It's that dreaded time of year when we look at our lives, and make grand gestures to do it better for less and make more in the year that lies directly ahead of us. The New Year's Resolution! Ick! The biggest thing wrong with this concept is that we never really follow through with them, for reasons we can all justify later.
I clearly see the concept of a new year, a new plan. My problem is that many fail to check in on/update/evaluate these promises made to ourselves. Face it - it's a lot of pressure to change our next 365 days with a few simple promises! Let's make a date to review our promises and our plan every three months instead! We'll call these the New Quarter Resolutions! Losing 50 pounds this year is a huge feat - losing twleve pounds by the end of March doesn't seem nearly as impossible. Trying 75 new recipes in 2013 can feel like a life sentence in the kitchen - five new dishes a month? Easy as pie, or gravy, in my case. Still a little baffled by pie!
So here are my suggestions to help with the New Quarter Resolutions - keep it fun, keep it realsitic, and make it specific - and my own New Quarter resolutions:
I resolve to be more disciplined with my writing. This means I plan to do more to find fun and interesting subject matter and GET IT WRITTEN! I have a plan for my www.examiner.com articles, and I wrote it down!
This leads to my next NQR (as we shall refer to the New Quarter Resolution from here on out!) - write it down! No more relying on my memory. As I get busier throughout the course of a lifetime, I forget stuff. Can't be age related, can it? I don't think so.... Make a list, check it twice, (maybe Santa is onto something here!), cross stuff off! What better way to measure my success than to see in writing what I've accomplished.
Next 2013 NQR: do NOT stop learning! This will be aided by my previous NQR, because everytime I think to myself, "Google that!," I never write it down, and guess what? I forget to Google THAT! So, if I write it down on my list, I will Google it, learn something new, and maybe even have something new to write ABOUT! Oh! I love how this is all working together!
The final NQR is just to be a better person: learn to recognize and accept my limitations, strive to improve what I can and recognize what has to be as it has been dealt, realize the small gestures are as important as the grand ones, and maybe, just maybe, try to stop criticizing bad drivers. Naahhhhh....don't see that one about bad drivers coming to fruition! I'll always critque that!
Let's all check in at the end of March and see how we've done, shall we? Keep in mind that Easter is March 31st, 2013, so no chocolate bunnies to sabotage diet plans until Q2! Don't worry...I've already got it written down on my calendar!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
I'm coming back!
Wow! I just saw that I haven't posted since August! My! How time flies. Wish I could say it's because I've been having nothing but fun, but the fact of the matter is that I have been involved in a move.
Who's moved lately? You know how time consuming it can be. You pack your stuff, move your stuff, and then unpack your stuff. That's the condensed version of it all. The thing about the unpacking your stuff, is trying to fit all the stuff from house "A" into house "B." It just doesn't all fit where it used to! As you're unpacking, looking back on all the stuff you already threw out while you were packing, you still find yourself in awe of all the stuff you brought with you! Where? O where, will it all go?
Then you get to the point I call "functionally unpacked." That's the stage where you now have a bed, sheets, towels, dishes, clothes (well, most of them, anyway), appliances, etc., unpacked and set up. You are living a normal semblance of a life. So...when do you get to all those other boxes piled up on the floor, in front of the fireplace, in the coat closet, in the garage and hall way? All of them suddenly seem less important. Besides, the shows on the DVR (TV and cable set-up: a high priority in this household!) are piling up, too, and they MUST get watched!
My solution? Short of creating a fun house out of moving boxes for the pets, I committed to hosting not one, but two, Holiday parties this year! Give me a deadline, and I can make it happen. Give me all the time in the world, and something will always be more inportant! So I have until December 16th to get it organized and decorated This will be my dry run for the family gathering on Christmas day. Who's going to be more critical - friends or family? I'll know soon enough.
Until then, I'm going to keep you all waiting to hear about the rest of my Summer In Minneapolis. I will complete the tale for you, and even share the pics if I figure out how to post them! Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Who's moved lately? You know how time consuming it can be. You pack your stuff, move your stuff, and then unpack your stuff. That's the condensed version of it all. The thing about the unpacking your stuff, is trying to fit all the stuff from house "A" into house "B." It just doesn't all fit where it used to! As you're unpacking, looking back on all the stuff you already threw out while you were packing, you still find yourself in awe of all the stuff you brought with you! Where? O where, will it all go?
Then you get to the point I call "functionally unpacked." That's the stage where you now have a bed, sheets, towels, dishes, clothes (well, most of them, anyway), appliances, etc., unpacked and set up. You are living a normal semblance of a life. So...when do you get to all those other boxes piled up on the floor, in front of the fireplace, in the coat closet, in the garage and hall way? All of them suddenly seem less important. Besides, the shows on the DVR (TV and cable set-up: a high priority in this household!) are piling up, too, and they MUST get watched!
My solution? Short of creating a fun house out of moving boxes for the pets, I committed to hosting not one, but two, Holiday parties this year! Give me a deadline, and I can make it happen. Give me all the time in the world, and something will always be more inportant! So I have until December 16th to get it organized and decorated This will be my dry run for the family gathering on Christmas day. Who's going to be more critical - friends or family? I'll know soon enough.
Until then, I'm going to keep you all waiting to hear about the rest of my Summer In Minneapolis. I will complete the tale for you, and even share the pics if I figure out how to post them! Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
First day in Minneapolis, and how I got here
So far, so good! I got over the mountain on I-80 without incident. I got a slightly later start than I'd hoped for, but it turned out to be a pretty light traffic situation for most of the drive, so it's all good. Here's a tip for air travelers: get the earliest flight you can live with. Traffic to Reno /Tahoe International at five a.m. was light, and we breezed through the line at security! But wait! Too good to be true usually has a catch somwhere, right? Here's the catch today- both breakfast outlets in our terminal had ONE person working the whole counter, and the lines were ridiculously long! But empty stomachs and bleary why-am-I-up-before-the-sun travelers MUST have coffee!
Both flights were rather uneventful (which is how I like them to be!). Thanks to the pilots of the first leg - RNO to SLC - for a nice smooth landing. The second leg - from SLC to MSP -had three off-duty pilots and two airline attendants on board as passengers. Made me a bit safer. At least IF something did happen, we'd have someone on board who could fly if they had to!
So now to the fun stuff! I had a version of the sought-after Ju(i)cy Lucy. Luckys 13 Pub serves up a Juicy Lulu, and since that burger was one of my self-appointed missions in Mineapolis, I had NO choice but to order it, But I looked over the rest of the menu and found it challenging to stick to my original decision! Everyone else at my table ordered something different, and they all looked (and tasted) incredible! The Juicy Lulu was stuffed with American cheese, shredded lettuce and pickles. No other veggies or sauces to pollute the simple yummy flavors. I ate the whole thing, and wore none of it!
After some aimless wandering through neighborhoods (by car), I finally made it to Culvers Frozen Custard and Butter Burgers. I went for the frozen custard - available in three flavors only: vanilla, chocolate, and the flavor of the day (today was Georgia Peach, and it rocked!), I had to know - what IS a butter burger? Not quite the answer I was expecting - it's called the butter burger because the bubns ared buttered and grilled. Fair enough. Just not the awesome butteryness I'd hoped for!
Tomorrow, the road trip portion to the Upper Peninsula (locally referred to as the UP) of Michigan. Should be scenic. Will be long. Can't wait to see what drama the day brings! Yes! Drama! Five to six hours in the car is bound to lead to some drama! But it's okay...at the end of the day's jouirney, I have Jack and Johnnie to help me ease the pain. Won't help me numb ass much, but it will help the rest!
Until tomorrow...if I have an internet connection in Greenland, MI!
Both flights were rather uneventful (which is how I like them to be!). Thanks to the pilots of the first leg - RNO to SLC - for a nice smooth landing. The second leg - from SLC to MSP -had three off-duty pilots and two airline attendants on board as passengers. Made me a bit safer. At least IF something did happen, we'd have someone on board who could fly if they had to!
So now to the fun stuff! I had a version of the sought-after Ju(i)cy Lucy. Luckys 13 Pub serves up a Juicy Lulu, and since that burger was one of my self-appointed missions in Mineapolis, I had NO choice but to order it, But I looked over the rest of the menu and found it challenging to stick to my original decision! Everyone else at my table ordered something different, and they all looked (and tasted) incredible! The Juicy Lulu was stuffed with American cheese, shredded lettuce and pickles. No other veggies or sauces to pollute the simple yummy flavors. I ate the whole thing, and wore none of it!
After some aimless wandering through neighborhoods (by car), I finally made it to Culvers Frozen Custard and Butter Burgers. I went for the frozen custard - available in three flavors only: vanilla, chocolate, and the flavor of the day (today was Georgia Peach, and it rocked!), I had to know - what IS a butter burger? Not quite the answer I was expecting - it's called the butter burger because the bubns ared buttered and grilled. Fair enough. Just not the awesome butteryness I'd hoped for!
Tomorrow, the road trip portion to the Upper Peninsula (locally referred to as the UP) of Michigan. Should be scenic. Will be long. Can't wait to see what drama the day brings! Yes! Drama! Five to six hours in the car is bound to lead to some drama! But it's okay...at the end of the day's jouirney, I have Jack and Johnnie to help me ease the pain. Won't help me numb ass much, but it will help the rest!
Until tomorrow...if I have an internet connection in Greenland, MI!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Adventures in traveling!
Today is the beginning of a week in the midwest with family. Tonight I drive my mother and myself to Reno, from which we will fly out tomorrow with my sister and her husband in tow to Minneapolis. After that, it becomes a road trip, to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to the west end of Minnesota (Park Rapids), and back to Minneapolis for a couple of days.
Which part of this journey am I most looking forward to? Why, he food, of course! But before we can get to that part, we have to do our prep...get airline tickets, lodging and car rental taken care of. Pack. For a week. Try to keep it all in carry-on bags - 14x22x9, if your flying Delta. Yeah...I can do that! No really! I can!
For starters, I have an awesome backpack by LowePro, that snuggly carries my camera and lenses and accoutrements (battery, chargers, etc.), as well as my Notebook and traveling documents, wallet and gum - ya gotta have gum when you fly! Ha! You should see my "purse!" It's huge! Well, at least big enough to carry a pair of shoes, jeans, shorts, and tank tops. Oh yeah...and a purse! The "heavy" stuff gets worn the day we fly. No way my new Stinson Beach hoodie fits in my "purse," but it wraps around my waist nicely at the airport.
The outfit you fly in requires a certain amount of thought. It needs, first and foremost, to be comfortable. You'll be spending the major part of the travel time sitting, in a snug seat, next to who-can-really-be-sure, with not a lot of room to either spread out or to get up. Secondly, you have to go through the security checkpoint. Too many pockets that have to be emptied (and thusly reloaded) takes time. Time which needs to given to putting your shoes back on once TSA has decided you are not the next shoe bomber. Take out your 3-1-1 liquids in a quart size clear baggie. Repack that at the end of the process. Same with the laptop/notebook - take it out, prove there are no explosives there either, and re-pack it. Is there underwire in my bra? Oh. I hope not. That's another 7 seconds wasted while I get wanded! Can't they tell by the evenly distributed bulges and bumps around my waist and thighs that I'm not packing bombs? What can I possiby be concealing in my bra, leggings and tank top? Oh shit! That's right! I tucked my cell phone - still turned on, by the way - in my bra, because I have no pockets!
Okay. I think the hard part is over! Made it through security with my dignity intact, barely, and all my possessions and no-one has told me I have to check a bag! I need to find my gate and an empty seat. And a cup of coffee would be nice, since I haven't had any yet and it's not even 7 a.m.! Food? Did someone say 'breakfast'? Yeah...I'll have some! CinnaBon, anyone? I'm on vacation! The calories don't count, do they?
Tune in tomorrow, when I log-in from Minneapolis and recount the accuracy of my security check, and seat assignment, and breakfast issues. Let's hope the adventure doesn't begin with a car rental turn-in fiasco at 5 a.m.! Working on roadtrip tunes for the 300+ mile drive to Greenland and Mass City, Michigan. And one more (final) check of the bags to make sure I haven't missed or forgotten anything. Until tomorrow....
Which part of this journey am I most looking forward to? Why, he food, of course! But before we can get to that part, we have to do our prep...get airline tickets, lodging and car rental taken care of. Pack. For a week. Try to keep it all in carry-on bags - 14x22x9, if your flying Delta. Yeah...I can do that! No really! I can!
For starters, I have an awesome backpack by LowePro, that snuggly carries my camera and lenses and accoutrements (battery, chargers, etc.), as well as my Notebook and traveling documents, wallet and gum - ya gotta have gum when you fly! Ha! You should see my "purse!" It's huge! Well, at least big enough to carry a pair of shoes, jeans, shorts, and tank tops. Oh yeah...and a purse! The "heavy" stuff gets worn the day we fly. No way my new Stinson Beach hoodie fits in my "purse," but it wraps around my waist nicely at the airport.
The outfit you fly in requires a certain amount of thought. It needs, first and foremost, to be comfortable. You'll be spending the major part of the travel time sitting, in a snug seat, next to who-can-really-be-sure, with not a lot of room to either spread out or to get up. Secondly, you have to go through the security checkpoint. Too many pockets that have to be emptied (and thusly reloaded) takes time. Time which needs to given to putting your shoes back on once TSA has decided you are not the next shoe bomber. Take out your 3-1-1 liquids in a quart size clear baggie. Repack that at the end of the process. Same with the laptop/notebook - take it out, prove there are no explosives there either, and re-pack it. Is there underwire in my bra? Oh. I hope not. That's another 7 seconds wasted while I get wanded! Can't they tell by the evenly distributed bulges and bumps around my waist and thighs that I'm not packing bombs? What can I possiby be concealing in my bra, leggings and tank top? Oh shit! That's right! I tucked my cell phone - still turned on, by the way - in my bra, because I have no pockets!
Okay. I think the hard part is over! Made it through security with my dignity intact, barely, and all my possessions and no-one has told me I have to check a bag! I need to find my gate and an empty seat. And a cup of coffee would be nice, since I haven't had any yet and it's not even 7 a.m.! Food? Did someone say 'breakfast'? Yeah...I'll have some! CinnaBon, anyone? I'm on vacation! The calories don't count, do they?
Tune in tomorrow, when I log-in from Minneapolis and recount the accuracy of my security check, and seat assignment, and breakfast issues. Let's hope the adventure doesn't begin with a car rental turn-in fiasco at 5 a.m.! Working on roadtrip tunes for the 300+ mile drive to Greenland and Mass City, Michigan. And one more (final) check of the bags to make sure I haven't missed or forgotten anything. Until tomorrow....
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Burgers and fries - the All-American meal!
The burger wars are on! On one long city stretch of road in Elk Grove, California, I can eat at In and Out Burger, Five Guys Burger and Fries, The Habit, and Smash Burger. That's four - count them FOUR! - burger joints in a short amount of space. And we're not even going to count the "big" drive-through chains - ya know...arches and stars and crowns and all that! Everyone's got their faves, and I am slowly and painstakingly ferreting out mine. The "research" involved is brutal!
In the interest of fair comparisons, one must be meticulous in their menu choices. You can't honestly compare the bacon cheeseburger at one place to the bacon cheddar dog at another place, so it's burgers against burgers. The bun, cheese, and toppings can be altered slightly, but not drastically, as there are no options on some of these.
Fries are another matter. To keep it simple and fair, it's GOT to be potato against potato. Sweet potato fries are delicous, but not available everywhere. If you like ketchup, or ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce, to dip it in, fine. Just be consistent.
Decide what merits you are grading each meal on. Do you want a juicy burger? Does it have ooze scrumptious meat juice with every bite, or do you want a burger that holds its' shape without running down your arm? Should the bun be light and flaky, or dense? Seeds on the bun? How about a bun that doesn't get soggy half-way through and fall apart in your lap? Fries - skin on? Salted? So many individual choices - some easier to name than others (why do you think Umami is so popular?)!
Well...here are my results, thus far. I've been to three out of four recently, like within the last month, and I have a clear favorite. In and Out Burger wins for simplicity - sure there's a "secret" menu - but it's still burgers, burgers, or burgers. And fries and shakes and soda/tea/coffee. When you're hungry and indecisive, hit In and Out Burger. For taste - burgers and fries - it's all about Smash Burger for me. And since I am rarely accused of being indecisive, being able to choose from a myriad of toppings appeals to my creative spirit - right down to the bun and spreads!
They have created a few already-built burgers (and chicken sandwiches, too), but be brave and create your own. My latest creation there was a burger with fried onion strips, bleu cheese, mayo and Franks Red Hot Sauce on a spicy chipotle bun. OH. YUM. Before that, my burger had applewood smoked bacon and a fried egg, on a classic egg bun, of course. That's like breakfast and lunch in one easy to eat meal! Oh yeah...put some fries on that, and they stand in for home fries! They also offer "smash" fries - skinny-cut fries coated with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Double yum! Bonus points at Smash Burger, you can get the usual beverage options, soda, shakes, tea, etc., but you can also have beer! I do like a beer with my burger - don't you?
I hear raves about The Habit, and one day I will get there again (it's been three years since my last visit!). Until then - I'll be feeding my burger cravings at Smash Burger. Maybe one day, you'll walk in and gaze up at the menu and see one of my creations on the menu board. Maybe not. Probably not. But why eat one of mine when you can create your own? Besides - the only produce on my burger is onions and pickles, and they're usually fried!
Conduct your own highly-scientific burger comparison, and let me know who's on your leaderboard. Different burgers for different buds, I get that. But I'm still curious as to why you like yours better than mine!
In the interest of fair comparisons, one must be meticulous in their menu choices. You can't honestly compare the bacon cheeseburger at one place to the bacon cheddar dog at another place, so it's burgers against burgers. The bun, cheese, and toppings can be altered slightly, but not drastically, as there are no options on some of these.
Fries are another matter. To keep it simple and fair, it's GOT to be potato against potato. Sweet potato fries are delicous, but not available everywhere. If you like ketchup, or ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce, to dip it in, fine. Just be consistent.
Decide what merits you are grading each meal on. Do you want a juicy burger? Does it have ooze scrumptious meat juice with every bite, or do you want a burger that holds its' shape without running down your arm? Should the bun be light and flaky, or dense? Seeds on the bun? How about a bun that doesn't get soggy half-way through and fall apart in your lap? Fries - skin on? Salted? So many individual choices - some easier to name than others (why do you think Umami is so popular?)!
Well...here are my results, thus far. I've been to three out of four recently, like within the last month, and I have a clear favorite. In and Out Burger wins for simplicity - sure there's a "secret" menu - but it's still burgers, burgers, or burgers. And fries and shakes and soda/tea/coffee. When you're hungry and indecisive, hit In and Out Burger. For taste - burgers and fries - it's all about Smash Burger for me. And since I am rarely accused of being indecisive, being able to choose from a myriad of toppings appeals to my creative spirit - right down to the bun and spreads!
They have created a few already-built burgers (and chicken sandwiches, too), but be brave and create your own. My latest creation there was a burger with fried onion strips, bleu cheese, mayo and Franks Red Hot Sauce on a spicy chipotle bun. OH. YUM. Before that, my burger had applewood smoked bacon and a fried egg, on a classic egg bun, of course. That's like breakfast and lunch in one easy to eat meal! Oh yeah...put some fries on that, and they stand in for home fries! They also offer "smash" fries - skinny-cut fries coated with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Double yum! Bonus points at Smash Burger, you can get the usual beverage options, soda, shakes, tea, etc., but you can also have beer! I do like a beer with my burger - don't you?
I hear raves about The Habit, and one day I will get there again (it's been three years since my last visit!). Until then - I'll be feeding my burger cravings at Smash Burger. Maybe one day, you'll walk in and gaze up at the menu and see one of my creations on the menu board. Maybe not. Probably not. But why eat one of mine when you can create your own? Besides - the only produce on my burger is onions and pickles, and they're usually fried!
Conduct your own highly-scientific burger comparison, and let me know who's on your leaderboard. Different burgers for different buds, I get that. But I'm still curious as to why you like yours better than mine!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Living in the "Grey" zone
Hello, again. It's been a while...my apologies. It seems I've been sucked into the "Grey" zone.
Fifty Shades of Grey, that is, quickly followed by Fifty Shades Darker, and soon to be followed by
Fifty Shades Freed. Is anyone else out there reading this trilogy, besides my dear friend who loaned me the books, and the dear friend to whom I am passing them on to? What do y'all think? Is this Christian Grey character one seriously flawed dude, or what?! Okay, I'm not going to give anything away for those of you out there who plan on reading these books, so 'nuff said!
My daughter asked me what I was reading, as I sat on the bed engrossed in book two, somewhere near the middle of the story.
"A story about a seriously f*cked up relationship!" I told her, "With some really hot sex thrown in!"
Shall we talk about the sex? It would seem that's what everyone else who's read (or is reading) the
Fifty Shades trilogy is talking about. There are probably people reading it only because they heard about the "kinky f*ckery" that takes place, but I really gotta say...it's got an interesting storyline, too. And, apparently, 'vanilla' can take on several meanings! It's characters explore their sexuality in a myriad of ways, taking it to limits some are sure to find beyond weird (others, not so much! It's all about what YOU are comfortable with!).
Who out there can read a book these days without mentally casting the movie in your mind? Pas moi! While I have a vague idea of who I'd want to play Christian Grey (our SFD), I can't quite wrap my head around who would play Ana (dear, sweet innocent Anastasia Steele ;-) ). Are ya'll ready for this? It's been rumored, and almost a sure thing, as I undertsand it, that in the movie version of
Fifty Shades, Miley Cyrus is being cast as Ana! Hannah Montana, people! Seriously? Well...she's got between now and whenever to lose that country twang and take acting lessons! Definitely NOT on my list of potential A's!
One last thought: is there any coincidence that the two main characters have the surnames of Steele (steel) and Grey (gray)? Just think about it for a while...let it swim around in your head.
Here I go...off to finish the trilogy. Each book has ended in such a way that I'm left wanting....more!
Fifty Shades of Grey, that is, quickly followed by Fifty Shades Darker, and soon to be followed by
Fifty Shades Freed. Is anyone else out there reading this trilogy, besides my dear friend who loaned me the books, and the dear friend to whom I am passing them on to? What do y'all think? Is this Christian Grey character one seriously flawed dude, or what?! Okay, I'm not going to give anything away for those of you out there who plan on reading these books, so 'nuff said!
My daughter asked me what I was reading, as I sat on the bed engrossed in book two, somewhere near the middle of the story.
"A story about a seriously f*cked up relationship!" I told her, "With some really hot sex thrown in!"
Shall we talk about the sex? It would seem that's what everyone else who's read (or is reading) the
Fifty Shades trilogy is talking about. There are probably people reading it only because they heard about the "kinky f*ckery" that takes place, but I really gotta say...it's got an interesting storyline, too. And, apparently, 'vanilla' can take on several meanings! It's characters explore their sexuality in a myriad of ways, taking it to limits some are sure to find beyond weird (others, not so much! It's all about what YOU are comfortable with!).
Who out there can read a book these days without mentally casting the movie in your mind? Pas moi! While I have a vague idea of who I'd want to play Christian Grey (our SFD), I can't quite wrap my head around who would play Ana (dear, sweet innocent Anastasia Steele ;-) ). Are ya'll ready for this? It's been rumored, and almost a sure thing, as I undertsand it, that in the movie version of
Fifty Shades, Miley Cyrus is being cast as Ana! Hannah Montana, people! Seriously? Well...she's got between now and whenever to lose that country twang and take acting lessons! Definitely NOT on my list of potential A's!
One last thought: is there any coincidence that the two main characters have the surnames of Steele (steel) and Grey (gray)? Just think about it for a while...let it swim around in your head.
Here I go...off to finish the trilogy. Each book has ended in such a way that I'm left wanting....more!
Friday, May 25, 2012
In praise of German engineering
I've got something to say about drivers here in Northern California. Okay. I've got A LOT to say about drivers here. But my biggest pet peeve about most drivers, general lack of common sense aside, is the blatant disregard for the power of the turn signal. Puh-leeze! It's not rocket science. It doesn't require anyone to do any complicated manuevers. It's pretty easy to do, people! So why do sooooooooo many drivers not employ this one simple courteous act of driving?
In particular, more than any other driver I've observed, is the one behind the wheel of a Mercedes Benz. Ahhh...German engineering at it's (supposed) finest. My apologies to BMW owners, as well as those who tool around in their Volkswagens, Audis, and Porsches. Most of those other cars appear to have actual working turn signals. But what happened to the Mercedes? Now, it has been a while since I sat behind the wheel of a Mercedes, but I do recall the last time I was IN one. And the driver pointed out to me that they are actually equipped with a turn signal lever.
"So," I asked her, "why do I see so many Mercedes on the road and they never signal?"
No answer. Long pause. Defeat admitted. "Hmmm...I don't know."
Well, at least now we know that the German auto designers didn't forget to install the turn signal. Could it be that the instruction manual fails to mention it? Did we somehow lose those pages in translating the owners manual? Does the manual go from turning on the headlights to how to use the windshield wipers?
Or could it be the drivers themselves? I'm pretty sure not all Mercedes drivers are inconsiderate and incompetent drivers. I know a few. They're nice people. But how do you explain the driver I was driving behind on Highway 99 (that'd be THE 99, for all y'all from SoCal) yesterday who drove for TEN miles with his right turn signal on? Yeah, I was shocked to see a Mercedes with it's turn signal on. But as I drove behnd him, in the left hand lane, he only shifted to the right twice...ALL the time with his turn signal on...even when he came back to the left.
I drove past him at one point, confirming that, yes, a person was in there, and yes, it was indeed a male driver. As I shifted one lane to my right (yes, I signaled!) and he drove past me again, I did notice the turn signal was no longer blinking. Did he finally realize it was on and turn it off, or did the bulb just burn out? I'm sure I'll never really know. But pay attention while you're on the road. See how many Mercedes you are on the road with that don't signal. And if they DO, does it stay on?
You'll know me when you see me...I'm that driver that signals when I'm turning into a parking space! Or pulling away from the curb. Heck - I even signal when I'm turning into my driveway! I think everyone on the road with me deserves to know which way I'm going!
In particular, more than any other driver I've observed, is the one behind the wheel of a Mercedes Benz. Ahhh...German engineering at it's (supposed) finest. My apologies to BMW owners, as well as those who tool around in their Volkswagens, Audis, and Porsches. Most of those other cars appear to have actual working turn signals. But what happened to the Mercedes? Now, it has been a while since I sat behind the wheel of a Mercedes, but I do recall the last time I was IN one. And the driver pointed out to me that they are actually equipped with a turn signal lever.
"So," I asked her, "why do I see so many Mercedes on the road and they never signal?"
No answer. Long pause. Defeat admitted. "Hmmm...I don't know."
Well, at least now we know that the German auto designers didn't forget to install the turn signal. Could it be that the instruction manual fails to mention it? Did we somehow lose those pages in translating the owners manual? Does the manual go from turning on the headlights to how to use the windshield wipers?
Or could it be the drivers themselves? I'm pretty sure not all Mercedes drivers are inconsiderate and incompetent drivers. I know a few. They're nice people. But how do you explain the driver I was driving behind on Highway 99 (that'd be THE 99, for all y'all from SoCal) yesterday who drove for TEN miles with his right turn signal on? Yeah, I was shocked to see a Mercedes with it's turn signal on. But as I drove behnd him, in the left hand lane, he only shifted to the right twice...ALL the time with his turn signal on...even when he came back to the left.
I drove past him at one point, confirming that, yes, a person was in there, and yes, it was indeed a male driver. As I shifted one lane to my right (yes, I signaled!) and he drove past me again, I did notice the turn signal was no longer blinking. Did he finally realize it was on and turn it off, or did the bulb just burn out? I'm sure I'll never really know. But pay attention while you're on the road. See how many Mercedes you are on the road with that don't signal. And if they DO, does it stay on?
You'll know me when you see me...I'm that driver that signals when I'm turning into a parking space! Or pulling away from the curb. Heck - I even signal when I'm turning into my driveway! I think everyone on the road with me deserves to know which way I'm going!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Are you a closet Food Network TV star?
Admit it, please. You're kind of addicted to the Food Network. You feel like you know all the celebrity chefs personally. You sometimes find yourself in restaurants critiqueing the food, the service, whether or not to write to Guy about visiting the D, D, or D you're in. You even catch yourself breaking down a dish while you're in the kitchen preparing dinner, explaining why you're adding butter to a cold pan, and why you're dicing instead of mincing. You know you do it! It's okay! Somebody? It can't just be me!
Season eight of "The Next Food Network TV Star" just started, and the format is interestingly different. I'm not going to go into detail, in case you've got it on DVR and haven't watched it yet, yet one thing remains the same...what's your foodie style? I give Kudos to last season's winner...the self-proclaimed "Sandwich King." He knew his niche in the kitchen and remained true, whatever challenges were thrown at him. Every season, the show begins, and every season I wonder to myself...."what's my focus?" Can 'I like to Eat' be mine?!
Ask my husband and daughter, and they'd probably have a really quick answer - "She'll put a fried egg on it!" Yeah, maybe. I can admit, my thought process on that usually begins as we're wrapping up dinner, and I can see what kind of leftovers I'll be working with. A little rice and chicken...it'll make a great breakfast, with a fried egg on it! Mashed potatoes and corn...potatoe pancakes, with a fried egg on it!
Sometimes, leftovers don't make the breakfast cut. That's when they become the "do-overs." Which would be my other foodie talent. Using leftovers in a creative way doesn't exactly work in a restaurant setting, but it could be a tv show, right? Maybe? It's at least a cookbook, I think. My husband, the real cook in this household, creates elaborate meals for dinner, often with leftovers. When they don't make the breakfast plate (with a fried egg on it!), I attempt to turn them into another meal a night or two later.
Not content to merely re-heat and re-serve, I try to create a new dish. I suppose that's how soups and stews got their humble beginnings. It's a challenge I welcome. Got leftovers you're not sure how to do-over? Try me! I'll bet with your leftovers and a few basic staple items, we can (re)create something yummy. Not only will you cut down on food waste, you may find yourself cutting down your weekly food bill, too. One roasted chicken, could become two dinners and lunch (provided you aren't harboring an NFL team or a group of runaway slaves!).
Are you wondering what I had for breakfast today? Leftover garlic fries, chopped and pan-fried, smothered in leftover sausage gravy, accompanied by...yup! a fried egg. And half an leftover avocado. Yum!
Season eight of "The Next Food Network TV Star" just started, and the format is interestingly different. I'm not going to go into detail, in case you've got it on DVR and haven't watched it yet, yet one thing remains the same...what's your foodie style? I give Kudos to last season's winner...the self-proclaimed "Sandwich King." He knew his niche in the kitchen and remained true, whatever challenges were thrown at him. Every season, the show begins, and every season I wonder to myself...."what's my focus?" Can 'I like to Eat' be mine?!
Ask my husband and daughter, and they'd probably have a really quick answer - "She'll put a fried egg on it!" Yeah, maybe. I can admit, my thought process on that usually begins as we're wrapping up dinner, and I can see what kind of leftovers I'll be working with. A little rice and chicken...it'll make a great breakfast, with a fried egg on it! Mashed potatoes and corn...potatoe pancakes, with a fried egg on it!
Sometimes, leftovers don't make the breakfast cut. That's when they become the "do-overs." Which would be my other foodie talent. Using leftovers in a creative way doesn't exactly work in a restaurant setting, but it could be a tv show, right? Maybe? It's at least a cookbook, I think. My husband, the real cook in this household, creates elaborate meals for dinner, often with leftovers. When they don't make the breakfast plate (with a fried egg on it!), I attempt to turn them into another meal a night or two later.
Not content to merely re-heat and re-serve, I try to create a new dish. I suppose that's how soups and stews got their humble beginnings. It's a challenge I welcome. Got leftovers you're not sure how to do-over? Try me! I'll bet with your leftovers and a few basic staple items, we can (re)create something yummy. Not only will you cut down on food waste, you may find yourself cutting down your weekly food bill, too. One roasted chicken, could become two dinners and lunch (provided you aren't harboring an NFL team or a group of runaway slaves!).
Are you wondering what I had for breakfast today? Leftover garlic fries, chopped and pan-fried, smothered in leftover sausage gravy, accompanied by...yup! a fried egg. And half an leftover avocado. Yum!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Hello, cheers, and bon apetit!
Greetings!
I am Ness, and I find I often have random thoughts to share. I want an audience, and I have chosen you!
We're going to talk a lot about wine, and other spirits, and a lot about food - two of my very favorite things! I welcome questions, comments, and most other feedback y'all would like to serve up.
Occasionally, we'll talk travel - another of my faves. This could encompass a huge variety of subjects....the crazy fees that airlines charge, the fascinating array of people I've encountered at the ariport, or the driver who just can't follow basic rules of the road. I have a hula doll on my dashboard. Her name is Kealoha, and she shares my many roadtrips. You'll probably get to meet her along the way. She doesn't have much to say, but she sure sees a lot!
Join me on this journey called LIFE! Ready?
I am Ness, and I find I often have random thoughts to share. I want an audience, and I have chosen you!
We're going to talk a lot about wine, and other spirits, and a lot about food - two of my very favorite things! I welcome questions, comments, and most other feedback y'all would like to serve up.
Occasionally, we'll talk travel - another of my faves. This could encompass a huge variety of subjects....the crazy fees that airlines charge, the fascinating array of people I've encountered at the ariport, or the driver who just can't follow basic rules of the road. I have a hula doll on my dashboard. Her name is Kealoha, and she shares my many roadtrips. You'll probably get to meet her along the way. She doesn't have much to say, but she sure sees a lot!
Join me on this journey called LIFE! Ready?
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