Back from New York and into another busy week. I took so many pictures this weekend and meant to post them here, but there's just too many. So instead I will sing this instead:
Cocoa Wheats, Cocoa Wheats, can't be beat.
They're the creamy hot cereal with the cocoa-y treat.
Make you big and strong,
and they're lots of fun,
Eat Cocoa Wheats, Cocoa Wheats, everyone!
I made cocoa wheats this Sunday after a long night out (from 5 p.m. to midnight) with Tim and his two good friends. Refreshed me like no other! And I relived, but just in my head, the ritual of my mother making Cream of Wheat or Cocoa Wheats (she only sang the song when she made Cocoa Wheats) on weekend winter mornings.
All four of the Meberg children lived on the second floor of our farm house, and we'd be nestled in our comforable, ceiling vent heated rooms when mom would open up the hallway door and yell "Breakfast! Get up!" and we'd all say, "um, mumble," and roll over.
And then she'd yell, "Hot cereal is ready!" and all of us, even the teenagers, would throw the covers back and think "HOT CEREAL! Golly jeepers!" and run down stairs. I liked the lumps, so if I was lucky they'd get pooled into my bowl. I remember the day when David chose sleeping in over creamy delicious Cocoa Wheats...quite a sea change.
This is just one of the many mind fixes my mother placed on us. She also trained us to dole out yogurt like chocolate during World War II, and that things like Oreo cookies and Nilla Wafers were understood to be for baking only --- no snackin or eating for pure pleasure allowed.
How, mom? How? You trained us so well.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
नोट in चिकागो.
I am in New York for work right now and have done a few things for the first time ever:
Enjoyed New York weather.
Recognized someone in Soho.
Recognized someone in Soho that I saw on the Today show that morning.
Walked past a taping of the Today show, through the doors just past their cameras, and up the elevator...for work?
Took public transit in NY by myself - Time Square to Tribecca and back, yo.
Not shopped.
Paid for $23 french toast.
Tipped a bellman.
Had a beer with my supervisor.
Had a beer at a restaurant with staff dressed in oddly hipster leiderhosen.
Had a beer at a restaurant with staff dressed in oddly hipster leiderhosen for one hour and twenty minutes. That was one. Singular. Alcoholic. Beverage.
Ran in Central Park when there were more than 20 people around me (not January).
Watched Gossip Girl and thought "thank god I got home in time for Gossip Girl."
Which was really good this week, by the by.
I'm exhausted. but I'm 50% done with my trip! And I'm ending it with an Avenue Q excursion. Meow.
Enjoyed New York weather.
Recognized someone in Soho.
Recognized someone in Soho that I saw on the Today show that morning.
Walked past a taping of the Today show, through the doors just past their cameras, and up the elevator...for work?
Took public transit in NY by myself - Time Square to Tribecca and back, yo.
Not shopped.
Paid for $23 french toast.
Tipped a bellman.
Had a beer with my supervisor.
Had a beer at a restaurant with staff dressed in oddly hipster leiderhosen.
Had a beer at a restaurant with staff dressed in oddly hipster leiderhosen for one hour and twenty minutes. That was one. Singular. Alcoholic. Beverage.
Ran in Central Park when there were more than 20 people around me (not January).
Watched Gossip Girl and thought "thank god I got home in time for Gossip Girl."
Which was really good this week, by the by.
I'm exhausted. but I'm 50% done with my trip! And I'm ending it with an Avenue Q excursion. Meow.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Don't say it.
Tonight on the train, I won the grand prize and got to listen as two youngsters loudly chatted and flirted all the way to the Damen stop. The male in the duo even had the gumption to take a cell phone call on the train (pointless. pointless. and more pointless). How popular am I? So popular I have to answer every single call, regardless if I can hear the person calling, they can hear me speaking, or the fifty people surrounding you want to hear the half of the conversation that includes: Hello? What? I CAN'T HEAR YOU. I said...I CAN'T HEAR YOU...I'M ON THE TRAIN. I'll call you right back.
These two were already filed away in my jerk category. And then. When the guy exited the train they exchanged shaloms. Not reverent, serious greetings; more like the Hebrew version of "Aloha!"
"Shalom! I'll see you tomorrow at eight!"
"Shalom!" Does impersonation of Michael Mcconauhey waving and leaving a bongo party.
Not cool. Not. Cool.
These two were already filed away in my jerk category. And then. When the guy exited the train they exchanged shaloms. Not reverent, serious greetings; more like the Hebrew version of "Aloha!"
"Shalom! I'll see you tomorrow at eight!"
"Shalom!" Does impersonation of Michael Mcconauhey waving and leaving a bongo party.
Not cool. Not. Cool.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
about my job.
Top five things I like about my job.
1. Everyone is smart and knows their stuffffff.
2. The office manager swears like a sailor and has used the phrase "pimp slap" in front of me (referring to Elizabeth on the View).
3. I get to travel and eat nice lunches and it has a positive effect.
4. My supervisor wears cuter outfits than me.
5. It's not too corporate to hang cat postcards in my cubicle.
Top five unsettling things about my job.
1. The economy greatly affects me and those I work with.
2. That is about it. Especially this week.
1. Everyone is smart and knows their stuffffff.
2. The office manager swears like a sailor and has used the phrase "pimp slap" in front of me (referring to Elizabeth on the View).
3. I get to travel and eat nice lunches and it has a positive effect.
4. My supervisor wears cuter outfits than me.
5. It's not too corporate to hang cat postcards in my cubicle.
Top five unsettling things about my job.
1. The economy greatly affects me and those I work with.
2. That is about it. Especially this week.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Psychological Cat Torturer.
I got up this morning hoping it wouldn't be raining, and of course the precipitation has been so thoroughly agressive that my floors and curtains are soaked even though my windows are closed. I don't know how that happens. As sister-in-law Liz says, "Dear Ethiopia, you think you got problems..."
No 18 mile run for me today, but perhaps a 4.5 mile run in the afternoon if it ever lets up. Here is the link for Sunday morning, my new goal time for the second to last big run.
Instead of eating oatmeal, icing my knees, and stretching, I found myself watching this:
After about a minute, I felt like I was hoarding this video to myself. I turned the lap top so Mimi McMeemersons, ever-so-catly stretched out on the kitchen table, could also enjoy this kitten. She watched for a bit, but then she watched me. And gave me the cat stink eye. I think that putting this video in front of Mimi was like that time I was watching a news magazine show and out of no where they played a scene involving a hand saw and a face from Hostel, the movie about rich people paying to torture and kill unsuspecting kids on Euro trip.
I'm sorry, Mimi. I know those desperate, swatting kitty paws will stay with you for a while, but the trick is NOT to think of them...don't think of them...those poor, sad teenagers.
No 18 mile run for me today, but perhaps a 4.5 mile run in the afternoon if it ever lets up. Here is the link for Sunday morning, my new goal time for the second to last big run.
Instead of eating oatmeal, icing my knees, and stretching, I found myself watching this:
After about a minute, I felt like I was hoarding this video to myself. I turned the lap top so Mimi McMeemersons, ever-so-catly stretched out on the kitchen table, could also enjoy this kitten. She watched for a bit, but then she watched me. And gave me the cat stink eye. I think that putting this video in front of Mimi was like that time I was watching a news magazine show and out of no where they played a scene involving a hand saw and a face from Hostel, the movie about rich people paying to torture and kill unsuspecting kids on Euro trip.
I'm sorry, Mimi. I know those desperate, swatting kitty paws will stay with you for a while, but the trick is NOT to think of them...don't think of them...those poor, sad teenagers.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
We so cheap.
Hey! Another friend is coming visit us in Chicago! But surprise, this is ONE of the whole TWO friends that ever visited us in Cincinnati. And what did we treat her to? Delicious pizza and network TV. Oh yeah.
So we gotta step it up. But on the cheap side. Cause for realz...monthly paychecks are a budget suck.
1. Friday night- Dinner at Gloria's Cafe in Logan Square.
As one reviewer stated, "I'm not Columbian, and I don't know any Columbians, so I can't comment on the authenticity of the food, but for a person who loves a cheap and DELICIOUS meal, Gloria's is perfect." What what? 1/4 chicken with rice, beans, and plantains for only $6.50? Done and done.
2. Friday evening- Bowling at the Fireside.
$3.50 per game, $2.00 for shoes. And after one game, we leave! That's right, WE LEAVE. And hit the Wisconsin bar conveniently situated across the street: The Bob Inn. Beers are less than $3. Word.
3. Saturday morning- Breakfast and Cartoons.
Jane and the Dragon + Veggie Tales = perfect Saturday morning for Ruth. Plus half a loaf of white bread and one dozen eggs? Only $5 for four people. And if you sleep in and eat brunch instead of lunch, you can substitute the afternoon meal with an afternoon snack. Boo...yah.
4. Saturday afternoon- Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park
The skirt I want is only $70. But walking around is free.
5. Saturday evening- BBQ and Board Games.
Yes, we do this every weekend. But usually we save this little agenda gem for Sunday evenings. We're bringing out the games (possibly Pit, and most definitely Mario Kart Wii) on the 13th. Groceries and liquor: $40 for four people.
6. Sunday morning- Tim makes pancakes.
We already have ingredients for this. Ha. Free zone.
7. Sunday afternoon- Visit to the Logan Square Theatre.
Smuggle in zip lock baggies of Red Vine licorice and cans of diet coke under our cardigans. Your choice of the following flicks: Get Smart, Mummy: Tomb of the stupid things are dead already, Space Chimps, and WALL-E. Per person = $3.
8. Sunday evening: wave goodbye.
Hugs are also free.
Total Cost for four people: $145, not counting el passes or gas money traveling from Madison. Still, fairly decent. Also, I have to squeeze in an 18 mile run somewhere in there. So the real cost for me personally will be about $37 and about two days of whining. Also, sidenote: I think I've been hearing gun shots around here lately. It's hard to tell when there have been multiple fireworks every day since Puerto Rican Independence Day. I just keep squeezing my eyes shut and picturing my Dad doing pistol target shooting on our driveway out on the farm. Did Dad's hand guns sound like that? I think they sounded like that...
So we gotta step it up. But on the cheap side. Cause for realz...monthly paychecks are a budget suck.
1. Friday night- Dinner at Gloria's Cafe in Logan Square.
As one reviewer stated, "I'm not Columbian, and I don't know any Columbians, so I can't comment on the authenticity of the food, but for a person who loves a cheap and DELICIOUS meal, Gloria's is perfect." What what? 1/4 chicken with rice, beans, and plantains for only $6.50? Done and done.
2. Friday evening- Bowling at the Fireside.
$3.50 per game, $2.00 for shoes. And after one game, we leave! That's right, WE LEAVE. And hit the Wisconsin bar conveniently situated across the street: The Bob Inn. Beers are less than $3. Word.
3. Saturday morning- Breakfast and Cartoons.
Jane and the Dragon + Veggie Tales = perfect Saturday morning for Ruth. Plus half a loaf of white bread and one dozen eggs? Only $5 for four people. And if you sleep in and eat brunch instead of lunch, you can substitute the afternoon meal with an afternoon snack. Boo...yah.
4. Saturday afternoon- Renegade Craft Fair in Wicker Park
The skirt I want is only $70. But walking around is free.
5. Saturday evening- BBQ and Board Games.
Yes, we do this every weekend. But usually we save this little agenda gem for Sunday evenings. We're bringing out the games (possibly Pit, and most definitely Mario Kart Wii) on the 13th. Groceries and liquor: $40 for four people.
6. Sunday morning- Tim makes pancakes.
We already have ingredients for this. Ha. Free zone.
7. Sunday afternoon- Visit to the Logan Square Theatre.
Smuggle in zip lock baggies of Red Vine licorice and cans of diet coke under our cardigans. Your choice of the following flicks: Get Smart, Mummy: Tomb of the stupid things are dead already, Space Chimps, and WALL-E. Per person = $3.
8. Sunday evening: wave goodbye.
Hugs are also free.
Total Cost for four people: $145, not counting el passes or gas money traveling from Madison. Still, fairly decent. Also, I have to squeeze in an 18 mile run somewhere in there. So the real cost for me personally will be about $37 and about two days of whining. Also, sidenote: I think I've been hearing gun shots around here lately. It's hard to tell when there have been multiple fireworks every day since Puerto Rican Independence Day. I just keep squeezing my eyes shut and picturing my Dad doing pistol target shooting on our driveway out on the farm. Did Dad's hand guns sound like that? I think they sounded like that...
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
If you're not a card person.
My friend Liz (not sister, or sister-in-law) has always been good at sending cards. So are my grandmothers, frateral and in-laws. While I will probably never reach their level of attentiveness to dates and correspondance, my co-worker just shared a new e-card site that has something for everyone. Enjoy. And please send me a card.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Two! Two! Two weekends in one (post)!
This Friday, Stephanie, Mai and I pulled off a master surprise party for our lovely friend Kaye. She was totally surprised, and I got to make a cake. Yippee! She felt a little gullible after realizing all the scheming we had done. Um yeeeah, let's go for sushi on Friday night...yesyes...oddly, all your friends have a quick yes or no for that plan...but you have something after work right?...Uuuh, what are you doing home so early? You can't come in the kitchen, and could you actually watch 90210 on you laptop in your room? We're just heading out for coffee quick but we're bringing five grocery bags of stuff with us...Ruth isn't answering her phone but when Mai calls she picks right up...Oh, but Ruth's running, so we are late for the restaurant...oh you're here! Welcome to our oddly dark apartment, Kaye. Yes I just opened a beer and we're already late...you don't want a beer?...oh! Ruth dropped something in the dark, dark dining room...let's go check it out...COME ON, let's check it out...
SURPRISE!!!!
Super fun. I also refused to hit the hay until 3 a.m. Fun. Especially the whole next day, when I didn't get out of bed till about 5 p.m. but thoroughly enjoyed watching the first disc in season three of Arrested Development while Birdie purred on my stomach and I scratched her furry little kitty-cat armpits. Purrrr.
AND LAST WEEKEND friend Gwen came to visit us with fiance Linda. And a giant, giant ring that looked like it gave birth to a litter of engagement rings, and mine was the Wilbur of the bunch. Or perhaps a distant cousin. What I'm trying to say is, Gwen's ring was HUGE and very GUH-WEN. Here is Gwen, proclaiming her devotion to Linda:
We also played Balderdash (featuring five hilarious categories, so put your funny pants on. Right now). Funny how some categories had us conjuring the same characters:
Title: Velvet
Dash 1: A young missionary travels to New Orleans only to be seduced by the sounds of the city.
Dash 2: One reformed street walker finds a new life teaching people to read.
Dash 3: A British film highlighting the creation of the first loin cloth in the Garden of Eden.
And some didn't...
Title: Sin of Harold Diddle
Dash 1: A 1947 film revolving around a family reunion and early-onset cannibalism.
Title: Going Ape
Dash 1: Guy inherits a bunch of orangutans and has to take care of them so he can inherit five million dollars.
Dash 2: Instructional video on negotiation tactics for married couples.
And the acronyms were pretty funny too:
AMHA: pronounced "A.M. ha!" is an organization for persons who LOVE mornings.
But after all that, it was so lovely to relax and watch a new episode of Gossip Girl and make some meat loaf this evening. Mi casa, carne casa. And cats. Ole.
Please stop looking at Birdie's butt. She can see you.
Friday, September 5, 2008
In the process.
Currently, there are a bunch of jazz saxophonists in my kitchen making reed jokes about Joe Henderson. I don't even know who that is, but I do know what a reed is. And I'm still not getting the jokes. Sigh.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Ummmmmm...
Some people summed up W. Bush's magnetic personality in a simple sentence: "he's someone you would want to have a beer with."
If I could sum up the extent of Palin's charisma it would be something like..."the home ec teacher"...hmmm..."who teaches a special class on cooking gamey meat"...and..."was runner up for Miss Alaska and has fired like a billion people in an effort to balance budgets..." and also "is totally out of touch with reality if she thinks abstinence only education is the answer for everyone but her own daughter."
There! I think I summed it up.
And. Little note. I'm certainly a feminist, but I have a feeling this lady is getting a little "Colin Powell-ed" if you know what I mean. Also, she believes in green house gasses, but not that they are caused by human behavior. Huh? Double wha-what? This is such a crazy, crazy choice for VP. I just can't get over it.
UPDATE:
ALSO!
Palin didn't want to put polar bears on the endangered species list.
EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE SO SHORT STAFFED THEY HAVE STARTED MATING WITH GRIZZLY BEARS!
They should make a new West Side Story, but it would be "Alaskan Side Story," and instead of Sharks vs. Jets it would be Polars vs. Grizzles, and they would be all like: "Prrr..." "GROAR!"
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