Playing catch up

My apologies for being MIA for a month.  Lots of stuff in my lap the past few weeks and I haven't been very good about taking care of all of it, the ball-juggling was temporarily out of service but I seem to be getting a grip on things again.  


So what's been happening?  What did you miss?  A little of everything.


Life in General
The biggest reason there haven't been any posts? Not even of what I have been up to in the kitchen?  DH and I went on a diet *GASP*!  I know, I can barely believe it myself.  I have been soda-free for 16 days *double GASP* - and it is killing me!  (Hi, my name is Jenny and I am a Mountain Dew addict) Because of this diet there haven't been any exciting recipes to share but hopefully I'll come up with something soon.  My pants are already a teeny-tiny bit looser (yay!)... but this is hard.  Thankfully, when I have a bad craving day like today, DH tries really hard to provide the moral support needed from a diet buddy.  At my office some of my coworkers know what I am doing and are also very supportive and full of praise ~ this kind of back up is one of a kind and truly appreciated.


We had the carpet cleaned at the house... they didn't do as good of a job as I expected but it does look somewhat better than before.


I was in a car accident.  Long story, not in the mood to tell it but if you ask me about it one-on-one I will share all the details.


Milestones
Aggie turned 10!!  Sounds silly to say but I am grateful everyday that I have him in my life.  Before becoming his human companion, I had only experienced "shared" dogs, you know, like when your parents get a dog for you and your 3 siblings to "share", get what I mean?  He is my little puppy doodles who constantly wants to follow my commands to make me happy, stingy with his kisses, always hungry and willing to eat whatever is offered (or not), a constant visitor at the vet's office for a number of issues, amiable with DH and myself but not with most other humans, old-man cute and most recently a pirate.

Yes doctor, I'm on the treadmill every day...

My brother-in-law turned 29 (for the second time)!  Just remember: Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese.


My older sister, also known as Candela and her husband had their 20 year wedding anniversary!  I totally spaced it even though I had a reminder in my phone and just realized it the other day as I was going through all the important dates in my calendar - what a doofus!  But I think it is an awesome occasion with the proof of their success evidenced in their three kiddos, not many people achieve this milestone anymore so be proud of yourselves and may you be happy together for many more years!  
Chains do not hold a marriage together.  It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.  ~Simone Signoret

It is really hard to find a picture of just the two lovebirds, so instead here is one with their kiddos as well.  Please notice that the youngest child in blue is smiling (a rare thing for him in pics) this is because I bribed him with $1.

My other brother-in-law (Candela's hubby) had his birthday!  I think (but am not sure) that he turned 43.  Happy birthday viejito!  "Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Jack Benny


Transitions
My intern Mary finished her internship with us and graduated from her MSW program.  I couldn't be happier for her but miss her every day.  In the process, she completed a much needed program evaluation on one of my star programs, an invaluable contribution! 


After 6 years with AT&T I switched to Verizon.  DH made that transition over a year ago because of his phone so it wasn't that bad.  My contract was done and my phone was falling apart.  Why is this a transition big enough to mention here? Because I went from my beloved Palm to a Droid Pro.  Mind you, I started using my first Palm back in December of 2000 and have been a loyal user but with the company being defunct there was no other option (and no, the iPhone was not an option, I don't like Apple products).  It hasn't been as hard to adjust as I expected it to be, but the Droid Pro and I are still just getting to know one another.  You can still hear me asking a few times a day: babe, why the f@$k is this not working like I want it to.... ah life.

It's just another meatless Monday...

Ohhhhh... what did I make? My first all-vegetable Lasagna!  I saw a recipe for one yesterday while I was trolling through food blogs and it looked really tasty except DH hates mushrooms (I know, right?!?)  and I am no fan of red bell peppers (roasted or not) and the recipe included both.  I gave it some thought and decided that I was always liked the combination of cauliflower, yellow squash and shredded carrots and thought that might make a nice filler for the dish.  DH suggested artichoke hearts which might have worked but I was all out of frozen ones, the flavor of the canned ones is always metallic and therefore: YUCK! and I had absolutely no gumption to head on over to the grocery store to buy some.  
Preheat the oven to 350.  Start with some onion (a whole medium one) and garlic to taste.

Chop up the yellow squash.

Shred a couple of big carrots, or if your store offers shredded carrot packs go with that and this is about half a big cauliflower.

Add the cauliflower to the pan first and then the squash - let those two hang out for a little bit in the pan and then let the carrots join the party.  This is a good time to add salt and pepper to taste and I also added crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra kick, you choose how much.  When it looks like they are all melding together and having a good time, add a couple of cans of tomatoes (I used fire-roasted diced ones).

I added two eggs to the ricotta cheese below, salt and pepper to taste and then mixed it all up.

And then... Put a little sauce in the dish before adding the noodles.  Place a layer of noodles, a layer of ricotta cheese mixture, and then sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese and then the veg.  Repeat until you run out of ingredients or room in the dish.

Ready to be placed in the oven - just cover it with foil first.  Let it cook for 20 minutes, take the foil off and then let it cook for about 15 minutes longer to melt the cheese on top.

Why is it that I can never serve a perfect slice of lasagna?  Some of it always tries to escape as I scoop it out of the dish... Ta-da! Serve with a side salad (and maybe some garlic bread?) and enjoy!

Salad that Rocks!

To my knowledge, not many people think to themselves: hmmmm, salad.  But more and more, I certainly do.  Let me walk you through my process:

Start with the greens, I love using pre-washed mixes (especially if they include shredded carrots) but also regular greens like spinach, romaine and the likes. For tonight I used leaf lettuce

Then you can build upon that with anything your heart desires in this case I have strawberries, green onions, avocado and tomato - don't forget to add a little salt to the tomato and avocado to really bring out their flavors!

See, doesn't this look pretty already?

It doesn't end there for me, I also add some dried cranberries, walnuts (but any nut you like will do), goat cheese and blueberries.

 Pre-goat cheese... don't you just LOVE the colors in this?

For dressing I have been using balsamic vinegar and lemon olive oil (that I find at Whole Foods) I love the citric flavor that it brings to the salad, but again whatever your heart desires is what you should add.

Ta-da! Dinner (or part of it if you share it with others) is served! Yum!!

An Adventure in Costa Rica

Okay, so when I mention to people that I have to go to Costa Rica for work they think it comes along with a "wink, wink" and a "nudge nudge" kind of deal but it really doesn't.  Do I get to extend my trips by two to three days to enjoy it? Yes.  But most of the time we are getting stuff done and not for a normal work day of 8 hours but for 10 to 12 hours a day, we work hard and then we totally play hard.  Also, I didn't just luck into getting to do this project.  It took a lot of phone calls, emails, meetings and when finally in the country driving around like mad (which as you know is not hard for me), more meetings and lots of selling to get it pieced together.  We lucked out that we had a great supporter on our side pushing for it every minute and helping with the networking: my mom.  

But I digress (what else is new?), this last trip came with a bunch of stuff loaded into it.  First, we were busy for the past 4 months putting together a 9Health Fair which is a ton of work, coordination and logistics - then a team of 4 Costa Ricans came to observe and participate in the fair and not even 24hours after the fair was over a team of 5 of us plus a spouse made our way to the airport for a week at the XXV International Congress on Psychiatry to present - see why this is a crazy post?

After a long, long day of presenting the 4 women on the team (my friend K, la Jefa, Betsy and myself) decided to go out to dinner.  Betsy said that she found this place called Park Cafe in her library-owned Frommer's Guide that was right around the corner from the hotel, and the staff at the reception confirmed that it was really close by.

We had a hard time finding it had to finally stop and ask for directions, the answer we got was: "You see that house that you passed way over there on the other side of the street with an Antiques sign hanging out front? That's it." Huh? Yeah, the restaurant is housed in the middle of an Antiques store... so we walk back to the place and there are two men standing outside.  One dressed like a waiter looks very friendly, the other is wearing a winter jacket on a warm night with his hand stuck into it in a Napoleon Bonaparte-like stance, wonder what he is holding in that hand... but don't ask.  We ask the waiter guy if this is the restaurant and if we can come in, reservations you say? Nope, we don't have those.  So he asks us to wait for a minute while he checks.  

Out comes a dude dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, hair totally messed up and scruffy looking instead of the waiter - this is the chef and owner who starts rambling in a British accent about not having reservations and this is why all the restaurants in Costa Rica are going out of business and serving awful frozen food because no one makes reservations and if they do they don't keep them and he is waiting for a party of 16 people and they aren't here and he is hesitant to let us in but he will and we will just get the lovely food he has set aside to prepare for the large party that hasn't arrived on time (can we say "take it easy on the coke as in cocaine" class?)... and by this point the 4 of us are looking at each other like we really don't want to go in and yet WE FOLLOW HIM INTO THE RESTAURANT.

As he continues rambling, we walk past beautiful looking antiques to the center of the house where they have an inner courtyard with a water fountain and a few four-people tables.  We get seated in one corner of the courtyard, the chef gives us his suggestions for what to order and when the staff gives us our menus and leave for us to consider our options in whispers we start to discuss what the H we have gotten into and how we might be slightly terrified with what is going on but looking at the menu it all sounds so GOOD so we do the most logical thing: we order.  Two appetizers to share to start with and although we exercised restrain I think we would have all been more than happy to lick the plates clean: the food was phenomenal. 

We are feeling really happy with deliciousness in our bellies and the chef comes back to help clear the table (slight terror feeling coming back), we starting telling him how awesome the apps were and he's all: I'm not fishing for compliments, sorry about earlier I'm just a little stressed, more ramblings (Did he coke-it up some more?!? And did he maybe add something "extra" to our dishes?!?)... and off he goes back to the kitchen - phew!

Our main dishes arrive and are mostly wonderful (my duck was not the best ever but still good), this is turning into a total roller coaster of emotions, from happy/blissful to terrorized/worried and back to happy.  We discuss how it is quite possible that our food is spiked, that tomorrow we will wake up and this will have been a dream OR we will come by the restaurant and find that it's gone and was never here... can you tell we were a wee bit out of it?  And mind you, alcohol was not involved in this situation at all.

The dessert was a flight of the most flavorful things I have ever tasted, the souffle was nicknamed "chocolate flavored air that melts in your mouth", the pear tart was divine and the bread pudding was something that I could happily eat at every meal, every day of the week.

The quality of these pics is terrible since they were taken on my phone's camera - but you get the gist of it.

Ravioli of Crab with Curry Sauce and Spicy Mango Salad, Zucchini Tempura

Roasted Scallops wrapped in Prosciutto with Risotto of Wild Mushrooms and fresh Parmesan

Red Snapper on a bed of Asparagus served with Salmon Gnocchi 

After....

A Dessert Flight includes: Strawberry Shortcake, Bread Pudding and a Chocolate Souffle, not pictured: Passion Fruit Creme Brulee and the best Pear Tart in the world!

Yeah, it's not like we liked it or anything...

As we were taking off the chef asked: "are you sure you'll be okay and safe walking to the hotel"? We just ate at your restaurant sitting on the edge of our seats in apprehension, unease and alarm - yeah, I think we can handle the walk back to the hotel.  And the craziest part of all? I can't wait to go back...

If you were a fly on the wall...

Conversations heard around our home:

DH: Baby, can you do me a favor?

Me: Sure but... you have to Justin Bieber me first

DH (giving me quizzical look): Huh?

Me: Yeah, before I do you the favor you have to do this: (holding hands together and moving them rhythmical in classic Bieber style) and then sing "and I was like baby, baby, baby, ohhh"

DH: That is not a Justin Bieber song, that is a Temptations song as in: baby, baby, where did our love go"

Me: This is a Justin Bieber song and that is what you have to do

DH: baby, baby, baby, ohhh (half-assing the movements)

Me: you forgot the "and I was like", that is the best part

Needless to say DH won't be asking me for favors any time soon ~ the cost is too high.

After any number of situations:

Me: say it

DH: you were right...

While on the couch:

Me: bug, bug, bug!!

DH (squishing it with my phone): there

Me (sarcastically): thanks for squishing it with my phone

DH: sorry, I realized after I squished it that I used your phone for it but look, no guts on it or anything 


Often:
Me: UUUGGGHHH!!!! You did it again
DH: what...?


On several occasions:
DH: good morning!
Me: hmpf!
DH: what??
Me: you upset me in my dream, I can't believe you did xyz!
DH: you know it was just a dream, right? I didn't really do anything...
Me: it still upset me
DH: sorry for whatever I did in your dream, I won't do it again, I promise
Me: okay, good morning

It's Spring LIMPIA time!

Can you believe March has arrived already?!?  How did this happen?!?  And in Denver we have been having weather in the 60s and 70s of all things and with this warm weather comes the inexplicable feeling that we need to clean, clean, clean.  And yes, I suffer from this malady as well.  The urge that I need to get stuff done, organized, throw out the clutter, dust and shine comes on strong and it doesn't feel right to just do this for my home... which is where the Spring Limpia comes in.


Have you heard of a Limpia before?  A Limpia or spiritual cleansing, is used to cleanse the body, mind and soul of negativity.  It is known to remove all sorts of bad juju or whatever you might call it. The Limpia is meant to bring you peace, rejuvenation, protection, clarity, and sometimes opportunity, your way.  It attracts prosperity and blessings, stimulates the third eye, balances the chakras, and more.


Ever had a Limpia?  I had my first the summer of 2009, done by a woman in Denver who trained with Tetzkatlipoka Kalpulli of Serpent and the Sun fame and does what she called Aztec Massage.  Have you ever heard the rumors that the Aztecs were a violent or ruthless people?  If the "massage" (more like being rung out like a rag) was an indication I would say the rumors are true.  The "massage" involved me being completely naked - typical you say for a massage?  This one didn't involve a sheet to include any idea of modesty.  Also, I was touched in places that should never be included in a massage, happy ending is what you're thinking?  No!  One example of this is she stuck her fingers in my belly button (any innie if you must know) repeatedly, to sever the negative ties I had to my mother, excuse me??  I cried real tears and I cried out during it (all part of the process I was told) and after 2 hours I ended up with bruising and soreness all over, just ask DH.  I left feeling exhausted, burned out and slightly insulted by what had transpired.  This my friends is NOT the Limpia I recommend!!! 


In November of 2009 right around my birthday I asked my friend Suzie Q if she could give me the contact information for the person she went to (because everyone knows the best Limpia people are those that are recommended through word of mouth).  This experience was a complete 180 from my first.  Not a completely 'traditional' one with things like raw eggs but more like a Reiki massage.  My 'therapist' whom I will call Healing Soul met with me prior to the experience and walked me through what she was going to do during the process.  I laid on the massage table fully clothed and with a warm blanket on me.  The room reminded me of a spa where I would go for a regular massage.  Healing Soul never placed her hands on me - not once!  She used a smudge stick and candles, we laughed together during the experience, she gave me notes an hour later so that I could keep working on things at home and I left feeling light hearted, happy, unburdened and... clean.  


It was such an awesome experience I recommended Healing Soul to several friends soon after who went to see her and even bought a certificate for one as birthday gift (I was told that was the "best gift ever"), I even sent DH - who willingly obliged.  Some friends see her on a regular basis and others like myself, once or twice a year when the need arises.  


So this year, when the itch/urge/compulsion to clean arises within, think about maybe doing some inner cleaning as well, I know I will. 

A 'traditional' looking Limpia

Who is your Professor Schang?

I just received the Ripon College "Note from your Class Agent" today which I think has become somewhat extinct.  In this era of social networking if I want to find out who is doing what I check my Facebook newsfeed and if someone isn't updating their status I can just send them a private message and "check-in".  But anyhoo - I'm getting off track.  This time the "note" included a testimonial from Susan S. Meier '79 on what her favorite professor meant to her and what Ripon College taught her and it gave me pause.  Right off the bat I knew that my "Professor Schang" was Professor Eddie Lowry.  


I had classes with Professor Lowry during my junior and senior years because as DH says I wanted to take Greek "for fun" (hey, I got a minor in Classical Studies out of it and a love for Gustav Klimt too! - it's a long story).  


Not only did I learn to appreciate the roots of the Greek language in English (I also grew a hatred for the buzzword "proactive") and Spanish but I came to appreciate Greek texts such as The Odyssey and The Iliad and discovered so much about ancient Greek and Roman culture (it was easy to get Professor Lowry sidetracked and onto interesting side stories including why ancient cultures liked to make cakes in the form of genitalia) that now I can barely watch Gladiator without judging it for its horrible inaccuracies and instead enjoy the HBO series Rome with appreciation.


Now, keep in mind that I originally chose to attend Ripon because my family didn't know a soul in Wisconsin that could "keep an eye on me", and coming from a place where we knew just about everyone the thought really appealed to me.  That plan bit me in the butt somewhat.  Looking back I had a hard time adapting to Ripon.  Although I grew up in a bicultural household I still grew up in Costa Rica and Ripon was a completely different world for me.  When I arrived at Ripon, I had only been in the country for a year (not counting summer vacations when I went back home).  By this point I still didn't completely grasp what it meant to be an 18 year old in the States - and with no family or friends nearby.  Add to that a roommate who was as empathetic as a cinder block and not an ounce culturally competent (thanks for telling me your dad hated the thought of you rooming with me for being Latina the first week of school) and you had a recipe for disaster.


I did have some pretty awesome floormates (Mel, Erika and Jenny), who were ever so kind and opened up their hearts and homes to me, helped me build a wardrobe that took into consideration Wisconsin weather, took me on countless trips to the mall, aided me with the preparation for my first real college date, first formal, first Lucky Charms diet (and many more firsts including missing an eye!) and tried to indoctrinate me into the Packer fan base.  To this day I hold their actions near and dear to my heart.  


Then I was lucky to find AXO and a group of sisters that didn't always understand me but definitely made me feel accepted and a little less lonely, I only wish now I would have been better able to build bonds with all of them.  


Overall, I learned a lot at Ripon.  I have a better understanding of what the newcomers that I now work with go through (especially their kids) and I can help them navigate those hurdles.  I am pretty good at developing partnerships and getting people who hated each other to work with one another and with me.  I have a constant desire to learn and indulge in it often.  I have a better sense of who I am and who I want to be.  My critical thinking skills are respectable and I like to work outside of the box.  I'm also able to dream big but make the small steps happen to achieve the bigger picture.  My rigidity at school allows me to be incredibly flexible now and my focus is even more honed than before.


I never expected to attend a school where I would have a professor call me after I had missed class to find out if I was alright (cough, cough - I'm sick today) or invite me over to their house for an ancient Roman feast or reassure me that it was okay to be myself, but that is what you got with Professor Lowry and that is what you got from Ripon ~ so, what did you get out of your school and who is your Professor Schang?