After a long day that included a 90-minute dentist appointment, a 3-hour drive to Elk Mound, and almost 3 hours of mowing the lawn, I was collapsed in a chair last night watching the Will Ferrell movie "Anchorman" with Katie. When the characters started singing "Afternoon Delight," I thought , Great! Now I'll have one of the worst songs of the '70s stuck in my head for the rest of the night!
Why is it that the bad songs are the ones that stay with us? There were plenty of them during my teenage years, when I would faithfully listen to Kasey Kasem's Top 40 every week and write down the titles. (I apparently had no life!) I hope you realize that by writing this blog, I'll be thinking about them all day--but here goes.
10. "I Shot the Sheriff" by Eric Clapton. I hate the lyrics, melody, and the way he sings it. "I shot the sheriff....but I did not shoot the deputy." Does he think that shows he's not a bad guy?
9."Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon. I like the music, but it's a dumb song. Werewolves??!!
8. "Disco Duck" by Rick Dees. The title says it all.
7. "Let's Get it On" by Marvin Gaye. This song was used in one of the Austin Powers movies and made the scene a lot funnier. What real woman could keep a straight face if a guy looked at her intensely and used that line??!
6. "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" by Paul Simon. I don't like the simple rhymes that lodge in my brain and won't get out: "Just slip out the back, Jack. Make a new plan, Stan. Hop on the bus, Gus." With today's new technology, he could probably add "Send her a text, Rex! Give her a Tweet, Pete!" How about being a man and breaking it off face-to-face instead of sneaking off?
5. "Lovin' You" by Minnie Riperton. The sound of her higher-than-Mariah voice could shatter glass and your eardrums.
4. "Havin' My Baby" by Paul Anka. "Havin' my baby! What a lovely way of sayin' how much you love me..." Would a guy really say that??
3. The aforementioned "Afternoon Delight" by Starland Vocal Band."Gonna find my baby gonna hold her tight, gonna grab some afternoon delight..." Isn't that romantic? "Gonna grab some." Just what every girl wants to hear.
2. "Midnight at the Oasis" by Maria Muldaur. This one seemed to be on the radio 20 times a day and it drove me nuts. "Midnight at the oasis....send your camel to bed."
1. And finally, the dumbest song of the '70s...(drumroll)..."Muskrat Love" by the Captain and Tennille. "Muskrat Susie and Muskrat Sam do the jitterbug in Muskrat Land..." The Disco Generation did not want to hear about two muskrats whirling, twirling, and tangoing. How did this ever get to the Top 40?!
That's my list. To those of you who are my age or older and will recognize these tunes, I apologize for planting them in your heads. I'll leave you with something better:
"Ooga chucka, ooga ooga. Ooga chucka , ooga ooga, I can't stop this feeling deep inside of me. Girl you just don't realize what you do to me. When you hold me in your arms so tight, you let me know everything's all right. I'm hooked on a feeling, high on believing that you're in love with me..." Take that, Paul Simon.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Thrill--and a Laugh--A Minute
Last night Fred and Katie took a ride to Family Video on the Harley to pick up a movie for her last night here. They came back with "Transporter 3" starring Jason Statham--an actor that the girls and I have dubbed "Dad's Boyfriend" because Fred always wants to see his movies. Statham is the buff, nearly bald British martial arts expert who has played Frank Martin in the three "Transporter" films, Chev Chelios in the "Crank" movies, and starred in "The Bank Job" and "Death Race" among others. He's kind of like Chuck Norris, but better looking.
I actually kind of like the guy, but the film we saw last night was the most far-fetched yet. Frank always takes on 5-12 bad guys at a time, and his flips and kicks are so fast and high that it seems he must be suspended from wires. He pulls off his shirt and jacket to entangle his opponents, tying them in knots. He must have been a Boy Scout or a sailor at some point.
The dialogue had Katie and I laughing so hard that Fred was glaring at us. A car smashed through the wall of Frank's house, obliterating the couch where he'd been sitting only seconds before. He calls an ambulance, and in the understatement of the year growls, "There's been an accident." He tells a burly German mechanic, "Otto, you know I love your schnitzel."
His big problem in the movie is that he must stay within 75 feet of the car he's driving or he'll be blown up by the bomb attached to his wrist. When someone steals the car, he chases it on foot for a couple miles, then grabs a kid's bike and does some fancy jumps over assorted obstacles. He flips around on an iron bar like Paul Hamm and crashes through the driver's window of the car, landing behind the steering wheel and going on his way as if there had been no interruption. Driving a chase scene at 200 mph, he tips the car sideways and drives on two wheels through the narrow space between two semis to elude his pursuers. COME ON!! (Katie and I were giggling as Fred watched intently at the edge of his seat.) Frank drives through a bridge railing to avoid being shot, needing to stay underwater for several minutes. Like a contemporary MacGyver, he sucks air out of the tires for oxygen and fills large duffelbags with air to float the car back to the surface. Uh-huh.
The obligatory chick in the story is a redheaded Ukrainian who wasn't wearing underwear and whined like a 2-year-old through much of the film. "I want to feel sex one more time before I die," she blubbers to Frank. She holds the car keys hostage to make him perform a striptease, which Katie and I ranked as the high point of the movie.
Of course, Frank never fails to deliver, and this time was no exception. After having his car hauled out of the lake, he launches it from another bridge onto the top of a moving train--twice. He blows up the villain, saves the girl, and falls in love. Who would have expected any less?!
I told Fred it was the worst Jason Statham movie I've seen, but he liked it. I'd say he has no taste--but then he did pick a boyfriend who looks awesome with his shirt off!!
I actually kind of like the guy, but the film we saw last night was the most far-fetched yet. Frank always takes on 5-12 bad guys at a time, and his flips and kicks are so fast and high that it seems he must be suspended from wires. He pulls off his shirt and jacket to entangle his opponents, tying them in knots. He must have been a Boy Scout or a sailor at some point.
The dialogue had Katie and I laughing so hard that Fred was glaring at us. A car smashed through the wall of Frank's house, obliterating the couch where he'd been sitting only seconds before. He calls an ambulance, and in the understatement of the year growls, "There's been an accident." He tells a burly German mechanic, "Otto, you know I love your schnitzel."
His big problem in the movie is that he must stay within 75 feet of the car he's driving or he'll be blown up by the bomb attached to his wrist. When someone steals the car, he chases it on foot for a couple miles, then grabs a kid's bike and does some fancy jumps over assorted obstacles. He flips around on an iron bar like Paul Hamm and crashes through the driver's window of the car, landing behind the steering wheel and going on his way as if there had been no interruption. Driving a chase scene at 200 mph, he tips the car sideways and drives on two wheels through the narrow space between two semis to elude his pursuers. COME ON!! (Katie and I were giggling as Fred watched intently at the edge of his seat.) Frank drives through a bridge railing to avoid being shot, needing to stay underwater for several minutes. Like a contemporary MacGyver, he sucks air out of the tires for oxygen and fills large duffelbags with air to float the car back to the surface. Uh-huh.
The obligatory chick in the story is a redheaded Ukrainian who wasn't wearing underwear and whined like a 2-year-old through much of the film. "I want to feel sex one more time before I die," she blubbers to Frank. She holds the car keys hostage to make him perform a striptease, which Katie and I ranked as the high point of the movie.
Of course, Frank never fails to deliver, and this time was no exception. After having his car hauled out of the lake, he launches it from another bridge onto the top of a moving train--twice. He blows up the villain, saves the girl, and falls in love. Who would have expected any less?!
I told Fred it was the worst Jason Statham movie I've seen, but he liked it. I'd say he has no taste--but then he did pick a boyfriend who looks awesome with his shirt off!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Hodag Hunt
Yesterday Katie and I went to town armed with cameras, in search of the Hodags on Parade. I had already seen 4 of them from a distance as I was driving around Rhinelander, but we needed to find the fifth and take pictures of them all. We dropped Katie's car off to get the muffler fixed and set out in the beautiful morning on foot to bag us some Hodags.
The first one we encountered is called "In Memory of Those Who Served." This is my favorite, of course, because it's honoring the troops. Painted by nine students in a Rhinelander High School art class, it is done in camouflage on a base designed like the American flag. The POW/MIA flag is on the back of the "log", with the words "You will never be forgotten." Awesome! This one is located across from the public parking lot behind M & I bank.
Next we turned left on Brown St. to head up to the end and see the one Hodag I hadn't yet been by. (Window shopping on the way, I saw something in a frame shop that I wanted for a gift and went in to get it. It was a perfect Christmas present for someone Fred works with. I need to spend more time checking out the downtown shops here!!) The second sculpture was titled "Nightmare on Brown Street." It shows various "monsters" that might appear in our nightmares--like Freddy Krueger and snakes! Katie had her picture taken with this one.
We retraced our steps and headed for Stevens St. and the remaining three Hodags. In front of the public library we found "Creatures of the Northwoods." This one has detailed pictures of several critters you'll see here in the North--eagles, bears, deer, badgers, loons, raccoons, skunks, foxes--and of course, a hodag! I took pictures of all the detailing (which can be found on Facebook)
Next to McDonald's is the "Lumberjack Hodag". He is wearing a plaid flannel shirt and represents the logging industry that boomed here years ago. This one was my least favorite as it lacked detail or specifics about its subject. (Oooo, now I'm an art critic!)
Finally we came to "All Roads Lead to Rhinelander" across from People's State Bank. This one has the U.S. on one side with symbols of various cities and arrows pointing in the direction of Rhinelander. The Golden Gate Bridge, Space Needle, Mt. Rushmore, the White House, and Statue of Liberty are just some of the small details depicted. The other side shows the Rhinelander area and its various townships in detail.
Finally we drove out to the Chamber of Commerce building to see the BIG hodag, the "Mother Ship" as Katie called it. She sprawled across the hodag's feet like a playboy centerfold for a picture--then we saw the sign that says "Please do not climb on the hodag." Oops.
We haven't lived here that long, but I'm already a Hodag fan and proud to be represented by such a unique and legendary creature. The cards I send out to soldiers for the Halloween card swap through anysoldier.com are going to have Hodags on them--with a picture of the Parade's military Hodag inside. I know they're supposed to be ugly and scary, but after awhile they grow on you. They sort of remind me of Shrek!
The first one we encountered is called "In Memory of Those Who Served." This is my favorite, of course, because it's honoring the troops. Painted by nine students in a Rhinelander High School art class, it is done in camouflage on a base designed like the American flag. The POW/MIA flag is on the back of the "log", with the words "You will never be forgotten." Awesome! This one is located across from the public parking lot behind M & I bank.
Next we turned left on Brown St. to head up to the end and see the one Hodag I hadn't yet been by. (Window shopping on the way, I saw something in a frame shop that I wanted for a gift and went in to get it. It was a perfect Christmas present for someone Fred works with. I need to spend more time checking out the downtown shops here!!) The second sculpture was titled "Nightmare on Brown Street." It shows various "monsters" that might appear in our nightmares--like Freddy Krueger and snakes! Katie had her picture taken with this one.
We retraced our steps and headed for Stevens St. and the remaining three Hodags. In front of the public library we found "Creatures of the Northwoods." This one has detailed pictures of several critters you'll see here in the North--eagles, bears, deer, badgers, loons, raccoons, skunks, foxes--and of course, a hodag! I took pictures of all the detailing (which can be found on Facebook)
Next to McDonald's is the "Lumberjack Hodag". He is wearing a plaid flannel shirt and represents the logging industry that boomed here years ago. This one was my least favorite as it lacked detail or specifics about its subject. (Oooo, now I'm an art critic!)
Finally we came to "All Roads Lead to Rhinelander" across from People's State Bank. This one has the U.S. on one side with symbols of various cities and arrows pointing in the direction of Rhinelander. The Golden Gate Bridge, Space Needle, Mt. Rushmore, the White House, and Statue of Liberty are just some of the small details depicted. The other side shows the Rhinelander area and its various townships in detail.
Finally we drove out to the Chamber of Commerce building to see the BIG hodag, the "Mother Ship" as Katie called it. She sprawled across the hodag's feet like a playboy centerfold for a picture--then we saw the sign that says "Please do not climb on the hodag." Oops.
We haven't lived here that long, but I'm already a Hodag fan and proud to be represented by such a unique and legendary creature. The cards I send out to soldiers for the Halloween card swap through anysoldier.com are going to have Hodags on them--with a picture of the Parade's military Hodag inside. I know they're supposed to be ugly and scary, but after awhile they grow on you. They sort of remind me of Shrek!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Willpower
A person's will is an amazing thing. It can make a runner reach that finish line even though his legs are noodles and he's gasping for breath. It gives a woman the strength to push just once more and bring that baby into the world. And it keeps me from eating the things I shouldn't.
"Mind over matter" really is a saying that a dieter must take to heart--and maybe tattoo on her arm. So much of losing weight is about what's going on in our heads, not our stomachs. I have needed to lose weight for the past 6 years, but my heart hasn't really been in it every time I've made a New Year's resolution or faced another Monday. A week ago I decided it's time to really get sensible and start making better eating choices, both for my health and my appearance--and just like that, I had a resurgence in willpower that I haven't experienced in years. I haven't been tempted to eat things I shouldn't because I just say NO! Bad choice! If I can convince myself that the thick, frosting-covered brownie is not good for me, then that's it; I walk away and think about something else. So far it has been working--but I haven't had to deal with PMS week yet...
It's like giving myself a constant pep talk, visualizing the fat cells being chewed up by the monster growling in my stomach. So it's not a question of being able to do it or needing to do it--you have to want to do it. Really want to. Where there's a will there's a way. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Never give up. Eat, drink, and be merry. Oops! Scratch that last one.
My friends Cathi and Cheryl are also trying to shed pounds with me. Cheryl was told by a fitness trainer that if you eat cereal for breakfast, it increases your metabolism by 4%; if you eat protein, your metabolism goes up 30%. Cheryl has cut back fat in her diet and lost 9 lbs. in 2 weeks! Way to go! Cathi is doing well, too, and we are going to share tips in a phone call later today.
Until then, I have a new guy in my life, holding my hand through the hard times. His name is Will Power, and don't tempt him. You'll lose.
"Mind over matter" really is a saying that a dieter must take to heart--and maybe tattoo on her arm. So much of losing weight is about what's going on in our heads, not our stomachs. I have needed to lose weight for the past 6 years, but my heart hasn't really been in it every time I've made a New Year's resolution or faced another Monday. A week ago I decided it's time to really get sensible and start making better eating choices, both for my health and my appearance--and just like that, I had a resurgence in willpower that I haven't experienced in years. I haven't been tempted to eat things I shouldn't because I just say NO! Bad choice! If I can convince myself that the thick, frosting-covered brownie is not good for me, then that's it; I walk away and think about something else. So far it has been working--but I haven't had to deal with PMS week yet...
It's like giving myself a constant pep talk, visualizing the fat cells being chewed up by the monster growling in my stomach. So it's not a question of being able to do it or needing to do it--you have to want to do it. Really want to. Where there's a will there's a way. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Never give up. Eat, drink, and be merry. Oops! Scratch that last one.
My friends Cathi and Cheryl are also trying to shed pounds with me. Cheryl was told by a fitness trainer that if you eat cereal for breakfast, it increases your metabolism by 4%; if you eat protein, your metabolism goes up 30%. Cheryl has cut back fat in her diet and lost 9 lbs. in 2 weeks! Way to go! Cathi is doing well, too, and we are going to share tips in a phone call later today.
Until then, I have a new guy in my life, holding my hand through the hard times. His name is Will Power, and don't tempt him. You'll lose.
Monday, July 6, 2009
More Better Than Worse
Having been married for almost 25 years, Fred and I have of course had our ups and downs. Most married couples go through the periods of blissful beginnings, the excitement and exhaustion of having kids, the daily routine of work and family--often passing like ships in the night. Sometimes appreciating each other; sometimes taking the other for granted, like a piece of furniture you've had since the wedding.
I've rediscovered over the past week some of the reasons that I married Fred all those years ago. He was at the cabin on vacation for the week, so not having him here to share things with--except through a spotty cell phone connection--made me miss his mere presence. My friend Mary was in Wisconsin last week to say goodbye to friends and family before her move to China. The farewell picnic, scheduled for the 4th, was conflicting with the family reunion we'd planned with Fred's side at our cabin. I didn't know how I could do both at opposite corners of the state, but he told me not to worry about food or other details. He would take care of it all so that I could spend time with Mary. It worked out that I was able to meet her in Madison mid-week and avoid the conflict, but just knowing I had his support took some weight off my shoulders.
He also told me that before Mary found out about the China move, the two of them had been cooking up a 50th birthday surprise for me, probably another trip to Knoxville so that she and I could celebrate our September milestones together. It's just one of many times in 25 years that he's planned something special for me.
He extends the same helpfulness and generosity to our friends. Whether it be neighbors at the cabin, work colleagues, or people we've known for decades, he's always the first one there to lend a hand.
Seeing him at his family reunion Saturday increased my appreciation for who he is on several levels. He was great with the kids who were there, giving long rides on our Mule (family-sized 4-wheel vehicle), letting each of them take a turn at driving it. He played a nearly endless game of "War" with a 7-year-old, and quietly tolerated some family dynamics going on that had me ready to blow up. (He must learn that patience and diplomacy from working with school boards and administrators!)
Sitting around the campfire with Erica and Craig that night, I appreciated him for being the girls' dad and his role in who they've turned out to be. Having any of them visit at the cabin is his dream come true.
Things aren't always wine and roses--some days I rapidly get demoted from being the apple of his eye to the pain in his ass. But today I want him to know how glad I am to be married to him. I encourage each of you to take a purposeful look at your significant other and let him or her know what they mean to you, too.
Love you, Dear!!
P.S. I lost 2 lbs. in the past week in spite of being at 3 holiday cookouts in a row!
I've rediscovered over the past week some of the reasons that I married Fred all those years ago. He was at the cabin on vacation for the week, so not having him here to share things with--except through a spotty cell phone connection--made me miss his mere presence. My friend Mary was in Wisconsin last week to say goodbye to friends and family before her move to China. The farewell picnic, scheduled for the 4th, was conflicting with the family reunion we'd planned with Fred's side at our cabin. I didn't know how I could do both at opposite corners of the state, but he told me not to worry about food or other details. He would take care of it all so that I could spend time with Mary. It worked out that I was able to meet her in Madison mid-week and avoid the conflict, but just knowing I had his support took some weight off my shoulders.
He also told me that before Mary found out about the China move, the two of them had been cooking up a 50th birthday surprise for me, probably another trip to Knoxville so that she and I could celebrate our September milestones together. It's just one of many times in 25 years that he's planned something special for me.
He extends the same helpfulness and generosity to our friends. Whether it be neighbors at the cabin, work colleagues, or people we've known for decades, he's always the first one there to lend a hand.
Seeing him at his family reunion Saturday increased my appreciation for who he is on several levels. He was great with the kids who were there, giving long rides on our Mule (family-sized 4-wheel vehicle), letting each of them take a turn at driving it. He played a nearly endless game of "War" with a 7-year-old, and quietly tolerated some family dynamics going on that had me ready to blow up. (He must learn that patience and diplomacy from working with school boards and administrators!)
Sitting around the campfire with Erica and Craig that night, I appreciated him for being the girls' dad and his role in who they've turned out to be. Having any of them visit at the cabin is his dream come true.
Things aren't always wine and roses--some days I rapidly get demoted from being the apple of his eye to the pain in his ass. But today I want him to know how glad I am to be married to him. I encourage each of you to take a purposeful look at your significant other and let him or her know what they mean to you, too.
Love you, Dear!!
P.S. I lost 2 lbs. in the past week in spite of being at 3 holiday cookouts in a row!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Brain Pain
Last week on the way back from Bayfield, Fred and I stopped in Hurley for a bite to eat. I had a strawberry smoothie with my sandwich, and a couple seconds after slurping up a mouthful--Yeoooww!! A stabbing pain behind my eye and in my forehead. ICE CREAM HEADACHE!! You'd think that someone who has been a connoisseur of margaritas for 30+ years would know better, but nope. The headache went away after a minute or so, but it made me wonder: why do cold things give us that terrible pain in the head?
Also known as brain freeze and cold stimulus headache, this phenomenon starts in the mouth. We have taste buds and nerves at the back of our tongues and palate that transmit information to the brain. When we eat something cold that touches these nerves, the nerves set off the vessels that control the amount of blood flow to the brain. The cold causes the blood vessels to rapidly constrict, and that results in the almost-instant headache. The pain usually lasts only 30-60 seconds, but as I can attest from that smoothie, it really hurt!! To add insult to injury, it happened to me twice--obviously, a slow learner.
How do we prevent these headaches without giving up ice cold treats? It is recommended to eat cold foods and drinks slowly, allowing them time to warm in your mouth a few seconds before swallowing. Try not to let it touch the back of your tongue and palate right off the bat. Avoid using a straw, as this will prevent drinking slowly and usually draws the cold liquid right to the spot that will cause the most pain.
Wow, you learn something new every day! I hope you'll all enjoy some ice cream and cold beverages this weekend without any headaches. Now that I know this, I don't plan to experience this pain ever again. From now on my only "brain freeze" will be when I can't find my car in the parking lot.
Have a great 4th, everyone! We'll be at the Amberg Hilton, so catch you here on Monday!
Also known as brain freeze and cold stimulus headache, this phenomenon starts in the mouth. We have taste buds and nerves at the back of our tongues and palate that transmit information to the brain. When we eat something cold that touches these nerves, the nerves set off the vessels that control the amount of blood flow to the brain. The cold causes the blood vessels to rapidly constrict, and that results in the almost-instant headache. The pain usually lasts only 30-60 seconds, but as I can attest from that smoothie, it really hurt!! To add insult to injury, it happened to me twice--obviously, a slow learner.
How do we prevent these headaches without giving up ice cold treats? It is recommended to eat cold foods and drinks slowly, allowing them time to warm in your mouth a few seconds before swallowing. Try not to let it touch the back of your tongue and palate right off the bat. Avoid using a straw, as this will prevent drinking slowly and usually draws the cold liquid right to the spot that will cause the most pain.
Wow, you learn something new every day! I hope you'll all enjoy some ice cream and cold beverages this weekend without any headaches. Now that I know this, I don't plan to experience this pain ever again. From now on my only "brain freeze" will be when I can't find my car in the parking lot.
Have a great 4th, everyone! We'll be at the Amberg Hilton, so catch you here on Monday!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Unchained Eating
Erica decided at some point during her 5 years in Madison that she isn't going to eat at chain restaurants anymore. She says, "I just like to support local businesses rather than great big chain restaurants, especially when I am taking someone out to eat--why take someone to a place here that they can eat at when they're in their own hometown? I also find that the food is generally better--fresher, more interesting, and more customizable, since there's usually a chef/cook on-site." Some of the ethnic places she favors are Kabul (Afghan); Lombardinos (Italian); The Cabana Room (Brazilian) Her favorite place serves Indian food, and she's even thinking about having her wedding rehearsal dinner there. She goes online to peruse menus and read reviews of the restaurants so she knows what to expect when she eats there. She has taken me to several of her hang-outs, including an Irish pub, a Peruvian restaurant for her post-graduation dinner, and last night to Husnu's, purveyor of authentic Turkish cuisine.
I was a little leery at first, worried that my only entree options would contain goat, llama, or some other creature I didn't care to consume. (I'm a boring American-food eater, stereotyping everything new to my palate as weird before even trying it. ) Fortunately, my open-minded daughter enjoys sharing her discoveries with her family and friends, including reports of spending the rest of her evening in the bathroom after certain food forays! Anyway, she first recommended that I have a blueberry beer. I figured alcohol wasn't allowed on my stupid diet, but Erica is a marathon runner, in excellent physical shape--and if she tells me I can have a beer, who am I to argue? It smelled just like blueberries, but looked and tasted like beer--and it was yummy. Looking at the menu, I decided to go with an entree whose description sounded tasty and whose name I could pronounce: "Spicy Orange Beef." I also had some excellent bread with olive oil and a salad. The beef came with rice and veggies--it was all wonderful and very filling. Erica had something with a Turkish name, Craig (her fiance) and Molly (my niece) had Turkish dumplings, and Kelly (her roommate) had shish-ke-babs. Everyone was happy with their food, and the service was great, too. I didn't know what was the proper Turkish way to express my satisfaction, so I kept my burp to myself.
I really enjoy being taught to appreciate new things by my kids. Erica has passed on many tips for healthy eating, and I'm hoping they will help in my quest for weight loss before shopping for the dreaded mother-of-the-bride dress. In the meantime, Erica, if you find a place that makes an acceptable low-cal margarita, let me know!
I was a little leery at first, worried that my only entree options would contain goat, llama, or some other creature I didn't care to consume. (I'm a boring American-food eater, stereotyping everything new to my palate as weird before even trying it. ) Fortunately, my open-minded daughter enjoys sharing her discoveries with her family and friends, including reports of spending the rest of her evening in the bathroom after certain food forays! Anyway, she first recommended that I have a blueberry beer. I figured alcohol wasn't allowed on my stupid diet, but Erica is a marathon runner, in excellent physical shape--and if she tells me I can have a beer, who am I to argue? It smelled just like blueberries, but looked and tasted like beer--and it was yummy. Looking at the menu, I decided to go with an entree whose description sounded tasty and whose name I could pronounce: "Spicy Orange Beef." I also had some excellent bread with olive oil and a salad. The beef came with rice and veggies--it was all wonderful and very filling. Erica had something with a Turkish name, Craig (her fiance) and Molly (my niece) had Turkish dumplings, and Kelly (her roommate) had shish-ke-babs. Everyone was happy with their food, and the service was great, too. I didn't know what was the proper Turkish way to express my satisfaction, so I kept my burp to myself.
I really enjoy being taught to appreciate new things by my kids. Erica has passed on many tips for healthy eating, and I'm hoping they will help in my quest for weight loss before shopping for the dreaded mother-of-the-bride dress. In the meantime, Erica, if you find a place that makes an acceptable low-cal margarita, let me know!
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