Crossing Off #13

As part of my 24 while 24 list, I borrowed seasons 1-5 of The Office on Sunday. And now I only have one disk left in season 5.

It's pretty hysterical at 5AM. And 11AM. And 8PM.

Another Delicious Month of Food

The past month we've done a lot of eating out or getting fed. But when we're not, we're eating this delicious food made and photographed by my wonderful husband (well mostly).

Butternut Squash Soup with Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Pear, Goat Cheese, and Prosciutto Pizza

Pulled Pork with Corn on the Cob

Lemon Basil Potatoes, Herbed Chicken, and Green Beans

Stuffed Mushrooms

Egg and Tomato Salad

Zucchini Cakes

Perfect Birthday Weekend

What a great birthday weekend. It all started out with Richie bringing me nutella crepes in bed (our 24-hour Harris Teeter was closed for maintenance when he tried to get strawberries). Then Richie came and picked me up for lunch at Chipotle and a cute little homemade dessert.

Then my boss let me go home two hours early to celebrate with Richie. He surprised me with tickets to Brian Regan and pre-ordered the new Carrie Underwood CD. After work, we went to my favorite Thai restaurant in Georgetown - they have the best pineapple fried rice ever - for dinner where they give you a free entree (and ice cream we found out) on your birthday. After dinner we went bowling with some friends then finished it off with ice cream. So much fun.

Then Saturday morning I got up and played volleyball then went to the National Book Festival (only 23 more DC related things to do) on the mall. There were a ton of big authors (John Grisham, Jodi Picoult, James Patterson, Lois Lowry, Nicholas Sparks, etc.) and a ton people there. And the Target dog. We of course had to take pictures with the Target dog.

After the book festival, I just relaxed and hung out with friends for the rest of the weekend. Really the perfect birthday weekend.

Goodbye 23, Hello 24

Today is my grandpa's 70th birthday. Happy birthday grandpa, I love you!

It also happens to be my 24th birthday. And in honor of yet another year, here is a list of 24 things that I want to do while I'm 24. That means I need to do two things on this list a month (look at my math skills) to get them all done.

1. Run a marathon.
2. Learn how to play Sugarland's Stay on the guitar.
3. Swing from a trapeze.
4. Go see Machu Picchu. But if I can't make, visit a foreign country I've never been to.
5. Get a cookbook and my blog printed out (this is now becoming a combined effort).
6. Eat at the 24 restaurants (including Godiva) in National Harbor.
7. Make homemade donuts.
8. Read 100 in 2010
9. Give up sweets for a month.
10. Do 24 "DC-only" things (e.g., museums, monuments, theaters).
11. Volunteer for 100 hours.
12. See Brian Regan in concert.
13. Rent and watch every episode of The Office.
14. Make 24 different types of cookies (a different month than #9).
15. Surprise my husband with the perfect gift. For no reason.
16. Try 24 new foods/drinks that I've never tried before.
17. Read and watch Gone with the Wind.
18. Run a 5K in 27 minutes.
19. Send a Christmas card to family and friends.
20. Go an entire day without checking my email or Blackberry. When I do have access.
21. Take a class just because I feel like it. Or two or three.
22. Make Nutella gelato.
23. Grow my nails out long enough to get a manicure.
24. Get in contact with 24 people I haven't talked to in a while.

Confession # 1120

I just bought two tickets to see New Moon. At 12:01.
I will not be a screaming teenage girl.
Out. Loud.

What I Wish I Would Have Looked Like at 16

My little sister turned 16 last week. I guess she's not really little anymore but she'll always be little to me. My brother turns 18 next month. It's scary.

My mom sent me pictures of my sister, my brother (who turns 18 next month), and my 16-year old cousin going to homecoming last weekend, and it amazed me. There is no way I (or anyone I knew) ever looked like this in high school. I wore sweats and my hair up in a ponytail almost every day (still do) and almost never wore makeup.

So for all of you that haven't met my family or haven't seen the younger two in years, here are some pictures of my gorgeous siblings. My parents definitely did better with the second set. Oh and of course pictures of my cute nephews because who doesn't like cute little kids?

The girls and their dates

My brother and his girlfriend

The three kids

My beautiful little sis "Meanie face" little sis and nephew

And of course, my sister and both nephews

An Easy Italian Bistro Dinner Party

Sunday night we had friends over for a 4-course dinner party prepared by my lovely husband (with my help of course). We make a pretty good team.

1st course: Baked boursin with pita chips- this is one of our easiest and yummiest appetizer recipes ever. We had it at a hotel in SLC and love it. Basically you add a chunk of boursin to a seasoned tomato sauce (I just use Italian seasoning) then bake it in the oven at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes. Serve hot with pita chips, and it’s delicious!

2nd course: Watermelon salad- we had this last week at dinner at Brabo and had to try it out for ourselves. You would never think to put these flavors together, but they work great. It’s just watermelon chunks topped with goat cheese, chopped basil and pine nuts then drizzled with olive oil.

3rd course: Artichoke, tomato, prosciutto, and caper calzones with a tomato dipping sauce.

Final course: Meatballs with four-cheese ravioli (we didn’t make the ravioli)

And one of our good friends brought a delicious apple crisp (made from the apples picked yesterday). It was our most successful dinner party yet. No fights, no burnt food, no soggy soup, and best of all it was the easiest out of any we’ve done so far. Oh and the company was great too.

Anyone Have a Good Apple Recipe?

This weekend was a busy one. I started it off with a good nine-mile run on Saturday morning. I'm still nervous about Baltimore, but the 9-miler felt great.

After the run, we spent the rest of the morning apple picking with a bunch of our friends. Each couple came home with about a 1/2 bushel of apples (~20 pounds) for $10. Now I just need something to do with all of the apples. I would love any suggestions.

Then Saturday night we had a football party and sadly watched BYU lose to Florida State. Not surprising, but sad. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an entire BYU football season where they didn’t choke under the pressure. At least they had a good run.

Girl's Night Out Ended With Me Running a Marathon

I went and saw Julie and Julia with a bunch of the girls tonight. Not my favorite movie of the summer, but I thought it was cute.

After the movie while the other girls were talking about how they wanted to go home and cook, all I could think was how I wanted to run a marathon??

And blog about it. I've been thinking about it for a while and just never had the guts to take that leap into the dedicated training. I think the whole setting a goal and writing about it is genius even if no one reads what you write. I think maybe I'll give it a test run with the Baltimore half (three weeks from Saturday) and see how it goes.

An Ice Cream Personality Test

I was reading an article in Women's Health while working out last night and found an article called "The Scoop on Mr. Right." Well maybe I wouldn't call it an article, more like a little side note. Apparently researchers have found that your favorite ice cream flavor describes your outlook on life and that certain flavor personalities make natural romantic partners.

If you're favorite flavor is vanilla you are colorful, gregarious, and like to stay busy. Oh and you're most compatible with other vanillas (I could've told you that). And so on for double chocolate chunk, banana cream pie, chocolate chip, and butter pecan.

I want to know who came up with these five flavors as the "favorite flavors" of choice? When was the last time you asked someone their favorite ice cream flavor and they said banana cream pie? Really? What about cookies and cream, cookie dough, or my personal favorite, rocky road?

The magazine doesn't actually say this, but I think that rocky road means that you're well-rounded (since it's got a mixture of a lot of things), like to be goofy/nutty (what's rocky road without nuts), and get along with everyone (just mix everything right in).

Want to know what your personality? If you leave a comment with your favorite ice cream, I'll tell you all about it. Let's see if ice cream really does determine your destiny. Ha.

Trapeze Lessons, Shakespeare, and a Winner

First off, the winner of Cleopatra's Daughter is Cate! Not sure if this book was life-changing like she said her favorite historical fictions were, but it sure was a good read. Hope you enjoy it.

Second, the groupon for today was to see Midsummer Night's Dream at a theater in Arlington. I was extremely close to buying tickets until I saw the word, "wordless." I assumed this meant it was a musical production but no they really mean wordless, like they just have music and dancing with no words. What is Shakespeare without words? I just couldn't see myself enjoying a mime gynamstical production so we're going to do something else Friday night.

And finally, I decided what I'm going to do with my birthday money this year. I always do something basic with it like pay rent or buy groceries. But this year I'm going to use the money for me and an actual birthday celebration. I'm going to take trapeze lessons (well maybe only one). I walked by the location in DC last night and decided I have to try it out. I got that fluttering in my heart as I watched people step off that platform last night and I want to do that. I haven't felt that exhilaration for a while and want it. What better time than my birthday? And i'ts not anywhere near as expensive as I thought it would be. For $45, I can swing by my arms, swing by my knees, and be caught in the arms of another professional.

And that's all for tonight. It was a good day.

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran: Book Review and Giveaway

Have you ever wondered what happened to Cleopatra's twins when she died? Didn't even know she had twins? Me neither. That's the beauty of historical fiction, you learn things while engrossed in the depth of a beautiful story.

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran is the story of Cleopatra's twins, Alexander and Selene as they are taken to Rome after Egypt is conquered. The story is told from Selene's point of view and a fascinating look at Roman rule and Egyptian culture. It follows Selene and Alexander from the moment Egypt is overtaken to the time Selene becomes queen. Moran is an archeologist turned author that used her research to write this captivating work. The characters come across as real, relatable people rather than the rulers of Rome or the princess of Egypt. The boys go to the circus to gamble, the women worry about the jealousy of other women, and the slaves rebel against the Roman rule. Moran teaches you about Egyptian and Roman culture without even trying, and I just wanted to read more.

If you're a fan of historical fiction, or even if you're not, this is a book I would recommend to everyone. There were times I just forgot that the book was historical fiction and read it as a romance or a thriller. For me that's what makes good historical fiction, something that makes history real and relatable. One of the best books I've read in the past few months; I'll definitely be picking up her other books as well. 5 stars.

If you're interested in reading this book, I've got a copy to give away. Just leave a comment on this post (if you feel like telling me your favorite historical fiction novel that'd be even better), and I'll pick a winner. The book comes out tomorrow so the giveaway ends at midnight EST tonight. I'll announce the winner tomorrow.

Seeing Myself through Another Person's Eyes

I haven't been in the mood to write lately. I don't know what it is but I just haven't felt like it. This weekend was a lot of fun. We hung out with six different couples over the course of three different dinner parties and had a great time with everyone. It's nice to finally have a good (and big) group of friends so we always have people to do things with.

Tonight I got a picture from our fondue party on Friday night and realized something. I've got this picture of myself in my mind, and it's nothing like what I really look like. Every time I see myself in a picture or at quick glance in the mirror, I look at that person and just think, that's not me. I always imagine myself looking one way and am surprised every time I see a picture or get a glimpse in the mirror or see my reflection in a passing window.

A while ago I read She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb, and he hit on this point a little. The girl is parting her hair to one side and her sister comes in and explains that she has to part it the other way because that's how everyone else will see it. What she thinks she looks like is the opposite of what everyone else really sees. Do you think that's really how it is? We see ourselves one way and other people see us completely different, maybe even opposite of how we see ourselves? If we don't know what we look like to other people, does it really even matter what how we think we look when we walk out the door every day? Is there ever really any way to know how we look in another person's eyes?

Just something I was thinking about instead of doing my laundry tonight :)

24 New Foods/Drinks

1. Brisket- September 27, 2009
2. Butternut Squash- September 27, 2009
3. Acorn Squash- October 4, 2009
4. Dates - October 13, 2009
5. Scallops- October 13, 2009
6. Quail - October 13, 2009
7. Beets - October 13, 2009
8. Parsnips- November 1, 2009
9. Yuzu Juice- November 7, 2009
10. Curry- November 7, 2009
11. Rabbit- November 17, 2009
12. Potsticker - December 8, 2009
13. Avocado - January 13, 2010
14. Turnips - January 28, 2010

A Virtual Thank You Card

A couple of weeks ago I posted about my birthday wish list for this year. Apparently someone actually read that post because I a got a big box in the mail today. And when I opened it up I found this.

If you can't tell what it is, it's a recipe/cookbook holder. (Rachael Ray cookbook not included). And a perfect one at that. I also found an order/shipping confirmation but nothing else. I know it's not from any of my immediate family members because it's still two weeks from my birthday. And I don't know who else has my actual address.

I don't know who sent this to me, but I hope that whoever did is reading this post today. Because here's your thank you card.

I love it. Thank you!

And I love surprises. So if anyone else feels like getting me something else from my birthday list, I'd be more than happy to accept. And even write you a real (or virtual) thank you card.

I Ran Out of Creativity on #9

I know I’m a little slow, but I just realized in the middle of work that today is 09/09/09. So since September is my favorite month of the year (or at least close), here are nine things I did (or will do) today, nine things I will do in September, and nine things I hope to do by the end of 2009.

9th
1. Rejoined Weight Watchers.
2. Watched Glee Premiere.
3. Made grilled cheese and tomato soup (my favorite) for dinner.
4. Unpacked/cleaned my apartment.
5. Smelled the beautiful roses Richie got me yesterday.
6. Ate three sour gummy tongues.
7. Put a 2010 sticker on my license plate.
8. Planned a fondue party for this weekend.
9. Realized that I do way more than nine things every day.

September (09)
1. Learn how to run hills. With leaves falling all around me.
2. Read White Noise (and the six other books I’m scheduled to review).
3. Celebrate my 24th birthday.
4. Camp for the first time ever with Richie.
5. Go apple picking.
6. Get a pedicure and massage as a reward for finishing my 5th half.
7. Go to a fondue party, BBQ, and dinner with friends all in one weekend.
8. Catch up on my journal and blog for the summer.
9. Make someone’s day. Every day.

2009
1. Run four half-marathons (including the two I’ve already done)
2. Read 100 books (including the 57 I’ve already read).
3. Really celebrate our 3rd anniversary.
4. Hit 125 and fit into my pre-DC jeans.
5. Plan and have an awesome Halloween party.
6. Go to the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
7. Send family and friends a Christmas card/letter.
8. Organize all of my documents, recipes, etc.
9. Go on a spontaneous road trip for no reason other than I feel like it.

And the Nomination Goes To...

So I'll have more details about the race tomorrow, but I'm going to use this post for more selfish reasons. The blog I review books on is up for the best collaborative book award for the "blogger book appreciation awards," and I'd love to win. Not sure what winning means other than maybe a cool button our blog and bragging rights, but that's something right? So if you have a free second and want to go vote for my blog (or any others if you feel they deserve the award more), feel free.

Oh and if you'd like to check out any of my reviews before you vote, the blog is here, all of my reviews are here, and all of our (since it's a collaborative blog) 5-star reviews are here.

Oh and here's where you vote. I recommend searching for the word collaborative (there are a lot of categories). My blog is Book Nook Club .

The Top Ten Reasons I Run

By the time I finish writing this post, there will probably be less than 1 day and 22 hours left before half-marathon #5. A couple of people have told me in the past month that they would love to love running, but they hate it. You know what, I don't love it. I hate it on days too. But most of the time I like it enough to keep me going. So before I get really nervous and get cold feet about running this weekend (I do every time), here are the top 10 reasons I run.

1. I get to see my family. I'm running the half this weekend with my dad, aunt, and two brothers. My sister and cousin are running the half relay. Yes, this is definitely the #1 reason for me. I always know if I commit to a half-marathon that means I'll also get a weekend with family.
2. My body just shrinks and feels so much better. I definitely don't look like a runner (ever), but I love the way running makes my legs and my core feel strong.
3. There's a feeling of accomplishment when I cross the finish line of a race I've been training for. It's a feeling that I haven't felt from anything else.
4. I get to feel okay (and am encouraged) to eat carbs. And drink chocolate milk.
5. With our goal to hit half-marathons in all 50 states (it may be a while), I get to go awesome places like Nashville and Iowa.
6. The free t-shirts (okay maybe not free) and medals. Ooh and the post-race snacks.
7. Running is free and flexible. I don't have to get up early or plan my schedule around a class at the gym. I can run on a trail outside or jump on a treadmill.
8. The gadgets.
9. The pedicure after a race or months of training. I get used to the woman laughing at my gross feet. Best pedicure comment I've ever gotten was, "Are you a soccer player? You have nice calves."
10. It makes me happy. And when I'm happy, everyone else is happy.

Happy long weekend! I'll be back on Tuesday with wobbly legs and a new long-sleeved t-shirt.

Get in Touch with 24 Friends

1. January 5, 2010 - 20 people to go
2. January 13, 2010 - 19 people to go
3. January 19, 2010 - 17 people to go (thanks Dave and Lisa)
4. March 13, 2010 - 13 people to go (Ash, Ruby, Ben, and Kevin)
5. April 16, 2010 - 3 people to go (all my Utah buddies)

Anniversarymoon

I was reading Petite Chic's blog today and really loved the idea of doing an anniversarymoon. Richie and I got married on December 28th, and it was perfect but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone that wants to actually celebrate their anniversary. Between celebrating Christmas and New Year with our families, we just don't have time to celebrate it like we should.

So anyway, back to Petite Chic's anniversary moon idea. I like it. And I'm thinking that we might have to steal it and make our anniversary an actual celebration every year. It'll probably have to be something small like a weekend away while Richie is still in law school but after that I like just thinking about the possibilities.

Maybe we'll go lay on a beach in Aruba.

Or see lions on an African safari.

Or maybe return to Italy for a cooking class.

Or go to a real Hawaiian luau and learn the hula.

Or visit the original Olympic stadium in Greece.

Or...I could keep going forever. There are so many places I want to go and things I want to see. If you had to pick one place to go on vacation right now where would it be?