Since I am mildly obsessed with food I have decided that on occasion, if I have found something that I enjoy I will post the recipe. I am trying to make more of an effort to make proper meals and pack them up for a couple of days. Chances are things that I make are pretty easy, quick and if they made this blog hopefully delicious!
Today I made Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes
Enough Spaghetti for 2 (I obviously did not feel the need to make a family portion)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 clove garlic, crushed but not minced
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
4 ounces small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) cut in half
salt
Cook spaghetti in pot of salted water until cooked (10 min? I used gluten free pasta). Mix oil, chili, oregano and garlic together and fry for a couple of min, until garlic appears cooked. Add tomatoes for about 3 min.
Drain pasta, mix in oil/tomato mixture. Season with salt. Add mozzarella balls, mix. Serve! Serves 2.
Pretty much a 20 minute meal. The mozzarella balls are pretty substantial and protein packed so I am pretty stuffed right now. I’m saving the left over’s for lunch and I have a feeling that with the chili it might taste even better tomorrow.
Clearly I am becoming an old person.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Year in Review…
I feel like I should take a moment to capture my year in one set of bullet points for when I get old and senile and reread my blog to remind myself that I had a life. Alternatively, I can reread it if this year gets particularly boring to kick my butt into gear to make this one interesting.
Run down of last year:
• Went to New Zealand with Mom and Sherry, saw most of the country…went bundgy jumping
• Move to Melbourne, played heaps of Frisbee, lived with some awesome people, had an international job in marketing, went to see a bunch of concerts and re-sprained my ankle walking to a washroom (toilets in Australia)
• Learned about how Australians don’t date
• Was a Honey!! (Frisbee team I played with in Melbourne)
• Went to Perth, Tasmania, Brisbane, LA and visited Vancouver pre deciding to move here
• Went home to Newfoundland for a month, was depressed, then got used to it, then didn’t want to leave, but left anyway (good decision overall, I can always go back). Saw my family and friends!!
• Moved to Vancouver, found an excellent job, met some people, reconnected with old friends and ate chicken feet with Annie’s family in Richmond
Overall I am pretty happy with how last year went. I think it’ll be a hard year to compete with. There are a couple of things I would like to do this year:
• Learn how to snowboard
• Go camping, preferably not get attacked by a bear or cougar
• Enjoy living in the city where the Olympic games are being held
• Get back into good shape…
• Start to bike to work
Clearly I will need to come up with some additional exciting endeavors in order to compare with last year, but I do expect this year to be a pretty chilled out.
Run down of last year:
• Went to New Zealand with Mom and Sherry, saw most of the country…went bundgy jumping
• Move to Melbourne, played heaps of Frisbee, lived with some awesome people, had an international job in marketing, went to see a bunch of concerts and re-sprained my ankle walking to a washroom (toilets in Australia)
• Learned about how Australians don’t date
• Was a Honey!! (Frisbee team I played with in Melbourne)
• Went to Perth, Tasmania, Brisbane, LA and visited Vancouver pre deciding to move here
• Went home to Newfoundland for a month, was depressed, then got used to it, then didn’t want to leave, but left anyway (good decision overall, I can always go back). Saw my family and friends!!
• Moved to Vancouver, found an excellent job, met some people, reconnected with old friends and ate chicken feet with Annie’s family in Richmond
Overall I am pretty happy with how last year went. I think it’ll be a hard year to compete with. There are a couple of things I would like to do this year:
• Learn how to snowboard
• Go camping, preferably not get attacked by a bear or cougar
• Enjoy living in the city where the Olympic games are being held
• Get back into good shape…
• Start to bike to work
Clearly I will need to come up with some additional exciting endeavors in order to compare with last year, but I do expect this year to be a pretty chilled out.
No Mummers this year
I have been fortunate to have few homesick feelings over the past year, one would guess that I have been so busy there isn’t really enough time to feel homesick. I love Newfoundland, I think it is amazingly beautiful, the people are extraordinary, the culture is continuously intriguing and well my friends and family are there. If the population wasn’t so small and the snow wasn’t so heavy I would consider moving back. Sadly I don’t think either of these will change that much, even with global warming.
This Christmas season truly made me miss all that Newfoundland has to offer. I thought summer was my favourite time to be home, but now that I think of all of the parties, birthdays, activities that fall around the holiday season at home I am really starting to miss the place. I don’t know if anywhere celebrates like Newfoundland does, it is basically a week full of events. It saddens me greatly that in Vancouver no one knows what “Tibbs eve” is.
When I asked what some typical Vancouver things to do for Christmas are no one really had an answer. It is one of those places that has so many people from elsewhere that there doesn’t appear to be much that is distinctively ‘Vancouver.’ It’s a good and a bad thing, because of all the different groups there are plenty of great multi-cultural events and activities. Year round this is really amazing, Christmas I think I prefer Newfoundland.
On a whole I would say it was my weirdest Christmas to date. Last year was so totally different that I can’t compare but here just felt like a random week off. Stores only really close on Christmas day here and the only thing that you hear much about are the Boxing Day sales. I thought it would feel more Christmassy in Canada…
The saving grace of Christmas and New Years were two delicious meals. I was lucky to go over to Matt and Heathers for an amazing turkey dinner on Christmas day… mmm makes me hungry again just thinking about it (as well, they even had savory in the stuffing, hard stuff to come by in BC). And New Years I got to hang out with a couple of people I know from Newfoundland and some friends from Australia.
I have no big ideas or expectations for the New Year. My first priority is to find a place to live, after that who knows.
This Christmas season truly made me miss all that Newfoundland has to offer. I thought summer was my favourite time to be home, but now that I think of all of the parties, birthdays, activities that fall around the holiday season at home I am really starting to miss the place. I don’t know if anywhere celebrates like Newfoundland does, it is basically a week full of events. It saddens me greatly that in Vancouver no one knows what “Tibbs eve” is.
When I asked what some typical Vancouver things to do for Christmas are no one really had an answer. It is one of those places that has so many people from elsewhere that there doesn’t appear to be much that is distinctively ‘Vancouver.’ It’s a good and a bad thing, because of all the different groups there are plenty of great multi-cultural events and activities. Year round this is really amazing, Christmas I think I prefer Newfoundland.
On a whole I would say it was my weirdest Christmas to date. Last year was so totally different that I can’t compare but here just felt like a random week off. Stores only really close on Christmas day here and the only thing that you hear much about are the Boxing Day sales. I thought it would feel more Christmassy in Canada…
The saving grace of Christmas and New Years were two delicious meals. I was lucky to go over to Matt and Heathers for an amazing turkey dinner on Christmas day… mmm makes me hungry again just thinking about it (as well, they even had savory in the stuffing, hard stuff to come by in BC). And New Years I got to hang out with a couple of people I know from Newfoundland and some friends from Australia.
I have no big ideas or expectations for the New Year. My first priority is to find a place to live, after that who knows.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Great Canadian Debate
Okay, so maybe it isn’t a debate but it is a classic Canadian conversation. Zambonis. I feel like growing up Canadian it is an essential part of childhood. To anyone that hasn’t actually attended a hockey game, gone skating or experienced an ice rink you are truly missing out. As a brief explanation, it is a small vehicle that smoothes the ice surface between skates.
Firstly it is a fabulous word, secondly it is truly exciting to see a zamboni when you are a small child (I still greatly enjoy seeing them) and finally there are so many unanswered questions. Really annoying, you have too much time on your hands type questions, but questions none the less. What does the zamboni driver do when they aren’t zamboniing (pretty sure that isn’t a word but I like it anyway)? Does every rink have a zamboni or do near by rinks share one (this started a great debate in university)? How do you get to be the kid that rides the zamboni at the hockey games (a most coveted experience)? How do you become a zamboni driver? Do you just need a drivers licence? How do they master the pattern on the ice? What do they do if they miss a spot?
In my youth it was a habit to make up inaccurate answers to all of these questions t and then debate them with friends. Some of the discussions became quite heated in my university days. I recall one time having over a 30 minute conversation about zambonis that I am sure said nothing of relevance. Still it is a fond memory whenever I attend a game and see a zamboni come out onto the ice.
In conclusion, it’s the little winter things that make me happy to be back in Canada, even if I am adjusting poorly to the cold. Other things I am enjoying: festive coffee drinks, the smell of winter and that wearing a scarf with everything is appropriate.
Firstly it is a fabulous word, secondly it is truly exciting to see a zamboni when you are a small child (I still greatly enjoy seeing them) and finally there are so many unanswered questions. Really annoying, you have too much time on your hands type questions, but questions none the less. What does the zamboni driver do when they aren’t zamboniing (pretty sure that isn’t a word but I like it anyway)? Does every rink have a zamboni or do near by rinks share one (this started a great debate in university)? How do you get to be the kid that rides the zamboni at the hockey games (a most coveted experience)? How do you become a zamboni driver? Do you just need a drivers licence? How do they master the pattern on the ice? What do they do if they miss a spot?
In my youth it was a habit to make up inaccurate answers to all of these questions t and then debate them with friends. Some of the discussions became quite heated in my university days. I recall one time having over a 30 minute conversation about zambonis that I am sure said nothing of relevance. Still it is a fond memory whenever I attend a game and see a zamboni come out onto the ice.
In conclusion, it’s the little winter things that make me happy to be back in Canada, even if I am adjusting poorly to the cold. Other things I am enjoying: festive coffee drinks, the smell of winter and that wearing a scarf with everything is appropriate.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Personal vs. Professional
As an employee in the marketing field I always question this line, should I have separate facebook accounts, twitter accounts and possibly make my blog private? As an employee I don’t feel that I speak for the groups that I work for, unless representing myself in that capacity, so how to divide my personal life from my professional, or do I even need to?
Fortunately I like to think that nothing too questionable is on my facebook, so with a limited profile I stop most of the damage that could be done to my good name. By limiting my profile I have only really blocked tagged pictures (the most dangerous of all pictures). Not all friends respect that some events don’t need to make it to public view. Now that I think of it, maybe no one needs to see my tagged pictures, not even me. Hypothetically employers are starting to consider the social media available about you to reflect who you are and if you are employable by any given organization. Well, what is appropriate? Can I hold a glass of wine? What about my dance moves, that may be mistaken for drunkenness , I assure you they are purely my lack of dance skills. What about the people I associate with or my political views?
Personally I feel it may all come down to what field you work in, what you are comfortable with the world knowing and what you would be okay with your mother reading. Hi mom. These are the ways that I base most decisions of what I post, what I allow others to see and when I call a friend on questionable facebook/blog/twitter posts. Some things should be kept to in person or email. But more frequently than not, maybe they just don’t need to be said. However, were would the entertainment be in that... Regardless, if you were to have a conversation with me, you would probably hear many of the things I would post in a blog… just cuts out the other person. Maybe social media is just a way to talk to yourself and convince yourself that someone might pay attention.
Really, I don’t think I answered any of the big questions, but I will continue to question my status until one day, maybe if I have children, I will try to wipe out my thoroughly entertaining and not so perfect (but not too dodgy) past.
Fortunately I like to think that nothing too questionable is on my facebook, so with a limited profile I stop most of the damage that could be done to my good name. By limiting my profile I have only really blocked tagged pictures (the most dangerous of all pictures). Not all friends respect that some events don’t need to make it to public view. Now that I think of it, maybe no one needs to see my tagged pictures, not even me. Hypothetically employers are starting to consider the social media available about you to reflect who you are and if you are employable by any given organization. Well, what is appropriate? Can I hold a glass of wine? What about my dance moves, that may be mistaken for drunkenness , I assure you they are purely my lack of dance skills. What about the people I associate with or my political views?
Personally I feel it may all come down to what field you work in, what you are comfortable with the world knowing and what you would be okay with your mother reading. Hi mom. These are the ways that I base most decisions of what I post, what I allow others to see and when I call a friend on questionable facebook/blog/twitter posts. Some things should be kept to in person or email. But more frequently than not, maybe they just don’t need to be said. However, were would the entertainment be in that... Regardless, if you were to have a conversation with me, you would probably hear many of the things I would post in a blog… just cuts out the other person. Maybe social media is just a way to talk to yourself and convince yourself that someone might pay attention.
Really, I don’t think I answered any of the big questions, but I will continue to question my status until one day, maybe if I have children, I will try to wipe out my thoroughly entertaining and not so perfect (but not too dodgy) past.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Go Canucks!
As a new Vancouverite it is only right that I cheer on the Cancuks or shake my head in disappointment at appropriate moments. While I greatly enjoy watching hockey, particularly in person, I am uncertain if I would spend the big bucks to attend a Canucks game. Fortunately for my cultural education my friend Krista got free tickets and invited me to go. Favorite part? The fans! The aggressive grandma’s, overweight cursing ‘sports junky’ and the dolled up tarts are by far my favorite of the fans. If there was ever a time to people watch, sports is it! However maybe the correct term would be people listen, because clearly I want to watch the game as the Canucks just pulled it together in order to win.
Nothing beats the smell of off cheese, hot dogs, ice and perfume (from the ladies there to get a man), the cheer of the crowd as a fight breaks out (on or off the ice) and a mascot getting a little aggressive. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, one I am sure that I will want to experience again. In my mind I still prefer NBA games, but sadly there is no team in Van. Favorite sports to watch are currently basketball (preferably NCAA) and a tie between hockey and Australian footy.
Nothing beats the smell of off cheese, hot dogs, ice and perfume (from the ladies there to get a man), the cheer of the crowd as a fight breaks out (on or off the ice) and a mascot getting a little aggressive. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, one I am sure that I will want to experience again. In my mind I still prefer NBA games, but sadly there is no team in Van. Favorite sports to watch are currently basketball (preferably NCAA) and a tie between hockey and Australian footy.
“On the road I dream of home and when at home I dream of action” –The Zolas
I seem to have hit a brick wall… what some would consider ‘back to reality’, ‘real life’ and maybe some would even consider it ‘growing up’ (however I fully disagree with this last one, I have MANY years before this will be required). It isn’t such a bad thing, just more of a transition. My adventure is over, I am employed, have responsibilities, expectations and will soon commit to long term bills i.e. A lease. I don’t feel I prepared myself for this step in life (we’ll ignore that it is my second time around).
I think I am so used to there being something exciting just around the corner that I have become dependent on this feeling. I like the instability that the last year and a half has provided, not knowing what will happen next, not thinking about things too much, letting go of the expectations I had set up for myself. I am sure in this phase of life I will carry many of these things with me, but it will be an interesting balance.
Luckily my new job at UBC appears as though I will have a good work/life balance. Come the New Year, I will go back to playing Frisbee a couple of days a week. I am greatly looking forward to the purchase of a bike (bicycle, not motorcycle) as a form of transportation. But the big ‘adventure’ is settling in… less exciting. I look forward to all of the people I will meet, things I will get involved with but it is too intangible to grasp. I guess I have to adjust to ‘reality’…sigh.
YOGA UPDATE
I have no idea how I neglected to update my blog post challenge, well I completed it! Then I weighed myself, after not weighing myself for the entire month, I gained 6 lbs…. go me. While maybe this should be upsetting, I thought it was kinda funny. I will lose it again, I am more flexible and overall I am happy that I completed the challenge. Were there any life changing experiences, no. Will I continue with the yoga? On occasion. There was a point where I decided that I hated yoga and thought it might actually break me. Once I know where I am going to live I will reevaluate if I will get a membership, for now it is swimming, Frisbee and whatever other activities come up will do. I am avoiding commitments for the moment until I have a better idea of my work life, social life and determining if I have already peaked with my Frisbee skill (which would be entirely sad but quite possible).
I think I am so used to there being something exciting just around the corner that I have become dependent on this feeling. I like the instability that the last year and a half has provided, not knowing what will happen next, not thinking about things too much, letting go of the expectations I had set up for myself. I am sure in this phase of life I will carry many of these things with me, but it will be an interesting balance.
Luckily my new job at UBC appears as though I will have a good work/life balance. Come the New Year, I will go back to playing Frisbee a couple of days a week. I am greatly looking forward to the purchase of a bike (bicycle, not motorcycle) as a form of transportation. But the big ‘adventure’ is settling in… less exciting. I look forward to all of the people I will meet, things I will get involved with but it is too intangible to grasp. I guess I have to adjust to ‘reality’…sigh.
YOGA UPDATE
I have no idea how I neglected to update my blog post challenge, well I completed it! Then I weighed myself, after not weighing myself for the entire month, I gained 6 lbs…. go me. While maybe this should be upsetting, I thought it was kinda funny. I will lose it again, I am more flexible and overall I am happy that I completed the challenge. Were there any life changing experiences, no. Will I continue with the yoga? On occasion. There was a point where I decided that I hated yoga and thought it might actually break me. Once I know where I am going to live I will reevaluate if I will get a membership, for now it is swimming, Frisbee and whatever other activities come up will do. I am avoiding commitments for the moment until I have a better idea of my work life, social life and determining if I have already peaked with my Frisbee skill (which would be entirely sad but quite possible).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
