1 year

It's been a year. 2:23 pm September 29, 2007 I pulled into my parents' driveway.

Weekend trip

Visiting my old stomping grounds. Be back Sunday.

Happy weekend everyone!

Fess up

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Spending in the City

Since moving into the city I have taken on more expenses than I had previously. I'm finding less and less left in the tin once the month is over. So, I'm having to rehaul my spending habit. First off, I hate the word budget. I have yet to come up with a better word though. Regardless, I'm not going to 'budget'. My feeling is use your money to live the life you want. Put your resources towards those activities that are most important to you and give you the most satisfaction. Resources meaning time and money and emotion and energy.

Living in the part of the city that is within walking distance of my office is extremely important to me. It is more expensive than the other areas but being able to come home for lunch has increased my quality of life immensely.

I gave up the writing classes. I had to decide between the trainer and my writing workshop. I can write almost anywhere and will do it without hesitation - like this blog. Working out is another matter altogether. If I don't have the trainer, I will not work out. Cardio yes, but weights no. I have noticed changes in my posture, my demeanor and just generally how I carry myself in the last three months. I attribute that in great part to the training. It is an investment in me and one that makes me feel fantastic. Hence, I chose the trainer.

I'm a homebody. I love entertaining and having people over. I hope to do more dinners at the house as an alternative to going out. It's cheaper, healthier, and creates a deeper community, I feel. Going out is certainly warranted at times, and needed, but I've noticed that I've been doing it a bit too much as of late.

Savings I won't touch. As tempted as I am to stop putting money away, especially right now, I know that right now is exactly the time I should be saving my money. The markets will turn around eventually. It's a good time to pick up quality securities at a deeply discounted price.

That's the nuts and bolts of me spending in the city. I could write a bunch more as finance is one of the things I love in addition to food and fashion. Hmm...sounds like a great concept for another blog.

I don't understand why people are mean

That's it. That's the entire post. I don't understand it so there's not much to expand on. I've mulled it over in my head. I've turned it around a few times and I got nothin'.

I understand that people have bad days. I understand that people say things they don't mean. I even get when someone does something to hurt a loved one more than once. But apologies follow. And flowers and chocolates and whatever else works. And one assumes that the mistake wasn't all that bad. I don't mean to preach because I'm not perfect. I've said things, done things (repeatedly) that has hurt those around me. And I apologized. Profusely. In some instances it worked. In others it didn't. I've made my mistakes and learnt from them.

But to intentionally and repeatedly hurt someone. I don't get that. Isn't there much more you could spend your time doing that has good karmic value and contributes to society's well being in some way, or your own for that matter, than purposely trying to hurt someone?

Day off

Took the day off today. It was scheduled for some time but I had pretty much forgotten about it until late last week. The thought of having a day off of work is pretty much what got me through the weekend. That and eating lots of good food with great friends. Friday night I went home to see the fam and ate until I could eat no more. Saturday I took dear friends out for dinner to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary. And they surprised me with a gift too. I can't wait!!! Sunday I had my pool party and it was awesome. No one actually went in the pool but we did eat and drink a lot. After a good 5 hours we split to go have dinner at a Thai restaurant. Then it was off to watch the Cowboys win. At least the Skins won this past weekend too.

Monday was the usual day at the office and then today. Aaaaah Tuesday. I woke up late. Made lunch for a friend. We gossiped over okra, rice and lentils. I then went to see my trainer. Skipped out on writing class (I know - bad). But got to have dinner with my bestie. So it worked out in the end.

Now I'm munching on cornbread and tea and prepping for bed. Sigh.

It's been a day

Actually it's been a week...but today was the icing on the cake. Today I had to relive a few moments that I thought I was past but no...back to it. I'm good though...I have my family and friends that have rallied behind me. I'm not alone. And of course, I have my faith.

Odd (wo)man out

Deep down I am that girl...the one who blazes the guy's phone, slightly needy and geeky. But I've learned restraint and so am not actively that girl. In the privacy of my apartment and in the confidence of my friends though, I am definitely that girl.

I'm rambling yet again...point is that lately the conversation in my circle of friends, irrespective of age and gender, has turned to marriage and babies. Not ours...because we are all single...but those that are in our lives. My friends are getting married, and having babies, and some are celebrating anniversaries of their wedding day and some have babies that are celebrating birthdays.

I'm perfectly content being single especially given where I was almost a year ago (it's been a year!). There are definitely those moments though where even I can't help but get all romantical.

Confession

I didn't sign up for the exam in December. Monday was the deadline. I had an absolute sh!t day in the office - crying in the bathroom and all - and I realized that I had a long fourth quarter ahead of me and would need all my sanity to do battle at work.

Also, I have a tendency to take on a lot at once. I do this because 1) it prevents me from wallowing, 2) it prevents me from actually working through a problem and 3) it makes me feel as though I am in fact OK when in actuality I am not. So basically, I never actually fix anything. I just take on a lot and create more issues that cover the issues that already exist and need addressing that I don't want to address. Follow? Healthy. I know.

This time around I took a step back and thought long and hard about why I feel this need to continually put myself through misery for this exam. Don't get me wrong - it is something I want and will get.

But right now, there are more important things that I need to tend to - like me.

Bhindi recipe

Last night I was craving bhindi (okra). It is one of my comfort foods. I love it so. After my writing class I swung by Trader Joe's and picked up a few things to jazz up my bhindi. I decided I wanted to make it south indian style - with some yogurt. Instead of getting the regular plain stuff I chose the nonfat greek yogurt. Good choice! It turned out beautifully. Highly recommended.

And here is how it went...

You will need:

1 lb packet frozen cut okra
1 15 oz container of Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt
2 plum tomatoes (At the least 2. Add more if you love the tomato) - halved and then quartered
1 white onion - halved and then quartered
1 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric
Red chili to taste
Salt to taste
1 tbsp garam masala

Heat up oil in nonstick pan. Be sure to coat bottom of pan. Add fennel seeds as oil heats up. Once oil is nice and hot, pour entire packet of okra into pan. It might sputter because the water is mixing with the oil so be sure to have a lid handy. Saute okra on high for about 10 minutes. Add onions and tomatoes and all spices. Continue to saute on high heat until onions and tomatoes have cooked down a bit. Make sure not to fuss with the okra too much - meaning don't turn it a lot with your spatula or whatever you are using. Okra is gooey and the more you fuss with it the gooier it gets. After approximately ten minutes add the entire packet of yogurt. Thoroughly mix it in with the okra, onion, and tomato. Bring to boil and then lower to simmer. Let simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until it has reduced to where most of the water has cooked away.

Enjoy!

I didn't have curry leaves. If you have them, add to the pan at the same time as the fennel seeds. Yum!

Bollywood in my city

Believe it!

A few weeks back my sisters alerted me to a movie shooting going on in the middle of the city. They were driving home with my parents and the road they normally take was blocked. I walked down to catch a glimpse of some stars - Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Christiane Bale, oh my! - and to my surprise who do I see??? Indians!

Bollywood had discovered my fair city. Brilliant! They were shooting an action shot so no fancy dance moves to check out. The hero was Mukesh's grandson - I have no idea what his name is. Suffice it to say, he's not Abhishek. Swoon.

And then, a few days later I was walking back home during lunch and passed a fancy hotel and who was hanging out outside under the canopy??? More Indians! This time I recognized the actor - Irrfan Khan. He's tall! And looks exactly like he appears on screen. I totally should have gotten his autograph.

Looking forward to figuring out which movie they were shooting...

Never judge a book - or bottle - by its cover

Picked up a bottle of Malbec on the way home today to celebrate yet another fantastic day on Wall Street (sarcasm!) and realized when I got home that it was a screw top. Classy. I have to admit, though, not too bad. Budini 2007 Malbec. Product of Argentina. $8.99. Good thing it's cheap because my portfolio ain't worth squat right now.

Not great to start the night with but I would end the night with this one...

Mr. and Mrs.

I'm back from the wedding weekend. I witnessed a dear friend get married, took a walk down memory lane and danced the night away. I had a blast!

Khichdi

I heart Khichdi. For so many reasons. The lazy part of me loves it because instead of making two separate dishes of rice and lentils, I just combine it in one pot and enjoy! The comfort seeker in me loves it because every bite warms me up and reminds of my home and family. The minimalist in me loves it because it is a simple dish but holds its own. And you can always jazz it up by adding extra veggies into it or by combining it with various sides like Chokha (Indian mashed potatoes) and various types of chutneys.

In my family, tradition dictates that every Saturday this is the dish that is made. Making this dish on Saturdays, according to legend/folklore/stories passed down, brings good luck. I’ll take that.

The steps for this are very similar to the steps outlined for making rice.

You will need:
Rice
Lentils
Turmeric
Salt

Optional:
Cardamom pods

In the cooking pot, combine one cup of rice and one cup of lentils. I like mine more lentil-y so I add another third cup of lentils. Rinse in cold water 3 to 4 times and slowly add water. This dish is very forgiving so if you go under or over with the water it’s not a problem. As with the pot of rice, the water, as measured from the top of the rice and lentil mixture, should reach halfway up your pointer finger. If it’s a bit less you can add as the dish cooks away. If it’s a bit more, the dish will be a little soupier – if you like that, great. If not, pour some of the water out.

Place pot on stove on high heat uncovered. Add no more than three cardamom pods for the 1 cup rice/1 cup lentil mixture. Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cover loosely. Let cook until rice and lentils are soft. Add more water as needed/desired. Add more salt as desired.

Now I’m obligated to tell you this because if I don’t, it could be bad. Once the Khichdi is done, you have to add “chaunk” to it. I have no idea how to spell it. But I know how to cook it and it goes like this:

In a small pot, heat up 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add half of an onion, chopped. Add one clove garlic, sliced. Add 2 dry red chilis. Fry it up until the onions and garlic reach a caramely brown. If you do it over high heat it will burn so be very careful the heat isn’t too much. You can add fennel seeds to this too if you like. I do without. I find the taste is cleaner that way. Otherwise it’s too many people at the party competing for your attention. Well, that could be a good thing. But not in the case of Khichdi. When the chaunk is ready, mix it into the Khichdi and voila! Yumminess.

Why am I obligated to tell you? According to legend/folklore/stories passed down, if you don’t add chaunk it’s bad luck. Folks, I don’t make this stuff up. This is serious business.

Khichdi is a very popular dish throughout India. The most notable difference amongst the different regions will be in the consistency. My preference is for it to be more porridge like. In some parts it’s dry. And in other parts it’s the consistency of soup. Growing up my mother would ad cauliflower, carrots, peas and potatoes to it.

Make it your own!

The Perfect Rice

Recipe for The Perfect Rice

Recipe is perhaps not the best word because all you need is rice and water. Technique is the right word for this, I think.

So the Technique for The Perfect Rice is as follows:

The standard protocol is a 2 to 1 ratio of water to rice. In my family, as you can imagine, we don’t mess with measuring cups except when baking.

Measure out rice in the cooking pot and rinse 3 to 4 times in cold water. This step is probably only needed for Basmati but I tend to do it regardless. And you could very well rinse the rice in a separate dish and then place in a cooking pot. I’m lazy so the least amount of work (and dirty dishes) required, the better.

Once rice is nice and clean and resting comfortably in the cooking pot, slowly pour water in until the level of the water, as measured from the top of the rice, reaches halfway up your pointer finger. I told you – no measuring cups. If you like your rice a little stickier (I do!), pour in a bit more water.

Place on high heat uncovered until pot starts to boil. Lower the heat to simmer and cover loosely.

Rice should be ready in 20 minutes. Keep checking otherwise the water will dry up and your rice will burn.

If you want to get super fancy with your rice here are a few tricks:

*Add frozen peas or frozen mixed veggies after you add the water. Place on high heat uncovered and follow same instructions as above.
*For 1 cup of rice add no more than 3 cardamom pods (otherwise it becomes too strong) after you add the water. Place on high heat uncovered and follow same instructions as above.

*Golden raisins are quite yummy in combination with the cardamom pods. Pop a few in along with the water and follow same instructions as above.

Enjoy!

Indian Auntie in the making

I have a tendency to overcook. Maybe it’s the Indian Auntie in me trying to get out. It doesn’t happen with other cuisines – just Indian food – and it’s because with Indian food I don’t follow a recipe. I throw in whatever my mom stocked my pantry with.

The other day I made Rajma and Chawal (Indian version of rice and beans). It was way too much. I ate it for three days straight. I love Rajma and Chawal but not that much.

Also it’s hard to cook for just one person. I just made Khichdi (rice and lentils cooked together as opposed to separately). I only cooked one cup of rice and one cup of daal. I will be eating it all week. I have no one to share it with. I love cooking and do have a tendency to go overboard.

I must plan some more parties.

29 and 2 months

I didn’t do anything to celebrate my 29 and 2 month birthday. I didn’t even realize the day had passed until I was driving back home from my friend’s pre-wedding festivities on Sunday. September has been an exciting month though. Lots of big changes have happened thus far so maybe I can cheat a bit and say that I’ve been celebrating a little bit each day. When you add it all up, it’s like one big celebration. Ok, let’s go with that.

I decided to take a big step in my career. I have always wanted something of my own and this month I made a serious commitment to make that happen. Once I finalize all the details I will share!

A piece of my heart is getting married this month. I cannot wait for the wedding! The festivities, as mentioned above, started this past Sunday. I had a fantastic time. I saw old friends, had great food, and experienced being in a “shaadi ka ghar” (the house where the wedding is taking place). All the family comes together, everyone pitches in and there are lots of things going on at the same time. It’s magical. Really.

The Hills is back on the air. Yes, we need to take a moment to mention that The Hills is back on the air. Don’t hate.

My sofa arrived! I have a place to sit in my living room as opposed to flopping on the floor. It’s beautiful. Just what I was looking for. Now if I could only decide on a bed.

I am the proud owner of a beautiful juicer. This means nothing to you – I know. For me, however, it is the beginning of crazy amounts of fun and I cannot wait to get started. O and I have already planned out a juice party. Yes, we’re major geeks like that which is why we are madly in love.

My first party at the new place has been planned. There have been many impromptu ones but this is the first planned one. It’s a big deal. And…it’s going to be a pool party! I’m attempting to stretch out summer a bit longer. The party is scheduled for later in September. I am worried that it may be too cool for the pool. We will have drinks to warm us up, though. And juice! ;)

Not bad for being just 9 days into September.

Mmmm...Food

Nimbu Pani (limeade) and cucumbers never tasted so good. That's the traditional way to break the fast for Teej. Deliciousness. I also added brownies and apple cinnamon oatmeal. Great breakfast.

Teej

Today is Teej.

It’s a Bihari thing. Married women fast all day long for the health and well being of their husbands. Now by fast I mean no food and no water. The entire day. So from the time you go to sleep until you break your fast at sunrise the day after – almost 36 hours. AND while you are fasting you are cooking and baking sweets that you will break your fast with.

You thought the women would be resting comfortably while they fasted all day? Pssshhhaaaah!

I bet a man thought this up. That was super snarky. But seriously, who’s fasting for the women?

I will be fasting today even though I’m not married. For my Mommy. (Love you Mommy!)

I filled up on tons of food and way too many brownies yesterday. And I will not be working out today. (Don’t tell my trainer).

I'm back - for real this time

I wish I had a fantastic story to share with you for why I have been absent for nearly two weeks. Visiting the Motherland, swimming with sharks, hiking up the Himalayas. Unfortunately I got nothin’. Life just caught up with me and I needed to step back from a few things, like this blog. And I missed it so! I drafted posts in my head as I sat in meetings, while I walked between the office and home, during my showers. Pretty much every single moment I had I was thinking of posts for this blog. I have some chicken scratch on a piece of paper – bits and pieces of ideas that need to be fleshed out.

I’ll give you a teaser:

Coffee – I haven’t had it in nearly three weeks. About the time that I’ve been in my new place. I haven’t increased my intake of tea either. If anything that has come down considerably too. And I have to tell you, I have never had so much energy ever. I am a little worried that coffee is to me what alcohol was to Fun Bobby on Friends. I feel I’m just no fun without it. Coffee that is. I’m definitely fun with alcohol. On the flip side, I have been getting a lot done to the extent that I’m a little weirded out…like I’ll be walking down the street and just fall over because my body quits on me. Thus far we’re good. No falling over. At least not while I’m sober. ;)

Apt – Feels like home. Finally. I’ve been cooking up a storm and slowly the apt is filling up with furniture, books, magazines, odds and ends and lots and lots of laughter and memories.

My city – Feels like home. It’s been long overdue but there you have it. I was the biggest hater. All of you know how big of a hater I was. I still don’t know whether I will stay here forever but I will most certainly come back. Always. And when people ask where I’m from, it’s this city that I will refer to. This place holds a very special place in my heart as it’s given me a great deal. I even have a theme song! Switchfoot – This is Home. (Thanks G & B!) I’m super corny. We know this…let’s move on.

The Universe – A dear friend of mine always talks about The Universe. Send messages out to The Universe and be open enough to pick up on the messages The Universe sends back. The Universe has been sending some pretty strong and clear messages regarding the Career/Work aspect of my life.

Philanthropy – I don’t want to wait until I have boatloads of cash to start. I want to do it now. And I have a few solid ideas that I’m excited to get started on. Anyone interested is more than welcome to jump on board.

Second chances – You get them.