This year, much like last year, we managed to schedule Supper Club for the same night as the Oscars. It's okay, it just turns Supper Club into an Oscar party! Few of us had really seen any of the movies this year, with the exception of Ratatouille (go Ratatouille! Wooo!), so we spent the time mocking outfits. Jon Stewart did make a joke about the mocking of the outfits, but let's face it, we'll stop mocking when you stop wearing ridiculous crap that makes you look ugly. I mean, really. Cameron Diaz has the figure of a 12 year old boy, with teeny little hips. And she managed to wear a dress that makes her look either like a rhino. Or like she's wearing a bedsheet. Or like she's a rhino in a bedsheet. And Barbara Walters' horrific series of outfits afterward, of which I will speak one phrase only as I'm trying to recover from it still, in the retinal region of my eyes, were just so bad. Barbara, I do NOT need to see your business.
On to the food. Everyone made tasty stuff and we went through plenty of wine too! On request, here is the dip that I made. It comes from my newest cheese book, Laura Werlin's Cheese Essentials. I highly recommend the book. And the dip.
Havarti Dill Dip with Parmesan Toasts
1 baguette, sliced
Olive oil
Parmesan
2/3 cup mayo
12 oz (3/4 lb) Havarti, grated
14 oz can artichoke hearts, chopped
About 10 scallions, just the white and light green parts, finely chopped
2 tbs fresh dill (though I used dried and it was fine)
Pepper
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Brush oil on each side of the slices of bread. Place on a baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes in the oven, then flip them and sprinkle Parmesan on them. Toast again for about 5-7 minutes. Let cool. Whoo! Toasts are done!
Mix together the mayo, Havarti, artichoke hearts, scallions, dill, and pepper (to taste) in a bowl. Put in a ceramic or Pyrex dish and bake about 20 minutes (till hot and bubbly). Let cool for about 20 minutes. Whoo! You are all done! And look how fancy you are. Now go get dressed up, you look sloppy. It's an Oscar party, after all.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
A Paragon of Adequatulence
Okay, so Northern Lights is pretty much always better than adequate. Actually, it's awesome. I just wanted to honor NewsRadio, and also it's probably that my lunch selection was merely adequate. I should have gotten the Planked Baked Brie for lunch. It's like porn on a plate, and I almost always get it, but it does cost $11, so... yeah. Broke student here. I opted for a small Caesar and an IPA, and then my friend the birthday girl and I shared fries. Everything was good, of course. The Caesar did come with three lemon wedges, which rocked because I love sour. It also interestingly included sprouts and sunflower seeds. On a Caesar salad. Yes, really. I know, it's weird. It tasted good, just... not completely like a Caesar. Anyway, the salad was good. The fries were good. Just not exactly what I wanted. Next time, I'm getting the Brie.
Oh, and the Cream Ale Fromage soup? I wanted it, but it was made with chicken broth. Boo, Northern Lights. Boooooo.
The IPA was both delicious and exactly what I wanted. But when I got back to school, another friend of mine said I smelled like booze. I had ONE BEER! Quoi??
Oh, and the Cream Ale Fromage soup? I wanted it, but it was made with chicken broth. Boo, Northern Lights. Boooooo.
The IPA was both delicious and exactly what I wanted. But when I got back to school, another friend of mine said I smelled like booze. I had ONE BEER! Quoi??
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ultimate Bagel
I had a long day at school today, so because I was starving come lunchtime and needed to finish preparing for Payment Systems, I went to my favorite local place for lunch: Ultimate Bagel. Ultimate Bagel is actually the very first place I ever ate at in Spokane. I find it delicious. Whenever I go, which can vary from once a month to a couple times a week, depending on the time of the semester, I get a Veggie Bagelwich on a Jalapeno Asiago bagel. Today, as any other day, I got that, with a Diet Pepsi (mmmm..... aspartame....).
The Jalapeno Asiago bagel adds another dimension of cheesy goodness to the bagel, and a much-needed hint of heat. Definitely a good thing, as pepper jack is not a cheese option. I had swiss. The other choices are provolone, cheddar I believe, and cream cheese. As far as I'm concerned, cream cheese is a spread, not a cheese, but hey. I get it toasted, and with mustard and all the veggies. The Bagelwich comes with a pickle spear, bagel chips, and a mint.
The sandwich? Delicious and filling as always. The pickle? Tangy and tasty. The mint? Ummm.... minty and refreshing, I suppose. The chips? Waste of space. It's not that I have anything against the bagel chips in and of themselves, it's just that they're too hearty and filling, and without anything to dip them in, they really are quite dry. I suggest saving the chips for later, an easier proposition if you've gotten the meal to go, and dipping them in something. Salsa, perhaps. Or go nuts, dip them in cream cheese! Hey, there's little tubs of cream cheese there... I feel a plan coming on for next time. Yum.
That was the highlight of my day so far. I went to Payment Systems and was called on for the first five problems of class. I just wish I'd understood that part of it better!
The Jalapeno Asiago bagel adds another dimension of cheesy goodness to the bagel, and a much-needed hint of heat. Definitely a good thing, as pepper jack is not a cheese option. I had swiss. The other choices are provolone, cheddar I believe, and cream cheese. As far as I'm concerned, cream cheese is a spread, not a cheese, but hey. I get it toasted, and with mustard and all the veggies. The Bagelwich comes with a pickle spear, bagel chips, and a mint.
The sandwich? Delicious and filling as always. The pickle? Tangy and tasty. The mint? Ummm.... minty and refreshing, I suppose. The chips? Waste of space. It's not that I have anything against the bagel chips in and of themselves, it's just that they're too hearty and filling, and without anything to dip them in, they really are quite dry. I suggest saving the chips for later, an easier proposition if you've gotten the meal to go, and dipping them in something. Salsa, perhaps. Or go nuts, dip them in cream cheese! Hey, there's little tubs of cream cheese there... I feel a plan coming on for next time. Yum.
That was the highlight of my day so far. I went to Payment Systems and was called on for the first five problems of class. I just wish I'd understood that part of it better!
Petsitting
I used to petsit a lot before I moved here and started law school. I loved it, loved my clients (the humans and the furred ones), and made a couple hundred extra bucks a month. It's nice. I've missed it.
So I was pumped when my friend asked me to petsit for her this past weekend. She has two cats, one of whom is the fattest cat I've ever seen, and a dog. We brought Izzy over to play with the dog, Rufus. That was the best plan ever. They exhausted each other, running around the house and yard. They also got into everything and destroyed a few things, but that's neither here nor there. The best part is that Rufus actually would play with Izzy, and she got to be the boss for once, if solely due to his laziness.
The funniest part though is when the fat cat Alvin went downstairs and proceeded to corner Izzy while making very angry noises. He is more formidable than my own cat, as he is about thrice the size, so it was probably good for her.
So I was pumped when my friend asked me to petsit for her this past weekend. She has two cats, one of whom is the fattest cat I've ever seen, and a dog. We brought Izzy over to play with the dog, Rufus. That was the best plan ever. They exhausted each other, running around the house and yard. They also got into everything and destroyed a few things, but that's neither here nor there. The best part is that Rufus actually would play with Izzy, and she got to be the boss for once, if solely due to his laziness.
The funniest part though is when the fat cat Alvin went downstairs and proceeded to corner Izzy while making very angry noises. He is more formidable than my own cat, as he is about thrice the size, so it was probably good for her.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Bowl Report
This week, the Pocket Michelle was so with us at the bowling alley on league night. Seriously. We won all three games and the series, both with AND without our handicap. And all of us bowled over our average on ALL three games. Kneel down and worship the Pocket Michelle. That is all.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I'll Meme If I Want To
Also known as, I feel like it, and don't really have anything else to talk about right now.
When you walk in your front door, which room do you enter?
A sort of foyer thing. Ish. Really, the living room, though by the door is the only carpeted space in the house and there's a step so I guess it's a foyer.
Do you have a dishwasher?
I would kill for a dishwasher. Seriously.
Is your living room carpeted or does it have hardwood floors?
Laminate. I'd like a cozy rug.
Do you keep your kitchen knives on the counter or in a drawer?
In a wood block and in a drawer. I really want a magnetic knife strip but have been forbidden to get one because apparently they're "ugly." Pfft.
House, apartment, duplex or trailer?
House.
How many bedrooms is it?
3, sort of. Our bedroom is upstairs, in a loft-like space. Then there are two rooms off the living room that I guess are bedrooms. In a way.
Gas stove or electric?
Electric.
Do you have a yard?
One facing the street that has grass. Well, right now, snow, but come spring, grass. And tomatoes. At least that's the plan. And a little gravel yard thing by our door that is fenced, and once spring comes will be cleaned and will have planter boxes.
What size TV is in the living room?
20-something inches. No idea really.
Are your plates in the same cupboard as your cups?
Yes.
Is there a coffee maker sitting on your kitchen counter?
Yes, though it needs cleaning.
What room is your computer in?
I have a laptop, so it follows me. We only get a wireless connection in the bathroom, and it's tenuous there, so mostly I don't bother and leave it in the living room or kitchen.
Are there pictures hanging in your living room?
Not right now; we need to work on that.
Are there any themes found in your home?
It's messy? I suppose? My decorating style could best be described as "haphazard and pink," so themes are well beyond my reach.
What kind of laundry detergent do you use?
Till I have money, whatever's cheap. Purex smells nice.
Do you use dryer sheets?
Nope. That might explain my occasional bouts with static.
Do you have any curtains in your home?
Blinds. I should find cheap curtainy action and fix that.
What color is your fridge?
White, with magnets and photos and such.
Is your house clean?
It looks like a tornado hit it.
What room is the most neglected?
Is "all of them" specific enough?
Are the dishes in your sink/dishwasher clean or dirty?
Dirty. That's really just a given.
How long have you lived in your home?
Since November.
Where did you live before?
In a little apartment over near Huckleberry's.
Do you have one of those fluffy toilet lid covers on your toilet?
No.
Do you have a scale anywhere in your house?
No, and don't plan to get one. I really don't need a reminder of how much weight I've gained in law school.
How many mirrors are in your house?
2 in the bathroom - the one above the vanity and a dingy full-length one.
Look up. What do you see?
I'm in class, so, the professor.
Do you have a garage?
Nope. Right now parking is an issue altogether due to piles of snow and patches of ice.
When you walk in your front door, which room do you enter?
A sort of foyer thing. Ish. Really, the living room, though by the door is the only carpeted space in the house and there's a step so I guess it's a foyer.
Do you have a dishwasher?
I would kill for a dishwasher. Seriously.
Is your living room carpeted or does it have hardwood floors?
Laminate. I'd like a cozy rug.
Do you keep your kitchen knives on the counter or in a drawer?
In a wood block and in a drawer. I really want a magnetic knife strip but have been forbidden to get one because apparently they're "ugly." Pfft.
House, apartment, duplex or trailer?
House.
How many bedrooms is it?
3, sort of. Our bedroom is upstairs, in a loft-like space. Then there are two rooms off the living room that I guess are bedrooms. In a way.
Gas stove or electric?
Electric.
Do you have a yard?
One facing the street that has grass. Well, right now, snow, but come spring, grass. And tomatoes. At least that's the plan. And a little gravel yard thing by our door that is fenced, and once spring comes will be cleaned and will have planter boxes.
What size TV is in the living room?
20-something inches. No idea really.
Are your plates in the same cupboard as your cups?
Yes.
Is there a coffee maker sitting on your kitchen counter?
Yes, though it needs cleaning.
What room is your computer in?
I have a laptop, so it follows me. We only get a wireless connection in the bathroom, and it's tenuous there, so mostly I don't bother and leave it in the living room or kitchen.
Are there pictures hanging in your living room?
Not right now; we need to work on that.
Are there any themes found in your home?
It's messy? I suppose? My decorating style could best be described as "haphazard and pink," so themes are well beyond my reach.
What kind of laundry detergent do you use?
Till I have money, whatever's cheap. Purex smells nice.
Do you use dryer sheets?
Nope. That might explain my occasional bouts with static.
Do you have any curtains in your home?
Blinds. I should find cheap curtainy action and fix that.
What color is your fridge?
White, with magnets and photos and such.
Is your house clean?
It looks like a tornado hit it.
What room is the most neglected?
Is "all of them" specific enough?
Are the dishes in your sink/dishwasher clean or dirty?
Dirty. That's really just a given.
How long have you lived in your home?
Since November.
Where did you live before?
In a little apartment over near Huckleberry's.
Do you have one of those fluffy toilet lid covers on your toilet?
No.
Do you have a scale anywhere in your house?
No, and don't plan to get one. I really don't need a reminder of how much weight I've gained in law school.
How many mirrors are in your house?
2 in the bathroom - the one above the vanity and a dingy full-length one.
Look up. What do you see?
I'm in class, so, the professor.
Do you have a garage?
Nope. Right now parking is an issue altogether due to piles of snow and patches of ice.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Pocket Michelle
On Friday I went to the Obama rally at the Fox theater. The newly restored Fox is absolutely stunning inside, with super luxurious decor. It's like an Art Deco heaven. Anyway, the doors were to open at 3pm, and I planned to meet up with some friends at the Fox a bit after 2pm. Well, I got there and the line was already around the block! Good thing they planned to get there so early. I moved my car to Riverpark Square and then ran back, whereupon I discovered they had opened the doors early and my friends were already inside. So I ran to the back of the line, and managed to get in and have a great seat saved for me.
Michelle Obama was just awesome in every way. Very personable, funny, brilliant, and inspirational. Prior to her getting up on stage, a lot of the rally felt like, well... a high school pep rally with cheesy skits. But Michelle rocked the house. If I had been undecided, she would have swayed me for sure. Hell, afterward my friends and I agreed that we would gladly vote for HER to be president!
On our way back to our cars, we agreed that it would be really spiffy to have a pocket-sized Michelle to have with you all the time. She could inspire you, give advice, tell you when you're selling out, beeyatch. And so forth. And yes, my pocket Michelle would call me a beeyatch if I'm not doing the right thing. I think this could be a real moneymaker, and it would really just be good in every way. I'd also like a pocket Tim Gunn. And maybe a pocket really smart lawyer to help me take the bar.
As a nifty aside, I caucused yesterday and am now a delegate. Woot!
Michelle Obama was just awesome in every way. Very personable, funny, brilliant, and inspirational. Prior to her getting up on stage, a lot of the rally felt like, well... a high school pep rally with cheesy skits. But Michelle rocked the house. If I had been undecided, she would have swayed me for sure. Hell, afterward my friends and I agreed that we would gladly vote for HER to be president!
On our way back to our cars, we agreed that it would be really spiffy to have a pocket-sized Michelle to have with you all the time. She could inspire you, give advice, tell you when you're selling out, beeyatch. And so forth. And yes, my pocket Michelle would call me a beeyatch if I'm not doing the right thing. I think this could be a real moneymaker, and it would really just be good in every way. I'd also like a pocket Tim Gunn. And maybe a pocket really smart lawyer to help me take the bar.
As a nifty aside, I caucused yesterday and am now a delegate. Woot!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Marathon
I've decided to run a marathon. Not a specific marathon. Yet. But one, at some point, in the next two years. Hold me to this, people.
Even though I'm not sure why I want to do it. I suppose the fact that sitting up from a prone position has occasionally lately caused shortness of breath might have something to do with it, but c'mon, y'all, that is HARD. I am TIRED, and sitting up is sometimes more exertion than I am prepared to cope with. Also, last night at bowling when I mentioned it (in between bitching about having to actually stand up and pick up a heavy object in order to bowl), my friend noted that the first people who ran a marathon died, so clearly people aren't meant to travel 26.2 miles without the assistance of ponies or heavy machinery. I agree wholeheartedly. Oh well.
This all might indicate that I am *ahem* unprepared to run a marathon. This is true. That's why I'm allowing a lot of time to transition from one who considers cutting wheels of cheese and opening wine bottles "exercise" to one who will willingly jog, wait... walk (gotta start with walking) distances of at least one-half mile at a time. Then the actual training could conceivably commence.
I'm exhausted just thinking about it. I'm going to have a taco and take a nap.
Even though I'm not sure why I want to do it. I suppose the fact that sitting up from a prone position has occasionally lately caused shortness of breath might have something to do with it, but c'mon, y'all, that is HARD. I am TIRED, and sitting up is sometimes more exertion than I am prepared to cope with. Also, last night at bowling when I mentioned it (in between bitching about having to actually stand up and pick up a heavy object in order to bowl), my friend noted that the first people who ran a marathon died, so clearly people aren't meant to travel 26.2 miles without the assistance of ponies or heavy machinery. I agree wholeheartedly. Oh well.
This all might indicate that I am *ahem* unprepared to run a marathon. This is true. That's why I'm allowing a lot of time to transition from one who considers cutting wheels of cheese and opening wine bottles "exercise" to one who will willingly jog, wait... walk (gotta start with walking) distances of at least one-half mile at a time. Then the actual training could conceivably commence.
I'm exhausted just thinking about it. I'm going to have a taco and take a nap.
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