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April 30, 2003
Absorbed in Thought
As I have grown older, I have learned more about what I like and don't like, what I do well and what I do poorly. I have a lot of room for improvement. I make grand plans to do really cool things, and then I forget. Or I start an exercise regimen and get off track.
A friend once told me that he was happy to be in law school because he finally felt he was amongst his intellectual equals. I thought it was a pretty bold statement, but his remark did not suprise me. As I research graduate programs, I understand, in a way, what he meant by his statement. I have done web related work for the past 4 years and my interests have grown into other areas such as information architecture and interaction design, a couple things that make the difference between an okay web site and a fantastic web site. Few of my friends understand the difference. I lurk on related SIGs, absorbing tons of information, but I often feel like I don't have an intelligent comment to make. I feel like I am on the outside looking in, squeezed between the reality of my situation and my desire to be in the inner circle.
That is what the internet has done to me. It has opened up the possibility of being in the inner circle (at least virtually) but for whatever reason, I haven't taken those final steps to make it my reality. So I sit and read and listen.
Posted by kafi at 10:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 29, 2003
I'm Still Here
I have been quiet lately for good reason. My life has gotten a little busy lately. I can't seem to get myself organized. Maybe it's because I am living out of boxes. Or maybe work is stressing me. I am not sure what it is but I am feeling a bit disorganized. Scatterbrained might even be a better word. The funny thing is that I write down everything, just write them in 15 different places.
Most recent thoughts:
Love the new iPod. I have been waiting for a smaller version to come out. Might just buy one.
Thinking about buying a share in a local farm for the harvest season.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farms
Washington Post listing of participating Md. and Va. farms
Trying to apply to graduate school, but it's not looking very good at the moment
Fretting over my move. It's a small move, but these things always make me nervous
A little sad that I'm going to miss the Santana concert because I'll be out of town
Estatic that Sowebo (Southwest Baltimore Bohemian Arts Festival) will be happening this year on May 25. It is the best alternative arts festival in the metro area. Funky music. Funky art. Funky people.
Posted by kafi at 12:18 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
April 24, 2003
Small Plates
There a few really good places to get tapas/meze in the Washington D.C. area. Jaleo's is one such place and the chef, Jose Andres was featured in the Post yesterday. He is originally from Spain and started cooking professionally as a teenager. In addtion to Jaleo, he is also chef at Cafe Atlantico (mainly Latino fare) and Zaytinya (Middle Eastern meze). Jaleo is located in Penn Quarter, an up and coming part of downtown DC. Although the tapas (and the service) are not the best I've ever had, the atmosphere certainly makes up for it. The restaurant is boldly decorated in bright colors and if your large group has reservations, you may be able to snag the big mosaic-tiled table.
I typically choose a mix of hot and cold vegetable, meat and seafood plates. I always favor the garlic shrimp and fried potatoes, which are pretty standard dishes. Jaleo also serves baby shark, squid in black ink sauce, chorizo and thick round potato omelettes. The menu contains over 50 tapas and a selection of paellas that are meant to be shared.
I love the idea of serving small plates of different dishes. Spanish tapas originated in Andalucía, where small portions of food are served at the bar with a glass of wine. Originally, the small plates were used to top glasses of wine to prevent flies from dipping in the wine. Hence, the name tapas.
tapas recipes:
Taste of Andalucía
Joes Andres
Posted by kafi at 01:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 22, 2003
Blood Oranges
My new favorite citrus fruit is the blood orange. Whole Foods can always be counted on to carry a variety of seasonal fruits and I try to get something different each time I go shopping. According to CuisineNet, blood oranges were originally developed in Sicily ater the orange was introduced in 1400. Other sources claim the fruit originated in China.
Aesthetically, they are beautiful. Imagine cutting open a blushing orange and discovering deep red flesh. The fruit is has the flavor of sweet citrus blended with berries. If you wish to try them, be sure to purchase firm and heavy fruit. The season runs until June, so check out your local grocer or gourmet shop.
Recipes to try:
Blood Orange Mimosas
Blood Orange Granita
Super Bowl Red Rooster Cocktails
Posted by kafi at 11:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 18, 2003
Unwelcome Gifts
Well, I got one item off my wishlist for my birthday. Thanks Kev. Today I've received 2 "gifts" of porn spam through AIM. I did a search and found this thread at ezboard.com:
Q: Did you know that your America Online Instant Messenger (AIM)
could be "spammed?"
A: AOL reports that at any given time, 5 percent to 30 percent
of its email traffic is spam. Spammers can find your IM name
by determining your IP address, and several free software apps
make this process relatively simple.
So now I have to block all users not on my buddy list which sucks, because not all of my friends are on my buddy list. Considering the fact that I have 3 phone numbers, 2 addresses and about 10 email addresses, I don't think it much matters after all.
Posted by kafi at 02:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 17, 2003
The sun, the moon and me
I like to lie in bed in the morning for about 15 minutes and bask in the sunlight. It's such a peaceful time. I enjoy listening to the birds chirping and traffic beginning to build. One of the best things about spring is finally being able to open the windows. Memorable scents like freshly cut grass, flowering trees and spring air waft through the window. It makes waking up a little early worth missing a few minutes of sleep.
Evenings are equally as enjoyable. Last night in particular, pedestrian traffic was extremely high. The motocycle guys were causing quite a commotion as they zoomed past convertibles with the top down. At the Banana Cafe and Piano Bar last night, we chose to sit indoors. I uncharacteristically favored air conditioning over the warm evening air. That, and 8th street is so busy with traffic and I wanted a quiet dinner. What stood out last night though, was the moon. Again, I was without my camera and I missed a shot of the Tequila Sunrise hued moon. It was an enormous glowing orb that hung over Southeast. That is what I like best about warm nights, a beautiful sunset and a more beautiful moon rise.
Posted by kafi at 10:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 16, 2003
Another Year
In honor of the big day, I got up and went to the spa instead of work. It's always nice to take a random day away from work just to reflect on life (where are, where you going) and not worry about punching the clock. I ate sushi with wine for lunch, kicked back and did a little work on the computer and enjoyed the 80 degree weather (sortt of). I even ran into a friend I had been meaning to e-mail. Not to be ungrateful or anything, but it was just a tad bit too hot for a mid-April birthday. I don't take to the heat to well, depite the fact that I live in mid-atlantic and heat is a fact of life in the summer.
I don't do New Year's goals, but I do make birthday goals, which gives me 4 more months to think about what I want to accomplish over the next year. It never includes going to the gym or dieting because those things are no fun. Not that the list doesn't address some serious matters, but exercise and eating are things you should be doing every day. All in all, getting older is fun. But I say that knowing that I don't nearly look my age, yet.
Posted by kafi at 04:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Another Year
In honor of the big day, I got up and went to the spa instead of work. It's always nice to take a random day away from work just to reflect on life (where are, where you going) and not worry about punching the clock. I ate sushi with wine for lunch, kicked back and did a little work on the computer and enjoyed the 80 degree weather (sortt of). I even ran into a friend I had been meaning to e-mail. Not to be ungrateful or anything, but it was just a tad bit too hot for a mid-April birthday. I don't take to the heat to well, depite the fact that I live in mid-atlantic and heat is a fact of life in the summer.
I don't do New Year's goals, but I do make birthday goals, which gives me 4 more months to think about what I want to accomplish over the next year. It never includes going to the gym or dieting because those things are no fun. Not that the list doesn't address some serious matters, but exercise and eating are things you should be doing every day. All in all, getting older is fun. But I say that knowing that I don't nearly look my age, yet.
Posted by kafi at 03:58 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 15, 2003
Hula Hoops Don't Bring In Business
What can I say? The weather has been beautiful. I've been packing. Completing my tax return. Freelancing. Sleeping. And working on my other website. Which explains why I haven't been writing much. I mistakenly left my camera at home on the most picture perfect Sunday. Which means I missed out on photographing the blooming trees, the vibrant colored roses being sold on the side of the road and the Hooter's girls, hula-hooping outside the restaurant with hopes of drawing in customers. It didn't work.
Posted by kafi at 10:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 10, 2003
Looking at Summer Activities
I thought I'd start a list of things to do over the summer. This gives me something to look forward to in the coming months, being that this season has been chilly, rainy and depressing.
Graduate Web Shop to do internet-related research
via IDblog
June 2-13, University of MD, College Park
DUX2003 for those interested in User Experiences
June 5-7, San Francisco, CA
Sailing Lessons because I should have learned years ago
Washington D.C./Alexendria, VA
Golf School at Langston Golf Course
Washington, D.C.
Posted by kafi at 09:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 08, 2003
Rules for Working Adults
Rule #1 - Hanging out on campus with college kids does not necessarily mean that you can hang like a college kid
Rule #2 - Spending the afternoon on the Chesapeake Bay, sipping wine is fine on Saturdays
Rule #3 - When asked if you want to stop at the local college bar, just say NO!
Rule #5 - Always keep one great wrinkle-free outfit in the closet for mornings after a long evening of on-campus college reminiscing. The next day you will be completely drained but at least you'll look professional
Rule #6 - Find time to take a nap. Or better yet, take a day off from work to sleep and get back on schedule
Rule #7 - Never, never attempt to radically alter your schedule the first weekend of daylight saving time
Posted by kafi at 12:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 04, 2003
Greek Chicken
At the request of roommate (28 days and counting) I made Greek Chicken with Garlic Roasted Potatoes. This is my lazy chicken breast recipe since it calls for little attention and takes no time to prepare.
Greek Chicken
4 chicken breasts
juice of one lemon, reserve one squeeze
3 cloves of garlic, sliced
fat pinch of salt & pepper
1/2 tsp oregeno
3 TB Olive oil
1. Combine all ingredients except chicken in shallow bowl reserving 1 Tb of olive oil. Pound the chicken breast with cleaver or bottom of heavy glass until evenly flattened (chicken should be about 1/4-1/2 inch thick).
2. Marinate chicken for about 1/2 hour in bowl.
3. Heat olive oil in heavy skillet over medium high heat.
4. Remove chicken breasts from marinade and dry COMPLETELY. Add breasts to pan and cook approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness the chicken breasts.
5. Remove from pan and set aside. Squeeze remaining lemon juice over chicken.
tip:
I use extra virgin olive oil from the specialty store. It does make the dish taste better. Serve roasted yukon gold potatoes on the side for a very easy meal.
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Diced yukon gold potatoes
Olive Oil to coat bottom of pan
Salt and Pepper
2 Tb crushed garlic
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Heat olive in baking pan for 2 minutes. Add potatoes, toss to coat. Roast for 20 minutes tossing potatoes once about 1/2 way through. Remove pan from oven and add salt, pepper and garlic. Toss to coat and bake an additional 4-5 minutes. Potatoes should be crispy outside and light and airy inside.
Posted by kafi at 05:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 03, 2003
Sexy New Shoes
During a vain moment I realized that I didn't own a great pair of spring shoes. I wanted something that can be worn at work or in the evenings since I usually wear boots or clogs. Then I was introduced to Via Spiga and my life changed forever. I bought a pair last week and immediately my legs became 6 inches longer and now I am tall and stylish. Skirts and dresses that were slated for a Salvation Army drop-off now look completely new. And I know understand a woman's obsession with her shoes.
My new lunchtime destination? Bloomingdales.
And for my friend j-dub, I have added comment functionality back to the site. enjoy.
Posted by kafi at 03:59 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 01, 2003
Garlic Rosemary Shrimp
Yesterday at work a co-worker brought in a huge rosemary plant for all to enjoy. I took two 12-inch sprigs with one intention - grilled garlic rosemary shrimp. I phoned the roommate and told her she had grill duty (despite the fact it was 40 degrees outdoors). Serve with your favorite wine, crusty french bread and a simple salad.
Grilled Garlic Rosemary Shrimp
2 12-inch fresh rosemary sprigs
8 oz. large peeled shrimp tail on
3 TB extra virgin olive oil
1 TB crushed garlic
splash of dry sherry
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 lemon for fresh juice
Mix olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and sherry in a bowl. Add shrimp and marinate for 1/2 hour. Skewer shrimp onto rosemary (don't bother removing leaves) and throw onto grill. Grill a few minutes on each side until tails turn pink and shrimp is opaque. Remove from grill, squirt with fresh lemon juice and serve on the skewer.
tips:
frozen shrimp works fine
use fresh rosemary sprigs (twigs). if sprigs are not pliable, soak in water before putting on grill
Posted by kafi at 04:10 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack