Last time I was here I was so (so!) fired up about life. I was going to tackle life! And blog about it! Wooo!
4 months later - oops - and nary a peep.
But don't think I didn't think about it. I did. I just was struggling with what to say. What to write. How to say it. Oh, and that school thing. That.
Then I had a light bulb moment. My blog should be about ME. Cue clouds parting, sunshine beaming down, and angels singing. This probably also counts as a "duh, you idiot" moment.
So. Here it goes.
I finished my first year of PA school two weeks ago, and since then I have kinda had a life. I went on a few trips. I made some new friends. I ate some good food and drank some good beer. I've hiked and swam and cooked and not slept as much as I should. I had some friends and family come visit. I crossed some things off my bucket list. Its been good.
And now second year is approaching with its own set of anxieties and challenges. I'm scared to death I'll kill a patient. I'm going to hate getting used to a new office every 5 weeks. I won't like being away from my little home. I'm nervous that I don't actually know a thing about medicine.
But I'm excited. And now that I have a life to tell you about - I'm going to start actually telling you about it. Which means you should be excited, too!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
A Year Later
Blogging is not my thing. It's not that I don't like it - I do! I love the catharsis I get from writing, and sometimes spend an hour "study break" to read through my old posts and remember the times, good and bad. I don't blog because I just don't think about it. When significant things happen, I never think, "OH! I should blog about this!" even though I should. And as it goes, the things that seem insignificant (but really are the things that matter) get tossed aside.
I'm going to do better.
And not just at blogging, either. At life. At having things to blog about.
Most of my days/weeks go as follows: wake up before the sun. Trek to school in wind/cold/rain. Sit on my ever-growing butt for 8 hours, learning. Trek home through continuing wind/cold/rain. Play with the beastie for a minute or two. Sit on my aforementioned butt and study.
But my jeans can't take it any more, and neither can I.
When we started this program we were told, in not quite these words, to put our lives on hold. Tell family and friends you'd be MIA. Quit jobs, teams, other commitments. Prepare for a barrage of information. Prepare to be cracked, even broken, but to come out better on the other side for having lived through it. I can't help but think: is this an educational program, or is this war?
I'm so happy to have school in my life. I've worked hard to get here and I appreciate this opportunity. Not many people get the chance to stop their lives, have no responsibility but to learn, to become educated in the science and to become proficient at this art, to study the thing they are most passionate about. That's a pretty rare gift. I catch myself at least once a week - even still, 9 months in - in awe at the fact that I was accepted, how amazing my classmates are, and how special these 26 months really, really are.
But - and there's always a but - how much stress, loneliness, and time is that opportunity worth?
One of my biggest goals and personal challenges in life is attaining some sort of personal balance. I tend to go all-in to things, or not nearly enough. I struggle to find a happy medium between consuming and fasting. I'm working toward, to continue the analogy, a life where I can sample until I find something I like enough to commit. Like a beer tasting flight. Nobody should be getting drunk or leaving sober after a beer tasting flight, but one should have a better idea of what you want to drink. My goal/theory is to beer-tasting-flight life.
Starting now (never mind that its before noon as I write this)
I want to do things. I want to blog about them. I want to laugh more and spend less time at my desk. I want to remember what day of the week it is and eat healthfully. I want to cook more and run more and swim more and hike more - I really, really want to hike more. I want to love on my doggie and make more friends and sacrifice a little sleep. I want to not feel guilty about watching TV occasionally, or running errands, or doing other things necessary for life. I want to think about things that aren't medicine, read books that aren't about physiology, and stop referencing Current in normal conversation (even though its kind of been my bible lately) (and even though I think that doesn't count as "normal" conversation) (on a related note, I want to remember what "normal conversation" is).
Get ready to hear a lot more from me, kids.
I'm going to do better.
And not just at blogging, either. At life. At having things to blog about.
Most of my days/weeks go as follows: wake up before the sun. Trek to school in wind/cold/rain. Sit on my ever-growing butt for 8 hours, learning. Trek home through continuing wind/cold/rain. Play with the beastie for a minute or two. Sit on my aforementioned butt and study.
My happy beastie
But my jeans can't take it any more, and neither can I.
When we started this program we were told, in not quite these words, to put our lives on hold. Tell family and friends you'd be MIA. Quit jobs, teams, other commitments. Prepare for a barrage of information. Prepare to be cracked, even broken, but to come out better on the other side for having lived through it. I can't help but think: is this an educational program, or is this war?
I'm so happy to have school in my life. I've worked hard to get here and I appreciate this opportunity. Not many people get the chance to stop their lives, have no responsibility but to learn, to become educated in the science and to become proficient at this art, to study the thing they are most passionate about. That's a pretty rare gift. I catch myself at least once a week - even still, 9 months in - in awe at the fact that I was accepted, how amazing my classmates are, and how special these 26 months really, really are.
But - and there's always a but - how much stress, loneliness, and time is that opportunity worth?
One of my biggest goals and personal challenges in life is attaining some sort of personal balance. I tend to go all-in to things, or not nearly enough. I struggle to find a happy medium between consuming and fasting. I'm working toward, to continue the analogy, a life where I can sample until I find something I like enough to commit. Like a beer tasting flight. Nobody should be getting drunk or leaving sober after a beer tasting flight, but one should have a better idea of what you want to drink. My goal/theory is to beer-tasting-flight life.
Tasting flights with some friends in LA
Starting now (never mind that its before noon as I write this)
I want to do things. I want to blog about them. I want to laugh more and spend less time at my desk. I want to remember what day of the week it is and eat healthfully. I want to cook more and run more and swim more and hike more - I really, really want to hike more. I want to love on my doggie and make more friends and sacrifice a little sleep. I want to not feel guilty about watching TV occasionally, or running errands, or doing other things necessary for life. I want to think about things that aren't medicine, read books that aren't about physiology, and stop referencing Current in normal conversation (even though its kind of been my bible lately) (and even though I think that doesn't count as "normal" conversation) (on a related note, I want to remember what "normal conversation" is).
Get ready to hear a lot more from me, kids.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
A Return
The last several months have been some of the most difficult of my life. I won't go into great detail, but rather gloss over the challenges I've faced... then focus on all the really freaking good stuff that's happened lately.
In June, my friend had his accident. He's doing great now, thank goodness, but those first few weeks were some of the most heartbreaking moments of my life.
In July I went on vacation with my entire family. I had a blast, as usual, but it was a bittersweet trip as we said goodbye to my family's vacation home. I spent every summer since I was born in that house and the end of the era was sad for everyone.
In August I started a new job and my last semester of grad school version 1.0. This semester was my busiest so far, and I slept way less and stressed way more than anticipated.
In September the bank foreclosed on the house I grew up in. We packed it up said goodbye to house #2.
In October I left a long relationship, the home we lived in (#3!), and the life we'd been building, not because anything was wrong but because it just wasn't right. I leased a bedroom in a new house and worked on building a new life, alone. This was without a doubt the most difficult thing I've ever done.
In November I got into a car accident and totaled my little car.
At this point I started feeling a little woe-is-me, until a read a funny quote: if life gets harder, you must have just leveled up. I felt like an adult, for real, for the first time.
Starting exactly 1 hour after my accident, life started looking up. When I finally made it to my destination that night I met a really nice boy.
On November 17th I interviewed at my dream grad school. I walked out of the door feeling incredibly confident about how the interview had gone - and for good reason. On November 27th, I got the phone call I'd been waiting for since 2008. I'd been accepted.
On November 18th I took my master's degree comprehensive exam. I passed with flying colors.
On November 19th I bought a new car.
On December 5th I spent the most important $700 of my life, on my grad school deposit.
On December 15th I finished my first master's degree. I finished with a program GPA of 4.0 and total post-baccalaureate GPA of 3.9.
On December 19th my part time job (which I absolutely love) was made into a full time position for me.
And today, Christmas Eve. I thought it would be a lot harder, this first year without the house, but I'm at peace. I get to spend the holidays with my brother and one sister as well as some friends and I've never felt so lucky. Its hard to live so far away from everyone (and getting further next year!) but there's so much love its aggressive.
Its a little early for end-of-the-year reminiscing, but that's not going to stop me here. Lately I've had the feeling that this moment, right now, is exactly where I'm supposed to be in my life. I have a master's degree. I have a wonderful job in a great organization doing something that makes a difference in the world. I have an acceptance letter to a top 10 ranked program in the field of my dreams. I have a great new relationship that is so exactly what I want right now it scares me. And most importantly, I have such an amazing, loving, supportive family it hurts. The good that is overflowing in my life right now makes up for the rough patch I went through a hundred times over, and I can't wait to see the good and that bad that will come in 2012. If, one year from today, I can reflect on the coming months with half as much appreciation, pride and thankfulness I'll consider myself the luckiest girl on the earth.
Merry Christmas, friends.
In June, my friend had his accident. He's doing great now, thank goodness, but those first few weeks were some of the most heartbreaking moments of my life.
In July I went on vacation with my entire family. I had a blast, as usual, but it was a bittersweet trip as we said goodbye to my family's vacation home. I spent every summer since I was born in that house and the end of the era was sad for everyone.
In August I started a new job and my last semester of grad school version 1.0. This semester was my busiest so far, and I slept way less and stressed way more than anticipated.
In September the bank foreclosed on the house I grew up in. We packed it up said goodbye to house #2.
In October I left a long relationship, the home we lived in (#3!), and the life we'd been building, not because anything was wrong but because it just wasn't right. I leased a bedroom in a new house and worked on building a new life, alone. This was without a doubt the most difficult thing I've ever done.
In November I got into a car accident and totaled my little car.
At this point I started feeling a little woe-is-me, until a read a funny quote: if life gets harder, you must have just leveled up. I felt like an adult, for real, for the first time.
Starting exactly 1 hour after my accident, life started looking up. When I finally made it to my destination that night I met a really nice boy.
On November 17th I interviewed at my dream grad school. I walked out of the door feeling incredibly confident about how the interview had gone - and for good reason. On November 27th, I got the phone call I'd been waiting for since 2008. I'd been accepted.
On November 18th I took my master's degree comprehensive exam. I passed with flying colors.
On November 19th I bought a new car.
On December 5th I spent the most important $700 of my life, on my grad school deposit.
On December 15th I finished my first master's degree. I finished with a program GPA of 4.0 and total post-baccalaureate GPA of 3.9.
On December 19th my part time job (which I absolutely love) was made into a full time position for me.
And today, Christmas Eve. I thought it would be a lot harder, this first year without the house, but I'm at peace. I get to spend the holidays with my brother and one sister as well as some friends and I've never felt so lucky. Its hard to live so far away from everyone (and getting further next year!) but there's so much love its aggressive.
Its a little early for end-of-the-year reminiscing, but that's not going to stop me here. Lately I've had the feeling that this moment, right now, is exactly where I'm supposed to be in my life. I have a master's degree. I have a wonderful job in a great organization doing something that makes a difference in the world. I have an acceptance letter to a top 10 ranked program in the field of my dreams. I have a great new relationship that is so exactly what I want right now it scares me. And most importantly, I have such an amazing, loving, supportive family it hurts. The good that is overflowing in my life right now makes up for the rough patch I went through a hundred times over, and I can't wait to see the good and that bad that will come in 2012. If, one year from today, I can reflect on the coming months with half as much appreciation, pride and thankfulness I'll consider myself the luckiest girl on the earth.
Merry Christmas, friends.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Crazy Summer
I can't believe how quickly those last few months went by! I had, in a word, a crazy summer.
A few days after my last post I got a phone call. The worst phone call. It was news from home that a close friend had been in an accident, and his chances of survival were slim. I didn't hesitate for one second, just packed up my things, made a few phone calls, and drove straight home.
I won't get into the gory details, but, thankfully, my friend did survive. He has since been moved from the ICU to the regular hospital, then from the hospital to an inpatient rehab facility. The doctors and nurses at the hospital call his recovery a miracle. Myself, his friends and family are just elated that he is going to be OK, but needless to say its been a rough couple of months for everyone.
When this happened I was knee-deep in marathon training. While I was home I tried to keep up with my schedule, but I spent a lot of time at the hospital and the rest of my time asleep. When I could finally return to "real life" at the end of July, I was way behind on training, but committed to making up lost time and preparing for October 9th.
But, here's the thing: I can't do it. I won't short change myself on my first marathon. I won't kill myself to be able to run 26.2 in 3 short months. Most importantly, I won't do this unless my heart is really in it, and right now, its just not. School starts this week, I just started a new job, and I'm still driving home every chance I have to support my friend. I can't make that many commitments, and at the moment, running has to be a lower priority than other things in my life.
All funds I've raised still go right to Team in Training, and I'm proud of every dollar! I'd like to say a BIG thank you to those of you that supported me through my short TnT journey. I plan on making another attempt at TnT when I'm in a better place to do so, and will definitely be blogging about it when the time comes.
A few days after my last post I got a phone call. The worst phone call. It was news from home that a close friend had been in an accident, and his chances of survival were slim. I didn't hesitate for one second, just packed up my things, made a few phone calls, and drove straight home.
I won't get into the gory details, but, thankfully, my friend did survive. He has since been moved from the ICU to the regular hospital, then from the hospital to an inpatient rehab facility. The doctors and nurses at the hospital call his recovery a miracle. Myself, his friends and family are just elated that he is going to be OK, but needless to say its been a rough couple of months for everyone.
When this happened I was knee-deep in marathon training. While I was home I tried to keep up with my schedule, but I spent a lot of time at the hospital and the rest of my time asleep. When I could finally return to "real life" at the end of July, I was way behind on training, but committed to making up lost time and preparing for October 9th.
But, here's the thing: I can't do it. I won't short change myself on my first marathon. I won't kill myself to be able to run 26.2 in 3 short months. Most importantly, I won't do this unless my heart is really in it, and right now, its just not. School starts this week, I just started a new job, and I'm still driving home every chance I have to support my friend. I can't make that many commitments, and at the moment, running has to be a lower priority than other things in my life.
All funds I've raised still go right to Team in Training, and I'm proud of every dollar! I'd like to say a BIG thank you to those of you that supported me through my short TnT journey. I plan on making another attempt at TnT when I'm in a better place to do so, and will definitely be blogging about it when the time comes.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Finding Motivation
Sometimes motivation comes from the most unlikely of places.
Since I'm only 1 week and 3 days into marathon training, which is almost 4 months long, its a leeetle early for my motivation to be waning. Yet, when I came home from work today I really just didn't want to head out on my scheduled run. It was my first tempo run, and after the ridiculous amounts of soreness and fatigue I experienced on Sunday's recovery run let me know exactly how un-strong I am I was not looking forward to feeling my cardiovascular un-fitness. Boo. Also, strep has been going around at work and although I haven't succumbed (yet?) I haven't felt like my normal healthy self either.
When I got home I fell into my normal "I don't want to run" business. I found something mildly pressing (example: sweeping the floors), made it exceedingly important (MUST! SWEEP! NOW!), and set to work. Before I got too far I somehow stumbled across this hilarious flow chart here, and wouldn't you know, 5 minutes later I had laced up my shoes and was headed out the door. And its a good thing I did, because if I hadn't I wouldn't have done 3 miles with 9 minute splits. I have a long way to go, but in week 2 I'm only 30 seconds off my 10k race pace. And ya know what... I'm not unhappy with that at all!
Since I'm only 1 week and 3 days into marathon training, which is almost 4 months long, its a leeetle early for my motivation to be waning. Yet, when I came home from work today I really just didn't want to head out on my scheduled run. It was my first tempo run, and after the ridiculous amounts of soreness and fatigue I experienced on Sunday's recovery run let me know exactly how un-strong I am I was not looking forward to feeling my cardiovascular un-fitness. Boo. Also, strep has been going around at work and although I haven't succumbed (yet?) I haven't felt like my normal healthy self either.
When I got home I fell into my normal "I don't want to run" business. I found something mildly pressing (example: sweeping the floors), made it exceedingly important (MUST! SWEEP! NOW!), and set to work. Before I got too far I somehow stumbled across this hilarious flow chart here, and wouldn't you know, 5 minutes later I had laced up my shoes and was headed out the door. And its a good thing I did, because if I hadn't I wouldn't have done 3 miles with 9 minute splits. I have a long way to go, but in week 2 I'm only 30 seconds off my 10k race pace. And ya know what... I'm not unhappy with that at all!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Here We Go!
I've sat in the same place I am now - at my desk, staring at this screen – many times, trying to find the right words to get this little bloggy started. After so many failed attempts it’s time to say something, anything, even if it’s not the right thing. So, here it goes!
I'll get to a more complete introduction later, but here is a little about me: I'm a 20-something graduate student with a passion for health care. I'm a former college athlete just getting started in what I hope will be a long, fun running career. An Athlete (Again) is my way of documenting this transition.
Right now I am ready for a challenge. A big, new, exciting challenge. So, I decided that I would get serious about distance running and complete my first marathon. As I was researching races I came across Team in Training, and everything felt right. So, I signed up to run the 2011 Chicago Marathon with TNT.
Team in Training is an AMAZING part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. So, you ask, where do I come in? As a Team in Training participant I commit to train for and complete the Chicago Marathon as a means to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
I have so much to talk about! Like WHY I thought it would be a good idea to run a marathon in the first place, WHO I’m running for, WHAT the &#%@ I’m thinking, and HOW I’m getting from 4 miles to 26.2 without dying. And yes, all the gory details. But for now, suffice it to say that I am super excited at the chance to run my first marathon at an elite race like Chicago, all while making a difference in the lives of cancer patients around the country.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Just In Case
In case you've come here from Kayla's blog, I can do nothing but apologize for having absolutely nothing to say! I'm working on a new little project which should be up and running on Monday - I hope you'll take a look!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Reform This
I've talked about this a little before, but here is yet another document discussing how rich health insurers are getting while health care costs are rising. Every company this looked at saw a profit from 2008-2010, while the average American paid substantially more money for the same coverage. Bogus.
Health Care for America NOW
And in case you're not a big public health nerd who has actually read most of the new reform bill, there's a section that requires insurance companies to put between 80 and 85% of the money collected through deductibles, premiums, etc toward paying health care costs and increasing other health ventures. That means only 15 to 20% can go toward employee salaries.
Which is good, considering these are the 2009 salaries for some CEOs:
Health Care for America NOW
And in case you're not a big public health nerd who has actually read most of the new reform bill, there's a section that requires insurance companies to put between 80 and 85% of the money collected through deductibles, premiums, etc toward paying health care costs and increasing other health ventures. That means only 15 to 20% can go toward employee salaries.
Which is good, considering these are the 2009 salaries for some CEOs:
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Antilamentation
Regret nothing. Not the cruel novels you read
to the end just to find out who killed the cook, not
the insipid movies that made you cry in the dark,
in spite of your intelligence, your sophistication, not
the lover you left quivering in a hotel parking lot,
the one you beat to the punch line, the door or the one
who left you in your red dress and shoes, the ones
that crimped your toes, don't regret those.
Not the nights you called god names and cursed
your mother, sunk like a dog in the living room couch,
chewing your nails and crushed by loneliness.
You were meant to inhale those smoky nights
over a bottle of flat beer, to sweep stuck onion rings
across the dirty restaurant floor, to wear the frayed
coat with its loose buttons, its pockets full of struck matches.
You've walked those streets a thousand times and still
you end up here. Regret none of it, not one
of the wasted days you wanted to know nothing,
when the lights from the carnival rides
were the only stars you believed in, loving them
for their uselessness, not wanting to be saved.
You've traveled this far on the back of every mistake,
ridden in dark-eyed and morose but calm as a house
after the TV set has been pitched out the window.
Harmless as a broken ax. Emptied of expectation.
Relax. Don't bother remembering any of it. Let's stop here,
under the lit sign on the corner, and watch all the people walk by.
Dorianne Laux
to the end just to find out who killed the cook, not
the insipid movies that made you cry in the dark,
in spite of your intelligence, your sophistication, not
the lover you left quivering in a hotel parking lot,
the one you beat to the punch line, the door or the one
who left you in your red dress and shoes, the ones
that crimped your toes, don't regret those.
Not the nights you called god names and cursed
your mother, sunk like a dog in the living room couch,
chewing your nails and crushed by loneliness.
You were meant to inhale those smoky nights
over a bottle of flat beer, to sweep stuck onion rings
across the dirty restaurant floor, to wear the frayed
coat with its loose buttons, its pockets full of struck matches.
You've walked those streets a thousand times and still
you end up here. Regret none of it, not one
of the wasted days you wanted to know nothing,
when the lights from the carnival rides
were the only stars you believed in, loving them
for their uselessness, not wanting to be saved.
You've traveled this far on the back of every mistake,
ridden in dark-eyed and morose but calm as a house
after the TV set has been pitched out the window.
Harmless as a broken ax. Emptied of expectation.
Relax. Don't bother remembering any of it. Let's stop here,
under the lit sign on the corner, and watch all the people walk by.
Dorianne Laux
Thursday, January 20, 2011
He Loves Me
I write this stuff down because a) I like to show off, and b) good things are nice to remember on not-so-good days.
We've had issues with our fire alarms since we moved in. First, the previous owners of the house left us with non-functional alarms, which besides being a pretty major no-no in the real estate world, has turned into this huge inconvenience.
We bought fire alarms somewhere shortly after we moved in. They didn't work. We returned them and did what we should have done in the first place: bought them from Costco (<3). Now, these alarms run through batteries in record time. We changed all the batteries out within the last 2 months, but last night at 3am one of the alarms started beeping. The beeps were less in the vein of oh-crap-its-a-fire, but more like the I'm-slowly-dying-and-taking-you-down-with-me.
By the way... why do fire alarms always start this at night? It happened at our last apartment too.
Anyway, D got up to address the beeping at 3am last night. He tried to be super quiet. He got a flashlight and changed those stupid batteries in the dark so I could sleep. It totally woke me up, but I appreciated the effort enough to pretend it didn't. He is adorable. And I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm a grumpy monster in the mornings.
We've had issues with our fire alarms since we moved in. First, the previous owners of the house left us with non-functional alarms, which besides being a pretty major no-no in the real estate world, has turned into this huge inconvenience.
We bought fire alarms somewhere shortly after we moved in. They didn't work. We returned them and did what we should have done in the first place: bought them from Costco (<3). Now, these alarms run through batteries in record time. We changed all the batteries out within the last 2 months, but last night at 3am one of the alarms started beeping. The beeps were less in the vein of oh-crap-its-a-fire, but more like the I'm-slowly-dying-and-taking-you-down-with-me.
By the way... why do fire alarms always start this at night? It happened at our last apartment too.
Anyway, D got up to address the beeping at 3am last night. He tried to be super quiet. He got a flashlight and changed those stupid batteries in the dark so I could sleep. It totally woke me up, but I appreciated the effort enough to pretend it didn't. He is adorable. And I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm a grumpy monster in the mornings.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Birthday Tiramisu
My favorite thing about my birthday is the chance to make myself a birthday dessert. I usually spend weeks - sometimes months - deciding what to make, looking for the perfect recipe, and generally making a big deal out of dessert. You know, like I usually do... but around my birthday I have a great excuse!
To illustrate how bad I am at this blogging thing (and also how hectic December was), my 25th birthday was over a month ago and I'm just getting around to posting this! But, true story, this was unbelievable. I must have said "I can't believe I made this!" at least ten times. That good.
This year I had wanted to try making tiramisu, and my birthday provided the perfect opportunity. Not only do I love tiramisu a LOT more than cake, my December birthday gave the procrastinator in me the chance to shine. I made the ladyfingers from scratch as well, but don't be impressed: rather than ambition or ability, the decision to bake them was due to some rather painful memories of my mom sending me to 1,048,934 grocery stores in search of ladyfingers every time she had to make a charlotte rousse. Thankfully, this wasn't often.
I loosely followed Mario Batali's recipe, mostly because I felt like he knows his desserts. However, the cheapskate in me couldn't justify using 2 egg whites and 4 egg yolks - no matter how good my intentions, I never end up using leftover egg whites. Instead, I used 3 each of eggs and yolks. I found a number of recipes that included whipping cream and I liked the idea of a fluffier dessert, so I also added that to the original recipe.
Without further ado,
Tiramisu
adapted from here
4 oz espresso, strong
2 oz liquor (I used dark rum)
3 eggs, separated
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
8 oz mascarpone cheese
2 cups heavy cream, whipped
24 savoiardi (lady fingers)
6 oz shaved chocolate
Mix coffee and liquor together and set aside.
Over a double boiler, beat egg yolks and sugar until mixture lightens in color and forms ribbons. Allow to cool 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold mascarpone cheese and heavy cream into egg yolk mixture one quarter at a time. Add vanilla, then gently combine the mascarpone mixture with the egg whites. Set aside.
Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso and lay along the bottom of several small glasses or a large dish. Top this layer with half of the mascarpone mixture and sprinkle with half of the shaved chocolate. Repeat, then enjoy
To illustrate how bad I am at this blogging thing (and also how hectic December was), my 25th birthday was over a month ago and I'm just getting around to posting this! But, true story, this was unbelievable. I must have said "I can't believe I made this!" at least ten times. That good.
This year I had wanted to try making tiramisu, and my birthday provided the perfect opportunity. Not only do I love tiramisu a LOT more than cake, my December birthday gave the procrastinator in me the chance to shine. I made the ladyfingers from scratch as well, but don't be impressed: rather than ambition or ability, the decision to bake them was due to some rather painful memories of my mom sending me to 1,048,934 grocery stores in search of ladyfingers every time she had to make a charlotte rousse. Thankfully, this wasn't often.
I loosely followed Mario Batali's recipe, mostly because I felt like he knows his desserts. However, the cheapskate in me couldn't justify using 2 egg whites and 4 egg yolks - no matter how good my intentions, I never end up using leftover egg whites. Instead, I used 3 each of eggs and yolks. I found a number of recipes that included whipping cream and I liked the idea of a fluffier dessert, so I also added that to the original recipe.
Without further ado,
Tiramisu
adapted from here
4 oz espresso, strong
2 oz liquor (I used dark rum)
3 eggs, separated
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
8 oz mascarpone cheese
2 cups heavy cream, whipped
24 savoiardi (lady fingers)
6 oz shaved chocolate
Mix coffee and liquor together and set aside.
Over a double boiler, beat egg yolks and sugar until mixture lightens in color and forms ribbons. Allow to cool 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold mascarpone cheese and heavy cream into egg yolk mixture one quarter at a time. Add vanilla, then gently combine the mascarpone mixture with the egg whites. Set aside.
Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso and lay along the bottom of several small glasses or a large dish. Top this layer with half of the mascarpone mixture and sprinkle with half of the shaved chocolate. Repeat, then enjoy
Friday, December 31, 2010
Oh Hey, I'm Alive
Whew! Its been a whirlwind of a couple months. Let me back up.
In November we were lucky to attend the wedding of one of D's closest friends. It was a beautiful wedding, full of love and laughter, and one happy couple :) It was really special to be there with them as they took that step (leap?).
Thanksgiving was spent it in AZ with family and friends, and was pretty low key for both of us. I was able to make it over to D's Thanksgiving dinner as well as my own, which means it was the first big holiday (that we both celebrate) that we've spent together during the entire time we've been together. Go us!
Once December hit I got super busy with school. I was pretty busy this semester with 5 classes, (my program is considered full time at 3), but during finals was the only time it was overwhelming. And oh, was it overwhelming! I had finals to take, papers to write, projects to complete, etc etc etc. I basically locked myself in the house for a week and a half, but I got it all done! And I did well, too: I earned a 4.0 this semester!
After the semester ended I got busy preparing for Christmas! I always spend it with my family, and my family always hosts a big dinner for our friends on Christmas Eve. I headed to my dad's house a few days before and spent a lovely week in AZ hanging out with my fam, spending time with friends, and soaking up the sun. When it started to rain I hopped in the car and headed back to CA, which brings us to the present...
Along the way we had some very exciting things happen: we finally got a dog! We both really love Goldendoodles, but couldn't understand the associated price tag. We scoured craigslist for weeks and finally found our girl. She's about a year old and the sweetest, happiest thing on the face of this earth. She is also SUCH a dog: she loves car rides, bones, chasing her tail belly rubs, and rolling around on the carpet. We're constantly entertained by her antics and just love her. Otherwise we've just been settling into the house and trying to make it our home. Its difficult with how busy we both are but we're making (slow) progress!
In November we were lucky to attend the wedding of one of D's closest friends. It was a beautiful wedding, full of love and laughter, and one happy couple :) It was really special to be there with them as they took that step (leap?).
Thanksgiving was spent it in AZ with family and friends, and was pretty low key for both of us. I was able to make it over to D's Thanksgiving dinner as well as my own, which means it was the first big holiday (that we both celebrate) that we've spent together during the entire time we've been together. Go us!
Once December hit I got super busy with school. I was pretty busy this semester with 5 classes, (my program is considered full time at 3), but during finals was the only time it was overwhelming. And oh, was it overwhelming! I had finals to take, papers to write, projects to complete, etc etc etc. I basically locked myself in the house for a week and a half, but I got it all done! And I did well, too: I earned a 4.0 this semester!
After the semester ended I got busy preparing for Christmas! I always spend it with my family, and my family always hosts a big dinner for our friends on Christmas Eve. I headed to my dad's house a few days before and spent a lovely week in AZ hanging out with my fam, spending time with friends, and soaking up the sun. When it started to rain I hopped in the car and headed back to CA, which brings us to the present...
Along the way we had some very exciting things happen: we finally got a dog! We both really love Goldendoodles, but couldn't understand the associated price tag. We scoured craigslist for weeks and finally found our girl. She's about a year old and the sweetest, happiest thing on the face of this earth. She is also SUCH a dog: she loves car rides, bones, chasing her tail belly rubs, and rolling around on the carpet. We're constantly entertained by her antics and just love her. Otherwise we've just been settling into the house and trying to make it our home. Its difficult with how busy we both are but we're making (slow) progress!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Simple Marinara
We are creatures of habit. We wake up at our normal time, do the same things, shop at the usual stores, and eat repetitively. When we find a product, whether it be a shirt, a tool, or a food, we tend to stick with it. So it surprised me the other day when D announced that he was sick of our favorite marinara.
What? I thought the sauce was just perfect. Tomato-y, a little oily (but in a good way), perfect on its own or as a base. I'll admit, I was a little sad at the thought of finding another sauce. That is, until I remembered this recipe, which I had bookmarked a few months before. It was easy to make and the ingredients plain; the reviews promised the taste was anything but. I made it one Sunday afternoon along with some homemade ravioli. It was simple enough to complement the fresh noodles and cheeses, but vibrant enough to jazz up the box o' whatever I threw together later that week in a weekday rush. Turns out I didn't miss that old jar of sauce too much!
Marinara Sauce
Adapted from Marcela Hazan’s Essentials of Italian Cooking
28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
Salt to taste
Combine the tomatoes, onion and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat. The sauce should be at a slow, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, or until droplets of melted butter float. Stir occasionally, crushing the tomatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.
Remove and discard the onion. Salt to taste.
What? I thought the sauce was just perfect. Tomato-y, a little oily (but in a good way), perfect on its own or as a base. I'll admit, I was a little sad at the thought of finding another sauce. That is, until I remembered this recipe, which I had bookmarked a few months before. It was easy to make and the ingredients plain; the reviews promised the taste was anything but. I made it one Sunday afternoon along with some homemade ravioli. It was simple enough to complement the fresh noodles and cheeses, but vibrant enough to jazz up the box o' whatever I threw together later that week in a weekday rush. Turns out I didn't miss that old jar of sauce too much!
Marinara Sauce
Adapted from Marcela Hazan’s Essentials of Italian Cooking
28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
Salt to taste
Combine the tomatoes, onion and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat. The sauce should be at a slow, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, or until droplets of melted butter float. Stir occasionally, crushing the tomatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.
Remove and discard the onion. Salt to taste.
Spinach, Chard and Ricotta Tortellini
http://homecooking.about.com/od/pastarecipes/r/blpasta51.htm
http://www.annamariavolpi.com/ravioli.html
http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/11813/ravioli-with-spinach-and-ricotta-filling
http://www.annamariavolpi.com/ravioli.html
http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/11813/ravioli-with-spinach-and-ricotta-filling
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tri Report
So it wasn't "next week" as promised, but I'm here with the details of the tri!
I took off work early on the Friday before. I had a little time to get my stuff together and headed down to catch the ferry to Catalina. In all honesty this was the most stressful part of the weekend, I was SO worried I was going to leave something important at home.
At the ferry I met up with my friend/training buddy Christina, her boyfriend, and their friends. The ferry over was relaxing and the sunset was absolutely breathtaking. We got in around 7, lugged our stuff to condo we rented for the weekend, and headed to pick up our packets.
We decided to catch a cab for the mile or so, which turned out to be a great decision. There was this giant hill on the way, and we saw so many people struggling to make it up. At packet pick up there was also a course orientation, where they informed us that we would be riding our bikes up the hill the next morning. Grrreat.
We headed out to dinner shortly thereafter. We had reservations at some fancy Grille on the island, but after being told we would have to wait, despite the reservation, and after the bartender was super snotty we decided to go elsewhere. We ended up at a fun Italian place overlooking the harbor. The portions were huge - hello carbo loading! - and the wine was delicious. After we filled our bellies we headed back to the condo, relaxed, and began preparing for the next morning!
Part 2: Race Day! Coming soon :)
I took off work early on the Friday before. I had a little time to get my stuff together and headed down to catch the ferry to Catalina. In all honesty this was the most stressful part of the weekend, I was SO worried I was going to leave something important at home.
At the ferry I met up with my friend/training buddy Christina, her boyfriend, and their friends. The ferry over was relaxing and the sunset was absolutely breathtaking. We got in around 7, lugged our stuff to condo we rented for the weekend, and headed to pick up our packets.
We decided to catch a cab for the mile or so, which turned out to be a great decision. There was this giant hill on the way, and we saw so many people struggling to make it up. At packet pick up there was also a course orientation, where they informed us that we would be riding our bikes up the hill the next morning. Grrreat.
We headed out to dinner shortly thereafter. We had reservations at some fancy Grille on the island, but after being told we would have to wait, despite the reservation, and after the bartender was super snotty we decided to go elsewhere. We ended up at a fun Italian place overlooking the harbor. The portions were huge - hello carbo loading! - and the wine was delicious. After we filled our bellies we headed back to the condo, relaxed, and began preparing for the next morning!
Part 2: Race Day! Coming soon :)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Triathlon!
Tomorrow I will get up, go to work, just like normal. Then I’ll come home. And then I drive to Long Beach. None of this is out of the ordinary.
Except tomorrow I will get on a boat instead of go to class. I’ll go to Catalina Island. I’ll spend the night. And Saturday morning I will get up and I will race in a triathlon.
I’m feeling relatively good about my preparation. Between work and school I didn’t get in as much training as I would have liked, but I did enough. I think. I guess I’ll find out for sure in a few days! I was able to average one of each workout a week. I can do each of the events at race distance, and I even had brick workouts where I did two events back-to-back. Right now my goals are to finish, to not be last, and to have fun. And maybe even finish in the top 50% of my age group. Under 2 hours. And look hot in a wetsuit J
I’m not nervous. Yet. I’m sure I won’t sleep on Friday night. But right now I am feeling mostly excited for the challenge.
I’ll be back next week with a race report and results!
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