More Promises?

Yesterday was hard. I was working for 12 hours or so on both of my jobs (not at the same time, I assure you), and had to cancel my dinner with our neighbor, Ingrid.

It was difficult. I won't go into detail. I am going to sleep early tonight, and will HOPEFULLY do a full update (as I've been promising...) sometime soon.

Oh, and check out the owl! :)

Quickly

I wanted to quickly share a picture from the other night with you guys!

This is Michelle and I at my cousin's birthday party last weekend.

I will hopefully be posting soon about my latest adventures. Have a good Thursday!

Italian Dinner

Tonight we made two pizzas.

Roasted Acorn Squash and Parmesan Pizza.

Shiitake Mushroom, Arugula, and Mozzarella Pizza.

Michael and I are trying to eat more vegetables at dinnertime. Does anyone have any suggestions for vegetable dishes? We love mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, squash of any type, zucchini, cucumber, potatoes, etc.

Good News!

(I'm not sure how many posts I've titled as "Good News," but I'm not worried about it...)

I'm finally making strides towards what I want in life. I've just accepted and started an editorial internship with D Magazine! I will be working with the assistant and managing editors of D Magazine, D Home, D CEO, and D Wedding to edit, interview, fact check and otherwise prepare articles for print. My first edited selection will publish in March, so be on the lookout!

Dumplings

Just a quick update:

Last night I broke in my bamboo steamer by making pork dumplings. They were a bit tedious to make, but so yummy!

Michael made a single-layer orange-glazed vanilla cake for dessert.

Busy week ahead!

Birthday Spectacular-ness

I want to share a few photos from a fantastic Birthday night. Get ready for a big dose of the Birthday Girls!

Me, in my Birthday outfit.

Michelle's Birthday outfit.

The Birthday Girls

The "staggered" shot.

What Daniel called my "All-American" face.

Now that you're sick of our Glamour Shots, I'll leave you with a few of my cats.

Ina's Glamour Shot

Sniffing.

Giada's "Stink Eye"

All photos are courtesy of Jake Buck, or also known as Cousin.

One more day before I have to go back to work! It's been such a nice break.

Poem In My Raspberry Chocolate

This poem was written on the inside of my chocolate wrapper. What a special surprise.

First time he kissed me, he but only kissed
The fingers of this hand wherewith I write;
And ever since, it grew more clean and white,
Slow to world-greetings, quick with its "O, list,"
When the angels speak. A ring of amethyst
I could not wear here, plainer to my sight,
Than that first kiss. The second passed in height
The first, and sought the forehead, and half missed,
Half falling on the hair. O beyond meed!
That was the chrism of love, which love's own crown,
With sanctifying sweetness, did precede.
The third upon my lips was folded down
In perfect, purple state; since when, indeed,
I have been proud and said, "My love, my own."

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Birthday So Far

I know my birthday just started today at 4:02 am, but I started celebrating Wednesday morning. Wondering why I know I was born at 4:02 am? My mom called this morning to remind me! :) (Not at 4:02)

Michael presented me something early for my birthday. A whistling tea pot/kettle:

We drink tea all of the time now! A little tea-wisdom: Loose-leaf is awesome, but bags are easier!

Michelle came over for birthday prep, and we had a BLAST. Pedicures, shopping and crafting? I think yes! I was going to have Maple Oatmeal Scones (Ina again) ready for her, but I was running behind. We ended up eating them for lunch dessert.

Then that night Michael and I cooked my pre-birthday dinner (since we're going out on the night of). We made salt-crusted steaks with an avocado and heirloom tomato salad. Here's the beautifully imperfect tomato.

I made the steaks with the Californian olive oil Michael bought me. I figured you could find it anywhere, but it's not that easy to find.

This morning, Michael presented me with hot tea and raspberry & dark chocolate pieces (Which I will blog about later), and a bamboo steamer! SO excited!

So, this means if you have any dumpling, vegetable or spring roll recipes, please pass them along! I will be using this time as soon as I can!

Also, I HAVE to put a photo of my Christmas present from Michael:

An Owl! My favorite!

My birthday has been one of the best so far. I am lucky to have so many people that love and care about me. I can't wait for tonight!

Early Present!

Michael presented me with an early birthday present when I got home from work yesterday!

He made me meringues Chantilly with roasted berries! (Recipe) He even went a step beyond and strained the berries so there wouldn't be any seeds. (I'm not a fan of seeds in cooked fruit.) It was nice to come home to such a fabulous dessert! Thanks to Ina for the inspiration!

Starstruck - The Biggest Loser Style

Yesterday was a special day for me - I met someone famous! I don't know if you all know, but I am a big fan of the TV show the Biggest Loser. I've posted a few times about the surprising outcomes of each episode.

One of my favorite members of this past season was a woman who had a tragic story attached. In late 2006 she lost her husband, daughter and newborn son in a fatal car accident. She enrolled in the Biggest Loser to get her hope and happiness back.

It's Abby!

Before:

She did a great job on the Biggest Loser and lost a total of 148 pounds over the course of the show. She's amazing!

I recognized her at Half Price Books on Northwest Highway as she was checking out. She was sweet enough to take a picture of us with her Blackberry and send it to me! (I didn't have my phone on me.) She looks great, and I'm thrilled to have met her.