Where does the time go?

I am constantly amazed by how fast time flies. I cannot believe that I am 33. It really does feel like yesterday (more like 9 years ago) that I graduated from University. It was not to long ago that I was staring out my window wondering how will all that snow melt, and now I am thinking about the impact fall will have at work. It really blows my mind! One year blends into the next. Do you remember when you were younger and one month seemed like forever, now it doesn't seem long enough. I am not complaining.... just an observation.

What's worth the wait?

1. When an ambition or milestone is realized

2. Roasted garlic

3. The season premiere of a favorite show

4. A perfectly prepared and delicious meal

5. Love (speaking of which extra, extra old cheddar cheese)

Cooking tip of the day: Slow roasted anything tastes wonderful. It enhances and adds depth to whatever your eating and is worth the hours it may take. Try slow roasting tomatoes and adding the to your favorite pasta, soup or on their own. Delicious!

The Perfect Day

OH MY GOD. I had the perfect 'Kylie Day'. So good that I had to tell you all about it, NOW. I am in New Orleans for work. So here goes:

This morning I woke up at my leisure. I walked downtown to the French Quarter. Walked around for a few hours (nothing opens until 10 am) Had a cafe au lait with a croissant for Breakfast and headed to the shops. I went to Sak's fifth avenue were I was treated like I had a million dollars to spend. Oh the clothes! The makeup! The Christmas decor! Wonderful.

The afternoon was spent at the conference. THEN... it gets better.

A cocktail reception with a delicious gin and tonic and then it gets better. ....Dinner at Nola's (one of Emeril Lagasse's restaurants). OH MY GOD. We were able to make reservations through the hotel's concierge. Usually there is a few months wait, but I guess they leave room for tourists. Here is what I ate; I had the daily specials paired with a wine with each course.

Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna with Baby Spinach, Shaved Onion, Orange Supremes and Citrus Braised Fennel Vinaigrette with 2006 Chablis 'Champs Royaux', William Fevre (Burgundy France) *** This was my favorite course, believe it or not***

Braised Pork and Goat Cheese Ravioli with Kiln Dried Cherries, Sage Cream, Root Vegetable Crisps and Port Wine Reduction (2003 Pinot Noir, Alois Lageder (Alto Adige, Italy)

Buttermilk Fried Breast of Chicken with Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Smithfield Ham Cream Gravy and Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas. 2004 McCrea Counoise Ciel de Cheval Vineyard (Red Mountain, Washington)

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie

(2005 Muscat 'Casta Diva', Gutierrez de la Vega, Alicante, Spain)

I think the dreams of the Year of the Kylie have been fulfilled.

Cooking tip of the day: Spend the money at a gourmet restaurant. It is worth it.

STRIKE

Today I walked my first picket line and I really hope it is my last one. I hope that my union CUPE 2424 and Carleton University come to an agreement soon. Over the last few weeks, I have thought a lot about the place of unions in today's society. I know there is still a need for them, I also know I am well taken care of at Carleton. Would that be the case if there wasn't a union? I am not sure. The one thing that I hate about this whole thing is the tension a strike or lockout has on a workplace. Today, the first day of our strike, there were already some moments of high tension, moments when people could have gotten hurt (car vs. picketer). I also witnessed someone from our union (I do not know who they were) cross the picket line, and you knew in that instant whatever office they work in on campus things would not be the same. I am also frustrated because I hate not knowing what is happening one day to the next. So think of me at 6am when I am on the picket line tomorrow!!

Social Activities that don't break the bank:

1. Go for coffee or bubble tea
2. Go to cheap night at the movies (Tuesdays only costs $4.25)
3 Go to a museum or art gallery on a Thursday - it's free!
4. Read a book.
5. Go to a CBC radio live event - again it's free!

Cooking Tip of the Day: Kraft dinner is delicious and so cheap!!

A Good Blog

I discovered a blog during the NHL playoffs. A co-worker forwarded me Scott Feschuk's blog as he had some pretty funny entires on hockey. Since then I have regulary read his blog. Mr. Feschuk has been a speechwriter for Paul Martin and a writer for This Hour has 22 minutes. Pretty interesting carreer. Though they are suprisingly related, he had to write bullshit for both. Anyways, read up, I hope you get a laugh or two.

http://forums.macleans.ca/advansis/?mod=for&act=dis&eid=13

Take a look and let me know what you think!

What August brings:

1. Back to school ads ( sometimes I still wish I was going shopping for back to school supplies)

2. Many birthdays to celebrate (Andrew, Kevin, Tammy!)

3. Many Humid Days (bleh!)

4. The SuperEx

5. Late, great summer flicks (see last post).

Cooking tip of the day: Be sure to pick up some corn on the cob. It's now ready. It has been suggested that when cooking the corn, you leave the husks on when boiling the ears (of corn - silly!). It will allow for better tasting corn and apparently the husks and all that stringy stuff will just fall off. I would suggest removing the outer husk first, prior to cooking.

Summer Movies

Over the last few weeks I have seen some summer flicks. What did I think?

No Reservations falls short. It's cute and leaves you hungry (the food looks delicious) and it's other redeeming quality is Aaron Eckhart. Rent it only if the premise appeals to you, don't bother going to see it.

Hairspray, I really enjoyed this film, it's very entertaining and very funny. Some people feel that John Travolta is a draw for this film, I find him more of a distraction. Travolta playing a women is never believable. If you like musicals pay full price, if not consider it on a half price Tuesday.

I then moved on to the Simpsons. I have never been a huge fan of the Simpsons, mostly because my brother liked it when I was growing up. But I have always appreciated it's commentary on modern American life. My brother was excited to see it, so I thought it would be best to see it with him. It was pretty funny. Although I thought the movie would take more chances, and go beyond it's normal sitcom boundaries, but it didn't. It was well worth the $4.20 admission.

Finally, I saw the movie of the summer. The Bourne Ultimatum. This movie is great, not only does it star Matt, but it is exactly what an action movie should be. It has a great cast, and uses them to their ability (i.e. Julia Stiles has maybe 5 lines, but is in the film for maybe 45 minutes). The action scenes are wonderfully orchestrated. It's a non -stop ride. The film is never gory, but allows you to understand the pain that the characters feel and did I mention that Matt is in it? Pay full price to see this film. In fact, if you need someone to go to this film with you, I will. I wouldn't mind seeing it again.

What I did this long weekend:

1. Had some bacon with Neil and Cindy (okay it was a delicious pasta with some bacon in it)

2. Bubble Tea

3. Pizza with the folks from Diabetes

4. Dinner with Adelaide, Andrew and Christie (Happy 31st birthday - Andrew!!)

5. Brunch with my brothers, mom and a visit to the Treasures of China Exhibit at the Museum of Civilization.

Cooking Tip of the Day: On hot summer days, prepare a salad. Just be sure to add some sort of protein to make it a complete meal. Serve with some fresh rolls. Delicious.

THE MAN=GEORGE

It was only a matter of time before I dedicated a post to George Clooney. He is awesome. I love him. For some many reasons, mainly for that fact that he is 100% cool. Other reasons, he made my all time favorite show ER, I pretty much enjoy any film he is in, and he is still the mysterious bachelor. And his name is George I have attached a link to a quiz about him. Let me know your score!

http://www.cbc.ca/cgi-bin/quiz/quiz.cgi?quiz=arts_clooney

Things that I like about summer (I am trying to be positive here!)

1. BBQs
2. Summer Trips
3. Days that are sunny and do not pass 25 degrees
4. The lassier faire attitude people seem to take on
5. Cheesy summer flicks
6. ICE CREAM (okay - it makes every season)

Cooking tip of the day: BBQ!! Almost everything tastes better on a BBQ (except for maybe pasta).

I'm your #1 Fan

Tonight was a sad night for my brother. His beloved Sens seemed to have lost it all - Lord Stanley. I believe he is the Senator's #1 one fan. Truly heartbreaking. I am not an expert on the subject of hockey in any way shape or form, but what I noticed watching the last 5 games, was that the team had given up, and it showed. A metaphor for life?.... obviously.

So if you see my bro around in the next couple of days be kind. He feels the weight of an entire team on his back.

Why I love watching NHL playoff games:

1. They are exciting to watch

2. Getting together with friends to watch the game

3. The snacks that pop up

4. It's a subject you can pretty much talk to anyone in the city about

5. Emery

Cooking Tip of the Day: A great snack for game time or anytime is nachos. I like to cook some onions and peppers up in a little oil first, then place them on top of a single layer of nacho chips (the best are farm boy's), then add some of your favorite salsa, top with cheese (the best is extra old cheddar) and then some chopped tomatoes. Cook in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, for the last few minutes of cooking time, broil the nachos, that way the cheese will be nice and bubbly. Serve with sour cream and if your lucky some guacamole.