Engagements are in the Air

Don't worry, I don't mean me.... but I have had some friends say the big "YES" in the past few weeks. So,  congratulations to Michelle (you all remember her, my junior-year suitemate) and her fiance David, and congratulations to Floria and her fiance Peter, who finally got engaged after 11 years and one month of dating. I can't wait to share your days with you (just try not to plan your weddings on the same day ;)  ). 

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

As many of you know, I have been blessed with the world's worst sinuses. Besides for me constantly being sick (see previous posts), they've also contributed to my trademark 'foghorn' nose blow (as it was dubbed by a floormate during my sophomore year in Warren Towers), my nasal-y voice, and I'm convinced it's the reason why I sing so abominably. As a matter of fact, the only good thing that's come out of those stupid cavities in our skull is that I can muster up a pretty decent French accent if I need to. Over the years, I've pretty much become immune to every nasal spray and allergy medication out there, so today I did the unthinkable. Yes, Ladies and Gentleman, I bought and tried out a NETI POT. For those of you that are unfamiliar, a Neti Pot is a little pot that looks a lot like a genie lamp. You fill it up with warm water and a sinus rinse (salt and baking soda). You then tip your head forward, stick the spout up one nostril, pouring the water into the nostril, and wait for water to stream out of the other nostril. At first, there's that sensation you get when water gets up your nose at the pool. But once the water starts streaming out, I have to admit that it's pretty cool. When I was all done, I felt some instant relief, mostly I think because some moisture got to go through my system (a good defense against the heaters on all winter long). Whether there will be some long-term improvement remains to be seen.... I will keep you all updated!

I'm Still Here...With Too Much Information...

To trace the route of my new computer, it started out in Shanghai, then visited Anchorage, followed by Indiana. It is now sitting in a warehouse about 10 miles west of me in Jamaica, NY. The wait is unbearable, though impressive that a mere 2 days ago, it was on the other side of the world. Why why why did I not spring for the weekend delivery? Now I have to wait until Monday, with it so temptingly close to me. And of course, this begs the question: are we privy to too much information these days? Is it healthy to my psyche that I am able to check my package's whereabouts on FedEx.com every few minutes? Would I be better off if I was completely surprised by its arrival? Computers to track information, caller ID that now pops up on your television, media coverage of minor stories, thermometers to tell us what day to make babies, sizing up countless sources of information before we make any sort of decision --- when does it end? When do we as humans allow ourselves to put our faith and our fate to the test? When can we just BE?

I'm Going to the Other Side

This post could possibly represent the end of an era. Specifically, the end of a Dell laptop / pc applications era. Yes folks, I am just days away from a brand-new macbook arriving on my doorstep. My reasons for needing a new computer are pretty basic: with mine approaching the 5-year mark, it operates slow at best. It has less than 10% of its disk space left. The wireless card is shot, red buttons keep flashing, I can actually hear the computer 'think' when I ask it to do something, it won't ever fully charge, and I've gotten the scary blue screen on more than one occasion. And why a mac do you ask? Mostly because it can better support my growing hobby of photography. The creative opportunities are endless, the new photo editing software pretty impressive, and let's not forget ease of use. I will never ever have to again upload photos to add to a blog, to share a photo album online, or to create photo books to be printed.

Don't you worry: I will come back one last time with a nice link for you to follow to get to my new mac website when I set it up.

My new favorite chicken recipe

Growing up, my mother never really used the broiler. Inheriting most of my cooking habits from her, I never made use of the broiler either until recently. My first broiler experience didn't go too well--- my party appetizer of bacon-wrapped dates ended up burned. I've learned a little more about how my broiler works, and have recently found my new favorite chicken recipe:

Put boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow bowl; marinate in juice of one lime, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let set for 10 minutes at room temperate. Broil 3-5 minutes on one side. Turn, add sliced onions, broil for 3-5 minutes more. I then cut them up and make fajitas from them, with all of the normal fixings. This chicken would also be delicious over a salad, or just on its own with some sides. I love that it's about 20 minutes from start to finish, and while I'm broiling I can make the side dishes (today it was sauteed mushrooms and an avocado).

Another Shoe Challenge

I think I've hit an all-time level of obsession. This time, it's creating the perfect selection of shoes to take to Paris in April. The Challenge: Shoes that meet the following requirements - (a) can withstand hours of walking (b) enough of a heel/sole so my pants don't drag on the floor, and (c) somewhat fashionable and dressy enough for European standards as well as my own standards. In the past two weeks, I've bought a pair of shoes that meets requirements (b) and (c) - gorgeous handmade loafers in brown Italian suede with a great wedge of lightweight foam - perfect for museums and sight-seeing that will only be for a few hours. I've also bought a pair of adorable light green mary-jane style sneakers by Privo (see photo) that meets requirements (a) and (b) for full days of walking. I'm thinking I'd like to round out the collection with one more pair of shoes that are a cross between the two. I'm contemplating Clark's or Merrell, both of which are entirely new territory to me, who typically prefers more streamlined, dressy pumps. And I've realized that there's nothing in the exact middle of that cross - leaving me to decide between a pair of Clark's that's got a nice wedge heel to it (I'm including a photo here) and a pair that's completely flat. Decisions, Decisions. If anyone has any input or ideas, I'd love to hear!

News, Reviews, and Other Things

Okay, so it's been over a month since I posted last; somehow the post-holiday season is turning out to be even busier than the holiday season itself. In the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to try out different places and explore different neighborhoods. Here are the highlights:

I met up with some friends for brunch on the UWS at Isabella's, where I had the most delicious french toast stuffed with caramelized bananas. A few days later, another friend and I found a great Indian restaurant, Indus Valley. Nice laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and most importantly, really delicious food. The tandoori chicken was incredibly tender and the vegetarian plates flavorful. Also on the UWS was this year's Restaurant Week pick: Compass Restaurant. New American food, refined decor, and catering to a more sophisticated palate, the food from this little-known place was refreshingly creative. My favorite was the first course of grilled fennel, mushrooms, ricotta, and Parmesian cheese. They also threw in little touches throughout: a ceviche tasting, petit fours, and a goodie bag of a coffee muffin for breakfast the next morning.

My Long Island excursions as of late have not been as positive: a crowded experience in a Cheesecake Factory; being rushed through a meal at Benihana's (the waitress took my plate away with my fork en route to my mouth....); a lowlife crowd in Dave and Busters to watch the Giants playoff game; restaurants that close down at 9pm in the town where I live. I did have a good lunch experience at my old tried and true place, Louie's in Port Washington, where I also happened to run into the retired principal of the school where I work.