Bathroom Remodel
August 29th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
It has been a long time coming but we are a week and a couple days into our bathroom remodel.
The remodel, while fun, was really born out of necessity. The window, seen in one of the pictures below, was in our shower and it leaked like a sieve into the wall causing a lot of damage and mold. So, it was time.
In another week we should be wrapping things up but I couldn’t resist an update here.
So, here are a few pictures to show you where we started and where we are today.
Yesterday on the Metro Red Line
August 10th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
We had both concessions and a Bejeweled expert.
Concessions:
Every once in a while you’ll have someone jump on your train trying to sell something. Yesterday it was a young man selling cold drinks and popcorn. Someday I hope to be on a train where they’re selling bacon wrapped hot dogs. That would be amazing.
Bejeweled Expert:
Across the aisle from me a young woman sat quite contently playing a game on her cell phone to pass the time. It’s a pretty normal sight on the train, and usually people will leave you alone if they see you occupied with something, but not yesterday. Yesterday was different. A gentleman sitting behind the previously mentioned young woman looked over her shoulder in a very obvious fashion and asked if she was playing Bejeweled. He proceeded to announce to the train that he knows that there are 3 versions of Bejeweled not including the “ethnic” ones. The version the young woman was playing was apparently an “ethnic” one. For the next several stops he sat there looking over her shoulder commenting on her moves. I was amazed at how friendly she was with him. I don’t think I could have continued to play with someone watching over my shoulder. Too much pressure… especially when you’re in the presence of someone so knowledgeable about the game.
Consumer with a desire to create
August 4th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I’m a consumer with a desire to create.
I can tell you what I think about your product and what would make it better but when it comes to creation I am less than inspired. And I wish it weren’t that way.
In all honesty, I figure I have very few original ideas. I like to stand on the shoulders of others and take the next step (adaptation of a line from Jurassic Park).
I have tried to be creative in the past in many different arenas. Something that had come quite naturally to me is my appreciation for music. And since any fool can pick up a guitar and play… I thought it would be an easy transition to creation.
The problem is I lack the discipline and concentration to progress enough to ever play the guitar confidently. For 15 years I have been a mediocre beginner. I’m not sure that will ever change.
And as a mediocre beginner I have tried to write music and poetry, but I have never been as happy as I am when I hear the latest release from (insert musician here).
I guess I am writing this in an attempt to validate this existence. Is it ok to be a consumer?
Is it a creative art in and of itself?
I’m not sure.
All I know is that I have a desire to create… and have yet to find an outlet for that.
Croque Monsieur
August 3rd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Last night’s dinner experiment is one of my favorites. I made croque monsieur and roasted asparagus. It’s really easy. It just sounds fancy. Croque monsieur is essentially a grilled ham and cheese sandwich covered in rich creamy béchamel. My mouth is watering as I talk about it. Oh, I’m ready to have it again… But, before I get to that here’s what I did with the asparagus.
Asparagus
Trim cut ends and wash.
Place in baking dish and lightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and parsley
Bake at 350 for 10 to 15 minutes
Now, to the Croque monsieur…
First you assemble your sandwiches.
Sandwich
Lightly butter one side of a piece of bread (I used sourdough)
Place one piece of bread butter side down on cookie sheet
Layer with cheese (I used smoked gouda), ham (I used black forest ham), and more cheese. You can also throw a tomato in there if you want.
Top with another piece of bread lightly buttered with the butter side up.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy. (You can also grill them in a skillet on the stove)
While your sandwiches are baking start the béchamel.
Béchamel
Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat
Once melted, stir in 1/4 cup of flour until smooth.
Slowly whisk in 2 ¼ cups of milk until smooth
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering for 20 minutes
Season with salt, pepper and paprika
Once your sandwiches are done and your béchamel is ready to go, plate the sandwich and cover with béchamel. I topped mine with a little of the shredded smoked gouda.
Enjoy!
Today on the Metro Red Line
August 2nd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I missed my stop.
I knew it would happen eventually.
It happened as I was typing away at a blog post. It is kind of embarrassing to have to turn around and get back on going the opposite direction. But I’m sure no one noticed.
