blue artichoke

I kind of got sidetracked with my advanced-prep schedule for the Thanksgiving meal, but I was able to make most things earlier and had just a few a' la minute dishes to make. The full menu:

Chili-Roasted Almonds
Cheese/Cracker/Grape Tray
Turkey
Ham
Apple Cranberry Pecan Dressing
Sweet Potato Casserole (2/3 covered with pecan streusel, 1/3 with marshmallow topping)
Cranberry sauce
Green Bean Casserole
Roasted Broccoli & Pecans
Steamed Asparagus
Rolls with Cinnamon Honey Butter and Cranberry Butter
Banana Bread
Pumpkin Bread
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake
Wine, Beer, Water

The turkey was perfect, the dressing was moisty, the pumpkin cake was gooey... all as it should be. I think it is safe to say that I ate Thanksgiving. I had lots of help with the prep, cooking, eating, and cleanup. This is the most responsibility I've had for the greatest meal of the year, so I'm counting Cooked Thanksgiving Dinner as one of 31 New Things. Thanksgiving makes me so happy.

And tomorrow, GC and I are taking the family to Cirque du Soleil for early Christmas, so my Christmas shopping is almost complete! The only things I need to worry about for the holidays is what kind of cookies to make...

Getting to Know All About You: Favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 09:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

GC and I have decided to become Redskins fans. Here's why:

1) I was raised on Redskins football. I never paid much attention to it, but I knew that Dallas was The Enemy.
2) I have a set of 8 Redskins tumblers. I use them as stemless wine glasses.
3) I remember some of the words of the Redskins fight song.
4) We live in Washington, so the Redskins are our local, hometown team.
5) GC saw, liked, and bought a Redskins hat.

So, in our new roles as fans, GC and I went to the Redskins v. Rams game on Sunday. It was supposed to be a blowout, favoring the Redskins. It was an upset. The Rams won. The Redskins have asked us to stop being fans. It seems we're bad luck. Perhaps we'll remain fans, but in the comfort of our living room, where we can sit on a comfy couch, drink beer that we can afford ($8/bottle at the stadium!), and where fistfights only rarely break out.

Though our seats were very close to the sun, we could see pretty well, whenever the overzealous fan in front of me sat down, that is.

This was my first live NFL game, so it gets added to my 31 New Things List!

It's a sporty week for me: Saturday night, I went to mixed martial arts fights. Sunday, the Redskins game. Thursday, I'm going to another DC United soccer game. I'm becoming quite the sports fan. I'm almost to the point where I wear only sweatpants and sports jerseys. Almost.

Getting to Know All About You: What's your favorite sport and/or team to watch?

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 05:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night I went to a WFTDA match, aka Women's Flat Track Derby Association, aka Roller Derby! I was pretty excited about going, to see if it is as aggressive and brutal in real life as it is portrayed on tv. I saw the DC Rollergirls v. the Charm City All-Stars (whose website seems to be down at the moment). Though one girl did get tripped and injured her hand and another got smashed up in a collision, it was all very congenial and supportive.

The game seems rather complicated, but as I understand it, two girls ("jammers") start a few seconds after the rest of the team. The objective is for the jammers to make their way through the mass of skaters, being helped by their teammates and blocked by the opposing team, to lap the group. Once they lap the group, they try to make their way back through, earning points for each person they pass. They have two minutes to do this. I think there are other ways to get points, and there are lots of fouls that I didn't understand.

Roller derby is an interesting subculture, with clever code names (Ovary Action, Duchess of Torque, Free Radical, and, my favorite, Meatball) and a certain style of dress for players and spectators (shorts or short skirts with knee-high soccer-style socks and fishnets). It could become boring to watch a pack a girls roller skate around a track for an hour, but the players are very good at revving up the crowd and keeping it interesting. I must admit that it wasn't quite what I expected, but it was very cool and I'm very glad I went. And, it's #17 on my list of 31 New Things.

Getting to Know All About You: What would be your roller derby name?

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

For GC's birthday, I bought tickets for an all-you-can-eat Maryland-crab feast and Potomac River sunset cruise. I tried to keep it a surprise for GC, and gave him clues to lead him astray ("You need to be sure to bring a roll of quarters and wear non-slip shoes" and the like). Clever fellow that he is, he guessed a river cruise (after guessing Wii bowling night at Eat Bar and go-carts). Though the surprise was ruined, the night wasn't. The crabs were sweet and crabby, and there were plenty of sides for those of us who aren't wild about crabs: hush puppies, French fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. And a bar. The cruise itself was wonderful, when we remembered to stop smashing crabs with our mallets and look up to see the monuments and parks we were drifting past. The return trip was more spectacular, when the sun had set and the monuments were lit up against the background of city lights. It was a beautiful night - clear, cool, and starry - and a touristy trip I can recommend without reservation. And, I can add the experience to my 31 New Things list. I had eaten crab before, after crabbing with my cousins in South Carolina, but I don't think that really counts because the crab-to-ketchup ratio rendered the crab almost nonexistent. And the cruise was definitely new. I love being on the water, and am trying to find ways to work more time spent on boats into my life. That, and fireworks.

Getting to Know All About You: What's the best way you've celebrated a birthday?

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I think it is important to keep trying new things. Some things I may not like, but I'll never know until I try them. For a cook, I'm pretty unadventurous when it comes to food. Though I seldom seek out the exotic, when new flavors present themselves, I'll squeeze shut my eyes and give it a taste. All new foods will just be one New Thing, though, to push me to try New Things in other areas.

New foods I have recently sampled:
fried oysters (pretty good)
halibut (not bad)
fresh fig (delicious, even better than in Newton form)
I think there was something else, but I forgot what it was.

Anyone else tried new foods lately?

Here's the list so far:

30 31 New Things
In Progress
Completed!

1. Don’t cut hair for a year
2. Reduce % body fat
3. Sensory deprivation tank
4. Indoor skydiving (or outdoor…?)
5. Don’t eat fast food all year
6. Simplify
7. Take a float trip
8. Dedicate myself to learning a new skill, or improving one I already know (aka "New Month's Resolutions"):
February = 2 sets of 10 full pushups
March = Improve flexibility
April = Improve dental hygiene (brush, floss, fluoride)
May =
June = Learn to belly dance
July = Pull myself together (posture, jewelry, dress)
August = Weight training
September = Practice bowling
October = CrossFit
November = Guitar Hero 3 goddess
December =
January =

9. Have a spa day – rubs, scrubs, wraps, baths, massages – all of it
10. Bury a grudge
11. Read a classic – The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
12. Teach a class (aka Conquer Fear of Public Speaking)
13. Learn how to cue (lights, sound, curtain) a theater dance performance
14. Take a real job, with a salary and responsibilities
15. GET OUT OF MISSOURI!
16. Try new foods: (fried oysters, halibut, fresh fig)

So, as you can see, I'm way behind. I need ideas!

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 06:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Those of you who check out the comments section already know that Chartreuse BLT suggested I add reading a classic I've never read to my list of New Things. I think that is a great idea, and I had just come across (and filed) a pamphlet from the local public library with a list of classics. I pulled it out and was pleased to note that I had read almost half of the selections. I picked out the classic that seemed the least interesting to me (The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan) and have added it to my list. It's a classic for a reason, so it must be good. You'll get my review when I'm done, of course.

I have also just added, and completed, another New Thing. I taught a class tonight. I'm terrified of public speaking, as anyone who has suffered with me through a class presentation knows. I'm an introvert, I don't like being in the spotlight. Several months ago I agreed to teach some classes about organizing through the career center. It seemed like a good idea and the time, and the course coordinator is one of those people who is so energetic and inspiring that every conversation is a brainstorm and you leave her company feeling pumped and rarin' to go. A few months later, when it is time to teach the class, that feeling had worn off. I thought I might be OK because organizing is one of my three favorite topics of conversation (the others are fitness/nutrition and mixed martial arts). I feel comfortable with the topic and have worked in the field and seen enough that I probably won't be stumped. But there's always the fear that I'll start talking and every thought will leave my head, leaving me a stuttering mess. In the past when I had to make a presentation, I over-prepared and wrote out a script, which I would end up reading. That's painful for everyone. This time I thought through how I wanted the presentation to go, rehearsed it mentally a few times, and that's it. I did blank out at one point, trying to think of a word (sentimental), but I quickly found another that worked (nostalgic) and moved on from there. It actually went quite well. I stole a few glances at the course evaluation pages and it seems like the students liked the class. I just hope they got something out of it, felt like they got their money's worth, and left inspired to tackle their own areas of disorganization. I certainly left the class inspired to tackle my own projects. I also left the class feeling great, because I had taught a class in front of people without collapsing into a trembling, stammering mess. I may not be ready to give presentations or become a motivational speaker, but I have proved to myself that I won't die from public speaking (seriously, I used to write on the top of my presentations, "You only die once. This isn't it!" to remind myself that I would live through the presentation). Public speaking was that traumatic.

In the class, and with my clients, I encourage setting small, realistic goals and rewarding yourself comparable to your achievement. Making it through this class - not just enduring it, but making it go smoothly - was a huge achievement for me. I rewarded myself by coming home and cooking a big fat steak, simply seasoned and quickly cooked to perfection, and asparagus. I ate on the steak until I was full, then a bit more, and still have half a steak left for tomorrow. And then I awarded myself an extra truffle for dessert.

I think I could accomplish a lot of things for a steak + chocolate reward.

All said and done, it was a good night for the Blue Artichoke.

Getting to Know All About YOU: Do you enjoy public speaking? What are your tricks for making it less stressful?

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 09:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I'll be the first to admit that some of the New Things I did last year were totally lame, but I'd made this goal and was publicly accountable to you folks, so I did what I had to do. All the things were new to me, but some just weren't that exciting or noteworthy. Ate collards? Please. But I'm 31 now, older, wiser and ready to do it right. I really enjoyed looking for new things to do, especially those that shook me out the rut I so easily fall into. For this year, I'm making out my list in advance, a checklist, so to speak. I don't want to schedule my year completely -- there has to be room for spontaneity -- but I do want to make sure that I do new things that shake things up a bit.

I have only 10 things planned so far. Ideas are welcome. Bring it.

Here's what I've got, in no particular order:

31 New Things

1. Let my hair grow out. It's already a bit longer than shoulder-length, but I've always wanted Crystal Gayle hair. It gets a bit longer than it is now, and I freak out and cut it all off. Not this year. I'll allow trims so I don't end up with a head of bushy split ends, and layers are allowed to add style, but no significant changes to the length.

2. Reduce % body fat. I had a fitness assessment done on my birthday. By turning a year older, I moved right smack in the middle of Average percentage of body fat for a person my age. The day before, however, I was Below Average. Average isn't something to strive for. According to the fitness assessor, I'd look pretty good at 18-20% body fat. So, 19% is my goal.

3. Sensory deprivation tank. I have an odd fascination with and, yes, you could say crush on, Joe Rogan. I love to hear him talk about stuff. He's so smart; he's the only interview I have to listen to with Wikipedia in front of me. Anyway, he raves about sensory deprivation tanks, even built one in his basement. It sounds awesome to hear him tell it, so I'd like to check one out. I doubt we'll become BFF this year, so I'll have to find one available commercially.

4. Indoor skydiving (or outdoor…?). I tried to go skydiving once, but got rained out. I gave up after that, but I'd still like to give it a whirl.

5. Don’t eat fast food all year. Pizza does not count. I'm undecided how to rule on food courts.

6. Simplify. This one is ongoing, and difficult to know when I've achieved it. I'll know I'm done when I'm content. For a professional organizer, I have a lot of stuff. I have more stuff than GC. I might not have as much stuff as you do, but I have a lot more than I need/want/use.

7. Take a float trip. GC has been on several, but I've always been out of town or wussed out. I hate white-water rafting and assumed that "float trip" was a gentler name for a similar activity. After seeing pictures of a friend relaxing in the boat and drinking a beer, I've decided that's something I want to do too.

8. Dedicate myself to learning a new skill, or improving one I already know, every month. Though I didn't have this in mind, I've already started this with the New Month's Resolutions:

February = 2 sets of 10 full push ups
March = Improve flexibility
April =
May =
June =
July =
August =
September =
October =
November =
December =
January =
(on the list, but unassigned as yet, are: practice bowling, become a Guitar Hero 3 goddess, learn to belly dance, focus on Muay Thai)

9. Have a spa day – rubs, scrubs, wraps, baths, massages – all of it. I'm not much of a spa person in general, but I have fond memories of my first foray into a spa last year, for a foot massage. What other wonders await me?

10. Bury a grudge. Not just any grudge, but one in particular. There is someone I used to be friends with, then some things happened and we got mad at each other. It's been 10 years since we've spoken. We may not become friends again, but I don't like thinking that someone out there groans every time something reminds them of me.

So that's all I've got so far. I feel like I'm still thinking narrowly. I need some ideas and inspiration, for the list and for the New Month's Resolutions. Help!

Getting to Know All About You: What's the most exciting or thrilling thing you've ever done?

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 09:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

So, the 30 New Things are finally over. Now, onto 31 New Things! I think I'll take a cue from another friend who adopted my 30 New Things idea and start a list in advance of all the things I want to do before I turn 32. That way I won't be scrounging around for something new to do or contemplating illegal activities just to fill out my list. I'm working on my list now, and am open to suggestions.

I already received one challenge, in the form of a birthday present. The present was an apron. And the card read: "So- here's an idea for one of your 30 new things -- wear a ridiculously girly apron while you cook... ONLY the apron! HA HA!"

Done.

I can't believe I just posted a scantily-clad pic of myself.
Apparently modesty is lost at 31.

What I am strategically holding is our Valentine Dinner, a roast duck with lavender and honey. That's the same recipe I made last year, to kick off my 30 New Things list. I think last year's was better because I had a bigger and juicier bird. I also made roasted butternut squash with sage and thyme and, of course, artichokes. For dessert we had an assortment of truffles and the chocolate chip cookies I've been thinking about all year.

Not Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Though the recipe says NOT Mrs. Fields, I think it is the recipe. And if it isn't, it should be, because these cookies are fantastic. I used to make them a lot in middle- and high school, but then sort of forgot about them as I moved on to fancier cooking. Once I started the January diet and cut out all sweets and grains, I started thinking and dreaming about these cookies. I made a batch yesterday for my birthday, and am having a difficult time resisting them. I used dark chocolate chips, pecans and increased the vanilla a bit. I also increase the amount of chocolate chips (just until it looks like there is a good ratio of chips to batter) and omit the grated milk chocolate. These cookies will be hard to beat. They're awesome.

½ c. butter (1 stick)
½ c. white sugar
½ c. brown sugar
1 egg
½ t. vanilla
1 c. flour
1 ¼ c. oatmeal – blended
¼ t. salt
½ t. baking powder
½ t. soda
6 oz. bag chocolate chips
2 oz. milk chocolate, grated (optional)
¾ c. chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla. Mix together flour, oatmeal, salt, powder and soda. Combine wet and dry ingredients; add chocolate and nuts.

Make golf ball-sized cookies and bake on ungreased cookie sheets, 2” apart, for 6-10 minutes at 375. Do not over bake.

Yield: ~2 dozen.

Any other bright ideas for my 31 New Things list?

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)