No Day But Today....

The heart may freeze or it can burn

The pain will ease if I can learn

    Jonathan Larson had worked seven years on his musical Rent before someone took a risk and produced it on broadway.  He was 35 years old when he attended the final rehearsal before opening night.  After the successful rehearsal, Jonathan went home and was later found dead by his roommate.  He had died from an aortic dissection and never got to see his musical on broadway or receive his three Tony awards or Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

There is no future

There is no past

Thank God this moment's not the last

    Stieg Larsson was left by his very poor parents to be raised by his grandparents.  He grew up to become a Swedish journalist and writer.  He died at the age of 50 from a heart attack after climbing seven flights of stairs to his office.  His trilogy of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" was published shortly after his death.  Stieg was unable to see his greatest works in bookstores or made into movies.  Stieg became the second bestseller in the world and the first in the U.S.  He was shorted on experiencing any of this.

There's only us
There's only this
Forget regret-- or life is yours to miss.
No other road
No other way
No day but today

    Anne Frank was born into a Jewish family in Germany and lost her citizenship shortly after.  Her family then moved to Amsterdam, Netherlands.  The Nazis soon invaded the Netherlands and forced Anne and her family into hiding.  They were eventually caught and moved to a concentration camp where Anne passed away at the age of 15 from typhus.  Her diary was published shortly after her death and has become one of the best descriptions of such a tragic time.  Due to her short life, Anne was unable to see her people freed or her diary published.

There's only yes
Only tonight
We must let go
To know what is right
No other course
No other way
No day but today

    John Kennedy Toole grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and later attended Tulane University and Columbia University where he advanced his writing skills.  During his time in the army, John began writing a novel entitled "The Confederacy of Dunces."  The publication of this novel was rejected by many which led John to end his life at the age of 31.  His book was later published, and although too late, John was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

I can't control
My destiny
I trust my soul
My only hope
is just to be

    Adrienne Shelly began her acting career at the age of 10 where years later she starred in a few independent films.  Shortly after these roles, she transitioned into writing and directing.  Adrienne wrote, directed, and co-starred in the movie "Waitress."  She was murdered several months before its release at the age of 40 and unable to accept the five awards that it received.

There's only now
There's only here
Give in to love
Or live in fear
No other path
No other way
No day but today

    

    We as animals get caught up in the same routine, yet unlike other animals, we as humans have the ability to recognize these habits.  Oftentimes, we forget that each day is a gift that we should probably do more with than painfully go through the same, familiar steps.  It is our responsibility to truly live each day to its fullest, "carpe diem."  I forget this sometimes and often fall into my daily schedule of sleeping, laundry, and cooking when the world is just at my fingertips.  Life is more than a good nap, although we all love these from time to time.  Life is about all those things we get to experience with others that make the best memories.

    When was the last time that you laughed until your stomach hurt or cried until you were unattractively puffy?  When was the last time that you treated yourself to a broadway show or even a piece of cheesecake?  When was the last time you sang as loudly as you could and danced ridiculously?  When was the last time you interrupted your routine of breakfast, work, and dinner for doing something you love to do?  Do you even remember what you love to do or has it been lost among your daily routine?  These things make us who we are, and if we lose them, we are no longer distinguished individuals but just a group of beings, only we aren't being.

    With these individuals' stories, I hope that I have reminded you that life is far too short.  We usually reflect on this when someone near to us passes away, but it is time to ask ourselves these questions daily.  Stop cheating yourself and live as if there's "No day but today..."

Growing Up with Softballs and Bubbles

My first year of softball.

    Softball was probably one of the first sports my parents pushed me to participate in, but if it hadn't been for their pressure, I wouldn't have become the competitive, spitting, dirt-loving, gum-chewing individual that I am today (plus, I know how to use a bat).  When my parents first informed me that they had enrolled me in summer tee-ball, I responded with a question: "You mean I gotta wear a dutty glub?"  With the deal that my parents would coach the team, I decided that getting a little dirty wouldn't be so bad.
    Boy or girl, we all start hitting off of a tee, and we all do cartwheels and chase butterflies in the outfield.  One of the clearest memories I have involved gum and hair.  You see, there is no softball (or baseball for that matter) without packing your mouth full of gum and blowing the biggest bubbles.  Since my parents were the coaches, they would always supply our dugout with water and Bubblicious.  During one game, our first baseman was completing her main task by blowing the biggest bubble yet; however, this bubble burst onto her face and sadly into her hair.  The game was suspended until the gum was removed, and the player was clear of all Bubblicious.  Remember, this was little girls' softball; parents were more concerned with the wellbeing of their child instead of the outcome of the game (at least in the 90's, this is how it was).  The gum was successfully removed with a little bit of ice, and the game resumed.  Luckily, we had no hair casualties.

Winner, winner....

    These games would usually end with the coaches, or a giving parent, purchasing the players snow cones.  When the parents were feeling really generous and up for some child-time, we would get to celebrate a win by feasting on some cheese pizzas at Pizza Man.  The party would truly get started by setting Spice Girls to play repetitively on the jukebox and singing into the parmesan and red pepper shakers.  This is probably what divided the softball girls from the baseball boys, but to this day, it is still uncertain.
    With the chants from the dugouts and the diving plays in the fields, softball taught me, and most likely my friends too, how to be a team player and especially how to blow some serious bubbles.  I would never exchange that time for anything else, so thank you, parents, for that push!  Arlington softball leagues, here I come....and I'm bringing my dutty glub!

Missing Out on the Olympics: An Athlete's Dream Shot to Pieces

    With the Olympics going on, I can't help but regret not pursuing my dreams and possible career in swimming or especially badminton.  Why didn't my parents push me harder to overcome my fear of loud noises and dive into that pool?  Why didn't they install a badminton court in our backyard, so I could practice daily?  Why didn't they choose my genetics, so that I wouldn't be 5'4" and instead 7' tall?  I guess some of us just didn't have the means to pursue our dreams, Olympic ones at that.  Just think, had I gone after these dreams, I would presently be retired.  I already consider myself retired after going to school for 6 years and working only 3 months to be moved to a D.C. vacation spot where I no longer work but instead, lay by the pool and read.  However, PDub and I would have been better off with an Olympic retirement.

Uniform made in Virginia...not China

    Today, I wonder what events I could participate in with what I practice daily.  Although they aren't necessarily Olympic events, I feel that I would do pretty well in ironing shirts, vacuuming apartments, and handstands.  Just like a real Olympian, these are all activities that I practice daily.  After informing PDub and Doubles Shark-Whisperer of this, they both gave me difference reactions.  PDub found it quite sad that those would be the events I would compete in and thought that I probably shouldn't admit that I perform these tasks daily.  Doubles Shark-Whisperer, on the other hand, told me that I probably wouldn't have a chance against the 5-star hotel maids or the dry cleaners.  I'm not sure that I would receive a medal or even qualify for the finals, but at least, I would be able to go to the Olympics and star in some pretty awesome commercials for starch and cleaning products.
    While the summer Olympics are being aired, PDub and I have been breaking our "early to bed" habit, and we have been staying up late just to watch an event in which we already know the outcome. It's quite sad to go on a news webpage or even on Facebook to find a spoiler.  Was it necessary to announce that our women's gymnastics won right after they did?  I would have at least liked to have seen it.  It's like telling me that Batman dies at the end of "The Dark Knight Rises" before I ever get to see it....rude!  Anyway, I guess our media has to report on the news immediately, or it wouldn't be new-s.  Sadly, after viewing these events, I can't help but want to step on a sand volleyball court or swing on anything that appears to be uneven bars.
    Someday I might go to the Olympics.  The oldest Olympian to ever compete was 72 at the 1920 games.  He was a shooter, so maybe if I get over my fear of loud noises, I could go shoot some things too.  You never know....I've got time, but first I need to go iron some shirts....

Escalator surfing...a true sport!

Avoiding Chip Conflicts and Other Mexican Restaurant Etiquette

    I lived in Texas for about three years, and I find it safe to say that during my time there I became a true Tex-Mex connoisseur.  You really can't beat sitting in a crowded room with bright colors, listening to the sounds of a mariachi band, and smelling the production of fresh tortillas.  For this reason, I feel that I should share what to look for in a Tex-Mex restaurant and especially how to use your manners while dining.

Things to Look For:

    Before selecting a Tex-Mex restaurant, you first must be in the mood for some queso, margaritas, and something rolled in a tortilla.  After adjusting your appetite, decide what type of Tex-Mex you would like: one that leans more to the Tex or one more to the Mex....There is a difference.  If you want a meal that you can pronounce and have been able to pronounce since birth, I would recommend leaning more to the Tex.

Not kicking it.

    Once you have narrowed your search down to more Tex or Mex, the next step is to choose a restaurant by its name (as Shakespeare once wrote...."What is in a name?".....uh, everything).  The name has to be original yet witty.  "Tacos" and "Panchos" just don't cut it.  Try something like "Pappasito's Cantina" or "Tequilas"....Now that sounds like a fun time!  After excluding the boring restaurants by name, move on to looks.  Yeah, yeah...don't judge a book by it's cover....looks aren't everything....etc, etc.  Oh, but they are, and I believe we can all admit to this.  Is the restaurant in a mall or does it stand alone?  Things you should consider!
    Once you are inside, you should start judging the atmosphere.  Does it have a good ambiance?  Is there live music, but can you still hear yourself think?  How do things smell?  Use your senses!  Now, we focus on the food.  Are the chips fresh and flavorful?  PDub and I have run into terrible chips before, not a good thing.  Are the chips recycled from another table?  Health codes are not always met.  Moving on to salsa, it can make or break a restaurant for some people.  There are several avenues to go down.  It can be chunky, smooth, spicy, cilantro-y, etc.  This should be judged according to your own standards.  I judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its queso.  If the queso doesn't live up to my standards, we won't be returning because I expect every dish I eat to be covered in this delicious queso.  It's the little things that count.

Miss Manners:

Chip conflicts....

Double dip???

    As for etiquette, Tex-Mex brings about the evilness in everyone because we have to share (a hard moment for most).  The waiter greets you with his name, a basket of chips, and a couple bowls of salsa.  The first thing everyone at the table does is reach for the best chip in the basket....What do you do?  Back down?....I think not.  Fight until the bitter death because every chip from then on will never be the same.  If you run into other chip conflicts that might not be over the best chip in the basket, then politely allow the other person to take the chip; it's not worth it to lose friends over a chip.  In addition to chip conflicts, double-dipping can also be a problem that you might run into.  Before committing two dives with one chip, first ensure that your fellow diners are okay with such an action.  If they are not, break your chips up and then dip.  If they will allow such a repeated immersion, just don't lick the chip between each dunk.  This should be a given, but people are not always raised in the same way.
    In addition to the dipping, you also must differentiate between a salsa scoop and a queso scoop.  At most restaurants, the salsa is endless, so scooping as much as you can is acceptable.  On the other hand, queso is limiting, so please take this into account when dipping your chip.  Allow for an acceptable amount of queso so that others may enjoy it just as much.  Lastly, there is always the last chip issue.  Instead of running into this problem, ask your waiter for a refill when the basket becomes low instead of empty.  If it does occur, allow someone else to devour the thing; there will be fresher chips to come.

Too full.

Just right.

    To conclude this Mexican restaurant etiquette piece, I must share some helpful information on how to  construct your fajita or any other food item that may require a tortilla and self-construction.  No one wants to view you straining the size of your mouth over an overly stuffed tortilla.  Also, casualties, as in food leakage, can be avoided by using my method.  First, dip a small portion of the filling into the tortilla; the bigger the tortilla, the more you can fill.  Second, fold the bottom up around your filling; then finish folding as normal with the two sides.  Proceed to eat from the open end.  With all sides closed except your open side, no food should fall out, and the portion size should be perfect!

    I hope that with this new knowledge, your Mexican restaurant dining experience will be forever awesome.  In honor of tasty Tuesday, head out and get you some tacos, margaritas, and especially queso!

If the guacamole is an unusual shade of green, refrain from eating it.

Caution: Too many margaritas may lead to this.

Maya at the Dog Park

    Occasionally when we have a lazy day, which happens to be almost every weekend, we will pack a bag with a frisbee, ball, and towel and head to the dog park.  Sometimes we may even take Maya.  The Shirlington Dog Park is located four miles from our apartment and allows the pups to run off leash.  The top two things that we love about it is the small dog area and the creek just next door.  The two things Maya loves about it is the endless bark-time she gets and the creek just next door.
    On the weekends, this park is full of playing, barking, and sometimes even humping dogs.  As you drive through the parking area, it seems like tradition to have to roll down your window and allow your dog to let the wind blow their ears and smells enter their noses.  It's quite humorous to see the line of cars practicing this tradition as they find parking.  Once you do find parking, it's a procession to get your dog through the gate and unleashed.  Just inside the gate, you are welcomed by friendly dogs needing a little love and yes, even the smell of dog poop escaping from the trashcans.
    We usually head to the small dog area where puppies and smaller dogs get to play with each other without being trampled by larger, careless dogs.  Of course Maya stays closer than our own shadows afraid of all the butt-sniffing dogs (which happens to be all).  After we walk her around in this area, we will head down to the creek where the big dogs are only focused on fetching tennis balls and don't worry about the small toy (Maya) that just entered their region.  Maya could care less about tennis balls when there is water around.  She prefers to walk/swim in the creek away from other wet dogs.

The small dog area just behind the fence.

Big Dogs!!!!  Yes, that rottie has his head completely under....

Mom! No more pictures!!!  Can't you see I'm on a top secret mission.

Swimming after PDub

Our lil' waterbug.

    After she has completed her wading (or really when we say it is time to go in because she would stick around the water all day), we towel her dry and head back to the car.  At the car, she will do her wet dance in the passenger seat which involves rubbing her ears and body along the chair.  I like to call it breakdancing and often supply her with a mad beat.  On the drive home, she usually passes out from all the excitement and then again in her bed at home.  Sometimes PDub and I will join her for an afternoon nap.  Dog Parks are tiring!

Does anyone smell wet dog? And I'm not referring to PDub.

Breakdancing....

Didn't even pull out of the lot before she passed out.

Rough day.....Sleep!

Paradise Springs Winery

    It was a rainy but cool Saturday, so we decided to pack up some snacks and head to the closest winery.  Paradise Springs Winery is located in Clifton, Virginia where it's not unusual to see houses dating back to the mid 1800's and absolutely no traffic lights.  Much of the town still maintains its history dating back to  the Civil War when Union soldiers were stationed to guard against Confederate invasion.  Having a railroad crossing so close, the town proceeded to grow after the Civil War and become what it is today.

    The grounds on which the winery is located date back even further.  The land was once a portion of the grant from Lord Fairfax in 1716 to the family, and much of this land has been kept in the family.  In 2007, the winery opened and produced its first vintage, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.  The winery's name, Paradise Springs Winery, originated from the springs on the west side of Clifton.  In 1910, these springs gave rise to bottled water, and although this business is no longer present, the winery has taken over beverage production in the area.  If you can't have water, why not drink wine?

    When you pull into the winery grounds, the first building you see is a log cabin first built between 1800 and 1825 and later renovated in 1955.  On the other side of the lane is a field of grapes, signature to any winery.  The tasting room is large and elegant with a terrace overlooking the wooded area.  This is where we sat and listened to the band, indulged on some wine, and ate some cheese.  Life on a rainy day just doesn't get much better.

The tasting room.

The log cabin.

Grrrrrrrapes!!!

Da' Band.

Our responsibilities for the day....one not pictured :)

Rainy days don't get them down!

Zucchini

    One of the first projects we did after moving into our first home was mark off an area to plant a vegetable garden.  I didn't grow up with a vegetable garden and neither did PDub, but the thought of having one was too tempting to avoid.  Our first spring, we planted several veggies from green beans to squash.  Sadly, the only green we saw that summer was corn and weeds, and even the corn didn't produce well.  Now we have minimal choice in having a vegetable garden on our small little terrace.  During my trip back to Illinois, I envied seeing my Grandma's garden and was grateful to get to take home some zucchini and yellow squash.  It is the season for fresh veggies, so if you aren't eating them, start because they are soon to go out of style!

Our weeded over garden

    The zucchini is a vegetable grown on a vine above ground.  Unlike cucumbers (I often confuse the two), zucchini is generally cooked before eaten; it can be grilled, steamed, boiled, or baked.  The larger the zucchini, the more bitter it will be, so these large ones are generally better when incorporated into baked items, such as breads and cakes.  The smaller the zucchini, the better it will taste alone.  Growing up, my parents would have a fried zucchini party, where my dad would get his fingers dirty by dipping sliced zucchini in egg, milk, and flour before frying it.  I remember disliking the zucchini, so I would eat any fried batter that had stowed away.  However, taste buds change, and I now love this wonderful vegetable.  I have posted some recipes that I have recently enjoyed with my zucchini.  They are located in the tabs across the top of the page.  From our grubbage to yours.....Bon appetit!