Citrus Obsession

I am going through a lime and lemon stage.

I can't get enough of the citrusy wonder. I have had either limeade or lemonade in my refrigerator for about three weeks. I made a key lime pie again for dessert. I just printed out a lemon cake recipe and will leave for the store to gather the ingredients after I write this post.

I know other people obsess about things, but I have a tendency to obsess about food more than most. I just think about how I can get that certain craving in as many ways possible. I am so glad that Tim is a good sport about all of my obsessions. He never says, "Sara, could we make something other than key lime pie? How about peanut butter?" He just eats it.

If you have a suggestion for a new obsession, I 'll consider it. I am in the market for a new one.

Grillin' and Chillin'

One of our new grown up purchases with this house is a new grill. We've mooched off of friends and family for our grilled food fix for many years. It is now up to us to get the brats and steaks done.

I am trying a new thing tonight, grilled shrimp. I am using the following marinade. I'll let you know how it goes. They are marinading right now and it smells fantastic. I am serving it with a mild garlic and oil pasta and salad.

A key lime pie is on deck for tomorrow. I made one last week, but it was far from my dream key lime pie at home. So, I'll give it another try. I am crazy about lemon and lime stuff lately.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails attached
• skewers

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, mix together olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Reserve a small amount for basting later. Pour remaining marinade into a large resealable plastic bag with shrimp. Seal, and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
2. Preheat grill for medium-low heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing once near the tail and once near the head. Discard marinade.
3. Lightly oil grill grate. Cook shrimp for 5 minutes per side, or until opaque, basting frequently with reserved marinade.

The Zoo

I took in another Philadelphia adventure today, The Philadelphia Zoo. I took the kindergarteners on a field trip. It is a totally different experience taking a group of children to the zoo rather than when I go with Tim.

My feelings about zoos are very conflicted. I feel bad when I see the polar bears sleeping in the hot sun since I know their natural habitat is where it is cold. When I see a crocodile in a pond the size of my bathtub, I know he would be happier somewhere bigger. The elephants are the saddest to me. These are huge animals that go in herds and are confined to a small space. Thankfully, the elephants are moving out of the Philadelphia Zoo to a big land preserve.

On the other hand, I like zoos because I love to see the animals. Today, the big cat house was amazing. All of the cats were active and came right up to the window where the children could be face to face with a real tiger, lion, and puma. The gorilla put his hand up to the glass and the children did too. If it were not for zoos, the children would never see these animals except on television.

I Ate It

I am a little behind the times when it comes to burrito consumption, but tonight I broke free of the refried bean chains that have kept me from a variety of fast food burrito chains that people have been enjoying for years.

I enjoyed my first huge burrito at Santa Fe Burrito. It is comparable to a Chipotle or Qdoba burritos. I have to say...I am not too impressed.

First of all, it is too big. I could only eat this with what I consider level one friends and family. These are people that have seen me at my worst or they don't have a choice but to still love me. It is not a pretty eating experience. I would hate to eat this tortilla mess with co-workers that I do not know very well. Even worse, if I were in the dating scene, eating this on some sort of first to twentieth date. I actually ate this with a person that I am just getting to know, so I have no memory of the taste of the burrito. All of my energy was spent on not making a damn fool of my cheesy self.

For those of you who know me well, you might have guessed that it was the cilantro that has kept me away from the burrito joints. I can't stand cilantro. Cilantro has made its way into most Mexican establishments and I am against it. So, I asked my friend at Santa Fe Burrito if this has a lot of cilantro and he said no, but it was a very unsure no. But, it was okay. I didn't taste any.

You know me, I usually have glowing reviews of things even when I only sort of like it. I like the burrito, but I think I like it for my secret Sara behaviors like barrette wearing and peanut butter on everything.

A Gnome Among Us

I almost bought a garden gnome today. Are they cute? Are they ugly? I am some where in the middle of that argument, yet I felt strangely compelled to buy one.

Like many of my purchasing moments, I was caught up in nostalgia. Bringing me back to my very younger days in northern Minnesota where my grandmother's garden was sprinkled with at minimum of six garden gnomes, my walk through the craft store aisle had me lifting up each gnome looking for the perfect one.

I wonder if Grandma still has these gnomes? Were they sold at her auction? Now that I have a garden of my own, I think I need one.

It was only after a conversation with a friend tonight that I realized that people do not like garden gnomes. What is not to like? He is a short little man who looks slightly slow. His simple purpose in life is to hang out in the garden among friends. His nose always looks like he might have had too many. Wouldn't we all like to be like the garden gnome?

Plant of the Week

I guess you can add gardening to the following list...

coffee
karaoke
friends and family
good television
cooking
reading
scrapbooking

because I am currently obsessed about it. If you recall, I had several photos of mystery plants on the blog. Well, days have passed and things have bloomed. I thought you might want an update for the flowers.

Thanks for helping me identify the holly plant. I plan on trimming that up next weekend.

Remember this plant?
Well, check out what it has turned into...
I still do not know what it is called, but I love the purple flowers that have come out of it. I hope they last all season. If you know what this is called, I'd be glad to know. Click on it to see a bigger view.



Remember this plant?
Well, check it out. It has blossomed into some beautiful hostas. Everyone was right! Thanks for the help. They are sprouting up all over the landscaping. I will be glad when they fill up the space.




So, here is mystery plant/flower of the week? Who knows what this is called?
Here is the full view and the close up view of the flowers. They are so small and delicate. I love them. Seriously, I am in the bottom of my class when it comes to horticulture.

Midwestern Endorsement!

Hello, Nation.

I know I am not the only person out there that loves Stephen Colbert. I love not only his 'truthiness', but also his irony wrapped in the American flag that he delivers every night on Comedy Central.

It's satire, folks. And I love that. There isn't an episode that we don't laugh out loud at his over the top stars and stripes lovin' humor.

Can't Fight the Feelin'

After school today, I went for a walk. The campus has a great trail and it was a beautiful day. I put on the sunscreen, new lime green shorts, and hit the trail. I had the ipod on and enjoyed many good tunes. When I was about three-fourths finished with the trail, I saw this patch of grass and I had the urge to just lay down in it.

I didn't though. Why didn't I? Was I afraid that I would be looked at funny? Was I afraid of a sunburn on the face since I forgot to reapply to the face? Did it just sound like a good idea and I would hate it when bugs were crawling on me?

Who knows? But, next time I have that kind of urge along with that kind of time, I am doing it.

Two Cents on Alec Baldwin

I love 30 Rock. It is one of my favorite shows for many reasons. First of all, Tina Fey writes the dry, clever, and self-deprecating funnies for the show.

And for all of my love for Tina Fey, it is Alec Baldwin that I dig the most on this show. I can't even begin how many personality disorders his character must have, yet he is somehow likable. His raspy voice and completely unemotional advice that he hands out like pearls of wisdom makes you really feel sorry for him. But only after you laugh out loud at what he just said. I love him...on the show. However, I have a beef with him. I know what you are thinking...

Sara, do you really want to start a fight with someone who calls their own daughter a pig?

Yes. Yes, I do because when it comes to my television entertainment, these colors don't run!

Alec Baldwin, I am tired of you saying that you want to leave 30 Rock to concentrate on your relationship with your daughter. What about me? What about millions of other viewers that depend on you each week to be a part of an hour and half of television that I rely on to be my reward for a hard worked week? Alec, you won a Golden Globe for this show! C' mon! I am going to hope that you come to your senses, but with past history being my guide, I won't hold my breath.

Not Much

I want to write something, but I really do not have anything to write. Life has been pretty uneventful and I have not been involved in anything too interesting. So, that leads to what I consider a lazy person's blog entry. Bullets. And not the violent kind. The kind that are simple and concise.

• I saw two men screaming at each other with their man chests all puffed out at each other. It amazes me that human men are just like animals when they come into conflict. Animals react that way.
• I just realized that all of the American Idol finalists are hard-core Jesus lovers. I discovered this as I read their celebrity playlists on itunes. A lot of Michael W. Smith and worship songs. Now, I won't judge them on that. I have a soft spot for the days when I was all saved in junior high.
• American Idol is also singing "life anthems" tonight. I am not sure if I love this season. I am pulling for Jordan Sparks at this point. This is not why I am pulling for her, but I have to say, she just reminds me so much of the crew that I hung with in high school. She can throw a huge smile on whenever it is asked of her. She is overly-excited about everything.
  
• I usually have two 'go to' baby gifts that I give for showers, but this might be added to the list.
• And finally, because you haven't wasted enough time today, try this.
  

Calling All Gardeners

This is my first attempt at gardening. We have this little rectangle space that begged for some flowers. I planted two hostas and five other flowers.

However, I find myself stumped and frustrated as I clean up the other parts of our landscaping. Because we did not landscape, we have mystery annuals. I have enjoyed the daffodils, but there are several that I am clueless about.

My biggest fear is that they are baby trees that are growing all over my yard. I just need answers. This is where you all come in. I am hoping that some expert gardeners read this blog so they can give me insight. I am posting pictures and if you know what these plants are, please comment. Be sure to refer to them as "plant #1" and so on. Also, if you have tips or opinions on loving or leaving this plant, tell me that too.

Plant #1
Click on any of the photos to get a close up.

These are growing in about four different places in my landscaping in the backyard.

Plant #2
They seem to be opening up and this mystery could soon be solved. I am hoping for some lovely flower that will bloom all summer with my love and attention.

Plant/Shrub? #3
These plants do not have any height to them. They just lay there. They have a pretty purplish hue to them along with the green.

Plant #4

This is the view from the top. It stands up to my knees. It doesn't have thorns, but it looks very healthy.

I am feeling horticulturally delayed here. Help me out.

Mowin'

Looking at Tim rest on our new mower, you'd think that we lived in 1930. Yes, we have a push mower and you'd understand if you saw how small our yard actually is.

However, I can't tell you how satisfying this push mower is. I love it. I love how the blade feels when it cuts the grass. It makes a fantastic 'werrrrr' sound as I cut the grass. It is not the most graceful of machines, but I like it.

Maybe this weekend will give me a chance to take a picture of Tim hanging out at the new grill we purchased.

Crab

I am super crabby today. No reason. Okay, maybe I have a reason but it is too boring and mundane to write about on my lovely, non-crabby blog.

Today, I am longing for the days in Iowa where I knew what was going on. I knew what was expected. I long for the days that I could just sit in my friend's classroom after school and crab. I have no one to crab to here.

Here are the high points to my day:
1. I am eating Thai food tonight.
2. I am going to Blades of Glory tonight.

Nor'easter

Did you hear? We had a Nor'easter. I had heard about this for about three days before the event. The weather people kept calling it a storm.

To me, a spring storm has lightening, thunder, and tornadoes. I thought the weather people were weak. It was just going to be rain.

I was so wrong. I couldn't sleep at all last night because the wind was so strong and the rain pounded on the house all night long. I woke up to see slush, snow, puddles, and muck all over the ground. Because of fallen trees and electric wires, school was canceled.

I will not poo poo the weather casters now when they tell me a nor'easter is coming. It is a mess. However, I was able to get a Starbucks today because I had the time.

Grow For Me

Daughter
Teacher
Sister
Wife
Friend
Homeowner
Cook

I can put a new role in that list. Gardener. We purchased a lawn mower, weed wacker, and a hodgepodge of gardening tools. We mowed our lawn and wacked some weeds. I hoed some dirt to make it ready for next weekend when I will be planting a variety of annuals and maybe a perennial or two.

We have a shady backyard so I have been researching shade gardens. I think I will plant some Hostas, but I am looking for ideas to compliment this perennial. I plan on some impatiens in the flower bed, but I will plant some Geraniums in hanging plants. I am also reseeding my backyard because there are some splotchy spots. I am also going to try my hand at an herb garden.

I know I will enjoy spending time at the gardening center. It is the first time and I already know that I am going to get into taking care of my yard and garden.

Unrepentant

Rolling Stone has put together a little list they call the Undisputed Guilty Pleasure Bands list.

First of all, I love a nice list.

Second of all, I feel no guilt. I do not live in an ipod of shame. Instead, I proudly checked my itunes library to see how many of these artists Rolling Stone would say besmirch my playlists.

For your voyeuristic pleasure, I have listed my opinion and number of songs by each artist that currently hangout in my itunes library.

1. Rush (0 songs)-No. NO. NOOOO! I can't stand Rush. I don't care that I love most Canadian things. I don't do Rush.

2. E.L.O. (0 songs)-My husband is a fan, but I just don't get this one.

3. Journey (3 songs)-My relationship with Journey has come full circle. My first memory is Steve Perry standing at the front of a melodramatic rock video pyramid with his fist clenched in pop glory. I hated it. Now, for nostalgic reasons, I love it.

4. ABBA (3 songs)-No one does wedding dances better than Abba.

5. Chicago (5 songs)-Keep in mind that Chicago went through their ballad stage when I was around 13 years old so I have my nostalgic self wrapped up in pining for boys to these songs.

6. Boston (2 songs)-I love the slow start to "More Than a Feeling" and then, it unabashedly ROCKS, my friends!

7. Foreigner (2 songs)-I think I have my friend Jodi for these two little lovelies. I like to pump my fist in a 1980's mocking fashion when this tune comes on the ipod in the car. It embarrasses Tim.

8. Bread (5 songs)-What kind of girl has FIVE Bread songs?? A girl who likes nothing better than be sad to "If" and the funny little plucking at the beginning of the song. Oh, I love "Lost Without Your Love" and you all should.

9. Bon Jovi (2 songs)-I thought it would be more, but this is respectable since I was a teenager during their glory days. I tended to listen to Bread instead of the hair bands of the time.

10. New Edition (0 songs)-I did have the Bobby Brown tape, but I haven't transferred my love to the digital age yet.

11. The Monkees (6 songs)-I love them. I have since I watched them on Nick at Night and memorized the theme song. My favorite song is "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You". I have memories of driving down I-29 with my friends in high school driving to graduation parties singing to the Monkees tape. Nerds.

12. Motley Crue (0 songs)-No crue. I think I was traumatized by my brother's posters that he had in his room. I thought they were scary.

13. STYX (2 songs)-When I feel like a rebel, I like to crank up "Renegade". I long to karaoke this number.

14. Eddie Money (o songs)-Shocking. I need to buy me some Money man. I loved "I Wanna Go Back" and "Take Me Home Tonight" when I was sitting next to my duel deck tape player.

15. Simply Red (0 songs)-Thank God.

16. Kelly Clarkson (3 songs)-Doesn't everybody?

17. America (0 songs)-Lists like these are great for me to rediscover songs that I love. I will now buy "Sister Golden Hair".

18. Wham (2 songs)-It is really hard for me to separate Wham from George Michael, but I will. "Freedom" by Wham is their under appreciated swan song before the solo days.

19. R.E.O. Speedwagon (4 songs)-I am proud to say that I have karaoked two R.E.O. songs. Of course, they were the sentimental ballads that every person (and you are lying if you deny this) like to sing to in the car.

20. Poison (0 songs)-I know others dig Poison, but I just don't. However, if I had to, I am sure and positive that I could sing "Every Rose Has a Thorn" since I was forced to listen to it at every junior high dance from 1989-1992.

21. Lionel Richie (11 songs)-I am going to go ahead and put my Commodore songs with Lionel. He was basically that whole band anyway. Favorite Lionel song..."Easy". I know this guy who claims that Lionel is his favorite out of everyone. Everyone. That is a bold statement.

22. Kansas (0 songs)-See, I think I would feel guilty for having a Kansas song in the collection.

23. Air Supply (5 songs)-Did you know that Air Supply had five songs? Yes, they all sound a like, but that is about 25 minutes of one great sap song.

24. Hall & Oates (7 songs)-If you know me at all, you know I love Hall & Oates. They are from Philly, you know. They are performing for Fourth of July and I am going! I would like to see a huge comeback for Hall. The man can sing. Don't argue with me about this.

25. Britney Spears (2 songs)-I do have a little shame about this one, but there is definitely a time and a place that you need to have "Toxic" on the playlist followed by "I'm a Slave 4 U". Right? Right? Don't let 'em get you down, Brit Brit.

Oh, It's On!

Barack Obama. Good.
Hillary. Good.
John Edwards. Good.

I am really excited and pleased with the democratic contenders. I am the person they are working to win. I like all three for different reasons. I don't really feel like getting into here, but I can't remember a time that I felt really excited about a candidate since Bill Clinton. As for the Republican candidates, I think it is going to be a long road because they have hitched their boat to the conservative Christians for so long and no candidates will be able to fit that mold. I think it is going to be very interesting.

Spring Awakening

As I write this, I feel the urge to tell you that I am by NO MEANS a Broadway show expert or critic. My experience with musicals and plays are limited to my own performance in The Pirate of Penzance in the 10th grade and a few shows during trips to New York City. These shows were the big, flashy types. I have seen Hairspray, Wicked, and The Producers on Broadway, but after this week, I have a new category of musical.

I saw Spring Awakening with my friend Kecia. I had heard several things about this show prior to arriving in NYC. Zach Braff had written about this show on his blog. I had read about the show in a news magazine, but what I remembered was that the music was written by Duncan Sheik. I am a fan. He wrote "Barely Breathing", but so many more great songs after that radio-recognized tune.

Right away, I knew this musical was different than the rest because some of the audience was sitting on the stage along with the band. It was a band because the music has a definite pop feeling to it. The actors used microphones in their hands as they sang songs that sounded more appropriate for the radio today rather than the setting of early 20th century Germany. The play is based on Frank Wedekind's play about adolescents discovering their sexuality and the repressed nature of the society of the time.

This musical is not for the easily embarrassed or timid when it comes to viewing sexually graphic art. Along with some mild nudity, there are a couple other scenes that might make an audience member blush.

Although some will find flaws in Spring Awakening, I am going to say that I like it. I like the topic of the story. I liked the music. If I had to say anything negative, it would be that the lyrics were a bit vague at times. However, I never wrote a Broadway musical. Who am I? I was just a chorus girl in Pirates of Penzance!

Ghost Stories

This is me on the Philadelphia Ghost Tour. Since I don't really believe in ghosts and such, I thought I had to act the part if I wasn't going to offend the believers on this tour.

Even though I am not a believer in the paranormal, it was a fantastic event. The story teller brought a group of 12 or so around the historic streets in Philadelphia. She wore a black, flowing cape and carried a candle lantern. She told stories of old homes, buildings, and cemeteries in Philadelphia.

The most interesting ghost story detailed the history of Washington Square which is a block from Independence Hall. It was once a potter's field where over 2,000 bodies are buried from a variety of social and medical epidemics that occurred in the city. In 1793, Yellow Fever raged in Philadelphia and many bodies were buried in this square that is also where the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier lies. Caretakers would sell the bodies of the victims of Yellow Fever to medical students.

However, there was a Quaker woman who felt these acts were immoral and made her thoughts known. She continues to make her thoughts known by haunting Washington Square in the early mornings where she has been seen digging at the ground trying to save the bodies from the grave sellers.

Right in My Backyard

Along with the traditional tourist destinations in Philadelphia, I took Kecia to see Eastern State Penitentiary. First of all, Eastern State makes Alcatraz look like Club Med. It was the first penitentiary in the United States and believed in the solitary penance of its prisoners.

Eastern State looks like a castle fortress from the outside. It is in the middle of the city, surrounded by modern buildings and roads. It was built in 1829 and remained in use until 1971. Its most famous prisoner was Al Capone.

If you are in Philadelphia and want a little change of pace from all of the Revolutionary War history, Eastern State Penitentiary will do a proper job of creeping you out.