A Rule to Live By

When your husband cooks for you,
you cannot complain how it is done.

You simply have to embrace it.

Bringing Provo to NYC

New York city has a lot of great food. However, out of ALL the amazing restaurants we have yet to find anything that compares to Cafe Rio's Pork Salad. When we lived in Utah this was a weekly meal—one that we deeply miss.

During the summer my sister, Kim, gave us the recipe to this salad we miss so much. All week Pat has been wanting to make it. To be honest, it seemed like a lot of work and I as a bit skeptical if it would actually taste like the real deal. So on Sunday Pat went to work, while I relaxed.

Let me tell you...the salad tasted exactly like Cafe Rio's! We had the recipe for everything: the pork, the rice, and even their famous house dressing! The recipe made so much that we have been eating every night and still have tons left.

Even though I really wasn't on board I am so glad that I have a chef for a husband.

For those fellow Cafe Rio lovers, here is their "secret" recipe:

Sweet Pork

Pork Roast-6-7 lbs

1 (16 oz) bottle of salsa

1 can coke (it can be decaf)

2 c. brown sugar

Place prk in crock-pot and fill it half way up with water. Cook roast on high for 5 hours. Drain out water. Cut pork in thrids. Mix together ingredients (salsa, coke, brown sugar) and put on top of pork. Cook an additional 3 hours on high. Shred pork with forks. Leave it on low until ready to serve.

Cilantro Lime Rice

2 Tbsp. oil

4 c. long grain rice (6 c. water)

1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped

juice of 2 limes

2 tsp crushed garlic

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add rice, cilantro, and garlic. saute 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water adn lime juice and bring to boil. Then reduce heate and seimmer until all the liquid is absorbed by the rice (about 20 minutes). Your can also use a rice cooker if you have one.

Tomatillo Ranch Dressing

1 Packet hidden valley ranch buttermilk dressing (can sub dressing mix, milk, and cream for regular size bottle of ranch)

1 c. buttermilk

1 c. mayo or sour cream

2-3 tomatillas (peel off outer leaf/shell)

1 tsp crushed garlic

3/4 bunch fresh cilantro

1 tsp cayenne pepper

juice from 1 lime (about 2 tsp)

salt & pepper

Blend all ingredients in the blender. Refrigerate.

United Nations General Assembly

Last week was the UN General Assembly. All week it was total chaos in the streets of NYC as Diplomats cruised around the streets in their black SUVs causing major traffic jams as they were exempt from all traffic laws.

Since my work was located across the street from the hotel where all the diplomats were staying, it made getting to and from work quite and adventure. Tons of streets and sidewalks were blocked off, causing the "common people" to be stuck in traffic, taking hours only to move a few blocks.

Dozens of protests lined the streets throughout the week educating all those that walked by of the injustices in the world. One day on my lunch break I took a few pictures of a "Free Tibet" gathering.

Working Men

Nate and Pat are ad partners. Meaning: Nate is the Art Director and Pat is the Copy Writer.
They do everything together, including construction work.

A Salt & Battery Kind of Night

(All pictures brought to you by Joanna)

(Joanna and Angie)

On Saturday, September 18th, the Galbraiths, Hardings, Nate Wigglesworth, and us ventured downtown to "A Salt & Battery-fish and chips" restaurant. If you are into a greasy British meal this is where it is at.


I am not sure how big of a fan I am for this place. I really like sitting down at a table, IN a restaurant and eating my meal. However, due to the restaurants size we ended up eating our basket of fish and chips on the sidewalk-yuck.


After dinner some of us got dessert at Grom Gelato. Although expensive for a little cup of gelato, it was SO worth it. I got the mint & milk and was in love at first taste test.

As the evening grew more chilly we ate our delicious dessert in a near by park.

We entertained ourselves by feeding all the mice, hiding in the bushes, cookies crumbs. As we did so we thought "ONLY in New York City."

Hooray for good food and good friends.

Remembering September 11th

Can you believe it has been 9 years since the "9/11" attack. I remember that day so clearly.

I was attending my first year at BYU-Idaho and sleeping in with my roommate Bree before our daily classes. Bree and I loved sleeping in, so when our other roommate Melissa came in to wake us up we were a little annoyed. Choking with emotion she said "Sorry to wake you but I just thought you should know terrorists have attacked the World Trade Center in New York City." She promptly left our room very upset.

"What is a Terrorist?" I thought to myself as I went back to sleep. A few minutes later Bree decided to go see what all the fuss was about. I felt bad, in my total ignorance of the situation, that I was not more alarmed so I got up shortly after.

I walked down the hall, to watch the news at a next door neighbors house, and was in total shock as I watched multiple planes fly into humongous buildings full of people. As I realized what was happening I could not control my tears as I thought about all the people in those buildings. I could not stop repeating the thought in my mind: "So many people. So many people."

That day was a solemn day as I thought about all those people who had died and were waiting to be found. I thought about all their families not knowing where they were or if they had escaped. I knew that day would change me and the world forever, but I still had no comprehension of the magnitude of the event.

It makes me laugh and it also make me sad to think about a day when I did not know what a terrorist was. How I long for a day when our country did not constantly worry about another attack and where the word "terrorist" was not a word used at the dinner table.

Although our country has been dramatically changed due to 9/11, for me the day is a horrible memory, not relived except a few times a year. However, on 9/11's 9th anniversary when Pat and I ventured down to the site where it all happened, it was heartbreaking to see all the people who had lost someone dear to them and how their everyday lives were a constant reminder of what that day took away from them.

It was also very disheartening to see all the contention that has come of that event. There was so much hatred on a day that should have been filled with love and remembrance. The streets were filled with protests, rallies, and those in mourning. Massive groups chanting anti-government rhymes marched down the allies and streets making a day that should have been a solemn occasion of remembering the lives that were cut short into a day of contention.

As I watched the news leading up to this day and as I observed the masses surrounding the site, I just kept thinking to myself "Can't we all just get along?"

A Real Person in the Real World

So I have been absent from the blogging world because I guess I have become a "real" person with a "real" job that does not allow me to check or update blogger!

On September 13th I started my new job as a receptionist at a Hedge Fund, and I LOVE it. It is so nice to actually leave my apartment and talk with people during the day. Oh the simple pleasures of life that you miss out on when you work from home. However, I have not given up on working from home completely. I had such a nice gig going that I did not want to give it up, so I am trying to hold on to my design job by working in the evenings for a few hours.

So the following posts will be updates on what has been going on the last few weeks.

Frido our "Dog"

So, I know I have talked a lot about how I want a dog so badly; however, ever since moving to the city Frido has taken on a whole new personality—one that is more dog-like than ferret-like.

It is strange because since moving here he has started begging for food, getting excited for night walks, and actually sitting on our laps enjoying being pet. These are all things that he has never done before.

However, this picture I took when Pat left for work one morning topped it all. Pat usually plays with Frido a lot more than I do, so he naturally loves Pat more. So it was really sad to see Frido waiting by the door, for a good 20 minutes, for Pat to come home.

Night Riders

I love our* Motorcycle. It makes getting to places in city that much easier and enjoyable. However, my favorite is riding around the city at night. At night there are less cars, more lights and I love the cool crisp air.

*Of course it really is Pat's baby

Mamoun's Falafel

Have you ever had a Falafel? If not, you gotta try it.

(blurry pic of Pat, Joanna and Johnny)

A falafel is a ball or patty made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans. Falafel has been generally accepted to first been made in Egypt but has become a dish eaten throughout the Middle East.

Before I moved to the city I had never tried Middle Eastern food, but since I have been here I have been so surprised how much I love it.


We heard about Mamoun's Falafel in the East Village from some native New Yorkers and on Monday we decided to give it a try. I was not disappointing as the delicious meal was only $5 and I couldn't even eat it all.


P.S. On the way to the Falafel place we saw this guy at Union Square, speaking his mind about Craigslist shutting down their adult services section. When I heard about this I thought "Thank goodness and it's about time!" However, I guess this man has a different opinion on the subject. And of course I am considerate enough to keep his identity anonymous.

Jones Beach

On Sunday Pat and I decided to take a motorcycle ride to Long Island and go to Jones Beach. The beach was great, but I wish we had brought our bathing suits so we could have really enjoyed the whole beach experience.

Totally dressed for the beach

It was pretty intense getting there on the motorcycle, but we cut our time in half by splitting lanes through all the NYC traffic.


Once we got to the beach we just enjoyed the sand in our toes, the sound of the waves, the fresh air, and the warmth of the sun. All the simple pleasures not found in city life all too often.


Pat has a hard time with the beach because he is a more active person. I think the problem is that he has only been to the beach with me and all I like to do is sunbathe. So, while I was relaxing Pat created a sand sculpture. I think he is pretty good.


For it being Labor Day weekend there weren't that many people at the beach, which as nice. It is sometime nice to get away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy nature.


I am so lucky to be married to my best friend. It is amazing how I can be with him 24/7 and still can't get enough of him. Pat always makes the dull exciting and the exciting spectacular. It was so much fun to spend the day with him remember again and again why I love him.

There is just something about a beach that just puts me at ease.

Chillin' with the Hardings

This weekend we were supposed to have some friends come into town but they canceled last minute. I was really sad because I love having visitors because it makes you go out and explore and enjoy this great city of ours. Since they didn't come I have been determined to have a fun weekend anyways.

On Friday, we went to La Esquina Corner Deli. I have heard a lot of great things about this taco joint in SOHO, so we had to go try it out. The tacos were good, but I actually prefer a taco restaurant a little closer to home or even the awesome taco cart across from Temple Square in Utah that I used to get on my mission during the summer.

Then after getting tacos, Pat and I met up with Klane and Angie at the Wafels & Dinges truck in the West Village. I have heard tons about this dessert truck but didn't really get how waffles could be a good dessert. Plus, I am not really a waffles fan. However, I have never been more wrong—the waffles were DELICIOUS! I can't wait to go again.


Then, as if the Harding's were not sick of us already, on Saturday morning we went to a movie, had lunch at the Shake Shack and then hung out next to the row boats in Central Park.

It was such a picturesque afternoon
with us just chillin' on the rocks.

We all hung out on the rocks over looking the row boats for a good hour or so. I so want to go back and enjoy a picnic. This Saturday could not have been better with good food, good weather, good activities, and GOOD COMPANY.

Our New 'Dos

So today when I was getting ready I just started cutting bangs. I don't know what brought it on, but I just went for it without giving it much thought.

After I was done I went to go show my friend, Joanna, who also works from home, my new hairdo on g-chat. We spend much of the day chatting online distracting each other from our work and our boring stay-at-home lives. After showing her my bangs, she said she had been thinking about getting bangs herself. I tried to convince her to do it herself right then and there, but she would not budge. However, 5 minutes after signing off I recieved a chat from her saying:

So, for better or for worse, Joanna and I have now entered into the hip world of bangs. It's fun to have a partner in crime.

Book Review: Mockingjay

**For those of you who have not started or finished this book, don't worry I don't spoil anything.

Synopsis
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

Review
It has been a year since I read the last Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and once I started reading this book I was so lost. I couldn't remember what happened in the last book for the life of me, so I went on Wikipedia to read up on it. haha. But even after that there was a lot I still could not remember, so my advice to you folks who have not started Mockingjay, is to reread the other books first. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had done that before.

I felt the book was a little slow at first. It didn't start getting good until about page 150, but after that so much happened in such a little time it was hard to keep track. I found myself having to reread a lot because so much would happen in a matter of sentences, that if I wasn't paying attention I would get lost. With that being said, it was a bit violet and gory. I kept thinking to myself "If they ever make this into a movie it will have to be rated 'R'."

I love books that keep you guessing and catch you off guard. This book did just that with almost every chapter.

But most importantly it ended just as I thought it should. It was a not a perfect ending but it was the necessary ending.


And for those of you who have not started reading the Hunger Games series, GO OUT AND GET IT!