Feb 27, 2006

My Weekend

I had a great weekend!

Friday, we went to MoMA and saw Edvard Munch's work. I must say, I did enjoy it a lot despite the crowding. This guy was a dark depressed artist who questioned life and death - the absoulute cliche of an artist. I especially liked some of his work on wood grain - they seemed psychedelic and way ahead of his time. Also the pictures depicting strong emotions were interesting to say the least - this guy was painting his life experiences. And of course the famous "Scream" - I read how he described what he felt - and wondered if this guy was experiencing a panic attack...he definitely was experiencing a strong sense of dread. I've heard that feeling described to me before, although I've never personally experienced it.

Sunday we had brunch at Cafe Bar - which is turning out to be the best kept secret of Astoria. I have no idea how long it's been there...but the omelettes are superb. The coffee on the other hand...not so good - and if you plan on ordering a tea, do me a favor and bring your own tea bag or thermos unless you want to pay $4 for a cup. On the whole, the funky relaxed atmosphere was a welcome change to a busy crowded diner - a scene that has been replayed much too often. The food is excellent, I suggest you try it and invite me while you're at it - it's my new top breakfast/brunch place.

Sunday evening, my little cousins Briana and Nicholas (Nicky) came over. They are too cute. Briana gets shy-I have no idea why. Saskia was over this weekend, so it was one big renion.

Feb 17, 2006

...Dad....

Got a little gung-ho and added my dad's pic on the bottom of the left navigation bar. Someday I have to find this man...and kill him - just kiddin.

I want to meet the other trillion bro's and sisters I have. Also, I have an abuela! I'll go to DR and meet all of them....

Feb 16, 2006

Yo! What's up? Call me!!!!!!!


M I C H E L L E
&
M A R I E
Michelle, your cell #'s don't work. I got this lady who wanted to bite my head off because I called her cell...anyway, leave a comment with your phone # so I can call you. (I won't publish it, 'cause all comments go through me first, so don't worry about people seeing your number).

Steph, This One's For You....

This was taken in Sally's wedding. Check out Pete in the background!

Feb 14, 2006

Bodies - The Exhibition

I didn't know how I'd react, but I predicted that I would be
somewhat grossed out, but interested. That's exactly what
happened when I went to see the Bodies exhibit by South Street
Seaport this past Saturday.

The place was already begining to fill by the time we came
which was about 10:30 am. I didn't expect to see any young
children, but there were a few there. The rooms had full bodies,
posed - each to show you something different. They were
skinless, and stripped down and dissected to show you
muscles, bone, organs, etc... In further detail, they showed
organs or parts of the body in glass cases accompanied by a
short paragraph. Each room focused on different things. They
had this one room totally dedicated to nerve endings. It looked
like a sweater, that's how many nerves are inside, it's amazing.
When it came to organs showing tumors, I was especially
disturbed, mostly because I get paranoid...the breast cancer
was not pleasant.

The most interesting part (to me) was the babies. Yes, babies.
There was a disclaimer telling anyone to exit if need be, but I
walked right in and found that room to be the most amazing.
They had a pair of siamese twins that didn't make it, they were
joined by the stomach. They had a baby with a spinal defect, but
besides those, there was nothing really disturbing in there. They
had little embryo's, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 15 weeks - so amazing
how you could track the growth and the developement. They
had other embryo's with some sort of dye used to differentiate
the tiny bones. I glanced over to my side and saw a pregnant
woman looking at one. They had a woman cut open and you
can see the little infant inside...truly a sight to see.

The next rooms had cross section after cross section and
bodies sliced in half. It was in-your-face and you couldn't avoid
it. After each room, I increasingly was looking for the end of the
exhibit, as there are only so much "Bodies" I could take. At the
end you are able to hold a heart, brain, liver...but as you can
guess, I opted not to.

In the end I am happy I went. I understand more about
what's inside me and am even more amazed about the many
functions the many organs have inside. It's a once in a lifetime
thing, and you get a view that only doctors or people who do
autopsies have. You'll lose your appetite for a day, but it's well worth it.

Oh how wonderfully we are made!

Barbies

Double Take

In doing a work-related search (honest!) I came across a cat that looked like my very own Max. Real max is pictured on top, while the wannabe max is pictured on the bottom - found in Google Images. I also found a cat looking just like Isabel...what's up with all the cats that look alike?

They're still one of a kind in my eyes!


(Isabel wannabe)

I Guess they all look the same...

Feb 7, 2006

Shopaholic

I am currently fighting an unusually strong urge to click that darn tempting "Buy It Now!" button. I am on the verge...Somebody stop me...I think I just might...Do it! eBay is SUCH an addiction.

Feb 2, 2006

Frito Pie!

It's been about 10 years or more since we made Frito Pie...but I was in the mood and I got my mom to confirm the recipe...(it's a no-brainer). It came out yummy. You can basically add anything you like to make it better!

It's a Texas/Mexican thing - wonder if Diane has ever made it....?

Ingredients:

1 Bag of Frito's (Hence the name)
Ground beef (Cooked as desired)
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Grated Cheddar Cheese


Frito Sauce:

1 cup of water
1 Tablespoon or more (eyeball it) of flour
1 Tablespoon of oil
1 Teaspoon of Chili Powder

(Bring the mixture to a boil, and then stir. It should thicken just a bit)

INSTRUCTIONS

--Cook ground beef as you normally would (put finely chopped onions, garlic, salt & pepper, etc...)

--Place some Frito's in a bowl. Add lettuce, tomatoes, cooked meat and top with sprinkled cheddar cheese. Pour special "Frito Sauce" all over to melt the cheese. Enjoy!


Suggestions I've seen on websites:

Instead of ground beef, trade for a can of Chile con Carne
Add 1 can of stewed tomatoes
Add 2 cans of whole kernel corn

Toppers:

Sour Cream
Guacamole


No time to make the sauce? Put Fritos, meat, cheese in a baking pan and bake until cheese is melted. Add fresh lettuce and tomatoes afterward, mix and enjoy!