Girl Scout Cookies

On my way to the outside eating area at the union, I was stopped by a little girl, wearing a "I Love Thin Mints" shirt. She asked if I wanted to buy Girl Scout cookies and even though I gave up spending money on food outside of the grocery store, I gave in. She was so cute and I just couldn't say no. I'm sure she didn't need my help since there are more than enough people on this campus willing to buy cookies. My rationale is that I really did limit myself to eating out at fast food places or restaurants and it's not like I wouldn't have spent $4 on cookies at the grocery store....Actually, no, I take that back. Anyone who knows me knows I would nvr spend that much on a single food item. But Girl Scout cookies only come around once a year and they're so delicious.

I bought a box of Do-Si-Dos, which are the peanut butter sandwich cookies. I also like Samoas, with all their caramel and coconut goodness and Tagalongs, because I love the combo of peanut butter and chocolate. It's too bad they cost so much :(

What an Animal Reading Challenge - Completed

I've decided to do another reading challenge for two reasons: It goes from March 1, 2010 - February 28, 2011 and it classifies vampires as animals. For the What an Animal Reading Challenge, I have to read six books that meet at least one of the following criteria:

-have an animal in the title

-have an animal on the cover

-an animal plays a major role, or

-the main character is/turns into an animal

1. The Fury - LJ Smith (vampires, who can also change into animals) - finished March 25

2. Dark Reunion - LJ Smith (vampires) - finished March 29

3. The Dark Divine - Bree Despain (werewolves) - finished April 12
4. Blue Bloods - Melissa de la Cruz (vampires) - finished May 11
5. Masquerade - Melissa de la Cruz (vampires) -  finished September 10
6. Revelations - Melissa de la Cruz (vampires) - finished September 30

Young Adult Reading Challenge - Completed

I love YA books and I never get around to reading them as much as I'd like because I'm too busy reading mysteries. This challenge will give me the excuse to fit them in. I'm doing Level 1 - The Mini YA challenge and reading 12 books.

1. The Awakening - LJ Smith - finished February 15

2. Princess on the Brink - Meg Cabot - finished February 18

3. The Struggle - LJ Smith - finished February 23

4. Living Dead Girl - Elizabeth Scott - finished March 22
5. The Fury - LJ Smith - finished March 25
6. Dark Reunion - LJ Smith - finished March 29
7. The Dark Divine - Bree Despain - finished April 12
8. Daughters of Eve - Lois Duncan - finished May 1
9. Blue Bloods - Melissa de la Cruz - finished May 11
10. Pretty Little Liars - Sara Shepard - finished June 11
11. Princess Mia - Meg Cabot - finished June 30
12. Masquerade - Melissa de la Cruz -  finished September 10

13. Revelations - Melissa de la Cruz -  finished Sept 30

Vampire Series Challenge - Completed

I've decided to finally start reading some of the vampire books on my TBR list thanks to this challenge. I'm going to read six books, which is Level 3 - Vampire Enthusiast.

1. The Awakening - LJ Smith - finished February 15

2. The Struggle - LJ Smith - finished February 23

3. The Fury - LJ Smith - finished March 25
4. Dark Reunion - LJ Smith - finished March 29
5. Blue Bloods - Melissa de la Cruz - finished May 11
6. Masquerade - Melissa de la Cruz -  finished September 10


7. Revelations - Melissa de la Cruz -  finished Sept 30

Happy Mardi Gras!

Since today is Fat Tuesday, I decided to treat myself to a nice lunch since I will be giving up paying for food outside of the grocery store. This is not only for my wallet, but to get myself back on track with somewhat healthy eating. I also want to get back into the gym, starting next week.

I went to Engrained, which prides itself on being sustainable. They use organic and locally grown produce, fair trade coffee, free range chickens and eggs, etc. The menu changes every two weeks so every visit is a new experience.

I decided to have the Engrained trio so that I could sample three of their dishes and a Philly roll. I wanted to try the Andouille sausage, ricotta cheese, eggplant, and arugula lasagna, but they were out so I had the vegetarian option instead, gratin acorn squash with pine nut ratatouille. The squash was resting in a pesto sauce, which really added to the flavor. The combination of the sweet squash, eggplant and yellow squash ratatouille topped with crushed pine nuts, and the pesto was excellent.

It also came with spinach crispy shallot salad, which was dressed perfectly with a balsamic vinegarette. The shallots had a great flavor and added crunch, but I wish there had been more. For dessert was poached pear d'anjou. In the middle of the pear slice was a mousse filled with candied pecans covered with just enough chocolate to satisfy my sweet tooth.

The Philly roll was good, but nothing to rave about. The rice was a little stiffer than what I'm used to, but the cream cheese and salmon were fresh. This visit to Engrained was much better than the last time when a fire alarm went off right as I received my food. I had time to take it all to go, but it just wasn't the same. I will visit Engrained again the next time I feel like something fancier than Papa Johns or Burger King.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Happy Chinese New Year! Today marks the start of the Year of the Tiger.

Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
Strong, noble, aggressive, independent and courageous. Also tend to be selfish and short tempered.

Metal Tiger (1950, 2010)
Energetic, difficult to express their own opinion, ambitious and not a good diplomat. Relaxing and enjoying life will bring more enjoyment.

Tigers are most compatible with Horse, Dragon, and Dog.


When I was younger, my mom's coworkers would give my brother and I lai see (red envelopes) containing "lucky money." Red symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. I found some recently that I had saved and found crisp one dollar bills still inside.

Another memory I have is going to my grandmother's house for dinner and having traditional New Years dishes. My favorite is a noodle dish called Buddha's Delight. It contains tofu, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and other vegetables.

I also remember my dad taking us into the city to see the parade. It is the biggest one outside of China. Dancing dragons and lions, the Fortune Gods, and firecrackers are all big parts of the parade. They are meant to ward off evil spirits and welcome prosperity and good luck into the new year.

One of these days I will get myself back there for Chinese New Year. Until then, wishing you one filled with good luck.

North Carolina Snow

I woke up to a text of this picture, the aftermath of a snow storm that had fallen on North Carolina last night. In this part of the state, there are reports of up to 8.5 inches of snow. I am somewhat jealous because I wouldn't mind playing in it, but one day is all I could probably handle. At least I would get some use out of the winter coat I bought on sale a couple of years ago. I've probably worn it twice.

I checked the Weather Channel just now and it's supposed to be 75 today and high 70s for the rest of the week. I'm super excited because I get to wear shorts again. I'm so tired of wearing jeans every day. But of course, that means the temperature will keep rising every month until we make it into the 100s and I'll be begging for cooler weather. If it was 70s-80s year round like in Hawaii, I'd be happy.

from my trip to Hawaii, August 2008