All new parents go through the difficult task of naming their offspring/pet/body part. (j/k on the last one.) Sprite and I agonized over the puppy's. If he had been a girl, which we originally intended, the name would've been Sandy (in honor of getting her in San Diego). Since he was a boy, we were left with our imaginations.
As we got to know him more, we found him curious, bold, and playful. He was fluffy. He also waddled. Big time. Some candidates: Wadsworth (for his cute-as-hell waddling), George (for Curious George), Max (sounded strong), and Albert (Sprite's middle name). Yet, none of them really suited him.
As the afternoon went on, we tried various names. Sprite called him Butterball a number of times. It suited him, but I didn't want to call him that. So I suggested Butters, Butterball and South Park reference. Plus, his personality is relatively similar to Butters', naive, curious, good-natured, and adventurous. Butters he is. =)
Also, Sprite loves the fact that he can say, "Butters, you are grounded!" when Butters does something bad.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Detailed adventure on getting puppy
Woke up at 1pm because I stayed up all night. Though I know that bichons are "not in season," according to one breeder, I decided to check the San Diego Union Tribune anyway. To my surprise, there were two listings for bichon. Sprite called the first one and reached a lady. The lady asked him a few questions and seemed to be really concerned about finding a good home for her puppies. We decided right away to check them out.
When we reached the lady's house, we were greeted by the two parents. They barked at us, but stopped after the owner came out and greeted us. The vietnamese lady asked if we lived in a house or apt, we told her apt, and she seemed unhappy about that. She showed us the boy, who was born first. He was an active little guy, standing on his hind legs repeatedly to play with us. The girls were much calmer, even a bit timid. We were there for about two hours, discussing the dogs, the puppies, and our lives. We found out that she got the parents in 2003. She wanted to have puppies so that she will have a next generation when the parents got old. However, right now, she has three adults and three puppies, and can't possibly keep all of them. Hence, she's selling the older two.
During the middle of the visit, two old ladies who also owned bichons came over. The old ladies really liked how we interacted with the puppy as well as our puppy raising philosophy. I think they really helped change the lady's mind about our desirability as new parents. After they left, we talked a bit more and decided to go ahead and get the puppy from her. The fact that the lady is so reluctant to let go of her puppies showed that she really cared about her dogs. In addition, the puppies and parents were in great shape and well behaved.
She kissed the puppy all the way out the door with him in my arms.
After a visit to Petsmart, we drove home and put the boy in a crate to sleep. He was tuckered out. Upon waking up, we fed him and played with him and placed him in the crate to sleep with my fingers through the door.
When we reached the lady's house, we were greeted by the two parents. They barked at us, but stopped after the owner came out and greeted us. The vietnamese lady asked if we lived in a house or apt, we told her apt, and she seemed unhappy about that. She showed us the boy, who was born first. He was an active little guy, standing on his hind legs repeatedly to play with us. The girls were much calmer, even a bit timid. We were there for about two hours, discussing the dogs, the puppies, and our lives. We found out that she got the parents in 2003. She wanted to have puppies so that she will have a next generation when the parents got old. However, right now, she has three adults and three puppies, and can't possibly keep all of them. Hence, she's selling the older two.
During the middle of the visit, two old ladies who also owned bichons came over. The old ladies really liked how we interacted with the puppy as well as our puppy raising philosophy. I think they really helped change the lady's mind about our desirability as new parents. After they left, we talked a bit more and decided to go ahead and get the puppy from her. The fact that the lady is so reluctant to let go of her puppies showed that she really cared about her dogs. In addition, the puppies and parents were in great shape and well behaved.
She kissed the puppy all the way out the door with him in my arms.
After a visit to Petsmart, we drove home and put the boy in a crate to sleep. He was tuckered out. Upon waking up, we fed him and played with him and placed him in the crate to sleep with my fingers through the door.
Proclamation to the world...
World, Sprite and I present to you...Butters, born May 13, 2009 in Point Loma, CA. He is quite a fluffy butterball.
First picture ever: he was so tired when we brought him home that went straight to sleep where we propped him down, which happened to be the bathroom floor. I thought, "Hey, he's going to be crate-trained anyway, why not stick him in while unconscious?" So here he is:
Butters and his first toy: a squeaky carrot. Sprite picked it out. Puppy really loves it. I'm very happy.
Sleeping with us on the blanket before banished to the crate:
First picture ever: he was so tired when we brought him home that went straight to sleep where we propped him down, which happened to be the bathroom floor. I thought, "Hey, he's going to be crate-trained anyway, why not stick him in while unconscious?" So here he is:
Butters and his first toy: a squeaky carrot. Sprite picked it out. Puppy really loves it. I'm very happy.
Sleeping with us on the blanket before banished to the crate:
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
On unruly two-year olds who are simply two-year olds
Two nights ago, Sprite and I went to Souplantation for dinner. We sat down in a booth in front of a corner booth. The group occupying it consists of an old couple probably in their 50's and a younger couple in 30's and 40's, with a two-year old.
About half way through dinner, the younger woman came back miffed and annoyed because the manager beleaguered her regarding her little one. Sprite and I couldn't help but overhear the conversation since she was loud and sitting right behind us. According to her, the manager told her to control her child since customers have been complaining about him running around out of control. She said, "Anybody who complains about a child obviously has no children themselves!...He's a child! What do you want me to do? Put him in a bag?!...He said that I couldn't control him." Before I go any further, let me say that the child is very cute, and even though now I know it has been him crying off and on through the whole dinner, I don't blame him at all. So on to my rant about the mother.
First of all, how is not having kids relevant to anyone's right to complain about a child running amok in a restaurant? Are we supposed to stand by and avoid your child or perhaps watch him for you so that he doesn't endanger himself or others? If you are going to use that argument then you know that having kids is your choice, which obviously involves sacrifice...such as not being able to sit down and eat at a restaurant when your child is simply having "one-of-those-days." Also, even though some people don't have kids, some of us grew up with little siblings or other extended family and know exactly what kids are like.
Secondly, you are right, a child is a child. No one expects your child to be a perfect angel all the time. That would be creepy. However, we do expect you to be an adult and control your child's behavior...such as taking him outside when he's crying since no one really wants to hear a child's tantrum scream. Again, sacrifice. Again, your choice.
Having raised my younger brother by 11 years, I can tell you this much: kids are intelligent. They will push your boundaries as far as they can go, which is why they need to be established early on. True, there are some things that cannot be controlled, but as adults, we have something the kids do not: self-control and patience. If it were my child, I would tell him nicely that we are out with guests and that he needs to be good and eat at the table. If he wants to get anything from anywhere, let me know and we will take a trip together. If he doesn't listen at all after warnings and bribes, then I am taking him outside or home. I don't mind missing dinner. I can grab something to eat later. It's even: he doesn't get to have fun running around and I don't get dinner. However, I carried out my threat, so that he will know next time that I am good for my word.
About half way through dinner, the younger woman came back miffed and annoyed because the manager beleaguered her regarding her little one. Sprite and I couldn't help but overhear the conversation since she was loud and sitting right behind us. According to her, the manager told her to control her child since customers have been complaining about him running around out of control. She said, "Anybody who complains about a child obviously has no children themselves!...He's a child! What do you want me to do? Put him in a bag?!...He said that I couldn't control him." Before I go any further, let me say that the child is very cute, and even though now I know it has been him crying off and on through the whole dinner, I don't blame him at all. So on to my rant about the mother.
First of all, how is not having kids relevant to anyone's right to complain about a child running amok in a restaurant? Are we supposed to stand by and avoid your child or perhaps watch him for you so that he doesn't endanger himself or others? If you are going to use that argument then you know that having kids is your choice, which obviously involves sacrifice...such as not being able to sit down and eat at a restaurant when your child is simply having "one-of-those-days." Also, even though some people don't have kids, some of us grew up with little siblings or other extended family and know exactly what kids are like.
Secondly, you are right, a child is a child. No one expects your child to be a perfect angel all the time. That would be creepy. However, we do expect you to be an adult and control your child's behavior...such as taking him outside when he's crying since no one really wants to hear a child's tantrum scream. Again, sacrifice. Again, your choice.
Having raised my younger brother by 11 years, I can tell you this much: kids are intelligent. They will push your boundaries as far as they can go, which is why they need to be established early on. True, there are some things that cannot be controlled, but as adults, we have something the kids do not: self-control and patience. If it were my child, I would tell him nicely that we are out with guests and that he needs to be good and eat at the table. If he wants to get anything from anywhere, let me know and we will take a trip together. If he doesn't listen at all after warnings and bribes, then I am taking him outside or home. I don't mind missing dinner. I can grab something to eat later. It's even: he doesn't get to have fun running around and I don't get dinner. However, I carried out my threat, so that he will know next time that I am good for my word.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
GM
I think GM has already emerged from bankruptcy. It is now two companies, Motors Liquidation Company (formerly GMGMQ, and now MTLQQ, "Q" supposedly represents the company is in bankruptcy proceedings) and G.M. MTLQQ stock will eventually be worthless. Last Friday it was trading at $1.15, and SEC stopped the trading in the afternoon. The new GM is presently a privately held company and will not be publicly traded till sometime next year.
Thank god I waited. I thought it was a little weird when on Monday, the stock prices were still the same as Friday's.
Thank god I waited. I thought it was a little weird when on Monday, the stock prices were still the same as Friday's.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tomato soup recipe
Just wanted to jot this down as both Sprite and I love this soup.
1 lb or so of tomatoes
1 celery stalk
1 carrot
1/2 onion
2 cloves of garlic
olive oil for sauteing
1 cup of chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup of fresh basil
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
All ingredients can be roughly cut to size. Everything is going to be blended anyway, so whatever fits the blender.
1. Saute the onions and garlic.
2. Add celery and carrots.
3. Add in tomatos, cook until soft.
4. Add chicken broth and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. When almost done, add basil.
6. Blend in blender till smooth.
Alternative if using canned tomatoes:
Reserve juice. Spread tomatoes in pan, drizzle with olive oil. Place in 450 degrees oven for 15 min until caramelized.*
*Haven't tried that since it's summer and there no need for canned tomatoes really.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Traffic court
Back in March, Sprite received a citation for texting while driving. In June, we attended arraignment and pleaded "not guilty." Today was his court date at 9:30 am.
We left the apartment at 9 and pulled into the parking lot at 9:14. He was nervous that we would be late. I told him he can park in front and I'll go park the car. Instead, he pulled into the first row of parking and jumped out snapping, "I can't park there..." There was a green line right in front of the courthouse which he noticed on the way there where he could have stopped.
Anyway, going into the courthouse, I had to pass through metal detectors. Have I ever told you that these things always make me nervous? Some of the men had to take off their belts. I had my pocket knife hidden in a zipped pocket in my purse. As I walked through, nothing. Fairly typical in lack of effectiveness.
I found Sprite in courtroom A. Sitting. Along with some other defendants/traffic violators. We waited. 9:36. 9:48, the officers came in. Many held hand-drawn diagrams rolled up in their hands. (I giggled picturing officers having diagram drawing parties for their court appearances.) Some wore suits. Others wore uniforms. 10:02 the commissioner finally came in. He took a quick roll call of the cases present. All cases in which the officers weren't present were dismissed. As for ours? No such luck. He then gave the defendants one last chance to change pleas and take traffic school. No takers. Off we go then to different courts!
I realized as I was sitting there just how much work and time it took just to get someone to pay their fines. First, arraignment. The easiest part. Guilty or not guilty. Fine or no fine. A lot of people were weeded out the first time through guilty pleas. Next, trial date. 50% dismissal rate (based on today) because of officer absence. Finally, in court where defendants might be found not guilty. All this, for a $126 ticket in our case.
In a different courtroom in a bungalow, the officers and the defendants sat divided on two sides. To me, this arrangement immediately created a sense of antagonism or at least established a sense of opposing interests. I wondered what the purpose of this was? Maybe it was easier for the judge to locate people?
More waiting, and finally the judge entered. Sprite's officer asked for priority so he went ahead with his testimony first.
He started with, "My name is ____. I am an officer with the San Diego Police Department. I have been with the force for 11 months. On March 19th, at approximately 22 hundred hours, I was at ___ in full uniform driving a marked car when I stopped at a red light...After I pulled him over, I asked, 'Do you know why I stopped you?' Mr. Juarez answered, "I was playing with my cell phone...'" Note to whomever: Try taking the fifth. That was your words in the courtroom being used against you. Did not sound so great did it? I cringed.
He also illustrated the whole incidence with magnetic police cars on his diagram. I wondered if they taught recruits how to make that as well as how to speak in court during training. Anyway, through his testimony, it seemed like Sprite made a wide left turn cutting into another lane which probably prompted the officer to pull him over.
When his turn ended, the judge turned to Sprite and asked if he had any questions or any statements. So apparently, the defendant had the right to ask the officer any questions before giving his statement or can choose to remain silent. Sprite gave his side, submitting his phone and phone records as evidence. During evidence submission, the bailiff presented both for the officer to examine as well to verify them. The judge looked through the text message records as well as the phone record, scanned through the relevant section in the vehicular code and sighed. In short, because the burden of proof is on the officer and the evidence clearly cast doubt on texting, Sprite was found not guilty.
Despite this, the judge gave Sprite a lecture on traffic safety: Though the law does not exclude the playing of songs on the cell phone, it was still a obvious distraction from task at hand. You should be focused on the road. Is it really that important to listen to your favorite song? And I have no doubt, officer, that you saw what you saw. However, since the law does not specifically ban music, I have to find him not guilty.
During his whole lecture which lasted a good five minutes or so, it was obvious to me that
1. He definitely believed the officer and was on his side.
2. Would've found Sprite guilty had the law been a little broader.
3. Was going to rule in Sprite's favor.
4. Disapproved of distractions and considered road safety to be equally important as the letter of the law.
Through this, Sprite was nodding his agreement in between silences. What cracked me up though, was his hand gestures that he made during the relevant times.
The judge: "...cell phone..."
Sprite: nodding with right hand in a phone position by his right ear.
The judge: "...unsafe..."
Sprite: nods once, pointing forward with right index and middle finger together, the thumb cocked up, and the rest of the fingers tucked in to the palm. I think that signals agreement as well.
Sprite even tried to argue that the turn was too sharp, to which again, the judge went on about safety.
The whole time, I kept thinking, "Just apologize, say you won't do it again and shut up." The judge was already going to rule in your favor, albeit reluctantly, so just appear contrite so we can go.
After we left, I teased him that obviously I haven't trained him enough. In cases where you can't win, such as arguments with the mom, the girlfriend or the judge, just apologize and move on. They won't know better unless you get caught again. Like the lady in the front desk said, "Just keep your cell phone down."
We left the apartment at 9 and pulled into the parking lot at 9:14. He was nervous that we would be late. I told him he can park in front and I'll go park the car. Instead, he pulled into the first row of parking and jumped out snapping, "I can't park there..." There was a green line right in front of the courthouse which he noticed on the way there where he could have stopped.
Anyway, going into the courthouse, I had to pass through metal detectors. Have I ever told you that these things always make me nervous? Some of the men had to take off their belts. I had my pocket knife hidden in a zipped pocket in my purse. As I walked through, nothing. Fairly typical in lack of effectiveness.
I found Sprite in courtroom A. Sitting. Along with some other defendants/traffic violators. We waited. 9:36. 9:48, the officers came in. Many held hand-drawn diagrams rolled up in their hands. (I giggled picturing officers having diagram drawing parties for their court appearances.) Some wore suits. Others wore uniforms. 10:02 the commissioner finally came in. He took a quick roll call of the cases present. All cases in which the officers weren't present were dismissed. As for ours? No such luck. He then gave the defendants one last chance to change pleas and take traffic school. No takers. Off we go then to different courts!
I realized as I was sitting there just how much work and time it took just to get someone to pay their fines. First, arraignment. The easiest part. Guilty or not guilty. Fine or no fine. A lot of people were weeded out the first time through guilty pleas. Next, trial date. 50% dismissal rate (based on today) because of officer absence. Finally, in court where defendants might be found not guilty. All this, for a $126 ticket in our case.
In a different courtroom in a bungalow, the officers and the defendants sat divided on two sides. To me, this arrangement immediately created a sense of antagonism or at least established a sense of opposing interests. I wondered what the purpose of this was? Maybe it was easier for the judge to locate people?
More waiting, and finally the judge entered. Sprite's officer asked for priority so he went ahead with his testimony first.
He started with, "My name is ____. I am an officer with the San Diego Police Department. I have been with the force for 11 months. On March 19th, at approximately 22 hundred hours, I was at ___ in full uniform driving a marked car when I stopped at a red light...After I pulled him over, I asked, 'Do you know why I stopped you?' Mr. Juarez answered, "I was playing with my cell phone...'" Note to whomever: Try taking the fifth. That was your words in the courtroom being used against you. Did not sound so great did it? I cringed.
He also illustrated the whole incidence with magnetic police cars on his diagram. I wondered if they taught recruits how to make that as well as how to speak in court during training. Anyway, through his testimony, it seemed like Sprite made a wide left turn cutting into another lane which probably prompted the officer to pull him over.
When his turn ended, the judge turned to Sprite and asked if he had any questions or any statements. So apparently, the defendant had the right to ask the officer any questions before giving his statement or can choose to remain silent. Sprite gave his side, submitting his phone and phone records as evidence. During evidence submission, the bailiff presented both for the officer to examine as well to verify them. The judge looked through the text message records as well as the phone record, scanned through the relevant section in the vehicular code and sighed. In short, because the burden of proof is on the officer and the evidence clearly cast doubt on texting, Sprite was found not guilty.
Despite this, the judge gave Sprite a lecture on traffic safety: Though the law does not exclude the playing of songs on the cell phone, it was still a obvious distraction from task at hand. You should be focused on the road. Is it really that important to listen to your favorite song? And I have no doubt, officer, that you saw what you saw. However, since the law does not specifically ban music, I have to find him not guilty.
During his whole lecture which lasted a good five minutes or so, it was obvious to me that
1. He definitely believed the officer and was on his side.
2. Would've found Sprite guilty had the law been a little broader.
3. Was going to rule in Sprite's favor.
4. Disapproved of distractions and considered road safety to be equally important as the letter of the law.
Through this, Sprite was nodding his agreement in between silences. What cracked me up though, was his hand gestures that he made during the relevant times.
The judge: "...cell phone..."
Sprite: nodding with right hand in a phone position by his right ear.
The judge: "...unsafe..."
Sprite: nods once, pointing forward with right index and middle finger together, the thumb cocked up, and the rest of the fingers tucked in to the palm. I think that signals agreement as well.
Sprite even tried to argue that the turn was too sharp, to which again, the judge went on about safety.
The whole time, I kept thinking, "Just apologize, say you won't do it again and shut up." The judge was already going to rule in your favor, albeit reluctantly, so just appear contrite so we can go.
After we left, I teased him that obviously I haven't trained him enough. In cases where you can't win, such as arguments with the mom, the girlfriend or the judge, just apologize and move on. They won't know better unless you get caught again. Like the lady in the front desk said, "Just keep your cell phone down."
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Masquerade ball
Saturday, Luis and I, along with his friends, went to LA for the 12th annual Labyrinth of Jareth masquerade ball. We checked into rooms at the Renaissance Hotel that was next door to the Kodak Theatre. It was quite pretty. They had lots of artworks in the lobby as well as the different floors.
The girls took a few hours to get ready. Mostly makeup and costume. And here's mine:
Frontal view.
Right-side view.
Left-side view.
Back of head. Pretty gold leaves.
Posing for Sprite in the hallway.
And here's Sprite, the masked lunatic who escaped from the insane asylum:
Watch out! He's almost within range! And he wants to take me to a shooting range. Ha!
View from hotel window. Crane and liquor store. I think someone's in the way. =)
Together at the dance.
Close-up of his eye. I love his eyes.
I will post some group pictures once I can get copies of them.
Overall, the ball was a good experience. Though, it was more exciting getting ready than actually being there. We got there around 8ish, when the door opened. People mostly dressed up either as ladies and lords in ball gowns, or in fantasy costumes. Some were really elaborate with tons of feathers and piles of hair. Others were more creative. We saw Kermit the frog and Miss Piggy together. There was one guy dressed up as a dragon. There was another dragging a canon. There are lots of references that I am sure I didn't get. Sprite is probably better at pointing them out. Fantasy.
In the end, it evolved to more of a clubbing experience without the modern music. Most people can't dance, but who cares, everyone looked like they are having a good time. The dj music was punctuated by live band and theatre troupe performances. I think what would've made it stand out more is some kind of organized teaching of masquerade ball dancing where everyone's involved. Since most people can't dance the modern club dancing anyway, whether because of costume or ability, why not get everyone together in a line or circle and do some "civilized" dancing? That would've been more fun and unique.
Though I loved dancing with Sprite, I don't think I will go again. It will not be worth a second experience. However, the costume part was lots of fun and I wouldn't doing that again.
The girls took a few hours to get ready. Mostly makeup and costume. And here's mine:
Frontal view.
Right-side view.
Left-side view.
Back of head. Pretty gold leaves.
Posing for Sprite in the hallway.
And here's Sprite, the masked lunatic who escaped from the insane asylum:
Watch out! He's almost within range! And he wants to take me to a shooting range. Ha!
View from hotel window. Crane and liquor store. I think someone's in the way. =)
Together at the dance.
Close-up of his eye. I love his eyes.
I will post some group pictures once I can get copies of them.
Overall, the ball was a good experience. Though, it was more exciting getting ready than actually being there. We got there around 8ish, when the door opened. People mostly dressed up either as ladies and lords in ball gowns, or in fantasy costumes. Some were really elaborate with tons of feathers and piles of hair. Others were more creative. We saw Kermit the frog and Miss Piggy together. There was one guy dressed up as a dragon. There was another dragging a canon. There are lots of references that I am sure I didn't get. Sprite is probably better at pointing them out. Fantasy.
In the end, it evolved to more of a clubbing experience without the modern music. Most people can't dance, but who cares, everyone looked like they are having a good time. The dj music was punctuated by live band and theatre troupe performances. I think what would've made it stand out more is some kind of organized teaching of masquerade ball dancing where everyone's involved. Since most people can't dance the modern club dancing anyway, whether because of costume or ability, why not get everyone together in a line or circle and do some "civilized" dancing? That would've been more fun and unique.
Though I loved dancing with Sprite, I don't think I will go again. It will not be worth a second experience. However, the costume part was lots of fun and I wouldn't doing that again.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sweet rice wine: Experiment 1, Day 5
It is a success! I am so happy. A very time consuming process to be sure, but it turned out really well. I didn't really do anything to it after I wrapped it in the blanket, and checked it at four days, then placed in microwave for the fifth day. I'm pretty surprised at how sweet it is with a hint of alcohol aftertaste. I might try to not add the flour next time so it won't be so sweet.
So official recipe that has now been tested, once (need to know temperature range as well, to be figured out later):
Ingredients:
3 cups of sweet rice
2 yeast balls
1 tbs of all-purpose flour
1 cup of water
Note: During this entire process, keep in mind sanitation. It is a fermentation process which means that other things can grow as well.
Phase 1:
1. Soak rice overnight in water.
2. Steam the rice for about 20-30 mins. Place rice in steamer after water comes to boil. The rice is done when cooked through, translucent, but are still individual grains. (Rice cooker cooked rice may end up mushy.)
3. Let cool completely, ~ 2 hours.
4. Rinse in cold water till not sticky. Try to keep intact.
5. While rice is draining, ground up the yeast ball to fine powder. Mix with flour.
*Before mixing everything together, have the water, container for fermentation, and yeast ready.
7. Mix rice and yeast with hands till thoroughly mixed. Again, keep rice intact.
8. Put the mixed rice in the container for fermentation. Pat the rice down tight and make a well 2-3 in wide in the middle.
9. Pour water in mixing bowl and rinse the sides and hands. Keep patting the rice down tight.
10. When done, pour the water into the well and loosely close the lid.
Phase 2:
1. Put the container in a relatively warm spot, wrapped in a blanket. Do NOT open for the next 72 hours to get the fermentation process started.
2. May check one the 4th day. Then move the bowl to a microwave.
3. End of fifth day, DONE! Put in fridge...after tasting.
So official recipe that has now been tested, once (need to know temperature range as well, to be figured out later):
Ingredients:
3 cups of sweet rice
2 yeast balls
1 tbs of all-purpose flour
1 cup of water
Note: During this entire process, keep in mind sanitation. It is a fermentation process which means that other things can grow as well.
Phase 1:
1. Soak rice overnight in water.
2. Steam the rice for about 20-30 mins. Place rice in steamer after water comes to boil. The rice is done when cooked through, translucent, but are still individual grains. (Rice cooker cooked rice may end up mushy.)
3. Let cool completely, ~ 2 hours.
4. Rinse in cold water till not sticky. Try to keep intact.
5. While rice is draining, ground up the yeast ball to fine powder. Mix with flour.
*Before mixing everything together, have the water, container for fermentation, and yeast ready.
7. Mix rice and yeast with hands till thoroughly mixed. Again, keep rice intact.
8. Put the mixed rice in the container for fermentation. Pat the rice down tight and make a well 2-3 in wide in the middle.
9. Pour water in mixing bowl and rinse the sides and hands. Keep patting the rice down tight.
10. When done, pour the water into the well and loosely close the lid.
Phase 2:
1. Put the container in a relatively warm spot, wrapped in a blanket. Do NOT open for the next 72 hours to get the fermentation process started.
2. May check one the 4th day. Then move the bowl to a microwave.
3. End of fifth day, DONE! Put in fridge...after tasting.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Make Up For Ever
Luis stayed home today to further recover from his wisdom teeth extraction. In the afternoon, we went on a long shopping trip to prepare for the masquerade ball this Saturday. I already have my costume (thanks to Kat and L) and I just need the details.
At Sephora, I just happen to be looking at a certain aisle for eyeliner pencils when I was approached by J'me (pronounced like "Jaime). Having been feeling friendly for the whole day, I exuberantly told her about my vision for my face painting and asked what I can do to achieve that effect. She told me about several of my options and demonstrated the possibilities of her line of makeup, Make Up For Ever. And let me tell you...It.Was.Amazing. It's designed to be incredibly versatile, mixed and matched to whatever one might like. The company designs for Cirque de Soleil. As soon as I heard that, I knew that they know what they are doing (Ever seen a Cirque show? Fucking crazy.). It is waterproof. She demonstrated that by drawing a line with a shimmery blue pencil on the back of my hand. After it fully dried, I rubbed it hard with my finger and it barely smudged. I have never seen that before. So she recommended that I pick something that will work for what I want but also useful for everyday. Exactly what I hoped for, and I didn't even tell her. Oh and the colors they have are absolutely amazing. I am usually not a person for extremes, but seriously, amazing. Supposedly, the company is known for this one line called Flash Color, and it is pretty much creamy pigment. It doesn't matter what your skin color is, what you see in that little pot will be what comes out. Add some of their shimmer, and the texture of the color and the color changes as well. The shimmer, it turns out, can be added to lotion, nail polish, anything you can think of. The pigment can be mixed in to lotion, haircolor, other things as well. Like I said, versatile.
In the end, I bought a black cream shadow, two shimmers, one in greenish white, another light gold, as well as diamond dust. The shadow functions as a base to really bring out the shimmers without the natural skin tone distorting and dulling their colors. The diamond dust glitters like broken glass.
I came home, excited to try out my design. And the effects are exactly what I wanted. It looked gorgeous. I will post pictures of my final design and execution of it after the masquerade since I still have to tweak the design a little bit.
J'me was extremely helpful. Normally when I go to a store, I am fairly wary of salespeople, but when I talked to her, she listened to what I wanted to do and suggested different options and left me to decide. When I asked whether I should buy some liners to highlight different parts, she talked me out of that and suggested using what I have, but in a different way. When I asked her whether I should buy some synthetic fiber brushes for the cream makeup, she told me to go to an art store to buy them since they are basically the same thing. How awesome is that?
I feel a little amazed how I happen to be at that aisle at a brand that I normally wouldn't look twice at and she passed by and asked if she could help. When I asked for her business card, she told me that she is only at the store maybe once or twice a month. What coincidence that she was there and this company specifically does this stuff?
This reaffirms my belief that a good salesperson finds out what you need, recommends something, and make you feel good about spending your money. Even now, I feel excited about what I bought.
At Sephora, I just happen to be looking at a certain aisle for eyeliner pencils when I was approached by J'me (pronounced like "Jaime). Having been feeling friendly for the whole day, I exuberantly told her about my vision for my face painting and asked what I can do to achieve that effect. She told me about several of my options and demonstrated the possibilities of her line of makeup, Make Up For Ever. And let me tell you...It.Was.Amazing. It's designed to be incredibly versatile, mixed and matched to whatever one might like. The company designs for Cirque de Soleil. As soon as I heard that, I knew that they know what they are doing (Ever seen a Cirque show? Fucking crazy.). It is waterproof. She demonstrated that by drawing a line with a shimmery blue pencil on the back of my hand. After it fully dried, I rubbed it hard with my finger and it barely smudged. I have never seen that before. So she recommended that I pick something that will work for what I want but also useful for everyday. Exactly what I hoped for, and I didn't even tell her. Oh and the colors they have are absolutely amazing. I am usually not a person for extremes, but seriously, amazing. Supposedly, the company is known for this one line called Flash Color, and it is pretty much creamy pigment. It doesn't matter what your skin color is, what you see in that little pot will be what comes out. Add some of their shimmer, and the texture of the color and the color changes as well. The shimmer, it turns out, can be added to lotion, nail polish, anything you can think of. The pigment can be mixed in to lotion, haircolor, other things as well. Like I said, versatile.
In the end, I bought a black cream shadow, two shimmers, one in greenish white, another light gold, as well as diamond dust. The shadow functions as a base to really bring out the shimmers without the natural skin tone distorting and dulling their colors. The diamond dust glitters like broken glass.
I came home, excited to try out my design. And the effects are exactly what I wanted. It looked gorgeous. I will post pictures of my final design and execution of it after the masquerade since I still have to tweak the design a little bit.
J'me was extremely helpful. Normally when I go to a store, I am fairly wary of salespeople, but when I talked to her, she listened to what I wanted to do and suggested different options and left me to decide. When I asked whether I should buy some liners to highlight different parts, she talked me out of that and suggested using what I have, but in a different way. When I asked her whether I should buy some synthetic fiber brushes for the cream makeup, she told me to go to an art store to buy them since they are basically the same thing. How awesome is that?
I feel a little amazed how I happen to be at that aisle at a brand that I normally wouldn't look twice at and she passed by and asked if she could help. When I asked for her business card, she told me that she is only at the store maybe once or twice a month. What coincidence that she was there and this company specifically does this stuff?
This reaffirms my belief that a good salesperson finds out what you need, recommends something, and make you feel good about spending your money. Even now, I feel excited about what I bought.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Hand-made jewelry=awesomeness!
I couldn't go to sleep without posting these online:
Pendant
Earrings
...and one more.
Thank you Kat for the bead selection and L for design and crafting. They are absolutely gorgeous. We should do it together one day.
Pendant
Earrings
...and one more.
Thank you Kat for the bead selection and L for design and crafting. They are absolutely gorgeous. We should do it together one day.
Our organic foods
um...clusterfuck?
I have a confession to make: though I do care about the type of food I eat, I do 40% of the time cut corners.
That does not stop me from ranting against commercialized food products though.
After graduating from college as a bio major, I do believe there are major limitations to what science can do. For example, at the current technology/knowledge level, we cannot break down a food (or any other carbon-based life form) and then reconstitute it from individually known parts back to its original nutritional value. Things are destroyed in the breakdown process that doesn't get added in again because we do not know that they were there in the first place. Hence, it is much better to eat natural unprocessed foods whenever we can.
A perfect example is flour. A typical bag of flour that we buy at the grocery store consists of enriched bleached flour. Translation? We stripped the flour of as much nutrients as we could so it could be aesthetically beautiful and then added the vitamins back in so you won't miss the vitamins. Why not just buy unprocessed flour (or whatever they are called) in the first place? You get all the benefits of it without losing out on some important component.
Now, each individual little part that we lose out on doesn't matter by itself. However, I believe the cumulative effect is generally an unhealthy diet that's worse for our body and health.
I have a confession to make: though I do care about the type of food I eat, I do 40% of the time cut corners.
That does not stop me from ranting against commercialized food products though.
After graduating from college as a bio major, I do believe there are major limitations to what science can do. For example, at the current technology/knowledge level, we cannot break down a food (or any other carbon-based life form) and then reconstitute it from individually known parts back to its original nutritional value. Things are destroyed in the breakdown process that doesn't get added in again because we do not know that they were there in the first place. Hence, it is much better to eat natural unprocessed foods whenever we can.
A perfect example is flour. A typical bag of flour that we buy at the grocery store consists of enriched bleached flour. Translation? We stripped the flour of as much nutrients as we could so it could be aesthetically beautiful and then added the vitamins back in so you won't miss the vitamins. Why not just buy unprocessed flour (or whatever they are called) in the first place? You get all the benefits of it without losing out on some important component.
Now, each individual little part that we lose out on doesn't matter by itself. However, I believe the cumulative effect is generally an unhealthy diet that's worse for our body and health.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sweet rice wine (酒酿) Experiment 1, Day 1
On the subject of cooking, I think I am a good cook, since all you really need to do to become one is the ability to read and follow directions. However, I am not particularly imaginative when it comes to putting novel flavors together. Thus I want to learn about "basic" (only in the sense that it is common) dishes so I can more accurately learn and judge the different flavors.
Along similar lines, I also want to learn basic skills that I am afraid might not last past my generation, making things such as 酒酿 (sweet rice wine), 汤圆 (ball made from glutinous rice flour, can be sweet or savory), 粽子 (stuffed, or not, sweet rice wrapped in lotus leaf), and 红烧肉 (beef or pork cooked in some type of soy sauce base). (Please excuse my complete lack of translating abilities.) For most of those, one can purchase them at the supermarket. For some, I am not even really fond of it. However, just because I don't like them does not mean others do not. One of my philosophies in life: it's always better to know how to do something and choose not to do it than to not know something and have that prevent you from doing what you want. Not very pithy. I'm working on it.
Based on the temperatures we've had the past few days, I decided it's the perfect weather to ferment some 酒酿. I obtained the recipe from internet considering my usual go to, mom, has about a 30% success rate with this. So here goes. Today is my very first day, ever, making sweet rice wine, a childhood treat that can only be had once to trice a year.
Because the first time is an experiment, I cut the recipe in half so as to not waste the sweet rice just in case it failed. I soaked the rice for around 16 hours because I felt too lazy to cook it in the morning. It smelled the teensiest strange and had some tiny bubbles floating on top when I rinsed it, but I think it's ok. Then I steamed it in the little pot lined with cheesecloth that I borrowed from Kat for about 25 min. At first not much steam was rising to the top. So I had to move the cheesecloth a little to uncover a small hole to let the steam up. When it was done, it looked translucent and is not mushy at all. Whew, first stage complete.
I let it cool completely wrapped in cheesecloth so as to not let it dry out. Then rinsed it and set it in the strainer to drain.
Crush the yeast ball to as fine of a powder as possible. I added some flour to kickstart the yeast and because I like the rice wine to be on the sweeter side.
Put the rice in a mixing bowl and pour in yeast and flour, mix. Hands will be extremely sticky. Have the bowl that will hold the rice for the next week or so as well as the rinsing water next to me before starting. When well mixed, put the rice in the container and pat down. Make a well, or in my case, I made a cone. Rinse hand and pour liquid in well/cone.
Now the bowl is in a plastic bag wrapped comfortably in my big comforter on the couch in the living room. The recipe calls for me to keep the rice on top moist by opening the container and spooning liquid on top of it. However, I remember someone's advice to absolutely not open it for the next 72 hours. For the sake of ease, I am going to follow the latter advice and not touch it.
Fingers crossed! We'll see how it goes.
Along similar lines, I also want to learn basic skills that I am afraid might not last past my generation, making things such as 酒酿 (sweet rice wine), 汤圆 (ball made from glutinous rice flour, can be sweet or savory), 粽子 (stuffed, or not, sweet rice wrapped in lotus leaf), and 红烧肉 (beef or pork cooked in some type of soy sauce base). (Please excuse my complete lack of translating abilities.) For most of those, one can purchase them at the supermarket. For some, I am not even really fond of it. However, just because I don't like them does not mean others do not. One of my philosophies in life: it's always better to know how to do something and choose not to do it than to not know something and have that prevent you from doing what you want. Not very pithy. I'm working on it.
Based on the temperatures we've had the past few days, I decided it's the perfect weather to ferment some 酒酿. I obtained the recipe from internet considering my usual go to, mom, has about a 30% success rate with this. So here goes. Today is my very first day, ever, making sweet rice wine, a childhood treat that can only be had once to trice a year.
Because the first time is an experiment, I cut the recipe in half so as to not waste the sweet rice just in case it failed. I soaked the rice for around 16 hours because I felt too lazy to cook it in the morning. It smelled the teensiest strange and had some tiny bubbles floating on top when I rinsed it, but I think it's ok. Then I steamed it in the little pot lined with cheesecloth that I borrowed from Kat for about 25 min. At first not much steam was rising to the top. So I had to move the cheesecloth a little to uncover a small hole to let the steam up. When it was done, it looked translucent and is not mushy at all. Whew, first stage complete.
I let it cool completely wrapped in cheesecloth so as to not let it dry out. Then rinsed it and set it in the strainer to drain.
Crush the yeast ball to as fine of a powder as possible. I added some flour to kickstart the yeast and because I like the rice wine to be on the sweeter side.
Put the rice in a mixing bowl and pour in yeast and flour, mix. Hands will be extremely sticky. Have the bowl that will hold the rice for the next week or so as well as the rinsing water next to me before starting. When well mixed, put the rice in the container and pat down. Make a well, or in my case, I made a cone. Rinse hand and pour liquid in well/cone.
Now the bowl is in a plastic bag wrapped comfortably in my big comforter on the couch in the living room. The recipe calls for me to keep the rice on top moist by opening the container and spooning liquid on top of it. However, I remember someone's advice to absolutely not open it for the next 72 hours. For the sake of ease, I am going to follow the latter advice and not touch it.
Fingers crossed! We'll see how it goes.
My adventure to Costco
Let me start by relating the results of my informal survey among people I know about how men and women process directions. Men generally orient themselves through the cardinal directions whereas women do so through the left and right framework. Each seems to be equally exasperated and lost when the other uses their own frame of reference. The exception so far is Kat. My excuse for her is that she's an engineer. Besides, as a statistical outlier, I don't have to justify her. =) As for me, I never know the details of where I am going, just like I don't really know exactly where my car is parked, but I have a general idea. It might take me awhile, but I'll get there.
This reminds me of a funny argument my mom and I started with my dad. He thinks it's ridiculous that we give directions relative to buildings/businesses on a certain route.
"What if the McDonald's is gone the next day? How will you be able to find your way?"
"Well, we'll be able to know when it's gone because there are always signs."
"What if there were none?"
"Even if there were none, the surrounding businesses are still there."
"What if they are all gone."
"...ok. That's a little unrealistic. That means we won!"
Yes, yes. One of the few moments in life where the women truly won an argument against the old curmudgeon.
Anyway, all that was to vindicate me. I zoned out on the freeway, so I didn't realize that I passed my exit and exited Carmel Mountain instead of Scripps Poway. Not only did I not know where to exit, I also did not know which way to turn. I picked right, which happened to be right.
As I drove further on, I was actually quite proud of myself for realizing that I was not on the right road. (One problem when recognizing roads based on businesses is when you run into communities like Poway where everything looks like different iterations of the same plan.) I did a u-turn, dialed a SOS to Luis, and went on the way I was going to take anyway before I called him. After many twists and turns, I realized that a lot of cars were turning on Community Road, so I followed them...except I missed the turn and turned on the next road instead. They are parallel, so at any time, I can find a big road that will take me back to Community.
That took me to a quaint old town Midland. Its theme emotes a pioneer town in the desert. And deserted it is, perhaps because it is Monday. It reminds me of Old Town San Diego, but not as many shops.
Back on Community, I followed it and followed it and found Walter Anderson Nursery! I was extremely proud of myself for finding my way. See? Got there eventually.
Oh and one more thing. While I was driving through Midland, NPR announced that today is Sony Walkman's 30th birthday. In recognition of this, a 13 year old gave up his iPod for an original Walkman for a week. He was surprised that cassettes have a second side and that there is no shuffle option. I snickered, then I realized that I am old. =(
This reminds me of a funny argument my mom and I started with my dad. He thinks it's ridiculous that we give directions relative to buildings/businesses on a certain route.
"What if the McDonald's is gone the next day? How will you be able to find your way?"
"Well, we'll be able to know when it's gone because there are always signs."
"What if there were none?"
"Even if there were none, the surrounding businesses are still there."
"What if they are all gone."
"...ok. That's a little unrealistic. That means we won!"
Yes, yes. One of the few moments in life where the women truly won an argument against the old curmudgeon.
Anyway, all that was to vindicate me. I zoned out on the freeway, so I didn't realize that I passed my exit and exited Carmel Mountain instead of Scripps Poway. Not only did I not know where to exit, I also did not know which way to turn. I picked right, which happened to be right.
As I drove further on, I was actually quite proud of myself for realizing that I was not on the right road. (One problem when recognizing roads based on businesses is when you run into communities like Poway where everything looks like different iterations of the same plan.) I did a u-turn, dialed a SOS to Luis, and went on the way I was going to take anyway before I called him. After many twists and turns, I realized that a lot of cars were turning on Community Road, so I followed them...except I missed the turn and turned on the next road instead. They are parallel, so at any time, I can find a big road that will take me back to Community.
That took me to a quaint old town Midland. Its theme emotes a pioneer town in the desert. And deserted it is, perhaps because it is Monday. It reminds me of Old Town San Diego, but not as many shops.
Back on Community, I followed it and followed it and found Walter Anderson Nursery! I was extremely proud of myself for finding my way. See? Got there eventually.
Oh and one more thing. While I was driving through Midland, NPR announced that today is Sony Walkman's 30th birthday. In recognition of this, a 13 year old gave up his iPod for an original Walkman for a week. He was surprised that cassettes have a second side and that there is no shuffle option. I snickered, then I realized that I am old. =(
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