Kelty Grand Mesa 2

Since I started camping with Cray-Z and Mama C several years ago, I've always borrowed their North Face 2 man tent. They've since upgraded to the Taj Mahal of tents - with a front porch and custom cabinetry. Camping with friends is here to stay, so it was time for me to get a tent of my own. Cray-Z ordered me a Kelty Grand Mesa 2. I pitched it and slept in it for the first time this weekend and its a GREAT tent. I would definitely recommend it as a single person/car camping tent. It's made for 2 - but I like to have room.

Friday - Sunday update

Homegrown 5 in Long Creek, South Carolina

I think thats really all I have to say. You know what that means...

Tubing, camping, pizza and friends of course!

Back to gluten-free. I had to make the exception for Humble Pie, my favorite pizza in the world.

"LMAO?! your ass off now?! your whole ass?! you just laughed it all off?!"

Tuesday with the Travelling Chefette

Tonight's menu:

entree:
Baked tilapia filets
Roasted asparagus
Blue cheese mashed potatoes

dessert:
Black and White milkshakes

wish me luck!

***Update!*** Dinner was a success! The only things I'd change would be grilling instead of roasting the asparagus and using a potato masher for the mashed potatoes (I like my mashed potatoes chunky, but it was a little much). Everything was delicious. Thanks to Sasha for lending me her kitchen for the evening and introducing me to Jeff, Jenni & Zoila!

I'm married!

In my dreams! Literally.

I took a nap today and had the most amazing dream - my wedding from start to finish.

My guests (you're invited!), my dress (La Sposa or San Patrick lace gown), the rings (platinum), my song (secret), my cake, my groom (secret), the color scheme (silver, lime and pearl) - you name it, it was in there. It was amazing.

filipino?

this weekend i found out two of my friends thought i was asian.

i didn't think i looked asian, but it doesn't exactly shock me. one of them thought i was filipino - which is strange because i believe she is filipino herself - so you'd think she'd know better. the other one thought i was indian. dot not feather. i don't think i look indian. maybe feather indian. not dot indian.

anyway.

weekend update

friday - high at the jazz.

saturday - attempt at world's largest water balloon fight at masquerade park, STS9 at Verizon Amphitheater in Alpharetta.

sunday - a long walk, laundry, grocery, blogging.

i had a pretty busy weekend and i'd write about it, but i'm lazy today.

some days, you really can't be bothered to lift a finger. today is one of those days.

i also just had a salad and a massive bowl of rice chex. i was going to have shrimp, but they were frozen. that's how i ended up with the bowl of cereal.

i've decided i'm going to go gluten-free again. i felt really good when i cut the gluten out. my new fat rolls? they don't feel so good.

kill me. i'm watching the miss universe pageant. skinny bitches.

رمضان

I have been challenged to observe Ramadan so I had to find out and of course educate everyone else on the significance of Ramadan and why they fast. I'm not sure I can do it, but it does intrigue me.

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎) (also written Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, Ramdan, Ramadaan) is an Islamic religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; the month in which the Qur'an was revealed^{[Qur'an 2:185]} to the Prophet Muhammad. In the western calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving forward about ten days each year. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, sexual conduct, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured; fromdawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramaḍān is a time to fast for the sake ofAllah, and to offer more prayer than usual. Muslims also believed through good actions, they get rewarded twice as much as they normally can achieve. During Ramaḍān, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

The name "Ramaḍāma" had been the name of the ninth month in the Arab world long before the arrival of Islam; the word itself derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of rations. In the Qu'ran, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to the earliest hadith, this refers to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur.

Laylat al-Qadr, considered the most holy night of the year, is the night in which the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad, the "Night of the Power". Muslims believe it to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramaḍān, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th (in Sunni thought) or the 19th, 21st or 23rd (in Shi'a thought). Ramaḍān ends with Eid ul-Fitr, with much celebration and feasts. During the month following Ramaḍān, called Shawwal, Muslims are encouraged to fast for a further six days, known as as-Sitta al-Bīḍ, or "the white six." When fasting is over, Muslims go to Mosques in new clothes to pray the first Eid prayer. They give out presents to the young ones and greet their friends and families. They then thank God for what he has given them.

The most prominent event of this month is fasting. Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world get up before dawn to eat Sahur, the pre-dawn meal, then they perform the fajr prayer. They have to stop eating and drinking before the call for prayer starts until the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib. Muslims may continue to eat and drink after the sun has set until the next morning's fajr prayer call. Then the process starts all over.

Ramadān is a time of reflecting and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual thoughts and activities during fasting hours are also forbidden. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised awareness of closeness to God.

The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity. However, A certain level of self-control can be lost by those who suffer from eating disorders.

The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed. While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavor to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling are exempt, but must make up the days they miss. More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 miles in a day as exempt. The elderly or those who suffer from a disability or disease and have no prospect of getting better in the future can pay the cost of Eftar for a person who cannot afford it, or else they can host him in their house and have him eat with them after sunset as a way of repaying for the days they could not fast.

A person who is observing Ramadan might break the fast accidentally, due to having forgotten it. In such an instance, one should spit out the food being eaten or cease the forbidden activity, immediately upon remembering the fast.

When Ramadan came to overshadow Ashura in importance, it took on some characteristics of the latter. According to the well-known hadith, the person who observes Ramadan properly will have all their past sins forgiven. According to another, "When Ramadan arrives, Heaven's gates are opened, Hell's gates are closed, and the demons are chained up" and who ever passes away will enter paradise.

There are exceptions in certain Muslim communities that deny practicing fasting in Ramadān such as Alevi people in Turkey.

In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (juz, which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.

Ramadān is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment, establishing a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involved the preparing of special foods and inviting people for the Iftar meal (the meal to open the fast).

In many Muslim and non Muslim countries with large Muslim populations, markets close down in the evening to enable people to perform prayers and consume the Iftar meal – these markets then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In some Muslim countries, failing to fast or openly flaunting such behavior during Ramadan is considered a crime and is prosecuted as such. For instance, in Algeria, in October 2008 the court of Biskracondemned six people to 4 years in prison and heavy fines.

September 7, 2009

What is this?

INFP

I don't remember taking a Myers-Briggs personality test in the past, but people say I must have. I recently took one on Facebook and found I have an INFP personality. I've become obsessed with what this means. If it means anything at all. I dunno. You know me...is this accurate?

The Idealist

As an INFP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

INFPs, more than other iNtuitive Feeling types, are focused on making the world a better place for people. Their primary goal is to find out their meaning in life. What is their purpose? How can they best serve humanity in their lives? They are idealists and perfectionists, who drive themselves hard in their quest for achieving the goals they have identified for themselves

INFPs are highly intuitive about people. They rely heavily on their intuitions to guide them, and use their discoveries to constantly search for value in life. They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life. The goal at the end of the path is always the same - the INFP is driven to help people and make the world a better place.

Generally thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are good listeners and put people at ease. Although they may be reserved in expressing emotion, they have a very deep well of caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. This sincerity is sensed by others, making the INFP a valued friend and confidante. An INFP can be quite warm with people he or she knows well.

INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings. In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right. They don't want to feel badly. This trait sometimes makes them appear irrational and illogical in conflict situations. On the other hand, INFPs make very good mediators, and are typically good at solving other people's conflicts, because they intuitively understand people's perspectives and feelings, and genuinely want to help them.

INFPs are flexible and laid-back, until one of their values is violated. In the face of their value system being threatened, INFPs can become aggressive defenders, fighting passionately for their cause. When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".

When it comes to the mundane details of life maintenance, INFPs are typically completely unaware of such things. They might go for long periods without noticing a stain on the carpet, but carefully and meticulously brush a speck of dust off of their project booklet.

INFPs do not like to deal with hard facts and logic. Their focus on their feelings and the Human Condition makes it difficult for them to deal with impersonal judgment. They don't understand or believe in the validity of impersonal judgment, which makes them naturally rather ineffective at using it. Most INFPs will avoid impersonal analysis, although some have developed this ability and are able to be quite logical. Under stress, it's not uncommon for INFPs to mis-use hard logic in the heat of anger, throwing out fact after (often inaccurate) fact in an emotional outburst.

INFPs have very high standards and are perfectionists. Consequently, they are usually hard on themselves, and don't give themselves enough credit. INFPs may have problems working on a project in a group, because their standards are likely to be higher than other members' of the group. In group situations, they may have a "control" problem. The INFP needs to work on balancing their high ideals with the requirements of every day living. Without resolving this conflict, they will never be happy with themselves, and they may become confused and paralyzed about what to do with their lives.

INFPs are usually talented writers. They may be awkard and uncomfortable with expressing themselves verbally, but have a wonderful ability to define and express what they're feeling on paper. INFPs also appear frequently in social service professions, such as counselling or teaching. They are at their best in situations where they're working towards the public good, and in which they don't need to use hard logic.

INFPs who function in their well-developed sides can accomplish great and wonderful things, which they will rarely give themselves credit for. Some of the great, humanistic catalysts in the world have been INFPs.

Jungian functional preference ordering:

Dominant: Introverted Feeling
Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition
Tertiary: Introverted Sensing
Inferior: Extraverted Thinking

Pulled Pork Sammiches

where else can you find recipes for delicious pulled pork sandwiches + fashion tips? Only here, folks. Only here!

Amy's Pulled Pork Sammies
1.5 to 2 pounds of pork shoulder
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspon basil
One 18 oz. Sweet baby Ray's BBQ sauce

Put pork shoulder, rosemary and basil along with 1.5 cups of water into crock pot. Let cook for 8 hours on low. Pull pork apart. Put BBQ sauce in, let cook for an additional hour. Put on buns/rolls of your choice. Enjoy!

Fall/Winter 2009 Essentials

The top 10 items you need this fall/winter from head-to-toe:

1) Fascinators - I discussed this with J several weeks ago. She wasn't too keen on the idea and I have to say I don't totally disagree. There is a time and place for them. Don't get it twisted, they are for special occasions. Use your judgement. Visit Chanel's milliner, Maison Michel for head gear ideas.

2) NARS Fast Ride lipstick: Dark, blood red and black-purple lipsticks were all over the Fall/Winter 09 runways. You can wear it - don't be scared - just go really natural on the rest of your face.

Nars lipstick in Fast Ride, $24

3) Snood - it's sort of like a scarf, but with no hanging parts. You guys know how clumsy I am.so I need to limit opportunities for slip-ups! Check out snoods by Burberry and, by one of my favorite designers, Missoni.

Missoni wool and cashmere blend snood, $225

4) Generally, all the shows were ready to rock! Those that caught my eye were all about power. Rock-, punk-, 80s-inspired black, leather and metal. Your go-to top needs to be strong, masculine. Go for a heavy-shouldered men's blazer. You can wear virtually anything with it. Look for something similar to the YSL jacket - this one sells for $2,350, but I'm confident you can find something very similar for less. Remember - we do not pay top dollar for trends and this is a trend.

Yves Saint Laurent tailored crepe jacket, $2,350

5) Skinny non-blue jeans. Not blue, not colored like we saw this spring/summer. Black and gray. The more distressed the better.

Current/Elliot skinny shredded jeans, $235

6) I rocked a pair of black cutout leggings (BCBG, $50) on Saturday night. I got some looks. Jealous! Fashion can be risky, but the rewards, i.e. looking FAB, are worth it!

David Lerner shredded latex-look leggings, $135

7) I will recommend jeans and leggings to you, but I hate shopping for them, which is why I usually opt for dresses. They are just easier to shop for and fit into. I loved Balmain's collection, but I know some of you weren't big fans. I just love that it looks so disco, so Dynasty.

Balmain paillette mini dress, $13,395

Now, I realize none of us can afford Balmain's HOT dress, but when you're shopping for something similar, look for strong shoulders and sequins. The sequins don't only have to be black. Look for greens, blues and golds. Above all, look for short. You want to look like you are going to the disco not like you are entering a beauty pageant.

See by Chloe pleat pocket dress, $595

8) You all know I adore Botkier. Their fall collection - Rocker Chic on Crosby Street - is basic but tough. Check it.

Botkier Uma satchel in black, $595

9) Over-the-knee boots. Let your inner Pretty Woman loose. If you don't want to look like a hooker, opt-out of heeled, shiny leather styles and look for flat, suede ones like Dolce Vita or Joie.

Joie Coachella OTK boots, $525

10) Classic, black leather booties go with everything. Do it.

Christian Louboutin leather ankle boots, $995

* Take my advice or leave it. You don't have to buy the designer versions of any of my suggestions. Shop Forever 21, H&M and BCBG for lower-priced versions, but please. For the love of God. Stay away from a) Diane von Furstenburg and b) bandage dresses. I love you, but no.

Keep It Here for Cutting Edge

First Tom's, now NewbarK. Trust Lola on what NOT to wear.

I mean they come in matching bags for pete's sake! Same idea behind Tom's - one style, different fabrics. Also just as ugly.

Rice Pudding

I was making rice pudding for tomorrow night's dessert - but the planned dinner is no longer happening. Since you can't uncook something, I am forging ahead.

I got the original recipe off a site, but I've modified it:

2 cups of milk (I used 2%)

1/3 cup uncooked white rice

pinch of salt

Bring milk, rice and salt to a boil over high heat. Stir often as milk tends to burn quickly and rice sticks to bottom. Once boiling, adjust heat to low, cover, stir often.

1 egg

1/8 cup white sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk egg and sugars together. Spoon in, a tablespoon at a time, 6 tablespoons of the hot rice mixture. Mix. Once 6 tablespoons of rice mixture and egg/sugar mixture have been blended, add back to rest of hot rice mixture. Be careful not to boil. Simmer over low heat until total mixture is equal parts liquid, rice.

Enjoy hot or cold. I prefer hot.

Toms

I know I'm going to hear it from BK on this one, but I can't bite my tongue any longer.

Everyone loves to hate on Crocs. I'm right there with you, but my hate comes from somewhere more general - I just hate ugly. Toms? Ugly. Are you looking at the same shoes I am above? Tell me these aren't ugly. I even went to the site to check out the more "normal" styles. Well, it's all the same style (ugly), but no basic color makes them look any more attractive.

I get Tom's is trying to help the world. Yay. They certainly not trying to make the world more beautiful.

The Noisettes

Last night, I was invited along to an Amstel Light event at Opera. Two things:

uno) Usually I hate Opera. Young cheese.

dos) Y'all know I'm not ordinarily a fan of live music concerts/shows.

The Noisettes are chipping away at both of these.

Maybe I'm going to Opera when it's packed or the crowd is bad or I'm in a bad mood, I don't know, but last night I noticed the renovations since eleven50. They're beautiful. I mean, I didn't exactly love what you'd have to call the "Asian Stripper" room. Seriously. I thought I'd gone to Asian night at the Cheetah. Guys can be gross, BUT the interior and the exterior as a whole are really nicely done.

It's really difficult to describe The Noisette's sound - but it is amazing. It's rock, it's 50's dance, it's pop, it's soul. It's AMAZING! I went hunting for them on iTunes this morning and while it's still a great sound, it just doesn't compare to seeing them perform live. The lead singer is such a show girl - it contributes to the power of the sound. She kind of reminded me of what Prince was doing in the 80s. Check them out!

I'm feeling particularly girly today

this about sums its up

oh Coco!

Ridiculous

Lately I've been getting to work early (8:00am) to get out early. This means I miss the most interesting hour of my favorite TV show - The Today Show. The past two days I've been lazy and over it, so I have been able to watch the most interesting hour. Good thing or I would never have learned about Self magazine's bullshit.

Kelly Clarkson is on the cover of Self's September "Total Body Confidence Issue". She's also been airbrushed. A lot. As in not her body at all. This morning the editor, Lucy Danziger, went on air to address the furor arising from thePhotoShop job. I mean, anyone appearing in a magazine these days is photoshopped - all to different extents. What is acceptable for a fashion magazine vs. a women's fitness magazine vs. a parenting magazine?

If I were a Self subscriber - I'd cancel. I would. It just seems extremely hypocritcal of a women's fitness magazine to very obviously PhotoShop a woman on the cover of their "Total Body Confidence" issue.

As a side note, I subscribe to Shape magazine who's policy it is not to airbrush any of their cover model's figures. They adjust for lighting, but DO NOT adjust body parts.

Self editor's interview on The Today Show this morning:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Is it just me or did she not answer the question at all?

Italian Chili & Flan

I'm having a multicultural kind of day.

I just made a batch of what would likely be referred to as bolognese sauce, but what I like to call Italian chili because I eat it by itself. Yes. As in without pasta. Sometimes you want ground beef and tomato sauce. I do this a lot. WELL! It's good. I did happen to throw some spaghetti into hot, salty water. VOILA! (thats French, I think) Spaghetti and bolognese sauce.

I also just made flan. YES! I made FLAN! This isn't it, but it is an example of flan:

First of all, I haven't turned the mold upside down yet and I don't plan on it because it WILL fall apart. The caramelized sugar that went on the bottom of the upside down mold was difficult to do. It's half a cup of sugar (I had to do 1/4 white and 1/4 brown because I didn't have enough of each to make 1/2 cup) melted down. I've never done this before. It's not easy and its hot shit. Seriously. Most of the utensils I used to stir the sugar while it was melting melted themselves. HOT. I almost thought it would crack the mold. The custard isn't easy either. Lots of stirring. Anyway. I made FLAN!

I am amazing!

I am fat again.

Fuck.
I am fat again. My clothes aren't loose like they were a couple of months ago.
I blame the gluten. And myself. FUCK.

the ugly truth

watched it last night. It was about what you'd expect from Katherine Heigl. Cute. Cheesy. Chic Flic. Meh. Honestly I think the more exciting part of the evening was dinner at La Fonda. Yones and I made plans earlier in the day to eat dinner at Fellini's in Buckhead and then The Ugly Truth at Phipps. As we approached Fellini's he mentioned he'd eaten pizza for lunch so was only going to get a salad, I suggested La Fonda (next door) . Wrong move.
1) The waitress was a zombie. Even when she said something, you couldn't hear what the hell she was saying. I wanted to shake her and be like "WAKE THE FUCK UP!"
2) There was a hair in our chips. Not mine. Not Yones.
3) When the waitress brought out a new bowl of chips she said nothing. No "sorry about that". Nothing. DO YOUR JOB.
4) My unsweetened iced tea tasted like bleach water. I sent it back for a regular one hoping it tasted better. It did. Did the waitress say anything about this? Guess.
5) I forgot the food at La Fonda is shit. We should have stuck to Fellinis.
UGH.

azul

I just re-discovered Natalia Clavier and I love her all over again.

cupcakes and udon

I've mentioned before I had the most amazing cupcakes in Chicago from Sweet Mandy B.'s.
It wasn't the cake part that really got me, it was the frosting and I'm not a frosting fan. In fact, I don't like frosting unless it has the consistency of and tastes like whipped cream OR is my mom's fluffy frosting. Those are the only two I really like. I will eat others that aren't sickeningly sweet - like Publix frosting - but for the most part, I pass on it. Until Sweet Mandy B.'s!
This Saturday, one of Sasha's friends is hosting a potluck for her birthday and I've chosen to mimic Sweet Mandy B.'s for my dish. I don't have time nor feel the need to make the cake portion from scratch, but I do intend to make the buttercream frosting. mmmmmmmmmmm! I even found a recipe online claiming it was straight from Miss Mandy's sweet kitchen - I doubt it, but since it looks like all the other buttercream frosting recipes online, I may try it. I'm really excited about this. What has come over me? Julie + Julia!
I went to see Julie + Julia last night with 1201am. I'd just left a gynocologist appointment and was in a foul mood, but after watching this (lengthy) movie, I felt so much better. Inspired in fact! I want to cook. Not 524 recipes in 365 days inspired, but inspired enough to explore my culinary side. I've also promised a yummy dinner for Mamma C and Cray-Z next Monday night and I've settled on a tofu udon dish and some fish. I can't wait to get in the kitchen!
Hey, you think if Julie + Julia inspired me to cook, watching The Ugly Truth tonight with Yones will help me get laid by Gerard Butler?
It could happen.

Daily Candy 100 Day Giveaway

Daily Candy 100 Day Giveaway

Shared via AddThis

Want.

I have admired the Barcelona chair for.....decades really. It says so many things to me. If money were no object and I could have any chair in my house I would get the Barcelona chair and ottoman:

Knoll Barcelona chair + stool, $4,328

or a Herman Miller Eames chair. LOVE:

Herman Miller Eames chair + ottoman, $3,699

Find these chairs and more like them at AllModern.com

THE JAM!

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service

Before I get into how my dermatologist visit went today, I wanted to comment on a sign I saw outside The Varsity as I was headed back to work. I've seen "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service" before but never really paused to ponder it. Apparently, today I had time.
Who walks into a restaurant or a CVS or a grocery store with no shirt or shoes on? Seriously? Your private areas should always be two layers away from my hot dog, shampoo and candy. For real. I almost want to say its not even acceptable on the beach. The first thing I do when I get out of the water is to towel off and put some shorts and a tee on. If I'm going to order something at a pool/beach bar, I still do this. You don't want my tits one layer away from your drink fruit! Why would you walk anywhere without shoes on? I just don't understand.
So onward - I had an appointment today with Dr. Del Henderson. He is 1201am's dermatologist. I liked him, but he didn't really bother introducing himself. I didn't like that. He had to get a second opinion on the mole on my face, which is where Dr. K came in. I really liked Dr. K. Big friendly smile, great demeanor, inquired like he really cared and set my mind at ease about the mole (he called it a "beauty mark"!) on my face. He also educated me a bit on moles and why some develop later in life. Did you know non-cancerous moles that appear on your body, at any age, are programmed to be there at birth? The moles you have were already planned out. That's wild!
Dr. K also told me I had beautiful skin. I came out of there feeling pretty. Never felt like that after a doctor's visit. YAY DR. K!

This is what I get for cooking and eating pasta

I was gluten-free for a really long time, then I became poor and had to make the always economical PB+J (spent a little too much on trips and retail). Anyway, I moved to cooking pasta this evening and while draining my pasta managed to steam/burn the shit out of the back of my left hand. I think I steamed a layer off. I have it on ice right now, but if I take it off, the heat coming off of it is insane. OW! I think this is God's way of keeping me away from pasta.

Hypochondriatic

Is that even a word? You know what I mean. I'm one of those.

I found out on Friday I don't have to wear adult diapers. I am perfectly fine. Relief.

Never one to leave well enough alone, I have found a couple of new problems to worry about.

I have a mole to the right of my nose and above my upper lip that has appeared and gotten bigger over the past two years. It's a recent acquisition. I guess for the longest time I thought it was cute because it never bothered me before. Like all of my moles, its not a raised one, its kinda like a big black freckle. Well the other day the MSN homepage had some banner about taking two minutes to save your life and it had pictures of all types of moles - some cancerous, some not. Well my "cute" mole looked like the melanoma (cancerous) mole, so I am currently a little worried I am dying. You know....the usual. I made an appointment with a dermatologist for 7:15 Monday morning. This should be interesting.

I also have my annual pap (I knew you were interested in that one) this week.

I am falling apart!

AC Santo Mauro

I'd selected my hotels before and after Pueblo Ingles a while ago, but I didn't book one of them until now. I also hadn't realized how much weaker the dollar is against the euro.

1 dollar = 1.5 euro! YIKES!

Gossip Girl Gone Bad

So I get that Gossip Girl has had a significant impact on American fashion. Prep school chic is in - but its not appropriate for everyone. It's very age specific. There are ways to tone it down for those in their late 20s, early 30s, but for the most part, it doesn't scream maturity and should be worn by those college age and younger.
While I was in Chicago this past weekend, Jae Yong and I drove past an example of the GG effect - the Rugby Ralph Lauren store. Why would Ralph Lauren spend time and money on a line for such an ultra specific group of people? I assume the majority of consumers who can wear full Rugby RL outfits can't actually afford it and those that can afford it, probably shouldn't wear full Rugby RL outfits.
I also just read that Harvard (the University) has launched a new menswear line. The style is very similar to Ruby RL as well as Andre Benjamin's 1 year old line, Benjamin Bixby.
There really isn't a point to this posting other than to say this style is boring and overpriced so if I see you wearing Rugby RL, Harvard Yard or Benjamin Bixby, I will laugh at you.

SYTYCD

Are you watching? No? WHY NOT?!

Kayla just came in fourth. I don't understand. She's technically superior to Evan. WHY THE FUCK IS HE STILL THERE?! IF HE WINS I WILL GO APE SHIT. FOR REAL.

YAY EVAN IS FINALLY GONE!

GONE GONE GONE GONE GONE

BUH-BYE!

um, what is going on with Mia Michael's face? Botox? Face lift? Yikes.

I LOVE Kupono. So beautiful.

Labor Day

So I wanted to do a viewing/tailgating party at my house for the Virginia Tech/Alabama game Labor Day weekend but no one is going to be around.

More wings for me...

You are feeling very very sleeeeeeeeeeeeeepy

So I am on a new medication to deal with my um... problem... and it makes me cranky and vomity (also known as nauseous). I had planned to have dinner with my friends last night - I even bought meat, but I just wasn't feeling it, so when I went out to get some air I made a special meat drop, then came home and zonked.

My friends had gathered at King's house to help bottle beer. Cray-Z alerted me to their venture's blog..so special shout out to King and Griffin...Check it:

8th Street Beer Co.

Effexor XR 150 mg

To keep the crazies at bay, I take a 150 mg dose once a day of Effexor XR. That's the max I've ever taken and I'll do this for a year before weening myself off because if you just stop you will want to kill yourself. I mean that. I tried to stop taking it because my psychiatrist didn't want to stop prescribing it to me in the 150 mg dose and I went through some serious withdrawal, so if you ever go on this drug - ween when its time.
The last time I saw my pychiatrist was about four months ago. Every time I go it's the same routine. Chit chat about anything cool going on in my life... what I did this summer... what I'm going to do in the fall/winter.. It's 10 minutes of this. The doctor never asks me about my dosage or what I think about it or if I want to change dose or medication. We literally sit there for 10 minutes and after he's satisfied he's given me $40 worth of attention he refills my prescription and we make an appointment for four months later.
I see all of it as completely unnecessary but he won't call in my refill. I need to pay the $40. Whatever.

Anyone Know a Good Urologist?

I'm serious.
So mid-to-late July I had a UTI - or so we (doctors and me) think. I was prescribed Macrobid which treats urinary tract infections from e coli. After taking the Macrobid, I didn't feel any better, so I called my gynocologist again to complain because a) I was still uncomfortable and b) I hadn't gotten my lab results back and it had been a week. She told me that my UTI was caused by a staph infection and prescribed Levaquin. I did start to feel a bit better after taking it, but last week started to feel uncomfortable again and called my doctor for another round of Levaquin. Still not feeling better and a little freaked out. I'm doing everything I should be. Now what? I'm only 31...I couldn't possibly have a bladder problem. Right? UGH! I went to see my doctor this morning and my urine tests came back negative for a UTI. Now they are sending it off again to see what the issue is. I'm kinda scared I'm going to have to wear Adult Pampers! I have a prescription for Cipro which I'll fill this afternoon and take. I just hope its not something serious and that it's treatable, but this constant feeling of having to go and the overall discomfort really blow.
This type of shit always happens to me!

Addendum

How could I forget to suggest the dessert places I went to this past weekend? Shame on me!

Sweet Mandy B's: The first time I went to this bakery, I went against the norm and ordered a strawberry shortcake instead of the famous cupcakes. I was not disappointed. Well! Strawberry shortcake is my favorite dessert, I had to! I'd never had a Sweet Mandy B's cupcake until this past weekend. I forget what meal we had just eaten. I am thinking we had done lunch at Whole Foods and I had a sweet tooth. Jae Yong drove us to Sweet Mandy B's. I didn't even have to get out of the car. She knew exactly what to get. She came out with 2 red velvet cupcakes and 2 yellow cupcakes. One with pink frosting and another with yellow frosting. Both with sprinkles. I have to say, red velvet is a southern staple, so while the cupcake version was good, it wasn't the best I'd ever had. The regular cupcakes? HEAVEN! Eat at least two. You're on vacation!

Scooter's: So starting on Thursday night, Jae Yong was trying to get me to Scooter's. She said they had the most delicious italian ice + custard parfait. I was skeptical and she knew it. I like my desserts rich and with substance. Italian ice didn't scream rich to me and custard sounds kinda ew, so when she brought it up again on Friday and I skirted it, she knew what was up. She didn't think I trusted her on the recommendation (I didn't) when I normally trust her on everything. We have similar taste buds. It just didn't sound good. Sorry Jae Yong. Well she finally got me to Scooter's on Saturday night. As a compromise, she suggested I get a milkshake and she'd order the parfait. I had a taste of hers and my gut was right - not awful, but not great. Actually, the custard was really good, but the combo was not my style. The cookies and cream milkshake I had? DELICIOUS! Get one.

When in Rome....err Chicago

Eat here. You'll thank me.

Portillo's: Don't even think about getting one of these delicious hot dogs. Get TWO. You'll thank me. You also must get them Chicago style - mustard, relish, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, kosher pickle and sport peppers. All this loveliness on a steamed poppy seed bun. D E L I S H!!!

Athena in Greektown: My favorite is the gyro plate. Be warned this is not the kind of gyro you'd get in a diner. The Athena gyro plate is a layer of buttered pita triangles, a layer of red onion and tomatoes, and a layer of gyro meat and two sides of tzatziki sauce. Best.

Tuscany: I had the raviolini ai quattro formaggi with the bolognese sauce the night before the half marathon. I didn't finish, but it was delicious and just what I needed. Also good - the caprese. YUM YUM YUM

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. (affectionately acronymed CPOG): Get the half pound pizza pot pie. Since any explanation I could come up with wouldn't remotely do pizza pot pie justice, here's the site's description:

The Pizza Pot Pie is an individual serving, "made from scratch" with triple-raised Sicilian bread-type dough; a homemade sauce consisting of olive oil, fresh garlic, onions, green peppers, whole plum tomatoes and a special blend of cheeses; sausage made from prime Boston butts; and doorknob-size, whole, fresh mushrooms. (Vegetarian pizza pot pie may be special ordered.)

Be sure to order a chef's salad and mediterranean bread to share!

GOD BLESS THE GREEKS AND THE ITALIANS!