Da Da Da Dum

The Ring
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

It's official - my sweetie popped the question right before Christmas!

No, we have not set a date...
No, we have not registered yet...
No, we don't know where we are going on our honeymoon and
Yes, our parents and families are thrilled

and to quote a friend, here's to the rollercoaster. Hmmmm, Vegas anyone?

GF

'Tis the season

Now that's what I'm talking about!

WorkingForChange-'Tis the season

Christmas is coming....

And I officially completed all my shopping as of 1:15 today. Granted, 99% of it was done last week when my final package arrived from Uncommon Goods. I tech-ed out this year and hit the online shopping like a woman searching for chocolate.

I have to say, I find online shopping much more satisfying than stores. I found many more interesting items (Again, check out Uncommon Goods) and it's so much fun when they arrive at my office. And the cost of shipping completely outweighs the cost of finding parking, and dealing with malls when they have nothing I want to buy anyway. And sometimes I'm lucky and get free shipping!

So thank you to Amazon, Uncommon Goods, Red Envelope, Apple, and OllieBollen for making it so much fun to shop for others!

Well, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good blog!

G

Happy Birthday to Me

Yuppers, it's the big 3-0. So lavish me with attention all day!!!

Oh, and in honor of the holidays (and the Winter Solstice) I updated my design - how you like?

G

The Morning After....

Most people I know dread cleaning up after parties. I am one of those odd people that enjoy it. The methodical piling of dishes, the sweep of the bottles and plates, the hum of the dishwasher. Watching J wash the dozens of pots and pans I use to cook.

I also get to realize how wonderful my friends are. Like the fact no-one mentioned I forgot the salad dressing. And that they all came to my party and wished me happy birthday. They Rock!

gf

Why being good at something and young sucks.

My dear friend, Smelmooo, went on a small rant on his blog today. And I have to say I wholeheartedly agree with him, and would like to add my own two cents to his crankiness.

Being efficient – subcategory, being good at something no-else will learn:
For me, it’s not so much a full efficiency, but I know how to utilize tools that make things happen, like computers. No-one else in my office understands these mysterious boxes that sit on desks, so needless to say I am called for everything – from finding lost files, to moving printers, to designing databases. (And no, I am not the IT staff). Now, when I say no-one, I am generalizing - there are some who are much better than others, and most will admidt they know nothing. But they don't do anything to change that, and that bugs me. I mean lets say you didn't know how to drive a car - would you ask someone else to always drive you, no, you would learn. But, like the Smelmooo, I too have begun to say no - and it feels good.

Single, no kids shrift – subcategory, being the youngest on staff:
I too feel gipped when it comes to the snow days, and all those other little things, like taking off because their school has a holiday, or having to take the rugrats to soccer practice. But, I will say the bright side to that is that I can take a whole sick day for a 1 hour dental appointment because I don’t have to use all my time for taking care of my child when they are home sick. My time is always just for me. My issue is the schlepping detail. Now, I’m not saying I’m the only person who had to lug boxes up and down stairs or move tables, but I will say that I am the first put on the list. And recently I have begun to make my dissatisfaction known and hopefully grunt work will be evenly distributed again.

Ahhh, felt good to get that out. Rant on...

I whipped it!

Just a follow up, my potatoes were great - not a one drop of the 5lbs were left over, they stayed mostly warm and only needed a minute or two in the microwave before dinner to heat them again.

I have overcome!

Now, on to my next culinary task - what to do with the 8lbs of turkey left over..... soup, anyone?

The horror of mashed potatoes….

Many of you know, Turkey Day is hosted by the Fiorillo household, and we have anywhere from 20-28 people for dinner. As neither my sister, nor I have a house that can hold that – my dad, the patriarch of the family, is still cooking up a storm for the influx of family – with help of course.

Everyone brings something, and last year I was assigned mashed potatoes. Now, as a cook I thought this would be no problem – maybe add some rosemary, a little bit of garlic – something to give it some flair. But I was warned, in my very traditional family you “don’t mess with the mashed potatoes!” So, I didn’t. Well for some reason when the y were heated up for dinner, they separated, were over cooked and just became, well, not the quality that I like to associate with my culinary skills. Luckily Jack took the heat and I said that he made them….but I was thoroughly embarrassed (luckily I had made dessert that was a huge hit).

And just so you don’t think I’m an amateur in the kitchen, I make my own tomato sauce and pasta, I can put together beef burgundy with my eyes closed, I make a chocolate Guinness cake that will make you cry and I’ve been told by a friend who grew up in North Carolina that I “cook better than his mama!”

Well this year comes around and my dad pulls out his spreadsheet (yes, I said spreadsheet – you have no idea how detailed this gets) and at first I’m assigned to bring bread and wine – hey, I’m Jesus! But at the last minute I have been assigned the mashed potatoes again. Now, I make kick a** mashed potatoes, when in my own kitchen. But I am scared that my culinary stock will plummet again this year, as I have to make them early and transport them. So I spent 2 hours last night going through cookbooks and websites to read how to make mashed potatoes. Am I crazy? I offered to make roasted potatoes, a potato gratin or even a bunch of baked potatoes, but as I said before, you “don’t mess with the mashed potatoes!”

So here goes nuthin’! Time to conquer the spud!

1 month.....

till my birthday!

Happy Birthday

To Brian.....

or should I say ... birfday!

see ya on the field!

g

Conferences….

I know I've been bad about posting, but I haven't had much to say lately. But here's one to get Brian off my back!

I just got back from sunny and 75 degree San Diego…my first time to the west coast. And while I was there for work, I did get the occasional hour out to see a bit of the city.

I had a good time, talked ceramics with a potter and got some great tips on scoring (no, not that way – with a toothbrush and slip….cause explaining that made it sound less dirty). I watched another potter throw beautiful garden pots on a kick wheel, which really amazes me. I ate really good Mexican - fish tacos, chicken tamales, some mole and darn good salsas. I also had a great dinner at Croce’s, yes the restaurant run by Jim Croce’s widow. It was chicken with a rosemary vodka sauce and mushroom risotto – yum. I had ice cream for lunch one day, and got to see the pacific ocean. All in all a good time.

Oh, and I learned some stuff too.

(And Brian – I agree, Sheratons are great)

GF

Reminder...

don't forget to VOTE!!!!!

Have questions about elections, check out this site.

Another great one.

And if you don't vote, I don't ever want to hear a complaint for the next four years about anything our government does.

go vote!!!!

He's not a blood relative...

These are the words that Jack kept saying as we drove home from his grandma's 80th Birthday. He was referencing his great-uncle Glover "which rhymes with Lover" who asked if he could take me home. Mind you, he did this without his two front teeth.

gf

There's No Place Like Home...

Well, I arrived home from lovely Italy this week. Home to a pile of emails, dirty laundry and cat hair.

Overall the trip was great. It was not my style, I prefer a slower pace. We hit a different city each day, and started way early in the morning, but the alumns all enjoyed it, and I guess that's what counts.

The food was wonderful, and I was almost always a member of the clean plate club.

I posted a few of the 200 or so pictures that I took - see the sidebar for links.

Favorite moments:
Standing inside the marble quarry and watching the birds fly overhead
Getting through a whole purchase using only italian (and hand signals)
Sitting on the beach at the bay of silence watching the waves crash (and the cute men)
Skipping out on seeing "another bloody church" (in the words of our guide) to wander alone through the streets of Genova
"Stealing" the wine from one of the other tables at dinner
Listening to Barracuda Jazz perform Clapton, Elvis & Chuck Berry with an Italian accent
Finding the small, family run olive oil maker down the street and getting to see how the oil is made
Ravioli with Walnut Sauce in Vernazza
Watching fireworks from the dining room on the night we arrived
Having such wonderful alumnae make the trip easy for me.

It was a wonderful trip, and I'm so glad that I got to do it. Thanks Alumnae Office!

GF

True Artist

Today we visited Carrerra, home to Michalangelo and beautiful marble. We walked through a quarry, and watched some excavation.

Again, the food was delicious, including the traditional Tuscan dishes, which included turkey carpaccio, a tomato bread soup thing, and vegetable crepes with gorgonzola cream.

Dinner was no downer either, with broccoli flan, pasta pomodoro and chicken something or other stewed with mushrooms. And the apple gelato was back.

gf
italy

Yums

Today's menu's

Lunch
Squash tart with salad
Pesto Genovese (since we were in Genevoa)

Dinner
eggplant gratin
grouper ravioli
mushroom tart

it was all good - including the live music at dinner playing Knocking on Heaven's door and Blueberry Hill with Italian accents. Yes, they played Volare and Buono Sera too.

Yes, I'm A-Broad...

I made it! Survived my first 10 hour jaunt to the Italian Riveria.

The city we are in is beautiful, and the hotel is stunning. Yesterday our excursion took us to Portofino and Santa Margharita where I climbed a million stairs to a castle. A small castle, but still - pretty nice.

Today we went to Genova, and traipsed around the city. Had a wonderful lunch, and saw lots of churches.

The alumni, both Douglass and Cornell, are lovely and there have been no major problems. Now if I can only figure out how to telecommute from here....

oh, and a european keyboard takes a bit of getting used to.

gf
sestri levante, italy

See Ya Later...

Sono via al Riveria italiano! Nove giorni di pasta, il vino, il pesce ed il divertimento. È qui a uscendo da finalmente questa zona di tempo. Il Matrimonio felice a Farrah e Jaime come pure Brian e Maureen!


And for those who don't speak Italian:
I'm off to the Italian Riveria. Nine days of pasta, wine, fish and fun. Here's to finally getting out of this time zone. Happy wedding to Farrah & Jamie as well as Brian & Maureen!

Buono sera!

Getting Back To Nature...

Thanks to Meg & Todd for a great weekend in Hamburg PA. And in honor of Smelmoo, here's a little Top Five Tuesday

TF things I learned camping in Hamburg:

1. Cabela's is not just a store, it's an adventure.
2. How to score an deer's antlers (and what makes them typical and non-typical)
3. I'm a good girlfriend cause I make chili for dinner and don't kick Jack out of the tent into the rain.
4. Hiking sandles are hard to find in October.
5. Cobbler's are a girl's best friend when you break your hiking sandals a week before Italy.

g

Apples and Birds

Little Jack in the Tree
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

This weekend I was Agriculture Girl. I got to kick off the fall with the first of the apples at Terhune Farms in Princeton, then we mosey'd along to Griggstown Quail Farm for the Second Annual Slow Food All Bird Barbeque. Both were fun and had good food. (See little Jack Her-Chick enjoying his apple.) We got to see pheasants, turkeys, chickens, poussins, cows, goats, bunnies, quail, and guinea fowl.

But here is what was so sad about it. The family farm is a dying breed. Especially in New Jersey, where development has been encroaching on existing plots of land, one by one farms are shutting down. Like when people move into homes near a farm, then begin complaining about noise or smell. (Cause I expect it to smell like roses next to a farm)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: BUY LOCAL, and seasonal if you can. Inevitably the food tastes better because it hasn't been grown to last through shipping across the country. You save precious resources (read: oil) because it's not traveling by tractor trailer for miles of highways. You are supporting the economy of your own community. And you can often find heritage and heirloom varieties that you will notice a difference in taste.

I could go on for pages on why supporting biodiversity is a good thing. I could get technical and start talking about genes, and superbugs and resistance. But I'll save those for another day. And I'll return the soapbox for now.

Max the Meteor

the new arrival
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

We finally decided on a name. He is settling into Max, although Fang,Nibbler and Chaos Demon have also come into play.

Moe is slowly getting used to the speedy little thing. Mostly she just stares at him going - "your nuts".

And 3 of his siblings returned to our office this week. Unfortunatly we caught them and now are at a shelter, hopefully for only a few days until someone brings them home.

g

Happy Fall

Just want to wish everyone a happy Autumnal Equinox!

gmf

Celebrate

Happy 30th Miss Karen!

G

Random Driving Sights

I thought I had seen it all. But I hadn't. Today, driving into work I saw a man driving a convertible with a giant blowup dinosaur in the passenger seat. I hope he was wearing his seat belt.

GF

Our Newest Addition

Our Newest Addition
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Well, it's official. We have taken him (and it's confirmed, he's a him) and at 2.2 lbs and 8 weeks old, he's the cutest thing. Now all we need is a name - any suggestions?

Good Eats...

I love Alton Brown, the star of Good Eats. Besides teaching me some of the most interesting things about cooking, and being quite cute while doing it, his thoughts on life seem to strike a chord in my heart. Today's entry amuses me, although his thoughts on corporations, as well as his opinions on the whole mad cow scare are right on the money. I only wish you could see some of his past entries that are no longer on the page. But read on down - he's cool!

The Kittens...

So the cute cuddly kittens have caused me to be sad. Sometime between Saturday and Monday 4 of them disappeard. I am hoping concerned college students found them and took them to safty. In the meantime, we still have Blaze and Patch and the mom. Think happy thoughts for the others that they are in a good place.

gf

The Red Shoes

Hooray! I bought new shoes.

One would not think this was a triumph, but for me it was. Last week my office did an "end of the summer, we've worked hard so let's play" outing and tripped down to New Hope for some shopping, lunch and a visit to the winery. On the way to our designated lunch place, I passed the New Hope Leather Shop and in the window I saw a pair of shoes that I had recently seen an ad for on the back of Utne Reader, and had decided I wanted. I went in, tried them on and they fit perfectly. Now for someone with wide feet AND high arches, that never happens.

After mulling over at lunch: practical or fun, practical or fun, I went back and bought a pair. And I decided on fun. So call me Dorothy if you want, but I love my new shoes!

And on another girly note, after I bought the new red shoes, I bought a cute purse to go with them -

gf

Rob Gordon...

I love John Cusak - and apparantly when my life is evaluated, I represent Rob Gordon, John's charachter in High Fidelity. You try...

gf

Vacation Times...

Just got back from my second mini-vacation. The first, the weekend with the family down the shore, the second 5 days in Massachusets (including 3 in Boston). The beach and the family was fun - Tia is still the cutest little girl.

Boston was great although the boy had to work (the reason for the trip), but I did get to shop to my hearts content. Spent some time in the DNC store and got my new favorite button. "Bet your sweet (picture of a donkey) I'm a Democrat".

Also got to finally see what keeps the boy away from me. Blue Man Group - a really great show. I can't explain it, you just have to see it.

The weekend with his family was nice too - except for the dinner that the mosquitoes decided I would be the yummiest thing they ever tasted. 12, yes that 1 dozen bites on my feet and ankles. That sucked.

Now, I'm back at work - and counting the days till Thanksgiving break. And oh, by the way, the kittens are doing fine. My boss has started feeding them on our porch and they are getting very friendly. If you want one, let me know - we're going to have to find homes for them, unless they want to become Douglass students.

GF

Alumnae Center Wildlife Sanctuary...Part 2

Four Kitties
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

The black cat is back, (and the groundhog is still around) but the cat has a litter of kittens. They are the cutest things...You can see the four black ones here. There are also two gray ones.

My boss and I spent half the day yesterday checking on them. Now that was a productive day!

gf

Cheese Please

Last night I took a class at the Artisanal Cheese Center in NYC and learned how to make homemade mozzarella. I also got to taste different kinds of cheese, had a great wine and a really fun time with one of my favorite girls. Of course, we did it the easy way - basically from the curd, although we were told how to get curd from milk if we really want to be fancy.

So, if you are looking for that interesting gift - I recommend this class. The cheese center also has other classes (like wine and cheese pairings, beer and cheese pairings and a master class in cheese) and you can buy gift certificates for classes. Enjoy the cheese!

gf

Moe-sie, Doe-si

Moe, in her favorite spot!
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Loving this new ability to upload into my blog. So I have finally become one of those people who make everyone see how cute their cat is. (When did I become this person?)

Anyway - she loves to curl up in our blanket (No, I did not tuck her in there - she does it all by herself). So isn't she just the cutest!

Happier Times

balloons
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

My anger on healthcare has diffused, and I thought I would test out my new photo posting capabilites. Here is the fun of the balloon festival.

GF

Health Insurance = HELL

I have had it! My first major rant, and I apologize. Anyone who has tried to deal with health insurance and has had a good experience, please let me know, cause I don’t believe it is actually possible.

Wisdom teeth – impacted, need to come out. So my Dr. looks at the xray and lo and behold they are sitting on top of the nerve, so a risky surgery. He writes a prescription for a 3-D CT scan of my jaw to determine the location of the nerve to the root of the impacted teeth.

Day 1 – I call my insurance to find out if it’s covered. Yes, just call the radiology scheduling line. So I do, read the prescription to the insurance person and the radiology office person while on a 3-way call, and schedule an appointment.

Day 2 – show up for my appointment. Fill out paperwork. Am told by the person at the reception that I was put down for a sinus scan, and I need a dental scan so they can’t take me that day, and I would have to pay upfront. Urrggghhh. I leave.

Day 3 – Call radiology scheduling line to reschedule. Tell them I need a dental scan and I read the prescription at least 2 times to the insurance person and the radiology office person, and explain that I already made one trip, but there was an error. At that point they inform me dental scans are not always covered – I might have to pay upfront, but check with my insurance. So I do. And yes the dental scan is covered and no, I should not have to pay up front. I confirm 3 times with her.

Day 4 – Arrive back for my appointment. Fill out paperwork again. Am told that I have to pay upfront ($650 by the way). I say my insurance told me I don’t. We argue, I get bitchy and almost leave, but then realize I just need to do it and I’ll fight with the insurance company later. I go back for the scan. This time the technician says I need a mandible scan, not a dental scan and she calls my Dr. I get a mandible scan. Does not need to be paid in advance. I leave and get a refund of $650. Front desk apologizes. I’m in no mood.

At this point I think I’m done, but NO.

Day 5 – I get a call from my Dr. Turns out when they spoke to the technician, they explained that the mandible scan would not show what they need to see, and that I need a dental scan. So turns out, they gave me a scan I didn’t need, and won’t serve the purpose that the Dr. prescribed. Great – let’s see insurance cover that one.

So now, I need to get a new prescription, make a new appointment and confirm that I’ll have it all covered. It’s a good think that I’m not in need of severe medical care, cause if this is what it takes to get wisdom teeth out, god help those who are in real heath problems.

Only In NJ...

Went to the NJ Festival of Ballooning today. First off, if you haven't done it, I recommend it. Who doesn't love sausage sandwiches, funnel cake and 125 hot air balloons launching above your head. And part of the fun is people watching. Young, old, hippies and divas - they all come out for it. Even the true Jersey couples. Like my favorite.

Picture it, streaked blond hair, in a ponytail; a hot pink, skin tight, tie dye t-shirt; a brown leather mini, mini skirt; black stockings and black high healed platform leather boots. And her date - mullet man with faded, 80's band, torn t-shirt.

Gotta love jerseyans.

GF

You know you're old when...

I'm listening to the classic song, Bust A Move,  (the latest in the long line of cd exchange mixes) and I realize how dated the song really is.  Besides the flashbacks of roller rinks and my junior high music teacher, I noticed that Mr. Young MC quotes "Your movie's showin, so you're going, could care less about the 5 your blowin".  I can't even remember when movies were $5.  Can you?
 
Growing up there was a great theatre by my house.  Two movies and one guy who sold tickets, made the popcorn and ran the film.  (Eric, my big ol' crush and the start of my hippie days).  Now the theatre is a CVS and you have to mortgage your home to take a family of four to the movies.
 
Of course, stadium seating has been a boon, so I guess I'll let nostalgia pass for my reclining seat.  I guess that makes me a sell-out...
 
GF

Epiphanies...

Thank you to Stacey for taking me to the Sting and Annie Lennox concert with her! First, I had a great time, and learned that if you get there late enough, you can park at the entrance back to the parkway north so it only takes a minute to leave!

Second, I think it was very good for me to see a live show again. As I wrestle with my own demons of job, personal life, and the customer service people at my insurance company, touching base with one of my favorite forms of interactive entertainment gave me time to think and see a new perspective on old thoughts. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it changed my life, but I find that it was a small moment of clarity in an otherwise cloudy and murky week.

Where has this moment of clarity led me? Who knows, maybe nowhere, maybe back to where I was before. But I like to think that each little moment plays a special part in keeping me on an interesting path with all that I need to be happy. So yipee and thank you stacey, and Sting, and to confluence of events that led to this little enjoyment!

Mangia...

So excited – got home from work and was getting ready to pay rent and bills and I flipped on the TV and my FAVORITE movie was on – so of course, I had to stop and watch.

Big Night is the greatest movie – that is if you like food. The cast rocks: Stanley Tucci, Tony Shaloub, Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossalini, Allison Janney and Campbell Scott…to name a few.

Basic concept: Two brothers own a fledging Italian Restaurant on the Jersey Shore in the 1950’s. A friend who owns a very successful restaurant convinces them that he can get Louis Prima to eat at their establishment, thereby bringing fame and recognition. The gut of the movie revolves around this dinner – long segments of making amazing dishes, food that would turn even the most stringent dieter to run for the fridge. The dialogue is great, Stanley Tucci (who also wrote and directed) captured the relationship between the brothers so well. Tony Shaloub is adorable, the other characthers are so fun and likeable, even the jerks.

And then there’s the timpano…I have yet to make this, but one day I will get the courage and try it. (and if you’re nice to me, I’ll invite you over when I do). "A drum with the best things in the world inside” timpano is pasta, meat ragu, eggs,peas, cheeses and yummmmm.
So if you get a chance, rent this or catch it on Bravo next time it’s on. (July 22nd)

And while I'm on the subject, these are my other favorite foodie movies: Tortilla soup (remake of Eat, Drink, Man, Woman), Dinner Rush, Women On Top and Simply Irrisistable (for the cheezy romantic comedy and it stars Buffy).

GF

Irish Eyes are Smilin'....

I'm entering a contest to win a trip to Ireland to study Irish Cuisine. And yes, it's more than potatoes and cabbage. But I liked my essay, so here it is.

Raised in an atypical household where my father was the master of the kitchen and my mom rewired all the telephones, I learned the pleasure of gardening organically, the thrill of spending Sundays making homemade tomato sauce and meatballs, and that girls can do anything. As I got older, I found cooking as a creative outlet to the “actor turned fundraiser” and began opening my kitchen to friends and family to enjoy my edible performances. I began reading cookbooks as my friends read novels. The more I learned about cooking, the more concerned I became with what happened to my ingredients before they hit my kitchen. I was of a generation raised on supermarkets that couldn’t support my culinary curiosity. Finding farmers markets was the answer and food I had disliked as a child, was discovered again, full of taste and subtleties that propelled me finding more.

I college, I delved into Celtic tradition through religion, mythology, and history but it wasn’t until recently that my Irish boyfriend has encouraged my to break free from the “tomato sauce that runs in my veins” and explore Irish cuisine. After my first “Irish” dinner (including colcannan, lamb with onions and carrots) I realized I had a lot to learn. As with anything I’ve tried, I knew reading about it could only get me so far. It’s the doing that creates memory, not only in your mind, but also in your arms and hands and fingers. As I approach 30 I find that I’m too old to quit my job and travel the world with a backpack and a dream, and too young to have the money to pay for it. The opportunity to spend time without the distractions of work, laundry and daily life would be a dream come true.

Food becomes a part of everything; we celebrate, mourn, laugh and learn over food. We need it to survive and spend a huge part of our lives consuming it. Knowing and caring how it was produced makes it more than fuel, but creates an experience. Creating a community with a common bond, a story to share and a memory that will continue for years.

Those %&$^*$@ squirrels….

Ok, the squirrels are at it again. First they were nesting in my watering can. After evicting them from there I began transplanting my 18 tomato plants, 10 basil plants, 4 hot pepper plants and my rosemary, chives, thyme, sage, oregano and parsley. (And yes, this is all on a 6 foot by 3 foot, gets only about 3 hours of sun patio, I'm optimistic). Noticed a few digging marks in my newly transplanted container garden so I tried yelling and throwing things out the window at them. Even started letting Moe out on the patio, except she's such a chicken that the minute the wind would blow, she would run back inside the house.

My hot pepper plants have been completely dug up 3 times now. I have replanted my extra seedlings and then stashed the container in a different spot, hoping it was the location they liked. Nope, they were dug up again this weekend. So I decided this meant war. I spent the next hour on the web researching how to get these tree rats to leave my small and humble garden alone. And after visiting such websites as The North American Defense Against Squirrels and Dead Squirrel, I found one way that would do it.

Hot Pepper Spray.

Now since they seem to love my pepper plants, I find it amusing that pepper spray will deter them, but i'll figure, why not, after all the heat is in the fruit, and my plants haven't bore any fruit yet. So I begin to wonder if the squirrels know that the plant will eventually bear a fruit that produces that stuff that keeps them away and that's why they keep going after that plant.

Then, watching out the window I decided that our squirrels are suicidal. That's why they keep going for the pepper plant. "Suicidal squirrels," you say, "but how do you know". Well, after causing havoc on the pepper plant it began chewing our camping fuel container. It must be trying to blow itself up. And I'm not going to stop it. I just hope it doesn't take my tomatoes with it!

GF

The Cool Table...

Many moons ago I worked at George Street Playhouse. And there, the Cool Table was born – basically the 4 of us “new kids” during a summer where management held lots of closed door meetings due to administration changes….7 years later we are still getting together, including our monthly “if you’re free show up if not, catch you next month” nights out.

I look at the 4 of us and realize how different we are from each other. And I find that to be the coolest thing about us. This friendship, forged in the chaos of work, has survived job changes, moves and the rest of life. I like to think that no matter when or how we met, we would still be friends and fate had a hand in it.

At dinner Monday night we all lamented how we miss the socialness of those early days, how subsequent work environments are impersonal and no-one communicates. The little things made a difference: when we would have lunch together, or make pancakes for staff meetings, or go to a matinee of the summer blockbuster on our“fun filled Friday’s”, or have our boss take us to the mall for last minute Christmas shopping. I’m not saying I need to spend every weekend with my co-workers (that was part of the reason I got burned out of GSP), but a happy medium could exist – and I know it does.

So, to the cool table, for reminding me that friends are always there for you and that I’m not crazy. For a great dinner and cocktails and to next month when we’ll enjoy it again!

GMF

Veggies Abound...

I picked up my first batch of produce from the Cook Organic Farm. I am proud to say that I am an official shareholder, with my friend Brian, and the harvest has begun.

Today we got lots of lettuces, spinach, pok choy, kamasuma (a Japanese green, kind of like spinach) chives, sage, lemon balm and sorrel. For dinner we sauteéed the pok choy in a curry sauce with chicken…yum.

I am so excited to be a member of this CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Not only am I getting fresh veggies all summer long, but also I am supporting local workers. And to get all new agey touchy feely, I am suddenly very aware of the subtle differences in the seasons, as we move from spring to summer to fall.

I’ll refrain from my lecturing on the importance of heirloom varieties of produce, and how the small family farm is being priced out of the market by large corporate farms. But I will ask you this summer to taste a jersey tomato or strawberry or corn right from the garden and tell me that it tastes the same as ones you find in the winter. Take the opportunity to find local produce, I promise you will never want to give it up.

Yum Yum...

I found the yummiest, yummiest place on earth yesterday. If you’re ever in Princeton, check out the Bent Spoon. It is an artisanal ice-cream shop. Many of you know my passion for local and organic foods. Well, this place just screams it.

They make Italian style (soft and creamy, like gelato) ice cream and sorbets made entirely fresh from scratch with the best ingredients: local & organic produce when possible, hormone-free dairy, made fresh each morning on the premise. They also do coffee, loose-leaf organic tea and Italian hot chocolate. I didn’t try their cupcakes or cookies but they looked yummy.

I had mint swirl and caramel swirl and Jack had the hazelnut. I also tried the cardamom ginger, which had a nice kick.

Run, don’t walk, to Princeton and check it out – it’s in Palmer Square.

GF

Fluff and fold…

I have a dream. It is a dream to live in a place that has a washer and dryer. Now, when we moved into our current apartment, they advertised "washer and dryer in complex". Which is true. Except they NEVER WORK.

This weekend they were all actually working and so we loaded them up. Well, something about having all four dryers and all four washers going at the same time blew a fuse and although lights went back after fiddling with the fuse box, the machines would take our quarters but not start.

I can’t wait till I have my own washer and dryer. I know it's optimistic and one can only hope to achieve this. But gosh darn it, I believe!

GF

The end of a supernatural era...

It’s over, the world of Joss Whedon has ended…well at least on TV.

Sad moments: Wesley dying, the end credits.
Brilliant moments: Spike offering to betray Angel, Lorne’s final act.
Favorite moment: Spike’s poetry reading.

Thank you , thank you very much…Sigh

Congratulations...It's a boy...or a girl...or a....

POWERBOOK! Yeah, I finally got my new computer - all silver and shiny and light. And it's so cute - it actually fits in my big bag I carry as a purse! Now, if you need to find me over the next few days, I'll be playing with my new, fun toy - somewhere!

Just wanna new computer

I suck at making decisions. For the past two months I've been trying to decide what computer to buy. I easily made the decision I wanted a laptop. Then came PC or Mac. I really want a Mac but hate to buy all my programs all over again. So I started researching PC's. Well, let me tell you there is FAR TO MUCH INFORMATION. Everywhere I looked, someone had an opinion "I love my Sony" "Go with a Dell" "Toshiba's are great". After a dizzying amount of questions, I wind up back at the macs, cause afterall I have 2 options - ibook, Powerbook.

So now, I have decided to flip a coin to decide what kind of computer I should buy. Is that sad, or what!

Animal Magnetism

Speaking of animals, for the past 3 days there has been a beautiful black cat hanging out on the porch of our office. Day 1 it let me get within about a foot before it backed up (but didn't run away). Yesterday, I gave it a small dish with milk and s/he lapped it up. Today it followed me to the door.

I think it loves me. Now, do I think Moe wants a friend?

Gina's Wildlife Sanctuary...

So, about a week ago I was planting my seeds out on my patio. When I heard this scratching and scrambling and saw below me a squirrel scurry past our apartment from the bushes with a page from a phone book crumbled up, and held in it’s teeth. It was curious, and as the day went on, I saw him/her do the same thing about 4 times.

So last night, I’m trying to go to sleep and I hear this plastic banging noise on my patio. I figure my watering can got knocked over again so I go outside to pick it up and whoa – the squirrel comes running out of the can. Jumped and screamed and dropped the can, the squirrel just looked at me as if to say, “hey – stop shaking my bed”. Turns out, she decided that my patio would make a good home – paper, twigs – you name it, that squirrel stashed it in my little watering can.

So now, I’m trying to figure how to get the squirrel away from my patio and my impending tomato plants so that they don’t eat them all. Of course, my cat loves it – I think she’s been flirting.

I Scream, You Scream...

Ok, I’ve been a very active blogger lately, but good news is not something I can keep to myself. Tuesday, April 27th is the best day of the whole year. “Why” you may ask. Well, because, on that day you get FREE ICE CREAM. And not just any ice cream, but Ben & Jerry’s.

http://www.benjerry.com/index.cfm

And, you can win free stuff too. Count me in!

And check out their thermoacoustic refrigeration prototype - an environmentally friendly, alternative refrigeration technology that chills out to sound waves.

Dirt-Lovin’ Tree Hugger…

Yup, that’s me, and I’m here to wish you all a Happy Earth Day! And since I’m known as “cause girl” just want you all to take a moment and think about what an amazing world we live in. How nature is so precious and beautiful and that everything we do has an impact on future generations, from the type of car we drive (love the Prius, hate the Hummer) to the food we eat (organic, local and check out the slow food movement) to what we buy (packaging all has to go some where). If you’re interested take a minute and visit some of my favorite websites – they’ll help you put in perspective what your imprint on the world is.

www.care2.com (and environmental portal for just about anything)
www.gristmagazine.com (environmental news: “gloom and doom with a sense of humor”)
www.checnet.org (small childrens environmental health website)

And environmentalists come in all shape and sizes. Break the sterotype and realize that you don’t have to be a Deadhead hippie living in the woods to care about the fate of the planet. Just a few small things can make a difference. After all, look at me!

Peace

Kill All Computers.....

Ok, just a little rant for a few minutes.

I have spent the last 30 minutes trying to email a *&%$#@*^ file and it's too big for my email. I have compressed, I have shrunk, I have deleted emails, I have archived emails but no luck. All I want to do is send a graphic to the designer who is laying out our newsletter so I can have a bee-you-ti-ful annual fund ad. But NO, instead I feel like an idiot cause I cant get my computer to do a simple task. And I'm hungry - it's way past my lunchtime and if I don't get food soon, I'm gonna cry!

Ok, I feel better now.

Warning: Geekness Ahead…

For all you Joss Whedon Fan’s out there:

Yes, Buffy ended last year. And yes, Angel is ending this year. And yes, Firefly didn’t even make it through the season. But good news. Whedon is doing Firefly: The Movie. It's actually being called Serenity (the name of the ship for those who are not geeks like me), and all original cast members are on board. For those who want more info, check out www.fireflythemovie.com. Filming begins in June!

If you didn’t catch the series, I highly recommend it. Rent the DVD, take a few hours and watch the 16 or so episodes. A futuristic western with Whedon’s writings – it’s not just a barrel of monkey’s folks!

And speaking of Whedon – can I say I’m still upset the “killed off” Fred. Just when she and Wesley were gonna get it on. Phthhbbbttttttt.

Love at first Blog...

A friend mentioned I’ve been very lapsed in my blog lately. Which I know. Mostly because what has been fighting through my head is stuff that I don’t want out in public cause it’s work related. But, he’s right. I should not neglect those who visit this page for new and interesting commentary of my life.

I asked him for a topic, and in honor of his nagging, I will bring it here. Congratulations Brian on you upcoming wedding – you lucked out with Maureen, as she did with you. I am very, very happy for you.

And speaking of marriages, congratulations Denise & Alison on you’re marriage and for making every news channel. You go girls!

It is definitely that time in life where weddings dominate the social discussion. And I’m not criticizing or complaining – it’s just a fact. And I do enjoy it, although the “when are you getting married” question can be a bit over the top. All in my own time. Most people say life is too short, but hey, sometimes it’s too long so why rush into anything. The unmarried have their plus’ too!

Sometimes you just get justice.....

So a few days ago I'm driving, going to visit my niece up in Jersey City. Stopped at a light, that I thought had a No Turn On Red sign, I paused when the obnoxious SUV behind me honked. I turned to Jack, and asked - "Can I turn on red" and the hostile SUV honked again, telling me - "YES turn on red". Annoyed at the impatience of the massive SUV behind me, I turned.

To be honest, I should have just let it go. But I couldn't, so I drove 30 mph (speed limit on that road) just to be a pain in the a**. Well obviously it worked cause the exasperated driver pulled around and passed me - on the left - across a double line - with cars coming in the other direction. I slowed to let him back in the second before a car hit into him. And as a I screamed "A**hole" out my window I watched a cop, pull out from the side street and pull the SUV over.

I laughed all the way to Jersey City.

A Lesson

If you don't know, here's a small lesson on how to clean snow off your car. Using a brush, dust the front windsheild, the back windshield, the hood, the trunk and THE ROOF. If you really want to be nice, you can dust off the lights as well.

See it's the people who drive around with inches of snow on the top of the car that bug me. Because, what eventually happens is the sun comes out. And the sun just slightly warms the snow, and then it freezes and turns to ice. So after a day or two, rather than having light powdery snow on the top of the car, you now have very dangerous chunks of ice. And I don't know anything more annoying than driving along and having a chunk of ice fly off the car in front of me and crash into my windshield. Best case, the driver gets startled, throw on wipers and acts like nothing has happened. Worst case, the driver is hypersensitive, gets startled, hits their breaks and causes a 5 car pile-up on the freeway.

So CLEAN OFF YOUR CAR!!!!

Bravest Family I Know

I've added a few new links on the side - the first is for a friend of the family. Their little boy has cancer and they really are the bravest family I know. The past year and a half had been very rough, and it really puts things in perspective.

The other link is my new niece - she's a beauty so look at her and go awwwww, how cute. Cause she is.

Happy Monday!

Happy 2004!

Yes, it is the first Monday, back to work after many many days off and I must say, it wasn't that bad. I remembered where to go, only took 4 tries to get my password and managed to get through most of what I wanted today. And now that it's 5:00, I'm ready to call it a day and head on home and continue to play with my new toys. Back to the norm....