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Two weeks ago today I was reading the paper like I do every morning.  By reading,  I mean skimming and by paper I mean the New York Post –  gimme a break, I can’t keep up with real news everyday.  It just stresses me out too much.   I usually like to just read anything scandalous, check movie times for my local theatre (even though I never intend on seeing a movie there) and look at a picture of Lady GaGa or Sarah Jessica Parker doing whatever they are doing somewhere trendy in Manhattan.  Well, this particular morning I had more time and was actually reading the sections.  I saw that Anthony Bourdain was going to be signing books at Barnes and Noble that evening!  I think I actually jumped up and down a little bit.  This is not like me, ever.. makes me too tall, who wants to see the tall girl jumping around? no one.

Anyway, Anthony Bourdain is my favorite food personality out there.  I have never ever gotten into any other Food show (except the original Iron Chef – Hiroyuki Sakai was my MAN!)  I’ll also add, I am not a hardcore Bourdain-er.  I didn’t even know super fans of his existed until I reached the signing (I mean, why shouldn’t they exist, right?) But I really just DVR every single one of his shows and watch them everyday.  He cracks me up and I adore him, thats it.

I immediately texted Joe saying I was going (Bulls vs Heat, big game was on) and asked him to join me. He agreed, but I honestly think he only said yes because he thought I would flake out.  I almost did flake out. I planned on leaving my apartment at 5, yet by 5:15 I was still in a towel with big poofy pre-flat iron bangs. I had showered at 2.  I was feeling THAT lazy. BUT I ended up lugging my tired self all the way to Union Square and I am really so glad that I did.  Minus the fact that the train I was on got stuck for about 35 minutes and it was a manic scene down there.  I hate confined spaces with strangers.

I showed up as it was scheduled to begin (always late) and there was definitely about 500 people there!  Most of them had seats, but I had to get in one of those winding lines through the bookstore to wait my turn.  Should have been on time, Ashley!  Well, I was standing in the New Age section, Anthony was about 150 feet away but I couldn’t see him unless I was on my toes (not that desperate) and I couldn’t hear him at all because I had this chick a few people behind me who wouldn’t shut up.  She wouldn’t stop bitching to her boyfriend because they came at 4 and “someone” told them to “come back at 7” and she didn’t get a seat, and is now in a long line.  She even confronted an employee about the situation! Like, look around girl! we are all in this line.  She thought since she already “bought” the book she should be ahead of most of us? Must add- this signing was only for the release of the book in paperback, it wasn’t a new book or anything like that.  She even repeatedly make her boyfriend leave the line to go try to finagle her way into the seats.  She was not even cute! She seemed to be out of her mind on Bourdain Blood and was laughing maniacally at everything Tony said.   They ended up leaving and I watched them sneakily merge themselves about 10 people ahead of us in line, after all that.  The girl directly behind me shared my sympathy and we ended up going back and forth about this chick for quite a while.

Joe showed up somewhere during all of this, and he looked not amused with the amount of people there.  I was just praying in my head that this would go as quickly as possible.  It didn’t.    The Q&A  with the audience lasted quite a long time and people were asking questions about how he likes to roll his joints and what his favorite vegan dish is.  Do we really all need to know this? Once he started signing we got moved up to the front and then slowly gained admission to sit in folding chairs directly in front of the signing table and people watch everyone else meeting him. It was quite amusing, quite the turnout of different people who were all equally psyched to be there.  Also, we ended up directly behind that girl. The annoying one.  So we got to listen to her more. YAY.

This old man had him sign lots of old books, which weren’t Bourdain books.  Is that even allowed? that whole stack was his!
-The chairs. almost empty.

Fast Forward approximately  an hour and a half and we finally get ushered out of our seats and move to ANOTHER line, but this is the final line.  I was thinking about what to say to him – the scenario was just so awkward.  I’ve been to my fair share of CD signings back in the day, when I was a fan girl to the extreme.  But that’s when I was still a little wee-one, getting giddy.  For the most part, I’ve lost my adoration for “famous people” – I just get awkward.  I wrote down this blog (worth a shot, right?) and I was just going to say what was situational when I got up there.  Ideas – telling him Joe works for the Food Network (then he might have given Joe a hard time) and asking him when he’s going to bring No Reservations to the Jersey Shore.  The annoying girl, by the way- was very loud and told him that when he gives up his job that she is going to steal it.  She was shifting around and laughing like a maniac and of course, took a picture with him.  Looking crazy.  When we finally got up front I had him sign the book and a $2 bill.  He joked about signing money being illegal, then I panicked and asked him about a Jersey Shore episode and he brought up the show! Said they ruined NJ for him, although he spent summers in LBI as a child and also admitted that he does indeed still watch the show.    I said something back that I can’t remember and then we were shoo’ed away.    We got home, stayed up late to watch the Bulls game, they lost.  Joe was pretty bummed, so was I.   I was also exhausted and had to be at work in a few hours.  Not fun, this is why I don’t like doing anything on work nights.  I’m telling you, my job is taking over my life (schedule wise)

I have a love/hate relationship with wings.
Yummy/messy/I love the bleu cheese and celery.

Every time we make a trip to Costco, we usually get a rotisserie chicken, but this time we went with a package of wings. I had two containers of crumbled Gorgonzola in the fridge, so I decided to make the dressing.

What You Need:
4 cups of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1 cup mayo
1 cup sour cream
1 lemon (1 tbs juice + zest half of it)
Worcestershire sauce
Honey ( 1 tbs, slightly above room temperature)
Sriracha hot sauce  (1 tsp)
Pepper (1 tsp)
Salt (to taste)

What I Did:
In a large mixing bowl, combine  mayo, sour cream, lemon juice & zest. Whip it, good. Next, add about 5 dashes of worcestershire, pepepr, honey and sriracha.  Mix well.

After you have your base, throw in your cheese.   I love the clumps, so I added extra.  But if you aren’t a fan of that- I’d add slowly until you feel comfortable with the consistency.  Add salt to taste (the cheese is pretty salty to begin with).  I added a few pinches.

Cover and let sit for a few hours.  If you have time, I’d let it sit over night.  But if you are anything like me, you usually don’t know what you are making until you are ready to actually eat.. there is no “sitting” in this apartment.

I’d recommend making this dressing for anyone who isn’t quite the fan of the distinct flavor of bleu cheese (we all have those friends, right?).  It has the same consistency, you know.. when the chunks get caught on the wings. Ah, so good.   After chillin in the fridge for a few days, we used the rest on wedge salads- it was to die for.

Joe and I went out on dates, two nights in a row this weekend! What a lovely treat.  Last night it was still light out at 8 pm, so we left the restaurant and took a walk around the block.  Here’s what we saw. I hope everybody else is enjoying their Holiday Weekend!

[ our New Block, our laundromat, favorite deli & The Park Slope Armory YMCA ]

[ our current block,  we both wore loafers, garbage overload! ]

I couldn’t resist the loaf of Raisin Challah bread staring me in the face at Union Market.  I immediately tossed it in my basket, committing to French Toast in the morning.  I followed through. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever make my French Toast with anything else. Especially with the raisins and extra cinnamon.

What To Do:
Slice the Challah bread into thin, but not too thin slices.
Beat 4 eggs with dash of milk and 1 tbs cinnamon
Ready frying pan with butter, low heat.
Dip/DrenchChallah in egg mixture
Move to Pan, kept on low heat and flip after 2 minutes (I’d watch it, I like mine browned)
Remove from Pan and sprinkle cinnamon on top, Add Syrup.
devour.

Our friend Liz, she lives in Kansas City.   I’ve talked about our unique friendship before but a fast reminder: we started talking online in 1999, met in 2005 and will be living together Fall 2011.   She is a world traveler, and has always been the one to come East to visit me.  After we lost a very close mutual friend, it was time for me to step it up.    I couldn’t stand the fact that I hadn’t seen Liz’s home, met her friends and most importantly, seen her perform! She is a very talented actress and works so hard at her craft.   She had one of her biggest parts yet approaching,  I had to be there to see it.  I really wanted to surprise her, but that might have been too much on her plate, so I let her in on my pseudo-plans.  She was totally psyched! Of course! Icing on the cake, it fell on Joe’s Birthday weekend.  Perfect.  I convinced him to go (didn’t take much convincing) Then,  my tax return was deposited and I booked the tickets immediately.

Neither Joe or I  have spent much time in the Mid-West.  I was nervous, excited and ready for some fried chicken!  Our flights were painless. I think.. I slept through take off and landing (I usually want to barf through both)  Our layover in Detroit .. we were total zombies, we still hadnt slept! After picking us up, Liz brought us to coffee immediately  (it’s one of our shared obsessions) I finally got to meet her Mom, who I feel like I’ve always known.  I cuddled her kitty girl, Paris.  Saw the trinkets she kept throughout her home and I obviously raided her closet.  Joe! don’t let me pack at midnight when I have to leave for airport at 2 a.m. Bad News, nothing made sense- wardrobe wise.

Liz’s performances were flawless.  She blew me away! Joe was very hesitant to be attending the “Kansas City Women’s Playwrighting Festival” – but, he LOVED it.   The selection of pieces made us both laugh & cry.  In the Playbill, she dedicated her performances to Rachael.  Extremely fitting because not only was Rach into theatre, but the first performance was a story about young love. (Promises to Keep – video)

Earlier in the day, we had a meal at Jack Stack’s BBQ.  HOLY DELISH!  The Beans, Burnt Ends, Coleslaw, Ribs, Chicken, It was all delicious. Our meal was obviously paired with the Local Beer- Boulevard.  Very impressive, we enjoyed the Long Strange Tripel and a Spring Ale.  After the performances at Union Station a stop to a beer store was imperative.  Ended up choosing a  sample of Boulevard and went home to drink up.  It was nice, I got to know Liz’s boy, Bryce. We ate all of our leftovers and relaxed.   I’m pretty sure we passed out one by one, but it was probably just me- first. As always.

The next morning we decided to stop by Westport Flea Market . Joe’s friend Erik is not only well versed in food areas, but a native of the Kansas City area.  He recommended a few places- Westport was one of them.  Thank YOU Erik! Delish, grubby, greasy, burger.  Exactly what we needed.  It was a fun experience to boot, tables set up amongst a flea market with a cute tattooed chick behind bar that took your beer & food order, and  mean looking cooks behind the window. Growling your name out on a loud speaker to pick up your food while arguing with the waitresses.   Aaah, to work in a restaurant.  I miss that dynamic.  You fixed up your own burgers with every condiment and topping.  I chose pickles, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and BBQ sauce.  Heavenly!  After we stuffed ourselves silly we went back inside to shop.  I picked up a few items, and talked to the man who ran one of the shops.  He was so interesting and gave me a free Michael Jordan card and vintage Boy Scout pins!! He hooked Liz up with some Princess Diana Beanie Babies.  We also came away with a Spanish NBA card game, an ashtray and a set of brand new vintage champagne glasses.

Before closing night of the Festival, naps took place.  During closing night of the Festival, Liz rocked it! Go Liz! I took shaky videos of both this night (Promises to Keep was linked above) and the closing act, Eva’s Evolution.  Liz plays Eva! Afterward, Joe and I waited for Liz and the rest of the cast to clean up the stage and we joined them all at a local bar for drinks.

Without saying, the next morning brought a few lazy, slightly hungover folks.  The remedy?  Stroud’s BBQ.  I can say.. without hesitation- this is one of my favorite meals I’ve ever had.  It was Mother’s Day, so we were nervous about having to wait for a table- but! the bar was empty! I ordered a Bloody Mary- it might be the most delish one I’ve ever had.  The barkeep was amazing and let me ask a million questions.  I wanted their house specialities so he steered me in the direction of a Broiled Pork Chop, 3 pieces of Fried Chicken, side of Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Applesauce.  You guys, oh my.  I can’t even begin to describe the gravy they served with the meal.   I need to learn how to make that (and then eat it on it’s own!)  After the meal, they presented us with a basket of Cinnamon Bread.   Decadence. They were warm, heavy and full of perfect rich cinnamon flavor.  This place needs a cookbook! Pronto.   We were so full, there was serious strain involved in lifting ourselves from our seats.   Of course, we had an abundance of leftovers… more for later!  It was so good. I highly recommend/demand  going there if you are EVER in the area.

Let’s get this right out in the open – I am not good at FITNESS.   Any medium of movement without a dire need to survive, I’d honestly rather pass. I have joined fitness centers  on several occasions, went for a week or took one tough class that made my body feel like it was falling apart. Those classes always made me never want to go back for more torture.  THEN, I have been stuck with a gym contract that oh so conveniently is taken directly out of my account.  I have tried desperately to get out of it, the fine print makes it impossible!   I even thought about canceling my debit card.  Then, I heard they’d still be able to come after me.  I was stuck, and just too lazy to keep up with the gym business.

This was all before I met Mr. Joe.  He is very athletic, but in a respectable- not over the top way.   Loves to run, play sports, lift weights, push ups, sit ups, blah blah blah.    He doesn’t force himself to do it, he actually wants to.  Afterward, it makes him feel better.  It was shocking to me!  I know these sort of people exist- yet  I always knew I just wasn’t one of them (and had no desire to be, honestly)   I always admired the commitment, I just never imagined myself being committed to such a healthy man.

He has pushed me and inspired me to work a little bit more on my body (although he does love it “as is”)  I have even begun to pay attention to the fitness sections in magazines instead of just flipping right past them. Like every woman, there are things I’d love to change about my body.  The initiative to go  ahead and change it myself was until recently, well…lacking.  I love indulgence, eating & drinking what I want, when I want it.   Since I have passed age 24, my body has literally taken on the proof that I live this lifestyle.    I want to enjoy a long, beautiful life, looking long and beautiful myself.   When I get married I don’t want to go on the famous “bride diet” or when I one day have a child- be worried about taking off the baby weight.  I’d rather be excited, and ready.  Not scared to enter a gym or look at it all as a chore.   Take my Nana, for example.  She is 88 years old.  She exercised every, single day of her life.  Walking, swimming, aerobics, gardening, crafting,  cooking, it’s all activity and it’s what she strived to fill her life with.   For the most part, she is still healthy as a horse.  Age has prevented her from moving the way she used to- but her upkeep throughout life has kept her in shape to move forward today.   I’m on board with that idea, I’m trying to get to that place. To keep my future healthy, today.

Saturday morning I woke up particularly early, 7 a.m.  I tossed and turned and then I heard a bunch of hooting and hollering.  Oh yeah! There was a marathon happening in the park.  It consisted of  two laps around Prospect Park (3.2 miles each) then, the runner’s exit the park and run down Ocean Parkway- to end on Coney Island Boardwalk (thats pretty far)  I threw on some clothes, grabbed my camera and headed across the street.  The morning fog was laying low and there were masses of people running through.  It was amazing, so early, so quiet.  The repetitive sound of sneakers hitting the asphalt was borderline hypnotic, I felt as if I was underwater.  Joe and Stinky joined me 15 minutes later, we all watched for a bit and then took a walk to get bagels and coffee.

As Stinky and I waited outside for the coffee, I got a phone call from my Mom.   I hadn’t heard from her since 10:00 the previous morning- which is very strange.  We text all day, everyday.  I knew something was wrong, I always do- when it comes to her.  She gave me the news that her cancer, had spread.   She is going to need a mastectomy.   She is scared, angry, vulnerable, fragile, beautiful, strong, poised and full of grace.   Her body is turning it’s back on her, she can only move forward.   She originally had plans to visit Joe and I for the weekend, she was feeling very drained since she received the news.  Her hesitance to make the trek up here was replaced by a burst of “get the heck out of new jersey” energy.  She was on her way.

Life is obviously short, we all know that.  Lately- I’ve been thinking about the fact that being inactive isn’t going to hurt anyone but myself (mentally and physically) in the long run.  I am healthy today.  I think.  I want to preserve myself,  I have been inspired by my Mother, Nana, Joe and all those people running that morning.  Inspiration to move forward and keep my heart strong, my body and mind nourished.

After we ate our bagels, and relaxed a bit- I  joined Joe on a run around Prospect Park.  Remember, thats 3.2 MILES! I have done this once before (proof-  here)   Mr. Athletic has gone countless times since we have lived here.  While I stayed safely inside, being a lump.   Before we went I stressed about a playlist, headphones, whether or not my booty would fall out of the only shorts I have to run in.  Whether or not to wear my hair in a ponytail or bun.  I was finding every excuse to basically not be able to go.  But, I did go.  FOLKS, I rocked it.  I ran, jogged and walked (baby steps)  The park was bustling with people, the sun was out.  It was actually fun!   It cleared my mind, and took away my breath.  When I met back up with Joe I was so proud of myself.  I still am.  But today, I hurt like whoa.  I should have stretched.  I didn’t know that part. But HEY, I’m still learning.  I want to motivate people to do the same- with me.   The world didn’t end that day (while running I briefly dwelled on the fact that my last day alive was going to spent running, ew!)

[ My Mom & I after completing a  Breast Cancer walk in 2004 – Philadelphia, PA ]

I waited to post this to internet land, but it is 99% definite that we have found a new apartment.  It happened fast, and perfectly.  In the middle of a downpour, Joe went and looked at five different apartments.  I napped.  The last place he saw, he had a feeling.  He came home, woke me up, and said we can go back in 30 minutes to see it again.

It’s in our same neighborhood, on a tree lined block, has a private deck (!!) and is just so, sweet.  We put in an application right away.  There was another girl viewing the same time as us, taking pictures, loving it.  I didn’t want to lose this chance. A few days have gone by, we’ve been approved, we are getting ready to write checks and sign the lease.  It’s all happening.  I feel so much better. Although, I am already super stressing about paint colors and furniture positioning. I want to get back into the space so bad to take measurements!