Thinking is Free

I have averaged less than five hours of sleep this past week. In part, my busy schedule is to blame, but mostly, it's my bizarro version of insomnia.

Today I went to the WORT FriendRaiser Potluck in Sauk City. Hosted by the Free Congregation of Sauk City. The event was a huge success, thanks to all of the attending community members, the CAB members (I swear I am not tooting my own horn here), and the members of the WORT programming.

The middle-eastern themed food spread included tabouli, hummus, spinach phyllo dough pastries, samosas, lentil soup, chili, cranberry bread, and much much more. Another highlight of the event was Madison Home Brewers sampling some delicious home-made beer.

The drive to Sauk City was absolutely gorgeous, really, one could not hope for a better way for a community gathering. It was brisk but sunny, and it reminded me (as I forget sometimes, especially in the winter) just how beautiful Wisconsin is. And it got me thinking, as I assessed how many times and in how many different ways I have criss-crossed my way across Wisconsin terrain -- I never would have thought years ago that I would be proud to think of myself as a Wisconsinite. It's an odd feeling. I wondered what this place looked like 500 years ago, 1000 years ago... Also, I drive too much.

Driving me Mad.

Tomorrow I am going to Milwaukee to represent a friend on a Speeding violation. There has been a lot of driving in my recent past and also forecasted in my immediate future, which makes me nervous because my car is less than reliable. Sooner or later I will have to face the music and buy something less spazzy.

Last night Turtle made delicious dinner for me -- Wild Rice Medley, Salmon Fillet, and Asparagus. It was to die for. Tonight on the menu -- leftover wild rice medley spruced up with some shrimp and lemon juice. And maybe a salad. Just maybe.

I Want to Paint it White

There's a snowstorm going on outside. Unheard of, I know. Especially in this state, this time of year. Despite mother nature's whimsical insistence on painting everything fluffy white, I shoveled and got to work early. This weather is a good time for reflection. If you have the time for that sort of thing. I don't. I am working all day. I would reflect tonight, but I have resolved to go sledding instead.

On the dinner menu tonight: Salad. Big one. With lots of stuff in it. Stay tuned.

Rediscovering your Roots

Wow. I forgot about this place. Now that I remember, don't expect much, but I may just make a comeback.

A lot has changed in the past year or so. Many things have stayed the same. So it goes. Welcome back.

Of Ticks and Other Parasites

I got bitten by a tick a few weeks ago. Shortly afterward, I began to develop a rash. At first it just looked like an allergic reaction, but then it started looking scary, so I went to the doctor yesterday knowing exactly what would transpire -- antibiotics for Lyme Disease. It's not the end of the world, but now I am nauseous perpetually thanks to the antibiotics, and also tired and cranky because of the damn Lyme. Here's to hoping it all goes away very soon.

I would walk 500 miles...

I walked about 5 miles today.  That's not all I did today, but it seems like my biggest accomplishment.  I also worked 8.5 hours and worked out at the gym.  But I think I am proudest of the walking, and also of the fact that I used to hate walking and rarely did it, but over the past 3 months I have really grown to love it.  Funny how we sometimes grow to love the things we used to hate and grow to hate the things we used to love... Then again, some tastes remain fairly unchanged throughout our lives... 

I made sweet sweet curry last night.  Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato were the main attractions, along with lemon grass, coconut milk, green curry paste, and peanut butter.  It turned out well, but I miss the mango I had added last time -- had no mango on hand this time around.  

On the menu tonight -- *drum roll*  -- leftover curry!  Yes, I know, not the most exciting choice, but I am tired and lazy and feel like bumming around the couch for an hour and then going to bed.  I will supplement my leftovers with a salad of greens and tomatoes (plus miscellaneous veggies), olive oil, ground pepper, and balsamic vinegar.  That's sure to spice things up.

I also want to mention that I can't wait till the weather warms up just a little bit more so I can dig out my tent and head out to Devil's Lake.  I have been thinking about camping constantly as of late...

A-maze

I had the most amazing day on Saturday in celebration of my Monumental Event.   Most of the credit goes to Turtle, who planed the entire day.  It should not come as a surprise that the things that stand out the most are the delicious items we consumed throughout.  

Woke up late (I get excited when I can can manage to do that!), lounged around, and then Turtle and I made eggs, bacon, and roasted potatoes.  The meal was, of course, competed with coffee and cream -- yum! 

After some general early afternoon laziness and watching a few episodes of futurama, we proceeded to walk over to the Cafe, where we indulged in a shared gyro sandwich (best in town) and a glass of wine for me and a beer for Turtle.  

A brief stop at the grocery store netted us some filet mignon steak for later in the evening.  At this point it began lightly snowing (!!).  We headed over to Sundance Cinemas to see "Sunshine Cleaning".  We got there about 90 minutes early (not an accident) so we walked across the street to David Bacco's Chocolate place where we shared three of the most amazing truffles  I have ever sampled.  

Before the movie started we grabbed a drink at the bar inside Sundance -- the bar was beautifully decorated and sparsely populated.   I wanted to try the Absinthe martini but they were out, just as well since I later remembered that Absinthe tasted like anise, which I hate.  So instead I ordered a Cosmo (they actually use Cointreau!) and Turtle ordered the  Caiprinha on my recommendation -- I had read about the cocktail but had never tried it.   Unfortunately, Turtle did not like his brazilian drink, so I traded drinks with him as I thought it was rather tasty, though perhaps better suited for a really hot summer day.  Right before the start of the movie, we bought one more round of drinks  - a Cosmo for me (I got to drink it this time) and a beer for Turtle, and we headed into the theater -- YES!  you can drink your cocktails right inside the movie theater!  And the arm rests come up too!

The film was amazing -- I don't do movie reviews, so I won't get into the details, but I will just say that it made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with the characters all at once.  It was real, warm, and uplifting sans the "artificial sweetener" present in most films being made in this day and age.  

When we got out of the theater, we were greeted by about 4 inches of snow (SNOW!) which we scraped off the car happily, knowing it was certain to be the last of the season (well... maybe just one more, right?).  Then we went home, made a delicious filet mignon with a side of asparagus, drank a glass of our favorite red wine, and watched another movie.  

It was a night to remember!