Bon Appetit

For her birthday, my roommate Kelly received a cooking class at CulinAerie, a cooking school in downtown DC. After attending the class, Kelly wanted to return to the school, but this time as a volunteer. Kelly asked if I would be interested in joining her and I jumped at the opportunity.

The class that we volunteered for was called "Channeling your inner Julia Childs" and was centered around French cuisine. Our instructor, Susan Holt, was engaging and made cooking the traditional French cuisine easy!

As volunteers, Kelly and I arrived about an hour early to help prep the ingredients and cooking stations for the students. Once the class started we got to watch Susan's demonstration and then lend a hand to the students cooking; making sure they were following the steps to complete the meals and generously filling their wine glasses when empty (after all, cooking is more fun when you have a glass of wine handy).

The environment of the class was amazing. Everyone was having a fantastic time, including us volunteers. The class was about 3 hours long and included instruction and food and beverage. Once the class was over, it was our turn to enjoy the meal. Susan whipped up all three courses for us and then sat down to share dinner with us. I am looking forward to going back for both as a student and volunteer and would recommend that everyone else do the same!

http://www.culinaerie.com/

BREAKING NEWS

Olivia said "Sue" last night while I was talking to Victoria on the phone. She is definitely a babbling fool these days, but nothing sounded sweeter than when I heard her say this.

Pretty sure that concludes it, I am officially the favorite aunt....

I can't sit still...

Okay, that's a lie because I have been sitting still on this couch for the past 5 hours practically. If you're judging, you should be ashamed. It's Sunday, there's football on and I ate too much Wendy's earlier to be any ounce of productive.

However, on any other day besides (most) Sundays, you won't typically find me sitting still unless it's forced upon me. Jogging in place or doing a self choreographed dance routine in my cubicle isn't "work appropriate" I guess, or is it? The past couple of weekends have been no exception to this.

Last weekend, Steve and I ventured to Old Rag Mountain to do one of my favorite hikes. Anytime a hike includes a rock scramble in the description, you can sign me up. The hike is located just a little north of Luray, VA and is about 8 miles long. You may question your choice of choosing the hike while you are winding up the mountain, but once you get to the top, the views are worth it.

Pictures of our success below and a nice snapshot of "Angry Steve".

I Couuuuuld Eat

My day today has been consumed by food! And not just any food, some of my FAVORITE foods! I blame it on the gray skies and endless rain. Let me just give you the rundown (obviously in list form)...

1. The day started with toast with butter and apple butter...that's right, double butter please. To make this start a little sweeter, might I add that this toast was made with the one and only Wonder white bread.

2. Lunch was a cup of gumbo (which could have been better but it was from the work cafeteria and all the andouille sausage was picked out...lame) with a side of cornbread (yessssss)

3. Snack! Are you ready for it? Chicken Cordon Bleu Balls. Here's what I want you to do, say that out loud (chicken cordon bleu balls) and not giggle. We had a party at work where these little gems were served up. I found a recipe online for something similar, check it out and try them - http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/chicken-cordon-bleu-bites/Detail.aspx.

4. Dinner. My roommate Kelly has never had a french dip sandwich. WEIRD, I know. So I whipped up some when I got home from work and served them with a side of sweet potato fries. Check out the recipe and the end result on her blog. www.becausesissaidso.blogspot.com.

6. Now for tomorrow...I have a new flavor of Ben and Jerry's that Meg picked up at the store (Milk and Cookies)in the freezer that is dying for a taste, jelly bellies are on the counter, and last but most certainly not least...KOZY SHACK CINNAMON AND RAISIN RICE PUDDING!!! What can I say? I have the taste buds of a 80 year old and love it and when I walked past this pudding aisle it called out to me like an old friend.

Are you drooling yet? Happy snacking. Hopefully it's on comfort foods.

Bargains for the Bride

It's no secret around my house that I love helping everyone get ready before a night out on the town. There's nothing better than having four extra closets to pick from and mixing and matching everyone's wardrobe to come up with fun new outfits to wear. But, before comes the getting dressed part, comes the shopping and there's nothing better (if you ask me) than finding a great bargain.

A couple of months ago my roommate Kelly asked me if I would be interested in helping her friend Kim shop for an outfit for her engagement photos. She wanted to look beautiful (not a hard task for her) and did not want to walk out of the mall feeling like she had spent a fortune. Of course I jumped at this opportunity. A bargain shopping challenge? Yes please.

Kelly, Kim, and myself met at the mall one evening after work to find her the perfect top and accessories for her photos. She definitely wanted to be well under $100 for everything. She was pretty open to trying whatever we handed her way, but ended up with a Forever 21 one shoulder white top for around $20 and bangles and earrings from Express for around $40 total. She looked gorgeous in her photos along with a very handsome fiance, David.

I had such a great time getting to know Kim and wish her and David all the happiness!



**Photos by Brian Lusby (http://brianlusbyphotography.com/)**

And then there was one....

Okay lets be honest, the spring and summer really got the best of us gals and our boy. What can I say? We are overly stimulated by warm weather and sunshine and can simply not be bothered by anything that isn't related to it unless it is the reason we get a paycheck each month.

I will be honest, I thought this blog was on the outs again (replay of Winter 2006), but I have heard you seven dedicated fans and I promise to get motivated and stay there for your entertainment as long as you promise to stay loyal three girls and a boy readers (even if it just becomes "The Girl Formerly Known as Three and a Dude" blog).

Just to fill you guys in on what's been happening since March, in true Three Girls and a Boy fashion, here is a short list of my spring and summer (in no particular order...just a quick recap...okay?):

1. Olivia is even cuter than she was in March (and is walking)
2. We went to OBX where we drank and ate enough to kill TWO armies and had a WONDERFUL time
3. Everyone has new jobs except for myself and Mom (still working on the reality show which we know will be Mom's ultimate key to success)
4. I made my first trip to Chicago this summer and am positive that I have to go back to embrace more of its awesomeness
5. I moved into a new house where I am loving my new roommates (especially those that cook...and the others I guess...) and am missing my old roommates all at the same time
6. Weddings, weddings, and more weddings
7. Moving into fall here...but have only slightly given up on the Hokies at this point

Stay tuned for more to come...sooner than later! It feels good to be back! Until then, here's a few of my favorite pictures from the last few months...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I am currently on posting hiatus, or just any other day as Marie sees it, but here is a little St. Patrick's Day nugget to hold you over.

Is this what they serve in heaven?

To start Marie’s 31^st year off on the right foot, myself, Marie, and Brian made our way to the Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt in DC for brunch. Brunch being one of my favorite meals offered at restaurants on the weekend (you can choose breakfast, lunch, or combined dishes…what more could you ask for?), I was excited before we ever even arrived.

When we first sat down and got a glimpse of the menu, I was even more excited about what was in store for us. The menu consists of items from a baked cinnamon bun French toast to rock shrimp and scrambled eggs. However, the deliciousness doesn’t stop at the food. The drink menu had it’s own twist on your typical brunch hangover cures with items like the bloody maria, a bloody mary with a tequila base instead of vodka, and a pomegranate champagne cocktail.

After a much needed debate I ended up ordering an apple-ginger mojito and the seasonal quiche which was filled with mushrooms and Italian cheeses. We started the meal off with crabcakes which had little to no filler and mostly all delicious lumps of crab. Marie ordered the sourdough baked pancake with dry cherries while Brian opted for the short rib hash. There was nothing on the table that I would not take a trip back for, everything was amazing!

In honor Victoria, I have decided to make a list of the next five things that I want to try at Blue Duck Tavern:

1. Baked Cinnamon Bun French Toast
2. Scrambled Eggs with Rock Shrimp
3. Homemade croissants and jams
4. Croque Madame
5. Hand Cut BDT Triple Fries

Much thanks to Marie and Brian for including me in this brunch!

HAPPY 31ST!!!

Happy Birthday to the oldest of the three girls and boy, to the one and only Marie, Pea, Sweet Pea, Reeses Piece. I don't know where we would be if you weren't the one leading the way. I have had a blast tagging along on your journey from 30 to 31 and can't wait to get started on 31 to 32. Cheers to you!!

What You Need to Know! Week of 3/1/2010

First week of March.... Woop Woop! Spring is almost here. I would also like to wish Marie a Happy 31st Birthday which is Saturday. That clock is ticking Marie.... Char Char Char!

I'm sad to report that Olivia, the baby, did not win Regis and Kelly's Cutest Baby Contest. I know this ranks up there with the other mysteries of the world like Where Do We Go After We Die? and Why Can't Jennifer Aniston Find True Love? I mean, she actually IS the cutest baby in the world.

Here is the kid that won...if anyone cares.
http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/contests/beautifulbaby10/index.html

The Oscars are this weekend and I will spare everyone my long list of predictions since The Golden Globes were a complete catastrophe. However, I will talk about how excited I am that Steve Martin and the glorious Alec Baldwin are co-hosting the show. We are in for a real treat. Alec Baldwin is definitely one of my favorite people these days. He can do no wrong. 30 Rock... love it. SNL... love it. Panel judge on the Marriage Ref (new favorite show)... love it. I havent seen It's Complicated yet so I can't say for sure but I'm pretty sure I would... love it. I know that Alec has had his tabloid moments due to some unfortunate incidents in his personal life but I stand by him. I think Kim Basinger is jealous of his success and is trying to bring him down.

And for my ode to Alec, here are
5 Hilarious Jack Donaghy Exchanges:
Jack Donaghy: ...let me ask you a question, Kenneth. If Mr. Bright here told you to vote Republican, would you do it?
Kenneth Parcell: Oh, uh, no, sir. I don't vote Republican or Democrat. Choosing is a sin, so I always just write in the Lord's name!
Jack Donaghy: That's Republican. We count those.



Tracy Jordan: I'm gonna make you a mix tape. You like Phil Collins?
Jack: I have two ears and a heart, don't I?


Liz Lemon: Hey, you don't know the Post Master General, do you?
Jack: I do, but we had a falling out over the Jerry Garcia stamp. I mean, if I want to lick a hippie, I'll just return Joan Baez's phone calls.

Liz Lemon: Why are you wearing a tux?
Jack: It's after 6! What am I, a farmer?

Jack Donaghy: Good God Lemon, your breath... When did you find time to eat a diaper that you found on the beach?


"Tiger Woods Secretly Caught Golfing"
I just saw this Headline on People.com and thought it was amusing. You know considering he is a professional golfer.

What You Need to Know! Week of 2/22/2010

Right on schedule... I have to say the snow gods are finally looking out for me as this blizzard so kindly decided to miss us and head up North this go around. I've never been so happy to wake up and not see snow. If we can make it through March without anymore snow, I will be a happy lady.

So one of the stories on today's news cycle is the woman who was killed at Sea World after being dragged under water by a killer whale. While this is tragic, I dont understand why people still act surprised when wild animals attack after being put in domestic,controlled environments. Especially when the animal has the word "killer" in its name. The worst part is there have been reports from people that the whale seemed "agitated" in the day/hours before the attack. That should be a sign to back off for a while. Any woman can attest to that. One word for you... Crikey!

This weekend marks the end of 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver so I would like to take this opportunity to talk about how much I love the Olympics. They have so much to offer: the fierce competition, cinderella stories. You get to learn about the culture of the host city/country. There's something for everyone. So for my list of the week here are my 5 favorite winter olympic events:
5. Half Pipe
4. Hockey
3. Ski Jumping
2. Speed Skating
1. Cross Events- Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross

SNOW TESTED WILL POWER - My Physical Challenge Update

As you can see from Marie's post below, the Washington DC area got a little snow over the past couple weeks. A crippling 36 inches to be exact. I choose the word crippling here very carefully because that is exactly what snow does to my day to day routine, cripples it. For this reason I have compiled the short list that you will see below.

FIVE THINGS I HATE ABOUT SNOW

5. I have Raynaud's Phenomenon. I'm cold. Always. No snow necessary.

4. I can't drive in wet weather. It makes me slip and immediately vomit on myself following, literally.

3. The majority of people can't drive in wet weather. They scare me and make me want to vomit on them.

2. I like to watch the snow. This doesn't sound like a problem, however, the best place to watch it from my apartment is from the front windows which are conveniently located next to the kitchen/pantry/fridge. I am fatter than I was two weeks ago.

1. I can't drive (already mentioned), I can't run (that's just stupid), and I park my ass in the kitchen. Add these all up and you get limited race training, a hold on yoga, and increased eating. Again, I am fatter than I was two weeks ago.

Needless to say, the snow can be pretty and fun for the first day, but by day four of working from my apartment and a tiny lap top, it's enough to make anyone go crazy.

In addition to working from home, I also have had to alter my physical challenge. Yoga has been cut back to once a week because it is almost impossible to find parking in the city due to the mountains of snow randomly placed along the side streets and running has been limited to indoors only. I'm not a hamster. I don't like the treadmill so I would be lying if I said my runs were never cut short.

This morning was the first time I had the courage to step on a scale since the first flake of snow fell and it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Nothing has changed. Not really what I was hoping for four weeks into my challenge, but could be worse. Damn you window by the pantry. Damn you.

More to come...

What You Need to Know! Week of 2/15/2010

Sooooo I missed a week. Things have been a little crazy in this girl's life. Now that the snow is melting and work has calmed down, I'm starting to recognize my life again. A long overdue shout out to Erin, the boy's wife, for her 27th birthday which was Feb. 7th. Happy Birthday Erin!

Since I've had my head stuck in the ground for the last 2 weeks I dont really know what's going on in the world so here, as promised, are my favorite and least favorite commercials from the Super Bowl. (with links so you can watch)

Best 5
1. Volkswagen Punching Game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ3wgX2Oruo
2. E Trade Commercials (like them both)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbLTl7egwlU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYC23yL6KY8
3. Kia w/ the sock monkey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBh3r2mVFR8
4. Snickers w/ Betty White (She's so funny)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rauK4fBjkI
5. Google - this commercial (subject matter aside) was a glimpse into my work day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsSUqgkDwU

Worst 5
1. Boost Mobile- it wasnt funny, it wasnt original, it was miserable
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLCbh2hAdqE
2. Taco Bell feat. Charles Barkley- How do you make Taco Bell food seem more appealing? You dont ask Charles Barkley, who has recently put on 300 lbs, to sell it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfw4xDQdbWQ
3. All of the Go Daddy commercials- these have always been bad and always will be.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iRODW6Q40s
4. All of the Doritos commercials- this is out of spite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Nxz-qiA8UQ
5. All of the Bud Light commercials- Weak sauce. Expected more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3d12ekAi14

Other commercials worth mentioning,
-Tim Tebow's commercial- I dont know if it was edited after the uproar when the announcement about Tim Tebow doing an anti-abortion ad was made but this commercial was harmless and didnt really stand for anything.
-Letterman/Oprah/Leno commercial- It was funny the first time they did this a couple years ago with just Oprah and Dave, but now it doesnt really mean anything. Kinda fitting for Jay. Someone should have had gotten Conan to do a commercial. People could get into that. I should be in advertising.

I promise to have more exciting news to discuss next week.

Capitol Hill Snow Pics - Saturday

The Ball Sack Adjustment

I work in a very male-dominated, testerone and ego-filled environment. Some days I love it. Some days I want to jump out the window. Unfortunately ladies, most of these men are over the age of 45, slowly balding, with bad suits, and growing pot bellies.  But back to the subject at hand (literally). I have a question for the five people who read this blog.

What is up with men adjusting themselves in the middle of a conversation, meeting, or presentation?

A few of my male colleagues (and boss) do this constantly, and its all I can do to keep from slapping their hands away from their crotches.  It is never discreet, often while sitting (which makes it even more obvious because sometimes a hip or leg lift is also required), and often while I am sitting or standing directly across from said male. Isn't this inappropriate? Isn't this one of those things your mom or dad teach when you're a little boy?  Or something your wife nags about? Is there an appropriate response or mannerly advice regarding the public ball sack adjustment, or will the victims of such flagrant acts forever remain victims, scarred by the careless and barbarian acts of our males colleagues?

What You Need to Know! Week of 2/1/2010

I'll tell you what you need to know.... WINTER F'ING BLOWS!
Its the middle of the week. I havent been able to get into the office for a full day all week and don't think I will due to bad weather, babysitter's kids are sick, etc AND I'm having the busiest week I've had in about a year. So, its almost 9:00 (in the PM) and I'm sitting at my dining room table trying to get work done (but actually blogging and drinking a beer). I spent 2 hours this evening scouring the greater Richmond area for a pair of snow boots.... couldnt find any. Not to mention they are calling for even more bad weather this weekend. So on this Groundhog Day in the year 2010, I say SUCK IT, PHIL! AND SUCK IT HARD!
Tomorrow I will continue my search for winter boots and head to the grocery store to stock up on whatever is left on the shelves. (Just so you know, I'm not one of those people who buys 10 loaves of bread and 12 dozen eggs everytime there's a flurry. I haven't been to the store in 3 weeks and we ate the last piece of protein in the house for dinner tonight... and I'm going to need more beer)
If I didnt have a job, and could eat Chinese food and pizza every day, and didnt have a crazy dog that wants to go out every 5 minutes I wouldnt mind the bad weather so much. Unfortunately for me, that is not the case.
So that is all I know this week... sorry.
Marie, can't NOAA do something about this?

What You Need to Know! Week of 1/25/10

There is so much to talk about this week, I dont even know where to begin!

Let's start with some crazy... Octomom's little Octuplets (sp?) turned 1 year old on Tuesday. The kids are doing well (thank god) but Nadya Sulewhocares is unfortunately still their mother. Let's just make a little birthday wish for those little guys that their life isnt as horrible as we imagine it will be.

Speaking of crazy, John Travolta is traveling to Haiti to donate money, medical supplies and resources. He's taking his wife Kelly Preston along with a group of Scientologist healers. Hasnt Haiti suffered enough? I hate Scientologists, even more than the crazy Christian fundamentalists and could blog solely on that topic but seriously?! Those poor people dont need to be pressured into joining a cult. Give them food, medical attention and get the hell out, John. You psycho!

Speaking of Christian fundamentalists, I heard on the radio this morning that Tim Tebow will be doing an anti-abortion commercial during the Super Bowl. I dont know who is funding this effort and I will clearly have more to say about it after I see it, but really Tim. I don't think I need you telling me what to do with my body. Tim Tebow... anti-abortion... Super Bowl... it blows my mind! (Look for my list of my Top 5 Favorite Super Bowl commercials in a couple weeks)

Now for what we all really want to talk about... The Decline of the Brangelina!
I know that Brad and Angelina's split has yet to be confirmed, but if there is one thing I've learned from reading celebrity gossip for the last 20 years is that there is always at least a little nugget of truth in these stories. By March 1st it will all be out in the open- and I will put money on that. I actually used to like them as a couple but she got weird and he can do better. And if he's smart, he'll go crawling back to Jen begging for forgiveness. I look forward to all the scandalous stories and allegations that should accompany this breakup. Who's going to get the kids, why they split, is he going back with Jen, is she in love with a woman? This could keep me riveted until June.

Now for something fun. This was sent to me yesterday and is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. Enjoy! (I tried to embed the video but couldnt figure it out... sorry... just click the link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VFrmXB05yU

I'LL TAKE THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

This week marks the start of me living my every day life like I am a contestant on Double Dare, except I will never opt to answer the trivia question because I will be embarking each day on a physical challenge.

At the end of last year, after being inspired by roommate Amy and good friend Ashley, I decided I wanted to start training for a marathon. This aspiration came to an end during a nine mile run at 7:30 in the morning when my body was so numb, due to the 19 degree temperature outside, that it collapsed on the side of a major road. Basically I tripped, but was so damn exhausted and cold that rather than trying to regain control I just took the pavement to the face. What can I say? It seemed so much easier than tryin to catch myself. I only hope that my bleeding hips and severe embarrassment scored a few people a solid, "you'll never believe what I saw on my way to work," story.

The longest race I had run before starting this training was a 10K, yeah...you're right...a marathon was aggressive. This being said, I took a short break from running and discovered bikram yoga in the meantime, and as I have previous stated, I am now addicted to the practice. While the 90 minute work out sessions in the HOT room have made me feel amazing, I still can't move past the commitment I made to myself to run a more intense race this year. It is this very reason that I have decided to run a half marathon instead in April (probably a little more realistic). However, I can't give up on my new found love for Bikram, so this week I started my training for the half marathon with high hopes and big dreams of maintaining a minimum of two or three bikram sessions a week.

Now for some of you reading this, you are probably thinking that this sounds easy to accomplish. While I love the feeling of working out, I will opt for a nap any day and any hour of the week over dragging my ass miles down the road in the cold or sweating uncontrollably in a sauna-like room.

I plan on tracking my progress here on the blog. So get ready for all the complaining, hating my life, and most likely let down when my body doesn't transform into looking like Jennifer Aniston's or Megan Fox's. Oh and one rule for those four of you that actually read this thing, you're not allowed to judge me if and when I miss a run or two or am just too damn dehydrated to step into the HOT room.

Cheers and god speed.

So Much for that DVD Collection

Maybe you could call this post a late attempt to jump on the bandwagon, but I honestly would not feel right not posting my sincere sadness that Conan O'Brien will no longer be hosting the Tonight Show. While I can't say it is a frequent occurrence that I am able to stay awake for a full episode of the show, I can say that when I am able to, I have always laughed a hell of a lot harder and an octave higher with Conan as the host instead of Jay Leno.

Growing up we were lucky enough to own the Johnny Carson collector set of dvds. I used to watch them with the two girls and boy and laugh hysterically at Carson's Carnac the Magnificent bit and classic stand up routines by Steve Martin and others. Hilariousness such as this had not graced the presence of the tonight show since Carson's retirement until Conan O'Brien took over the time slot and introduced his puppet hip dance, fabulous hairstyle, and the bear frantically trying to find his cellphone in his fanny pack (aka masturbating bear) to 11:30pm.

I doubt that they will be creating a collector set of dvds from Conan's 7 month stint on the tonight show, but if they do you better believe it will become part of my collection.

What You Need to Know! Week of 1/18/10

I'm very sad to report that I don't have a future working for ESPN as an NFL analyst or at E! predicting award show winners. The Chargers really screwed me on Sunday losing to the Jets, destroying my Superbowl predictions. And out of the 14 Golden Globe categories for which I made predictions, I picked 4 correctly. Sunday was not my day. There is one thing that I am good at, along with the other 2 girls and boy, and that is judging people. So I have made my lists of the Top 5 Worst and Best Dressed from the Golden Globes.

Top 5 Worst Dressed (What kills me is I adore most of the women on this list... why cant they get it together?)

1- Julianne Moore - the seam down the front of the dress is puzzling
2- Julia Roberts - Not bad, just not occasion appropriate

3- Kristen Bell- those shoes don't work

4- Tina Fey- just bad

5- Zoe Saldana- ruffles gone wrong

Top 5 Best Dressed

1- Jane Krakowski

2- Kate Hudson

3- Olivia Wilde

4- Toni Collette

5- Courtney Cox

George Clooney's Hope for Haiti telethon will be on Friday night. Its on all the networks, CNN, MTV and VH1. I'll be watching and I'm sure I'll make a donation... well, because George asked me to.

So I just saw the pictures of Heidi Montag in People magazine after her round of 10 plastic surgeries. I'm so dumbfounded by her, I really don't even know what to say. I've never watched the Hills or The City or The Valley or whatever geographical location she came from so I don't really know her whole story, but I can't seem to understand why she is able to stay around. She is a miserable excuse for a human being married to an even more miserable excuse of a turd, Spencer Pratt. Here is an awesome quote from an interview:

"I'm living in my skin, and I look in the mirror and it's my career and my life, and you only have one. So, I want to take advantage of everything and be the best me, in and out, every way."

She's smart.

At least we can hope that one of her new gigantic boobs will explode and take her out.