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For a few weeks I have been in a food funk. Nothing tasted good. My palate was BORED. I finally made it to the Chinese market and bought 2 pounds of pork spare ribs (they come in little 1 inch chunks but you can also use the 3 inch ribs as well). Mom's spare ribs never disappoint.
Simple Braised Spare Ribs
Put 2 pounds of spare ribs in a pot that has a cover and is suitable for braising. Pour in 3/4 cup water, 3/4 cup soy sauce, 3/4 white vinegar. Add 2 large crushed garlic cloves, an inch of cut fresh ginger, 10 whole black peppercorns and 2 tbsp of agave nectar (mom usually uses sugar). Braise for at least an hour. Serve over rice or bachelor noodles (somen) and sprinkle with scallions.
For our generation, 9/11 is the "where were you when Kennedy was shot?" question.
I was in Greece. Specifically, on a beach made of sharp volcanic rocks in Santorini. It was overcast and I was not enjoying lying on a "beach" that jabbed, poked and drew blood. That night, we were waiting in the tiny airport for our flight to Crete when in the bathroom I overheard that planes had been hijacked. Great. I'm going to be on a tiny plane, flying at night over the dark Mediterranean Ocean and planes are being hijacked.
After a bumpy flight, we shared a cab with 2 Americans (a mother and daughter) to our hotel. The mother said that she heard there were bombs going off all over the U.S. "They bombed Chicago! New York! Washington, D.C!" I was really freaking out and it was only when there was a mix-up at the hotel and we had to sit in the lounge while it was sorted out that I saw the footage on CNN of the World Trade Towers being hit.
In a way, it was good for us to be in Greece (I was starting a new job in the Financial District in November) and pretend we were Asian tourists, cameras around our necks and all. Which is not to say there were any outright anti-American sentiments, in fact, Athens felt very quiet and in a state of mourning. We just felt that it was better to lay low. Obviously, we were unable to fly back to NY. Our hotel was kind enough to accommodate us at a reduced rate and we made a daily journey to the airline office to find out when we could get home. I was also fraught with worry over friends, family and loved ones in NY and DC. We didn't have access to a telephone or computer so we were pretty much glued to the TV.
We made it back 4 days later and thank goodness everyone was fine. There were a number of near misses. This person was late to work and her train was stopped and turned around. Both M and my uncle were on their way to the Pentagon. M remembers being stuck in traffic and seeing a large dark cloud of ash and soot envelope the car.
I look out the window at the rain while I write this and think that the heavens are shedding tears and remembering the lives lost along with us. This was a horrible tragedy and that out of the ashes we must be better to ourselves and each other.
Some couples get married. Some couples have babies. Some couples buy houses. No, it's not a magic carpet but close - we got a red Ninja 250.
I'm just going to be a passenger (please, I can barely drive a car). But, M will be heading off to motorcycle school and getting her motorcycle endorsement in a couple of weeks. Poor thing can't wait to ride her bike and sits on it whispering, "vroom, vroom."
Similarly to when I started to snowboard, preparing for riding has launched us into full gear mode. We've been searching for helmets, jackets, gloves and, of course, boots. We've gotten great advice from friends and have been tearing up the interweb. The fun part about the search is going to various bike stores and talking to people. We went to the local bike place and discovered Wednesday night bike night. All kinds of people who would probably have never spoken a single word to each other, ride in, eat free food (wings from Hooters!) and watch awesome stunts. Sometimes bike night even takes place at Hooters! This is going to be a lot of fun.
Fall, my favorite fashion season, is here! I love the structure and tailoring, coats and jackets (hello Burberry and my Jungal wool coats), cozy sweaters, and hot boots. Ok, I'm always obsessed with sweaters and boots.
Boots are impossible for me. They have to be the perfect combination of fit, comfort and style. Fit is especially hard because of my short, bird legs. I'm about a 13" shaft and 13" circumference. Most mid-calf boots are about 10" shaft and under and tall boots are 14 and up. Circumference seems to be 14 and up and I refuse to look like a pirate (otherwise, I'll have to get an eye patch and parrot as accessories). I also have no arch and other uncomfortable foot issues. Lastly, they have to be cute. It's hard to find a multi-purpose boot that one can wear with jeans and to the office but I try and maybe end up with a few boot options.
Go ahead and groan but I love my UGGs first and foremost. The Classic Tall boot is the perfect height and circumference and it is wonderfully warm and snuggly. The cuteness factor is debatable but I usually spend my summers in fitflops and winters in UGGs (keep office shoes to change into at work). I am making an attempt to wean myself off of the UGGs.
I love my Sacco boots because they are made of the softest yummiest lambskin, are made for short bird legs and pretty comfortable. Unfortunately, the 2 pairs I have are in really bad shape and Sacco is only in NY (their website bites). I will be dropping by during my sister's birthday weekend.
Another favorite brand is La Canadienne and I have 2 pairs from them. They are the perfect winter boot because they are waterproof, insulated, well, the Canadians know how to get through the winter. The boots come in a variety of heights and circumferences and the Lili (black patent) and Juliana (black suede) fit me beautifully. But, I'd like a more sophisticated styling of the toe area and plain black leather.
Local shoe shopping has been completely disappointing since not a single boot fits and online retailers hate me because I've sent every boot back (except for a pair of Reiker Sarina boots which are not totally cute but fit my calves, might be cute on the motorcycle).
I do have 3 pairs coming. The middle pair is the Corso Como Milan boot which will likely be sent back. It looked cute at first and there is an elastic panel in the back for a snug fit but upon further review, it looks tall and wide up top. Pepperlime grossly overcharges for their shoes but I wasn't able to find this boot elsewhere and will certainly take advantage of the free return option.
I'm excited about the top and bottom pairs because they are Born's. I had 1 pair of slides from Born and they were so deliciously comfortable. I have really high hopes for these. The top heeled low western boot (Allegra) would be for going out, wearing with skinny jeans and tights. The bottom pair is the Darcy which has a rounder toe than I would like but smooth sleek styling that could work for a variety of situations. Will let you know how it goes.
UPDATE:
The Corso Como Milan and Born Darcy were both too wide at the top. I have to say, I LOVE the quality of all 3 boots. Soft leather, padded footbed, beautiful styling. I am keeping the Allegra boots because I want a pair of Western boots, even with the heel it is so comfortable and surprisingly, the short shaft height makes my legs look so long! They are fabulous with skinny jeans, I'm so excited!
For a few weeks I have been in a food funk. Nothing tasted good. My palate was BORED. I finally made it to the Chinese market and bought 2 pounds of pork spare ribs (they come in little 1 inch chunks but you can also use the 3 inch ribs as well). Mom's spare ribs never disappoint.
