Jesse and I decided that we definitely want bike riding to be a part of our adventure in Belgium and Germany this September. There are a couple of towns within riding distance from Munich and I think it would be great to rent bikes to see the sights (stopping at Biergartens along the way of course).
In order to fully prepare ourselves for these excursions, we're going to try and take long rides as often as we can between now and the end of August. Despite the blazing heat (90-92 degrees for the past three days), we decided to get out early and beat the afternoon sun that really starts to scorch between 3pm and 5pm. Today was the longest so far and toward the end we were both pretty hot and tired. However, it felt good to accomplish our first official training ride for the Belgium/Germany extravaganza. Check out our route below.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Childish Asswipé*
That's pronounced "ass-wee-pay". Not to be confused with a more derogatory word that might get me a Jackass Card (the penalty for being a jerk in our league). Have I mentioned before that Jesse and I are on a kickball team?
I was adamantly opposed to joining, given my horrible experience a couple of years ago in D.C., which involved another team throwing food at us on the street and very angry words (I seriously nearly decked a guy in cropped pants). However, I relented when I realized that it might be a fun way to make friends. Also, Jesse's co-worker (who invited us in the first place) is really nice, so she was bound to have nice colleagues. And she does have really, really great friends. Our league is called Recess Time and we are the Drinking Team with A Kicking Problem. Our name pretty much sums up our skills, but we're in the C group, which means that we're really bad and like to play people who are there to have fun. I'm pretty sure in this photo we were laughing at one of our teammates falling flat on his/her back (no injuries were sustained, except for a total loss of pride).
Up to this point, we have had a great time. Our team has graciously lost every single game, fumbling our way through the field with occasional bursts of genius. However, last night, we encountered a group of particularly heinous kickballers who blew us away (which wasn't the problem) and then insulted our team under their breath as we were giving the obligatory high-five after the game. Come on?! We're all adults. And this is kickball for god's sake! I won't say anymore, because they're just not worth it. I hope they crawl back into their dark holes in Portland and stay there.
Anyway, after our sorry performance in the outfield, a few of us have called an emergency practice session this weekend to brush up on catching and throwing. I know, kickball boot camp in our free time? Whatever, I don't think you realize how bad we really are. Then, we're going to take our anger out on the next team and leave them in the dust -- in a very non-asswipé, fun-loving way.
*Thanks to Lauren's cousin, Steve, for introducing me to my favorite insult/curse word disguised as a foreign language.
I was adamantly opposed to joining, given my horrible experience a couple of years ago in D.C., which involved another team throwing food at us on the street and very angry words (I seriously nearly decked a guy in cropped pants). However, I relented when I realized that it might be a fun way to make friends. Also, Jesse's co-worker (who invited us in the first place) is really nice, so she was bound to have nice colleagues. And she does have really, really great friends. Our league is called Recess Time and we are the Drinking Team with A Kicking Problem. Our name pretty much sums up our skills, but we're in the C group, which means that we're really bad and like to play people who are there to have fun. I'm pretty sure in this photo we were laughing at one of our teammates falling flat on his/her back (no injuries were sustained, except for a total loss of pride).Up to this point, we have had a great time. Our team has graciously lost every single game, fumbling our way through the field with occasional bursts of genius. However, last night, we encountered a group of particularly heinous kickballers who blew us away (which wasn't the problem) and then insulted our team under their breath as we were giving the obligatory high-five after the game. Come on?! We're all adults. And this is kickball for god's sake! I won't say anymore, because they're just not worth it. I hope they crawl back into their dark holes in Portland and stay there.
Anyway, after our sorry performance in the outfield, a few of us have called an emergency practice session this weekend to brush up on catching and throwing. I know, kickball boot camp in our free time? Whatever, I don't think you realize how bad we really are. Then, we're going to take our anger out on the next team and leave them in the dust -- in a very non-asswipé, fun-loving way.
*Thanks to Lauren's cousin, Steve, for introducing me to my favorite insult/curse word disguised as a foreign language.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Mexican Food the PBS Way
Since I've had more time to experiment with food, I have found myself perusing the shelves of the public library for new and interesting ideas for meals. Last week, I checked out two books after doing a pretty extensive internet search on the best authentic Mexican cookbooks. With that said, I'm about to write a review of two cookbooks without ever actually cooking any of the recipes. This blog entry isn't nearly as useless as it sounds, really.
When searching for the perfect cookbook, my first thought was to check out the reviews for Rick Bayless' many editions, since I used to love watching his show on PBS (his shows have sort of strayed off the cooking bit lately and tend to be a little new-age-self-finding for my taste). I seem to remember purchasing one of his cookbooks for my mom a long time ago that had a really simple, yet delicious recipe for red Mexican rice. Bayless has traveled extensively throughout Mexico and really takes pride in sharing the customs and food culture experienced over the years.
After contemplating over which one of his books to request from the library, I decided on Mexican Everyday, because many reviewers said that the recipes were authentic, but the ingredients list was simple enough to find just about anywhere. I feel like I can't really give this book an adequate review, because it just doesn't live up to my initial search -- authentic Mexican recipes. While Bayless uses traditional ingredients and techniques, I feel the recipes contained within the book are sort of pared down for the average cook; something you'd turn to for a quick, yet tasty, weeknight meal. There are a lot of sections that are "rifts" on a traditional application, such as "rifts on yellow mole". This time around, I'm not interested in a rift on anything, I want the real deal (even if it takes me 5 hours to prepare). Don't get me wrong, the recipes look delicious, but it's going back to the library for someone else to enjoy. I think I'll try Mexican Everyday again when I'm back to work full time, or otherwise occupied during the day.
The second book I picked up looks like it's right on target. Susana Trilling's Seasons of My Heart: A Culinary Journey Through Oaxaca, Mexico is also a companion book to a PBS television series. The book is divided into the seven regions of the state of Oaxaca and provides a wonderful context to situate the culture, food, and varied ingredients. I actually sat down yesterday and read the book almost entirely from cover to cover. For each recipe, Trilling gives a brief description of how she first encountered a food, or how it is traditionally prepared and eaten, and what other foods and drink should accompany the different courses. Her index of Mexican terms and descriptions of essential ingredients is an invaluable resource.
One of my favorite chapters was her section called "Traditions Evolve," where Trilling talks about her own variations on traditional recipes that incorporate her cooking background as well as her husband's. I also appreciated that she included this at the end after I was able to absorb all of the regional variations from Mexico and have a better understanding of the cuisine. I can certainly relate to this section, as I rarely cook a meal without altering it in some way that usually swerves toward Cajun or Southern-style preparation.
So why all the talk about these two recipe books that I have yet to put into use? Well, Jesse has been away since Friday on a business trip, which means he's eaten rich restaurant food (or take-out) for nearly a week. For the past three days, I have been in the throws of planning my first authentic Mexican meal and have hardly cooked a thing for myself. As a result, I am dying to get back into the kitchen. Also, it's a way to show my love and help him kick-start the post-work-trip detox. I won't tell you which recipes I'm going to make, because Jesse probably will read the blog before getting home tomorrow.
Stay tuned for photos and more!
When searching for the perfect cookbook, my first thought was to check out the reviews for Rick Bayless' many editions, since I used to love watching his show on PBS (his shows have sort of strayed off the cooking bit lately and tend to be a little new-age-self-finding for my taste). I seem to remember purchasing one of his cookbooks for my mom a long time ago that had a really simple, yet delicious recipe for red Mexican rice. Bayless has traveled extensively throughout Mexico and really takes pride in sharing the customs and food culture experienced over the years.
After contemplating over which one of his books to request from the library, I decided on Mexican Everyday, because many reviewers said that the recipes were authentic, but the ingredients list was simple enough to find just about anywhere. I feel like I can't really give this book an adequate review, because it just doesn't live up to my initial search -- authentic Mexican recipes. While Bayless uses traditional ingredients and techniques, I feel the recipes contained within the book are sort of pared down for the average cook; something you'd turn to for a quick, yet tasty, weeknight meal. There are a lot of sections that are "rifts" on a traditional application, such as "rifts on yellow mole". This time around, I'm not interested in a rift on anything, I want the real deal (even if it takes me 5 hours to prepare). Don't get me wrong, the recipes look delicious, but it's going back to the library for someone else to enjoy. I think I'll try Mexican Everyday again when I'm back to work full time, or otherwise occupied during the day.
The second book I picked up looks like it's right on target. Susana Trilling's Seasons of My Heart: A Culinary Journey Through Oaxaca, Mexico is also a companion book to a PBS television series. The book is divided into the seven regions of the state of Oaxaca and provides a wonderful context to situate the culture, food, and varied ingredients. I actually sat down yesterday and read the book almost entirely from cover to cover. For each recipe, Trilling gives a brief description of how she first encountered a food, or how it is traditionally prepared and eaten, and what other foods and drink should accompany the different courses. Her index of Mexican terms and descriptions of essential ingredients is an invaluable resource.One of my favorite chapters was her section called "Traditions Evolve," where Trilling talks about her own variations on traditional recipes that incorporate her cooking background as well as her husband's. I also appreciated that she included this at the end after I was able to absorb all of the regional variations from Mexico and have a better understanding of the cuisine. I can certainly relate to this section, as I rarely cook a meal without altering it in some way that usually swerves toward Cajun or Southern-style preparation.
So why all the talk about these two recipe books that I have yet to put into use? Well, Jesse has been away since Friday on a business trip, which means he's eaten rich restaurant food (or take-out) for nearly a week. For the past three days, I have been in the throws of planning my first authentic Mexican meal and have hardly cooked a thing for myself. As a result, I am dying to get back into the kitchen. Also, it's a way to show my love and help him kick-start the post-work-trip detox. I won't tell you which recipes I'm going to make, because Jesse probably will read the blog before getting home tomorrow.
Stay tuned for photos and more!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday Shopping Excursion
Jesse left for D.C. for a work thing, so this weekend I was left all alone. Saturday afternoon I gave my first talk to an audience of about 12 people about researching their historic house. I think it went pretty well -- they still want me to teach the longer 2-hour workshop in August, so I didn't screw it up entirely. It was one of those afternoons that I probably would have gone out with Jesse for a celebration beer, but instead, I headed over to Powell's and sat in their coffee shop for a couple of hours researching places to stay in Brussels.
My plans for Sunday were a little more nebulous and a lot less fun. I was determined to spend the afternoon at the mall combing the department store racks for a cute raincoat and a pair of jeans. I have been on a search for a good-looking raincoat since we moved here way back in September, but had not been able to find something that fit all of my requirements -- somewhat stylish, doesn't hide my figure (the dreaded tube torso), and has a hood (preferably detachable).
Portland is the land of rain, and yet every single store that I've gone visited has had absolutely hideous raincoats for women that, I swear, were fitted on male athletic models with no hips, waist, or chest. However, I hit the jackpot at Nordstrom department store. In fact, I actually had a hard time deciding between THREE different coats. Shocking!
So, thank you Michael Kors, for making multiple feminine water-resistant jackets (with detachable hoods). Also, thank you Nordstrom for holding a summer blow-out sale so I didn't have to spend my whole week's grocery budget on said raincoat -- I spent the remainder on this cute jacket and shirt. It seriously took me about 20 minutes to find, try on, and purchase the raincoat. I thought (foolishly) that the clothing gods were on my side and with all the good shopping mojo, I'd coast through the jeans searching process.
Reality hit when I walked into the jeans section of the juniors department (juniors pants fit me better than ladies for some reason) and found that a bulk of the inventory looked like this. I actually smelled a pair because they looked so worn and dirty that I was convinced they had occupied the legs of a homeless person. Honestly? Why would I buy a $70 pair of jeans that look like they've been mauled by a rottweiler? Also, there's a very good chance that I might rip them on my own (the reason that I was in this jeans-buying predicament in the first place), so I don't need industrial rotors tearing my pants to shreds before the point of purchase. Hopefully this trend, along with skinny and stirrup jeans, will soon fade into oblivion for another couple decades.
I did find a pair of jeans down the road at a Nordstrom Rack store. Did you know that there are $225 jeans floating around on the clothing market? I had to wait in an enormous line to try on 15 pair of (Euro size) jeans and managed to find one pair that fits well. However, they need about 14 inches hacked off the legs. I could probably build an entirely new outfit out of the remaining fabric. However, because I bought them at Nordstrom Rack, the price was pretty awesome. Luckily, I am handy with the sewing machine, so the alterations should be a cinch. I can't wait for a (rainy) night out to wear all of my new finds.
Next step? Finding comfortable, but non-hideous shoes for the upcoming trip to Belgium and Germany!
My plans for Sunday were a little more nebulous and a lot less fun. I was determined to spend the afternoon at the mall combing the department store racks for a cute raincoat and a pair of jeans. I have been on a search for a good-looking raincoat since we moved here way back in September, but had not been able to find something that fit all of my requirements -- somewhat stylish, doesn't hide my figure (the dreaded tube torso), and has a hood (preferably detachable).
Portland is the land of rain, and yet every single store that I've gone visited has had absolutely hideous raincoats for women that, I swear, were fitted on male athletic models with no hips, waist, or chest. However, I hit the jackpot at Nordstrom department store. In fact, I actually had a hard time deciding between THREE different coats. Shocking!
So, thank you Michael Kors, for making multiple feminine water-resistant jackets (with detachable hoods). Also, thank you Nordstrom for holding a summer blow-out sale so I didn't have to spend my whole week's grocery budget on said raincoat -- I spent the remainder on this cute jacket and shirt. It seriously took me about 20 minutes to find, try on, and purchase the raincoat. I thought (foolishly) that the clothing gods were on my side and with all the good shopping mojo, I'd coast through the jeans searching process.
Reality hit when I walked into the jeans section of the juniors department (juniors pants fit me better than ladies for some reason) and found that a bulk of the inventory looked like this. I actually smelled a pair because they looked so worn and dirty that I was convinced they had occupied the legs of a homeless person. Honestly? Why would I buy a $70 pair of jeans that look like they've been mauled by a rottweiler? Also, there's a very good chance that I might rip them on my own (the reason that I was in this jeans-buying predicament in the first place), so I don't need industrial rotors tearing my pants to shreds before the point of purchase. Hopefully this trend, along with skinny and stirrup jeans, will soon fade into oblivion for another couple decades.I did find a pair of jeans down the road at a Nordstrom Rack store. Did you know that there are $225 jeans floating around on the clothing market? I had to wait in an enormous line to try on 15 pair of (Euro size) jeans and managed to find one pair that fits well. However, they need about 14 inches hacked off the legs. I could probably build an entirely new outfit out of the remaining fabric. However, because I bought them at Nordstrom Rack, the price was pretty awesome. Luckily, I am handy with the sewing machine, so the alterations should be a cinch. I can't wait for a (rainy) night out to wear all of my new finds.
Next step? Finding comfortable, but non-hideous shoes for the upcoming trip to Belgium and Germany!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Cause this is Thriller, Thriller Night
The Bridgeport Stumptown Tart release party last night was a lot of fun. We met a few friends from kickball for a drink or two before heading over to PGE Park for a Beavers game. The beer was not exactly what I expected -- it's partially my own fault though. Whenever I hear cherry beer, my mind immediately jumps to Kriek beer. I knew going into the night that we were getting a cherry wheat, but I couldn't help but be a little disappointed when I took that first sip.
It was tart and refreshing, and probably one of the best cherry beers that I've had in a while. I just expected it to be little more complex given that it started with Bridgeport's Fallen Friar, which I love. Don't get me wrong, just because it wasn't a Kriek, didn't stop me from enjoying a bottle and a half. It's a great summer drink.
After happy hour, we walked over to the ballpark. Miller Light apparently sponsored the evening and declared it 80s night. I didn't really have anything that resembled 80s attire, but I did have a military style jacket and found a white glove at Goodwill. My homage to Michael Jackson. It's the best I could do in just a couple of hours. I think on any other night my effort might go unnoticed, but given that the city was abuzz with the news of his death, I was quite popular at the ballpark.
Overall, it was an awesome night. Good beer and great new friends.
It was tart and refreshing, and probably one of the best cherry beers that I've had in a while. I just expected it to be little more complex given that it started with Bridgeport's Fallen Friar, which I love. Don't get me wrong, just because it wasn't a Kriek, didn't stop me from enjoying a bottle and a half. It's a great summer drink.
After happy hour, we walked over to the ballpark. Miller Light apparently sponsored the evening and declared it 80s night. I didn't really have anything that resembled 80s attire, but I did have a military style jacket and found a white glove at Goodwill. My homage to Michael Jackson. It's the best I could do in just a couple of hours. I think on any other night my effort might go unnoticed, but given that the city was abuzz with the news of his death, I was quite popular at the ballpark.Overall, it was an awesome night. Good beer and great new friends.
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