Amateur Pet Owner

Meet my two newest co-workers:

P-nut. He likes to chill.

M&M. He's swims around like there's no tomorrow.

P-nut and M&M.

How these two came about starts with a text I received while on my way to work Monday morning:

LD was our office's pet frog. A colleague brought him in from her home, where she didn't feel like keeping him around any more. We gladly accepted him. Daily, we fondly greeted, loved, conversed, and played with him. He was the first thing you saw on your in to work, and the last on your way out. He never had any thing mean to say, and would always meet your finger tapping on his tank. The perfect little buddy.

With only one little tiny hole for air, we would turn the top of his tank kitty corner (or catty corner, depending on your taste), to give him some more room to breathe. We usually closed it back up at night.

Usually.

Just this past Friday, I was one of the last ones out. In my excitement for the weekend, I totally let LD down. I ignored him, and didn't give him the proper goodbye. If only, then it wouldn't have been his last goodbye! Most importantly that fateful evening, I didn't close up the tank.

We found him between a plant and cubicle wall. Not able to look, a male peer took him to the nearby restroom in attempt to revive him under the faucet. To no avail, we heard the flush shortly thereafter.

We like to think happy thoughts of his demise, that he was trying to get to better places, perhaps to find a friend. We say to ourselves that he must have loved the taste of freedom. Unfortunately for him, that taste contained way more O then H2O. If only he knew, poor little guy.

I blame myself. I feel terrible. I'm a frog killer, people! I opened the door for LD; I was his Kevorkian, if you will. Oh, the shame!

So today, in remembrance of our dear friend, LD, we got a few juniors. This time we went for a pair, hoping they will be happier with a fellow frog around. We also got them a bigger tank (with more air holes - future crisis averted!) and some extra toys - some shells and a barrel with barnacles. I mean, who doesn't love colorful barnacles?

While we are excited for our new friends, they can never truly replace our LD.

You'll be missed, little guy.

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What was your favorite pet? Have you ever accidentally acquired the title of pet murderer? How did you deal with it? Along with my American Idol Anonymous group, I'm thinking a pet survivor support group might also be in order. Who's with me?

Amateur Fan

A few weekends ago I joined thousands of teeny boppers at Batlimore's 1st Mariner Arena for the much anticipated "American Idol LIVE" concert.

I have no shame.

This is the first time I've ever watched an entire season, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Additionally, a few colleagues at work followed the show, so we also had some decent water cooler conversation topics ("seriously, what was she wearing?" "holy moly, those blue eyes just melt my heart.").

With the season finale and announced winner just around the corner, we (coworker and yours truly) decided concert tickets were just what the doctor ordered. Floor seats? Yes, please.

A couple of days before said concert we discussed attire options and dreams of getting back stage. We are pretty good looking, mind you. Definitely back stage material.

On the big day, our excitement matched the heat index level (112 degrees, people. I kid you not.). Traffic moved smoothly, parking spot found, and we join the masses of young families and few fanatic senior citizens. We pass by the $4 water and $8 smoothies, the $40 shirts and $35 programs to our seats. Not too shabby, and on the end to the boot! I had no idea what to expect. Some kind of kids bop number with everyone together?

Nope. A number 10 flashes on the screen behind the stage and good ol' Didi comes out singing. I must admit, she sounds much better in person. I must also admit that while I could write up a review of each performer, I know most of you really don't care.

Any way, the performances went on up the line, and most everyone actually sounded better live. Except for little Katie Stevens. She needs a few more years. Or lessons. Or to find herself.

I digress. No reviews, right?

Casey and Big Mike did their "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman" duet. I can see why Kara asked Casey to undress during his audition. Whew! Either my laptop is an oven or... Yep, my laptop is overheating.

TMI. A thousand apologies.

So, I was disappointed that Lee and Crystal didn't do theirs, but oh well. They each did a great job. Unfortunately, I think Lee packed on a few tour pounds. Poor guy.

And of course, THE hat had to make an appearance. How could I NOT wear it for Lee?!

Who was your favorite idol this year? It is okay, you can tell me. I'm thinking of starting an Idol Anonymous group.

Amateur Patriot

Before I left for Utah, I celebrated our nation's freedom and democracy down where the Revolutionary War was won. With my freedom, I first chose a round a golf.

Then went canoeing with the whole family plus one cousin. And by canoeing I mean racing to each end of the reservoir, resting, and racing back. My family competitive? Never.

Then we walked around Yorktown and threw a frisbee. We are all-American, all the way.

The next day, we went back and waited for some fireworks with our dear friends and family. And by waiting I mean playing cards. Competitively.

Then came the big show! Ooooooh. Ahhhhh.

Following the big show, came the big wait, sitting in a big truck bed, while in the big parking lot.

Good times had by all.

Amateur Vacationer

So what have I done since eating an astronomical amount of food last month? Not much. 

For the rest of my trip, I did a few things, like hike the Y with these lovely people:

And celebrate this girl's 23rd birthday (which included more food, most importantly gelato):

And go to Seven Peaks water part:

And best of all, hold this little guy as much as possible:

So what did you do on your summer vacation?

Amateur Update

I know I should blog about a few things:
- 4th of July weekend
- The rest of my Utah trip

And by a few things I really mean 2. However, I have about 349 photos to browse through of my new little nephew, first. Priorities, people.

Hopefully this will be done by Saturday. If not, add the "American Idol Live" concert to that list.

Yep, I'm that cool.

Amateur Eater Followup, II

In true European fashion, we strongly adhere to the large lunch, light dinner (light meaning cupcake) schedule. Today was the perfect vacation day: kind of sleep in, read, take a morning jog (in 68 degree weather, no less. Sorry, East Coast friends), do some yoga, get ready, and head out for lunch. After lunch I promptly found myself in a lovely nap while the kids watched Extreme Makeover, Home Edition and Phineas and Ferb (hilarious show, check it out). My sleeping arrangements included a memory foam pad, so life was goooood.

Tonight will include some fresh, homemade pesto, and we already made the run to get some cupcakes. Yes, folks - two trips in less then 24 hours. Be rest assured, it really is that good. I'm actually still full from lunch but eating a Madagascar Vanilla Vanilla as we speak. With that, you are warned of any food-drunk typing. Actually, you must be doubly warned, for all pictures are taken with my iPhone. Not the best quality, but I think you can get a decent idea.

Onward to the food.

Pizzeria 712: check. The meal started with complimentary homemade pita bread and hummus. Best pita bread I've ever had - soft, thin, and a little taste of the fire it was cooked over. We began the main course with a shared spinach salad mixed with house smoked bacon, croutons, pickled shallot, whole grain mustard vinaigrette (AMAZING. I must figure out to recreate it), and goat cheese. Simply put, perfection in a bowl. Each flavor came out, complemented each other, and left me completely satisfied. I loved the little kick of the mustard behind it all.

Next, we decided two pizzas were in order - we could bring home leftovers, no doubt. My co-eating partner in crime got the potato, red onion, parmesan, and ricotta pizza. It was good, but I definitely preferred my order - tomato sauce, scallion oregano, serrano chile, hand pulled mozzarella, and farm egg.  They crack a fresh egg atop the pizza just before baking and comes a perfect over easy to sop up the yolk with your crust. I N C R E D I B L E. By my last piece, I picked off a few chilies, because it was getting to be a bit too much heat for me. Again, this came together perfectly. The tomatoes were a perfect fresh flavor and I loved it with the egg.

For the grand finale, we had fantastic plum tart. It was in a kind of phyllo bread pastry, topped with some vanilla ice cream. Yum. With the receipt, we received a free sample of Amano Chocolate. 70% dark, Madagascar. It is locally made and the best dark chocolate I've ever had - not super bitter with some fruity hints.

This was worth the entire trip out. While leaving, I commented that I hope I die after a meal like unto this. I would die a totally content, however full, but definitely an extremely gratified woman.

Sigh.

Oh, here are the cupcakes, for later. I want to try a bit of each flavor (Mexican Chocolate, Madagascar Vanilla Vanilla, Party in Your Mouth aka Nutella filled, Grasshopper, and Coconut Lime). Tomorrow I'm going back for the raspberry cheesecake (I'm limiting myself to half a dozen a day max, and I got two Vanillas, because all of the kids love the vanilla). I should have a review of the various cupcakes by tomorrow, also.

Go ahead, keep on drooling. I know I am.
TMI again? Sorry.

Amateur Eater Follow-Up

As you've read, I'm in Utah... so...

LET THE EATING BEGIN!

After typing that, I feel really gluttonous. I'm thinking this sounds better?

Commence the gastronomical tour of Utah, 2010!

much better.

Red Iguana: check. Ate my weight in chips and salsa, got a mole sampler, and had the Wednesday special - 3 small corn tacos, one filled with carnitas, another with sautéed mushrooms, and a third with pork pipian. My wonderful co-eaters had the puntas de filete a la nortena and the enchilada special with a berry mole. Think berry mole is weird? Think again. This time, think of heaven, people.

New Cupcake Place (aka The Cocoa Bean): check. Had a thirst quenching blood orange and pomegranate italian soda with a "Better Than Whatever" cupcake, FRESH FROM THE OVEN. Frosting dripping over ooey-gooey chocolatey goodness? Yes, please! I want to go back for the Mexican Chocolate tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, I promise to look more awake. I've been up and traveling/eating/shopping/blogging for a solid 12 hours. No easy feat to accomplish without a few causalities, i.e. chapped lips, frizzy hair, and tired eyes. And no shower (TMI? My flight departed at 7:20 AM from BWI! C'mon.).

Food coma: you better believe it. After a few solid laps on my favorite walk around the LDS Provo Temple, I plan to be out for the count.

On the docket tomorrow: Thai food and pizza. And that aforementioned cupcake, of course. Oh, AND a shower. I do have standards, friends. Sheesh.