03.31.08: One Day Away from April

Dear Friends and Family,

Can it really almost be April? Wow.

The days fly by. The weeks fly by. The months fly by. And, before you know it, the years fly by. And, by default, life flies by. I wonder, will we wake up one day and wonder where all the time went? I have a sneaking suspicion we will.

Saturday, like all Saturdays we're in town, we slept in. But, wait, our weekend started Friday night. Friday night, we went out to pick up the mail and my glasses finally arrived. Yeah! Then, since traffic was bad, we stayed out in the burbs for dinner (Korean) and some impromptu grocery shopping at a Turkish supermarket. We picked up some bulgur, pilaf, pistachios, and Turkish Delight.

Now, back to Saturday. We slept in. And, I'm trying to remember what we did, but we had an amazingly slow start to the day. We headed out to look at window treatments since J.C. Penney was having their annual window treatment sale. And, we found a couple that we liked. But, even with the sale, I was having a little sticker shock. I just don't think they're worth that amount of money. We checked out a sample book to look at the options at home and headed downtown for Earth Hour.


The premise was to turn off all non-essential lights for one hour to remind people of how much extraneous energy we consume. We had turned off all of our electrical and gas usage (minus the two refrigerators, one cordless phone and answering machine, and one dusk to dawn light that doesn't have a switch) before heading out for the day, so we did our part. It was pretty cool.

It was midnight before we got pizza for dinner. So, we crashed pretty hard afterwards. Sunday, got up, got ready, headed out to our favorite bar for breakfast and an F1 race. It was from two weekends ago while we were in Florida, but they were closed last weekend for Easter. It all worked out okay. Then, home to look at more window treatments online. Ultimately, we decided to go the super cheap route and hang some valances from the original mouse house. Total outlay: $0. Cheaper than anything at J.C. Penney, Home Depot, Three Day Blinds, really than anywhere we looked. Hit Target from some odds and ends. Roasted a chicken with acorn squash for dinner. Watched the last couple of minutes of the Kansas/Davidson game. And, turned in for the night.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: My sister's wedding is set for Saturday, September 27th. Fun and games.

January Baby Posts

Dear Friends and Family,

Okay. Here's the way this works. I have secret posts I've been keeping on the whole baby thing. And, as they get declassified, I'll publish them. Essentially, it's the Mouse Freedom of Information Act - where, my poor readers don't really have any rights, but I feel like it's the right thing to do.

They're all under the baby, maybe... label on the right.


Cheers!
mouse

03.28.08: Baby, Not Maybe

Dear Friends and Family,

Okay. So the pregnancy test came back negative. Great. That, we could have overcome.

The fight that ensued. Well, that's another story altogether. Here's my side of it. The dip stick goes in, the dip stick comes out. There's 90 - 180 seconds of hourglass flashing. And, then the results: Pregnant or Not Pregnant.

Although, I can clearly manage to take the test by myself, we've been taking them together. For me, that moment of discovery is a once in a lifetime moment. You don't get that moment ever again. The first time you find out you're expecting. It's important for me to share that moment. There's so many moments in this you don't get to share. This, this is one you do get to share.

And, Mr. mouse, granted half awake, was just not into it. I get it. I get that I get up earlier than he does. But, seriously, halfway through that 90 second window, he wanted to go to the other bathroom to pee. And, I told him explicitly to go before we took the test. So, I essentially told him to hold it until we're done. Then, he's just looking in the mirror and around the bathroom and waiting. And, I'm like, hello, can we focus on the task at hand and look at the flashing dipstick?

Well, we all know how the test results turn out. And, he's all up in arms that I'm so testy in the morning and showers and leaves for work. Frankly, I'm done. I need no more of this stress and uncertainty and trying and failing and waiting and planning. And, frankly, the morning fights suck. And, this isn't the first we've had. In fact, we had one the last time we took a test together.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

I'll be publishing all of the results. On second thought, I'll publish January which is due anyway and sleep on all the rest of this.


Cheers!
mouse

Earth Hour: March 29

Dear Friends and Family,

Sorry. Got distracted reading about Earth Hour, and composters, and garden seeds, and before you knew it, the morning disappeared. And, now, I've gotta hustle to get to work.

Here's the link to info about Earth Hour.

http://www.earthhourus.org/

Cheers!
mouse

Dinner Out with a Friend

Dear Friends and Family,

Our friend from the Bay area flew in last night en route to Jacksonville, FL. We met up for dinner at Turquoise, our favorite Turkish restaurant. And, as usual, the food was criminal. It's so good. Fortunately, I have a day full of walking today so I hope to come out of all of this without too many negative repercussions. Speaking of which, I need to get in super early, so I need to go start getting ready soon.


Cheers!
mouse

03.25.08: Counting Down to Friday

Dear Friends and Family,

Friday is our next pee in a cup day. Which means this week, all week, I'll be anxious and excited at the same time.

I'll be traveling next month, so if the results aren't positive on Friday, we'll be past the window of having a mouse (Chinese calendar wise) and into the year of the cow which isn't nearly as exciting.

And, strange as it may seem, I googled conceive on WebMd to find out info on couples who have trouble conceiving and found the technical term for it: infertility. Duh! Well, there are three tests and I believe it's all good on my end. I say that based on some level of fact. I'm 99% sure I ovulate on a regular basis since I have a regular cycle. And, I had an ultrasound recently, after my sister was diagnosed with endometriosis and and the tubes looked good. The third test is for Mr. mouse and it involves a peek at his sperm under the microscope - sounds pretty painless if it comes to that.

I'm not sure any of the infertility treatment options sound all that appetizing. If it doesn't work the old fashioned way, we may just decide to leave well enough alone and enjoy life, just the two of us.

We'll see what Friday brings.


Cheers!
mouse

03.25.08: Weekly Weigh In

Dear Friends and Family,

weigh in: 120

Half way back to normal after vacation. And, it's that time, so I can't complain. Plus, it's Easter, so I'm officially back to 21 points a day, but I'm going to stay on 18 until I get back to goal. Hopefully another week or two does the trick.

If you look at my NOT FOOD column, it tells the story of me fighting (and losing) the battle against the last of winter. I guess if I got through winter with, essentially, zero weight gain, I can't complain. But, let me tell you, the body feels like %$#@! warmed over when you eat junk.

Here's to a better week.

FOOD

egg fried rice; bison fried rice; almonds; rice with rib eye, corn and green beans; soon tofu soup with rice; tangerines; polenta; brown rice sushi; whole wheat pasta with tuna; oranges; Katsu Sushi - mung bean salad; Katsu Sushi - eggplant adeshi; Katsu Sushi - baby clams; Katsu Sushi - grilled tongue; Katsu Sushi - grilled jaw; Katsu Sushi - sushi; Furama - dim sum; grilled snapper with brown rice; dates; egg fried rice with beans; raisins; roasted potatoes with sea scallops; mixed greens with blue cheese

BORDERLINE

bran cereal with lactose free milk; Adobo Grill - guacamole with tortilla chips; Adobo Grill - beef canzuela with corn tortilla; Adobo Grill - chicken tamale

NOT FOOD (13)

brownie; bagel; muffin; oatmeal raisin cookie; white chocolate macadamia cookie; chicken sausage; Whole Foods chocolate truffles; Wildfire - chocolate cake; brown curry with rib eye and rice; Katsu Sushi - red bean ice cream; cheese; tortilla chips; chocolate


Cheers!
mouse

03.24.08: Easter Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

It was a weekend of eating and catching up on zzz's.

Friday, getting home after a day of snow, I ate some chocolate cake and settled in for an afternoon nap. Mr. mouse woke me for a couple of hours for dinner and basketball. Then, we fell back asleep for the night.

Saturday, we slept in. Mr. mouse went to pick up the mail while I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen. We spent the day running errands and then met up with our friends for dinner at Katsu Sushi. The food was excellent. I've fallen in love with their grilled yellowtail jaw. The meat is so flavorful and so tender. I want to go back and order just that with a bowl of rice.

Sunday, we went to our favorite bar to watch the weekend's F1 race only to find that it was closed for Easter. So, we headed down to Chinatown for some dim sum. Why is Chinese food so high in points?!?! Napped the afternoon away. Then, grilled a snapper for dinner. Another quarter of my slice of chocolate cake from dinner a week and a half ago; a couple of hours of work to catch up; and, you guessed it, it was time for bed.

What a lame weekend. Hopefully, the weather improves and we can start to get out and enjoy the city. Happy Monday, everyone.


Cheers!
mouse

P.S.: It's Snowing

Dear Friends and Family,

It snowed all day yesterday and it snowed last night. Funny, I had a slice of chocolate cake and a chocolate truffle yesterday. I really, really need winter to end.


Cheers!
mouse

Happy Belated Vernal Equinox

Dear Friends and Family,

Unfair. I was saving this post for today, and it turns out it would have been perfect for yesterday.

It's spring!!!

Yes! Yes! Yes! OMG! Finally!

I don't know why, but this past winter really hit me hard. And, I am giddy with thoughts of spring.

This past week, the snow has been steadily melting. And, the first geese have moved back to work. And, the bird's have have been migrating north. And, my spring allergies have started up. And, my craving for all things chocolate has finally subsided.

Sounds like spring cleaning may be an excellent thing to tackle this weekend. Get up early and get organized. Now, it's supposed to turn cold for the weekend, so there's probably no lazing on the hammock quite yet. But, maybe next weekend, if the weather cooperates.


Cheers!
mouse

101 Cookbooks

Dear Friends and Family,

No flashes of brilliance this morning. But, want to share one of the better cooking blogs I've been reading. Lots of gorgeous photos and inspiring recipes.

www.101cookbooks.com

I'm eager to spend some time in the kitchen this weekend. It's almost spring!


Cheers!
mouse

Day 2: Think Food Quality, Not Food Quantity

Dear Friends and Family,

My organic wine should be in the mail, and hopefully, at my post office box when we go to check the mail today. I'm ready to begin pondering "Day" 2 in the 30 Days to a Greener Diet: Think Food Quality, Not Food Quantity.

Here's the thought starters they provide:

1. cut back on over-processed foods
2. splurge on important substitutions
3. reacquaint yourself with your stove

I think I do decently on all three counts. But, there's a couple of things I want to tackle that are linked. How do you tell when you're full? My stomach's a woefully inadequate gauge of my fullness.

I've been trying a trick, somewhat inconsistently. Perhaps now is the time to perfect it. When I eat, I'm woefully efficient. While I'm chewing, my hands are busy queuing up the next bite. So, when the mouth is empty, there's more food ready for it. Instead of prepping the next bite while chewing, I could put down the cutlery, focus on the bite at hand and enjoy it. When the mouth is empty, I could decide on what the next bite is and prep it and deliver it to my mouth and put the cutlery back down. Repeat as needed.

The other thing I could do is after each bite assess, still hungry? full? somewhere in between? Honestly, this one is one I'm not sure I have the patience to tackle. For me, it's just flat out easier to portion it out before hand and not think about it during the meal. You know: 6 oz rice, 2 oz chicken, etc. Ultimately, I think it's important to learn portion control. Maybe, that comes next after learning slow eating.

And, last but not least is food timing. Is it important to have discipline here? I did it for awhile on Weight Watchers. I think it's a good thing, but it takes discipline. I would have a minimum time, call it two hours, between food. So, if I ate at noon and felt hungry at one, I would force myself to wait until two before snacking. That way you don't become a constant eater, but a grazer. And, tied to it was a "kitchen is closed" time, call it eight o'clock. If I'm hungry after that time, I wait until the next morning.

For now, I think I'll tackle slow eating. I could tackle focused eating (e.g. not reading online while eating, not eating at my desk, etc.) but maybe that's for later. Too much distraction guarantees I lose patience with all of this.


Cheers!
mouse

03.18.08: Grapefruit League

Dear Friends and Family,

First the unbelievable, must be salt, depressing, time to get back on track piece. weigh in: 122

Back to glorious vacation.

Friday night, I met up with Mr. mouse at the airport and we flew down to Orlando, Florida, land of the mouse. We landed at a little past midnight and picked up our car (aka the convertible) and headed out for Port Canaveral. There, at 2:09 AM, we watched a "rocket" (really a satellite) get launched into space. So cool!


We drove back up to Orlando and checked into our hotel. Saturday, we drove over to Lakeland, Florida, winter home of the Detroit Tigers, to watch The Yankees vs. The Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. The weather was perfect. The seats were amazing. The game was close. Just what the doctor ordered to dispel the last of Old Man Winter. We went over to Florida Southern College after the game, where we walked around the Child of Sun, a rather odd name given to one of the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings.


Back in Orlando, we took a quick dip in the pool and headed out to Vietnam Town for dinner. Sunday, we checked out of our hotel, loaded the bags and headed back down to Cape Canaveral. This time, we drove over to the Kennedy Space Center, to spend the day walking amidst space paraphernalia. Mr. mouse so wanted a picture with the astronaut guy who walks the grounds, and, fortunately, we saw him there, in the afternoon. I have to say, if I could, I'd love to go up in space. It'd be worth the risk, to see the Earth from afar.

From Cape Canaveral, we drove down to the last destination of our itinerary and the real reason for the trip, Vero Beach, winter home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. We checked into a super cute bed and breakfast with fabulous bed linens and cable channel selections (Food TV and Speed Channel) before going down to the beach for a quick walk. Dinner was a little unplanned, but we found a fabulous spot without a wait. I had fried oysters with blue cheese vinaigrette, pecan crusted yellowtail, and sweet potato fries. The food was out of this world. Mr. mouse was having such a good time, he ordered three desserts, an apple strudel, a berry tart and the pastry chef's take on a ring ding. We ate pieces of each and boxed the rest for breakfast.

Which brings us to Monday, and the last game for the Brooklyn Dodgers in Florida before they head to Phoenix next winter for Spring Training 2009. Holman Stadium (along with Marchant Stadium which we visited on Saturday) are two of the iconic Spring Training facilities. And, baseball being what it is, the nostalgia was spread on pretty thick for the game. For me, it was another day of perfect weather, amazing seats, and a close game.


We had to hightail it out of the stadium at the end of the game to get back to Orlando in time for our flight. Fortunately, we didn't hit any construction and made it back to the airport with time to spare for dinner and my second Carvel ice cream treat in two days. Hmmm... Maybe this is why I'm almost four pounds heavier than I was on Friday. Eh... I'll be good this week.

Overall, it was a most relaxing trip. There was a lot of driving as everything was 1-2 hours apart, but, with the convertible, the driving is part of the fun. I'm all stocked up on Vitamin D and counting down the days until spring (this weekend).


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Two other points of interest I forgot to mention. It was really funny watching the dads whip out the stacks of Benjamins to pay for dinner. Who uses cash anymore? And, Mr. mouse bought a new toy, a new camera lens. It rocks.

No Post Today

Gone Fishin'

(back Tuesday, March 18th)

New Morning Transit Entertainment

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm super excited about a website a friend told me about.

www.dailylit.com

You can subscribe to books, and they email you an installment everyday at a specified time. Perfect for my morning and evening commutes. And, it solves the dilemma of not getting the paper or magazines or books since it doesn't generate paper. And, I'm not adding to future landfills with another electronic device.

I ordered The Time Machine. My first installment is due at 6 o'clock this morning. I haven't been this excited since I found out my lovely friends at Google have an SMS account.


Cheers!
mouse

The Chinook and Other Signs of Spring

Dear Friends and Family,

Like Trixie, I'm beginning to feel like there's a light at the end of the tunnel. However, I'm attributing it to the change in seasons - it feels like we've turned the corner on Old Man Winter and the days are definitely longer. We're just over a week away from the spring solstice!

I felt the first signs of spring on our walk home from the train station on March 2nd. The wind had a distinctly warm tone to it that's pleasant and so different from winter wind. I call it the Chinook, even if it's not technically a Chinook wind. It's close enough for me. We've had some colder days since, and some warmer days. But, definitely it's been a mix vs. cold after cold after cold.

And, to top off the goodness, yesterday, at work, I landed the mother of cool projects. I can't write much about it besides to say I'm super excited. And, my posts may go through a stretch where they're written at all hours of the day and/or evening and I'm 110% okay with that.


Cheers!
mouse

Organic Wine

Dear Friends and Family,

I ordered two bottles of organic wine this morning from www.wine.com. They have a nice filter built in to sort by organic wines. Then, I sorted by California, thinking staying within the hemisphere is nice. I selected a red and a wine based on price and ratings.

• 2004 Luna Merlot, $30, rated 93 and 91
• 2006 Grgich Hills Fume Blanc, $30, rated 93 and 91

Knowing my wine consumption rates, that'll last me well into 2008. I'm excited about getting them. It's step 1 on another exciting journey.


Cheers!
mouse

03.12.08: In Search of a Routine

Dear Friends and Family,

We were "supposed to" last night. And, we didn't. We were both so tired, we just fell asleep. Now what? Do we this morning and then Thursday night (essentially try to catch up)? Or do we skip and resume on Thursday (essentially get back on schedule)? Or do we Wednesday and go to Friday (adapt as we go along)? I can't say I have the right answer on any of this. But, one thing we have realized is that waiting until "bed time" doesn't seem to work for us. Frankly, by that point we're just too tired and it's a chore. Guess we need to think of a new way to incorporate into our daily routine.


Cheers!
mouse

03.11.08: Weekly Weigh In

Dear Friends and Family,

weigh in: 118

Back at goal and it feels good. How can a single pound make such a psychological difference? I guess if it does, it behooves me to make the effort to get there and stay there. This week will be tough, Mr. mouse and I are going on vacation Saturday, Sunday and Monday. And, then, Tuesday is weigh in day. I should be able to manage. It's only Mr. mouse and me.

I think the hardest for me, if I'm going to be honest, is social eating. I don't want to be "that person" - the one who doesn't eat and makes everyone at the table feel bad about eating. I do eat. I eat enough to sustain me. And, I have treats throughout the week. But, I'm come to terms with the fact that every meal isn't a treat meal. Some are only food meals. People at work are okay with it, which I love. And, Mr. mouse is okay with it, for which I'm forever grateful. And, my friends who know I'm on Weight Watchers are totally supportive.

It's the other people. The people who blissfully go day to day, table to table, without really knowing or caring. I don't want to be the one who rains on their parade or denies them their blissful existence. Maybe I'm afraid of the "confrontation" (which, by the way, has NEVER happened, so I know it's in my head) of bread offered at the dinner table and saying no thanks and having the puzzled look or worse the frown or even worse they say something.

What is wrong with me? I've clearly done it before. And, to succeed, maybe, I have to realize, I'll have to do it again. Yes, that's my realization for the day. I can do. I will do it. It will work.

I think I've covered enough ground. Here's a quick update on the "not food" items of the past week of which there are 13 in number: crepes, Hershey's extra dark chocolate, m&m's, Reese's peanut butter pieces, Kashi granola bar, oatmeal raisin cookie, Trader Joe's bread, Ro*Tel, P.F. Chang's Harvest Spring Roll, P.F. Chang's Mu Shu Chicken, P.F. Chang's fortune cookie, Ted's Montana Grill bison meatloaf, Ted's Montana Grill biscuit.

Okay. Sorry. There's more I want to cover. I found a website with a 30 day plan to a healthier diet.

www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating-plans

I think I'm going to try it and see how it goes. That being said, it's not enough of a priority to do thirty days straight. I'm going to take each day in order and see how it evolves.

Day 1: Pour a Glass of Organic Wine

Okay. That sounds good. But, since I don't normally drink, I'll be on Day 1 for awhile. I'll add it to my shopping list. And, the next time we pour a glass, it'll be organic. But, it might be awhile. If it's more than April 1, which is three weeks away, I may move onto Day 2 without really stressing over Day 1.

Okay. That's definitely enough ground to cover for one day.


Cheers!
mouse

03.10.08: Yawn, Monday

Dear Friends and Family,

How is it March already? Not only is it March, it's almost mid-March. Ugh. I have this sneaking suspicion 2008 is going to fly by as quickly as 2007 did. Stop the madness!

I spent the entire weekend sleeping and I am still tired.

Saturday, we slept in. I got up, had my tea, ate brunch, showered, and then napped until 4 in the afternoon. For dinner, I used the cabbage we had gotten as part of our last crop share to make stuffed cabbage. It wasn't as hard to make as I originally thought. It's low points. And, it fits under the "low meat" option on my food experiments. In addition to keeping an eye out for vegetarian options, I've also decided to look for recipes that are 2 oz or less of meat per serving.

After dinner, we finished off a Scrabble game from our travel Scrabble pack, watched some TV, and went back to sleep.

Sunday, we woke up at a decent hour. I had my tea and then ate brunch (just like Saturday). Then, we spent some time looking at window treatments online before heading out for the day. We bought a garlic press, citrus zester and kitchen shears at Bed Bath and Beyond. Then, we bought a guide book at Borders for our vacation next weekend. Next, we bought a belt (50% off) at the Limited. We struck out on window treatments at Ikea. We ate dinner at Ted's Montana Grill. And, we hit the red bowl bonanza at Target (for our Chinese New Year's Party). We came home and spent the rest of the night looking up tickets, restaurants and hotel info. And, before we knew it, it was midnight.

And, now, I am officially ready for a weekend of napping. Only, it's Monday.


Cheers!
mouse

03.08.08: Annual Exam

Dear Friends and Family,

Mr. mouse and I went in yesterday for my annual exam. And, we met another of the doctors in the office. There are a total of eight of them, and so far, the two we've met are very nice. What's so funny, is that they are so excited for us. I cynically asked Mr. mouse if they see it as a revenue stream, or if they're honestly happy for people trying to have a family.

For so long, I've always thought of children as something bad - that the timing wasn't right, that people would be disappointed, that we would be viewed as irresponsible, that we'd be sacrificing too much. It was all negative.

So, it's taking some adjustment on my part to think of having a child as something anticipated, as something people are joyous about, as something people get excited about, as something people are proud of.

Maybe it's a good thing, the months of trying without conceiving, if it gives me additional perspective and gives me a chance to digest it all.

I've got two follow-up visits. One to get my ovaries scanned since my sister's run in with endometriosis and the the other to get a closer look at a mass that Mr. mouse felt in my right breast. She thinks there's low probability that either of the two tests will show anything of concern, but she figures better safe than sorry.

Well, that's it for now.


Cheers!
mouse

TGI Friday

Dear Friends and Family,

Last night, Mr. mouse dragged me kicking and screaming and moaning and groaning to the gym. I spent an hour lifting. And, not surprisingly, when all was said and done, I'm glad we went. The New Year's rush has finally come and gone. The gym is sane again. And, I felt really good. Plus, my muscle tone has gone to pot, so I need to start doing something again before it all turns to mush.

Semi-vacation day today. Yes!


Cheers!
mouse

Bus Crush Confessions

Dear Friends and Family,

One of my friends was in town yesterday on a business trip. We went out to dinner. And, I am still stuffed. Why, oh why, do I do this to myself? Because the food at dinner was so yummy. And, we were talking and enjoying ourselves. And, today, I pay the piper.

But, enough of my belly aching.

I have a confession to make. I have a bus crush (i.e. there's a guy I think is cute who is my morning pick me up when we're on the same bus). Recently, I've seen him in the building a couple of times. I don't know his name. I don't have any interest in learning his name or his personality or anything of the sort. We've spoken once, when I saw him on the train... our train was running behind, we both glanced at our watches simultaneously and frowned, and I asked "think we're gonna make it?" and he said "I hope so, but it'll be tight." That's the extent of our conversations.

He must be a ton of years younger than me. I'm guessing. But, really, I'm no good at figuring ages out. He fits the stereotypical mouse eye candy profile: tall and thin with a high forehead and long lashes and a generous smile. He's quiet. And, he's always reading good books - not junk fiction or newspapers or magazines. And, he seems like a genuinely nice guy. Maybe he'll be on my bus today.


Cheers!
mouse

Being Jewish vs. Being Christian

Dear Friends and Family,

I had a topic for this morning's post, but, alas, I can't remember it. I've been sitting here for the past hour waiting for inspiration to strike, to no avail. Sorry to leave you high and dry, but there's absolutely nothing coming to mind. Life is that dull and I am that complacent.

Ah. I remember one now. It's not the one, but it'll have to do.

We were leaving dinner Saturday night with Mr. mouse's friends, and the wife leans over and tells me, "I'm not religious or anything like that, but I firmly believe God gives you only what you can handle." (This was in reference to her two darling children who were amazingly well behaved at dinner.) I found this passing comment so comforting and in such stark contrast to a lot of Christian thoughts on God. (She's Jewish.) The Christian God seems so much more capricious and cruel. He tests you and gives you more than you can handle and in his infinite wisdom asks you to have faith in him to get you through.

Now, I'm more Buddhist than anything else. So, hopefully, I'm not offending anyone here. But, I found the dichotomy so interesting. It speaks volumes about the two groups and their approach to life.


Cheers!
mouse

03.04.08: Weekly Weigh In

Dear Friends and Family,

weigh in: 119

It's kinda stupid, the psychological difference a pound can make - the difference between 11X and 12X. I did a little better last week with eating. I ate 18 + flex + 2. I've slowly come to realize, this is a forever thing. There's no "end" in sight. I'll be counting and measuring and doing my shtick forever. There's no eating whatever I want whenever I want however much I want ever. Sigh.

You'd think two years into this I would have "learned" better. But, alas, it's not like I don't like fried chicken and fries now. I just have it in moderation. I wish I could be like those people who lose the taste for the food - who don't like fried chicken anymore or who don't like ice cream anymore. Oh well. I guess that's not my lot in life. Here's to soldiering on.

FOOD

almonds, apricots, asparagus, beef broth, beef short ribs, brown rice, brown sugar, bulgur, butter, canola oil, chicken soup, chicken thighs, corn, corn tortillas, crawfish, egg, egg white, Francesca's Forno - artichokes, Francesca's Forno - mozzarella, Francesca's Forno - prosciutto, homemade hot chocolate, honey orange cake, olive oil, orange, pan chan, pickle, pineapple, potatoes, roast chicken, soy lattes, strawberries, turkey, white rice

BORDERLINE

Amy's - ice cream, beef fajitas, flour tortillas, Mexican rice, refried beans, Bennison's - apple pie, bran cereal, Cali's - grilled chicken banh mi, Cali's - spring roll, chocolate, Francesca's Forno - bread, Francesca's Forno - bread pudding, Francesca's Forno - ice cream, Francesca's Forno - pizza, Ragin Cajun - fried oyster, Ragin Cajun - hush puppies, Tony Mandola's - amaretto martini, Tony Mandola's - bread, Tony Mandola's - broiled oyster, Tony Mandola's - broiled scallops, Tony Mandola's - broiled shrimp, Tony Mandola's - broiled snapper, Tony Mandola's - cerviche, Tony Mandola's - fish taco, Tony Mandola's - fried oyster, Tony Mandola's - tortilla chip

NOT FOOD (8)

chicken sausage, Chili's - mini hamburgers, Kashi granola bar, Korean yogurt, oatmeal raisin cookie, sheet cake, unagi eel, Whole Foods - chocolate truffles


Cheers!
mouse

03.03.08: Yee Haw!

Dear Friends and Family,

We went down to Houston for the weekend, and Mr. mouse couldn't have been happier. He originally wanted to do the crazy Saturday morning flight which would have involved leaving the house at 4 in the morning. Fortunately, sanity prevailed and we slept in another hour.

Our flight down was without incident. And, we drove downtown to watch the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade. It's a parade and the last leg of the historic trail rides rolled into one - all the horses and a several covered wagons and floats and marching bands ride through downtown on their way to the rodeo. Afterwards, we headed over to the Vietnamese area for lunch - banh mi and spring rolls, yum. Next, it was time for the headliner event - our friends' baby shower. Considering I had never been to one, I think I managed decently.

After guessing the mom-to-be's waist size, sniffing jars of baby food, and trying to remember the contents of her desk, we opened presents and had cake. Lots of hugs and kisses all around, and we were done. We went eyeglass shopping since the shower was literally right around the block from where I got my last pair of glasses. And, last but not least, we met up with another of Mr. mouse's friends for dinner. Italian Cajun. The fried oysters (I only had one) were, OMG, amazing. Wow! We had Amy's ice cream for dessert and checked into the hotel exhausted.

Sunday, we, thankfully, slept in. We hit Ragin Cajun for lunch because as the sign proclaims "Crawfish Now in Season". And, how can you argue with that? Plus, they're owned by the same people who run the place we went to for dinner so... we ordered six more fried oysters. (This time I had three.) Belly stuffed, we headed out to see The Menil Collection, the permanent collection of John and Dominique Menil.

One space, designed to hold the works of Cy Twombly blew me away. The light came in through a white mesh cloth from the ceiling and it felt like a living breathing element of the art. The walls were white (Venetian plaster as we later learned) and the floor a light colored wood, so the light bounces around like crazy. But, the part that I didn't notice until we spoke with a guide later, is that there are no shadows. It was bright enough to see everything, but it was surreal, as if the light was somehow different, better than the light anywhere else. What umami does to taste, this building did to light. It's was, simply, mind blowing. And, through generous donations, it's free to the public.

A quick stop at the grocery store for some heirloom oranges and we were on our flight back home. And, now, it's Monday.


Cheers!
mouse