tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54462752899773288552024-03-13T03:31:57.332-07:00nutmegA Sprinkle of Life on Nutritionm. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-87906787363584765682014-07-09T18:19:00.000-07:002014-07-09T18:34:46.331-07:00Pester makes ProfessionSo just to refresh your memory (and mine! It has truly been a whirlwind), I ended my employment in Los Angeles, moved cross country, idled in unemployment, started employment at a small hospital outside Atlanta, resigned, and now! have been working about 3 weeks in a new Atlanta inpatient dietitian position.<br />
It was exactly the position I wanted when I left California. And really, there were only two positions of this kind: Academic hospital, inpatient, GI surgery.<br />
Done&Done&Done.<br />
I'll have a dietetic intern soon.<br />
I'll start adjunct teaching at a state university soon! In a very cool department focused on culinary arts, hospitality, sustainability and exercise science.<br />
It's like all my goals of inpatient GI surgery, teaching, hippy dippy culinary/sustainability and exercise science are blending. Who would have thought that could happen...? You really can get what you want. Exhale...<br />
Pester, study, pester some more and there you have it! What you want. Or what you think you want anyways. This is America, I tell ya!<br />
<br />
My dear friend/old coworker at the University of Southern California posted <a href="http://www.the-hospitalist.org/details/article/6291591/Change_To_Dietary_Rule_Could_Free_Up_Hospitalists_for_Other_Tasks.html">an article from the Hospitalist</a> regarding Medicare/Medicaid decision to allow dietitians to order therapeutic diets for hospital patients.<br />
<br />
<i>Issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/05/12/2014-10687/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-regulatory-provisions-to-promote-program-efficiency-transparency-and#h-22" target="_blank">revised rule enables RDs</a>
to "operate at the top of their license," says hospitalist Melissa
Parkhurst, MD, FHM, medical director of the Nutrition Support Service at
the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, who says she's in
favor of the change. </i><br />
<br />
Reentering this 100% inpatient clinical world, it feels good to be given a bit more control.<br />
Or rather, not have to call a big time doctor when a 90#, 90 year old isn't eating much on fat and sodium restricted diet.<br />
I mean really...Who would?<br />
At 90 years old, give me a lobster roll, banana bread, froyo and wine. Let me be in the hospital as a happy woman.<br />
Even if you have to blend it all up, shove a tube down my nose and bolus it into my belly. Just make me happy. Bowel obstruction or not. <br />
<br />
It seems slow but even since I started this career just 5 years ago, I have already seen the advancement of paper to electronic charts. From not being able to order nutritional supplements to ordering them without permission from a doctor. From recommending tube feed to outright ordering them after a consult. Now the therapeutic diet is a hold up...and really so is a multivitamin...but things are coming along!<br />
I just find it interesting that I had/will have less resistance compiling and initiating a solution to feed through someones vein that could render immediate harm if done incorrectly than liberalizing a diet order to regular. Wacky... <br />
<br />
And I'm coming along too. It's been a wacky, wacky road. And I'm sure there is more wacky in store for me. But at least for now, I feel a tiny bit more stable. I said tiny.<br />
And I'm ready to come along.<br />
Or the pestering will continue! Good thing I have a good network of RDs running around this nation. <br />
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-57680373352889194482014-06-25T20:39:00.001-07:002014-06-25T20:39:22.794-07:00Freedom for Being Scammed and Shot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
John Oliver, I don't even know you but I like you.</div>
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What is wrong with dumb people and with smart people?</div>
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Maybe idiocy is the magical ingredient found in those supplements.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WA0wKeokWUU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-63092845847061058752014-06-18T06:38:00.001-07:002014-06-18T06:38:28.499-07:00Round&Round
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yesterday a child came
out to wonder</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yesterday I ended a job I had just started after ending a
previous job. Next week I’ll start a new job. I’ll be a year older on paper
when I start. I gave Cat away this week. My fickle companion in Atlanta. I’m on
a plane to Chicago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’m in motion. Always. In life and in my head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I took the Marta to the airport today. Was super easy.
Walked to the station, transferred once. Getting through the worlds largest
airport was relatively painless despite the motion in my head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Marta’s PA system was the best I’ve heard. Clear,
hospitable, informative. “For Georgia State, Grady Hospital, Children’s
Hospital of Atlanta, International Convention Center exit next stop!” The man I
struck up a conversation with on the way reminded me that Atlanta is the
convention center. That’s why everything was so clear and informative and
pleasant. Wish I had a GA PA system in my brain. Maybe everything would be
clearer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On the day I ended my job, I had to race over to HR,
employee health and Security at my new job. I was hungover. It was raining. I
was tired. Stepping on the scale at Employee Health, I found myself to be
exactly 3# heavier than I was when I stepped on the Employee Health scale a
little over a month ago. We start and end. We go up and we go down. We go round
and round.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My spirits do to. And I start again with a little less
enthusiasm this time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On the Marta another thing was clear. Three peoples’ voices
close by. I couldn’t determine the relationship of the travelers. The youngest
of the three was talking about her grandfather. In the south, you drop the
preposition when referring to your family members. “Granddaddy is in assisted
living now. He’s 89 years old. He got remarried. She’s 88 years old. He’s 90#
soaking wet. He wasn’t always that way…”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The last day of my job I had a 93 year old male patient. He
had no teeth, no dentures and a BMI of 17. He had dark hipster glasses on his
pale thin face covered a bit with wispy white hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was at risk for aspiration/pneumonia if he
was to eat by mouth. The man went from a full liquid diet, which he barely ate,
to NPO (nothing by mouth) until he decided on a PEG (a tube placed in the
stomach to feed through) or hospice in which he could then eat by mouth. At 93
years old, this is what it comes down to: A feeding tube or hospice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hospice won. And I said, “order whatever you’d like!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Good for him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I walked through security behind a woman holding a
California license. I walked past a group of boy scouts wearing their official
uniforms. I arrived at my gate seating a large Navy group dressed in formal
white. While waiting to board I listened to Joni Mitchell’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Circle Game-3 times in a row. Completely
appropriate considering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I watched people while she sang to me. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And the seasons, they go round and round and the painted ponies go up
and down. We’re captive on the carousel of time. We can’t return we can only
look behind from where we came. And go round and round and round in the circle
game. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I sat on the plane feeling disconnected. Between worlds.
Being in motion does that. I turned on DeVotchka’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Winner Is. I watched the ground crew
perform their tasks in step with the music. Watched the dance our humanity
plays. The violin present throughout the background. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pluck Pluck Pluck Pluck</i> - step step step step. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chime Chime</i> – luggage throw luggage throw. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Drum Beat </i>- shut storage door. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Drum
Beat </i>- high five coworker. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What a pretty dance. Prettier than my odd mood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So the years spin by
and now the boy is 20. Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true. There’ll
be new dreams, maybe better dreams and plenty. Before the last revolving year
is through. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While high above the world all alone, I listen to DeVotchka
sing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you already know how this will end….</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…go round and round
and round in the circle game. </i></span></div>
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-57440110610964705882014-05-17T09:36:00.001-07:002014-05-17T09:36:18.733-07:00Land SharkI paws a moment to discuss another creature's nutrition.<br />
<br />
This cat I found under my car. We still have a love/hate relationship. More love these days after the Sodashi gave him (it is conclusive "cat" is a "him") the most dangerously awesome mani/pedi. She's pretty much spiritually sent.<br />
<br />
I've named him "Mo." Short for "lil Monster." And possibly because "cat" was androgynous for awhile. So if we decide he needs an "s," we're all covered. But really, it's still "cat."<br />
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Now as previously stated, I don't know the first thing about cats, let alone kittens. But I got a decent crash course thanks to Paige, Todd Hornberger, spiritually sent Sodashi and Jaxson Galaxy. Oh! And the lovely folks over at Petco. And pretty much anyone else I meet because I end up either talking about my cat or explaining traces teeth marks and scratches. I understand why parents talk about their kids. They are all consuming. And cute. And righteous pains. And a big responsibility.<br />
<br />
So let me just give you a little background:<br />
I live in a 490 square foot attic apartment which is kind of like something between a studio and 1 bedroom. It is decorated in a fashion that is a kitten's dream. Lots of scarfs. Lots of drapes. Lots of delicate things to knock over. And it isn't easy to quarantine the thing in another room. So cooking and eating have become a well thought out plan.<br />
The litterbox has no where to go. It is the first thing you see as you climb the stairs and approach the apartment. And this thing can really go. I mean it's so small and produces so much stink. I'm horrified and jealous at the same time.<br />
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Anyways, it is a land shark. Period.<br />
It is always on the prowl. We play prior to eating to act as though he killed something and gets the reward. Hunting, stalking, eating, prowling. Repeat. And often times directed at me...<br />
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I bought dry food for this critter. Wet food just kind of gives me the creeps. But maybe half dry half wet may be the way to go - as this one may have altered mental status secondary to malabsorption and increased appetite resulting in increased attacks directed towards me. I'm so lucky. <br />
I gave the lil guy leftover salmon one time and he went nuts. It was like an instant addiction.<br />
<br />
So I'm reminded that while doing dietetic school in St. Louis, there was a dietitian on staff at the St. Louis based Purina company. It makes sense. I didn't know how much to feed this thing. I didn't know what it's little body would have trouble absorbing. I don't know what would be good for his teeth. I didn't know how to transition to a new food brand.<br />
Or that having a worm may be causing malabsorption, diarrhea, deficiencies resulting in an increase need to bite my ankles.<br />
Unfortunately for Purina, when I switched brands, the cat calmed down a bit but it was also at the time of the top shelf mani/pedi. Who can say for sure.<br />
<br />
Either way. This thing needs food. And I'm not letting it climb a tree to find it. So if I have to give it to him, I want it to be good. So that he can be good. And I can be good.<br />
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<br />m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-57723818261667555362014-05-03T09:13:00.001-07:002014-05-04T08:14:06.473-07:00Southern Evolution<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm living in Atlanta. I never thought I'd write that. Not because I don't like Atlanta or anything just never thought it would be a place I'd live really. I didn't know much about it. Or I had my own thoughts about the South in general. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Does one capitalize the "s" in south? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I may have pulled off the ultimate 180 change. Well, I don't know if I "pulled it off" but did/am doing it, I guess..?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've gone from LA and running around a bit glitzed up indulging in all of its stereotypes to Atlanta and some of it's stereotypes. It's funny how a place like LA can make you "cool" to everyone simply by living there. You don't even have to do anything but be there and spend money. Of course it's a beautiful playground that I still love, I'm just saying. My cool points took a nose dive and yet, I think I may actually become more me. So if A equals B and B equals C...yikes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've temporarily lost my identification as a dietitian. The one thing I've been trying to truly master and focus on in the past 5 years. The so called formative years. What are you when you are unemployed, living alone (correction living with a kitten named "bad cat"), without a group of friends or family, in a foreign city....? It's laughable on a lot of levels. The absurdity makes everything so much better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I guess I will tell you what I <i>AM</i> or at least <i>Am Doing</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Along with not working (sounds like a choice compared to unemployment. It's all about the attitude. Or connotation in my head. And I do have work coming...), I'm decreasing my exercise by 75% if not more, sleeping in, eating fried potatoes and pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, having beers in really annoyingly smoke filled bars, going to a Meryl Haggard concert and the Coco Cola Factory, killing cockroaches with a "I'll get you" attack attitude, finding a cat under my car and taking it in (for now), buying actual furniture and googling "LED vs LCD"...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It'll be my first TV, people. I'm not saying this in an "I'm so cool and hipster" sort of way. I actually just never owned a TV. Maybe as independent as I thought I was throughout my serial transitions, I've also depended on so much. Roommates furnishings, the city's direction of what to do and see and eat and think and dress, my job's schedule and perpetual drive to master it. This is my first place alone, my first time sans garbage disposal and dishwasher, my first kind of odd step back but maybe into place? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm wondering how much of my current life is just because I'm in an odd transition phase or p…æ¢∞∞∞???????^^7 (<-cat on keyboard. Absurdity continues. Add "youtubing Jackson Galaxy" to the queue of <i>what I am/what I am doing</i>. As opposed to "who I am?" hmm. I'd like to think that is always evolving) or because I'm living in the "South."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I suppose it's amazing how one can think they're open minded living in a place like Los Angeles and also be close minded to my current life. It's been good. Somewhat a struggle. I have scratches all over my hands from the cat and bruises in weird spots from moving furniture to prove the struggle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I found an article this morning <i><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/05/01/why-are-southerners-less-healthy/">Why are Southerners Less Healthy?</a> </i>which stated that </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina and Tennessee are national leaders in preventable deaths from
heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease,
cerebrovascular disease (strokes) and unintentional injuries (such as
car and motorcycle accidents).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This may totally dull you but I found this <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/05/01/the-southeast-is-home-to-the-most-preventable-deaths/">graph (at the bottom of the page)</a> insanely interesting. But then again, I'm living alone without a whole hell of a lot happening. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It showed me that 18.9% of either deaths or preventable deaths in CA are due to chronic lower respiratory disease compared to 47.7% in GA. May I remind you that Santa Cruz banned smoking in 1987 and CA banned smoking in 1994. 1994! You'd think that GA would be a bit more progressive as it is on the East coast but it is in the South. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is slow but I think the entirety of the South is having or will have gentrification with northern youngsters looking for better property value. If they don't die from second hand smoke first. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Anyways, that was one example. Of my 180. Of Coco Cola's presence and a potential attribution to heart disease in GA. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I feel similar in ATL as I did in STL. Both Monsanto and Coco Cola allow a presence and economy and jobs and some kind of solution to starvation. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Coco Cola seems to bring in much more pathos about the whole thing of course. And it works! The video they play in the theater before your visit begins makes you want to cry but never once shows coke or says coke. It's taken a "we unite the world and share in your happiness" sort of marketing sheme. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And it did!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There I was, howling over </span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">the outcry to the "New Coke" introduced in 1985 </span></span>with my brother who randomly flew into my lonely town for business-as ATL has the largest airport in the US. Who knew that's why when they brought back "Old Coke" they called it Coco Cola Classic. A questions that has been plaguing me since 1986. Why the classic? What makes it classic!?!?!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I felt united! I felt happy! I was laughing with my brother in the Coco Cola Factory. And often thinking of my mother, who I am turning into. Cringing at how overwhelming and ADD the "world of Coco Cola" is and how I could not walk across the 5 continent tasting room without losing my ballet flats on the sticky floor. Worst nightmare realized.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And! on some level, forgetting I was a dietitian. A dietitian that believes that sugary beverages are the main culprit for obesity in the US. And feeling like a kid again. And then very quickly, feeling like my mother again. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The world of Coco Cola is a world. Just as city gives you a feeling. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even if you don't know what the feeling is yet. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A desire to have a community. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To root for a basketball team. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To know the best way to get somewhere on the highway or subway system. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A way others can comprehend who you are so they feel like it/you makes sense to them. Living in a city can make you cool or down to earth or wear North Face or despise North Face or smoke cigarettes or drink wine or take the subway or go on hikes or know what's going on in foreign politics or know what's going on in Hollywood. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It gives you an identity. A stereotype. It's an odd thing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But it makes people proud or allows them to be something even if they're not: To be strong enough to handle the NY attitude or be socially conscience enough for Portland or to be the most hospitable southerner yet. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Or maybe people just like to be where their values are and interests are represented the most. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Which perpetuates the stereotypes. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Which continues to make southerners unhealthy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Which makes living in places you never thought you would interesting. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's a little uncomfortable being where I am at. Losing an enormous sense of myself. Living in a place I never thought I would that has a lot of preventable deaths that I have dedicated to strive against. At least strive against on a personal level. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The weird part is I think I've gained a big sense of myself. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Being a little lost by yourself is sometimes less lonely than being an actress amongst actors (don't read too much into the gender situation going on right there) in a beautiful city where sometimes rules don't apply to certain people and you can't tell if it's fall or spring. As humans, we have the capacity to love and hate something, for example a city, at the same time. We do a lot of comparing because then we can "place something" in our heads and feel better about it. More certain. When you live somewhere, you take a part of that city with you and that city puts a part of itself in you- your memories, experiences, bittersweet complicated feelings and your capacity grows. I'm pretty sure we just want to be the best and most honest versions of ourselves. And again, I believe cities give you an identity or push an identity on you. But the thing is, I'm not sure how much identity ATL has to give? Or I'm just so not even aware of it yet. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It has allowed me time to really consider what I <i>do</i> want, what I <i>do</i> think, how I can potentially make an actual difference, who <i>I</i> really am. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I said "think". I didn't say "figure out." As I said before, I'm always evolving.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My last stage in particular was an unbelievable amount of fun but I had this weird feeling that it was just one step. And I had to continue. To evolve. On some personal level. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When all the fun and glitz is laid out for your taking, the "taking" is what you're "doing."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At least I am "doing" or feel like I "will be doing" instead of just "participating in." It aids in real personal evolution. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And fingers crossed, a smoke free revolution. Which preempts the sugary drink revolution. Which is possibly all a product of gentrification. Which is all a product of saturation. Which is all revolving in a circle. As is life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Which is probably why I'm turning into my mother... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"></span>m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-72113938783210134882014-04-22T19:04:00.000-07:002014-04-22T19:29:49.034-07:00A New, Sweet SupriseI'm sitting in my new kitchen.<br />
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Drinking a Restoration Pale Ale complements of Melissa Rose (space) Mary Coyle. Rose after one grandmother and Mary after the other. Not to be confused with the nonexistent grandmother "Rosemary." So Irish having so many names.<br />
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And I'm eating a home made pizza: garlic, shallots, artichokes, pine nuts, marinara, pesto, some chili flakes, some basil sprinkle, mozzarella, Parmesan (with a capital P, people), evoo (not to copy RachelR) and S+P (not 500) on a TJs crust that really needed a rolling pin that I don't have...<br />
Will put on my shopping list next to accent chair and collect desk and couch.<br />
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And I'm listening to The Very Best of Otis Redding. Wish it were on vinyl. Must put record player on shopping list or collection list from dear old dad. In particular, "That's How Strong My Love Is." Doesn't get any better than that. Or maybe "Mr. Pitiful" -which might be what I am.<br />
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Regardless of a "coming together house," or "coming together life" for that matter, I have a decorative basket full of Easter Eggs complements of Julie Murphy better known as Mama Murph. There's also a tray in the basket (which is really a pink mixing bowl) that says "Have an Eggcellent Easter." Please tell me you read my last post. Or don't. You're eyes will glaze over. And lord knows I can't lose another reader or I'd be down to none.<br />
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As being alone in a new city will do to you, I wikipedia'd (It's def a verb. Don't fight me on this) "Easter Eggs."<br />
As I'm staring at them and as I helped my cousin put on an Easter egg hunt for my little second cousins yesterday. They were pretty fast at finding those eggs. And I heard the 4 year old use the word googleplex. And I heard the just-turned-6-year-old use onomatopoeia not too long ago. I guess they're just fast in general. Growing up. <br />
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Eggs in general are super interesting. Not only do they rhyme with yours truly but they also act as an emulsifier for cooking and baking, contain two macronutrients but can be separated super easily unlike other combination foods, can be cooked like a googleplex amount of different ways, are considered a home for something to grow and if that something doesn't grow it's food and if it does grow it's food. It's just kind of an amazing food.<br />
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And on top of all that! Along with spring, it's a symbol for rebirth and the empty tomb of Jesus. Who knew! Give it time and I'm not too sure that egg would be empty.<br />
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It's funny how something that is comprised of protein and fat turned into plastic loaded with sugar like Jelly Beans. One more interesting fact about it. I guess I'll have to revise my statement and say it can be easily separated into three macronutrients. Especially at the hands of 4 & 6 year olds.<br />
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These girls are such good eaters for their age. Sure they like sweets but they eat far more and far better than other kids I've babysat in the past. It's too bad that sugar is introduced as a reward or holiday treat at such an early age. Is it because we're a wealthy enough country that we don't find real eggs exciting? Or is it just another example of capitalism on the hunt?<br />
But as I heard the 6 year old say after dessert "that has 2 grams of sugar but you have to look at total carbohydrates." I can't even teach my patients that. I guess education is the key even though in my current state "knowing is not controlling" as repeated often by mama murph. <br />
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I think it's the adults who changed the Easter egg hunt into a Sugar egg hunt. It's too bad. Guess I shouldn't be speaking-This is my first home alone and the first thing I put in my mouth today was dark chocolate covered pistachios. Just because I could. I got them at the World Famous Dekalb Farmer's Market-next post to inform and delight. Leaving LA is also calling falling off a healthy eating trend... <br />
And leaving LA is also a rebirth of sorts. I needed new windshield wipers as mine had dried up in Southern California. Apparently something does change and gets old in that environment. Who knew.<br />
I'm on the hunt for my own new life. Wonder what will be inside. And despite everything I wrote, I hope its a sweet surprise.<br />
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-31620307493490167722014-04-13T09:29:00.002-07:002014-04-13T09:35:16.405-07:00mEgg, All Cracked Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anyone who's read this blog or talked to me for five minutes knows how funny I think puns and bad jokes are. I know most of you think that's redundant. But don't hate on the puns. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This humor theorist PhD I've been spending my time with does not find puns nearly as funny. I get the ole eye roll from time to time. Ohhhh the irony. He doesn't even admit he's amused by how funny <i>I</i> think they are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Apparently they don't live up to Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor or Howard Stern..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I could do a little play on him being satired of me telling my jokes. But I won't. wink wink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But he does think <a href="http://kevincasper.net/boo-boo/">Fozzie the Bear</a> is pretty funny. And maybe the only pun that does get him is the one my brother and I used to double over telling:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fozzie is on the stage telling terrible jokes (also known as puns) to a packed audience, including those geezers up in the balcony, when the crowd starts throwing tomatoes, cans & fish at him. He picks up a fish and says "why am I doing this? Ohh just for the halibut!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...As mama murph would say after she told a silly pun "Corny, Corny, Corny." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(see it's still all food). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was emailed a BuzzFeed this morning from a great one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many compliments Mr. Kent & viral buzzfeeds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">C'mon. Hilarious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Alright. Stop it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This one kills me. It's on fire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Alright, I admit this one isn't the best...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Think I'm al dente?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unfortunately not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being a pun connoisseur, I find these last two to be a bit raw & immature</span>..</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pretty ridiculous post. But puns are fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even when you get the back-&-forth head shake and disapproving smirk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One more for the audience. I need some fish for dinner tonight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This last one is so bad but it's kind of a hoot...I mean, everyone knows, chicks can't drive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Maybe my humor theorist PhD doesn't know a good pun but he's a damn good cook. Last night he made the best salmon burger I've ever had. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I got to make the sunny side up egg to top the patty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The end product reminded me of the Playmate Kitchen Set plastic eggs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Seems appropriate for me. </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All sunny side and playful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This mEgg was all cracked up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.waka.waka.waka. </span></div>
m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-70012339599221014542014-03-16T08:32:00.002-07:002014-03-16T17:23:08.249-07:00Hello Goodbye<style>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I have a theory...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">But more on that later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I met life’s epicenter for about 18 days. We
sat down. Had a cup of coffee. The epicenter is pretty nice-had a lot to say.
And it was about a 45 day journey to meet up. Full of potential psychological
breaks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Legit: exhausting. amazing. bittersweet. tough.
beautiful. etc. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">And
I say go go go, oh no…</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I set out to fulfill an LA bucket list, say
goodbye, eat steak dinners, job search, apartment search, spin, leave a job,
train a new employee, hike, indulge in a Korean spa, grasp taxes &
invoices, master obamacare & cobra & Western Union, pack, spin some
more (in various ways), indulge in a Chinese massage, say goodbye <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and I say hello. Hello hello. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I was tired. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Exhaustion is likely responsible for prolonging
the “is this fo realz?!” feeling. But my cross-country drive propelled me
forward. Carried by my family through the stages of it all. From sea to shining
sea. Thank you dad for the drive. I needed someone to interrupt Epicenter. It had
overstayed its welcome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Los Angeles > Palm Springs > Joshua Tree
(Integratron) > Vegas (<a href="http://www.monamigabi.com/home/?loc=vegas">Paris</a>) > Hoover Dam > Flagstaff
> Grand Canyon > Albuquerque > Sante Fe > Lubbock > Austin <a href="http://stubbsaustin.com/">(Stubb's BBQ</a>)> New Orleans (<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x8620a44fe388eddb:0x3b174d5bd3f53529!2m5!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i100!3m1!7e1!4shttps://plus.google.com/113295235637622233296/photos?hl%3Den%26socfid%3Dweb:lu:kp:placepageimage%26socpid%3D1!5sdick+and+jennys+-+Google+Search&sa=X&ei=Vz0mU4PzAomrkAeo7ICwDQ&ved=0CJgBEKIqMAo">Dick&Jenny's</a>) > Carrollton > Atlanta (<a href="http://theoptimistrestaurant.com/">The Optimist</a>, as always) ><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hello. goodbye. > …</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Saying goodbye is really something though. Not
only to people but to a version of myself. To a world I may never be part of
again. To an experience or stage that may feel like a fuzzy, dusty dream one
day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Between LA desert weather, transplanted nomadic friends, my slow orientation there is some dust and some fuzz. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A fear I may have already dropped the needle. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">heLA
hey helloa</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">heyLA
hey helloa Cha Cha Cha</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">heyLA
hey helloa whoooooo</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Let the vinyl spin out. Isn’t that life
anyways?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Regardless, I spun for 18 days. An unreal
stretch. A beautiful, silent cacophony. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">100% in every direction of my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">past.present.future .
professional.social.emotional.physical </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">My now old roommate (I hate saying ex-roommate)
said that she read something recently claiming “27 to be the year big life
decisions happened.” I believe they’re referred to as milestones. Or clubs.
Sadly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Janis Joplin. Jimi Hendrix. Jim Morrison. Kurt
Cobain. Amy Winehouse</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">27 & music is simultaneously timeless and a
reference of time. A weird sort of gravitational pull down the rabbit hole. Quite
possibly my only quasi tangible reminder LaLaLand exists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">As goodbye gifts, I bought various people
albums that helped center me there. Their titles appear to be an analogy for my 27th year:
Up From Below. Hang on Little Tomato. Fear Fun. Spice of Life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Now, back to my theory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Quick side note, I have not talked about food once
this blog. UnHEARDof. And, I just killed a couldhavebeenalive cockroach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Ok, theory cont…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Within the past 2.something years I traveled
to&from all my favorite people&places while living way out west. To me,
LA weather was like something out of the Truman show (Described as satirical social
science fiction). It never changed. I traveled to DC, Chicago, New Orleans,
Atlanta and although nice weather through each visit, each departure was met by
a massive down pour (or polar vortex equivalent).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Now. There has been a state-wide concern over
the scarcity of rain in California. This recent drought ended the day of my
movers arrived. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A monsoon. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">You
say why and I say I don’t know, oh no</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">And finally a week after my move and sleep
enough to make up for 2.something years, I cried. A release. Not a monsoon but
a nice shower. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I let the needle drop. And it’s singing some
beautiful tunes. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I
say goodbye and I say hello </span></i></div>
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-30155492224364913552014-02-11T00:01:00.005-08:002014-02-11T22:06:33.763-08:00HiKcals in NoCal<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Entering O'hare the days prior to Christmas is like touching down into feeding frenzy. The days leading up to my departure were bleak in terms of fridge food. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have the faintest recollection of some quasi fresh spinach, a couple cubes of marinated tofu and like a chunk of Parmesan that had served some noshes for some weeks. Totally unwilling to go grocery shopping before skipping town led to the unbelievable anticipation of <a href="http://www.portillos.com/">Portillos</a>. I had half a mind to travel down to the LBC for a Chicago dog. But really? I couldn't even get to the grocery store let alone the 405. (only free parking in LA...anyone? You've all heard it before? Darn). The thought of traveling before traveling was definitely out of the question. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what did I eat if not a dog? Some tofu. Really. This is what I was working with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">SoooooooCal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The plane landing was like entering a whole other world. I think it's called Siberia. Except way more excited about Christmas lights and capitalism. I think those are the same things, actually. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My folks and that other Chicago dog, bless their hearts, picked my ass up at 1am. And what was I doing? Standing in the terminal terrified of the tundra. We got home at 2am and my mother and father ask if I wanted a glass of wine. This is what I'm working with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The next couple of days passed with cookies x I'm too embarrassed to admit, wine x uncountable & tasting in Michigan, pizza x 2, beer for an army, burgers x 2 , Italian beef, <a href="http://www.bluescitydeli.com/menu/">Mels Blue & Tangy in St. Louis,</a> pasta, Bavarian pretzels dipped in cheese sauce x 2... I'm not even kidding. It was like a Christmas miracle. Miles away from my tofu. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As I was sipping on coffee with a newspaper, I told my folks about my potential Long Beach adventure for Portillos and said how "SoCal" it was that I ended up with tofu. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mama murph half listening says, "why? cause it has so many calories?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Huh? No! It's like really low calorie" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Then what do you mean by socal?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Oh! Southern California!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...And here I ended up two thousand miles away with some seriously High Cal which is So not Cal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Portillo's totally hit the spot. Brought me back home for the holidays. To the open campus senior high school hangout spot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Although I was quite surprised to find a plethora of Asian food in none other than Naperville Illinois and a Hibachi restaurant in Decatur Illinois. <a href="http://www.joyyee.com/index.shtml">Joy Yee Noodle</a>, although not anticipated, was on some level way more exciting than Portillos. Got to hand it to the place, I was expecting a typical Midwest white Christmas. Rather impressed. I suppose it wasn't on my radar Senior year.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">O come, all yee noodle lovers, joyful and triumphant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hot. Chilly. Wiener. Dog. </span></div>
m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-39717150643719549462013-11-24T20:49:00.003-08:002013-11-24T20:54:30.202-08:00Another MS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My weekend has been rather low energy. By 3:00 Sunday I was in PJs ready to start a movie. This usually poses as a problem considering my inability to sleep if I've not expended enough energy during the day. But wine can act as a nice remedy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm currently listening to Mississippi John Hurt with a glass of cab. Sunday nights. Fall Sunday nights. Makes my heart happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My folks were in town last weekend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have company visiting for Thanksgiving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Maybe this was the "gearing up" weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last weekend..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I grabbed my parents from Union Station and headed straight to Edendale in scrubs. Felt so good to see em. I think it's been the longest time I've ever gone without seeing them-maybe with the exception of when I studied abroad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Immediately my mother cracked me up by reading the wine list and mentioning aloud the footnote stating that this was the "som-ol-e-ers" choice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Of course the waitress wanted to know what was so funny...Of course my mother has a good sense of humor about her absent mindless. The waitress said she had just watched a documentary on Netflix about sommeliers. I logged this in my memory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We had a great time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In California. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The land of great wine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Great wine with great family makes for plenty of laughs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So back to Sunday..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I sifted Netflix. And it didn't take me long to pick Somm. The doc our waitress mentioned. Not to be confused with D.O.C.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wouldn't say I drink a lot at one time but I would say I drink rather frequently. I'm pretty sure we learned that a glass of red was pretty good for ones heart in RD school. And I'm pretty sure parents are supposed to be good role models.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So I've got some heart. Some schooling. Some folks. And lots of laughs and love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And now a new desire to be a master sommelier considering the invites to travel all over the world, teach, eat extraordinary cuisine, drink wonderful wine and make for a healthier, happier heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">S'pose I could make a trip or more up the 1. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've got a decent handle on the food science and biochemistry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've got a love of travel and wine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I've already got an MS. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...Unfortunately not to be confused with Master Sommelier. </span></div>
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-8016898829997538012013-11-22T21:01:00.001-08:002013-11-23T21:51:46.456-08:00Call Me Dr. Nick<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had the pleasure of driving back in time the other night. Or back in location. Or back in food habits. Regardless it was pretty special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was invited to Culver City for some live music at a little dive called the Cinema Bar. For some reason, although at 5:00pm in my day I had only eaten a sprinkled doughnut and a disgustingly large chocolate chip muffin that I picked up from a mom&pop shop on my way home from the bar the night before-only? Did I really say "<i>only</i>?", I was feeling like some corn beef. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Maybe once you start sliding down that slope it just gets a bit easier to keep sliding. That grease is just so slippery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But man I'm glad I did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sue is a yelp freak. I mention a craving and Sue is on it like flies lap swimming in Kool-Aid at a summer picnic in Illinois. 2 seconds later I got a link to <a href="http://www.johnniespastrami.com/">Johnnies Pastrami. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Prayers answers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was heaven. And maybe the place I'd go after eating a doughnut, a disgustingly large chocolate chip muffin and something on Johnnies Pastrami's menu. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...also I failed to mention, rather purposely left out the fact, that after the bar I had a coconut doughnut before going to sleep too. Oh the shame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ok, getting back to the beginning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So as fate would have it, Johnnie was located just 1minute walking distance from Cinema Bar. I know that doesn't sound like much but really, this is LA. And don't believe Cher's father when he says "Cher! Everything in the valley takes 20 minutes!" He's a liar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I digress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So Sue and I were to meet at Johnnies for a bite before the live music. I got off the 405 in Culver City and something in me just felt like I had landed in Illinois. I relayed this fact to Kevin later, who is from Illinois mind you, who said "yep. Culver shitty." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I didn't know if I felt bad for Culver City or defensive about Illinois or ...well I don't really know. Or bad for myself since I had really liked the feeling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I arrived first. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sauntered up to the diner counter seating and became immediately hypnotized by the man preparing pastrami. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Maybe it was Johnnie?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The lady taking my order had easily worked there for 40 years. I don't know if she knew it. But she had. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I asked what beer she had. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Miller Lite. Bottled. Sorted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This was Illinois after all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And then I waited for Sue while watching this man pile croissants with juicy meat. Like 16oz of juicy meat. And served to one human being. It was truly amazing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sue arrived. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Corn beef on rye with swiss and fries arrived. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(at this point you should really have a look of the websites gallery)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I'm glad that I survived another day to tell the story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm worried about the waitress though. She may not have as many story days left in her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After Johnnies we drove 1 minute instead of walking...because I mean really, that would just be too much effort now. Walked into a bar no bigger than my family room and ordered a canned PBR. Then I saddled up for some live listenings of Mr. Sean Faycullen rocking an acoustic Katy Perry cover. Oh Illinois. How I missed you so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sue, also from Illinois, truly brought it home with this little <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI8tl0HH1eg">memory.</a></span><br />
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-58951590147664399962013-09-28T16:27:00.002-07:002013-09-28T16:27:52.237-07:00#Reduced Guilt Crakers<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’m hitting about two years in my current dietitian position. It feels like I already hit my two year mark because I just had my annual observations this week and I have my annual review in about a week and some change. <br /><br />It was about a year ago that my roommate moved in.<br />It was about a year ago that I visited Schlaflys and Royale and Bridge and of course my STL friends ;)<br />It was about a year ago that my best friend visited. <br /><br />Oh what can happen in a year. It’s been a rather weird one. I thought that they’d get less weird as I got older. Guess not. But weird is good. Weird is growth. <br />But weird is still weird. <br /><br />My position has taught me a good amount in the last year too...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Learning counseling skills up the wazoo, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Learning how not to let 398# women push me over the edge, <br />Learning general surgical processes involved in any GI surgery and their feeding implications or malabsorbative implications<br />...which leads to vitamin and mineral recommendations and their particular timing, dosages, ways for administration <br />...and feeding administration whether that’s tubes and formulas or TPNs and D20AA9F3 @ 42ml/hr...<br />Learning about permanent employment and life and politics and the likes. Which is the hardest part to learn, really. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Learning how to work within mixed matrix management, learning how to do my job while meeting needs of patients, doctors, insurance, bosses, inpatient versus outpatient, time constraints, resource constraints, electronic medical records initiation...<br /><br />This week was a bit heavy. I think I lost weight from the weight.<br />Being too busy to eat any lunch properly...<br />Being too upset to have much of an appetite...<br />Continuing to exercise like I do...<br />Running around, stressing out, carrying weight. <br /><br />So today I haven’t done much at all. I’m coming down from the week. <br />It’s actually really nice when I’m a little too tired to even feel guilty that I’m not taking advantage of my Saturday. <br />Because it is gorgeous outside.<br />And my mother might be, correction, would be appalled by this course of action.<br />And I’m having Midwest, Irish Catholic guilt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hashtag: Jack on 30 rock. Hashtag: crippling. <br /><br />But I have the apt to myself today and all I want to do is eat “Reduced Guilt Trader Joes Whole Grain Crackers” to appease the feeling. And rest up. <br /><br />Rest up for next week. Rest up for my upcoming trip to Georgia next weekend. Rest up for my performance review. Rest up for my Chicago friend visiting the weekend after that. Rest up for my roommates birthday after that. Rest up for my family visiting. Rest up for the holiday. Rest up to take advantage of California. Rest up to conserve energy to start a new chapter of my life at my real two year mark. Rest up for future permanent employment and life and politics. <br />And rest up for tonight to see Dr. Dog and Lumineers at the Greek.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm feeling guilty I finished a box of reduced guilt crackers in three days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hashtag: crippling.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I always thought hashtags were pounds on the phone then I realized they were pounds on the body but now we have to use kilograms...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hashtag: transitioning to electronic medical records.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">#learningaboutlifewithreducedguilt</span>m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-91581726445077522592013-09-18T00:19:00.003-07:002013-09-18T00:35:31.149-07:00A Hearty Hiatus<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm here! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I forgot my password....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don't believe me? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...I tried ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I took a hiatus. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A summer hiatus. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was busy having fun and figuring out life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the kicker! I'm still figuring out life. But aren't we all :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sounds about standard for me really. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Since writing last I've been up and down the coast. Eating and drinking until my heart and arteries content. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Food and drink from...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Coastal Traveling. Farmers Markets. Wineries. Baseball Stadiums. Outdoor Cemetery Movies. Weddings. Birthdays. Graduations. Concert Venues. Holidays. Happy Hours. County Fairs. Beaches. Families. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.MAY. MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> MAY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Sisters Weekend. Wine Country. Farmers Markets.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Boutique Hotel That Said It Slept Three Which Meant It Had One King Sized Bed...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Memorial Day Treats. Margs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.JUNE</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">. JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> JUNE.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Birthday Celebrations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Work Party. Salad Bar For RD. Cake x 2.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.The One. Highway. Twenty13.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Los Angeles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Palm Springs. Pioneer Town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Santa Barbara. San Luis Obispo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Big Sur. </span></div>
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.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">San Francisco. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. JULY</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> JULY.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Outdoor Movies. Fourth of July. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.Wedding Bells. Groomswoman. Surprises. Mom's Birthday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Roof Top Happy Hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.AUGUST. AUGUST.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> AUGUST.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> AUGUST.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> AUGUST.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> AUGUST.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> AUGUST.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> AUGUST.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> AUGUST.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Graduations. Swamps. Music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Farmers Market Bananagrams. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Monterey Bay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Irony. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.County Fair. Labor Day Beaches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.S</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">EPTEMBER. SEPTEMBER. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> SEPTEMBER. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> SEPTEMBER. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> SEPTEMBER. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> SEPTEMBER. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.Cafe Banagrams. Topanga Family. La Habra Family. Hikes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.LOVE. LOVE. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> LOVE.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.until...october. october. october.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">xo</span></div>
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-30362699961333413582013-05-28T22:57:00.000-07:002013-05-28T23:03:01.723-07:00Top 5<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was Saturday night. Lauren and I headed to Lotus, or something like that. An organic, vegan restaurant. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Only in "SoCal." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was the second night in a row I had Tom Kha soup with tofu and vegetables. And it was ten times better at Lotus than the place off Sunset on Friday. I could have it every night. I could have a vat of it sitting on my stove top. One day, I will. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you've not had this soup, you're probably from the Midwest. Try it. Go to a Thai place and you will not be disappointed. And if you are, give it to me. I'll gladly finish it for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Of course I couldn't shut up about it during dinner. So I asked Lauren, "what's your top five favorite meals?" after about 20 minutes of debating and knocking things off her list and replacing and deliberating, I asked her "ok, so what are your top five favorite foods?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hot dogs topped both her lists. Amazing. A dietitian who loves a dog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is why we are friends and we are both also eating at an organic vegan restaurant. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Her first three picks were the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. A hot dog</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Italian beef</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. A really good pulled pork sandwich</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hysterical. And really good picks. I'm pretty sure she hardly eats any of these on even a quasi regular basis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was my turn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...In no particular order... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Chicago style deep dish pizza</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Tom Kha with tofu and veggies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Thanksgiving dinner with all of its accoutrements </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...these three are a given. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then it gets a bit hard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Some things that flash into my brain:</u></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2% plain Fage Greek yogurt (yes, I'm being serious. Jerk)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cereal, even though I don't let myself have it for fear I would never stop</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">cottage cheese/peaches/granola</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">something like this caprese sandwich I used to pine over at my uni cafe in London </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Red wine..? And all the nosh that comes with-cheese, nuts, dark chocolate!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sweet potatoes-in any form or fashion </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Irish soda bread</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bread pudding, shortbread, macaroons, scones, biscotti, any cookie imaginable but sugar cookies hold a special place in my heart or those pistachio coated toffee pieces at Trader Joe's that I contemplate buying every time. yum.yum.yum.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Froyo-I could get really specific about flavors and toppings but I won't for self preservation purposes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Sashimi and one or two damn good sushi rolls with a little hot saki </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some kind of pasta with vodka sauce-I can't recall the noodle type but it's like this long, never ending spongy squiggly pasta that this mom and pop restaurant near my folks place makes and pairs it with their homemade vodka sauce- Ugh! So good. It's so rich that it makes me sick and I still day dream about it. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Corn beef sandwich on marble bread with fries and a pint of beer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(This one really rivals with sashimi)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. mama murph's homemade banana bread. So good. Sometimes I even like to put natural, crunchy peanut butter and chocolate chips on it. Sometimes margarine. However it is, it is delicious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then I thought about it, in the last year, how many times I actually ate numbers 1-5...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. I think I had Chicago style deep dish for certain on two separate occasions but it provided leftovers for a couple of days on both occurrences.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Tom Kha-I can't even tell you but if I had to think about it....10-15 times would be a guess. If I had my way, more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Thanksgiving, just once. Sadly. But that's kind of standard I suppose.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. I cannot recall the last time I had corn beef. What a shame. My ancestry is saddened..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure it doesn't really exist in SoCal. This climate is not really made for the Irish folk. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. I probably shared 3 loaves of bread with my roommates over the past year. I recall bringing one of the foil wrapped dense bricks back with me nestled in my carry on only to have security paw my intimates to get at and probe my banana bread. Still don't regret the effort it took to bring a little home with me back to SoCal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes things taste so good because they remind us of home. Of family. Of who we are. I'd say all the choices on my list except Tom Kha do that for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...So the fact that Tom Kha made the list, means that it is a soulful soup that literally brings me back to life. </span>m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-69737121195693762752013-03-11T21:03:00.003-07:002013-03-19T17:42:37.609-07:00Pot Belly Pizza<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was invited to a belly dancing pot luck dinner up in the hippie dippy Topanga canyons nestled between Malibu and Santa Monica. I was totally game. The thought of showing my Irish colored, pot (lucked) belly was intriguing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But really. What does one bring to share? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I considered my options...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It seemed like the kind of place to bring something vegan, something local, something that screamed quasi ethnic and uber healthy. Can't have too much roughage to induce pot bellies. Shouldn't be too rich or too spicy to induce GI problems...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I looked in my fridge for ingredients. Leftover Chicago style deep dish pizza? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If anyone took a smell of that, leftovers or not, to hell with being vegan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Alas, driving the hour across town and up the canyon was just too much for me. Especially following a night of Masa deep dish pizza, beer and Italian pastries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what did I do instead you ask? Literally went through Travel + Leisure with a fine tooth comb. A guilty pleasure of mine. Leave me alone for hours. I will be happy as a clam. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Unmotivated to drive around LA but literally scamming on dozens of restaurants from the comfort of my home. As if I could light this town on fire. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It all starts by going to CNN's website and finding some link that brings me right to T+L. I have to act like I stumbled upon it. I love you CNN but I'm really just using you to get to something better. I mean, food just sort of trumps news on SUV car crashes and the latest Obama discussion. I'll spend 10 minutes reading about how to elect a new pope but when push comes to shove, I really went on the sight to find "Best Desserts Around the World." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That headline screams, "tell me more!!!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This recent T+L romance went from "Best Brunches Around the World" to "Best Domestic Coffeehouses" to "LA Dining Guide" and then "LA Dining Guide" surely brings in a whole other element when I must check out the location + menu of each establishment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can see how this might take longer than electing a new pope?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...or driving up to Topanga for that matter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The particularly fun part about T+L these days is that it's actually accessible. No offense St. Louis, I love you times one hundred, but you will hardly find a feature dining spot when you're up against the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ie: Huckleberry in Santa Monica is pinned up against places in Bangkok to Timbuktu. And when the menu says something like...</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fried egg sandwich</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> with sunny side up eggs, Niman Ranch bacon,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gruyère, arugula & aioli on country bread</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Niman Ranch Maple-Bacon Biscuit </span></i></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">..can you really argue? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Really? With Maple-Bacon B<span style="font-size: small;">iscuit<span style="font-size: small;">?</span> It's like going up again<span style="font-size: small;">st t<span style="font-size: small;">he po<span style="font-size: small;">pe himself. <span style="font-size: small;">Holy. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So you can see why STL may have it rough. </span>I mean, I unknown<span style="font-size: small;">ingly <span style="font-size: small;">frequent <span style="font-size: small;">a "best" coffe<span style="font-size: small;">ehouse listed<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> in</span> the US<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what do I do? Create email bucket lists. From A-ni<span style="font-size: small;">mal, the restaurant of the Top Chef winners, to Z<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div data-canvas-width="241.56001151847846" data-font-name="g_font_p0_6" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 13.3333px; left: 41.6px; top: 393.067px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.992576, 1);">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the night grew on<span style="font-size: small;">, so did my fo<span style="font-size: small;">od cravings<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">This shoul<span style="font-size: small;">d be <span style="font-size: small;">the warning label for T+L.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="241.56001151847846" data-font-name="g_font_p0_6" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 13.3333px; left: 41.6px; top: 393.067px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.992576, 1);">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So <span style="font-size: small;">did I go out you ask? God no. I couldn't even get up off the couch<span style="font-size: small;">. Let alone belly dance. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="241.56001151847846" data-font-name="g_font_p0_6" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 13.3333px; left: 41.6px; top: 393.067px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.992576, 1);">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">No, <span style="font-size: small;">I invited some <span style="font-size: small;">San <span style="font-size: small;">Francisco company o<span style="font-size: small;">ver. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />We looked in my fridge<span style="font-size: small;">. Guess what was the only thing in there. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pizza + <span style="font-size: small;">B</span>eer.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My <span style="font-size: small;">San Francisc<span style="font-size: small;">oan had never had Chicago <span style="font-size: small;">style pizza. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">un.heard.of. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And let me tel<span style="font-size: small;">l you, this was like the best <span style="font-size: small;">buttery cornmeal crust you could ever sin<span style="font-size: small;">k your te<span style="font-size: small;">eth into. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="241.56001151847846" data-font-name="g_font_p0_6" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 13.3333px; left: 41.6px; top: 393.067px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.992576, 1);">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">L+T may not have a warning label but I provided one. I wa<span style="font-size: small;">rned </span>said company<span style="font-size: small;">, "Company, <span style="font-size: small;">when you eat Chi<span style="font-size: small;">ca<span style="font-size: small;">go style deep dish pizza you are making a commit<span style="font-size: small;">ment to being uncomfortable. This is what happens<span style="font-size: small;">: You will <span style="font-size: small;">eat half a slice and say to yourself, "should I finish that of<span style="font-size: small;">f? Because I am <span style="font-size: small;">Oh so full."</span> And guess what<span style="font-size: small;">? Y<span style="font-size: small;">ou <span style="font-size: small;">inevitably do. Because you are <span style="font-size: small;">powerless to <span style="font-size: small;">that Chica<span style="font-size: small;">go factor."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So we ate <span style="font-size: small;">Masa Californ<span style="font-size: small;">ia veggie Chicago style deep dish pizza with <span style="font-size: small;">some San Francisco Mission Street pale ale<span style="font-size: small;"> in Los Angeles and had oursel<span style="font-size: small;">ves a combo meal of us and it a<span style="font-size: small;">nd all things <span style="font-size: small;">good. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So I will <span style="font-size: small;">take on <span style="font-size: small;">the an<span style="font-size: small;">nual pot luck be<span style="font-size: small;">lly dancing extravaganza another night when I can "stom<span style="font-size: small;">ach<span style="font-size: small;">" it. Which may not be ever<span style="font-size: small;">. Espec<span style="font-size: small;">ially</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">considering my <span style="font-size: small;">LA to Z dining plans.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That only-in-Chicago factor helps explain why the Windy City once again won the No. 1 spot for best pizza city, according to Travel + Leisure readers. This year’s America’s Favorite Cities survey—in which readers rank 35 cities for such enticements as <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/americas-favorite-cities/2012/category/shopping/luxury-stores">luxury stores</a>, <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/americas-favorite-cities/2012/category/nightlife/music-scene">live music</a>, and <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/americas-favorite-cities/2012/category/people/attractive">good-looking locals</a>—revealed voters’ reverence for Chicago’s deep-dish magic.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...Oh glorious confirmation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You have not let me down. </span></span></div>
m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-76102121551850649382013-03-09T18:23:00.001-08:002013-03-09T19:01:33.613-08:00Single Servings<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's blatantly obvious at this very moment, more than ever, that I am a single, white female in her 20s. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Looking in my fridge or asking my dinner recalls from the past week is proof as much. Without knowing me and just having this information alone, one could guess my age, gender, size, ethnicity, where I live and if I am single or married with about an 87.75% accuracy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let's review...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>One Day Last Week</u>- A bowl of popcorn from scratch with parmesan cheese and celery with yogurt and chive dip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Sunday</u>- A half of a chicken sandwich with walnut pesto, tomatoes and cheese from the Hudson with about 3 pints of Stella and a a half a glass of $3 cab (funday Sunday anyone?) and later a walnut, nutmeg manhattan and bread pudding from Edendale. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...As if the 3 pints weren't enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Monday</u>- A glass of red wine, then out for carnitas taco and ceviche and later, plain tart mixed with mango Fro Yo topped with coconut, graham cracker and cookie dough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Tuesday</u>- The other half of my Hudson sandwich...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Wednesday</u>- Steamed farmer's market broccoli topped with a homemade orange/ginger sauce paired with farmer's market tempeh eaten with some disposable chopsticks I found in my kitchen drawer that must have been left behind from my old roommate's old takeaway order, a glass of Coppola's white wine and later a Trader Joe's cookie and nighty night tea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Thursday</u>- Leftover "kung pow Tofu" from work...eaten out of the white styrofoam container and later topped off with nighty night tea and TJ's cookies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Friday</u>- Leftover mojito chicken and rice from work, again, eaten out of the styrofoam, farmer's market bread with natural peanut butter, white wine, some Charleston Chews and whoppers (see last post), a Larceny made manhattan, a pint of Allagash White and a hangover. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxK_58A-ZikDXp5zdNwZLXFsimYzXjuvb-D4ZA7gKnprERBBYlCzeWOxb5v6F47433O8Rh2gg7Fo4v3e_lA437m-EYLBdzIiZjkAkpX50gnoWK1YDp1tc7e2ZarGXRz2w0iUa5EuaTvsSQ/s1600/IMG_1426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxK_58A-ZikDXp5zdNwZLXFsimYzXjuvb-D4ZA7gKnprERBBYlCzeWOxb5v6F47433O8Rh2gg7Fo4v3e_lA437m-EYLBdzIiZjkAkpX50gnoWK1YDp1tc7e2ZarGXRz2w0iUa5EuaTvsSQ/s400/IMG_1426.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When I write it out like this, it's utterly embarrassing. How does this not say single, 20 something year old, middle class, west coast city dwelling female...?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I promise this diet is atop spinning classes and Julian Michaels Body Shred workout classes. P.S. I've got a bone to pick with you, J. Michaels. No wonder I can't move today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm either eating at like two yelp dollar sign restaurants Or I'm eating whatever I can find in my fridge or leftovers from free work lunch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And because I have this fantastic food perk at work, it really does nothing for my grocery shopping agenda. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As my roommate is off taking vacation, I have literally spent all day in my apartment either cleaning or lounging. The only noise I'</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ve </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">heard today has been from the Mariachi music and construction happening in the lot next to mine, my clothes dryer, the occasional iPhone text message and the hum of the fridge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My day started slowly with aeropress made coffee and tri-colored quinoa cooked with slivered almonds, golden raisins, almond extract and cinnamon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">..Now I sit here reviewing my taxes and eating chips out of a Von's plastic grocery bag...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Like my taxes even have to tell me "without dependents.."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The hardest part of my lunch/dinner today was opening up the salsa container without the gripper thing and trying to find the chips that would fit into the jar without breaking them in half first. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUvThdPSaHg5y36UdCT2qy0MnPvH7c8zqduuG6tgvL_HSQ74KB_kSKhv_5ffZ14cz7IZmRN2aW1c8dHCKYMvi7SK9eyv9R7Nps8NQVRyrnFNkkTsx9013sWj6A4F9qy8OlINhpg2VVIqa/s1600/photo-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUvThdPSaHg5y36UdCT2qy0MnPvH7c8zqduuG6tgvL_HSQ74KB_kSKhv_5ffZ14cz7IZmRN2aW1c8dHCKYMvi7SK9eyv9R7Nps8NQVRyrnFNkkTsx9013sWj6A4F9qy8OlINhpg2VVIqa/s400/photo-10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And later on my Midwest and East coast friends are coming over to order Chicago style deep dish pizza and watch a Cheers marathon with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is my life. </span>m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-70935010531587682282013-02-27T00:39:00.004-08:002013-03-09T17:22:09.289-08:00I've Been Living a Lie<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oscars are to LA as smoking is to St. Louis folk or as pretending not be as cold as you really are in the winter is to Chicagoans. They thrive on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I thrive on having an excuse to dress up and serve theme related beverages.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So if A equals B and B equals C, Oscar loves me! And we are so so happy together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I sent out an Oscar party soiree invitation to most likely 30 people, including Angie, the 44 year old lady I forced into being my friend at the local pub the night before...and about 12 showed up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So LA. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And on top of that, they were mainly my cousins friends. Which are the best people...but if the word gets back to my parents that I've lived here for a year and some change and still can't coerce people to come to my party, I fear the pity look. Nothing's worse than parent pity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've gotten a bit more film savvy living here. The best part about my my cousins friends is that they actually work in this industry. A film editor, a producer a member of Django Unchained....they were all present. But still, I only saw maybe 2 to 3 movies that were highly nominated. If anything, the night acted like a long convincing movie trailer for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...And an excuse to obtain sweet vermouth, bitters and Ikes. Without the Mikes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The idea basically being: fancy cocktails paired with classic movie theater snacks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">popcorn. candy. pretzels. pizza.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The party preparation really just proved to me that I have been living a straight up lie. For years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Coming from the 90s in the Midwest, I have only ever known microwavable popcorn. And how do you make it? You make sure you put the side up that says "this side up" and then you hit the button that says "popcorn" on the microwave. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...what happens if you don't have a "popcorn" button you ask? Well then, I am sorry to say, you will not be eating popcorn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The thing that kills me is that this popcorn isn't good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And you inevitably burn the first bag, ruining it and simultaneously making your house reek during the movie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And it's not even good! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">AND it's unnecessary! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When buying good and plentys for the party (wink wink, nudge nudge), I decided to buy popcorn from kernel. This is a real step outside of the box for me. Or should I say, step outside of the bag, microwavable that is. God, I out dorked myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The vision being to make sea salt, garlic powdered and grated parmesean cheese sprinkled popcorn from scratch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I actually had to look up the directions online to figure out how to even make the stuff- and once I figured it out, I figured out that I had been living a lie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was not only so easy, cheaper and tasted ten times better but it was so much fun! Watching the popcorn through the clear lidded sauce pan was possibly better than watching Argo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ok, Argo was good...I'm just saying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm just saying, I have been living a lie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Orville, go F*** yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But watching the popcorn pop wasn't as good as watching these two. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Or as good as watching Jennifer Lawrence fall and be awesome about it. </span></span></div>
m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-29983503876610012632013-02-18T12:30:00.001-08:002013-02-18T12:36:17.932-08:00Save Me, San FranciscoI drove through the heart of LA this morning while it was waking up. It had a rhythm about it.<br />
I cannot lie, I was a sucker for this place today.<br />
<br />
Still not sure it's a city. Not a suburb. Just, kind of...a place. With different pockets that elicit different feelings. All can be good but disconnected in some way. Making it lonely in some way. And cool in others. Making it hard to come up with a concise feeling about this "place" itself. And when you think you have some kind of feeling about it, it goes and changes on you.<br />
<br />
I commonly hear the phrase "it takes a couple years to feel like home here." I heard someone say it takes at least 5 good years before you feel like you've figured it out. Five years? These are some five good years I'm in right now..<br />
Call me selfish but they're pretty precious years. <br />
<br />
I must admit it is a wonderful place. I always feel like I'm cheating on it when I say otherwise.<br />
Good food, good beaches, good vibes when you hit them. Not sure if it's my place but a great one when you're riding it's changing rhythm. Especially riding with windows cracked in February. Can't complain. It just feels more like a vacation than a home. And as much as we all want to stay on vacation one more day, it's really nice to get back home. <br />
Giving into it is the way to get it. Letting it get you as opposed to you striving to get it.<br />
When I stop trying is when I like it the most. I think...<br />
I mean, I'm not thinking?<br />
<br />
I went to San Francisco not too long ago. I felt an insurmountable love for the city before my foot even hit the pavement. It's a feeling I still haven't really gotten in LA.<br />
But apples and oranges.<br />
It's just love. You don't even have to know it to love it. And it certainly doesn't take much thinking. It just is. Between the sourdough, chocolate, beer & seafood. It's there. Between the trams, trolly, BART & gridded sidewalks. It's there. In the pulse. Racing through mine. The food and the love. The flow of it & me moving within it. And it within me. <br />
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-69750733941264817022013-02-04T21:44:00.002-08:002013-02-04T21:46:58.318-08:00Meatheads on a Bone<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I went to a super bowl party at my cousin's condo in Silver Lake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Everything feels so early here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The election decision, watching the ball drop in NY...the super bowl. There is still so much day left when these events occur.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And on top of that, the balcony doors are wide open and the sun is pouring in. It seems so foreign coming from February game day in the Windy City.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In my history of SB watching, or lack there of considering I spend maybe 1 minute per quarter actually watching the game...I'm in it for the squares, people!, I have found myself to eat things that I typically disdain: Meat on the bone, things that have no business being fried but are, chips that unintentionally turn my fingers orange dipped in gluttonous dips.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's all part of the party. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But at this SB party, there was not one, not two...Oh not even three but FOUR! Four "vegan friendly" dishes and/or trays scattered next to the baked pita chips and the natural pretzels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Unheard of!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't think Chicagoans could even properly define what makes food "vegan friendly"...at least not those who are hollering at two teams of guys beating the crap out of each other on some field. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These vegan dishes were washed down by Brita filtered water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...and an inordinate amount of alcohol. Riddle me this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Alcohol is a sort of cleanse, is it not? Sterilizes? I suppose it fits in to the soCal diet. </span>m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-23434690169387830482012-12-10T23:55:00.000-08:002012-12-11T00:15:31.014-08:00Caloric Accounts <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes the campaigns have come and gone. But the fighting remains.
Apparently cease fires don't exist during the holidays. And cliffs are
not made for compromise. Nor lame ducks. <br />Maybe dead ducks... that try and fly right off the edge without consulting their good American neighbors..<br /><br />My
patients must lose weight prior to surgery. I give them a caloric
budget so to speak. It's hard to maintain. Especially during the
holidays. <br />Just like our trillion dollar deficit. No one likes a
budget. Not even those folks down on Wall Street. I think they're called
fat cats. <br />We go big or we go out and buy a new belt. On credit.<br /><br />I
try to explain calories in terms of income and payment plans. I don't
know if that helps anyone out. It doesn't seem like a tangible education
piece these days. <br />Defenses rise! Overdraft protection pops up! And it becomes a battleground. My education attacks. Barriers of rising food costs fire back.<br /><br />"It's too expensive to eat healthy!!"<br /><br />Patients have gone over their cliff. And yet still have a barrier.<br />They're over stretching their caloric bank accounts without spending time expending energy at the gym. <br /><br />I find the "healthy food is too expensive" claim a complete and utter flop. <br />Yes, good food is pricey but good food is not always good for you. And vice versa.<br />Speaking of duck, it's not really that terrific for you. It might cost you an arm and a leg. and an artery. <br /><br />While
I was expending some of my surplus energy at the gym this Saturday, I
read an article in Time from none other than Dr. Oz. And I really liked
his message. He said, "Nutritionally speaking, there is a little
difference between the farmer's market bounty and the humble brick from
the freezer case. It's true for many other supermarket foods too. And in
my view, dispelling the myths- that boutique foods are good,
supermarket foods are suspect and you have to spend a lot to eat well-
is critical to improving our nation's health."<br /><br />This is not a
message trying to criticize the foodie. But rather a message to the
general public. A democratic message to all. Because while the partisan foodie may find Parisian
gourmet cheese within his/her local food and caloric budget, it's hardly the
message we want to send about vegetables. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because ultimately, if we could agree upon a bipartisan market,
the more canned and frozen vegetables could lead to less healthcare
reimbursements and maybe a little left over to spend on some portion controlled gourmet cheeses by all. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">People only see what they want to
see. Barriers are for self preservation regardless of size. I mean,
sides. <br /><br />But even if we fall over the cliff, ideally the masses will be
super fit and have stock piles of super foods that provide enough reserves to run back up that hill and knock some sense into the people
who sit on the top. </span>m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-50236148464858047992012-11-23T23:24:00.003-08:002013-03-09T19:09:14.347-08:00Developing Tradition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was a Thanksgiving of development. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It started with a Long Beach flea market find I took upon myself to hang the day before Thanksgiving.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm1xeAm0Mg-LXXuiq6dC5nTDzUzS5AcpPWyovPHPuhv_XjyhzR1Eeow4NAd95hfRZsHaLLCR3yfRtwxUjPgoktd4vy50DcS7k7NTWxaUDMFXnoIklfkvxjHyA82YhuPdnbpiYZ0YsHlSX/s1600/IMG_1053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm1xeAm0Mg-LXXuiq6dC5nTDzUzS5AcpPWyovPHPuhv_XjyhzR1Eeow4NAd95hfRZsHaLLCR3yfRtwxUjPgoktd4vy50DcS7k7NTWxaUDMFXnoIklfkvxjHyA82YhuPdnbpiYZ0YsHlSX/s640/IMG_1053.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The unknown West displayed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We're both still developing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA63aiH9WooSJgQUUaNF-Ao2qep7DVe6cvDXvtedHOlCyMXov_9wb30F2wjp_ST4IXMI3zkbkb6C-VUKKAYQwpfePGuscH91KcO21QClqou_ETUz_L-o19HYPmbU7ZRoM2KvSYQZQaAEuC/s1600/IMG_1056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA63aiH9WooSJgQUUaNF-Ao2qep7DVe6cvDXvtedHOlCyMXov_9wb30F2wjp_ST4IXMI3zkbkb6C-VUKKAYQwpfePGuscH91KcO21QClqou_ETUz_L-o19HYPmbU7ZRoM2KvSYQZQaAEuC/s400/IMG_1056.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My idea of development was trying something new and maximizing resources. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So basically trying to find a couple dishes using similar ingredients. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Otherwise my development would end along with my sanity at the checkout line in Vons on Thanksgiving eve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The only problem...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">how does one make three different dishes using repeated ingredients </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...and get away with it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Make each dish for a different course (app, salad, side)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Pretend like someone else made one of them...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. bring a bottle of wine to confuse and distract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">App: Pumpkin dip</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salad: Quinoa spinach </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Side: Whipped sweet potatoes</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7VlXZpZS5Dku8JqecysCq0MuWqzXIyQ3mZ8qiiyf7yq0PTQTVcPkjadO-X5CM6DU9aaZHoO2eh_5fylXeU3bpzKjgrePy3VdJPP54xSPs2JCGbmqxoDKRXKe_B5BTsQl0tEXhHaqr61h/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7VlXZpZS5Dku8JqecysCq0MuWqzXIyQ3mZ8qiiyf7yq0PTQTVcPkjadO-X5CM6DU9aaZHoO2eh_5fylXeU3bpzKjgrePy3VdJPP54xSPs2JCGbmqxoDKRXKe_B5BTsQl0tEXhHaqr61h/s400/IMG_1058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">See those pumpkin seeds? They get used later in the salad.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBEIiZ0BC2DLWLpPPsVkes6eQqk4aMMhWFJUw_0q36FWbpMMTkxgZjR_y2Y_-ol5KhL_7Rf4N3zXVcTy1c7Yl8oKmiMljcX8KFkoQSeCfxs1A-poj3-Fv_v-rIdtTQBTphb7x82lPiaEx/s1600/IMG_1065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBEIiZ0BC2DLWLpPPsVkes6eQqk4aMMhWFJUw_0q36FWbpMMTkxgZjR_y2Y_-ol5KhL_7Rf4N3zXVcTy1c7Yl8oKmiMljcX8KFkoQSeCfxs1A-poj3-Fv_v-rIdtTQBTphb7x82lPiaEx/s400/IMG_1065.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">See the stale bread? It also becomes croutons.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE6Cc6kZZ5wVy319uAIoBZZugb7y1V0ZQcQkPTykr5PjSJ4Be6byqnsZNxylDy2vJ5xoBOlDNh07YJhSOGt882FmKhN2xkFzLbGW1MiTv5CRgSZAjB6SkVA4p6tqArIKkplYWdauZ1ZWX/s1600/IMG_1063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE6Cc6kZZ5wVy319uAIoBZZugb7y1V0ZQcQkPTykr5PjSJ4Be6byqnsZNxylDy2vJ5xoBOlDNh07YJhSOGt882FmKhN2xkFzLbGW1MiTv5CRgSZAjB6SkVA4p6tqArIKkplYWdauZ1ZWX/s400/IMG_1063.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But seriously. Did anyone know that this is what the inside of a nutMeg looked like?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Serious developments. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A little sprinkle in the pumpkin dip. A little sprinkle in the sweet potato puree. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-4AOYdLquIFPJ9ubgIBAsT8hyhrJs6BG6ulTa9ZXNEXdCUm1UdMraxZ_lX2o-3WxpJgj4mI4vx2l-dqjjDU5eUVNRZR8jUtfV7byriPZ21E7hqUpC4YAyr2KAPcfTgeh1OwpyAVS9JU_/s1600/IMG_1071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-4AOYdLquIFPJ9ubgIBAsT8hyhrJs6BG6ulTa9ZXNEXdCUm1UdMraxZ_lX2o-3WxpJgj4mI4vx2l-dqjjDU5eUVNRZR8jUtfV7byriPZ21E7hqUpC4YAyr2KAPcfTgeh1OwpyAVS9JU_/s400/IMG_1071.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brown Sugar caramelized pecans...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some to top the whipped sweet potatoes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some to add to the quinoa concoction.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyuO97ttUvfVqFsCnRggLPzs4DijS-XUCcB6MzkC_TdugK-66Z5d8hsqXyve80RKOUM7gYlXdwvuNPotuQ-cEdS7nxuNnAiFoW5DfWKei64qFwUrbekRbtgA4WshrsNCb44xesDPLnEFR/s1600/IMG_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyuO97ttUvfVqFsCnRggLPzs4DijS-XUCcB6MzkC_TdugK-66Z5d8hsqXyve80RKOUM7gYlXdwvuNPotuQ-cEdS7nxuNnAiFoW5DfWKei64qFwUrbekRbtgA4WshrsNCb44xesDPLnEFR/s400/IMG_1070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some dried cranberries go to the quinoa;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">some to the pumpkin dip.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVvq4zmV-X2UsnMi_J9Eq31sym0SrknUj88qqscyjTnqp8XFFzkVJE_tECdgikRRq35SCLB_qz-e9HOu_Uur8FaFvBmGq23WXpCTk-RmiPag_58Sdltgo8p8IVX0Ik_1bMzjn0hCFb3wF/s1600/IMG_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVvq4zmV-X2UsnMi_J9Eq31sym0SrknUj88qqscyjTnqp8XFFzkVJE_tECdgikRRq35SCLB_qz-e9HOu_Uur8FaFvBmGq23WXpCTk-RmiPag_58Sdltgo8p8IVX0Ik_1bMzjn0hCFb3wF/s400/IMG_1067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You've got to use what you've got. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trays made out of aluminum foil is what I was working with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I was working with some good timing. I planned that one well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...What I lack in materials I make up for in good times. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjya3K3puzsKFoIkos3xmB7Fy6lr6NxSu7c0uUmtqJPDzKTmS1QVMKdLKaMQNRoMW9MHJMXj7tr-MCEI92B5CZUEQvYTty6scKOrFlQ4mkIzLBkQwWfVMi3XV8E5Xrfm2_JnmuINruXYOO6/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjya3K3puzsKFoIkos3xmB7Fy6lr6NxSu7c0uUmtqJPDzKTmS1QVMKdLKaMQNRoMW9MHJMXj7tr-MCEI92B5CZUEQvYTty6scKOrFlQ4mkIzLBkQwWfVMi3XV8E5Xrfm2_JnmuINruXYOO6/s400/IMG_1072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What a development. We ate outside on Thanksgiving. A first for this midwest girl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You know those pottery barn catalogs you look at and go "Oh c'mon! Seriously? Who actually has pillows and decorations outside?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">LA does. All. Year. Round.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIQP6tMazJgf7SBMczX3o_UzslolrU5-K-Fz00HdjRaAXyQa88AldNBzpZU7TEXKxhq1-0MG4ZWRnQU-ie6OYkrYmj2wKc6tR8dgbY06y61pRt-Zd19o9ruVC7FipZaGDxnGFuzShvfQQ/s1600/IMG_1073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIQP6tMazJgf7SBMczX3o_UzslolrU5-K-Fz00HdjRaAXyQa88AldNBzpZU7TEXKxhq1-0MG4ZWRnQU-ie6OYkrYmj2wKc6tR8dgbY06y61pRt-Zd19o9ruVC7FipZaGDxnGFuzShvfQQ/s400/IMG_1073.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brady made the shot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is Lil Kim getting in on some free smells. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is Lisa and Sondra surveying the yield. Getting some fixins. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is me trying to develop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some experiences. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some friendships.</span></div>
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-56790853675470201352012-11-09T23:41:00.000-08:002012-11-09T23:46:02.282-08:00On the radio we heard November rain...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A blink and October is over. I used to try and write once weekly. Once weekly became twice monthly. Twice monthly became once monthly. And then there was the day that October was over. Flew by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The month began in St. Louis, visiting and celebrating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wineries, brewpubs, being a wimpy Angelino and complaining of the cold. Pathetic.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzI8_NHraxU18fLPqwhyMDR5q_BnUZukd7HakYlh9kBsMhAGRUjfXtnWqkh1TnePeruNXBkm0nWvezIJRtSCLBy5ssrk0Ks2wcfa0vaqtZtSxQWQ7On2jzFLV1s4bg6ipEvwS6DMTozDM/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzI8_NHraxU18fLPqwhyMDR5q_BnUZukd7HakYlh9kBsMhAGRUjfXtnWqkh1TnePeruNXBkm0nWvezIJRtSCLBy5ssrk0Ks2wcfa0vaqtZtSxQWQ7On2jzFLV1s4bg6ipEvwS6DMTozDM/s400/IMG_0834.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTT-eWQCRzcI2vjkOlu8RgBPj9rOURijlhPSn3zxAaL1p5pAVFsHoR-yJdLgF5kP4yuXrbD93SEEMWTX3DTwaCSOankzxaBHfQDrvZ7_TvLSNzf_UXZczAevvSSkR1-qdQc45ICkSWGDk/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTT-eWQCRzcI2vjkOlu8RgBPj9rOURijlhPSn3zxAaL1p5pAVFsHoR-yJdLgF5kP4yuXrbD93SEEMWTX3DTwaCSOankzxaBHfQDrvZ7_TvLSNzf_UXZczAevvSSkR1-qdQc45ICkSWGDk/s400/IMG_0833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8kxLHlks9lsn7K706ZXTg_VsJQp4BymxI9ma_oRgirFBaybhBbm82OLmIh1mx1yGj-HosExg-3WivZe-mBwzbjh1P7zLcdRQQ3BeLNpmHIcv0nOa7sowPfDWrm9h7JYKULQV30JKagBB/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8kxLHlks9lsn7K706ZXTg_VsJQp4BymxI9ma_oRgirFBaybhBbm82OLmIh1mx1yGj-HosExg-3WivZe-mBwzbjh1P7zLcdRQQ3BeLNpmHIcv0nOa7sowPfDWrm9h7JYKULQV30JKagBB/s320/IMG_0839.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then the arrival of a new roommate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Acclimation is key.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And what better way to acclimate and celebrate her birthday than a trip to Malibu wineries?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIF7zPPXHxs7Ha9gzgHJQqZUndoeLw6-MGOO5UouGR8JHTnaD-Z__r2HgBoRMw0oh_5VrnFKLgDQHsAEA_1TicwJH2y7Wd-fUWh0_I1O1VdqVf948vgrD73AMOHopwb6KR-a4uymej5Pi/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIF7zPPXHxs7Ha9gzgHJQqZUndoeLw6-MGOO5UouGR8JHTnaD-Z__r2HgBoRMw0oh_5VrnFKLgDQHsAEA_1TicwJH2y7Wd-fUWh0_I1O1VdqVf948vgrD73AMOHopwb6KR-a4uymej5Pi/s400/IMG_0987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then the arrival of a best friend for a visit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All the food, fun, music, flea market and whisky one can get their hands on.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYScGzblZSk6nFUDbmCHSwl1QvLKJVgg4PJZOVEpvZrzALYEMFzWUT1zdLVS_BMawGsNaOTM2yGt0u80dH9LNfiVwZxdrVhtcmOUi6X8UJ_JfD3ebZpUUAfU0CRvAUS0Ed-mNWOnb5KAk/s1600/IMG_0856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYScGzblZSk6nFUDbmCHSwl1QvLKJVgg4PJZOVEpvZrzALYEMFzWUT1zdLVS_BMawGsNaOTM2yGt0u80dH9LNfiVwZxdrVhtcmOUi6X8UJ_JfD3ebZpUUAfU0CRvAUS0Ed-mNWOnb5KAk/s400/IMG_0856.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq60UjOSjfejFr85g0ZZ5Qh96rbKR5_9xfjMMmhhurTEdXNCMb7EJgxwSksKKPdLGfA9w_P05E8ht-2TT71oiOh4vlmVzUqnbfyOdOGLjdYhdxGUt5CXDpd74yPGdbHVWkG6zl-uYwKAB/s1600/IMG_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq60UjOSjfejFr85g0ZZ5Qh96rbKR5_9xfjMMmhhurTEdXNCMb7EJgxwSksKKPdLGfA9w_P05E8ht-2TT71oiOh4vlmVzUqnbfyOdOGLjdYhdxGUt5CXDpd74yPGdbHVWkG6zl-uYwKAB/s400/IMG_0865.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then every pumpkin flavored anything I could get my hands on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beer. Pancake batter. Ice cream. Dip. Frozen yogurt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The list probably goes on but for self preservation, I'm stopping there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then came the flu after a conscientious employee got her vaccine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Word to the wise, skip the vaccine this year. And for that matter skip the flu. It's particularly nasty. 4 pounds down with zero appetite. Guess what, it all comes back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then Halloween. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I never realized how offensive the smell of beer on someones breath was until I went out for Halloween with the flu. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then the anticipation of pops for a weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Was really wonderful to see pops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And here we are. Mid way through November. With my favorite holiday round the corner. Can't believe it. It was 57 degrees tonight. I thought I was freezing to death and also loved it. Two sides of me fighting. I'll be staying in SoCal for Thanksgiving. Maybe up to Santa Barbara for some wine tasting the days following. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And then it'll be the holidays. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm going to have to stop blinking altogether. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm barely keeping up. </span></div>
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-50996695766097884932012-09-18T00:09:00.001-07:002012-09-19T23:13:54.626-07:00Outpouring Hydration<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've lost track of the months. No one
told me this would happen moving to LA. I have no perception of time
passing. Gone with the desert wind. And with it, my memory.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
How long have I been here? When did
that happen? Is there a holiday coming up?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Every day is the same day in La La
Land.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Forecast says “dry. sunny. traffic.”
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first two months out here I woke up
every morning thinking I had hit the bar too hard the night before.
The dehydration headaches despite the 9-5 responsibility. No fun at
all.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But time continued. And my dear friend
Anna's wedding was underway.
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I bought my bridesmaid's dress in
anticipation of alterations. Hoping to fit it perfectly.
</div>
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Notice the use of "me fitting it"...not
hoping to have "it fit me" perfectly...?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I stood in front of the Asian man like
a mannequin.
</div>
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Arms out. Diaphragm elevated. Sucked in
to avoid pin pricks.
</div>
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I learned a lesson here. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17TkR_cB0DCNdbc20DDNi7Mh3I8PxpTRRBwb2iVPizDsk2XRzqJHkeo7lGnCzooHZsMMhdpusQhCqwoL9K6rPCkKLgN8NNs_ElxDt5gauJcnVoOpIs2xssmJ35RErVrSPnj57Uv4ZzVG8/s1600/ChinatownMannequin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17TkR_cB0DCNdbc20DDNi7Mh3I8PxpTRRBwb2iVPizDsk2XRzqJHkeo7lGnCzooHZsMMhdpusQhCqwoL9K6rPCkKLgN8NNs_ElxDt5gauJcnVoOpIs2xssmJ35RErVrSPnj57Uv4ZzVG8/s400/ChinatownMannequin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I went to pick it up, it fit
alright. But the air inside of me didn't.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I began what a dietitian will refer to
as a “Cardiac, NCS FLD.” Translation: low fat, low sodium, sugar
free, full liquid diet.” But it was no use. The ribcage was the
culprit.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Does alcohol fit into a FLD?<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Chinatown summer nights was upon La La Land as well. With one week and a couple of deep breaths to
spare until the midwest wedding, the crew headed to the lantern lined
streets for DJ dance parties and Tsingtao.<br />
...The Asians population is small so I tried to learn another lesson involving them. In hopes to fit into their alterations. Was that tailor trying to tell me something?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I skipped the sodium laden food and
stuck to liquids (okay, minus that one piece of food truck fried
chicken). Liquids that would dehydrate me. And hopefully shrink my
ribcage. Oh wishful thinking. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I danced. Confetti popped. Lights
flashed. Turn tables, well, turned. It was all very La La Land and so
was I.
</div>
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Needless to say the next day my
dehydration headache was warranted. </div>
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I traveled east. With a 13 year old
rocking out, hard, in the seat to my north and a baby kicking my
seat, hard, to the south. When I went to ask the flight attendant how much wine
was, the father sitting next to this baby held out his credit card.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Again, elevation, wine, headaches. When
will I learn?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I made it home. And to celebrate
father and I took a trip to World of Beers. Only after my run in 90
degree, 12pm heat accompanying 95% humidity. Obviously still on my liquid diet.
It felt good to be home. It felt a bit humid. But good.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So then there was the rehearsal and to
follow the classy rehearsal dinner.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And a 6am run to be had the morning of
the wedding before submitting to breathlessness-and not because of
the beautiful bride, although that exacerbated things. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I hardly made it through. Minimal
sitting. Minimal eating. Plenty of dancing. Some strobe lights.
Professional dancers. Was I still in La La?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu10ylb12Je9NNEBU8gSjSy2sB0q_iizudVWn715bzYX1U7Ii4B84O7pvJdUO_rP9x0utF0ZBdWMXj3b4G58oXlVwMcccE0mXKFPwnn8pE2AqSJ9SzqrlVR0UVyLcgG5mRuOG2eQRw7DbS/s1600/AnnaDancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu10ylb12Je9NNEBU8gSjSy2sB0q_iizudVWn715bzYX1U7Ii4B84O7pvJdUO_rP9x0utF0ZBdWMXj3b4G58oXlVwMcccE0mXKFPwnn8pE2AqSJ9SzqrlVR0UVyLcgG5mRuOG2eQRw7DbS/s200/AnnaDancing.jpg" width="200" /></a>What time period was I in anyways. Past and present all sorts of mixed up. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Once the dress came off, so did my
discipline. 2 pints of Goose Island beer and 2 slices of pizza (the
most glorious pizza I dare say I have ever had only due to
circumstances) and I was happy. A little too happy. Two pints atop 4
cocktails atop minimal eating atop running necessitates a gas station trip across the street to stock pile on electrolyte beverages. And
by stock pile, I mean, all the lemon flavored zero calorie vitamin
and mineral water I could hold onto. With some help of course.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I'll have you know that those
drinks really do the trick. I actually felt pretty darn good the next
day. Tired as ever from no sleep, 2 weeks of minimal eating, and a
lot of traveling but no headache. I remained a bit breathless that
next day despite peeling off the dress. Some things just take the air
out of you. And sometimes being home makes emotions come out of you
too. Fully hydrated on electrolytes and a bit dehydrated from tears.
It felt good to see everyone. And when I graced the streets on
Sunday, the weather felt the same way. The rain fell. It felt like la
la land to me. I hadn't seen rain, rain for days and days. It was a
wonderful display of the outpouring of my emotions. I wanted to go
stand in it, badly. But that can be pretty rude when you must rely on
others to drive you from place to place.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I walked through the United O'hare
terminal en route to my LA gate. Through tripped out, psychedelic
passage ways that brought me back to the direction I was headed.
West.<br />
<br /></div>
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I grabbed a lemon flavored vitamin mineral water
before boarding the plane. In anticipation of no crying babies or
Megs for that matter. And I sat. Ready to return. To a normal diet. From a bit of closure.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And don't you know it but the next day
it rained in La La Land. And I took a good, deep breath.<br />
Here I go. Dancing in the sun. Until I trip while time traveling. And fall. Into autumn. In two weeks. In St. Louis. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-34746323910718400822012-09-08T17:51:00.001-07:002012-09-23T23:01:05.071-07:00Supplementation<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
So I don't know if it's my awareness or what but you start to
notice things in LA that look familiar.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Like, isn't this the shiny tunnel that every car commercial ever
is shot in? Cadillac with that chick from Greys Anatomy pops into
mind. In particular. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I think her name was Adison?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Or isn't this the pacific coast highway in that commercial where
that that chick from the OC gets out of her car and jumps on other
cars to get to that ice cream truck. And then awkwardly eats ice
cream?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I think her name is Rachel?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Or, how about we go to that bar that's in the movie Swingers
tonight? Or the one in 500 Days of Summer?
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Or even seeing the Hollywood Production Company intro before
Beasts of the Southern Wild last night really does pan out to show
the lay of the land. And it really does look like the scene out my
window...</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
So I'm watching Bones while working out. I never watch this show.
But it seemed like something that may help pass the time since I
really wasn't all in the mood for working out today. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
And wouldn't you guess it but the premise of the show was that a
production company decided to shoot a movie in a studio in LA about a
"bones" case. A mock movie inside a show. Oh! And of course
the predictable, the "fake" body that the "fake"
actors were dissecting was really a "real" body for the
Bones actors. It all has a bit more of a facade to me now but so it
goes.
</div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Anyways, all I really wanted to say was that when the show went to
a commercial break, the advertisement was for Caltrate plus D, a
calcium citrate supplement with vitamin D3 that I currently recommend
to my particular patients. This commercial showed a skeleton to
demonstrate the power of supplementation. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
The animated skeleton looked a lot better than the decomposing
mess on the show. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I guess that's the point.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Oh the power of advertising. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Now how do I get on that...</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll supplement this city alright.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get ready LA</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plans Are Drafted</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Launch Date 11.19.Twenty12</div>
</div>
m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446275289977328855.post-25831888969237503982012-08-14T21:11:00.001-07:002012-08-14T21:11:15.509-07:00Even Artichokes Have Hearts
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Regina's in town tonight.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I saw my main man Andrew Bird kick at
at the Greek Theater Sunday night. Lake Forest grad, Northwestern
trained talent straight from the burbs of Chicago. Felt like home.
Especially because I brought my cousin.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The man is wicked talented. His whistle
is unreal. And the audience... well was so appreciative and taken by
him that you could actually hear crickets during the breaks in his
songs. Real crickets not like awkward silence crickets. Keep in mind
the Greek is an outdoor theater.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now it's Regina Spektor's turn. I saw
her once. She is a beautiful soul. Honest as they come. Her lyrics
and her love.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I didn't get tickets for this one. I
wish I had. I was going to walk up the hill and have a listen in on
it...</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe if I leave now I can still have
my cake and eat it too...?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In honor of her and not going to see
her, I threw on her “Live in London” album today. The songs are
so bittersweet. The whole lineup brought me back to exactly a year
ago when this album played on repeat in my car. Actually right back
to a farm in southern Illinois. I believe I blogged about that event
before. But then again I've blogged about Regina before too.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I can't believe that was a year ago. Am
I the same person?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I feel enlightened and hollow. A little more homeless a little less homeless. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A
walking vegetable.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Her song starts...</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The food that I'm eating, is suddenly
tasteless. I know I'm alone now. I know what it tastes like.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What a soulful line of emptiness. Beautiful.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I know music is good for my soul. It's
like food. It can just taste a bit bitter and a bit sweet at times.
Things will start tasting good.
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Even artichokes have hearts.
</div>
m. murphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072108868363615788noreply@blogger.com0