Easter Recap

Easter weekend has been wonderful.

4 days off...can't complain!

I drove to Ottawa with my mom and John on Saturday morning and had a lovely BBQ dinner courtesy of Mike & Andrea.

There was also a cheese dip served that I could not stop eating no matter how far away from it I tried to move myself. I would like the recipe for that one....

I got to play with two little cutie pies and catch up with my family.

On Sunday we all headed over to my Aunt Wendy & Uncle Bob's place and decorated the aptly named Easter Branch, formerly known as the Christmas Branch. We decorated it on boxing day with bird food and pinecones.

The beautiful Easter decorations - hand painted by Wendy.

 There were also delicious cookies, mud cake, and lots of chocolate, ham and pork tenderloin, chips and dip, and more food than my stomach could handle! It was a delicious meal.

Add on top of that that we also got great weather! Finally. I went sleeveless and tried to tan my poor white arms. The sun was very much appreciated, especially since it's supposed to rain now for the entire week!

And, of course, we brought some props to make the family photo that much more embarassing.

*** The picture is too big to fit entirely on the screen so just click on it to see the whole fam!

Hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend!

P.S. I'm running the Sporting Life 10 k next Sunday so I will be soliciting donations in the next few days!

P.P.S. I finally made the tiramisu. Pictures to be posted asap.

Tiramisu

I bought some mascarpone cheese about a week ago because I found it for cheaper than I normally would have paid for it. I made tiramisu once or twice before and it really is worth the little bit of time it takes to put together. I might make this on Friday...I have the day off so I'll have time. I also might bring this to Ottawa with me for the Easter weekend...

Fam Jam!

Williams-Sonoma Tiramisu

1. In a mixing bowl set over but not touching a pan of simmering water, beat the 6 egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and thick ribbons fall from the whisk (4 to 5 minutes). Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer.

2. Add 1 pound mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth and creamy (2 to 3 minutes). In a chilled large mixing bowl, beat 2 cups heavy cream to stiff peaks. Add 2 tbsp rum, 1 tsp vanilla and 2 tablespoons of espresso and beat until smooth.


3. In a clean mixing bowl, beat 5 egg whites to stiff peaks (when the whisk is lifted straight out of the bowl and inverted, the whites should hold their shape).


4. With a rubber spatula, gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the cream until blended and smooth. Add about 1 cup of the beaten egg whites and fold gently until blended. Add the remaining egg whites and fold gently until the mixture is smooth and blended.


5. One at a time, submerge each of 40 to 50 ladyfingers into the remaining espresso, then it on the bottom of a 6-quart glass or ceramic baking or serving dish (about 2 inches deep). Continue to form a complete layer.


6. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers until evenly covered.  Arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers over the mascarpone cream, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over the top.

7. Dust the Tiramisu with cocoa powder to create a rich, dark topping. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 1 day before serving

Definitely worth it.

 

Introducing the Biggie Sandwich

...Or more appropriately, the "Biggie Sammidge".

I realize I haven't posted a recipe in awhile so I'll make up for my lack of food appreciation in the next few days.

BECAUSE I'M DONE SCHOOL!!!

Not a lot of people liked 3rd year and I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed around the Christmas holidays, but in hindsight (everything challenging looks better when it's behind you) this year was so much fun.

I've come to see just how important community/public health is and it's more or less solidified my desire to get into it. Prevention and promotion. Let's not treat the symptoms of illness, let's get down to the roots of health disparities and promote equity. Socialist parents, gotta love 'em.

I also loved my placement and was actually kind of sad to not have it to go to this morning. One of the guys there who I became pretty good friends with sent me a message last night saying how bummed he was I wasn't going to be there tomorrow. Made me feel appreciated even if it was because I brought in baked goods and kept him entertained for hours rather than because of my incredible nursing skills.

The exam yesterday went well, or at least it went exactly as I was expecting it to go. I was so bad about studying for it but in the end I was right and it was an exam that you studied for throughout the year. If you hadn't learned anything about community health principles (the Ottawa Charter of Health's health promotion strategies became my go to name-dropper in all of my papers) you weren't going to be able to learn them the day before the exam.

Regardless, I'm done. Finito. Finis.

FREEEEEDOOMMMM !

When I go to work in a few hours the aforementioned sandwich will hopefully be waiting for me. As far as I know, it is the brain child of one of the maintenance guys and it is amazing. Plus you make enough for several people so it's a social event too.

And bread/sandwiches are my biggest vice. I cannot say no to bread.

Restaurants without bread baskets should not exist.

Pete's Biggie Sandwich

You will need:

• 1 French Baguette
• 1 jar sundried tomotoes
• 1 jar eggplant in oil
• Genoa salami
• provalone cheese
• Hot peppers

1. Cut the baguette lengthwise. On the bottom piece drizzle some of the oil from the sundried tomoatoes. Pat excess oil off of the sundried tomatoes and place along the bottom piece of bread. Top with eggplant, again patting off excess oil, and with hot peppers.

2.  Layer the salami on top and then the cheese. Put the sandwich together and enjoy!

I'll be off to enjoy this sandwich in a few minutes.

Tomorrow: Tiramisu!

At some point this week: A running playlist for my new girl-crush

P.S. My mom fractured her ankle :( Poor Queenie.

FEEL BETTER!

And start thinking of songs for our drive to Ottawa. I'll be over possibly tomorrow to make some CDs....



OMG, Shoes!

In case the title of this post doesn't make sense to you....click here.

So...I don't want to brag or anything...but I was finally able to wear big heels! My feet/ankles generally don't want to cooperate but I think the trick is to have a few glasses of wine right before hand.

Oh man these shoes... they made my legs look so long!

They cost $40 but they look like they cost a lot more.

I'm in love with them.

My baby toe may or may not have been throbbing and covered in dried blood this morning but I could have been from being stepped on by people. My best friend was trampled and had the top of her foot shanked by another woman's heels.

Fashion and dancing are dangerous.

I kind of want to try these Alexander McQueen shoes on....just once. Then I can prance around pretending to be Lady Gaga.

I had my first exam yesterday and my last exam tomorrow!

Every assignment is finished and handed in, now it's just one more day of studying!

This time tomorrow I will be a free woman!

Last weekend I bought the new Adele CD (21) and I'm officially obsessed with it. It's the only thing I've been listening to for the past week. It's so good.

If you're looking for some new music GO GET THIS CD.

Here are some choice songs from the CD for your snowy Sunday (if you're in Toronto).

Also - why is it snowing!? It's now mid April. This is nonsense.

I don't want to have to write Mother Nature another letter....

I'LL BE WAITING: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeN_zMDm5bk&feature=related

SOMEONE LIKE YOU: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qemWRToNYJY

And the one I sing at the top of my lungs with the volume cranked as loud as I can get it: SET FIRE TO THE RAIN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlsBObg-1BQ

When People Make a Difference

Last Sunday in Toronto something wonderful took place.

The Slutwalk.

If you're not familiar with the story I'll recap it.

A police officer was giving a talk at York's Osgoode Hall to law students. He said that "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized."

Women can avoid sexual assault if they don't dress like sluts, because dressing like a slut means you're asking for it.

One of my good friends is a law student at York and not only was she present for that ignorant speech, but she and the rest of the audience were horrified to know that that kind of thinking still exists in our law system.

Some incredible women organized an event to take back the word 'slut' and to show people how ignorant this kind of thinking is.

The Slutwalk happened last Sunday and men and women dressed in all manner of clothing marched from Queen's Park to Police headquarters on College St.  I really wish I had been able to go!

If a woman wants to wear a short skirt, power to her for loving her legs and wanting to feel sexy.

If a woman wants to wear a low cut top she should be able to do so without men thinking she's asking for attention.

Even if she is dressed to get attention that is in no way an invitation for sexual assault.

"Slut isn't a look. It's an attitude.

And whether you enjoy sex for pleasure or for work, it's never an invitation for violence."

"Sluts say yes."

No one asks to be raped or sexually assaulted.

Let's stop blaming the victims.

If, like me, you missed out on the Slutwalk, you can still show you care about ending sexual assault. May is sexual assault awareness month.

On May 6th I'll be wearing purple to recognize those who have been sexually assaulted and to bring awareness to the fact that no one asks for it. We need to stop blaming the victims once and for all!

Need A Good Laugh?

*Just an FYI: This post has some curse words. Just be warned if you have delicate sensibilities.

I came across this website today and have fallen in love with it.

I've been reading these and killing myself laughing.

If you want a good laugh and enjoy tormenting people who post online ads, please click on this link --> Emails from an A**hole

This one in particular I found fitting for this blog.

Enjoy.

_________________________________________________________

Original ad:

we need profesional catering for our christmas day dinner party. must have experence catering. SERIOUS RESPONSES ONLY


From Me to ************@*********.org:

Hello,

I am writing in response to your ad looking for a caterer for your Christmas dinner party. I am a freelance chef with a lot of catering experience. I was the top chef at the world renowned Restauran de Bon Foodeux for over five years. If you are still looking for a caterer, let me know.

Thanks,

Michael



From Brian ******* to Me:

michael thank you for responding. what are your rates? we are expeting about twenty people at are dinner party so will need enough food for all of them. can you supply the food and we reembirse you? also do you have a menu of mealss you cook for us to choose from?

 From Me to Brian *******:

Brian,

Supplying the food will not be a problem. I have a wide variety of exquisite dishes for you to choose from, which I will list below. My rates are per person and it depends on the meal, but generally ranges from $20-$40 per person. Here are the meals I typically offer:



La Nouille du Triomphe


A meal of pure bliss and flavor - a delicious plate of ramen noodles boiled in the purest of water. Noodles can be flavored with either chicken or beef seasoning.



Le Repas du Fromage Délicieux


A mouthwatering bowl of easy mac cooked to perfection in a microwave. Served with a side of peanut M&Ms.



Le Repas de la Faim de Grande Personne


A delectably and savory microwaved TV dinner. The dish comes with two pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, freshly grown vegetables and a satisfying brownie that is heated to absolute perfection.



Le Sandwich Rouge


A truly phenominal sandwich consisting of ketchup spread over a carefully microwaved piece of bread, and then topped with another piece of bread. Comes with a side of mayonnaise for dipping.


Dessert

 Le Plat du Lait et de la Céréale


A satisfying end to your meal, this dessert consists of a bowl of fruit loops served with either skim or 2% milk. Milk can be substituted with water for those on a diet.



La Pâtisserie Bourrée


Individually wrapped twinkies that have been microwaved to sheer delight.



Let me know which meals you are interested in, and I can give you a quote on how much everything will cost.

Thank you,

Michael

 From Brian ******* to Me:
what the fuck you actully cater that shit to people ? yea im gonna serve easy mac and twinkies for christmas dinner are you fuckin kidding me. my son in college could make that shit!


From Me to Brian *******:

Brian,

The twinkes aren't for everyone. I understand if you are on a diet, but for me, nothing celebrates the birth of Jesus like a twinkie and some good easy mac. If you aren't interested in that meal, would you consider any of my other options? My personal favorite is Le Sandwich Rouge. That is also very affordable. For twenty people, it would probably cost you about $400.

Michael



From Brian ******* to Me:
cut the bullshit fancy french names and call it a goddamn gross ass ketchup sanwich



From Me to Brian *******:

Brian,
I am personally offended that you are insulting my masterpiece meals. These are perfected family recipes that have been passed down for generations of chefs in my family. Cooking is my art, and for you to insult me without even trying my work is just plain rude.

Michael

Have a wonderful start to the week,

'Good Things' for April

I'm a day late but no harm done.

It's April!

And the weather has finally started to get better!

One thing this blog is going ot get more of in April is me!

I handed in my last essay on Friday so now it's only posting for my online courses and 2 exams. April 18th I. Am. Done.

It will be beautiful.

Before I get into my Good Things for April, though, let me complain a bit.

This past week was horrible. HORRIBLE.

I had 3 papers due on Thursday and one on Friday.

On Tuesday I literally hid at my desk at my social services placement and wrote a critical analysis of my program planning skills (a 6 page forray into the world of B-S) and then an 8 pager looking at all the evidences I had to support my learning goal (develop my program planning skills; used a gap analysis of women's health resources/services, a flyer, a critical analysis and an information handout). The other paper I had due was a history essay and I meant to tell my mom how proud she would have been of me.

Why?

The course is called Espionage: a 20th century history. The topic I chose to write about was the roles that women played in the fictional and factual world of espionage. 

My mom's big on feminism. And my essay was essentially a look at gender roles.

I'll let her read it if I get a good mark.

Oh! Did I mention that the last history analysis I wrote was on Austin Powers? 

Got an 88%.

And some of the comments from my prof were hilarious. Good thing he was clearly an Austin Powers fan!

Anyway, no more papers until September!

Now it's good things for April!

1. Baseball

(and more specifically the Toraana Blue Jays) 

I'm not a huge fan of watching sports on TV, though I used to watch Leaf games back when they made the play-offs (I know, don't judge me. I still cheer for them, I just can't be bothered to invest that much time without some payoff) and I've decided that I'm going to start watching football. I just need to pick a team....maybe Pittsburgh. But I don't like their logo. Maybe Indianapolis cause I like Manning.

But getting back on track here...

The home opener has come and gone and the boys are back in town.

I love baseball games and the atmosphere down at Skydome.

And do not get me started on the whole Skydome/rogers centre thing again.

SKYDOME.

2. Rimmel Mascara

I just recently bought this mascara and it is amaaaaazing. Granted it does clump a little more than the stuff I was using before, but it makes my lashes look so much longer and the brush is just fun to look at. It gets two thumbs up from me.

 

3. Running Outside

This one's pretty self-explanatory.

I'm doing the Sporting Life 10 k in a month - my 3rd time! I shaved off aaaalmost 5 minutes from my previous time last year and it'd be cool if I could do that again. The first year I finished at about 54 mins and last year I finished just under 51 mins. I just want to cross the finish line under the 50 minute mark. I'm also running it this year with a whole bunch of people. Team Wolfpack!

I'll be soliciting donations pretty soon....

Also doing another half marathon at the end of May.

Eep!

It's time to start running seriously. I went for one on Thursday so I guess I've begun training.....

4. Rain Boots

More specifically cute rain boots.

April showers...might as well make the most of this fashion.

I have several cute pairs. Blue with anchors, zebra print, and my favourite Burberry rainboots. Love them.

5. Embarrassing Family Pictures

With a special reference to the picture in the top left hand corner.

I am lucky enough to have a family that loves getting together. We do a fam jam in the summer and have recently started gathering during the Easter long weekend. Last year my mom and I got bunny ears for everyone. And then we took a nice big family picture. The same thing will likely happen this year.

Me and mommers are going to Dollarama tomorrow to see what other Easter things we can find to subject the family too.

And while I was looking for awkward family photos I think I found how we're going to set it up this year....