Things Making Me Happy This Week 11.5
Welcome to this week's installment of Things Making Me Happy!
Though it's hard to be full-out happy when you know friends and many, many others are still struggling dealing with the fallout from Sandy. This whole thing was really scary- it's downright frightening to see what happens during something like this in an urban area. Boston would be in rough shape if it had hit further north. Thankful for the little we had to deal with and thinking about those who had to deal with a lot more. I hope things get back to normal sooner rather than later.
On that note, we'll transition into appreciating some small things in life and some silly things.
Like this.
There is an Asian supermarket around the corner from my office and I like to pop in every once in a while to pick up some treats and delicious things like steamed buns, shu mai and cheap produce! I stumbled upon these in the cookie aisle and immediately scooped them up. I LOVE blackcurrant-flavored and -scented things and they're so hard to find! Yes, they're tasty.
During the storm last week, I took advantage of our luck not losing power and cooked a bit and baked. I made this mushroom soup.
Might not make the prettiest picture, but it was SO. GOOD. I've been taking it for lunch. Couldn't have it alone, so I made some quick drop biscuits to go with.
I also got the baking bug and thanks to some help from FB friends, decided on cookies. I made a variation on these chocolate pudding cookies, which have quickly become one of Gordon's favorites. Instead of the candy, I toasted a cup of coconut and added a cup+ of caramel bits. I was aiming for a cookie version of Samoas. The caramel bits didn't really get gooey, but I still liked them. The coconut left the cookies SUPER moist. I even gave some to the repairman (who came to fix the stairwell damage left by the appliance delivery guys) to say thanks and he seemed pretty excited for them.
Last weekend we met up with Gordon's parents so my mother-in-law and I could shop for curtain fabric. I know- I live the life of a rockstar. Vivienne's going to make them for us, which is a real life-saver.
We looked at TONS but didn't end up buying any. I found a lot of the same stuff online for half the price. We have had temporary things up on the necessary windows since we moved in and I am SO looking forward to having nice curtains. I ordered some fabric for the living room and we're gonna see how that goes. Then I'll order more for the kitchen, bathroom (she's gonna make us a shower curtain too- we need an extra-long one!!) and the two back bedrooms. Gordon will finally be able to stop putting on a show for the neighbors.
Yesterday I had to work all day, but the concert went really well. Gordon brought his mom who also enjoyed it. Patriots player Patrick Chung made his singing debut with BCC and the crowd went wild. Best of all, I made sure Gordon got to meet him after the concert.
I think my favorite comment on this photo on FB was from Kenny: You cropped it too much, all we can see is Patrick Chung and Rob Gronkowski.
BUT, my friends. The biggest news I;ve got to share from this weekend?
Yes, it was 19 years in the making, but it happened. I AM NOW LICENSED TO OPERATE A VEHICLE. I passed my road test, y'all!! I know, I can barely believe it myself. I took the test through the driving school where I took my lessons. Saturday morning, I went to Brookline High and lined up against the fence with all the 16 year olds and foreigners and was entertained by the Ukrainian owner ("Now, I know some of you are from other places. Just remember- do NOT put on the brake. Here in Free America, you put car into 'park.' That is all."). I waited almost an hour and reviewed various rules with my line-mates and then after a ten-minute trip around the block in which I parallel-parked in two moves and completed a three-point turn, I was done! The cop passed me. Thank god. I mean, this is after my brush-up lesson on Friday night in which I drove for two hours around JP and Brookline in the dark and the rain. I parallel-parked on Beacon Street, for god's sake. BEACON STREET IN THE RAIN AND THE DARK. I HAD to pass, right?? Anyway, it's done. I just need to go to the RMV and then get better at driving a manual.
One of the best things about the weekend was our cozy night in on Saturday:
The four of us cuddled on the couch and watched Being Elmo. Finally! It was really good. I cried. I don't really even like Elmo, but it was really really good. If you like Jim Henson, you'll like this movie.
I am really looking forward to the three-day weekend. Already. But most importantly, it's Election Eve. I'm hoping I'll have something REALLY happy to post about this time next week!!! Go Obama!!
Though it's hard to be full-out happy when you know friends and many, many others are still struggling dealing with the fallout from Sandy. This whole thing was really scary- it's downright frightening to see what happens during something like this in an urban area. Boston would be in rough shape if it had hit further north. Thankful for the little we had to deal with and thinking about those who had to deal with a lot more. I hope things get back to normal sooner rather than later.
On that note, we'll transition into appreciating some small things in life and some silly things.
Like this.
There is an Asian supermarket around the corner from my office and I like to pop in every once in a while to pick up some treats and delicious things like steamed buns, shu mai and cheap produce! I stumbled upon these in the cookie aisle and immediately scooped them up. I LOVE blackcurrant-flavored and -scented things and they're so hard to find! Yes, they're tasty.
During the storm last week, I took advantage of our luck not losing power and cooked a bit and baked. I made this mushroom soup.
Might not make the prettiest picture, but it was SO. GOOD. I've been taking it for lunch. Couldn't have it alone, so I made some quick drop biscuits to go with.
I also got the baking bug and thanks to some help from FB friends, decided on cookies. I made a variation on these chocolate pudding cookies, which have quickly become one of Gordon's favorites. Instead of the candy, I toasted a cup of coconut and added a cup+ of caramel bits. I was aiming for a cookie version of Samoas. The caramel bits didn't really get gooey, but I still liked them. The coconut left the cookies SUPER moist. I even gave some to the repairman (who came to fix the stairwell damage left by the appliance delivery guys) to say thanks and he seemed pretty excited for them.
Last weekend we met up with Gordon's parents so my mother-in-law and I could shop for curtain fabric. I know- I live the life of a rockstar. Vivienne's going to make them for us, which is a real life-saver.
We looked at TONS but didn't end up buying any. I found a lot of the same stuff online for half the price. We have had temporary things up on the necessary windows since we moved in and I am SO looking forward to having nice curtains. I ordered some fabric for the living room and we're gonna see how that goes. Then I'll order more for the kitchen, bathroom (she's gonna make us a shower curtain too- we need an extra-long one!!) and the two back bedrooms. Gordon will finally be able to stop putting on a show for the neighbors.
Yesterday I had to work all day, but the concert went really well. Gordon brought his mom who also enjoyed it. Patriots player Patrick Chung made his singing debut with BCC and the crowd went wild. Best of all, I made sure Gordon got to meet him after the concert.
I think my favorite comment on this photo on FB was from Kenny: You cropped it too much, all we can see is Patrick Chung and Rob Gronkowski.
BUT, my friends. The biggest news I;ve got to share from this weekend?
Yes, it was 19 years in the making, but it happened. I AM NOW LICENSED TO OPERATE A VEHICLE. I passed my road test, y'all!! I know, I can barely believe it myself. I took the test through the driving school where I took my lessons. Saturday morning, I went to Brookline High and lined up against the fence with all the 16 year olds and foreigners and was entertained by the Ukrainian owner ("Now, I know some of you are from other places. Just remember- do NOT put on the brake. Here in Free America, you put car into 'park.' That is all."). I waited almost an hour and reviewed various rules with my line-mates and then after a ten-minute trip around the block in which I parallel-parked in two moves and completed a three-point turn, I was done! The cop passed me. Thank god. I mean, this is after my brush-up lesson on Friday night in which I drove for two hours around JP and Brookline in the dark and the rain. I parallel-parked on Beacon Street, for god's sake. BEACON STREET IN THE RAIN AND THE DARK. I HAD to pass, right?? Anyway, it's done. I just need to go to the RMV and then get better at driving a manual.
One of the best things about the weekend was our cozy night in on Saturday:
The four of us cuddled on the couch and watched Being Elmo. Finally! It was really good. I cried. I don't really even like Elmo, but it was really really good. If you like Jim Henson, you'll like this movie.
I am really looking forward to the three-day weekend. Already. But most importantly, it's Election Eve. I'm hoping I'll have something REALLY happy to post about this time next week!!! Go Obama!!