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Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Pea soup
I know it's been a while since my last post but I'd like to kick things off with some good eats.
I've been really into cooking lately. Tonight I made a delicious pea soup. Here is my recipe:
2 12oz bags of frozen peas
1c Greek yogart
1c Chicken stock
1 Lime, squeezed
2 tbls Cilantro, chopped
1/2c Red onion, chopped
3 Garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbles olive oil
A pinch of salt and pepper
Steam peas for 4-5min or until soft. While peas are steaming, fry red onion, garlic and olive oil in sauce pan until onions are soft and almost translucent; about 6min. Transfer peas to a blender and add chicken stock, onions/garlic and cilantro. Blend until smooth. Return mixed blend to stove top and whisk Greek yogurt and lime in a medium pot. Add salt and pepper to taste.
This recipe should not take more than 20min to prepare and is perfect as an entree. Add a handful of whole wheat crackers on the side and you've got yourself a meal.
I've been really into cooking lately. Tonight I made a delicious pea soup. Here is my recipe:
2 12oz bags of frozen peas
1c Greek yogart
1c Chicken stock
1 Lime, squeezed
2 tbls Cilantro, chopped
1/2c Red onion, chopped
3 Garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbles olive oil
A pinch of salt and pepper
Steam peas for 4-5min or until soft. While peas are steaming, fry red onion, garlic and olive oil in sauce pan until onions are soft and almost translucent; about 6min. Transfer peas to a blender and add chicken stock, onions/garlic and cilantro. Blend until smooth. Return mixed blend to stove top and whisk Greek yogurt and lime in a medium pot. Add salt and pepper to taste.
This recipe should not take more than 20min to prepare and is perfect as an entree. Add a handful of whole wheat crackers on the side and you've got yourself a meal.
Friday, February 04, 2011
An email from a friend.
I received an email from a friend this morning that struck a chord. It's an interesting perspective that I think people have a hard time seeing from time to time.
The email reads,
"The thing about life, coming from someone who can't manage his own, is its best lived impulsively.
Everything is easier said through lyrics to songs and cliched nonsense. But, honestly, how many times is one expected to say "Carpe Diem" before it becomes a crutch. Everyone grew up wondering and thinking how things would turn out for me. There were always movies and songs to go by, problem being they are all songs based on other peoples experiences and journeys. It's real tricky to distinguish idolization from inspiration. Does that make sense? Maybe we tell ourselves that the words other people have written are similar to the ones we would write ourselves, or maybe we just take them for granted and are too lazy to write them. Or, perhaps, our lives are lived across so many creative outlets that it is hard to distinguish the best from pointless. Maybe is a terrible word. It has always been there to keep me from doing something that I should have. Maybe I should paint almost always means that I will push it off until the next day. It is odd, these days, that we can gain some sort of feeling of accomplishment from simply bitching about not doing something.
Hopefully, one day, we can reach a point where we can look back and say, "I did THAT.", not "I did something" or "I made a difference", but I did something that I cared enough to do. From what I have seen so far, no one has any answers to any fucking question. And why should they? Young or old, who knows anything? No one. And in a way that is beautiful. Not in a sunset on the beach beautiful, but rather a fuck it let's have a good time beautiful. (ALL of this is based on me not having kids, not having much responsibility and having a roof over my head.)
If you WANT to do something, you'll do it. Never regret skipping a night of painting to sit in your bed and watch movies.
Think BIG.
Live selfishly."
True words from a good friend.
The email reads,
"The thing about life, coming from someone who can't manage his own, is its best lived impulsively.
Everything is easier said through lyrics to songs and cliched nonsense. But, honestly, how many times is one expected to say "Carpe Diem" before it becomes a crutch. Everyone grew up wondering and thinking how things would turn out for me. There were always movies and songs to go by, problem being they are all songs based on other peoples experiences and journeys. It's real tricky to distinguish idolization from inspiration. Does that make sense? Maybe we tell ourselves that the words other people have written are similar to the ones we would write ourselves, or maybe we just take them for granted and are too lazy to write them. Or, perhaps, our lives are lived across so many creative outlets that it is hard to distinguish the best from pointless. Maybe is a terrible word. It has always been there to keep me from doing something that I should have. Maybe I should paint almost always means that I will push it off until the next day. It is odd, these days, that we can gain some sort of feeling of accomplishment from simply bitching about not doing something.
Hopefully, one day, we can reach a point where we can look back and say, "I did THAT.", not "I did something" or "I made a difference", but I did something that I cared enough to do. From what I have seen so far, no one has any answers to any fucking question. And why should they? Young or old, who knows anything? No one. And in a way that is beautiful. Not in a sunset on the beach beautiful, but rather a fuck it let's have a good time beautiful. (ALL of this is based on me not having kids, not having much responsibility and having a roof over my head.)
If you WANT to do something, you'll do it. Never regret skipping a night of painting to sit in your bed and watch movies.
Think BIG.
Live selfishly."
True words from a good friend.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Looking forward...
2011 started out a little rocky but now that a month has pasted I'm able to gain some perspective and direction. I need to start doing things that inspire and motivate me as an individual. I need to create, explore and bottom line just do things that make me happy.
Mark Twain once said,"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." I want to live by these words wholeheartedly.
Here are my top 5 things I have to look forward to within the next few months:
1) NYC Ballet Swan Lake, Feb 18th
2) Art House Coop Sketchbook Project Brooklyn, NY opening, Feb 19th
3) West Coast Adventure: Portland,OR & Los Angeles,CA, March 11-20th
4) City And Colour concert, March 31
5) European Tour/ Anthony & Raj's wedding in London: London, Barcelona & Paris, April 28- May 8th
Along with the top 5 I am also looking forward to getting my studio space up and running this weekend. I can't begin to explain how badly I've been wanting to paint. I want to get dirty and stay up late with The Beastie Boys while painting in my underwear just like I did when I was in undergrad. I'm also in the market for a new instant camera. I think I'm leaning towards the Instax mini 7 by Fuji.
I like that it's mini and how the model is contemporary all the while sustaining it's classical medium of instant photography. Or is it alternative? The digital world is growing too fast for me to keep up, but that's a whole other topic for discussion. It's been well over a year since I last shot my Polaroid camera. Needless to say it's been too long. My investment in a new instant camera is imperative in order for me to support my creative cravings.
Check it out:
http://fujiinstax.blogspot.com
Mark Twain once said,"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." I want to live by these words wholeheartedly.
Here are my top 5 things I have to look forward to within the next few months:
1) NYC Ballet Swan Lake, Feb 18th
2) Art House Coop Sketchbook Project Brooklyn, NY opening, Feb 19th
3) West Coast Adventure: Portland,OR & Los Angeles,CA, March 11-20th
4) City And Colour concert, March 31
5) European Tour/ Anthony & Raj's wedding in London: London, Barcelona & Paris, April 28- May 8th
Along with the top 5 I am also looking forward to getting my studio space up and running this weekend. I can't begin to explain how badly I've been wanting to paint. I want to get dirty and stay up late with The Beastie Boys while painting in my underwear just like I did when I was in undergrad. I'm also in the market for a new instant camera. I think I'm leaning towards the Instax mini 7 by Fuji.
I like that it's mini and how the model is contemporary all the while sustaining it's classical medium of instant photography. Or is it alternative? The digital world is growing too fast for me to keep up, but that's a whole other topic for discussion. It's been well over a year since I last shot my Polaroid camera. Needless to say it's been too long. My investment in a new instant camera is imperative in order for me to support my creative cravings.
Check it out:
http://fujiinstax.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
A little bit of this....and a little bit of that...
It's been a week since my last post. I've been busy finishing my sketchbook for an upcoming art show I'm in through the Art House Coop.
Another reason why I've been so lack at writing is because I just spent an epic weekend in Boston. My friends Monica & Eric tied the knot on Sunday. I had a BLAST. With the wedding being in Worcester I decided to take the weekend to visit old friends who still live in Boston. Needless to say it was just what I needed. I was able to have a cuddle sesh on Friday night, hit up Harvard Square for lunch on Saturday and went on a date with my bff Saturday night. We went to go see Blue Valentine, which might I add is a must see. Here is the trailer. P.s. Ryan Gosling is a mega babe.
Saturday night was also spent bar hopping in the theater district with old faces. I love that area of Boston, the Commons are always lovely in the winter. Sunday morning my parents came to Southie where I was staying and took me out to breakfast. Although my sister wasn't able to join it was still nice. I told my parents about my ideas of writing a memoir and my Mom had tears in her eyes. She's a silly one that lady.
Today has been spent listening to Bon Iver radio and drinking tea all the while being at work, one of the many perks of my job. Here is a song that came on through the shuffle...
Loves it.
Another reason why I've been so lack at writing is because I just spent an epic weekend in Boston. My friends Monica & Eric tied the knot on Sunday. I had a BLAST. With the wedding being in Worcester I decided to take the weekend to visit old friends who still live in Boston. Needless to say it was just what I needed. I was able to have a cuddle sesh on Friday night, hit up Harvard Square for lunch on Saturday and went on a date with my bff Saturday night. We went to go see Blue Valentine, which might I add is a must see. Here is the trailer. P.s. Ryan Gosling is a mega babe.
Saturday night was also spent bar hopping in the theater district with old faces. I love that area of Boston, the Commons are always lovely in the winter. Sunday morning my parents came to Southie where I was staying and took me out to breakfast. Although my sister wasn't able to join it was still nice. I told my parents about my ideas of writing a memoir and my Mom had tears in her eyes. She's a silly one that lady.
Today has been spent listening to Bon Iver radio and drinking tea all the while being at work, one of the many perks of my job. Here is a song that came on through the shuffle...
Loves it.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
"Fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all."
Snakes, heights, large crowds, time, public speaking, failure, vulnerability and commitment are only a few things that give me the heeby jeebies. We all learn that once we enter this world there are only two things that are certain; death and taxes. Like us, fears have a life expectancy. We never forget the moment we discover we have the fear and in most cases we will all parish with most of, if not all of our fears. What are your fears? How do you cope/overcome them?
Snakes. I knew I was afraid of snakes right around the age of eight. My family and I were taking a nature walk (something that is very common with us 'country' folks) at Odiorne Point State Park. I was walking ahead of everyone humming to myself, taking in the sun when all of a sudden "YIKESSS!!!!!!!!", I spotted a slithering creature crossing my path. I was OUT OF THERE. I ran so fast that I left my family behind in the dust. It was awful. Soon after my family caught up to me, giggling and teasing, not knowing that my sudden sprint was due to the sight of the scariest, grossest garden snake I had ever seen. Yes, you read correctly, a garden snake. Even my parents couldn't put me at ease of such a wimpy creature. From that day on whenever I mention my fear of snakes my parents remind me of the time I mastered my Forest Gump impression with a nice crisp sprint.
Let's skip through the fear of heights, large crowds, public speaking and jump right to failure, vulnerability, and commitment. Who isn't afraid to fail? This is a big one, especially amongst my peers. You see, being a late 20 something with a college education, living in one of the most expensive cities in the country can be rather daunting. The thought of failing, not making it, selling out and letting people down are common thoughts that I have on a regular basis. Although I try to live my life as if it were a blessing, it's difficult to stay focused on what is most important; the process. I might be at point A and my goal/dream is at point Z but without going through the rest of the alphabet first, no matter how long it might take, I'll compromise myself from learning and experiencing the meat and potatoes of what makes my goal/dream significant. How's that for analogies. Bottom line, we all have the fear of failing and it might never go away. The best thing we can do is to remind ourselves that through our passions and energy we will create our own destinies.
Vulnerability. Well, this is a bit complex. To sum this up I'd say that I have a fear of becoming completely vulnerable to people. I recognize that I am an open, compassionate, trustworthy, and loving person. Why would I have trouble being vulnerable? I think the 'L' word has something to do with that. And no, I am not referring to the L.A. lesbian drama series on HBO. I don't have trust issues, or intimacy issues, those are never a problem. I think the trouble is being completely exposed to someone, giving myself emotionally, and letting go. I have no problem having others feel like themselves around me but for whatever reason I have a hard time feeling myself 100% around other people.
And then there is commitment. Disclaimer: I am a very loyal, trustworthy mate. I have never cheated, nor lead anyone on with the exception of maybe one or two gentleman friends in High School (but that was High School so it doesn't count). I think this fear has something to do with the fact that I am picky. Not only that but I usually tend to have a high guard when it comes to committing to a relationship. It's kind of funny to think about. I have no trouble being committed to other things such as jobs, friends, making plans and setting goals but when it comes to the interest in the opposite sex I clam up. Why is that? Here is my analysis. I was a late bloomer in the whole dating scene. I never dated much before college and in terms of sex, I lost my 'v' card at the age of 23 when a lot of my peers were going at it like rabbits anywhere between the ages 14-19. On top of it all I was never someone to throw around the four letter word, starting with the letter L and ending in E. I've actually only said it to one other person (aside from family members/friends) and that doesn't even count because it was my best friend and in the form of a letter. I've felt it more than once but never got the courage to admit it to the other person. So, what gives? I don't really have any answers to why I have a fear with being vulnerable. Call me old fashion, call me crazy. I think I'll know the solution when I see it, or more so, feel it.
To end this rant for now I will leave you with this. The best part about fearing something is that there is hope that someday/somehow you can overcome them. You can work on it because the outcome will be rewarding and beneficial to self-growth and your enjoyment in life and all its other challenges.
Snakes. I knew I was afraid of snakes right around the age of eight. My family and I were taking a nature walk (something that is very common with us 'country' folks) at Odiorne Point State Park. I was walking ahead of everyone humming to myself, taking in the sun when all of a sudden "YIKESSS!!!!!!!!", I spotted a slithering creature crossing my path. I was OUT OF THERE. I ran so fast that I left my family behind in the dust. It was awful. Soon after my family caught up to me, giggling and teasing, not knowing that my sudden sprint was due to the sight of the scariest, grossest garden snake I had ever seen. Yes, you read correctly, a garden snake. Even my parents couldn't put me at ease of such a wimpy creature. From that day on whenever I mention my fear of snakes my parents remind me of the time I mastered my Forest Gump impression with a nice crisp sprint.
Let's skip through the fear of heights, large crowds, public speaking and jump right to failure, vulnerability, and commitment. Who isn't afraid to fail? This is a big one, especially amongst my peers. You see, being a late 20 something with a college education, living in one of the most expensive cities in the country can be rather daunting. The thought of failing, not making it, selling out and letting people down are common thoughts that I have on a regular basis. Although I try to live my life as if it were a blessing, it's difficult to stay focused on what is most important; the process. I might be at point A and my goal/dream is at point Z but without going through the rest of the alphabet first, no matter how long it might take, I'll compromise myself from learning and experiencing the meat and potatoes of what makes my goal/dream significant. How's that for analogies. Bottom line, we all have the fear of failing and it might never go away. The best thing we can do is to remind ourselves that through our passions and energy we will create our own destinies.
Vulnerability. Well, this is a bit complex. To sum this up I'd say that I have a fear of becoming completely vulnerable to people. I recognize that I am an open, compassionate, trustworthy, and loving person. Why would I have trouble being vulnerable? I think the 'L' word has something to do with that. And no, I am not referring to the L.A. lesbian drama series on HBO. I don't have trust issues, or intimacy issues, those are never a problem. I think the trouble is being completely exposed to someone, giving myself emotionally, and letting go. I have no problem having others feel like themselves around me but for whatever reason I have a hard time feeling myself 100% around other people.
And then there is commitment. Disclaimer: I am a very loyal, trustworthy mate. I have never cheated, nor lead anyone on with the exception of maybe one or two gentleman friends in High School (but that was High School so it doesn't count). I think this fear has something to do with the fact that I am picky. Not only that but I usually tend to have a high guard when it comes to committing to a relationship. It's kind of funny to think about. I have no trouble being committed to other things such as jobs, friends, making plans and setting goals but when it comes to the interest in the opposite sex I clam up. Why is that? Here is my analysis. I was a late bloomer in the whole dating scene. I never dated much before college and in terms of sex, I lost my 'v' card at the age of 23 when a lot of my peers were going at it like rabbits anywhere between the ages 14-19. On top of it all I was never someone to throw around the four letter word, starting with the letter L and ending in E. I've actually only said it to one other person (aside from family members/friends) and that doesn't even count because it was my best friend and in the form of a letter. I've felt it more than once but never got the courage to admit it to the other person. So, what gives? I don't really have any answers to why I have a fear with being vulnerable. Call me old fashion, call me crazy. I think I'll know the solution when I see it, or more so, feel it.
To end this rant for now I will leave you with this. The best part about fearing something is that there is hope that someday/somehow you can overcome them. You can work on it because the outcome will be rewarding and beneficial to self-growth and your enjoyment in life and all its other challenges.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Bucket List
No I am not referring to the dramatic comedy staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman (which I haven't seen yet) but more so the top 100 things you want to do before you die. I think everyone should become acquainted with their hopes and dreams. Why not write it all down to make them more real? I have recently began to organize a bunch of things that I am interested in accomplishing during my life. Such things involve personal goals, travel, family, financial goals, relationship and personal pleasure. Here is what I've got so far...
1. The Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights
2. Taj Mahal
3. The Great Pyramid of Giza
4. The Great Wall of China
5. US cross country road trip
6. Participate in a threesome
7. The Grand Canyon
8. Publish a book of short stories
9. Publish a book of Polaroids
10. European tour (London, Paris, Barcelona...)
11. To be in two places at once
12. Skydive, again
13. Japan
14. Shake Bill Murray's hand
15. Live in the mountains in a log cabin
16. Own a Cafe
17. Have at least 2 healthy children
18. Travel to all continents
19. Get married before 40
20. Go on a hot air balloon ride
21. Patagonia
22. Easter Island
23. Work in a creative position
24. Website
25. Pay off school loans, eventually
26. Start a non profit
27. Help my parents financially
28. Travel with my sister
29. Own a Ford 150
30. Have a pet dog or two
31. Bonnaroo
32. Illustrate a childrens book
33. Learn to ski
34. Snorkel
35. Learn to surf
36. Learn how to play the piano
It doesn't just stop here. Those are only a few things that I'd like to see through before it's my time to go. What's on your bucket list?
1. The Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights
2. Taj Mahal
3. The Great Pyramid of Giza
4. The Great Wall of China
5. US cross country road trip
6. Participate in a threesome
7. The Grand Canyon
8. Publish a book of short stories
9. Publish a book of Polaroids
10. European tour (London, Paris, Barcelona...)
11. To be in two places at once
12. Skydive, again
13. Japan
14. Shake Bill Murray's hand
15. Live in the mountains in a log cabin
16. Own a Cafe
17. Have at least 2 healthy children
18. Travel to all continents
19. Get married before 40
20. Go on a hot air balloon ride
21. Patagonia
22. Easter Island
23. Work in a creative position
24. Website
25. Pay off school loans, eventually
26. Start a non profit
27. Help my parents financially
28. Travel with my sister
29. Own a Ford 150
30. Have a pet dog or two
31. Bonnaroo
32. Illustrate a childrens book
33. Learn to ski
34. Snorkel
35. Learn to surf
36. Learn how to play the piano
It doesn't just stop here. Those are only a few things that I'd like to see through before it's my time to go. What's on your bucket list?
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