Soup-er Sunday

Cheesy, I know.  But it's fitting!!  After a very long absence, both figuratively and literally, I'm back to the blog and Sunday Supper.  It's time.  Sunday, Nov 14.  Only this month, it's going to be a little different than in the past.  Since I have been sick, and am still recovering from this dreadfully exhausting thing called mono, I don't know that I can handle the full day in the kitchen that Sunday Supper usually requires just quite yet.  (Hopefully by December I will be 100%!!)  November Sunday Supper is going to be a soup extravaganza ... Soup-er Sunday!  And all of you will be bringing the soup!  Please bring your favorite soup to share.  Since there will be several to sample, no need for a large pot, enough to serve 4-6 will be more than enough!  I'll provide cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, cornbread, anything else I think of that goes with soup, and dessert.

If you will be attending, please let me know what soup you're bringing so I can do a bit of planning.  Thanks!

where has the time gone?!

To my faithful readers - yes, I am still alive.  Buried in work and training, but still alive.  2 more days until September 15 & the return to restful nights.  I found out this past Saturday that running many miles (18.22 according to my trusty Garmin) and working past midnight do not go hand in hand.  Awoke at 4 am to the sounds of the clubs on the next block spilling their late night drunken crowds into the streets only to find myself on the couch next to my computer instead of tucked cozily in my bed.  Awesome.

As soon as Wednesday comes and goes, I will properly update the blog.  Please stay tuned.

26 days 'til marathon Sunday!!!!

BLUEBERRIES

I was finally able to visit my blueberry bush today.  It was a long time coming, had been planned for at least 3 separate occasions prior to today in the past 2 weeks, and had to be rescheduled each time.  Work, sick dog, sick Angie, work.  As the season is nearing its end, it was really becoming do or die (or live without fresh blueberries from my very own *rented* blueberry bush)!  Approximately 4 1/2 hours in the car, roundtrip, and 1 hour of picking blueberries on a sporadically rainy Saturday, and I have 12 lbs of blueberries in my kitchen awaiting their fate.  Muffin, smoothie, freezer, cobbler, pie, glaze for salmon, or plain old eating straight out of the refrigerator.  Either way, I tell you, these are the BEST berries I have ever tasted!!  Joe's Blues, Moss Fennel Farms, Bangor MI.  YUM!!  Highly recommended if any of you ever find yourself in the market for a blueberry bush for a season or fresh berries shipped to you from Michigan.  Wonderful people, wonderful farming practices, wonderful berries.  Visit them!  Special thanks to the wonderful woman working there who took pity on my poor amateur-picking self and helped me pick berries in the rain.  I was the only visitor to the farm during the hour I was there today.  I'm guessing it was the rainy weather. But ... when you come all the way from Chicago, you absolutely tough it out and pick the berries you came for!

Pics of the farm, my blueberry bush and the absolutely delightfully delicious (& VERY good for you!!) blueberries!!

A picture worth a thousand words

Unbeknownst to me, a friend took this picture a few weekends ago on our sailing adventure.  I may be forever indebted to him.

I'm also very excited to announce that I, along with Mike's help and input, will be launching a second blog soon.  We haven't settled on a title yet, but it will be about his ironman training and this "little" adventure we chose to be on together.  Kona 2011.  Kona is the Ironman World Championship held in Kona, Hawaii each year.  He needs to qualify, I need to find a new bikini!  :)  Watch for the blog launch, we hope you'll join us for the journey.

Running behind

The past few weeks have been a bit hectic and I'm running behind on my "I Run" posts.  :)  This week will be a 2-for-1 deal.

If you have been following my blog, you know that I've been battling a foot injury the 4-6 weeks and haven't been able to run.  Not REAL running anyway.  I have been able to run on the anti-gravity treadmill at physical therapy.  Last week, I was cleared to begin gradually adding regular treadmill running back into my training.  This period of time has been difficult for me - mentally and emotionally.  It is extremely frustrating to not get my training runs in, to be forced to incorporate other types of training instead.  And then there is the mental challenge of staying positive during injury recovery when it seems to be taking so long, and battling the stress of knowing that time to marathon day is dwindling.  All of this brings to mind two of the reasons I run.

I run because I feel happier and better about life, in general, when running is a part of my life/routine.  I've noticed this more and more as I've gotten older.  Even if I'm only able to get in a few miles, I feel better.  This past Friday, I hopped onto the treadmill for my first regular treadmill run on this seemingly long recovery road.  I couldn't have been more excited.  Normally, I dread running on a treadmill.  But on this particular day, it was like a weight had finally been lifted from me.  Those around me even noticed the spring in my step.  Running is such a blessing in my life.

With my foot recovery going slower than I had hoped, I was not able to run the Chicago Rock 'n Roll half marathon this morning like I had planned.  My goal was to finish in an hour and 50 minutes in order to qualify for a start corral for the full marathon in October.  Within in the past week and a half, I had to come to accept that I wouldn't be able to run the half.  If it were the reason I was training, my ultimate goal, I would have run and I would have run fast enough to finish in the time I wanted.  BUT ... the half marathon isn't what I am training for, it was only a step along the way to the full marathon.  Sure, it would have felt REALLY good to run that fast since it is over 10 minutes faster than my previous half marathon time.  But, I have to be smart & think about the end goal rather than the instant gratification.  Those milestones can be met another day.  Right now, I have to focus on recovery and preparing for October 10.  Which, in a way, is a friendly reminder to count my blessings and not take them for granted.  I CAN RUN.  I am able to work through this injury; I will recover and complete the marathon. There are so many people who do not have the ability to do what I am doing.  I run because I can; I run for all those people who can not and with each new day that I lace up my shoes, I am thankful for this blessing in my life.

Sailing Lake Michigan

Last Saturday, the skies threatened rain as we waited to board our sailboat, but the storms went around us and the sun peeked out in time for us to enjoy the early stages of sunset as we sailed back toward the harbor.

Rather than learning to sail, as originally planned, Megan and I decided to charter a sailboat for our July Top 10 event.  It would be less time-consuming, less expensive, and less manual labor for us!  And possibly a bit more fun since it would allow us to invite a few friends and enjoy food and drinks as we sailed.  It was a fantastic afternoon "out to sea" filled with friends, music and laughter.  Not to mention breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline.  I highly recommend it!

I like big butts!

No, I'm not revealing something I look for in the opposite sex.  Rather, this is a quote from a random man (much older I would guess based on what Megan saw of him) who was sitting on the patio of a restaurant that Megan and I were leaving a few months ago.  Fairly upscale, trendy restaurant here in Chicago.  We had just dined there to celebrate the end of tax season for me, and as we were leaving, we had the pleasure of this outburst of .... approval???  I suppose if we were different girls, we might have been offended.  Instead, we looked at each other & Megan said "Did he just say 'I like big butts!'?"  "Yep."  We laughed.

Running does not leave me with a small backside.  It's more like a bubble butt.  Small chest?  Absolutely.  First thing to shrink when I start running a lot.  Small buns?  Nope.  More well-defined, tighter buns?  Yes. Small?  No.

But, you know, I'll take it.  Apparently guys like big butts.  :)

I run for the positive effects on my backside!  Haha!

blueberries

Last week, I got the crazy idea to rent a blueberry bush.  It seemed like a great summer adventure.  My blueberry bush is on a green farm in Michigan, Moss Funnel Farms, about 3 hours from Chicago, and as of last Thursday, it bears my name.  I'm so excited to go pick blueberries, I've been telling EVERYONE.  I talk about it daily.  No joke.  Thankfully, Megan, who co-owns the blueberry bush with me, shares my excitement.  She might be the only one who doesn't think I am crazy!  As of now, July 28 is the first day we will make a trip to the farm to visit our little blueberry bush and pick berries.  Blueberry picking outfits are definitely in order.  Mostly likely a floppy hat and something that I don't care if it is stained blue.  For some reason, I am picturing Megan and I covered in purplish-blue spots by the end of it.  Good thing the inside of my car is black!  There will be lots of laughs and plenty of pictures from the adventure, and we're already dreaming up all the things we can make with our blueberries.  Pie, cobbler, jam, muffins ... YUM!!  I'm preparing my kitchen for Blueberry Festival 2010.  It may call for covering the walls and floors in plastic.  We'll see how this year goes, we might be on to something ...  Either way, I have a hunch I'll be making a second trip in August!

As a sidenote, this will also be Megan's first trip to Michigan, an event worthy of documentation even without the blueberries! 

slowing metabolism

I think it's complete crap that metabolism slows as we age.  But, take my word for it, the claims are true.  In my 20's, I never had to worry much about how much I ate versus how much I got myself out the door and moving.  Then I hit 30.  And, boy oh boy, were my 30s ready to usher me right on in to a new world.  I'm fairly certain my metabolism ground to a virtual halt for a short period of time.  That is, until I noticed my pants were getting tighter and decided to take charge.  Not that I had been a coach potato before, but staying fit post-20s takes a more conscious and dedicated effort.  At least for me.  Interestingly, now that I'm in the routine, I actually feel better and look better than I did in my 20s.  Funny how these things work. I'll take 30-something any day.

I run because claims that metabolism slows after 30 are no joke!  And the satisfaction of looking better at almost 32 feels pretty darn good!

ladies who brunch

We've all heard of ladies who lunch.  And there are times when I really would like, someday, to be a lady who "lunches".   But, I really love brunch.  I'm pretty sure it's my favorite meal.  Probably because it usually happens on Saturday or Sunday, very leisurely, with friends, and of course a brunch cocktail or two.  A bit like Sunday Supper, it's more about the company - the conversation and laughter that tend to ensue - and the relaxing, stress-free nature of the event, than it is about the food.  Don't get me wrong, I don't like BAD brunch food, and I prefer a place with an above average bloody mary, but a restaurant would have to be really horrible before I would have an overall bad brunch.  So, instead of a lady who does lunch, I want to be a lady who does brunch.

If the past several weeks are any indication, I'll be pretty darn good at it!  Two weekends ago, Ali and Darcie were in town for Aly's pre-wedding girls weekend.  We enjoyed one of Aly and I's favorites, Harmony Grill, on Saturday morning.  You really can't go wrong with any item on the menu.  I say this despite only ever eating 3 different items.  Everything else looks equally amazing, but I just can't get past my favorites.  Maybe one of these days.  The real reason we love Harmony Grill, though, is the bloody mary.  Shocker, I know.  First of all, it's perfectly spicy.  Second, it comes with a skewer of salami, cheese, garlic stuffed olive, a pickle, and a stalk of celery.  Meal in a glass.  Excellent.  Finally, it's only $4.  For a pint glass.  This is no feeble bloody mary.  It's the real deal and one of my favorite bloody mary's in the city ... for the bargain basement price of $4.  Should you be so inclined, you can have 3 here for the price of 1 very average bloody mary at many other brunch spots in Chicago.  I recommend giving it a try.  Uh, not necessarily the 3 bloody mary part, I've never actually made it past 1.  

Back to my point ... Saturday - Harmony Grill.  Sunday - quite possibly my favorite brunch.  Bacon, egg and cheese on english muffin from my very own kitchen.  This all started back when Jill and Andrew lived in Chicago.  Every so often on Sunday mornings, we would convene in my kitchen for the king of all brunches.  Andrew would make a batch of his famous guacamole.  I would fry up some bacon and then fry the eggs in the bacon grease.  If you aren't already aware, this is the ONLY way to fry eggs.  Ok, obviously there are other ways, but those eggs aren't really worth eating.  Being from the South, Andrew was impressed & I am pretty sure, for this reason alone, this immediately became his favorite brunch as well.  Bacon and eggs done, toast the english muffin, add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack or whatever cheese makes your mouth happy, top with guac and maybe a touch of sriracha.  Perfection.

July 4th weekend brunch fell on Monday morning since it was a holiday.  Another fabulous brunch.  This time it was Orange, which is an old favorite that I haven't visited in many years.  An enjoyable reunion filled with food as yummy as I remember it, orange-flavored coffee, and many laughs with friends - Mike, Holly, and Sam.  A delightful way to start what became a wonderful Monday spent doing nothing special with someone very special.

Finally, just yesterday, I met Megan for brunch at Sola.  Thanks to a 1/2 mile swim, I was ravenous by the time our food arrived.  As usual, my eyes were bigger than my stomach, and I was feeling full after eating about one-quarter of the food on my plate.  But the food was simply too good and I managed to eat just over half of my plate, and for the second time in less than 16 hours, I was leaving a restaurant feeling like my stomach might pop.  (Thank you, HB - Home Bistro, for an amazing dinner on Saturday night!  The blackberry bread pudding certainly pushed me over the edge, but it was absolutely worth it, and I will do it again next time!)  Another fantastic Sunday brunch.  Good food and even better company.

So, there you have three weekends worth of evidence.  I think being a "lady who brunches" will suit me just fine.  :)

July Sunday Supper - July 25

I am struggling with accepting that July 4th has passed, so I'm not going to dwell on it.  Instead, I'm choosing to focus on fun things coming up this month.  July Sunday Supper!  The BBQ feast that was June Sunday Supper will be difficult to follow, but I'll give it my best shot.  Since it's my birthday month, July will feature one of my personal favorites - Cuban food and mojitos!  Ideally, hot summer day goes something like this in my mind:  poolside lounge chair, umbrella, mojito.  I don't have a pool, a lounge chair, or an umbrella to sit under, but I can make a pretty amazing mojito.  We'll have to imagine the rest ... feel free to wear your bathing suit if it will help!  :)

stress relief

I have a stressful job.  Yes, I said it.  Put it right out there for one and all to read and know.  Of course, it's not really a secret.  And when I say it is stressful, I don't mean that it provides a healthy amount of stress.  But it does provide me another reason to get out and run.  I run to relieve stress, to release tension.  I run to start my day on the right foot, to give something to myself before I give to everyone else.  Or I run at the end of a long day when I need to let go of frustration (and sometimes even anger), to give back to myself, to restore balance.  I run because if I didn't I would probably resort to other means of dealing with stress that are more harmful to my body than helpful or healthy.  I run because I choose (most days anyway!) positive outlets that make me feel good about myself and about life.  I run to be good to me.

It's "Between the Ears"

I've been sidelined from running again and am back in physical therapy.  It's frustrating.  For several reasons.  Running felt good, and I was feeling really strong.  It felt easy & fun, I was running fast (for me anyway!); and I looked forward to that time each day, either alone or with friends.  It's also frustrating because I WANT to run this marathon.  It's frustrating, but here's the thing:  I know I will run it and I know I will run well.  Being a runner requires a certain mental toughness.  That doesn't mean run through ALL pain; it means be tough, be smart, and be strong.  Not just in running, but in all things you must do in order to make it to the starting line.

Many people say "oh you're injured (again), maybe you're not meant to run a marathon".  As a runner, I've never thought of it that way.  There is a reason for the injury and I need to work on it.  Most likely building strength in the little muscles non-runners never know that they use everyday.  But the injury also provides an OPPORTUNITY to build on that mental toughness.  This is a fork in the road:  one path is to let the injury get me down & then struggle to return from it; the other path is to increase cross training, work on muscle strength, and fight the inevitable mental battle.  I'm choosing the "other path" and it is not easy for me.  Riding a stationary bike for 90 minutes makes me want to cry.  I don't bike.  But for every single one of those 90 minutes last Saturday, I told myself "I can do this.  I need to do this.  This is where I want to be.  It will make me stronger."  I finished the 90 minutes, and even though I felt like I needed one of those donut things to sit on for the rest of the weekend, I got back on the bike last night for another 45 minutes.  I didn't even mind it so much this time.  The next test comes tonight when I put on my swimming suit (and I'm not talking about the cutesy little bikini for heading to the beach!) and buoyancy belt and head to the pool for water running.  Later this week, I'll tackle something equally as dreadful to me as riding a stationary bike - swimming laps.  Funny thing is, by the time I get to the starting line of the marathon, I will probably enjoy biking and swimming!  Or at least have a solid appreciation for it.

I run because it forces me to call on my mental toughness; it builds on that mental toughness and makes me stronger.  That is amazingly powerful.  It reminds me again and again of the power of the mind and all that I can accomplish IF I CHOOSE IT.  Everyday in life we are faced with challenges that require mental toughness over all else.  Running prepares me for those challenges.

One of the inspirational people in my running world sent me a message last week that reminded me that most of it is "between the ears".  She's right.  And when the time comes, I'm going to win that mental battle!

BBQ Tasting

Summer isn't really summer without a good BBQ.  And when you're from Kansas, good BBQ is not something to be taken lightly.  Good BBQ is serious business.  I don't think I'm going out on a limb when I say that there was serious business going on last weekend for Sunday Supper.  After choosing recipes for the 3 types/styles of BBQ that I was going to serve and making arrangements to have Reid and Aly smoke two of the hunks of meat on their grill, I made my list and hit the grocery store.  I returned home with about 13 pounds of meat - more pounds of meat than people expected to attend! - and ingredients for the different rubs and sauces to match.  The menu:  Kansas City style beef brisket, Texas style beef brisket, and North Carolina style pulled pork.

The fun in the kitchen began on Saturday night.  Whipped up 2 different dry rubs (one for KC, one for Carolina) and a mustard-based rub for the KC style brisket, and then coated the pork in dry rub to refrigerate overnight.  Morning came early on Sunday.  5 am wake-up call.  Yikes!  I did mention that this was serious business!  Started making the BBQ sauce for the KC brisket, put both the dry rub and mustard rub on the KC brisket and returned it to the refrigerator to marinade, and then made the sauce for the Carolina pulled pork.  Since the Texas style beef brisket was going in the dutch oven instead of being smoked on the grill, it was definitely the easiest prep.  Coat meat in dry rub, place in dutch oven, whisk liquid ingredients together, pour over meat, place lid on pot & put into oven.  Easy as pie.  Next, bagged up all of the "supplies" for the KC brisket and Carolina pork and headed over to Reid and Aly's to give them instructions for the approx 6 hours of smoking which they had so kindly agreed to do for me.

I must say, the super long "serious" business day was worth it.  The BBQ was AMAZING!!  It's definitely going to be an annual event.  In fact, there has already been talk of renting a smoker next year!!  Maybe we'll go big and get a whole pig!  Nothing says BBQ better than a good old fashioned pig roast!  Until then .....

I run to support my foot doc!

It has been just over 2 months since my last visit to see my foot doc.  Apparently I have missed him.  Or my feet have missed him anyway.  I broke down and called today and scheduled an appointment for tomorrow.  Honestly, it's more of a love-hate relationship.  I really do like him, he's great.  But I hate that seeing him means there is something not right with my foot/feet.  Something that could require me to alter my training or prevent me from running for a period of time.  Not good.

Fortunately, as I mentioned, he is a great doc and I know he will take good care of me.  He'll have me running pain-free again as quickly as possible.  It's happened before and will probably happen again.  Add a knowledgeable strength and running coach to the picture and I'll be running fast and injury-free in no time.  Within 6 weeks of coming off my last injury, I had dropped 2 minutes off of my 5k time.  So you see, I am in good hands!

At times like this, I figure I must continue running as a favor to my foot doctor.  I'm keeping him in business!

Sundays

I love Sundays.  If you are reading this, you already know that, but I like saying it.  I love Sundays.  And so, it should come as no surprise that my new favorite book is Sundays are For Lovers.  It's more of a collection, really.  It is everything I feel about Sunday but have not put into such perfectly simple and beautiful words.  I'm not confident that I possess the ability or talent, though I might be inspired to try one of these days.  In the meantime, sitting on my balcony with a glass of wine and sharing this book with a special someone is part of my perfect Sunday.

Run for Fun

I'm a little behind on getting this post up.  Last Saturday, I spent most of my day sitting in a minivan with 4 other runners.  We'd been there since Thursday night, with the exception of a short stop at a hotel that night to catch some pre-race sleep, and then a few nap breaks during the day and night on Friday/Saturday.  This was the MC200.  2 vans, 11 runners, several cases of water, a case of gatorade, clif bars, trail mix, bananas, peanut butter and pretzels.  A few pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, and overnight bags full of running gear.  By the end of day 2, approximately 33 hours after starting the race and 1 rain delay later, our van was full of tired, sweaty, but still smiling and laughing people.  Only runners would do something this crazy and call it fun.  Despite the exhaustion, that's exactly what it was -- FUN!  And it is exactly why I run.

I run for fun.  Whether by myself or with a team, running is fun.  And it's even more fun when your times keep getting faster!  ;)

Here are a few pics from the MC 200.  I can't wait until next year!

new challenge

Life is about challenge.  The challenge of trying something new, getting out of your comfort zone, pushing yourself to new heights,  weathering the storm, facing fears, telling yourself "I can", and being open to the adventure.  I find all of these in running.

Training for my first full marathon is challenging - physically, mentally and emotionally.  I want the challenge.  Sometimes I crave it, I need it.  Because with each challenge that I face and work through, I am reminded of my strength and I am confident that I can do anything I choose.  Not just in running, but in life.

This week, I will set out on a new challenge.  I'm participating in the MC 200 relay.  The Madison-Chicago 200 is a team relay and one of the longest running events of its kind in the US.  The race supports Special Olympics of Wisconsin and Illinois and The Avon Foundation's "Need for Speed Against Domestic Violence".  Our 11-person team will start running at 8:00 am Friday morning in Madison, WI and make our way through 200 miles back to Chicago.  It will take us approximately 32 hours.  (We'll have a lot of quality time in a van!)  I will run 3 separate legs - 6.97, 7.65, and 6.50 miles - within a 24-hour period.  Preparing for this type of event feels like a different ballgame.  And I imagine the challenge of getting out of the van at approximately 5:00 am on Saturday morning to run my last leg after already running 14.5 miles and spending 21 hours in a van will be a tough one.  I also know I will welcome it.  I'm looking forward to the experience - the scenic course, the fun and laughter, the friendships that will be forged in our 2 vans over those 30+ hours, and of course, the challenge.  (I'll post pictures next week)

I run for the challenge.

inspired by

I'm often asked what inspires me when I cook, how do I come up with the ideas, recipes and meals that come from my kitchen.  Honestly, there is no secret and no real method to the madness.

First and foremost, I cook what I like, what sounds good to me.  Yes, that's right, my cooking is SELFISH.  If I don't like it, then I must really like you if I make it for you.  (I suppose I could also be swayed by cash!)  What I like, however, always seems to be evolving and changing.  Certainly some things are constant, but I feel it's safe to say my horizons continue to expand, my taste buds change, some things grow on me and others lose their appeal.  I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot in the past 5-7 years.  I've learned to enjoy many international cuisines and the spices that differentiate them.  Thai, Indian, Greek, French, Italian, South African, Argentinian.  I'm sure there are more.  The point is, once I started trying new things, I couldn't stop.  There is a whole world of amazingly delicious, fresh, flavorful and healthy food out there!  Make no mistake, there are a whole slew of extremely decadent & insanely fattening foods that I have loved just as much.  Fortunately for my waist line, my stomach doesn't usually share that love, so I don't eat them often and when I do, I savor each of my relatively few bites.

I read a lot of food magazines, books, cookbooks, websites and blogs.  My favorite food book right now is 'A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table' by Molly Wizenberg.  She also writes a blog, Orangette, which you can find a link to in the 'Blogs I Follow' section of my blog page.  She doesn't know me, but I think we would be great friends.  She has an incredible talent for writing about food and sharing the stories from her life that have made those particular foods/recipes memorable.  It's so real, I love it.

Often times, I have a craving and I search for a recipe to satisfy it.  Maybe there is one main ingredient in my mind, but it's just as likely that I have thought of a few things that sound yummy.  On a recent occasion, I was thinking of basil, goat cheese and strawberries.  So I googled those three words, read a few recipes, found one that I kind of liked and went to Whole Foods.  This particular recipe called for spreading a mix of goat cheese and cream cheese with chopped basil onto grilled flatbread before topping with strawberries and drizzling with balsamic vinegar that had been reduced to a syrup.  Sounds good, except grilled flatbread didn't excite me.  I wanted something with a hint of sweetness.  But only a hint.  I wandered the aisles looking for something that would do the trick.  After a good bit of time, I had nearly given up and was going to settle for the flatbread.  Until I was walking down the frozen food aisle on my way to checkout and spotted them.  Mini toaster waffles.  Yes, yes, YES!  Perfect.  Easy, bite size, sturdy enough to hold the toppings and just a hint of sweetness.  And, you know what, people loved them!

During my 10 years in Chicago and New York, I have eaten at hundreds of restaurants.  In fact, when I first moved to New York, I took a card from every restaurant I ate at that had them.  In case I gained significant pounds from my culinary adventures, I wanted something tangible to look at as proof of what had happened!  Luckily, if you can call it that, I also worked long enough hours on many days with no time for eating that somehow it balanced out.  Either way, there have been some out of this world meals along the way, and others that were relatively ho hum.  The foodie in me was awakened, and I began picking up on the "little things" that took a dish from ordinary to extraordinary.  I began to learn new flavors, to appreciate new combinations of ingredients, and to store these little nuggets of information away in the back of my mind.

My last great source of experience and inspiration is the oldest one, and although it may not be the most apparent, it arguably has the most influence.  Home-cooked meals - most often from my mother's hands, occasionally one of my grandmothers, and every once in a great while my father - every night at the family dinner table for the first 18 years of my life.  To this day, I still love going home to my Mom's kitchen and cooking.  And if it's summer, the first thing I want when I go home is for Dad to grill - probably a steak, sometimes a hamburger.  My grandma still makes the best homemade noodles.  When my grandpa was alive, he caught the best fish and the best fruits and vegetables I've eaten came from his garden.  Grandma B's cinnamon rolls were something you dreamed of and begged her to make when she came to visit.  I could go on.

I have fond memories of many foods, many places and the special people who have made me who I am in life and in my kitchen.  I wish for everyone to be so blessed, and I hope that one day, my kitchen can be a source of great memories for my family and friends, maybe even my own children.

city cowgirls and boy

If there was any doubt that I had fun, awesome friends, last night would have wiped it clean.  When Megan and I put line dancing on the Top 10 of 2010, I don't think we had any idea that we were going to get so into character -- cowboy boots, check; cowboy hat, check!  Or that we'd have friends whose boots were ready for a night out!

Megan and I started the night with a trip to Smoque BBQ where we proceeded to consume more brisket, pulled pork and ribs than advisable for two girls.  But, we did it in the most lady-like fashion possible, only briefly considering the bib style "tuck your napkin in your top" option, & thankfully, neither of us got BBQ sauce on our dress!  If you're in Chicago, love BBQ and have never been to Smoque, I highly recommend it.  Be prepared to wait in line.

Bellies sufficiently stuffed, it was time to get those boots scootin'!   Unfortunately, there was a line to get in at Houndstooth and Angie doesn't wait in line.  Alright, clarification - I will absolutely wait in line for food if I think it's worth it (ie - Smoque BBQ); I will almost never wait in line to get into a bar because experience tells me it is usually the opposite of 'worth it'.  Plan B - Carol's Pub.  Megan, Christy, Erica and I walked into "World Famous Karaoke" and pushed the number of people in the bar to just over 20 including the bartenders, waitress and karaoke dj.  Wow.  After a few rounds of video photo hunt, the bar started to fill up a little, Mike arrived and saved us from a leering man, entertained us and got the crowd going with his performance of Sweet Child o' Mine, and we managed a few steps of line dancing back in our corner of the bar.  All in all, fun night filled with lots of laughter.

Not quite what we had envisioned, but it will count for now.  We received a tip that Honky Tonk BBQ has a live band and people get up and dance during dinner.  It's on the "summer fun" list.  I think my cowboy boots and hat need another outing or two anyway!  And last I heard, Mike was on the hunt for a big belt buckle.  Thanks to Christy, Erica and Mike for being fabulous friends ready for a good time!  To be continued ....