Roast beef, stews, and pies
Potatoes, bourbon, cider
Winter makes me fat
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Split Personality
I took a personality test the other day. The questions were of the usual personality test variety - lots of "I always" and "I never" and "I am" and "I feel". There were, like, 500 questions or something, and many of them were repetitive.
4. I am a happy person and always in a good mood. TRUE
27. I am a moody person and often irritable. TRUE
209. I am patient with others. TRUE
355. I feel frustrated at others lack of understanding of a situation. TRUE
400. I do not like confrontation. TRUE
415. I can be quick to get angry and will easily express it. TRUE
What does this tell you about my personality? Now you know who I am?
I am exactly who I say I am, and tomorrow I am someone else entirely.
I am woman - untraceable by tests, uncageable by categories.
4. I am a happy person and always in a good mood. TRUE
27. I am a moody person and often irritable. TRUE
209. I am patient with others. TRUE
355. I feel frustrated at others lack of understanding of a situation. TRUE
400. I do not like confrontation. TRUE
415. I can be quick to get angry and will easily express it. TRUE
What does this tell you about my personality? Now you know who I am?
I am exactly who I say I am, and tomorrow I am someone else entirely.
I am woman - untraceable by tests, uncageable by categories.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Dirty
I like to mess up beauty. I like to get clean things dirty. I like to create chaos where there would otherwise be sameness. I like to muddy the perfect.
I want to casually knock over rows and rows of carefully placed dominos. I want to kiss a perfectly made-up cheek with garish hot pink lipstik. I want to fuck wildly on a well-made bed. I want to smudge newsprinty fingers on important work documents. I want to spill coffee on white linen pants. I want to use the black crayon to color outside of the lines. I want to fondle all of the sculputures and caress all of the paintings in the Louvre. I want to chip my purple dishes as I wash them.
I want imperfection. I want faults and flaws. I want snags and defects. In imperfection, we find true beauty.
I want to casually knock over rows and rows of carefully placed dominos. I want to kiss a perfectly made-up cheek with garish hot pink lipstik. I want to fuck wildly on a well-made bed. I want to smudge newsprinty fingers on important work documents. I want to spill coffee on white linen pants. I want to use the black crayon to color outside of the lines. I want to fondle all of the sculputures and caress all of the paintings in the Louvre. I want to chip my purple dishes as I wash them.
I want imperfection. I want faults and flaws. I want snags and defects. In imperfection, we find true beauty.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Autumn Love Song
It smells like fall today. Like Michigan fall. Like Michigan.
I love Seattle, but I miss Michigan. I miss my family and my friends and the seasons and the friendly and the accents and the Lakes and the smells. Each season has a distinct smell in Michigan. You can step outside, breathe deep and know exactly what time of year it is. Fall is the best, it's my favorite season, my favorite smell. It's pumpkin pie and crisp leaves, tart apples and Halloween, thick tights and bittersweet endings, spicy bourbon and Friday night football games, family and fireplaces, chilly mornings and melancholy nights. It's a little sad, a little disappointing. It is without hope or promise. And then, just as quickly, it becomes warm and delicious and bright.
This is every day during the autumn in Michigan. It doesn't happen as often here. It is a lucky day, an ever-so-slightly sad day, a day made for a glass of Cabernet, to smell fall here. And then suddenly, there's that familiar tug, that pull towards the middle.
No matter where I am, my compass always points towards Michigan. Always my home, forever fall.
I love Seattle, but I miss Michigan. I miss my family and my friends and the seasons and the friendly and the accents and the Lakes and the smells. Each season has a distinct smell in Michigan. You can step outside, breathe deep and know exactly what time of year it is. Fall is the best, it's my favorite season, my favorite smell. It's pumpkin pie and crisp leaves, tart apples and Halloween, thick tights and bittersweet endings, spicy bourbon and Friday night football games, family and fireplaces, chilly mornings and melancholy nights. It's a little sad, a little disappointing. It is without hope or promise. And then, just as quickly, it becomes warm and delicious and bright.
This is every day during the autumn in Michigan. It doesn't happen as often here. It is a lucky day, an ever-so-slightly sad day, a day made for a glass of Cabernet, to smell fall here. And then suddenly, there's that familiar tug, that pull towards the middle.
No matter where I am, my compass always points towards Michigan. Always my home, forever fall.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Some People Say It's Lucky
A funny thing happened on my way home from my Nutrition final today....
I was walking back from downtown to my car, and as I turned from Stewart on to Westlake, I heard birds chirping. Then I heard more birds. And then it was, like, a shitload of birds. It was dark, mind you. Evening. And it sounded like I was in the middle of a rainforest. I looked up, searching for the bird party. Nope, nothing, can't see them. Not shocking because, as I said, it was dark. But seriously, they were so loud, and it sounded like there were millions of them.
What was going on? Surely there couldn't be that many real birds out and about at 730pm. Could there be microphones in the trees magnifying their sounds? You know, like some sort of art installation? Or maybe they weren't any birds there at all. Maybe it was actually some sort of Candid Camera trick, bird noises piped into downtown Seattle to make innocent tourists and passersby look around for dive-bombing winged warriors. Or possibly someone was producing a remake of "The Birds"?
And then, as bird shit plopped down on to the sleeve of my coat, I realized no. It was just a lot of birds.
I was walking back from downtown to my car, and as I turned from Stewart on to Westlake, I heard birds chirping. Then I heard more birds. And then it was, like, a shitload of birds. It was dark, mind you. Evening. And it sounded like I was in the middle of a rainforest. I looked up, searching for the bird party. Nope, nothing, can't see them. Not shocking because, as I said, it was dark. But seriously, they were so loud, and it sounded like there were millions of them.
What was going on? Surely there couldn't be that many real birds out and about at 730pm. Could there be microphones in the trees magnifying their sounds? You know, like some sort of art installation? Or maybe they weren't any birds there at all. Maybe it was actually some sort of Candid Camera trick, bird noises piped into downtown Seattle to make innocent tourists and passersby look around for dive-bombing winged warriors. Or possibly someone was producing a remake of "The Birds"?
And then, as bird shit plopped down on to the sleeve of my coat, I realized no. It was just a lot of birds.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Validation Street
I said to someone the other day that I "don't normally need validation" in my life. When I said it, I actually believed it. For some reason, though, this statement has been nagging at me. And so, as I often do when I'm obsessing learning about something, I looked up the defintion.
val·i·date [val-i-deyt]
–verb (used with object), -dat·ed, -dat·ing.
1. to make valid; substantiate; confirm: Time validated our suspicions.
Now I realize what a ridiculous statement that actually was - not for everybody, but for me. Of course, I need others to substaniate my work or my thoughts or my feelings. Of course, I need confirmation that I am a marketing dynamo, that I look cute in my new top, that my blog is funny. Of course, I do.
Someday, I will be that sort of woman who is so strong and so confident and so self-assured that she doesn't need any validation from anyone, any place, any time.
But for now, just tell me you like me.
val·i·date [val-i-deyt]
–verb (used with object), -dat·ed, -dat·ing.
1. to make valid; substantiate; confirm: Time validated our suspicions.
Now I realize what a ridiculous statement that actually was - not for everybody, but for me. Of course, I need others to substaniate my work or my thoughts or my feelings. Of course, I need confirmation that I am a marketing dynamo, that I look cute in my new top, that my blog is funny. Of course, I do.
Someday, I will be that sort of woman who is so strong and so confident and so self-assured that she doesn't need any validation from anyone, any place, any time.
But for now, just tell me you like me.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
I Just Looked Away For A Second
***Disclaimer: This post was inspired by nothing except years of musing on the topic and possibly a Tori Amos song.
Sometimes we, as coupled folks, get our heads turned. You know what I mean by "heads turned", right? We get, shall we say, distracted by someone that is not our partner. Maybe it lasts for a dance or a song or a drink. Or maybe it's a little more durable - it becomes a crush. This person is not your partner. You don't pick their dirty undies off the floor. You don't bicker with them over the little things...or the big things. They can be anything you want them to be. And so, our heads are turned.
It's natural, normal, human for us to turn around for someone else every now and then. Fidelity is a gift we give our partners. I certainly wouldn't say it comes naturally. It's work. It's hard. Often, we fail. I've failed - but not for a long time. Having our heads turned is almost like a get-out-of-jail-free card. As long as you don't act on it.
Tim and I made a deal a long time ago that we would tell each other about our crushes. (And if anyone tries to tell me that they've never had a crush on anyone else than their partner, I will openly call them a liar.) I think this seems like a good thing. When you talk about it with your partner, they are now part of that world. Nothing secretive, nothing is hidden. And who knows? Maybe you might have a little fun with it. Depending.
Mmm, the fantasy of someone you don't know well. The imagining of who they might be, who you want them to be. The not knowing. That delicious taste of ambiguity.
Sometimes we, as coupled folks, get our heads turned. You know what I mean by "heads turned", right? We get, shall we say, distracted by someone that is not our partner. Maybe it lasts for a dance or a song or a drink. Or maybe it's a little more durable - it becomes a crush. This person is not your partner. You don't pick their dirty undies off the floor. You don't bicker with them over the little things...or the big things. They can be anything you want them to be. And so, our heads are turned.
It's natural, normal, human for us to turn around for someone else every now and then. Fidelity is a gift we give our partners. I certainly wouldn't say it comes naturally. It's work. It's hard. Often, we fail. I've failed - but not for a long time. Having our heads turned is almost like a get-out-of-jail-free card. As long as you don't act on it.
Tim and I made a deal a long time ago that we would tell each other about our crushes. (And if anyone tries to tell me that they've never had a crush on anyone else than their partner, I will openly call them a liar.) I think this seems like a good thing. When you talk about it with your partner, they are now part of that world. Nothing secretive, nothing is hidden. And who knows? Maybe you might have a little fun with it. Depending.
Mmm, the fantasy of someone you don't know well. The imagining of who they might be, who you want them to be. The not knowing. That delicious taste of ambiguity.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Brand New Year
I have been decidedly neglectful when it comes to this blog. My Birthday Goal is to write more, and so, with just 9 days remaining before the big day, I might as well get started.
Yes, Gentle Reader, I am turning 34 this year. I will officially enter my mid-thirties. I will be in my last year before moving on to a new age range on surveys and stuff. So. Does anyone remember my 33rd birthday? I bet some of you do because I am *quite* vocal when I'm upset about something. And wow, was I upset. I hated my birthday last year. I was unhappy with where I was in life - in a lot of ways. I really just wanted the day to end.
But this is a brand new year.
I am in a much different place. And on this year's birthday, I will actually be in a different place. Las Vegas. Oh hell yeah. No one can be blue in Vegas on their birthday.
I might even bring some ether.
"There was madness in any direction, at any hour. You could strike sparks anywhere. There was a fantastic universal sense that whatever we were doing was right, that we were winning. "
Yes, Gentle Reader, I am turning 34 this year. I will officially enter my mid-thirties. I will be in my last year before moving on to a new age range on surveys and stuff. So. Does anyone remember my 33rd birthday? I bet some of you do because I am *quite* vocal when I'm upset about something. And wow, was I upset. I hated my birthday last year. I was unhappy with where I was in life - in a lot of ways. I really just wanted the day to end.
But this is a brand new year.
I am in a much different place. And on this year's birthday, I will actually be in a different place. Las Vegas. Oh hell yeah. No one can be blue in Vegas on their birthday.
I might even bring some ether.
"There was madness in any direction, at any hour. You could strike sparks anywhere. There was a fantastic universal sense that whatever we were doing was right, that we were winning. "
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Day 8 - later on
I wanted to go to Taco Tuesday for beers and (duh) tacos, but I resisted. Instead dinner was a tuna salad sammie on Udi's and some curried quinoa. A bit of rock melon and a glass of wine for dessert. Yeah, in the end, it was the better choice.
Still feeling tired and super crabby. Is this from the lack of wheat/dairy? My body adjusting to the newness of it all? Or am I just tired and crabby as I often am on Tuesdays?
Still feeling tired and super crabby. Is this from the lack of wheat/dairy? My body adjusting to the newness of it all? Or am I just tired and crabby as I often am on Tuesdays?
Day 8 - Still Snacking
I wake up a bit tired, but still feeling positive and upbeat. Breakfast is a banana and some blueberries plus sunflower seeds a little later on. A great morning at work has me feeling confident and motivated. I'm still feeling like I'm constantly looking for something to eat, but I manage to resist the wheat & dairy snacks.
Lunch is a big ol' huge salad with mixed greens, beets, cabbage, radishes, cucumbers, artichokes, olives, almonds and a falafel patty. SO good and super satisfying.
Afternoon energy levels start to sink. Eyelids are heavy. An annoyance at work causes a ton of grief. I'm stoked when I'm finally at home for the day. Unfortunately, the tiredness and grogginess stays with me. I don't have any energy to do any of the many things I *could* be doing this evening. Instead, I lay on the couch, read, and play online. The motivation from yesterday is gone. I try and combat it with a snack of hummus and falafel chips - YUM.
Still, overall, I think the wheat-free (or basically wheat-free) lifestyle suits me. I don't know why, but I really think it's the wheat and not the dairy that disagrees with my body. Maybe cause I don't really eat *that* much dairy, and I definitely consume a lot more wheat - especially in its beer form. Or maybe I'm just trying to justify eating a piece of cheese.
Lunch is a big ol' huge salad with mixed greens, beets, cabbage, radishes, cucumbers, artichokes, olives, almonds and a falafel patty. SO good and super satisfying.
Afternoon energy levels start to sink. Eyelids are heavy. An annoyance at work causes a ton of grief. I'm stoked when I'm finally at home for the day. Unfortunately, the tiredness and grogginess stays with me. I don't have any energy to do any of the many things I *could* be doing this evening. Instead, I lay on the couch, read, and play online. The motivation from yesterday is gone. I try and combat it with a snack of hummus and falafel chips - YUM.
Still, overall, I think the wheat-free (or basically wheat-free) lifestyle suits me. I don't know why, but I really think it's the wheat and not the dairy that disagrees with my body. Maybe cause I don't really eat *that* much dairy, and I definitely consume a lot more wheat - especially in its beer form. Or maybe I'm just trying to justify eating a piece of cheese.
Day 7 - Nervous Nelly
Day 7, but really more like Day 5 because of the mess-ups on the real Days 5 & 6. But who's counting?
I wake up feeling anxious. I didn't sleep great, and I've just got a lot of anxiety going on with work stuff this week. We're also out of coffee, and that isn't helping. I scarf down a piece of frittata for breakfast, and anxiously, I'm off to face the world.
It is a crazy whirlwind sort of day, but I am amazingly productive. The anxiety seems to fade away, and I honestly can't believe how much I get done. I am a bit snacky though. I eat a mini-bag of Popchips around noon, and for lunch I have vegan split pea soup and some leftover popcorn with truffle salt. Later in the afternoon, I have a mini-Lara Bar and some sunflower seeds. I don't normally snack this much at work.
I'm on a later shift so I get home later than normal, but I still have a ton of energy. Feeling good, I BBQ some chicken with Oregon Dan's BBQ sauce accompanied by corn on the cob and asapargus. Awesome, summery feeling meal. I force myself to go to bed because I've got a super early day tomorrow, but this was the most energy I'd had in awhile. And this morning's anxiety is gone.
I wake up feeling anxious. I didn't sleep great, and I've just got a lot of anxiety going on with work stuff this week. We're also out of coffee, and that isn't helping. I scarf down a piece of frittata for breakfast, and anxiously, I'm off to face the world.
It is a crazy whirlwind sort of day, but I am amazingly productive. The anxiety seems to fade away, and I honestly can't believe how much I get done. I am a bit snacky though. I eat a mini-bag of Popchips around noon, and for lunch I have vegan split pea soup and some leftover popcorn with truffle salt. Later in the afternoon, I have a mini-Lara Bar and some sunflower seeds. I don't normally snack this much at work.
I'm on a later shift so I get home later than normal, but I still have a ton of energy. Feeling good, I BBQ some chicken with Oregon Dan's BBQ sauce accompanied by corn on the cob and asapargus. Awesome, summery feeling meal. I force myself to go to bed because I've got a super early day tomorrow, but this was the most energy I'd had in awhile. And this morning's anxiety is gone.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Day 4 later on & Days 5/6
Friday night's dinner was amazing. Grilled halibut with tons of grilled veggies. Gorgeous. Oh, and did I mention the tons of wine? Yeah.
P.S. Hangovers are not good for the dairy-free, wheat-free, processed foods-free diet.
Day 5: I wake up horribly hungover, and I have to go to work. Sigh. I make myself a PB&J on Udi's gluten free bread for the road, and it does help. Udi's is surprisingly good. I mean, the slices are small, but still. It'll do in a pinch.
I felt like crap all day, but it definitely wasn't because of the diet. I'm fortunate to work at WFM because I am able to have someone fix me grilled salmon and arugla salad for lunch. So even with a hangover, I managed to stick with it. Post-lunch, and feeling better.
Sadly, it's all downhill from here.
Evening of Day 5: We head out to a bar, and I eat a grilled cheese sammie with 2 cheeses on sourdough, and I have 3 beers. Not good.
Day 6: It's Sunday, and I already know I am not going to be strong. I start off well - a slice of frittata. But it's all downhill from there....
We head out for a late lunch, and I eat wings and salad and fries - which all would have been okay (no dairy, no wheat), but then I added blue cheese dressing and 2 beers. Once again, not good.
Overall, the weekend has not been good for my elimination diet. But Monday is another day, another week, another chance to deprive myself of things I love.
P.S. Hangovers are not good for the dairy-free, wheat-free, processed foods-free diet.
Day 5: I wake up horribly hungover, and I have to go to work. Sigh. I make myself a PB&J on Udi's gluten free bread for the road, and it does help. Udi's is surprisingly good. I mean, the slices are small, but still. It'll do in a pinch.
I felt like crap all day, but it definitely wasn't because of the diet. I'm fortunate to work at WFM because I am able to have someone fix me grilled salmon and arugla salad for lunch. So even with a hangover, I managed to stick with it. Post-lunch, and feeling better.
Sadly, it's all downhill from here.
Evening of Day 5: We head out to a bar, and I eat a grilled cheese sammie with 2 cheeses on sourdough, and I have 3 beers. Not good.
Day 6: It's Sunday, and I already know I am not going to be strong. I start off well - a slice of frittata. But it's all downhill from there....
We head out for a late lunch, and I eat wings and salad and fries - which all would have been okay (no dairy, no wheat), but then I added blue cheese dressing and 2 beers. Once again, not good.
Overall, the weekend has not been good for my elimination diet. But Monday is another day, another week, another chance to deprive myself of things I love.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day 4 - Naming Names
Once again, I was starving last night. I seem to be satisfied all day, but later in the evening, I'm all snacky and looking for something to munch on. I wonder if this is just habit, something I do while watching TV or having a cocktail. Could it be that my body has just come to expect late night snacking? Definitely something to think about.
I had an appointment this morning, so I had to wolf down a few strawberries and blueberries for breakfast. Not a good start to the day. Looking back, I probably should have taken advantage of that Banana Luna Bar. Still, energy levels are still good, mood is upbeat - although that may just be because I'm not working today.
I did a little gluten-free, dairy-free shopping this morning so hopefully I will have some more options when it comes to meals. Some fun special diet items I picked up include Amy's canned soups (Split Pea & Chili), Oregon Dan's BBQ sauce, AJ's Walla Walla Sweet Onion Mustard with Garlic, Udi's Whole Grain Bread and Flamous Organic Falafel Chips. I haven't much of it, but you know I ripped that bag of chips open as soon as I got in the care. Very pleasantly surprised. I got the Spicy flavor, and they're really flavorful - not to mention the fact that they have NO wheat, dairy, lactose, trans fat, cholestoral, msg, hydrogenated oil, GMOs, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. WOW. When I got home, I dipped them in the mustards, and they were even better. And I'm sure they're perfect for hummus.
For brunch, I made a spanish tortilla - basically a frittata. It has red pepper, onion, yukon gold potatoes, parsley, and eggs. So, so yummy! Thanks, Martha Stewart!
Stay tuned for more special diet updates.
I had an appointment this morning, so I had to wolf down a few strawberries and blueberries for breakfast. Not a good start to the day. Looking back, I probably should have taken advantage of that Banana Luna Bar. Still, energy levels are still good, mood is upbeat - although that may just be because I'm not working today.
I did a little gluten-free, dairy-free shopping this morning so hopefully I will have some more options when it comes to meals. Some fun special diet items I picked up include Amy's canned soups (Split Pea & Chili), Oregon Dan's BBQ sauce, AJ's Walla Walla Sweet Onion Mustard with Garlic, Udi's Whole Grain Bread and Flamous Organic Falafel Chips. I haven't much of it, but you know I ripped that bag of chips open as soon as I got in the care. Very pleasantly surprised. I got the Spicy flavor, and they're really flavorful - not to mention the fact that they have NO wheat, dairy, lactose, trans fat, cholestoral, msg, hydrogenated oil, GMOs, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. WOW. When I got home, I dipped them in the mustards, and they were even better. And I'm sure they're perfect for hummus.
For brunch, I made a spanish tortilla - basically a frittata. It has red pepper, onion, yukon gold potatoes, parsley, and eggs. So, so yummy! Thanks, Martha Stewart!
Stay tuned for more special diet updates.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Day 3 part 2
I almost forgot to mention my new favorite gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free snack - Luna Bars! I tried the Cherry Pie flavor today, and seriously, so good. They have 3 ingredients: cherries, dates, almonds. That's it. No wonder they are so good.
They are right around 200-250 calories for anyone who cares about such things.
Tomorrow's flavor: Banana Bread. I'll let you know.
They are right around 200-250 calories for anyone who cares about such things.
Tomorrow's flavor: Banana Bread. I'll let you know.
Days 2 & 3
I made it through Day 1 - barely.
Later in the evening, I felt hungry. This was a time that I would normally have a slice of cheese or a piece of bread, and both are now on the No list. I tried a few berries, some walnuts, nothing really satisfied. So I went to bed.
But these are new days.
Days 2&3: Feeling very energetic and definitely not as irritable as usual. Breakfast both days was steel cut oats with berries. Lunch on Day 2 was raw kale with tahini plus aztec salad from Whole Foods. Lunch on Day 3 was a big ol' salad with turkey and tons of veggies. Feeling good, no hunger, no headaches. I don't seem to want to snack as much as I usually do.
Dinner on Day 2 was tough. We went to a BBQ, and there were tons of things that I definitely wanted to eat. Instead, I had 2 chicken wings with a spice rub, 2 raw oysters, plus green beans, suger snap peas and a few corn chips with salsa. Oh, and I cheated a bit with some 8 layer Mexican dip. A teeny bit of dairy, but not a ton. And I managed to steer clear of the beer. I went to bed feeling satisfied, if a little bit drunk.
Woke up on Day 3 with a bit of a tummy ache - although I attribute this the several glasses of wine I had the night before. Oats for breakfast took care of this.
Again, less irritation than normal, and I had a super productive day.
This was definitely a more stressful day than normal, but I felt like I held up a little bit better than usual. Feeling good.
After work meeting & then happy hour with the girls. Ouch - super tough cause we went to a pizza place. Nothing for me to eat here. The girls ate 2 yummy pizzas, and I had to use all of my self control to say no. But I did it.
At home, eating split pea soup and some dolmades. Feeling pretty good. My skin seems to be getting clearer and brighter, although maybe that's just wishful thinking. So far, pretty happy with the wheat-free, dairy-free life. It's hard though, right? Always having to ask: "What's in this? Is this gluten-free? What are the ingredients?"
Yeah, I'm totally one of *those* people now.
Later in the evening, I felt hungry. This was a time that I would normally have a slice of cheese or a piece of bread, and both are now on the No list. I tried a few berries, some walnuts, nothing really satisfied. So I went to bed.
But these are new days.
Days 2&3: Feeling very energetic and definitely not as irritable as usual. Breakfast both days was steel cut oats with berries. Lunch on Day 2 was raw kale with tahini plus aztec salad from Whole Foods. Lunch on Day 3 was a big ol' salad with turkey and tons of veggies. Feeling good, no hunger, no headaches. I don't seem to want to snack as much as I usually do.
Dinner on Day 2 was tough. We went to a BBQ, and there were tons of things that I definitely wanted to eat. Instead, I had 2 chicken wings with a spice rub, 2 raw oysters, plus green beans, suger snap peas and a few corn chips with salsa. Oh, and I cheated a bit with some 8 layer Mexican dip. A teeny bit of dairy, but not a ton. And I managed to steer clear of the beer. I went to bed feeling satisfied, if a little bit drunk.
Woke up on Day 3 with a bit of a tummy ache - although I attribute this the several glasses of wine I had the night before. Oats for breakfast took care of this.
Again, less irritation than normal, and I had a super productive day.
This was definitely a more stressful day than normal, but I felt like I held up a little bit better than usual. Feeling good.
After work meeting & then happy hour with the girls. Ouch - super tough cause we went to a pizza place. Nothing for me to eat here. The girls ate 2 yummy pizzas, and I had to use all of my self control to say no. But I did it.
At home, eating split pea soup and some dolmades. Feeling pretty good. My skin seems to be getting clearer and brighter, although maybe that's just wishful thinking. So far, pretty happy with the wheat-free, dairy-free life. It's hard though, right? Always having to ask: "What's in this? Is this gluten-free? What are the ingredients?"
Yeah, I'm totally one of *those* people now.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 1 - more kale, less camembert
Please welcome me back after a months-long hiatus.
So here's the deal. For the next two weeks minimum, I willtry definitely omit wheat, dairy, and processed foods from my diet. I suspect I may have an allergy to either gluten or lactose, and I'm hoping a little elimination diet will help. Also, who couldn't use a few more fruits and veggies in their diet? So that's it. No wheat. No dairy. No crap. How hard could it be? Yeah, right.
Also, I'm going to try and blog about this every day, not so much for the Gentle Reader's entertainment, but really just to keep a record of it all.
Day 1 has actually gone very well.
Breakfast - Steel cut oats with vanilla almond milk and blueberries
Lunch - Lemon quinoa with dried cranberries and raw kale with tahini garlic sauce
Dinner - Grilled salmon with aspargus, mushroom and onion stir-fry plus strawberries
Snack - Sunflower seeds
All great meals, never felt deprived, wasn't ever really hungry or denying cravings. I definitely could have come home and had a slice of cheese before dinner. I didn't. Energy level was good. Didn't notice a real change. Overall, day 1 was a success.
So here's the deal. For the next two weeks minimum, I will
Also, I'm going to try and blog about this every day, not so much for the Gentle Reader's entertainment, but really just to keep a record of it all.
Day 1 has actually gone very well.
Breakfast - Steel cut oats with vanilla almond milk and blueberries
Lunch - Lemon quinoa with dried cranberries and raw kale with tahini garlic sauce
Dinner - Grilled salmon with aspargus, mushroom and onion stir-fry plus strawberries
Snack - Sunflower seeds
All great meals, never felt deprived, wasn't ever really hungry or denying cravings. I definitely could have come home and had a slice of cheese before dinner. I didn't. Energy level was good. Didn't notice a real change. Overall, day 1 was a success.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Invisible - Paul Auster
Looking for a quick and interesting read complete with murder, incest, and Paris? Look no further than Invisible.
This is a good, if not great, book. Told by three different narrators, and spanning three countries and four decades, you'll be hooked right away. Basically, we have the life of Adam Walker, apparently super cute, smart and interesting. He's a student at Columbia when he meets a visiting professor, Rudolf, and his French hottie GF, Margot. They hang out, get to know each a bit. One night something super shocking and super crazy goes down, and the course of Adam's life is altered forever.
Definitely shocking, thought-provoking, and page-turning. There's sex, there's violence, there's jealousy, there's anger, there's death. What more could you want in a light 300 page read?
This is a good, if not great, book. Told by three different narrators, and spanning three countries and four decades, you'll be hooked right away. Basically, we have the life of Adam Walker, apparently super cute, smart and interesting. He's a student at Columbia when he meets a visiting professor, Rudolf, and his French hottie GF, Margot. They hang out, get to know each a bit. One night something super shocking and super crazy goes down, and the course of Adam's life is altered forever.
Definitely shocking, thought-provoking, and page-turning. There's sex, there's violence, there's jealousy, there's anger, there's death. What more could you want in a light 300 page read?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Not-Quite-Top-Chef
So shocker - I've been doing some experimental cooking lately. Those of you that know me well know that I am not much of a chef. I can cook all right. Although I didn't really learn until after I was married (the first time). It's true. Coli taught me a few things in college - you know, the necessities like chicken on the George Foremen, nachos, and tuna baked potatoes. Cara was my scrambled eggs educator in NZ. (Seriously, I didn't know how to make scrambled eggs until I was 24 years old.) But when I moved in with Matt, he did all of the cooking. But when we moved back to the US, my domestic side (sort of) came out. I became interested in learning how to cook, and I bought myself some cookbooks and tried out a few things. I was actually okay. Not a great cook, but not bad either. I'm pretty good at following directions. I very rarely stray from recipes though, and I would not call myself inventive. Definitely not experimental.
But now that has all changed. Sort of.
I made a white bean chicken soup, egg white salad, and chicken salad last week. All without recipes. And all with considerable success.
The soup was chicken broth, tomato basil pasta sauce, white beans, chopped roasted chicken, and spinach. I also used a decent amount of crushed red pepper. I added fresh basil and parmasean when serving. Tim told me it was the best soup I've ever made. (I am both flattered and irritated by this statement as many other soups I've made required much more blood, sweat and tears.)
The egg white salad consisted of egg whites (duh), celery, red pepper, red onion, mayo, mustard, and dill. I am obsessed with TJ's egg white salad, but at $3.99 for a teeny tub, I have been forced to take matters into my own hand. Hizzah - great results! I recommend tucking it into a toasted wheat pita with a little Baconaisse.
Finally, I created a little combo with the leftover ingredients from the soup and the egg white salad. Combine the leftover chopped roasted chicken with celery, red onion, a little mayo, and the secred ingredient, PESTO. Presto - a fabulous chicken salad.
Yes, I realize that none of these recipes were that creative or that different or that amazing. But still. For me, it was a big day.
But now that has all changed. Sort of.
I made a white bean chicken soup, egg white salad, and chicken salad last week. All without recipes. And all with considerable success.
The soup was chicken broth, tomato basil pasta sauce, white beans, chopped roasted chicken, and spinach. I also used a decent amount of crushed red pepper. I added fresh basil and parmasean when serving. Tim told me it was the best soup I've ever made. (I am both flattered and irritated by this statement as many other soups I've made required much more blood, sweat and tears.)
The egg white salad consisted of egg whites (duh), celery, red pepper, red onion, mayo, mustard, and dill. I am obsessed with TJ's egg white salad, but at $3.99 for a teeny tub, I have been forced to take matters into my own hand. Hizzah - great results! I recommend tucking it into a toasted wheat pita with a little Baconaisse.
Finally, I created a little combo with the leftover ingredients from the soup and the egg white salad. Combine the leftover chopped roasted chicken with celery, red onion, a little mayo, and the secred ingredient, PESTO. Presto - a fabulous chicken salad.
Yes, I realize that none of these recipes were that creative or that different or that amazing. But still. For me, it was a big day.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Little Stranger - Sarah Waters
I just finished reading The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters, and I'm not quite sure what to think. This is going to sound ridiculous, but it was recommended by Stephen King (yes, that Stephen King), and I tend to like the books he suggests (see: Ravens).
The Little Stranger is part social commentary and part ghost story. Frankly, I expected a litte heavier emphasis on the ghost story, and was disappointed to find the "scary parts" were few and far between. There is a definitely a suspense aspect to the book, but the ending didn't quite deliver. I kept forcing myself to pick it up and read, thinking that the next page might hold something shocking or surprising or revealing. Alas, no.
The commentary on social classes and the changing times was interesting, sure, but not the reason I picked up the book in the first place. I mean, c'mon! Stephen King likes scary things, right?!
Am I missing something? Is there a deeper meaning I'm not quite grasping? Did something shocking happen while I was skimming the pages? Has anyone else read this book? Insights, comments, questions are welcome here.
The Little Stranger is part social commentary and part ghost story. Frankly, I expected a litte heavier emphasis on the ghost story, and was disappointed to find the "scary parts" were few and far between. There is a definitely a suspense aspect to the book, but the ending didn't quite deliver. I kept forcing myself to pick it up and read, thinking that the next page might hold something shocking or surprising or revealing. Alas, no.
The commentary on social classes and the changing times was interesting, sure, but not the reason I picked up the book in the first place. I mean, c'mon! Stephen King likes scary things, right?!
Am I missing something? Is there a deeper meaning I'm not quite grasping? Did something shocking happen while I was skimming the pages? Has anyone else read this book? Insights, comments, questions are welcome here.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day 10 - Kauai - Aloha Kauai
Waking up on our last morning in Kauai, there is definitely an air of melancholy hanging around the cottage. Clicker, our gecko, is chilling on the headboard, sort of watching over us as we pack up our clothes, kick the mud off our boots, and search for our flight confirmations. Our flight's not til 9pm though, so we're determined to enjoy the last few hours of our vacation. We decide to come full circle and hit up one last trail. We picked a pretty short hike near our cottage - can't even remember the name actually. It was unmarked, and the only reason we knew about it was because of the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook (recommended). Our last hike was an easy hike, but still really beautiful. It was a great way to spend our last morning in Kauai.
After the hike and one last outdoor shower (sob!), we had to pack up and leave the Surf & Ski Cottage. Again, I must tell you, this is a GREAT place to stay. We loved it. If you go, say hello to Clicker for us. And I hope you love the outdoor shower as much as me. Although I would think that is damn near impossible.
A hike, a few drinks, sandy feet, ahi sammie, and a little more sun - the was the perfect end to a perfect holiday. Really, our Kauai trip was incredible, outstanding, more than we could have hoped for, fantastic.
You should go.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Kauai - Day 9 - Lazy Sunday
You will never believe what we have planned for today. No.
Nothing. We have absolutely nothing planned today. We can't wait.
We wake up early anyway though, and with the time difference, the Pats game starts at 8am. This was quite the depressing way to start the day. (WTF, Tom Brady?!) It actually forced us to begin drinking much earlier than normal. No matter because we are in Kauai, in our open-air cottage, lounging in bed while watching Sunday football and drinking beer. We can hear birds and the wind, and we can smell the jungle and the ocean. Lazy Sunday = Bliss.
After a few hours of this, hunger begins to set in. We have a plan to cruise down to the Marriott in Lihue because they are supposed to have an amazing Sunday brunch complete with champagne. All you-can-drink champagne and a huge seafood selection? Yeah, that sounds like us. Imagine our sadness when we arrived and we are told that they are no longer hosting this brunch in the "off-season". Apparently we smart and thrifty travellers are not good enough for their champagne and sushi. Screw 'em.
So. What now? We were planning on doing a little snorkeling in Poipu after brunch (unless we overdid it on the bubbles), so we decide to head down that way. Surely there must be a good food option around there. Well, there's actually not that much. We end up at a place called Keoki's Paradise in the Poipu Shopping Village. We sat in the bar (much cheaper than the restaurant), and it was actually pretty good. Mahi mahi sammie for me, kalua pulled pork for Tim. MAI TAIS all around! It was sort of touristy-cheesy, but the food made up for it. And so did the amount of rum in the maitais.
We did end up doing some snorkeling off of Poipu Beach afterwards. If you ever go snorkeling here, make sure you enter the water on the right (facing the ocean) side of the beach. If you go in on the left (as we attempted to do), you'll find out quickly that the reef is right there. And then when you fall trying to put your flippers on, you'll cut your hands and it hurts. Don't make our mistake. The right side is super sandy and lovely, and you can swim over to the reef area later. The snorkeling is okay here. I would love to see what Kauai snorkeling is like in the summertime. We saw some cool fish, and the reef is interesting, but nothing spectacular. After snorkeling, we attempted to "beach" for awhile.
Sadly, Tim and I have realized we are not good at doing nothing.
After about 10 minutes on the beach, we decide to pack it up and head back to the East shore. Hey, it's 230p - almost Happy Hour! With no plans, it seems like a good day to drink around the island. And drink we did.
We started at the Pool Bar at the Islander on the Beach resort at Coconut Plantation. This is definitely a local bar - the Islander is a timeshare, and the bartender had been there for 16 years. Everyone sitting at the bar knew everyone else, and it was a real friendly "Norm!" kind of place. Their happies are from 4p-6p, and they have a drink called Kamanawannalaya. Heeheehee. Kamanawannalaya! That's funny. And the drinks are hella strong. And so it begins.
After the Pool Bar, we walk back over to Hukilau Lanai. We had a couple more drinks and also tried their ahi nachos . This is raw ahi on top of crispy wontons topped with a wasabi cream sauce. Holy Hell - these were freaking incredible. Tim also really liked this place 'cause the bartender commented on his Ween t-shirt. This could be the reason why our drinks knocked our socks off.
We then went over to Trees, and we already know that their happies go til 7p. And then it was 7p, and we had basically been drinking all day long. We were tipsy, sunburned, happy, and in love. What could make this day better?
Yeah, pizza. Back to Brick Oven for some carryout, and the day is wrapping up. While waiting for the pizza, we drunkenly decided that we should hike the Inca Trail for our honeymoon. Hell yeah. More hiking. Oh damn.
Nothing. We have absolutely nothing planned today. We can't wait.
We wake up early anyway though, and with the time difference, the Pats game starts at 8am. This was quite the depressing way to start the day. (WTF, Tom Brady?!) It actually forced us to begin drinking much earlier than normal. No matter because we are in Kauai, in our open-air cottage, lounging in bed while watching Sunday football and drinking beer. We can hear birds and the wind, and we can smell the jungle and the ocean. Lazy Sunday = Bliss.
After a few hours of this, hunger begins to set in. We have a plan to cruise down to the Marriott in Lihue because they are supposed to have an amazing Sunday brunch complete with champagne. All you-can-drink champagne and a huge seafood selection? Yeah, that sounds like us. Imagine our sadness when we arrived and we are told that they are no longer hosting this brunch in the "off-season". Apparently we smart and thrifty travellers are not good enough for their champagne and sushi. Screw 'em.
So. What now? We were planning on doing a little snorkeling in Poipu after brunch (unless we overdid it on the bubbles), so we decide to head down that way. Surely there must be a good food option around there. Well, there's actually not that much. We end up at a place called Keoki's Paradise in the Poipu Shopping Village. We sat in the bar (much cheaper than the restaurant), and it was actually pretty good. Mahi mahi sammie for me, kalua pulled pork for Tim. MAI TAIS all around! It was sort of touristy-cheesy, but the food made up for it. And so did the amount of rum in the maitais.
We did end up doing some snorkeling off of Poipu Beach afterwards. If you ever go snorkeling here, make sure you enter the water on the right (facing the ocean) side of the beach. If you go in on the left (as we attempted to do), you'll find out quickly that the reef is right there. And then when you fall trying to put your flippers on, you'll cut your hands and it hurts. Don't make our mistake. The right side is super sandy and lovely, and you can swim over to the reef area later. The snorkeling is okay here. I would love to see what Kauai snorkeling is like in the summertime. We saw some cool fish, and the reef is interesting, but nothing spectacular. After snorkeling, we attempted to "beach" for awhile.
Sadly, Tim and I have realized we are not good at doing nothing.
After about 10 minutes on the beach, we decide to pack it up and head back to the East shore. Hey, it's 230p - almost Happy Hour! With no plans, it seems like a good day to drink around the island. And drink we did.
We started at the Pool Bar at the Islander on the Beach resort at Coconut Plantation. This is definitely a local bar - the Islander is a timeshare, and the bartender had been there for 16 years. Everyone sitting at the bar knew everyone else, and it was a real friendly "Norm!" kind of place. Their happies are from 4p-6p, and they have a drink called Kamanawannalaya. Heeheehee. Kamanawannalaya! That's funny. And the drinks are hella strong. And so it begins.
After the Pool Bar, we walk back over to Hukilau Lanai. We had a couple more drinks and also tried their ahi nachos . This is raw ahi on top of crispy wontons topped with a wasabi cream sauce. Holy Hell - these were freaking incredible. Tim also really liked this place 'cause the bartender commented on his Ween t-shirt. This could be the reason why our drinks knocked our socks off.
We then went over to Trees, and we already know that their happies go til 7p. And then it was 7p, and we had basically been drinking all day long. We were tipsy, sunburned, happy, and in love. What could make this day better?
Yeah, pizza. Back to Brick Oven for some carryout, and the day is wrapping up. While waiting for the pizza, we drunkenly decided that we should hike the Inca Trail for our honeymoon. Hell yeah. More hiking. Oh damn.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 8 - Kauai - Happy Hikers
Are you serious?! We're doing another hike today? What's wrong with us - we're on vacation already!
Yes, we're up early again today because we're heading back to the West Shore for a hike in Koke'e State Park. Originally, we planned on doing the Nu'aolo Loop Trail. Including the walk back to the car, this loop trail would be about 11 miles. However, upon further research, we realized that this loop trail includes a portion called the Nu'aolo Cliff Trail, and this cliff trail is literally on the edge of a cliff. It's very, very narrow, and if you fell, you would tumble about 2,000 feet. Hmm. Sounds a bit sketchy, eh? Here are the two photos that convinced me that not only is this portion of the hike sketchy, it is NOT FOR ME.
Yes, we're up early again today because we're heading back to the West Shore for a hike in Koke'e State Park. Originally, we planned on doing the Nu'aolo Loop Trail. Including the walk back to the car, this loop trail would be about 11 miles. However, upon further research, we realized that this loop trail includes a portion called the Nu'aolo Cliff Trail, and this cliff trail is literally on the edge of a cliff. It's very, very narrow, and if you fell, you would tumble about 2,000 feet. Hmm. Sounds a bit sketchy, eh? Here are the two photos that convinced me that not only is this portion of the hike sketchy, it is NOT FOR ME.
I do not do well with cliffs. And thus, our 11 mile hike became a 7 mile hike. We decided to just do the return portion of the loop - the Awa'awapuhi Trail. Now, don't start thinking just because this trail is shorter that we got off easy. The trail starts at 4,120 feet, and it ends at 2,500 feet. And what did I say on the Kalalau Trail?!
What goes down must go up.
But seriously, this trail is awesome. LOVED it. Really nice landscape, and you are rewarded with some gorgeous views at the end.
This is definitely a trail you would want to avoid if it's been raining in Koke'e though - it would be really muddy and treacherous. Also, it quite a bit chillier at this elevation than in other parts of Kauai. I wore long pants and hiking boots, and I actually started out with a hoodie. By the time we were huffing and puffing on the return, the hoodie was history, but I was happy I had it in the beginning. We started the hike around 10am, and this was perfect. We were done by 2p-ish, and we had time to explore Waimea Canyon on the way back. We brought sammies and ate lunch at the lookout. Unfortunately, as I was eating lunch, I looked down and a mouse was drinking the condensation off my water bottle. Another sad rodent surprise.
Side note: I forgot to mention this in the Kalalau post, but on the last leg of that hike, I was walking up ahead of Tim, and what do I see on the trail? Yes, a rat. A rat. But I was so effing tired, I COULDN'T EVEN SCREAM.
Me: "aah. a rat."
Tim: "What? A rat? Hahahahaha! You can't even scream! You must not be afraid of them anymore!"
Rat: "Well, I'm sure as hell not afraid of her. She can't even walk, let alone hurt me. I think I will instead lay down in the middle of the path and force her to walk around me."
Back on the Awa'awapuhi Trail, we're enjoying the beautiful views and beautiful day and all together beautiful hike. Fed? Yes. Rested? Yes. Well, get your boots on cause it's time to pay the piper.
And up, up, up we go!
Let me tell you guys, Tim is amazing at "up". He can power up a hill or a mountain. He's barely sweating, barely puffing. And I am pretty sure I am going to pass out. But I made it. Yeah, I'm totally a hiker now. It's pretty cool.
After our hike, we stopped at several viewpoints of Waimea Canyon. Seriously, gorgeous. If we come back here, I'd love to check out some more hikes in this area.
Afterwards, we headed out to Waimea Brewing Company - obviously it's time for a beer! It's located on the Waimea Plantation grounds which are so beautiful. They have all sorts of different and unique cottages to stay in, beautiful beach views. We saw a wedding going on - if we could afford it, I would love to get married here. Sigh. Okay, moving on. The beer was okay, nothing spectacular, but not bad either. We also had some Kalua pork nachos, and those were definitely spectacular. Loved this spot for a post-hike nosh.
After relaxing for a bit, we're heading back to Kapa'a. Even though we've had our afternoon snack, you know we're going to need more to eat tonight! We have been wanting to try a restaurant really close to our place called Caffe Coco. You can sort of see it from the road, and it looked adorable. We were definitely not disappointed. Basically, you enter the restaurant and order from the counter. Oh, and it's BYOB, so make sure you bring a bottle of wine along with you. After ordering, you basically head out to the backyard, and you pick your table. It's almost like having dinner a friends house. You're outdoors, and there are Christmas lights strung up, and citonella candles everywhere. A cute hippie band was playing Cat Stevens and the Beatles. The food was fabulous. It was just really cute and very romantic.
Sigh. I love Kauai.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Kauai - Day 7 - Baby, Lemme Take You On A Sea Cruise
Early morning wake up call - we're booked on a snorkeling & whale-watching tour out of Port Townsend departing at 8am. There are tons of boat tours to choose from - we went with Holo Holo Charters, and I would definitely recommend them. They were very professional, and their guides were great as well. We chose the Na Pali Snorkel Sail. The tour lasts about 5 hours, and I think it was $95 p/p, something like that. Worth it, for sure.
Like I said, the boat left at 8am, and we only sailed for about 10 or 15 minutes before arriving at the snorkeling stop. Our tour only stopped this once for snorkeling, so we definitely wanted to take advantage of it. Secretly, we were also happy that the snorkeling was first thing because they won't serve you any booze until you're done. Oh, and beer and wine are included with the tour and after our strenuous day yesterday, we had already decided to take FULL advantage this inclusion. Snorkeling isn't nearly as good in the winter as it is in summer, but we still saw some cool fish and a sea turtle! The turtle was really cool - it swam right underneath Tim and me, and we were the only ones that saw him so close. We probably snorkeled for about a half hour or so, but some folks stayed out for an hour. After getting back on the boat, they had a continental breakfast laid out for us - bagels, breads, fruit, coffee, juice. Not bad actually.
And now that we've had our coffee, it's time for a Heineken!
Side note: No matter where you travel in the world, you can always get a Heineken. Seriously. Anywhere.
Now it's basically just time to cruise and ooh and ahh at the Na Pali Coast and drink Heinekens. Yeah, life is good.
And then it gets better. Spinner dolphins! A ton of spinner dolphins are cruising around our boat. It's still early, and they are sleepy, so it takes them a little time to really get a-spinnin'. And then they're hurling themselves out of the water, spinning, spinning, spinning like crazy! It's so cool. They are so cool. I love them.
Like I said, the boat left at 8am, and we only sailed for about 10 or 15 minutes before arriving at the snorkeling stop. Our tour only stopped this once for snorkeling, so we definitely wanted to take advantage of it. Secretly, we were also happy that the snorkeling was first thing because they won't serve you any booze until you're done. Oh, and beer and wine are included with the tour and after our strenuous day yesterday, we had already decided to take FULL advantage this inclusion. Snorkeling isn't nearly as good in the winter as it is in summer, but we still saw some cool fish and a sea turtle! The turtle was really cool - it swam right underneath Tim and me, and we were the only ones that saw him so close. We probably snorkeled for about a half hour or so, but some folks stayed out for an hour. After getting back on the boat, they had a continental breakfast laid out for us - bagels, breads, fruit, coffee, juice. Not bad actually.
And now that we've had our coffee, it's time for a Heineken!
Side note: No matter where you travel in the world, you can always get a Heineken. Seriously. Anywhere.
Now it's basically just time to cruise and ooh and ahh at the Na Pali Coast and drink Heinekens. Yeah, life is good.
And then it gets better. Spinner dolphins! A ton of spinner dolphins are cruising around our boat. It's still early, and they are sleepy, so it takes them a little time to really get a-spinnin'. And then they're hurling themselves out of the water, spinning, spinning, spinning like crazy! It's so cool. They are so cool. I love them.
Hey, did I mention that I love spinner dolphins?
Before I go on, I will helpfully provide you with a few tips regarding Kauai boat tours.
1. Wear a lot of sunblock. Reapply often. I only got sunburned once on this trip, and it was today.
2. Hang on when you are moving around the boat. It's bumpy, and people get thrown off the boat all the time. (Okay, I don't know if that's true, but Tim was yelled at several times for not holding on. So you may not get thrown off, but you'll definitely get yelled at.)
3. Do you get seasick? If you have ever been seasick or if you have a weak tummy, you may want to skip this tour in the winter. Or at least bring your dramamine. We saw several people who were either tossing their cookies over the side of the book or lying on a bench looking green. Seasickness will greatly decrease the amount of Heinekens that you can drink.
Fortunately, I do not get sick on boats, so I was capable of putting back some more beers during the last few hours of our sea cruise. They also put out a really nice lunch spread with turkey, ham, cheeses, a few kinds of bread, fruit, pasta salad, cookies. I was actually pretty impressed with the food. Tim and I were sitting on the front part of the boat eating our lunch when the best part of the tour happened.
The WHALES. Whales, whales, whales. We saw about 20 humpback whales. They love to come to Kauai in the winter to have babies and make babies. Yeah, it's romantic even for whales. I could not believe how many whales we saw. I wish I had some good photos for you, but sadly, the whales seem to be a bit camera shy. I will tell you though, this is an experience I will never forget. I was close to tears a few times.
Side note: This is coming from a girl who, during the 3rd and 4th grades, refused to wear any clothes without whales on them. I'm serious. I had sweaters, turtlenecks, socks, t-shirts, barretts, all with whales on them. I loved whales then, and I love them now.
We got back to the dock around 230p. We were sunburned and a little tipsy and very, very content. We drove back to the cottage looking forward to continuing our relaxation. We enjoyed a few drinks down by the river, grilled up some ahi steaks and veggies, and nursed our sunburns to sleep.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day 6 - Kauai - Get Your Boots On
So, the Kalalau Trail is 11 miles one way, and it goes from Ke'e Beach to Kalalau Beach with some super spectacular views of the Na Pali coast. I hope to someday come back to Kauai and hike the whole thing, but for now, we'll be satisfied with the first portion.
Honestly, you guys, I cannot even describe how beautiful the Na Pali coast really is so I'm not even going to try. Here are some of Tim's photos instead.
Ah, the river crossing.
There are rocks to jump on, and it's easier in some places than in others. We did not choose an easy path. Tim was sort of helping me, guiding me to the best rocks to jump on, and then it happened. I put my boot on a rock, could not see the moss that covered it, and slipped. I fell straight into the river, cut both my knees, and skinned my palms. More than that, I injured my pride something awful. And I cried a little. Don't tell anyone.
Now my boots and socks are soaked, and I am crabby. I mean, c'mon! Hiking with squishy boots sucks! To his credit, Tim did not laugh. He is a wise man. After the river crossing incident (or RCI as it will henceforth be known), my spirts were a bit low. And this hike gets hard. There is some climbing, some crawling over rocks, more river crossings. It seems a lot longer than 2 miles.
As I said in the beginning, we thought it would take us 5 hours to complete this hike. It took us over 6, and Tim and I haul ass when we hike. I would definitely plan on 6-8 hours for this hike - depending on how fast you hike and how much time you spend at the beach and the waterfall. But do it. Seriously, do it.
But don't plan on doing much else that day. Dirty and tired, we stopped at Kalypso in Hanalei again for beers. And then we headed home. TV and pizza and putting our feet up sounded pretty damn good. And it was. Oh, and the best pizza on the island is hands-down Brick Oven Pizza. They've got 2 locations, one in Wailua and one in Lihue. Delicious whole wheat crust with garlic butter and yummy toppings. Delicious. Some Yelp reviews say it's expensive, but if you're from Seattle, you know that $20 for a pizza isn't outrageous. And when you've hiked 8 miles, you're up for a little splurge on cheesy pizza goodness.
Man, what a great day. Helluva day.
Day Five - Kauai - Wake Up, Silly Giant!
Good morning, Wednesday!
After our day where nothing went right, we are up and ready to go. Yes, gentle reader, another hike. This morning we're planning on waking up the giant on the Sleeping Giant Hike (aka East Nounou Trail) in Kapa'a. This hike is about 2 miles each way, and you gain about 1,000 feet in elevation. This is a great hike. Gorgeous views, tough in some places, perfect for a morning activity when you've got something planned for the afternoon.
After our hike, we had a deliciously relaxing afternoon. We lazed around, read, and finally went snorkeling at Lydgate Beach. Now, I know you won't believe this, but I was actually quite terrified of snorkeling. I am not a strong swimmer, and I hate having my head underwater. I knew it was going to be challenging for me, but I was ready to try. The first few times I put my face in, I ended up coughing and sputtering. Yes, I know there is no real reason for this. But with the patience and encouragement from my fabulous fiance, I was totally a snorkeling pro in no time. And it was super fun! Now I heart snorkeling. And we saw some super-cool fish too. Wish I could remember what they were.
Early evening we headed out to a restaurant called Hukilau Lanai. It's in one of the resorts in the Coconut Marketplace, and from 5p - 6p, they have a five course tasting menu for $40 - including wine! We wisely skipped lunch today so we could take advantage. And seriously, SO happy we did. I think this was our best meal on the island. And it was a really beautiful setting too. Open-air restaurant with ocean views, great service, and the food was oh-so-good. I am happy to provide specific menu details if anyone would like them. Ahem, Abra.
After our delicious and romantic meal, we headed over to Trees Lounge, also in the Marketplace. This ended up being our favorite bar in Kauai. Their happy hour goes until 7p (Kauai happies are usually only until 6p). They mix up some delicious martinis, and they have some good beer on tap too. They have live music almost every night, and it's got a great vibe, cool ambience. Super friendly bartenders and servers too. We didn't eat anything here, but the menu looked interesting.
Well-fed and well-hydrated, we're ready for bed at our normal hour of 11pm. We've got a big hike tomorrow so we need our 8 hours. Yeah, I think this is an indication of growingold up. We don't plan our vacays around partying, we plan them around activities. (And sometimes maitais.)
After our day where nothing went right, we are up and ready to go. Yes, gentle reader, another hike. This morning we're planning on waking up the giant on the Sleeping Giant Hike (aka East Nounou Trail) in Kapa'a. This hike is about 2 miles each way, and you gain about 1,000 feet in elevation. This is a great hike. Gorgeous views, tough in some places, perfect for a morning activity when you've got something planned for the afternoon.
Early evening we headed out to a restaurant called Hukilau Lanai. It's in one of the resorts in the Coconut Marketplace, and from 5p - 6p, they have a five course tasting menu for $40 - including wine! We wisely skipped lunch today so we could take advantage. And seriously, SO happy we did. I think this was our best meal on the island. And it was a really beautiful setting too. Open-air restaurant with ocean views, great service, and the food was oh-so-good. I am happy to provide specific menu details if anyone would like them. Ahem, Abra.
After our delicious and romantic meal, we headed over to Trees Lounge, also in the Marketplace. This ended up being our favorite bar in Kauai. Their happy hour goes until 7p (Kauai happies are usually only until 6p). They mix up some delicious martinis, and they have some good beer on tap too. They have live music almost every night, and it's got a great vibe, cool ambience. Super friendly bartenders and servers too. We didn't eat anything here, but the menu looked interesting.
Well-fed and well-hydrated, we're ready for bed at our normal hour of 11pm. We've got a big hike tomorrow so we need our 8 hours. Yeah, I think this is an indication of growing
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day 4 - Kauai - "This is gross!"
Tuesday morning, and it's not looking too pretty outside. We had checked the weather report when we first arrived, and we knew that today was pretty much supposed to be the crappiest day weather-wise. The South Shore is almost always sunny so we decide this would be a great day to head down there.
Once again, we jump in the rental car and head for Poipu. And then we got lost. Yeah, Kauai has like 4 main roads, but we managed to get lost? Yep. You got it. After several wrong turns, we find ourselves back on the correct road. Yes, it's the way Tim thought we were supposed to go to begin with. Shut up.
We drive to the Hyatt beach so we can park for the Makehewi Cliff hike along Shipwreck Beach. I wouldn't really call this a hike. It's just about 2 miles one way, and it's pretty much flat. You've got some beautiful ocean views & cliff views, and it borders a gorgeous golf course for part of it as well. It's a really unique location.
Loved the hike. Did not love the fact that we didn't bring water.
Dehydration + Emily = Bitchiness
Pretty much everything during this hike pissed me off. The sun. The other hikers. The sand. My top. The golfers. Tim's choice of route. Really, you wouldn't have liked me.
And when we were done, I was starving.
Dehyration + Emily + Starvation = Mega-Bitchiness
Tim (wisely) wanted to stop at a convenience store on our way back to Lihue to get me some water and chips to tide me over. But no, I said. I can make it. Because I was at that point where I just wanted to be a bitch and be mad. We had decided that after the hike we were going to go back to Lihue and check out a place called the Whalers Brew Pub that we found in the Lonely Planet. So we pulled out the map, and we followed directions. And it was no where to be found. So we double-checked the map again. And drove around and around and around. And still, no Whalers Brew Pub. Finally, we find the street where it's supposedly located. No pub. No brew. No whales. Utter disappointment.
At this point, bitchiness is in full effect and eating is essential. We decide to hit a little burger shack near the Marriott called Kalapaki Beach Hut. They did not have beer, but they did have an amazing opah sandwich that absolutely saved the day. Their burgers and shakes were good too - and totally reasonably priced. Bitchiness has subsided.
Our afternoon plan was to hit the Lihue Farmers Market for some fresh produce, sample some delicious rum at the Koloa Rum Factory, and maybe do a little Costco-ing. This plan basically turned into one damn thing after another. The Farmers Market was in the Costco parking lot, so we stopped in there first. We realized that they had some way better deals than other groceries. When travelling to Hawaii, definitely make Costco your first stop. You'll save a ton of money. Tim and I, however, are not that bright. We went to Costco, but did not buy anything because we figured we would find better deals elsewhere.
We would be wrong.
We went to the Farmer's Market, and we had absolutely no idea what half of the produce actually was. We left without buying anything. We went back to Costco and bought everything we should have just purchased in the first place. Then off to the Rum Factory. Rum would make everything all better. Right? Right?! Well, it would have if the rum was delicious. But it was not. The Koloa Rum Factory isn't actually where they make the rum. It's just the place where they sell it. You can get a sample or two while you're there. The white rum is atrocious. It tasted like rubbing alcohol. The spiced rum is slightly better. It tasted like rubbing alcohol mixed with some cinammon.
Finally, after our day of missteps and mistakes, we headed home. After stopping at Fish Express for some ahi poke and salmon lomilomi, we were back at the cottage. We blissfully made a delicious dinner of grilled shrimp and corn and grilled peppers. We drank wine and played cards. We were ready for a new day.
P.S. It actually did rain today. For 15 minutes. During one of our trips to Costco. So at least we got the weather right.
Once again, we jump in the rental car and head for Poipu. And then we got lost. Yeah, Kauai has like 4 main roads, but we managed to get lost? Yep. You got it. After several wrong turns, we find ourselves back on the correct road. Yes, it's the way Tim thought we were supposed to go to begin with. Shut up.
We drive to the Hyatt beach so we can park for the Makehewi Cliff hike along Shipwreck Beach. I wouldn't really call this a hike. It's just about 2 miles one way, and it's pretty much flat. You've got some beautiful ocean views & cliff views, and it borders a gorgeous golf course for part of it as well. It's a really unique location.
Loved the hike. Did not love the fact that we didn't bring water.
Dehydration + Emily = Bitchiness
Pretty much everything during this hike pissed me off. The sun. The other hikers. The sand. My top. The golfers. Tim's choice of route. Really, you wouldn't have liked me.
And when we were done, I was starving.
Dehyration + Emily + Starvation = Mega-Bitchiness
Tim (wisely) wanted to stop at a convenience store on our way back to Lihue to get me some water and chips to tide me over. But no, I said. I can make it. Because I was at that point where I just wanted to be a bitch and be mad. We had decided that after the hike we were going to go back to Lihue and check out a place called the Whalers Brew Pub that we found in the Lonely Planet. So we pulled out the map, and we followed directions. And it was no where to be found. So we double-checked the map again. And drove around and around and around. And still, no Whalers Brew Pub. Finally, we find the street where it's supposedly located. No pub. No brew. No whales. Utter disappointment.
At this point, bitchiness is in full effect and eating is essential. We decide to hit a little burger shack near the Marriott called Kalapaki Beach Hut. They did not have beer, but they did have an amazing opah sandwich that absolutely saved the day. Their burgers and shakes were good too - and totally reasonably priced. Bitchiness has subsided.
We would be wrong.
We went to the Farmer's Market, and we had absolutely no idea what half of the produce actually was. We left without buying anything. We went back to Costco and bought everything we should have just purchased in the first place. Then off to the Rum Factory. Rum would make everything all better. Right? Right?! Well, it would have if the rum was delicious. But it was not. The Koloa Rum Factory isn't actually where they make the rum. It's just the place where they sell it. You can get a sample or two while you're there. The white rum is atrocious. It tasted like rubbing alcohol. The spiced rum is slightly better. It tasted like rubbing alcohol mixed with some cinammon.
Finally, after our day of missteps and mistakes, we headed home. After stopping at Fish Express for some ahi poke and salmon lomilomi, we were back at the cottage. We blissfully made a delicious dinner of grilled shrimp and corn and grilled peppers. We drank wine and played cards. We were ready for a new day.
P.S. It actually did rain today. For 15 minutes. During one of our trips to Costco. So at least we got the weather right.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Kauai - Day 3 - Victory!
Lovely lazy morning on our third day in Kauai. And imagine my delight when I realized that 90210 is on at both 8am and 9am! Yes, an outdoor shower, some 90, and the fresh jungle air - a beautiful way to start the day.
After our relaxing morning, we headed out to meet up with the kayaking tour we had booked for noon. Directions from Kayak Waliua: drive to the Shell Station and park on the street. Hmm.
Me: "Did they give you any other instructions when you booked the tour?"
Tim: "No."
Me: "No?"
Tim: "Well, maybe, but I wasn't really listening."
Me: "Sigh."
So after parking the car and loitering around the Shell Station in hopes that a big bus towing kayaks would pick us up, I finally convince Tim that he should call. And it's a good thing he did. Kayak Wailua has a little table set up on the other side of the Shell where you check in. Good God. We would have been standing on that corner forever.
Kayaking the Wailua River is definitely something that's recommended if you visit Kauai. And since our cottage is located right on the river, it was a convenient afternoon activity for us. As I said, we booked with a tour group. They give you the kayak as well as a load-in to the river, a tour guide to take you to Secret Falls, and some cold packs to keep your lunch in. They do not provide the lunch. This cost about $45 per person include tax and tip. The whole tour takes about 4.5 hours. I think you can rent the kayaks on their own, but I'm not quite sure how you would get it to the river. Also, I heard there is a limit of how many folks can be on the river each day so reservations are recommended. If you go mid-January, however, you will not need to worry about crowds. The island is dead at this time of year. There was only one other couple on our tour.
This is a super-easy kayaking trip - just about 2.5 miles down the very calm Wailua. There are a few boats, but nothing major. Even if you've never kayaked or you're not in great shape, you would still be fine. After paddling, you hike about a mile in to a beautiful waterfall called Secret Falls (aka Uluwehi Falls). Here you can sit on the rocks, eat your lunch, go swimming.
Note: if you are ever swimming in a waterfall and you have your picture taken, you MUST lift your arms in the VICTORY pose. It's the law.
After our relaxing morning, we headed out to meet up with the kayaking tour we had booked for noon. Directions from Kayak Waliua: drive to the Shell Station and park on the street. Hmm.
Me: "Did they give you any other instructions when you booked the tour?"
Tim: "No."
Me: "No?"
Tim: "Well, maybe, but I wasn't really listening."
Me: "Sigh."
So after parking the car and loitering around the Shell Station in hopes that a big bus towing kayaks would pick us up, I finally convince Tim that he should call. And it's a good thing he did. Kayak Wailua has a little table set up on the other side of the Shell where you check in. Good God. We would have been standing on that corner forever.
Kayaking the Wailua River is definitely something that's recommended if you visit Kauai. And since our cottage is located right on the river, it was a convenient afternoon activity for us. As I said, we booked with a tour group. They give you the kayak as well as a load-in to the river, a tour guide to take you to Secret Falls, and some cold packs to keep your lunch in. They do not provide the lunch. This cost about $45 per person include tax and tip. The whole tour takes about 4.5 hours. I think you can rent the kayaks on their own, but I'm not quite sure how you would get it to the river. Also, I heard there is a limit of how many folks can be on the river each day so reservations are recommended. If you go mid-January, however, you will not need to worry about crowds. The island is dead at this time of year. There was only one other couple on our tour.
This is a super-easy kayaking trip - just about 2.5 miles down the very calm Wailua. There are a few boats, but nothing major. Even if you've never kayaked or you're not in great shape, you would still be fine. After paddling, you hike about a mile in to a beautiful waterfall called Secret Falls (aka Uluwehi Falls). Here you can sit on the rocks, eat your lunch, go swimming.Note: if you are ever swimming in a waterfall and you have your picture taken, you MUST lift your arms in the VICTORY pose. It's the law.Note 2: If you do go on one of these kayaking tours, make sure you have the proper footwear. I wore flips and then brought trainers for the hike. This will not work. You definitely need some sort of water shoes or something that can go from water to land. Flips will fall off, and your trainers will be soaked. Fortunately, Kayak Wailua gave me some awesome shoes to wear. I almost stole them, but I figured that would be horribly bad karma. Tim wore Keen's, and they were perfect.
Note 3: When Tim and I are on Amazing Race (yes, it will happen someday), we will definitely be taking the kayaking option on the Roadblock because we are *awesome*. No, seriously.
Back from kayaking - what time is it?! YES, it's maitai o'clock!
And by the way, my plan is to eat some sort of seafood each day we're in Kauai. Day 3, and looking good so far! Today was ahi tacos at Monico's Mexican. Another nice thing about Kapa'a - lots of restaurant options. And as the island isn't exciting a dining/nightlife mecca, this saying a lot.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Kauai - Day Two - For The Birds
Yay - we woke up around 8am, finally rested and ready to seriously start our Hawaiian Adventure! After my first outdoor shower of the day, we head out for our first hike of the trip. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how much you enjoy hiking), staying on the Eastside offers a ton of great hikes really close by. We decided to start with the Kuilau Ridge Trail. Four miles round trip, tiny bit of elevation, really beautiful. Great intro hike on Kauai.
That afternoon we explored the North side of the island. Jumped in the rental car, attempted not to hit any of the many chickens on the road and headed up North.
**Side note: There are a TON of chickens and roosters on this island. They are everywhere. You can go on the longest, highest hike, and there, at the top of a mountain, you will find some chickens cruising around. And the roosters like to ensure you are awake before 7am each day. Hey, they don't want you to miss one second of your holiday.
After stopping at a few random beaches, we headed up to Kilauea and the Kilauea Lighthouse. So beautiful. Great ocean views, we saw a pod (a pod? is it called a pod?) of spinner dolphins and our first humpback whale! The Lighthouse area is also a bird sanctuary, and we went on a little walking tour with a nature guide and another couple. Tim and I basically listened while the other couple asked many, many questions.
Tourist woman: "What's the white bird that you see all around the island? You know, they're everywhere."
Me (helpfully): "Chickens?"
The other couple and the guide send me looks of disdain. Tim cracks up.
The end of our bird tour.
In other bird news, egrets are also a big Kauai bird. We call them lurkers. They're always skulking around on the sides of trails. Shady characters, I think
Back in the rental car and up to Hanalei. Super cute little hippie town. I think it would be a fun place to stay acutally. Hanalei Beach is gorgeous. After our long day of hiking and sightseeing, we were looking forward to maitais at one of Kauai's oldest dive bars, Tahiti Nui. Unfortunately, when we entered the bar, the bartender gave us the dirtiest look, and left her post behind the bar to talk to some locals with her back to us. After waiting for 5-7 minutes, we realized that she wasn't coming back until we had left. Screw you, Tahiti Nui! Instead we hit up a little place down the street called Kalypso. Great bar, great happy hour, recommended. Try the coconut shrimp.
After several maitais in Hanalei, a couple more back in Kapa'a at the old stand-by, the Olympic Cafe (happy hour goes til 7p), we were back at the ol' cottage. Early to bed, early to rise.
That afternoon we explored the North side of the island. Jumped in the rental car, attempted not to hit any of the many chickens on the road and headed up North.
**Side note: There are a TON of chickens and roosters on this island. They are everywhere. You can go on the longest, highest hike, and there, at the top of a mountain, you will find some chickens cruising around. And the roosters like to ensure you are awake before 7am each day. Hey, they don't want you to miss one second of your holiday.
Tourist woman: "What's the white bird that you see all around the island? You know, they're everywhere."
Me (helpfully): "Chickens?"
The other couple and the guide send me looks of disdain. Tim cracks up.
The end of our bird tour.
In other bird news, egrets are also a big Kauai bird. We call them lurkers. They're always skulking around on the sides of trails. Shady characters, I think
After several maitais in Hanalei, a couple more back in Kapa'a at the old stand-by, the Olympic Cafe (happy hour goes til 7p), we were back at the ol' cottage. Early to bed, early to rise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
