What's Cookin', Wednesday?

Hey remember when I did this a lot two summers ago?

I made something all on my own yesterday! And it wasn't even really cooking!

My high school besties and I all got together for the first time in over a year and we had a picnic in a park up the canyon. I'd show you pictures, but true to form, I didn't take any (even though I had my camera). I think Joe took some.

We all brought a little something to share and

This Week's Kitchen Adventure:

Fruit Fluff

I ate what is now the empty half for breakfast. On fruit, of course.

But I completely encourage eating it plain with a spoon.

I pat myself on the back for this one. I was bringing a bunch of fresh fruit and wanted something fun to dip it in or plop on top. I've eaten a lot of fruity dips at gatherings and parties, but I'd never made one at all and hadn't looked up a recipe for one and I was already at the grocery store and I didn't think to look one up on my smartphone, so I looked at stuff that seemed like it would taste right. 

And guess what? I'm smart even without my smartphone! Sorry, Tobias. I just named my phone right there and there. Even though I've had him for almost two years and I'm about to get rid of him. Also, it was the first name that popped into my mind. Mostly because I've started the third annual summer rewatching of Arrested Development.

Back to the point. Here's what you need and what you need to do. Feel free to use any generic brand and lowfat version you would like of these ingredients (which is what I did to make it a bit healthier).

1/3 of an 8 oz. package of room temperature cream cheese 

Two  6 oz. containers of yogurt (I used strawberry)

One 8 oz. container of frozen whipped topping

In a bowl, beat all ingredients together at medium speed with a hand-mixer until fluffy and smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh fruit (bananas, apples, strawberries, grapes, etc).

Summerfest 2012

Summerfest is a Friday-Saturday celebration full of carnival games, food, and rides. Music, arts and crafts booths, performances. To me, it's a ride on the Zipper and a funnel cake.

Last time I was on the Zipper was two years ago with my friend Tyler. We had gone to a rodeo and decided to split early so we could check out the fair next door.

Neither of us had been on the Zipper since we were teenagers, so we bought tickets and got on. Somewhere near the end of the ride we got caught in this crazy never-ending spin which made me scream-laugh until I cried and I have never heard Ty shriek-laugh so hard before (or since).

And then we got off and were sick for the entire hour-ride home.

Still a great memory. And still the best ride ever.

This year, I went to Summerfest with my new roommate, Logan!!

On Friday we walked around, bought some sunglasses, funnel cake stand wasn't set up yet, signed up for grocery delivery (we're still debating whether or not that was a stupid idea), and ate Polish dogs while watching performances by the local ballet company.

And then I remembered the Zipper.

But there was a problem. We had to leave soon. Logan was going to the water park, and I was meeting up with friends to pick up my marathon race packet and then go to dinner. Saturday was the marathon (read about that adventure here), and I knew I would be in no position to walk around and then put my broken body into a carriage to be spun around and flipped.

So it was now or never.

I said, "Screw you," to my freshly-eaten Polish dog, threw caution to the wind, and Logan and I hopped on. We had a fantastic time.

And then I went home and threw up my lunch.

Before you ask, the answer is yes. It was totally worth it.

Except for the part where I never got my funnel cake.

BIIIIIIIIRTH MOOOOOOONTH!!!!!

Clearly, I have not been my usual blogging self.

Otherwise, I would've announced in March that Birth Month was approaching. On April first, I would had announced that Birth Month had officially begun. I would've started planning my birthday party right then, instead of leaving it until four this morning.

What do you think of a game called "Pin the peace sign on the Asian"?

Because at 4:15 this morning, it sounded pretty awesome. So did a carrot cake with maple-cream-cheese frosting, jalapeno popper stuffed pretzels, and my own cupcakes (which reportedly taste like a Snickers, although they contain not a whit of that candy bar).

Just sayin'.

I'm already nervous about trying to get people to come to this since I'm not up in Logan anymore. But that's what Facebook is for!!! A mass invitation two and a half weeks in advance! YAY!

Look what HAPPENED to me. It's a Birth Month miracle!!!

But first on my activity list for Birth Month is dinner with a friend tonight. A gypsy photo shoot tomorrow. Then a 10-mile race on Saturday. Maybe I will make a t-shirt that blares "BIRTH MONTH" to everybody. Just so no one is confused.

What else should happen at my birthday shindig?

How should I decorate?

What should we do?

Games and Midnight Hunger

First of all, I just wanted to say that one of my roommates is just terrible with boys. I don't think she reads this, but if she does, I apologize. But seriously, just awful. It's so awful, it's awkward. So awkward, it's funny. And I feel awful saying that, but groupies, if you thought I was rainbows and sunshine and niceness all the time, well, I hope that lately I have been educating you on the fact that I. am. not. But I am not mean. I'm observational.

Then again, I'm only awesome with boys to the point of being really good friends. I can't get them to date me. So what do I know? (I think I am too smart, too nice, and too Asian to date. And I'm serious about those reasons. Boys around here like dumb girls, who are kind of legitimately mean, with long blonde hair.)

Second of all, I can't stop munching on Shredded Wheat and thinking about what snacks I want to sneak into the theater tonight. Because I don't know about you, but I'm getting my Hunger Games on tonight. I just read the trilogy a few weeks ago (you know, my aversion to reading), and I'm very excited. Plus, it's been a long time since I went to a midnight movie and those are just so fun.

So tell me,

What's your favorite snack to sneak into the theater?

Roomie Reunion

This weekend, the Original Six of us (minus one) got together for the first time in almost a year. I would post pictures, but we forgot to take any because we partied like there was no end to Spring Break.  And by party, I mean we sedately talked and played Ticket to Ride and Pinochle. While drinking diet soda and eating junk like diet soda and Panda Express.

It was quite possibly the most junk food I've eaten since Christmas (and it wasn't even that much!) and I felt miserable. Which probably didn't help me when I ran the Leprechaun Lope on Saturday.

Click here to read all about the race and the really embarrassing thing that I thought I did but didn't actually end up doing.

But it was such a fun weekend, and I went to one of their baby showers, and found out a different roommate is pregnant, and two roommates are going to Europe this summer, and one is moving to Michigan, and the other possibly to Kansas....

And I'm a waitress. At a really stupid restaurant. Who doesn't know what to do with her life. Stuck in stupid Happy Valley. Who stupidly ate three and a half brownies for breakfast.

Sometimes, I'm overwhelmed with how underwhelming my existence is.

I like happy orange juice...

It's easier to drink if it's smiling at you.

(Which is why this is the only kind I buy.)

I made out with one of the cooks

in my dream last night.

Is it because I hate no-shave November? Because he had some scruff. But that's the least of the problems with this dream.

First, I've never made out with anyone. How do I know I was doing it right? More importantly, am I even cute enough to be worth making out with? (Yeesh, how many prepositions did I just dangle?)

Second. He was no cook I've ever seen at work. I know this because he was good-lookin'.

Third. If he was a cook, then why didn't he bring me a takeout box?!!!

Last night was Military Appreciation Day at Golden Corral.

I was eating before my shift, before all the veterans and soldiers came in with their families to enjoy a meal on the house (just the veterans and the soldiers--cos we don't care if the families eat or not--jokes!), and I noticed that the orange chicken was pleasantly non-spicy, unlike before, when it was so encrusted with crushed red pepper that it was almost impossible to swallow.

I pointed this out to my manager, saying, "Can I just say this is so much better than it used to be?"

And he said, "Of course you can say that, it's a free country!"

I exclaimed loudly, "It IS. All of these people have fought for my right to say that the pseudo Chinese orange chicken is now palatable! I APPRECIATE them."

Aren't I just so patriotic? :)

Don't judge me

When I logged into my Blogger Dashboard this morning, Google told me, "It looks like your blog is popular and many popular blogs make money with AdSense. Try it now!'

And I think I will. I'm gonna try selling out for a little while!  Like I said, don't judge me.

I've been stretching a pan of brownies over the last WEEK because I can't afford to buy groceries. And you guys don't even know, I'm soooo hungry. And I'm getting fat because the only thing I have to eat in the cupboard is sugar.

If it doesn't work and is, like totally lame, I shall take them down immediately. If it means I get to buy some fruit and vegetables, well, righteous! (Because I refuse to steal food and then get locked up for nineteen years.)

It's very reassuring when

you wake up one day and realize that if you ever have a family, they won't starve.

Guys, I'm not such a bad cook after all!! I made a creamed potatoes and peas/cheesy broccoli soup.

FROM SCRATCH. 

All of it.

I did not use a recipe. 

And it was delicious.

And it still is delicious two days later, 

because I am still eating it. Help!

Why it's good to be my roommate on a Sunday morning...

I'd totally be jealous of Kate if I were you.

Cake Wrecks

Have you seen this website?

If you haven't, you must. Right now.

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com

Kate showed me THIS POST and we died laughing. You will too. Promise. It's "a tale...of where you came from."

More Gifts...

Yesterday's first gift:

Somebody text me. Right now. Get me out of this house.

Buzzzzz. Buzzzzz. Ding.

"Wanna come get chicken wings with us? They are cheap and delicious." Such friends. Always looking out for my welfare and my taste buds.

Thanks Jake, Alex, and Matt. You introduced me to the wonderful world of wings. I never ate them before. I'm sorry I made you wait because I was eating the last of my measly ten buffalo wings seven minutes after you each downed "Ten buffalo, five fiery."

Second gift of the day:

I couldn't find matching red ones. Sue me.

Um...Where's the Coke?

aka Reason Ten Gazillion, Three Bazillion, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine Point Seven Seven

why I love--nay, adore--Utah State University:

The French Fry Sculpture

March 8, 2010

March 1, 2011

Happy birthday yesterday in London, Mikey,

and happy birthday today, Clark!!

When Confronted with a Supper...

of cheesy broccoli soup, seven-layer bean dip, and cream-cheese swirled pumpkin bread, don't be alarmed by the oddly mismatched items...

Instead...

"Think of this meal as an interracial marriage: You wouldn't expect it at first, and sometimes people look upon the union with suspicion and disapproval, but... then it all comes together and makes beautiful babies."

This wholly spontaneous, no offense intended, totally original Chessie quote is brought to you by a weekend of watching Tangled, The King's Speech, and reading Cormac McCarthy's The Road.

Please show your support for 

Chester the Best-er 

by leaving your most wittiest (deliberate double superlative) comment

on this,

the 400th post!!!

Boys Are Not Impressed...

when you eat four pieces of pizza. Even when four pieces of pizza is HALF a pizza.

HALF of a Papa John's LARGE SUPREME pizza.

Apparently, you're still a wimp.

What's a girl gotta do to get some respect around here??

Things I've Eaten...

Because I read about it in a children's book:

1. A tomato and mayonnaise sandwich (Harriet the Spy) -- Delicious! You need salt and pepper and a little mustard for sure, though. 
2. Creamed potatoes and peas (Understood Betsy) -- Om nom nom!
3. Orange juice and Coke (The Boxcar Children Series) -- Meh...
4. Popcorn and milk (Farmer Boy) -- Two of my favorite foods... what's not to love?!

I can't remember any more at the moment, but...

What crazy/funny things have you eaten or done 

because you read about it in a book?

Dear Kristen Warner,

I realize you are in Ukraine right now, pretty much why we are not roommates this year. But I feel as though we are roommates, because you are taking really good care of me at the moment. You are probably so confused right now. That's okay.

But if it weren't for you, I'd be really hungry at the moment. See, my favorite peanut butter is Adam's natural creamy PB, and I ate an entire jar in the first two and half weeks of school. Can't help it. Crackers, celery, apples... they all need it, and I need them. So what was I supposed to do when the PB ran out, and I didn't have time to go to the store?

You saved me! You went to Ukraine and forgot all about the fact that you left a jar of Adam's PB in the refrigerator. How fortuitous! I'm guessing you won't mind that I've already voraciously helped myself to it.
You're awesome. I owe you one. A jar of PB if you want. Just say the word.

Chess

I Feel Special!

Rickers totally gave me a shout-out on Bittersweet yesterday!! Read his latest post here.

I feel like such a ROCKSTAR.

Because I've unfailingly stalked that blog since December.

I think.

A loooong time.

PS. Those of you who live in Utah, the place that makes the pie/cake shakes is called Sammy's. It's in Provo (27 North 100 West), and it is sooo delish. But I get inordinately angry and annoyed when I go there, because 98% of the patrons wear BYU t-shirts. Haha.

Things I Think About...

1. When lightning storms hit

2. When I'd rather be sleeping

3. ______________ 

[that means you can fill it in]

• I'd rather be sleeping.
• Lightning is sooooooo cool!!
• Does this mean I can't run today? Because I need to. I didn't yesterday.
• How does one lose the few pounds she gained back after she lost 15 this summer? 
• Especially when her employee discount allows her to eat as much coconut shrimp and pina colada dipping sauce as she wants?
• Also, homemade bread toasted and spread with chunky PB is kind of the best thing ever.
• I'm supposed to post today about something I cooked. I'll tell you right now, it ain't gonna happen. Because I have gained a few pounds back, and it is just TOO HOT right now. TOO HOT, I tell you, and my house is miserable because of it. No way, no how, am I baking something.
• Wait, you say, you can make something doesn't involve baking! Yes, but I really only like baking. 
• It's nice to know that my friend also got mistaken for a student when she worked at the junior high here in O-Town. I got to swap stories about how we never get past the age of puberty when people guess how old we are.
• Then again, I do stupid things like wear my hair in pigtails sometimes. But I have short hair and I'm trying to grow it out.... Sometimes, there is no other choice!!! 
• It's raining. And thundering. And lightning-ngg. 
• I don't think I'll run for the next little while.
• I'll keep blogging.
• But really. How does one get rid of these pounds?  
• Must stop eating stupid junk at work. Am not a boy. Cannot metabolize desserts. Obviously, cannot metabolize anything.
• Note to Self: Tell Daisy, Rigo, and Patricia in the Bakery not to let me near their domain.
• I really like playing Ultimate Frisbee. I wish I were good at Ultimate Frisbee. I wish I were good at any sport. I'm taking an Ultimate Frisbee class this fall.
• I told Elle Solace on Monday that I would blog yesterday about how I learned to run. I didn't. I forgot. I'm sorry. I will. Soon.
• Mosquitoes. Booooo.
• I have purple glasses. I look like such a nerd when I wear them. Especially with pigtails. Like I am now. Awesome.
• I really want to run. Yet, I don't at the same time. Why is that?
• I always tell my friends to "dream of handsome men" when we log off Facebook to go to sleep. They always return the sentiment. How come I never do? 
• I mean, I do when nobody tells me. Night before last's random dream man had eyes of icy blue-green goodness (ahem, Erica!). But last night? Nada. Lame.
• My room is messy.
• It's 6:30 in the morning. I've been awake since 5. Gross.
• I'm taking a nap.
• I want more toast.
• NO!!!