Sandwiches:
Tortas. Next time you're at the taco truck, don't overlook the torta, often overshadowed by its more popular cousins, the burrito and taco. For the unitiated, a torta is basically the Mexican hamburger, a round bun filled with some kind of meat topped by lettuce and tomato. Simple, but wholly satisfying when done right. Most times the meat is basically the usual taco/burrito fillings on a bun,* but one local place called Barriga Llena ("full belly") elevates it into a gut busting pleasure-bomb. Fillings include the Milanesa - basically a pork cutlet breaded and fried, house-cured chorizo, carne asada, hot dogs (unnecessary but included to complete the picture), roast pork, and combinations thereof. One of these will keep you happy for hours. Love 'em.
Banh Mi. One of these, on the other hand, can leave you hungry. Fortunately, they're hella cheap (Never pay more than $2 for one, by the way), and very good. I always buy them in multiples, and it's still cheaper than the #1 meal at McD's. My fave is the BBQ pork banh mi from Seattle Deli.
Philly Cheesesteak. The bread, the bread, the bread. I didn't understand until I actually visited Philly. It doesn't actually taste any better there, but you just don't get that same chewy texture from a Gai's roll. But now I at least know what all of those Right Coast expats are complaining about.
Hoagies: See Cheesesteak, above.
PB&J: When's the last time you had one of these? From about 1983 until Roc started eating solid food, I hadn't even considered having one, but in a fit of desperation during a particularly nasty food tantrum, I slapped one together and stole a few bites for myself. Ahhh, nostalgia.
*Some comedian did a funny bit based on that, basically how American-Mexican food is basically the same 3 ingredients in different combos...I'll have to find it on YouTube.
24 October 2008
20 October 2008
WIA Poetry Corner
I'm not into poetry; that fact notwithstanding, I heard this on Garrison Keillor's Writer's Almanac today while munching on a sandwich on my way to a meeting. Something just struck me as being profoundly true.
"Candlelight"
by Tony Hoagland
Crossing the porch in the hazy dusk
to worship the moon rising
like a yellow filling-station sign
on the black horizon,
you feel the faint grit
of ants beneath your shoes,
but keep on walking
because in this world
you have to decide what
you're willing to kill.
Saving your marriage might mean
dinner for two
by candlelight on steak
raised on pasture
chopped out of rain forest
whose absence might mean
an atmospheric thinness
fifty years from now
above the vulnerable head
of your bald grandson on vacation
as the cells of his scalp
sautéed by solar radiation
break down like suspects
under questioning.
Still you slice
the sirloin into pieces
and feed each other
on silver forks
under the approving gaze
of a waiter
whose purchased attention
and French name
are a kind of candlelight themselves,
while in the background
the fingertips of the pianist
float over the tusks
v of the slaughtered elephant
without a care,
as if the elephant
had granted its permission.
"Candlelight"
by Tony Hoagland
Crossing the porch in the hazy dusk
to worship the moon rising
like a yellow filling-station sign
on the black horizon,
you feel the faint grit
of ants beneath your shoes,
but keep on walking
because in this world
you have to decide what
you're willing to kill.
Saving your marriage might mean
dinner for two
by candlelight on steak
raised on pasture
chopped out of rain forest
whose absence might mean
an atmospheric thinness
fifty years from now
above the vulnerable head
of your bald grandson on vacation
as the cells of his scalp
sautéed by solar radiation
break down like suspects
under questioning.
Still you slice
the sirloin into pieces
and feed each other
on silver forks
under the approving gaze
of a waiter
whose purchased attention
and French name
are a kind of candlelight themselves,
while in the background
the fingertips of the pianist
float over the tusks
v of the slaughtered elephant
without a care,
as if the elephant
had granted its permission.
17 October 2008
Friday morning blogging
or: "I love my son, but..."
Rough night. Ardel and I were at our wits end trying to figure out why Mace seemed so uncomfortable and how we can possibly get some sleep tonight. Frustration led to anger then guilt. I finally took the babe for an hourlong drive.
I'm sitting here trying to figure out how I can get him out of his car seat without waking him up. I can't just leave him in there, can I?
Rough night. Ardel and I were at our wits end trying to figure out why Mace seemed so uncomfortable and how we can possibly get some sleep tonight. Frustration led to anger then guilt. I finally took the babe for an hourlong drive.
I'm sitting here trying to figure out how I can get him out of his car seat without waking him up. I can't just leave him in there, can I?
13 October 2008
Good News is, Huskies Didn't Lose this Weekend
...since it was their Bye week. The Seahawks now officially suck. Maybe I should just give up on football this year.
However, I do take some pleasure in learning that this goat-fucker has taken a bath from the financial crisis.
However, I do take some pleasure in learning that this goat-fucker has taken a bath from the financial crisis.
Endorsements 2008
The cheap umbrella stroller:
Times is hard, you can take those $1000 bugaboos and shove 'em up yer arse.
Times is hard, you can take those $1000 bugaboos and shove 'em up yer arse.
10 October 2008
"Pinoy Backfield" Powers Eastside Catholic
The nut quote:
"I call them the 'Mighty Mites' and for good reason," Marsh said. "There's no lack of effort amongst them. They're not the biggest kids but they're all 6-4 and 230 in their hearts."Jala2 says no way can our boys play football, they'll be too small. Maybe this will change her mind a little.
01 October 2008
Some Cool Things
The guy who worked on the classic Rainier Beer ads reminisces.
A shit knife? Let's see Bear Grylls do that.
A little late, now that the weather is cooler, but here's a way to deal with fruit flies.
Cheapshitcondos? The name says it all.
When's the last time you actually cracked open the Yellow Pages? Me Neither.
All of a sudden, the minivan becomes a real possibility in my life.
For more, visit my Google shared items page.
A shit knife? Let's see Bear Grylls do that.
A little late, now that the weather is cooler, but here's a way to deal with fruit flies.
Cheapshitcondos? The name says it all.
When's the last time you actually cracked open the Yellow Pages? Me Neither.
All of a sudden, the minivan becomes a real possibility in my life.
For more, visit my Google shared items page.
25 September 2008
I bought some groceries yesterday, paid with my WaMu debit card
Oops, sorry. They should have said something beforehand.
On a more serious note, I checked the website and seems to be working still. I would like to stay with them, as they have convenient branches and decent services, but...
On a more serious note, I checked the website and seems to be working still. I would like to stay with them, as they have convenient branches and decent services, but...
18 September 2008
15 September 2008
Maceo Blanquera Jala
The box score:
Born 9/11/2008 at 2:29 PM, 7 lbs 12 oz, 19.5" long.
The name Maceo is a derivative of Mateo, or Matthew, meaning "gift of God," but that's not why we chose the name. Mostly, we just liked the sound of it. We pronounce it "May-see-oh," or usually just Mace for short. The alternate pronunciation is "Mah-chay-oh," but we don't use it, though I've started calling him Macho for fun. We'll see if it sticks.
Looking forward to having you all meet him soon.
edited 9/18
The Brothers Jala
I think the introductions went well. Roc viewed the little bundle with more curiosity than anything at first. We started having issues when Maceo was feeding and Roc wanted some attention from J2. I tried to keep him busy, but it didn't always work. It'll take some time, but I think we'll settle down into a nice little groove, it's only been a day.
I know they'll be best friends.
11 September 2008
Liveblogging Huggy
Baby Boy Jala was born around 2:15 this afternoon, in his house, in his room. It is a sunny, warm day. J2 pushed for about an hour, he cried for just a little bit, then started nursing almost immediately. He and Mom are doing just peachy.
Midwives made us some grilled cheese sandwiches, cleaned up, gave BBJ a couple shots. They're gone already, it's just the 3 of us now. Missing Roc, but we need a couple days of peace before introducing him to his bro.
Much to digest, but bottom line is, we're tired, but indescribably happy.
Midwives made us some grilled cheese sandwiches, cleaned up, gave BBJ a couple shots. They're gone already, it's just the 3 of us now. Missing Roc, but we need a couple days of peace before introducing him to his bro.
Much to digest, but bottom line is, we're tired, but indescribably happy.
Liveblogging Huggy
not much happening right now, contractions getting stronger and more frequent. she's managing to joke around between them so nothing's imminent probably. midwives think this will go pretty fast though. water hasn't broken yet, but once that does, game on.
Liveblogging Huggy
midwives are watering our houseplants and picking a nice bouquet. just what are we paying them for anyway?
Liveblogging Huggy
We're slow dancing, junior-high style, to "pictures of you"
seems to help with the pain
seems to help with the pain
Liveblogging Huggy
Clutch "Open up the Border" just came up on the birth mix. Dunno why. Midwives appreciated it, at least it ain't Enya.
Contractions getting stronger, definitely takes all of j2's concentration. She's kneeling on the couch, staring out the front window at passersby, who have no idea what's going on in this house.
Liveblogging Huggy
J2 just got some shots, I had to physically throw Goo outside cause she was getting in the way. Hated it.
About to break out the Boggle.
My "Youre my birthing Goddess" shirt is a hit.
About to break out the Boggle.
My "Youre my birthing Goddess" shirt is a hit.
Liveblogging Huggy
We just sent Roc off with AJ to stay with Lolo and Lola for a few days. Missing him already, sorry that he won't share in this experience, but he's too young to understand.
Midwives are here, setting up. It's a flurry of activity. Contractions every 3-4 min.
Midwives are here, setting up. It's a flurry of activity. Contractions every 3-4 min.
09 September 2008
The Village Takes Care of its Own
Sciencemamma came over last night bearing food. Lots of it, all in handy, easy to reheat containers for post-partum noshing.
Thanks, from the Jalas.
Thanks, from the Jalas.
"WTF is PC Load Letter??!?!"
08 September 2008
"Is my kid a dick, or is he just 2?"
What sometimes gets lost in the whole hubbub of getting ready to welcome HuggyBear into our world is that Roc is growing and changing into quite the little boy. Our baby is gone, and while I sometimes miss those (much quieter) days, he has become a bubbly, vibrant, inquisitive little man. Introduce him to something new, and now you can almost hear those neurons click into place like so many Legos as he processes this new and wonderful information. It's rather fascinating to witness.
Where there is yin, of course there must be yang. We're definitely on the cusp of the Terrible Twos; his favorite word, next to "more," is probably "no." No vegetables, no clean diaper, no daddy. Granted, he learned it from us, but now that he's started to assert some free will we're sort of free-wheeling as we ping-pong off each other to determine what Roc really wants. "No veggies? How about bananas?" "No diaper? Tough." "No daddy? Go to mama then."
We haven't (yet) had any poo-flinging tantrums or grocery store meltdowns, but it's coming fo' sho', and I'm not even sure how I'll handle it. I hope any dickiness is temporary, though in this culture it'll probably be considered a strength.
Week 38-let's get this show on the road already! Jala2 said it's ok for me to liveblog Huggy's birth, so I'll give it a shot.
05 September 2008
Golden Brown and Deelish
Took Jala2 out for lunch yesterday since I had a meeting downtown. She asked "Where do you want to go?" First thing that always pops into my head: Teriyaki! I have weakness for teriyaki joints. Love, love, luuuuurve them. And I ain't talking about no Benihana's, you know, the kind you find in just about every nondescript strip mall or hole-in-the-wall you see around here. Salty, sweet grilled meat on a big pile of rice, yum. It's Seattle's cheesesteak/hotdog/pizza equivalent, and for me, comfort food. It tends to be my go-to option for those days I don't have lunch prepared (which usually consists of leftovers from the night before) or I'm on the road or I'm on my own for any meal, really.
I have high standards when it comes to food, but that all goes out the window when I see "Teriyaki" on the front door, for some reason. I could be sitting down to a plate of grey, rubbery, tasteless meat slathered with sauce straight from the Yoshida's bottle and I'll still find a way to eat the whole thing with a smile on my face. I haven't actually been to a lot of the joints in the area, but that's mostly because there's so many of them and I've narrowed down my faves to a select few:
Happy Teriyaki: That to which all others shall be compared. Here's the thing-I always thought teriyaki came with a side of sauteed cabbage until started expanding my horizons. Sadly, too many places serve the same bagged iceberg salad with some nondescript dressing. Boring. I don't understand why; cabbage is just as cheap and it takes a minute or two to throw it in a pan and toss it around. Oh well. The meat is always nicely grilled and never tough. My preference is plain meat with sauce served on the top, rather than pre-marinated then grilled. Seems like, in that scenario, all I taste is the sauce. Bonus points for having, like, a gajillion stores in the area.
Kiku: Best menu choice, with a number of combo options and non-teriyaki items, such as udon and curry. The teriyaki chicken on the bone is particularly yummy and atypical for Seattle (and an exception for my anti-premarinated preference, but they do it so well). When I was in college and had extra cash (which was typically rare), I'd get the beef combo and scarf it down in 5 minutes. Also, try the Oyakodon, which is chicken over rice with egg on top.
There are plenty of others that I regularly stop into, like Yasuko's, Nasai and any of the Hawaiian joints (if I'm not already craving Kalua pork).
There's a deli down the street from my office run by the nicest Korean couple; the teriyaki isn't very good, but every once in awhile they'll offer bi bim bap. But that, as Alton Brown would say, is another show.
I have high standards when it comes to food, but that all goes out the window when I see "Teriyaki" on the front door, for some reason. I could be sitting down to a plate of grey, rubbery, tasteless meat slathered with sauce straight from the Yoshida's bottle and I'll still find a way to eat the whole thing with a smile on my face. I haven't actually been to a lot of the joints in the area, but that's mostly because there's so many of them and I've narrowed down my faves to a select few:
Happy Teriyaki: That to which all others shall be compared. Here's the thing-I always thought teriyaki came with a side of sauteed cabbage until started expanding my horizons. Sadly, too many places serve the same bagged iceberg salad with some nondescript dressing. Boring. I don't understand why; cabbage is just as cheap and it takes a minute or two to throw it in a pan and toss it around. Oh well. The meat is always nicely grilled and never tough. My preference is plain meat with sauce served on the top, rather than pre-marinated then grilled. Seems like, in that scenario, all I taste is the sauce. Bonus points for having, like, a gajillion stores in the area.
Kiku: Best menu choice, with a number of combo options and non-teriyaki items, such as udon and curry. The teriyaki chicken on the bone is particularly yummy and atypical for Seattle (and an exception for my anti-premarinated preference, but they do it so well). When I was in college and had extra cash (which was typically rare), I'd get the beef combo and scarf it down in 5 minutes. Also, try the Oyakodon, which is chicken over rice with egg on top.
There are plenty of others that I regularly stop into, like Yasuko's, Nasai and any of the Hawaiian joints (if I'm not already craving Kalua pork).
There's a deli down the street from my office run by the nicest Korean couple; the teriyaki isn't very good, but every once in awhile they'll offer bi bim bap. But that, as Alton Brown would say, is another show.
03 September 2008
37 weeks
As I look over at the mother of my children, I can see this lump on her distended abdomen move from side to side. Can't be very comfortable. We had a visit from the midwives today, they proclaimed our home suitable for birthing.
Any day now...
Any day now...
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