Bridge & Tunnel: The Adventures of Two Single and Fabulous Best Friends

What This Jersey Girl Is Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving, Readers! Since I won't have access to a computer tomorrow (which has also cut down on my posting) I thought that I'd do my Thanksgiving post today. So, without further ado, my list of things I'm thankful for:

1. My Friends and Family (especially Achoo, because he is the Lurve of my Life)
2. Jersey and her fuzzy face (even though she's snuggling with grandma more than me)
3. Uggs
4. Achoo's sweatshirts
5. Peanut butter M&M's
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Glee!
8. My new job
9. Apple Pie
10. Farmville (a-dict-ted)
11. The color pink
12. The Letter J
    
13. Sesame Street, apparently
14. Cosmo's
15. Blogs
16. Our readers
17. Hibiscus flowers
18. Being a Jersey Girl
19. The beach
20. My bed

There are many others, but I'll cap the list for this year at 20. So, dear readers, what are you thankful for this year?

Happy Holiday! Enjoy your food coma!

Food for Thought and my Weekend

Went apple picking yesterday so I'm trying to figure out what to do with the giant bag of apples now sitting in my kitchen.  I'm thinking apple sauce and apple crisp.  Pie seems too time consuming at this point I think.  My baking skills are touch and go usually...sometimes I really impress myself...other times its a disaster!!  (Like the time I bought unrefined sugar (which is brown) and for some reason thought it would be ok to use that instead of actual brown sugar...because well, its brown? yeah...no so much!)  I'll let you know ow my foray into baked apples comes along. 

 Unlike Jersey, I am not in a happy and loving relationship so I have plenty to talk about. :o) 

This weekend was crazy busy.  Friday nigt I did the coolest thing I have done in a while.  I know it is super dorky...but I went to see the Lord of the Rings at Radio City Music Hall.  They pulled down this giant screen on the stage and projected the movie.  They had a full orchestra, choir and children's choir on the stage performing all of the music to the movie live.  They were pretty amazing.  You didn't know who to watch...the movie or the orchestra!!  The conductor had a little tiny TV monitor that allowed him to watch the movie and showed him all the tempo changes to make sure everything was in sync.  At the end, Howard Shore came out (he is the composer of all the music) and he was accompanied by Frodo himself! (Elijah Wood people!! who is a really skinny little guy!)  It was litterally just thousands of people with popcorn watching Lord of the Rings...breaking into random applause whenever the orchestra played a big number or a new character came on the screen.  Next year they are coming back and will be perfoming The Two Towers.  I already have it on my calendar!!  The hight at Helms Deep should be amazing!! I highly reccomend going to this!! (FYI they are also doing something similar with the Star Wars movies...I'm not a big Star Wars fan but if you are is probably worth seeing...)

Saturday night I went to dinner with my Long Island girls.  The rift is growing between Ms. Chic and my other compadre Mr. M.  But...that is a story for another day.  It makes dinner a little uncomfortable though sometimes as they tend to just kind of exclude each other from the conversation.  I also took Viva to the dog park on Saturday and walked over to the Farmers Market in Union Square.  I got some really nice fresh corn and a spaghetti squash that I'm planning on cooking tonight for dinner I think.  It makes a really nice little pasta bake type dish.  Very healthy and very yummo. 

Yesterday was as previously mentioned, the Apple picking.  I also went and hung out at my friends how for a bit which was nice.  Everyone but me pretty much has off of work today to unfortunetly it couldn't be a late night for me.  We did however book our ski trip to Utah for February.  I've never been skiing on the West Coast so I'm super excited (and a little scared) about it!!  I need to start training for this though or else my body will not be able to take it.  5 days of skiing will just about kill me and its not good to be that tired.  I'm going to come up with a training program I think...Something like 3 nights a week I run or something...anyone have any experience planning these out?? help!

Life in 3 Dimensions

Achoo came back over last night (I know, contain your shocked face!) At his special request, we headed over to one of our favorite resturants, Moe's Southwest Grill for some yummy Tex-Mex. (I've sung the praises of Moes before, and I will proabably do it again!) Achoo got a Triple Lindy:

  

And I had a JC with just chicken and cheese (because beans, beans, the magical fruit...)

 

C'Mon, don't deny that those look absolutely delicioso!

Before we left, we had a little mind-reading session. I decided it might be night if we go see a movie, so I texted Achoo as he was driving over. When he got here, I asked if he had gotten my text, he said no. I then proceeded to explain that I looked up times for The Final Destination in 3D and would he like to go? He then goes "Can you read my mind? I was just about to ask you that!" So that just goes to show that we're a great match!

We had about a half hour's worth of time in between dinner and our movie, so we headed to Barnes & Noble to browse. We spend a good deal of that time oogling over dog books. We come to the decision that Boston Terriers would be our dog of choice if and when we get one (don't tell Jersey. She'll still be "top dog" but we think a puppy would be fun eventually, too).

Now, before I get into my thoughts on the movie, I have to explain the 3D thing. I wear glasses. I've only ever been to one other 3D movie (The Nightmare Before Christmas when it was re-released about 6 years ago), and I didn't get it. We sat all the way on the side, and I had a hard time seeing the 3D. I always figured that because of my glasses, I wasn't able to see it. But last night, 3D was our only option for the movie. Needless to say, I was a little worried that the extra $3.50 for the 3D would be wasted on me.

WRONG! We sat dead-smack in the center (perks of Wednesday night movie night) and the glasses fit over mine perfectly, and voila! 3D! Things were flying in my face, and Achoo couldn't help but laugh every time I twitched. I thought we looked very cute sitting there with our big 3D glasses on our faces.

Now my thoughts on the movie: Pretty cool, actually. Achoo was impressed at how the writers came up with all the ways to die, and I was impressed that the acting didn't totally suck. It was predictable (the same plot theory as all the other Final Destinations), but entertaining.

When we got home, we cuddled on the couch, watched a couple episodes of Psych, and then went to bed. It's so nice when he can stay over, and it was a special treat that I got him 2 nights in a row. I have to say, if this is a preview of living with him, I will enjoy it.

Even though he is a blanket hog!

 

PS- Spell check is on the fritz. Don't hold it against me!

What's For Dinner?

Because we value your opinion, dear readers, I am here today to pose a very important question to you:

Tomorrow, the Cosmos will collide, and Queens is coming over to spend some quality time (aka hours playing Rock Band) with Achoo and I. This is the first time that the two of them are really going to get a chance to hang out and spend time getting to know each other. It's a very important day.

So here's the question:

What should we make for dinner?

All suggestions are welcome! We hope to hear from you!

Jerry Lewis and Some Prosecco

Jerry Lewis...this is what my parents have started to call Buddy.  Maybe I'm the only oddball...but before Eddie Murphy made it famous, The Nutty Professor was a movie from the 1960's starring Jerry Lewis.  In the movie he wasn't fat though...he was just a really nerdy teacher.  Either way, my parents associate Buddy with Buddy Love (his alter ego...) and then Jerry Lewis.  You can see the chain.  I find it somewhat hilarious right now...but if it ever gets to the point where they meet him...a slip up would not be appreciated.

So, I didn't have time to get to Victoria Secret's yesterday.  I may try and take a trip during work today since my boss is out.  Not sure if I'll be able to manage that though.  Either way, I was up baking red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting at midnight last night.  I went to Williams Sonoma and bought the $14 cupcake mix from Sprinkles.  (My all time favorite cupcake place in Los Angeles, CA)  Even without the pretty underwear...I think the cupcakes are cute.  Let's just hope they taste ok...I brought one to work to have for lunch...so they will get a test drive.  If they suck...I'm walking over to Magnolia's Bakery and just buying some...though I tend to think my frosting is better than thiers...

Baking the cupcakes last night was somewhat hellish.  I didn't get home till 10:45...so I had to stop at the Bodega to pick up the stuff I needed.  Got home by 11.  Started baking...realized while making the frosting that I have bought onion and chive cream cheese...  Maybe not so good for frosting...  Went back out at 11:30...drive down the block...bought more cream cheese...came back... finished.  It was hot outside.  And I was sweating like a mother effer.

So tonight I'm going to head up to Buddy's house after work.  Let's pray I don't hit an obscene amount of traffic.  I'm hoping to get there by 8.  He bought me some prosecco. (YUM!!! It's like a mixture of champagne and spumonti) I must have told him at some point that I love that stuff.  When I was in Italy a few years ago I'm pretty sure I drank a whole bottle of it while sitting in a cafe reading a book.  It felt very European at the time...though I paid for it on the subway ride home...  (Note to self: Do not drink alone in a foreign country...)

Update From Crazy Work Land

I am still alive. I haven't killed my boss. My students are doing well. I'm actually less stressed now that training has started, because it's all planned.

Achoo is wonderful. He "see's us moving forward and lasting". Swoon.

I got a call for a job interview. But I think it's too far away and doesn't pay enough for me to live on my own. Bummer.

Moe's Southwest Grill opened up near me. I don't remember if I blogged about it, but the love affair has re-ignited. If you have a Moe's near you, and you haven't gone to it, do yourself a favor and go. It's the best damn southwest cuisine in the world. Creamy queso, tender meat, and a fun-filled atmosphere that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. (I mean, can you resist the staff screaming "WELCOME TO MOE'S" every time you walk in? I think not.) TRUST ME, go. Go now. Eat a lot. Is it the healthiest? No. But is it the best? You betcha!

Ok, back to work. I don't know when I'll be back to keep on Queens to keep you entertained!

Peace and Queso,

Bacon Wrapped Dates...and my return to domesticity

So I decided for my friend's party on Friday night that I would bring some food.  I had gone to a dinner party a few weeks ago and the host had made bacon wrapped dates.  I know, sounds odd, but trust me, they are amazing!!!  My friend particularly loves bacon...so...perfect.

I went to 3 grocery stores before I found pitted dates.

So, this is what you do: Take pitted dates and stuff them with an almond.  Then, take some bacon and cut it into thirds.  Wrap the date in the bacon.  Put them in the oven until the bacon is cooked.  That's it.  SO GOOD.  They didn't even make it around the room once before they were gone!  (Buddy loved them too!) 

So, I have re-established my faith in my cooking abilities.  It was an easy thing...but came out great.  Con - now Buddy thinks I can cook...  WRONG.

Go dates.

Happy Birthday to Queens and Bullet-Pointed Life Updates

First and foremost, everyone MUST wish Queens a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Yesterday, she joined me in the "Old Ladies Club" and so a new year for her begins! Love you, Babe!

And now, since it's Sunday Morning and I'm sitting here in my underwear, I will give you bullet-points. I think that's actually quite generous...

• Achoo and I still haven't used the "L" word. I want to so badly, but part of me is afraid to. I just keep telling myself that it will happen when the time is right.
• We're booking a cruise! Today, actually, lol. We're going on a super fabbity-fab-fab 7 night cruise to Florida and the Bahamas. Here's the best part- it only costs $530! Including the tax! That's about $75 a night and includes your "hotel" and meals. I call that a deal.The sucky part is that I have to wait until February to go. Boo.
• Achoo met my grandmother, Aunt and Uncle (not married, from 2 separate sides of the family) last night. Each year, Ocean Township has their annual Italian Festival, and it's a big tradition for my family go to. My mom's mom lives close by, so it's super convenient to park at her house and just walk to the Fest. My dad's family is from Ocean Township, so I'm all but guaranteed to run into family while I'm there. They seemed to like him, and now the only big hurdle is my parents. That won't happen until mid-September, though, because I'm about to go into my busiest time of the year.
• My medical stuff is starting to straighten out. I went for a second opinion on Friday because I haven't been getting any better. He explained everything, gave me medication, and ordered blood work. You know, the kind of things doctors are supposed to do... Anyway, I've already noticed an improvement, so I feel a lot better.
• Starting Tuesday, I'm going to go out of commission for a while. My student-staff moves back in, and I'm training them for 2 weeks. I'm going to try to post during this time, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to. So it's up to you, Birthday Girl, to hold down the fort. Payback for you're little romp though Europe. Mwah-ha-ha!
• I'm 99.9% sure that a Moe's Southwest Grill has opened up near my house recently. I'm 99.9% sure I'm dragging Achoo there today. I'm 99.9% sure that I'm getting a JC with just chicken and cheese and a side of Queso, and I'm 99.9% sure that it might be better than sex. But I'm 99.9% sure I'm also having sex today, so I'll compare and let you know!

And that's all I have to say about that...

Rut Hut (Makes Me Want a Hot Dog Reeeeal Baaaad...)

I'm in a rut. I haven't had a date in 3 weeks. I haven't been kissed in a month. I haven't had sex since, God, mid-March.

Complaining ends there though.

In honor of my rut, today was "THROW SHIT OUT DAY". I have a weird habit of keeping the boxes for things I buy for months just in case I need to return them. Which is great and responsible, except, I tend to keep them well after the return policy has expired. Combine that with the need to cleanse my living space in order to cleanse my life, and voila! Throw Shit Out Day is born! Here is an approximate list of things I thew away:

1. The leftover cardboard from my elliptical box, which had been semi-cut into strips.
2. GPS Box, Wireless Router Box, Humidifier Box, Heating Pad Box, Foam Pillow Box, and Roomba Box
3. About 10,000 receipts (which I had to check all of them to make sure my debit card number wasn't on)
4. A smashed up, semi-used roll of blue Christmas wrapping paper
5. An actual bag of garbage from the kitchen
6. 1/3 of a king sized egg crate bed pad (I just cut the one I had when I downgraded to a queen)
7. A broken scale (and it's box, see item 2)
8. Emotional Baggage...

I'm definitely not a hoarder. But I keep things for a lot longer than I should because "I might be able to use it for something again in the future". Which is a load of bull. My new rule is that if I haven't seen it and used it in the past 3 months, I don't need it and it's going.

Of course, this leads to the bigger problem of realizing I now need to go to Target (The Happiest Place on Earth) for some things such as:

1. Razors (for lady land) and Razor Heads for the Intuition (which cannot accurately take care of lady land)
2. A new scale
3. Milk
4. Tooth-brushing cat treats
5. More Garbage Bags
6. A Paint Brush
7. Tiny nails for the jewelry cabinet I'm re-crafting (see item 5)

Which will ultimately lead to more boxes, receipts, and garbage. See? I can never get ahead.

At the end of the day, I guess it's not a bad thing that I'm in a rut. It could be a lot worse.

Plus Rutt's Hut is on the way to Target. I literally drive past it. Nothing takes a girl out of a rut like a deep fried hot dog, right?

 

P.S.- The chances of me actually stopping for a R.H. Hot dog are somewhere in between slim and none. I've never actually stopped to have one. But I will go someday. Because the Food Network told me that I should.

The Great Cupcake Debate

I'm thinking that this might need its own special, oh lala, web page...but I'm going to start it here and see where this goes. 

Welcome to my GREAT CUPCAKE DEBATE! 

At this point in my life, I can honestly say that I fantasize about eating a cupcake about three times a week.  It's like sex but hopefully less frequent.  (Sometimes better than sex and unfortunately, you ALL KNOW when a cupcake is better than sex...don't make me state the obvious...and too many cupcakes probably has an adverse effect on the amount of sex...so therefor if X = the number of cupcakes you eat and Y = the creamy delicious frosting and Z = sex...well...ok, I'm bad at math but lets say that Z will equal 0 sooner or later...rambling...) 

So, I'm going on an adventure to find the best, most delicious, cupcake ever...and then I will report my findings to you.  Think you know where the best cupcake is?  Bring it on and put it to the test. 

My current reigning champ is Sprinkles located in Los Angeles.  You can visit their website here.  You can also buy the mix at Wiliams Sonoma for about $15...(YIKES! but worth it...Dunkin Heinz has got nothin on these babies...) 

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