crocs (yes, it's a post about the ugly shoes)

I was never a Croc hater, though I do not own a pair. I can appreciate how people like the shoe's comfy foamy feel, bright colors and unique-ugly look. If the shoe world were like high school Crocs would be the awkward and weird looking geeks, but at least they are themselves. However, when one of those geeks tries to be something else, we all know the end result is always a train wreck (remember Can't Buy Me Love?). Let me make my point more clear in the following photos.

Crocs the Original

Crocs trying to be one of the "normal" kids (you know, the ones who go to the football games but aren't on the football team or the ones who get invited to the big house parties but never to the inner sanctum of the popular kids).

Crocs trying to be one of the cool kids (the "it" crowd, the "plastics", etc.) and it is a damn tragedy. What the f*ck? Are these foam wedges suppose to be more formal? I just don't think you can make foam shoes formal. These shoes are like the chubby girl trying to fit into a little slutty dress that is two sizes too small.   

The lesson here is just be yourself even if few people like you. 

on the day of the "rapture"...

I sampled a lot of beer with hundreds of other people and ate a lot of food. I had a merry time.

Growing up I was terrified of the rapture -- terrified of getting "left behind." I remember times when everyone in my house would suddenly seem to disappear and I'd be all alone. I thought, "everyone got raptured but me." To make sure, I would call someone I was pretty sure would make it to heaven to see if they were still around and if they were, I was good.

Well here I am, post-apocalypse and everyone I want in my life and want to be around is here with me.

The next time some crazy person we (and the media) pay so much attention to and predicts armageddon, I am going to start crossing things of my list like... punch someone in the face, eat an entire bacon explosion by myself (that's bacon and sausage smothered in bbq sauce), go on a shopping spree, steal a police car and take it for a joy ride... and many more (well as much as I can do in one day).


So, what did you do on the day of the rapture?

new to me

I purchased a 1970s Schwinn Collegiate road bike and I have to admit I love it more than my brand new Schwinn Typhoon beach cruiser.

It's 5 speed (so easier to ride) but I have no idea what gear I am in when I switch because it doesn't say on the lever.

I like this bike so much because it is so old and still in great condition. The stuff built back then were built to last.



There is something really cool about owning things that are old or used... I like to think about who once owned this bike, what roads and adventures it's been on, etc.

Apps

I wanted to share with you two iPad apps I have come to love.

It's that time of year when the weather can't make up its mind which makes getting dressed more difficult. Do I need a sweater or jacket? Well, I found this cool app called Swackett that gives you the weather report and suggestions on what to wear.

You can also use the app (which is basically a website) on your computer. You get the app from the website http://www.swackett.com/app/web.php. You just punch in you zip code and you can sign up free and save your settings.

One of the most amazing and innovative apps I have come across is the Wired magazine app, which allows you to download digital versions of the magazine. Wired on the iPad is a completely different way of looking at a publication. The cover is animated (which kind of reminds me of the moving portraits on Harry Potter) and the articles-- even some of the ads-- are interactive. Wired on the iPad is extremely convenient because if you're reading about new products or even a new band, all you have to do is click on a link that will either take you to that product or play the band's song. The only downside is you have to buy individual issues, however, Wired does offer some free issues (like this one).

don't make your own pastry dough...

Unless you are ready to get messy and work your ass off.
I am too lazy to write up the recipe for these Plum Galettes but I already took the photos so here they are.

These are the main ingredients. Eggs are for the egg wash.

Flour, cornstarch, salt and water for the dough

And of course butter. Lots of butter. Two cups to be exact. You roll out the butter onto the dough until it is pliable.

After lots of rolling, folding and chilling in the fridge, you assemble the galettes (or tarts) and here's what you get... sort of. These didn't quite turn out like the ones in the cook book but home made pastry dough is delicious.

the "girls" are getting all the action

Warning: This is not a sex post but a pity party for one so I won't hold it against you if you choose not to continue reading.

Today I had to get an MRI which the radiologist recommended after I had a second mammogram. I have been getting yearly screening mammograms for three years because I have a strong family history of breast cancer (my mom who was diagnosed in her 30s and died in her 40s and her mom). The MRI was extremely uncomfortable and lasted for 45 minutes. I have never felt so much anxiety as I have in the past month. When I got called back to do additional screening, I of course started thinking the worst. I am my own worst enemy. The radiologist only indicated that they had found "changes" in tissue and with my history they wanted to be extra careful, and here I was thinking the worst. After the second screening they still saw the "spots" or tissue in the mammogram but couldn't see it in an ultra sound so she said it's most likely just overlapping tissue but recommended an MRI just to be 100 percent sure. I haven't heard about the MRI results but I am not so much concerned about the results as I am about the bill. I am pretty sure my insurance won't cover the MRI, but I plan on taking a day off to argue with them (and the evil cable company for other reasons).

Do people ever get used to this? How do people not freak out or worry every time they get tested or screened for anything? I often think cancer is inevitable for me it is just a matter of when. The hardest part about knowing I have a higher chance of getting cancer is that I am absolutely powerless against it. No amount of healthy living will stop cancer if it is in your genes. On the positive side, getting yearly screenings will only increase my chances if I do get cancer... and another positive side is getting fake boobs that will stay perky forever.

Ok. Pity party for one is over. Thanks for attending. I'll leave you with this...

I'm excited for summer... and more days like this...

Lemon Herb Pacific Cod baked in Foil

Here is a low calorie dish I'd like to share with you.

Pacific Cod baked in Foil (with lemon, butter and herbs)

This dish is simple, quick, easy and you can prepare it however you like. I used thin lemon slices and dried herbs de provence seasoning (fresh thyme would work best for this dish). Cooking in foil makes it easy because it is one less dish to wash. Score. When trying to eat low calorie and healthy, I try be positive about every little bonus I get from the dish to help ease the pain that I am not scarfing down a bowl of sour cream bacon dip at the moment.

Ingredients

1 (6 oz) filet of Pacific Cod
Thin lemon slices (about three) - or you can use thin slices of tomato and onions if you like.
Seasoning for the fish (I used Blackened Seasoning but you can also use Creole or just simply salt and pepper).
Butter or Olive Oil Spray (or a tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil just take into account the added calories).

Spray or brush the filet on both sides with the butter or olive oil.
Season both sides with seasoning then place on a large piece of foil.
Sprinkle herbs de provence or three sprigs of time on top of the filet.
Place on a foil and place thin lemon slices on top of the filet.

Optional: Place a serving of frozen vegetables (I chose broccoli) in the foil with the fish. Note that when you put frozen veggies the cooking time for the fish will be longer.

Close the foil at the top and sides forming a roomy pouch.
Bake on 400F for 20 min. (if filet is frozen or if you have frozen veggies in the foil pouch, otherwise bake for about 12 min.)

Serve over Brown Rice.

I know the dish isn't fancy and it is a little boring but I will take not fancy and boring for 20 minutes of cooking time on a weeknight :)

Calorie Count for Entire Dish:
Pacific Cod - 140 cal
Brown Rice (1 cup) - 150 cal
1/2 Serving of broccoli - 15 cal
TOTAL: 305

I recently purchased two cookbooks, Healthy Cooking for two (or just you) and Tartine.

The Healthy Cooking book is perfect for me at this time because the recipes are written for if you're making a meal for one or two. There aren't photos in the book (which I think is essential in a cookbook) but I like how each recipe has a detailed nutritional value.

The Tartine book I couldn't resist at the book store and spent $35 on it. Tartine is a bakery in San Francisco and everything in the cookbook looks delectable. I have never been to the bakery but the next time I will be sure to visit the next time I am in the city. 

I have made one recipe from the book so far, the Banana-Date Tea Cake and it was absolutely delicious. As usual, I brought the loaf to work and it has been my co-workers' favorite so far out of all of the cupcakes, cookies and cakes I have brought to them. I can't wait to bake more.

Call me sadistic. Here I am trying to count calories but I buy a dessert book and I want to make every single recipe it offers. The trick to avoiding eating it is to bake it on a Sunday and bring it all to work the next day to share.

Happy Cooking (healthy :P)