Managed to sneak away some time to drop into one of my new fave food haunts in Chi-Town — the Purple Pig. The tagline “cheese, swine & wine” says it all and they execute on this flawlessly. Yes there was a wait, yes it was a little loud but the milk braised pork shoulder, lardo on toasted buttered baguette, eggplant parmesan balls, seared scallops and pork (bacon-infused) pate made it all worth it. Never mind the sidecar of tempranillo 😉 #nomnomnom
On the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again … At least that’s how Willie put it. Frankly, I’ve gotten pretty comfortable not traveling. I remember a time when I couldn’t imagine not traveling at least twice a month and loving the perks that come along with it (road warrior bragging rights, elite access lines, frequent flier points and upgrades).
But lately, those perks don’t seem quite so shiny anymore. Alas, in marketing travel goes with the territory so I’ll suck it up but while I’m gone I’ll be missin’ my girls …
Last weekend I attended my 20 year high school reunion. Yes, I am that old. It was hands down one of the best times I have had in a while. You see, I had a great time in high school and have a strong bond with my friends from those years even though I haven’t spoken with many of them in ages. To have so many old friends in one place — I don’t know — just felt really special. So many people looked the same, so many people have gone on to do amazing things. Makes me proud of the Class of ’92.
I have a special sense of pride because I was on the planning committee. It was stressful, it took a lot of the personal time of me and the other committee members but in the end, it was all more than worth it. Now my mission is to keep in touch with the friends I connected with last Saturday so it’s not another 20 before our paths cross again.
There’s just something about Thursday night. Maybe it’s the working from home the next day or being on the right side of the weekend. Either way I ❤ Thursday. That is all.
Whenever I’m having a particularly challenging day — maybe it’s work or family or BOTH — that I don’t want to manage by other means I turn to my new favorite distraction, the Dog Shaming blog. If you’re a dog owner this site will have you rolling because you know your four-legged friend has done some of the things on this site. For those of you who don’t own dogs, still funny, but it might also make you never want to get a dog!
At any rate, my gift to you today is a smile complements of the site. Who knows one day little Nalah may find her lovable mug on there 😉
I came across a great site a few months back called ‘Makers‘. It’s a collaboration between AOL and PBS and it’s all about highlighting the accomplishments of groundbreaking women. The stories on the site were really inspiring and they reminded me of my mom.
Single mother, accomplish doctor and mentor, raising a somewhat undisciplined child. She never took no for an answer, she ruled with an iron fist, and she frankly got sh*t done. I’m very proud of her and credit her with making me the person I am today — still a little undisciplined btw 😉
Here is an excerpt of one of the site’s videos featuring Ursula Burns, the current CEO of Xerox (and notably the first African American female CEO of a Fortune 500 company):
The Makers: http://www.makers.com/
Is this tiny little device the answer to my fitness problems? Perhaps not but all I know is when I first bought my Jawbone UP I was more active. The UP Band let me down so I replaced with The Fitbit Ultra. Let’s see how this goes…
Sometimes in all the hustle and bustle of our daily lives it can be easy to forget all that we have been through; all that we have overcome. On this special day, take a few moments to remember and to be thankful.
Beautiful day for a drive in the convertible with the girls.
Step 1 – Pour glass of wine & cue cooking music.
3 Whole squid, cut into rings
6 Sea scallops, cut into quarters
2 Bunches spring onions
4 Cloves garlic
2 Sprigs of dill
1/2 Cup white wine (sauvignon blanc)
1/4 Cup olive oil
1/2 Lemon
1/4 Stick butter
1 Tablespoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
2 Servings angel hair pasta
Sauté green onions and garlic in oil for 2 minutes.
Add scallops and squid, simmer on med-high for 2 minutes and add butter & remaining ingredients.
Turn heat down to low for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve over pasta.
What happens when you spend the entire morning watching The Food Network? You decide you’re going to try making something flamboyant. So off we go to the vegetable market, the fish monger and the butcher shop (yes a plain old fashioned supermarket WILL NOT do).
Thinking stuffed squid and pasta sautéed in white wine for the appetizer followed by beef shanks cooked low & slow w/ pancetta, onions, shitake mushrooms and red wine. Getting hungry just thinking about it; watch this space for pictures of the results …
Labor Day to me is just another excuse to get the family together for BBQ, a few cocktails and some raucous conversation. My family is a trip — those of you will big, loud families know what I’m talkin’ about. That said, I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Hope you all are having as good a time as we are … Happy Labor Day Weekend!
When he first came to the mountains his life was far away
On the road and hangin’ by a song
But the string’s already broken and he doesn’t really care
It keeps changin’ fast and it don’t last for long
But the Colorado rocky mountain high
I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye
Rocky mountain high
– John Denver
Can’t believe it’s been 2 months since my last trip. Funny how quickly you snap back into real life and forget what it’s like to be a road warrior. Luckily it all comes back quickly (didn’t forget the toothbrush, chargers or the surly frequent flier disposition). 20 minutes to wheels up; see you on the other side …
Rounding Mars 