One of my favorite memories from my skating days: listening to the Zamboni crunch ice and rolling the ball over my initials on Centipede. I felt like kicking some butt on the ice after I see “KIS” next to the highest score on the screen.
Guarding my blocky shooter and firing at the slithering centipede was one way I stayed warm between freestyle sessions.
I suppose I’m a child of the 80s. Last year, we had a blast at the Atari Game Night in Davis.
Now – I’m counting down to December and the opening weekend of Tron: Legacy.
I am totally excited about this remake. The trailer looks amazing. I’m also crossing my fingers. I hope it doesn’t destroy all the things that made the original movie awesome.
ABC 7 also covered Goggin’s fundraising party. I enjoyed the soundbite with the lady who wanted to save the toaster. Seeing the toaster hanging on a wall cheers her up daily.
I’m sure this appliance and its crew of hanging furniture, tools and gadgets would make anybody smile.
Posted in cali_lovin on 02/23/2010 09:40 pm by Queenkv
Wet day in Sacramento. It was a pleasure to swap out my skirt, tights and the rest of my newsroom uniform for sweats. Now, on the couch with my Daisy and sipping ginger ale with Don Julio Anejo. Good times.
Channeling my inner Martha Stewart.
Since I’m freelancing, between jobs and spending plenty of time at home, I’m challenging myself in the kitchen.
Thanks to Serious Eats, I tried out this French technique with fish: Cod en Papillote. The foil helped cook the cod fillets perfectly. Unfortunately, I used salted butter. That, plus a generous pinch of salt made this dish too salty for my palate.
Gordon Ramsay’s F-word inspired me to do eggs for dinner.
It took me about ten minutes to finish this Goat Cheese and Peas Omelette. It all came down to timing. My peas ended up a little burnt because I waited too long to add the basil leaves and eggs. Still – the goat cheese, bacon and basil paired nicely for this hearty dinner.
I’m getting a jump start on Spring and I’m working on my green thumb inside my kitchen.
My hubby gave me a Chia Herb Garden for Christmas. I planted Cilantro, Sweet Basil and Chives. Per the instructions, I left the pots on top of the fridge and away from drafts.
Today – I saw the first signs of germination from my Sweet Basil seeds. Woot!
Posted in cali_lovin on 02/12/2010 04:08 pm by Queenkv
I missed waking up with my Daisy this morning. I spent the night in Berkeley after working on a wine tasting event in Palo Alto.
Not only is she a wonderful source of warmth, she makes me feel special as we cuddle. It’s nice to wake-up in the middle of the night and feel her chin on my shin.
I wonder if she missed me. One thing that put a smile on my face – this adorable promo for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Posted in cali_lovin on 02/07/2010 01:00 pm by Queenkv
Trying to convince my puppy to drink some water.
She’s panting up a storm after our last run by Alamo Creek. She starts strong, but she doesn’t know how to pace herself.
Before the run: She’s a furry ball of energy when she sees me in my running pants and tiny socks. After the run, she gives me this look: “What part of “lap dog” don’t you understand?” I know cocker spaniels are typically pampered pets, but Daisy has energy to burn. Plus – she has the sad look on her face when I leave her behind for longer runs.
Here’s how we did. Thanks to Nike+ – the Twitterverse knows exactly how many minutes it takes us to finish a mile.
While I’m pounding the pavement to CSS, Freezpop and Lily Allen, sometimes I imagine I can hear what’s going on in my puppy’s head…
Taking mommy for her run.
Taking mommy for her run.
Sniff. Pine needles. Check.
Sniff. Dead leaves. Check.
Sniff. Old people walking. Pass. No threat.
Sniff. SQUIRRELS!!!!!! Must catch them all. Mommy feels so damn heavy. Such a fat bitch. Come on….just let me go Mommy. Let me go!
Then repeat. Crazy Daisy.
In the meantime, who’s ready for Puppy Bowl VI?!?!?! We’re baking beer bread and cooking chili for the big game. I’m rooting for the tiny runts in the litter.
My parents have been doing a lot of traveling in the last few months.
In November, they won a cruise vacation. It sounded like a relaxing way to explore the western coast of Mexico. My dad brought back several bottles of tequila and snapped some beautiful pictures at sea. Together – they had plenty of good food, bright sunshine and warm memories.
Now – they’re somewhere over the Pacific. This journey has brought together my mom’s side of the family.
In the Philippines, they will sample some amazing fresh fish and other dishes that you can’t find here in the States. They will hug nephews and nieces who have outgrown their elementary school uniforms and who are now trying on the shoes of adulthood. They will sing along to sentimental songs in Tagalog. They will laugh over absurd family gossip. And, I’m sorry to say, they’re hearts will break as they say good-bye to the woman who made it all possible.
My Lola passed away last week. May she rest in peace.
Nearly a decade ago, I met my Lola at this nipa hut. My Auntie opened the gate and let us inside her little home. I remember her rubbing my back as I crouched down in front of her wall. There – my brother and I grew-up in yellowing photographs. From the medal stand to the piano, she knew where we came from. She also knew we would eventually find our way back to her.
That night – my Tito’s family cooked fried milkfish, chicken adobo and other tasty dishes you can’t find on this side of the Pacific. My Lola got out of her seat and swayed to the music blaring on the TV. She was sipping a bottle of San Miguel. She wanted to go out and go dancing.
Spirited, loving and celebrating life. I will remember my Lola like this: enjoying her family and looking forward to our next visit home.
Posted in cali_lovin on 01/23/2010 02:32 pm by Queenkv
(Side note: The job hunt, social media video projects and Google Reader distractions have pushed me behind on this blog and my little videos. I’m playing catch-up. I’m also grateful for everything that’s keeping me busy while I live a life of leisure in Cow Town)
Good times in Vacaville: We rang in the New Year at home with our friends. Our last meal of 2009: Beer-can chicken, salad, garlic bread, lasagna and plenty of sparkling wine & beer.
When we hook up – that usually means plenty of good eating and drinking. Someone said we should spend the New Years weekend eating every three hours.
Mission Accomplished.
On the first day of 2010 – we had something to satisfy meat lovers, savory cravings and sweet teeth. I loved the scent of bacon grease and sourdough pancake batter taking over my kitchen. My Daisy enjoyed watching Mark and Andrei work off the cork on the bottle of Barefoot Brut Sparkling Wine. We had to have our mimosas with the first meal of the New Year.
After breakfast – we selecting some crazy furry characters and competed in Rayman Raving Rabbids for WII (“How do you make it move?”). We went old school with Dr. Mario (“I can’t believe you did that!”) and took a break from the electronics with Chinese Checkers (“Thanks. You screwed me there.”).
In between games – some folks did a food/drink run and we took care of the leftovers. For dinner – cheese & onion pierogies with sauteed mushrooms and onions. I also had one of the best Gin Martinis in my life. Viva la Bombay!
I'd love to find a Sacramento spot cooking these tacos! NYTimes: "Tacos in the AM? That’s the Routine in Austin http://s.nyt.com/u/1hA" #fb2 hrs ago