The Finger

I wanted to title this "This happened and I am ashamed" but I thought it might be too soon to reuse that.
Yesterday as I was leaving the parking garage I have left at least 5 times a week for 1.5 years, I suddenly had an idea to go to a store just one block to the north. I approached the light in the left lane, yielded for oncoming traffic, then turned left onto ninth street. Heading in the opposite direction, in the lane next to the one I was turning into, there was an clearly marked police car. I saw that car and grinned to myself; I am a wonderful driver and I sort of enjoy showing off how safe and competent I am for our boys in blue.
Now you all know where this story is going. You know that ninth street is one way and I was turning the wrong direction. And you know that I realized that only once I was faced with oncoming traffic. But what you don't know is that instead of pulling me over, the police officer, trying to suppress a grin, just gave me one finger...No not that finger.

This finger:
The "no no" finger. Then he took off down the street leaving me to execute an 18-point turn in front of impressively patient traffic.

Christmas Cheer

Last weekend, I had a few friends over for dinner. Since I had a few more guests than I had seats at my dining room table, I added a folding table and wrapped both in wrapping paper and ribbons to make them match. I had so much fun planning, preparing, and of course eating this meal. It was especially great because Shy and Katie showed up a couple hours early and helped with everything (even dishes). And Nikki brought a wonderfully festive guacamole and pomegranate dip that everyone raved about. Most of all, my guests were so fun and it was great to spend the evening with them.

Twiggy

My bedroom is finally starting to come together. I painted the walls mint which goes deliciously with the chocolate accent wall. I also got a new comfy chair off Craigs list, spray painted an old lamp, hung curtains, added some pillows and an ottoman. Most of the walls are still bare but I made myself this rustic, modern art piece out of twigs and spray paint. Oh and I bought a new bedspread. Doesn't it just make you want to jump into bed with me? Fine, whatever, you are missing out.

Right at home

I actually got this couch a while ago and I love it but I must admit that it has not replaced the old blue one which is the absolute best couch ever.

Halloweenies and Other Classy Events

I know it has been months but I finally uploaded some pics from the last couple of months and still wanted to post them.

First are a couple shots of Mike's birthday party which was hilarious. The main events were Rock Band and DDR. There is nothing like exploiting your friends for a laugh.

Then we had a Kitsch Halloween party where everyone brought food that looked like dismembered body parts or was otherwise Halloween themed. I have never been more impressed with my awesome friends.
Steph & Sol & the Halloweenies (I know they look more like a swaddled child than a mummy)

Jill

Sarah

Nik & Noah

Brit (bone breadsticks)

Shy's brains (head of cauliflower with dip... genius)

Mike (This might be my favorite. Mike's eyeballs are actually oreo balls with chocolate bark. So freakin good, I would have eaten them straight out of the skull.)

Finally, a few of us went to a yurt above Idaho City. It was just snowy and wet enough to be very cold but not enough to actually cross country ski or snow shoe. Instead we ate really really well (including more Halloweenies!), took lots of pictures, and went to a hot tub. The only bad part was enduring Stephanie's constant rapper potty mouth.



*drool*

Try this at home

Mike recently started talking about this bread Great Harvest made called Swiss Cracked Pepper Bread so we decided to try and make it. We found a recipe that had those ingrediants and made a lovely loaf of bread that didn't even remotely resemble the Great Harvest bread. Apparently, the Great Harvest bread was round with a chewy crust and large crumb with big air bubbles.

As I attempted to find a recipe, I found that the kind of bread he wanted is called rustic artisan bread and it is (used to be) impossible for mortals (non-bakers) to make because we need a steam injection oven (>$5,000). Luckily, just before I gave up, I came across an article in the New York Times which describes a method to create this wonderful bread at home.

At first it was still a little daunting because it takes 24 hours to complete but keep in mind, about 23.5 of those hours can be spent doing anything else you want while your dough rises. I made some this weekend and could not believe I had managed to create something so pretty and fancy and yummy. The recipe included with the article has a few simple ingredients. I added pepper when I first mixed it and chunks of swiss cheese when I folded the dough. I could not be happier with the results (although next time I will add more pepper). It was a gorgeous round carmel loaf with cracks and imperfections that make it look so deliciously home made.

Here is the list of stuff you need:

• Yeast


• Flour


• Water


• Salt


• 6-8 qt. lidded baking pot or dutch oven

Seriously, make this. It will make you feel like an Italian grandma, who doesn't want that?

My Excuse

I know those of you who live from post to post are hanging by a thread out there. But the problem is, my home computer is broken. It gives me this horrible message when I turn it on that says I have to get the fan serviced. But I am taking it to get fixed today so I will do a big catch-up post soon. Here is what you have to look forward to...

• Katie blowing our minds with her DDR skills at Mike's B-day
• Tackiest/yummiest/cleverest Halloween treat collection
• My new couch
• Mad yurt action

Also, I am painting my bedroom tonight. I think I can safely say that tomorrow I will have a better looking bedroom than any of the rest of you. How does that make you feel? (Just kidding, I know you all have really nice rooms...)