5-Second Post

Laziness, you are my #1 enemy!

I swear, I've been meaning to blog. Really! But life activities and a general refusal to go near a computer after work hours has lent itself to some record slacker blogging.

And now, I'm about to run out of the office (again) in order to tend to some pre-conference activities, which means I STILL don't have time to do a proper entry.

So I'm doing a 5-second recap instead:

(1) Good Idea/Bad Idea: Banana Bread Beer Taste Test Results
In short, it tastes like banana. Not banana BREAD, mind you, but there's a definite banana flavor. Granted, it's nothing you couldn't likely replicate with a shot of 99 Bananas, but given that 99B and I had a very, very, very bad break up following late night while at university, I can't say I recommend attempting it.

(2) Racing Fool
I'm registered to date for the Maryland Warrior Dash (May), the Baltimore Half-Marathon (October), and the Walt Disney World Marathon (January 2012). I had originally planned to run the 2012 Goofy (a half marathon followed the next day by a full marathon through the park), but BHE politely asked that I reconsider. Actually, he said that he didn't want me to die, which I think was a tad melodramatic, but it's hard him down when he begs - he has puppy eyes. Anyway, I need a new training program and mileage tracker, so if you have any suggestions by all means send them my way! I'll make you a cookie if you do :)

(3) Twitterfied
A good friend and I were exchanges stories about married life when we decided that we ought to share (and give others a chance to share) those special moments where it's all you can do to not slap your partner/spouse/loved one. The result is My Ball and Chain. Head on over and feel free to share your story there, in person or anonymously.

Ok, that's longer than 5 seconds. I do have a recipe or two to post, including a tofu dish my sisters and I undertook during a 2 1/2 day cleaning spree in South Carolina.

But that will have to wait until I've finished with my 3 day conference on population research in DC. Try not to be jealous.

For now, I'll leave you with my 2 current musical obsessions: Adele, who I'll be seeing live next month (oh hells yeah!) and Fitz & the Tantrums, whose album I still need to get but I've been wearing out their Facebook site something awful.






Enjoy!

Critters of All Sorts

I'm back from a quick visit to Chicago for Baby Button's shower and to hang out with my BFF/watch my sleep-deprived BFF pick fights with her equally sleep-deprived husband. I had a great time, but the trip left me very much aware of how ill-prepared I am for motherhood at the moment.

BB chilling on his Mia Grace blanket.

At present, I'm better off getting my mothering fix via taking care of animals.

SPEAKING OF WHICH! (*dramatic lead-in*)

BHE and I are teaming up with the good folks over at ex-boyfriend collection to help out the homeless (animals, that is) by taking part in the MDSPCA's March for the Animals!

The March is the MDSPCA's biggest fundraiser and a rather large event in the city. People come together with their adorable dogs/cats/iguanas/turtles/what have you and take part in various contests, agility courses, and general fun and entertainment.

Our "pack" is trying to raise some funds for the event and - seriously - every little penny helps! So if you like animals and have even $5 to spare, won't you give us a hand (or paw)? If you're really game, feel free to join our pack or simply stop by the event to see the cuteness and support a damn fine cause!

You can support your fellow animal lovers here.

Neco and Lina will be waiting to thank you in person...

Recipe Quickie: Peruvian Chicken

BHE is out of town this week so I have been alternating between hanging out with friends and attempting to sleep solo. The latter hasn't been too successful. That said, I still have time (aka, caffeine coursing through my veins for the next 15 minutes) to quickly post a recipe recap for some kick ass Peruvian Roasted Chicken.

PRC is hands down my favorite take out meal option. If you haven't had it yet, go. NOW. There's a place called Crisp n' Juicy or Pollo Loco or something similar selling this delectable, fall-off-the-bone charbroiled poultry near you, I'm sure. (FYI: If you're in Baltimore, just hit up Chicken Rico in Highlandtown. Wear loose-fitting pants. Bring a friend.)

The recipe I used came courtesy of Cooks Illustrated, a great site that unfortunately requires users to pay a fee to access videos and such. Which is kind of bullshizz in my opinion, but whatevs.

That said, these guys know what they're doing. The recipe is actually quite easy to throw together. You just need a good 24hrs for the dry rub to do its thing before you put anything in the oven.

Easy-to-use ingredients. Rubber gloves are a must have prior to handling the habaneros, especially if you wear contact lenses. (Just trust me on this one.)

The key seems to be low-temperature cooking and a vertical roaster or, barring that, a hall-full can of beer or soda crammed up the bird's special place. Ultimately, you end up with this AMAZING dinner that comes together in about 80 minutes, complete with spicy aioli and (assuming you remember to make it) chimichurri sauce.

SOOOOO Good!

If you're willing to pay, you can find the recipe (official title: Peruvian Roast Chicken with Garlic and Lime) here.

Or, if you ask nicely, I'll be happy to share it with you. Probably. :)

Enjoy!

My Current Relationship with the Universe

(aka, Why I haven't been posting lately.)

I'll post again when the universe and I are back on speaking terms. (I've got a Peruvian chicken recipe that's good enough to commit white collar crime for)

Until then, enjoy!