiet nights at home with my TV and a glass of wine or a beer and my dog snoozing warmly by the couch. When I do go out now, it feels like a treat. An indulgence. A guilty pleasure. I think I enjoy my occasional social forays more than I would if I were regularly going out

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106429429576904322005-01-22T13:26:00.000-08:002005-01-22T13:31:54.256-08:00

Well, it's game day and my beloved Spartans are playing Minnesota, so of course I'm cooking NACHOES! Even though Yosh and I just had them last weekend, I'm in the mood again. Mix that with the six-pack of Capital Brewery Winter Skal I have in the fridge, and I'm set for the afternoon. Nowhere to go, noplace to be...just a winter's afternoon beer buzz and basketball. Now THAT's livin'.

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106092986478316052005-01-18T15:59:00.000-08:002005-01-18T16:03:06.480-08:00

This is the funniest site you've never heard of. Only review it if you're in a place you can safely guffaw and snort, because this site will make you almost lose your lunch, it's so funny. You MUST explore the areas on the left-hand navigation bar for full effect. http://www.engrish.com

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106092669150421172005-01-18T15:50:00.000-08:002005-01-18T15:57:49.150-08:00

Realizing at around 3:00 p.m. the afternoon OF the game, that there's a Spartan game on tonight for me to watch! And it's televised! God bless you, ESPN!Eating slices of hard salami right out of the deli bag, and intentionally making really obnoxious yummy noises while the dog sits in front of me, salivating, all eyebrows and ears and ineffectual cuteness.The total absurdity of the E! show, "Love

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106091865106878102005-01-18T15:42:00.000-08:002005-01-18T15:44:25.106-08:00

Sara sent me this link. I think I may listen to it when I'm not feeling so good about myself. Or when I need a laugh. Or when I just want to hear someone with SO MUCH self-esteem that they can put a voice like this on not one, not two, but multiple records. Listen at your own risk. And don't be surprised if the dog looks pained and leaves the room. http://www.wingtunes.com/public/samples.aspx

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106012908901048412005-01-17T17:42:00.000-08:002005-01-17T17:48:28.900-08:00

The second (large) glass out of a bottle of 2003 McManis Syrah. The 2003 vintage was released in August, 2004, and I bought three bottles back in December when I went to Milwaukee to watch the Stanford/MSU basketball game with Yosh. No matter how many bottles of this lovely little syrah I ever drink, I will always be reminded of the weekend in March, 2004, that Mom, my Aunt Ruth, Yosh and I

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106011305974075472005-01-17T16:41:00.000-08:002005-01-17T17:21:45.973-08:00

Sorry for the crude language, but it's actually quite appropriate. You see, Ian McShane just won the Golden Globe award last night for best Dramatic Actor in a television series for his portrayal of everyone's favorite goddamn-can-of-peaches cocksucker, Al Swearengen, on one of my absolute favorite shows, Deadwood. When this show came on, everyone went on and on about the vile language. Sure,

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106008797767429392005-01-17T16:15:00.000-08:002005-01-17T16:39:57.766-08:00

Here's a physiological oddity that has me thoroughly curious, even though, had I thought about it for longer than a minute or two myself, I might've figured this out on my own. Wait, wait. Let me back up. There's some backstory here... I have noticed, over the past few months, that my ears are regularly kind of "plugged." Not to the point of causing earaches or other discomfort, but I do

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1106007312082357132005-01-17T15:54:00.000-08:002005-01-17T16:15:12.083-08:00

Tandoori-style baked chicken breasts, using some of the Neera's Tandoori Indian Grilling Paste I got from Zingerman's over New Year's. Surprisingly, the Zingerman's website doesn't have any information on this paste, but Amazon does. Go figure. To go along with my chicken, I'm making a batch of quinoa, cooked in water that's been fortified with a few tablespoons of white miso paste. I have no

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1105404173587184582005-01-10T16:38:00.000-08:002005-01-10T16:42:53.586-08:00

I blame it on the overpolished, but still affecting, salsa dancing in Josh's DVD of "Dance With Me." Ever since watching that, I have this almost palpable urge to go salsa dancing. Sara said she'd go dancing with me at the Cardinal Bar. They have salsa dancing on Thursday nights with lessons starting at 8:00. Though neither of us might have a partner, at least it's an excuse to get out there and

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334483.post-1105403871017950872005-01-10T16:30:00.000-08:002005-01-10T16:37:51.016-08:00

2003 Borsao Campo de Borja This is a damn good value wine. You shouldn't have to pay more than $9 for it. But it packs a ton of flavor into its value status. Deep, inky garnet color, raspberries and oak. It's AWESOME. Recommended by a guy at Downer's Wine and Spirits in Milwaukee. I, in turn, recommended the Mas de Guiot Cabernet/Syrah blend...even as I took the last bottle they had. :) Though

Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16851478629854892804noreply@blogger.com0