Sweet and Sour Pork

Today was a killer at work.  I felt like I didn't have time to even go to the bathroom.  I had to shovel my lunch down my throat during a twenty minute break.

 

I don't work on President's Day, and I am really looking forward to the break.  I'm not going out off town, so I think it is going to be a low key and relaxing weekend.  My biggest plans so far are to go see a movie.

Garlic Ginger Shrimp Stir Fry

Yesterday I went to a park in DC and listened to a free outdoor concert.  There are so many wonderful summer events in DC.  This summer has been so busy that I haven't been able to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

I went to a few free concerts last year, but the one I went to yesterday was my favorite.  In the past, the venues have been so full.  It was hard to find a spot to sit. 

Broccoli in Hoisin Sauce

This Sunday, I had a potluck brunch before church.  Before moving to the DC area, I hardly ever ate brunch.  Now, I eat brunch at least once a month.

It was a really good brunch.  Someone made tender cinnamon rolls.  The hostess made a blueberry clafoutis.  It was fantastic.  Clafoutis are a baked french desert.  The batter is like flan.  They are traditionally made with cherries.  She inspired me to make my own.  Whenever I try something tasty, I wonder if I can recreate it at home.

Chinese Almond Cookies

I'm not sure these are authentic.  I lived in China for nine months, and I never ate a cookie that looked like these.  Of course, there are many Chinese cuisines that I haven't tried.  

These cookies may very well be a traditional dessert in a part of China I have never been.  It's a big country.

Hoisin Chicken Recipe

I'm excited for March.  Next weekend I'm going to go to a Saint Patrick's Day parade to get into the spirit of the month.  

I'm running a half marathon this month.  I ran the same race two years, and I'm confident I will run faster this time.  

Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs

I made a big purchase on Friday.  I bought a new laptop.  I get anxious when I make big purchases.  

The first laptop I was given completely froze after I set it up.  The screen went black and with a white X in the middle of the page.  I took it to the store, and they gave me another one.  

Sichuan Shrimp

Sichuan is province in southwestern China.  Their food uses garlic, chile peppers, and Sichuan peppers.  The food is often hot and spicy.

Sichuan has an abundance of foods.  One city in Sichuan province, Chendgu, was declared a city of gastronomy by UNESCO.  I'd never heard of that honor before, but it sounds legitimate and good.

Chinese Sugar Snap Pea Salad

I just spent a wonderful week with my family in Glacier National Park.  I went there once before as a child.  I have vague memories of our green mini van, cold cut sandwiches, and mountains.

I haven't seen my nieces and nephews for a few months, and I was surprised how much they had changed.  Experiences like this remind me how life is so fleeting.

Shanghai Stir-Fried Noodles with Chicken

Every year my co-works have a barbecue during the summer.  We start early and continue chatting and eating until dusk. 

Yesterday was the day.  My co-workers come from a few different ethnic backgrounds, so it's fun to taste the diversity of foods.  

Pineapple Chicken

Last Saturday I went to meet a group for dinner to celebrate a friends birthday.  I was early so I stopped at a department store near the restaurant.  I have needed more pants for work for a while.

I ended up late for dinner because you can't rush clothes shopping.  I can't buy clothes without trying them on.  Even if I'm familiar with a brand, things never fit how I anticipate they should.

Moo Goo Gai Pan

I just got back from visiting my brother, sister in-law, and their children.

It had been two years since I last saw them.  It's crazy how time flies.  I didn't realize it had been so long.  When I saw my nieces and nephews, I couldn't deny the passing of time.  They were so changed.  

Cashew Chicken

I'm trying to downsize for an upcoming move, so I'm going through my stuff.  I want to get ride of papers that I have accumulated and cloths I never wear.

I'm going through my food too.  I have two small shelfs in the kitchen for pantry goods, and I share a fridge.  Despite my limited space, I have two bags of dried apricots, two bottles of soy sauce, and two bottles of corn syrup.  

Broccoli with Oyster Sauce

I have realized that I'll never be able to eat at all the restaurants I want too.  I just don't have the time or money.

It's a little sad.  There are so many wonderful foods out there, but I'll be a pauper who weights 500 pounds if I try them all.