tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75484561446062083912024-03-14T05:16:08.373-07:00the -ed chronicleswe're all in search of something: to be hir-ed, lov-ed, inspir-ed, admir-ed, accept-ed, publish-ed, befriend-ed, stimulat-ed, inform-ed, bless-ed...
So, here's hoping the -ed is out there.inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-68798350085306860112014-03-07T13:01:00.001-08:002014-03-07T13:01:23.449-08:00Empower-ed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGbkdvCsfMMnaNZPLsYQPqEiAHuAFqO6eWPFkeV7GTdHHobjqM6yjg2SZgsE0VsQ4K5aHXgED1GD3A5kB8BTq_M8CAq7hyoFWEYrc-eYUOu7GWVM77puJmqe1QNgUSZWGQqrgBgCWZY8/s1600/orenda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGbkdvCsfMMnaNZPLsYQPqEiAHuAFqO6eWPFkeV7GTdHHobjqM6yjg2SZgsE0VsQ4K5aHXgED1GD3A5kB8BTq_M8CAq7hyoFWEYrc-eYUOu7GWVM77puJmqe1QNgUSZWGQqrgBgCWZY8/s1600/orenda.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
Today, I'd like to empower you.<br />
<br />
Always wanted to write a book? Put pen to paper. Right now.<br />
Dreaming of moving to Paris? Start a job search (and maybe learn a few French phrases). Today.<br />
Have an idea for a new business? Author a plan. Now.<br />
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Unless we reach for our goals, they'll always remain just that - goals. <br />
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Where is this urgency coming from? I just finished <i>A Thousand Hills to Heaven</i>, a novel recommended by my <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2010/01/thought-challeng-ed.html">book club</a>, that tells the tale of a young couple who move to Rwanda to further humanitarian efforts fighting poverty in the rural areas of the country. "Heaven" in the title is actually an allusion to the first-class restaurant they start in Kigali, where they created jobs for young Rwandans, while also teaching skills not yet available elsewhere in the country. While they certainly experienced setbacks, <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2013/03/seem-ed.html">heartaches</a> and doubts, they continued to reach for their goals. And, best of all, made the world a slightly better place because they kept at it.<br />
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It is hard not to be inspired by their story. In fact, the boyfriend has now heard many versions of my plan to "<a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2010/04/too-old-to-be-acrobat-too-young-to-die.html">save the world</a>" as a result. But, I think that is important: to <i>want </i>to save the world. Even more significant is the reminder that sometimes it is possible. If only we start <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-have-i-creat-ed-today.html">today</a>.<br />
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<br />inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-12099270598886917112014-02-10T13:13:00.001-08:002014-02-10T13:13:48.217-08:00Are you inspir-ed yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN42rr3Rywn6fVNrHR-xRWv2xThcz6ZxUFdKtCuqrdmuc_AixJlXOtYtZb_wOMHJxdHk7nKAzDAKR5nFhO6aUclQN1g7DKBQ3kxV3ZB3CFsRcvLZw6oEgZdWVgggBL63cXUT5fs37UCd8/s1600/F62ED607-9D82-4582-A2EE-D950A98BD834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN42rr3Rywn6fVNrHR-xRWv2xThcz6ZxUFdKtCuqrdmuc_AixJlXOtYtZb_wOMHJxdHk7nKAzDAKR5nFhO6aUclQN1g7DKBQ3kxV3ZB3CFsRcvLZw6oEgZdWVgggBL63cXUT5fs37UCd8/s1600/F62ED607-9D82-4582-A2EE-D950A98BD834.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Let's start where it begins: inspiration.<br />
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Nothing was ever created without that first spark of ingenuity. For creation to take place, not only do we have to have the idea of what to create in mind, but we have to have the inspiration and <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/search?q=energy">energy</a> to make it happen.<br />
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For me, inspiration hides in many things:<br />
<ul>
<li>An afternoon in the <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/09/chicken-ed-out.html">kitchen</a></li>
<li>A bright day in the great outdoors</li>
<li>Conversation over that second glass of wine</li>
<li>Others passionate response to a cause</li>
<li><a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2010/08/tuck-ed-away-for-rainy-day.html">Personal reflection</a>; re-reading that half-filled journal from 3 years ago</li>
<li>Positive reinforcement; the pep talk from a best friend</li>
<li>Broadening horizons; visiting somewhere new; travel</li>
<li>Breaking routine; pushing through boredom; finding <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2012/09/impassion-ed.html">something new in a familiar place</a></li>
</ul>
Help me create an even better list. <i><b>What inspires you?</b></i><br />
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<br />inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-84940108859173450512014-02-09T15:18:00.000-08:002014-02-09T15:18:00.195-08:00What have I creat-ed today?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0Rwzj5XhgN-D_vj42N6jGLkQ0-u_iJYblb93qvCS9Yi_qKhGoyChDUejQG4wV08x3hzAQCGUG0GLWAO1K4S-phak_7DBamg2FJ_B0hT9CB7_OVHsPeq0fpVJ3w0LPrqIlE7KfdlBeJA/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0Rwzj5XhgN-D_vj42N6jGLkQ0-u_iJYblb93qvCS9Yi_qKhGoyChDUejQG4wV08x3hzAQCGUG0GLWAO1K4S-phak_7DBamg2FJ_B0hT9CB7_OVHsPeq0fpVJ3w0LPrqIlE7KfdlBeJA/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It is the blessing and curse of existing - that we humans are conscious of our existence. Naturally, as thinking beings, the greatest human question is why? Why do we exist? Why were we created? <br />
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While the more existential question of why does the human race exist is a more complicated question to answer, the natural progression of human thought can, in a way, reason why we, individually exist. Why was I, Tori, created? <br />
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The human hope is this: we were created on purpose. We were created because we're part of a bigger plan, we were created because we each have something unique to bring to the world.<br />
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Sitting on my couch on a January Sunday afternoon, I realized that I have not created or changed anything as of late. If we really were created for a reason, then I'd like to try harder to find mine. <br />
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From the very beginning, this blog was created to inspire others that the -ed is out there, whatever the -ed is to you. I'm going to spend some more time looking for my -ed this year and I hope you'll join me on the journey.<br />
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Ask yourself this: what have I created today? what have I done with my last 24 hours of existence?<br />
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Today, my answer is a lentil soup and this blog post. It's a start.inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-19081591058568939822013-08-14T11:17:00.000-07:002013-08-14T11:17:23.861-07:00Befriend-ed.<img alt="ll War ladies.." class="full-size" height="320" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/72557476/large.jpg" width="281" /><br />
Everyone says you find out who your true friends are when you're going through a hard time. I think that's true, but in a very different sense. In the last few months, I've leaned on a lot of shoulders. They come in different shapes and sizes with different coping mechanisms--thankfully, because I've needed them all.<br />
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Here are few fabulous friends to have around:<br />
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1. <i><b>The Flatterer.</b></i> You know, the one that immediately tells you how [fill in the appropriate adjective here...wonderful, beautiful, strong, intelligent, creative, etc.] you are. <br />
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2. <i><b>The Distracter.</b></i> Look over here! Let's go there! Read this thing! Don't, under any circumstances, think about what I know you're thinking about.<br />
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3. <i><b>The Relater. </b></i> The one who has been there, in one way or another, and can tell you truthfully that she understands what you're going through. She's also walking proof that you'll get through it. <br />
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4. <b><i>The Listener.</i></b> Sometimes all you need is to feel someone's presence next to you. They sit and nod and pat you on the back when you need to talk, but are just as content to sit in silence and listen to what you can't say. <br />
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5. <i><b>The Comic. </b></i> There is humor in everything if you turn it upside down enough times. Whether it's through sarcasm, stupid humor, imitations, or just plain dirty jokes, the comic gives you relief in a very welcome way: the all-powerful laugh.<br />
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6. <i><b>The Questioner.</b></i> She's not afraid to ask the tough questions. And she's not afraid of the tough answers, either.<br />
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7. <i><b>The Filter. </b></i> It's in our nature to believe that it's always about us. The filter brings the bigger picture back into view and makes us realize that perhaps what we're going through is just a small piece of a much bigger puzzle.<br />
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I hope you have at least a few of these friends on speed dial. And even more so, I hope that you are one of these people for someone else. <br />
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That's all for today, friends.inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-62223526683144591222013-08-09T12:51:00.001-07:002013-08-09T12:51:41.365-07:00Unsettl-ed.<img alt="Control | via Facebook" class="full-size" height="320" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/71340216/large.jpg" width="314" /><br />
I apologize. I'm about to unsettle you. But, it's almost the weekend, you'll say. I'm sorry, it has to be done.<br />
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In an <a href="http://www.esquire.com/features/what-ive-learned/woody-allen-0913">Esquire Woody Allen Interview</a>, there is this fabulous gem:<br />
<br />
<strong>A guy will say,</strong> "Well, I make my luck." And the same
guy walks down the street and a piano that's been hoisted drops on his
head. <i>The truth of the matter is your life is very much out of your
control.</i><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />There are two possible morals to this story: 1) you can't make your luck, or 2) don't say arrogant things like "I make my luck" or someone may plot to drop a piano on your head.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
And with that, go forth into the weekend and lose control. Because, let's be honest, you never really had any in the first place.</div>
inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-58883130082247372042013-08-06T07:21:00.000-07:002013-08-06T07:21:17.066-07:00Wanderlust-ed. <img alt="Quote" class="full-size" height="255" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/71114684/large.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Today, I have a terrible case of wanderlust. <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-told-you-wed-talk-about-paris.html">Paris</a>-lust, to be exact. <br />
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Let's all take a little daydream to the sun-soaked streets of Paris. We'll pass by a boulangerie and be pulled in by the delicious warm, doughy smell wafting out the door.<br />
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We'll park ourselves for a leisurely bowl of cafe au lait and a pain au chocolat, stuffing a few extra treats in our pockets before leaving a little tip for the handsome garcon.<br />
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<a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/62454158/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Petit déjeuner | Blueberry Submarine" border="0" class="full-size" height="213" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/62454158/large.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We'll window shop in the Marais and find the perfect pair of summer sandals (on sale!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/32439231/91a66a4ada470ebbf1af855490ec9067_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="my Lubitel 166B on the Behance Network" border="0" class="full-size" height="320" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/32439231/91a66a4ada470ebbf1af855490ec9067_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We'll sip une limonade in the Luxembourg gardens. We'll stroll across the lovers bridge, la Passerelle des Arts and finally land at a sidewalk cafe where we'll laze away the evening, sipping wine and sopping up every last bit of our buttery dishes. Oh, and stealing kisses across the table, of course.<br />
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<img alt="❤~❤~ Vintage Couple Lo♥e ~❤~❤, Sidewalk Cafe, Boulevard Diderot, Paris, 1969 -..." class="full-size" height="320" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/30517165/tumblr_m57wfad8sw1rxjj29o1_500_large.jpg" width="213" /><br />
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What a <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/09/this-is-first-of-many-why-dont-we-blank.html">lovely day</a>, don't you think? inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-38746402699100407482013-08-05T08:34:00.000-07:002013-08-05T08:34:59.954-07:00Wash-ed Away.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sandcastle" class="full-size" height="320" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/67960839/large.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="233" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: weheartit.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sometimes, it just falls apart.<br />
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Just when you think you have it all together. Just when everything seems to be back in balance. Just when the last piece of the puzzle fits.<br />
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Shit. just. falls. apart.<br />
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But, that's life. Newly sculpted sandcastles are washed away by crashing waves. Perfectly constructed block piles tumble to the ground with a slight breeze. Delicious scoops of ice cream melt immediately in the summer sun.<br />
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Life injects these biting moments of vulnerability to show us that we can always build something better, something stronger, something more beautiful.<br />
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We all fall apart so we can put ourselves back together a different way. So, here's to rebuilding...inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-42014668108439532272013-07-26T07:37:00.000-07:002013-07-26T07:37:18.026-07:00Spac-ed Out.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="photography art -" class="full-size" height="320" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/69656792/large.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/69656792/search?page=3&query=small%2Bspace">weheartit</a></td></tr>
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Living in New York made me re-examine my ideas about the amount of space a person needs to live comfortably. As a New Yorker, apartments are often likened to shoe boxes and "holes in the wall." <br />
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On my starter salary, I was very lucky to find a two bedroom apartment on the very west side of Midtown West that I shared with a good friend. Our kitchen fit neatly into a 4-foot hallway, our front door opened directly into our oven, and the toilet was uncomfortably close to the refrigerator. We lived below a herd of dancing elephants, and had a mouse visit once or twice. And we handled it all like pros.<br />
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A few years ago, I left the city and moved across the river to Jersey. I love my new apartment, mainly because I get to share it with the Boyfriend and it is always filled with love. <br />
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But lately, I find myself yearning for a little less hustle and bustle and <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2011/03/spring-ed.html">a little more peace and quiet</a>--hence the drive out to the 'burbs last weekend.<br />
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Growing up in the roomy suburbs, I had never really thought about the amount of space that was readily available to me. I never doubted that <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2010/04/neglect-ed.html">I was lucky</a>, but somehow, until moving into that first NY apartment, did I realize that, at least to me, space is important. I'm not talking about a roomy living room or a spacious kitchen (though I'd like both of those), but more so about outdoor space--the ability to step outside and take a deep breath, go for a walk without worrying about stop lights and crosswalks and pedestrian traffic.<br />
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Maybe, just like a dog needs space to run off the leash, my mind needs some room to wander. And so until I can find some space of my own, I'll settle for a drive out west and a day hike in the woods.<br />
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I'd love to hear your perspective. <i><b>Do you ever yearn for more space? Or do you prefer the city life?</b> </i><br />
<br />inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-90532859173512197642013-07-25T09:00:00.001-07:002013-07-25T09:03:10.573-07:00Forward-ed.<i><img alt="WE LOVE THE VILLAINS | via Tumblr" class="full-size" height="211" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/68991910/large.png" width="320" /> </i><br />
<i>What are you looking forward to? </i><br />
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This <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/18/how-vacations-affect-your-happiness/?_r=0">NYTimes article</a> reported that the anticipation leading up to a vacation can boost happiness levels more than the actual vacation itself.<br />
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We psych ourselves up imagining our toes digging in the sand, the cool taste of a cocktail in the afternoon sun, the lazy nap under thin sheets after a post-beach shower. It is the anticipation, the vision of leaving our desk jobs behind, that makes taking a vacation that much sweeter.<br />
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I'm a firm believer that there should always be something to look forward to--even if it is something as small as splitting a beer at the end of your Wednesday. The anticipation gives me a happiness boost and makes the event even more enjoyable when I experience it.<br />
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There are drawbacks of looking too far forward, I know. The boyfriend will tell you I think more about being 40 than I do about being 27.<br />
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It's a delicate balance, keeping your eyes open to the joys of the present while still being able to focus on the next fun event on the horizon.<br />
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For now, I'm looking forward to a quick weekend trip to Cape Cod for (you guessed it!) <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2013/07/summer-list-ed.html">more lobster</a>.<br />
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<b><i>Is anticipation the happiness drug for the human mind? What's your vorfreude?</i></b>inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-79214597073161364692013-07-24T11:30:00.000-07:002013-07-24T11:30:16.281-07:00Summer, List-ed.I think you should know by now that I'm a list maker. See <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-havent-od-ed-on-pumpkin-yet.html">here</a>, <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/12/wish-ed-list.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/10/happiness-list-ed-here.html">here</a>. I'd like to share my summer wishlist with you. What am I missing?<br />
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1. Eat my body weight in lobster: check!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSqBjpSNJqy8pvNwwyaPbzYfDvhuUuvNstThCHQV109PYI2Ca3FtbLteioiWsTCNb_IH1FF8DSyFgZDHhy3I0WHl4oo9HFdePpCi63-RrrZ9GU4WXdWQ3XlL3NpHgP2qW1UnMF7aqAK0/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSqBjpSNJqy8pvNwwyaPbzYfDvhuUuvNstThCHQV109PYI2Ca3FtbLteioiWsTCNb_IH1FF8DSyFgZDHhy3I0WHl4oo9HFdePpCi63-RrrZ9GU4WXdWQ3XlL3NpHgP2qW1UnMF7aqAK0/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sammy, the lobster</td></tr>
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2. Take a vacation far, far away: check!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDDK41ddv5EMo5C-69nmIiqHCZFqDySknH3mdRpWhdyNdIQ4a9-5vHJhopY86P1XlHamMLhuq5n6C4qEW05-uNzXEHi0imtWaDwu-ikB7c1ejdfGkgPzr02dy_ck7EAbF_YuFGPmrTlY/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDDK41ddv5EMo5C-69nmIiqHCZFqDySknH3mdRpWhdyNdIQ4a9-5vHJhopY86P1XlHamMLhuq5n6C4qEW05-uNzXEHi0imtWaDwu-ikB7c1ejdfGkgPzr02dy_ck7EAbF_YuFGPmrTlY/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Calanques, France</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. Take a hike above the clouds: check!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEfz0EfURSN69g0eBnfb3pwF_6las0oSrGCqXwabO2FE4Gdbs5fuBGH0WyJyLdP5Zs50hRJDkRO0AWi8kyINMkotN4FsvNSDSThQ5geYgIC5aa8s9riq0o95Mf-ZErqwj43ZkN1oQ-ik/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEfz0EfURSN69g0eBnfb3pwF_6las0oSrGCqXwabO2FE4Gdbs5fuBGH0WyJyLdP5Zs50hRJDkRO0AWi8kyINMkotN4FsvNSDSThQ5geYgIC5aa8s9riq0o95Mf-ZErqwj43ZkN1oQ-ik/s320/photo-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Pic de Marcelly, France</td></tr>
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4. Learn to swim properly: working on it.<br />
5. Ride a ridiculous roller coaster.<br />
6. Make blueberry cobbler.<br />
7. Read, read, read. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everyone-Hanging-Without-Other-Concerns/dp/0307886271">This book</a> is currently making me laugh out loud! <br />
8. Drink rose at any chance I get.<br />
9. Go on a long bike ride.<br />
10. Get back to blogging!<br />
11. Eat more lobster... (I have no shame.)inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-12780747227837650362013-07-23T09:42:00.000-07:002013-07-23T09:48:05.259-07:00I've Return-ed.Hi Folks,<br />
It's been a while. A lot has happened since we last spoke: Google Reader retired (use <a href="http://feedly.com/">feedly</a>!), a future King of England was born, and the record for number of hot dogs consumed in 10 minutes was broken (69! gross!).<br />
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Oh, and this happened:<br />
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I fell a little <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2010/05/all-book-ed.html">more in love</a> with the French countryside (I didn't think it was possible, either). Here I am climbing Le Pic de Marcelly in the French Alps. At the top, we took in the view through the fog and feasted on a picnic of chocolate brioche, saucisson sec and of course, cheese. <br />
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I've been saying this for years--but I think this time <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/search?q=change">I'm really ready</a>--let's move to France.inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-6549535362651951682013-03-11T06:08:00.003-07:002013-03-11T06:08:36.280-07:00Seem-ed.This past week I've learned the very hard lesson that I imagine most grown-ups learn at some point or another:<br />
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Life isn't always what it seems.<br />
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Thrown a fairly hard curve ball, I've realized that I'm stronger (and at times weaker) than I thought. I hope that whatever you're going through today, that you find strength in whatever form you need it. That you find love in even the darkest corners of the moment. That you never doubt who you are, who you were, or who you will be.<br />
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Because though life isn't always what it seems, the truth is that you will be okay.inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-87229242411930782962012-10-19T13:10:00.000-07:002012-10-19T13:10:17.097-07:00Week end-ed.<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/19/1792.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/19/s_1792.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="298" /></a><br />
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What are you up to this <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2010/06/balanc-ed-in-moderation.html">weekend</a>?<br />
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My sister is coming into town to run her first marathon this Sunday in Atlantic City. I'm so ridiculously proud of her!<br />
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Tonight, we'll slurp down ginormous bowls of Mom's famous lasagna soup and then cuddle up on the couch and watch silly romantic comedies.<br />
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Tomorrow we'll drive down to AC in time to catch some college football (go UM!) and fill up on a huge pasta dinner before waking up early for the main event Sunday morning. My running sneakers are packed just in case she needs a <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2010/01/life-interrupt-ed.html">running</a> buddy along the 26.2 mile route.<br />
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I hope your weekend is filled with good food, people you love and <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2011/08/start-ed-to-fall.html">something to cheer about</a>!inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-56766685229171307012012-10-18T16:39:00.002-07:002012-10-18T16:41:49.715-07:00Elect-ed to be a LadyEveryone seems to be reacting to the question in the most recent presidential debate regarding what the candidates would do to address equality in the workplace. "Binders of women" spoofs (mainly featuring Bill Clinton) are all over the internet. It made me wish there was at least one <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2010/01/romance-tim-ed-out.html">woman</a> in the running this election.<br />
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I've talked about <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2010/01/thought-challeng-ed.html">my opinion</a> on <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2011/01/foo-ed.html">feminism</a> before, so instead, I leave you with this, ladies...<br />
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"Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels." - Bob Thaves<br />
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<br />inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-2267796963509315052012-10-17T08:40:00.002-07:002012-10-17T08:41:19.839-07:00Life, Experienc-ed.The boyfriend and I recently watched the much talked about documentary, <a href="http://www.thehappymovie.com/">Happy</a>. It was a truly thought-provoking film about what it means to be happy. Some of it was scientific, citing domapine and other happy 'drugs' and some of it was experiential. One of the most resonating tidbits that stuck with me is that the happiest people tend to consistently be those that to expose themselves to new experiences and continued learning. It can be as simple as taking a different route home from work, or picking up a new book. New experiences give us a rush and are more likely to produce the <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2011/01/time-wish-ed-away.html">happy</a> chemicals in our brains.<br />
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One of my favorite bloggers, <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/">Joanna Goddard</a>, had the same reaction and has created a weekly <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/10/whos-game.html">'Fall Challenges'</a> series in which each week she challenges her readers to do or try something new. This week was to give up TV (unfortunately, I failed miserably as the boyfriend and I are knee deep in a Game of Thrones marathon).<br />
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Similarly, at the beginning of this year, I had challenged myself to take one 'class' each month of 2012. I can't tell you how rewarding the process has been. <br />
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I've taken everything from new classes at the gym (Barre Method, Bikram yoga, Zumba) to a Food Discovery Tour of the Lower East Side.<br />
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This month's class was a Wine and Cheese course through Artisanal NYC. We spent a wonderful two hours tasting cheeses, pairing them with wines and learning about the process and regions in which these cheeses are made.<br />
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I thouroughly enjoyed myself (though that could just be the wine talking...) And I've officially decided this is a resoltion I will continue to uphold in 2013. Experience is truly at the root of all <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/10/happiness-list-ed-here.html">happiness</a>. <br />
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Next up: Scuba lessons and a Knife Skills course<br />
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<strong><em>What new experiences have made you a happier person? Any suggestions for classes I should take in 2013?</em></strong><br />
<br />inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-22293268870969085852012-10-16T11:43:00.000-07:002012-10-16T11:43:00.439-07:00Melt-ed Cheese. Need I say more?Last week, one of the meals on our menu was Raclette, a typical French dish that involves melting cheese (called Raclette) on a heated skillet tray and pouring it over boiled potatoes and assorted charcuterie.<br />
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If you can get your hands on a hunk of Raclette (we bring a big block back from France and keep it in the freezer) and a mini Raclette grill, <a href="http://shopswiss.com/Default.aspx?tabid=92&ProductID=79&txtSearch=*&List=1&SortField=UnitCost%20DESC,ProductName">like this one</a> that we have (you can even take it with you camping and hiking), this is the perfect (and even easier) alternative to fondue.<br />
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<span id=":1mb"><a class="e" href="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=06469469a1&view=att&th=13a511d7599d812e&attid=0.3&disp=inline&safe=1&zw" target="_blank"></a></span> </div>
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And no meal is complete with out dessert...namely a molten chocolate cake baked in mini cocottes. There were only two of us, but extra chocolate cake never hurt anyone....</div>
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inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-47241485227364637792012-10-15T10:33:00.000-07:002012-10-15T10:33:00.363-07:00All Plann-ed Out.One of my favorite posts to read on other blogs is about meal planning. I'm always interested to hear how other people plan out their menus for the week ahead. (I told you I was a planner).<br />
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Lately, the boyfriend and I have been taking a few moments on Friday or Saturday to come up with a rough meal plan for the upcoming week. It usually starts by laying out the days of the week, picking one night to go out or order in and then filling in the others backwards. I usually cook to have leftovers for lunches, so we tend to cook something new every night or every other night.<br />
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We keep a little whiteboard on the fridge so we both know what our options are. The meals aren't set in stone--we can be flexible--but it's helpful to know what ingredients we have on hand.<br />
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We also do our best to plan based on our schedules. For instance, on the nights I have a late class at the gym, we plan something quick and easy--pasta, quiche, soup and salad. Fridays usually mean a crockpot dinner or something I can stick in the oven and then collapse on the couch.<br />
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Sometimes it's as simple as 'something from the freezer' (we usually keep at least two different types of meats, plenty of microwaveable veggies, and a homemade soup in there at all times). <br />
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As is usually the case, we have a few staples that appear again and again on the menu, but I try to incorporate one new recipe a week into the mix. It keeps in interesting and helps keep me out of a food rut without becoming overwhelming (or expensive).<br />
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I'd say the three lifesavers I have when it comes to meal planning are:<br />
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1. <strong>My crockpot</strong> - I can throw any mix of veggies in there with a little tomato paste, veggie broth and some spices and voila, we have a hearty vegetable soup.<br />
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2. <strong>The grill</strong> - I bought the boyfriend a mini gas grill for our tiny balcony this summer and it has cut cook time in half! I whip up a marinade for steak, shrimp, fish, chicken, veggies, etc. and a quick fire on the grill has dinner on the table in seconds.<br />
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3. <strong>The boyfriend</strong> - having an extra set of hands in the kitchen really is a lifesaver. Though I love to cook and find food prep extremely relaxing, having that extra help makes a world of a difference!<br />
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What are your meal planning secrets? I'd love to know!inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-62730041411616698472012-10-12T10:16:00.000-07:002012-10-12T10:16:00.638-07:00Mov-ed In.This past July, the boyfriend and I moved in together. We took our time making the decision and agreed that when my lease was up, we'd find a place of our own.<br />
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When we were living apart (mind you, we weren't very far from one another), I felt like I was always planning out my life at least two days ahead. I always had to think about what my days might look like, what weather was predicted, what activities we might do, and what I'd want for lunch two days from now. Packing a bag every other night became a ritual. <br />
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And I hated it.<br />
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I'm definitely the first to label myself a planner, but when you are always thinking about life two or three days from now, it's very hard to just wake up one morning and throw the plan out the window and live in the present. Now, all of the logistics of who packs a bag and planning out the week have disappeared. <br />
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A lot of people have opinions on living together before marriage. And I can understand that. However, I can firmly say that it was the best thing for our relationship. Our evenings together are more relaxed than ever, preparing dinner together has never been more fun, and coming home to him every evening is a dream.<br />
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I simply write this for those that are hesitant to move in together simply because you're not yet married. If it feels right, it may very well be.inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-86668241734844617482012-10-11T08:55:00.001-07:002012-10-11T10:01:41.302-07:00wd~50~edSpeaking of <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2012/10/three-years-celebrat-ed.html">celebrating</a>...<br />
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Naturally, we decided the only way to commemorate three years together was to share a 5 course meal of gastronomic wonders at wd~50, a restaurant that has been on my list for quite some time. The quirky celebrity chef, Wylie Dufresne, is known for his molecular gastronomy techniques in the kitchen, so we couldn't wait to see what he came up with.<br />
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We started with a foie gras terrine that looked pretty normal at first glance. But, when we sliced into it, a sweet beet-blood red sauce oozed out onto the plate (symbolism?). Mix that with the sweet pea 'soil,' a green dust that tasted just like snowpeas, and the candied olives (my favorite), and I'd say this was a pretty banging dish: creamy foie gras, sweet sauce and soil, and salty olives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpfIyXa0ZA1jvYUP9rDVzNS2uZdNJyblxnSMUoihvuUzsPL01u4J2a6uJjQxUW-tGHQ-iHfk3IHCZ5LckCKNkd2Ia_Hy2J2Rz3C6gQtGshOnoei2i7kJTFA81Q_7BLtVJuOoiX7Db_dg/s1600/4058129F-E5AA-4660-8140-448C7540F715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpfIyXa0ZA1jvYUP9rDVzNS2uZdNJyblxnSMUoihvuUzsPL01u4J2a6uJjQxUW-tGHQ-iHfk3IHCZ5LckCKNkd2Ia_Hy2J2Rz3C6gQtGshOnoei2i7kJTFA81Q_7BLtVJuOoiX7Db_dg/s640/4058129F-E5AA-4660-8140-448C7540F715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, came a pressure-cooked pine nut cassoulet with boudin blanc (pork and chicken sausage). The flavors of this dish were so perfectly balanced, the boyfriend and I both commented we wished we'd had more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wUC927Y4gTMFnZ92UjklSg1cgK_5HQyJeDXSv2vwlxcwIPkQBMdMUgfIk-nhpO0culhRlrL2iMGaBUTezTiLjG40VeX4pxK9ScuM-Bh1doi2vDYzQBLVZaPmygVarXrU0eRJvG-0Owg/s1600/8DD167F6-C0C7-46F2-B322-C4B83CE254D2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wUC927Y4gTMFnZ92UjklSg1cgK_5HQyJeDXSv2vwlxcwIPkQBMdMUgfIk-nhpO0culhRlrL2iMGaBUTezTiLjG40VeX4pxK9ScuM-Bh1doi2vDYzQBLVZaPmygVarXrU0eRJvG-0Owg/s640/8DD167F6-C0C7-46F2-B322-C4B83CE254D2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Venison with freeze-dried polenta and an asian pear/fennel slaw was the perfect anchor to the meal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtlxOOTCE-ondjNV4e_thYHPpcRjjf7yRKL6NLbDmZeYKe4I_GbMEKJP-aRG49AUrxEBEltYyk0Z_bWH0v8a7p13HQ1eZdMeSH_sPb-1P-4Wd6Cv1e35vGI_ivRmW5fLuDNS1dNt0pik/s1600/56438C65-30AD-467B-9615-14F89C97F373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtlxOOTCE-ondjNV4e_thYHPpcRjjf7yRKL6NLbDmZeYKe4I_GbMEKJP-aRG49AUrxEBEltYyk0Z_bWH0v8a7p13HQ1eZdMeSH_sPb-1P-4Wd6Cv1e35vGI_ivRmW5fLuDNS1dNt0pik/s640/56438C65-30AD-467B-9615-14F89C97F373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dessert featured a carmelized brioche, apricot foam, buttercream ribbon and a lemon thyme sorbet. WD knocked it out of the park with this one. I somehow refrained from licking my plate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2THIDqizRQY3zlSYp_qx5edb-4dErJoUC21P3Z9fLYN_bXeonglZD9E3IsiHxjaSPrlHOxLogR86YmY7Vulz-g1zqaHAGO2CLImeN47vs1YSp-OR2ECWkXozzdQ59mB1m1Br5O-yFQI/s1600/8E111DF4-3D99-4488-86AD-B783221EA2AE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2THIDqizRQY3zlSYp_qx5edb-4dErJoUC21P3Z9fLYN_bXeonglZD9E3IsiHxjaSPrlHOxLogR86YmY7Vulz-g1zqaHAGO2CLImeN47vs1YSp-OR2ECWkXozzdQ59mB1m1Br5O-yFQI/s640/8E111DF4-3D99-4488-86AD-B783221EA2AE.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lastly was a black sesame shortbread cookie that had concord grape sorbet hidden inside. Unfortunately, by this point the cocktails (a delish vodka, guava, mint and champagne cocoction) had caught up with me and I forgot to take a photo.<br />
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I hope you enjoy these photos as much as we enjoyed our meal. If you're ever in NY and looking for an interesting culinary experience, stop by wd~50. If you're a <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2011/01/foo-ed.html">foodie</a>, you won't be disappointed.inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-87007521544456074352012-10-11T08:11:00.000-07:002012-10-11T08:15:36.542-07:00Three Years, Celebrat-ed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidilTEFZMv5vFZmG0hQ5zPVqNu_Mbml5KKcAEfE4qzds3G92YXQ868ravs8YzpuAM43QPkTd1EZwL63OWBY6oNP8J8Vf6k5LrFqepf2D7Ef6B12xNuv1SK-D6FP_kpoWdc5KRHUJT3T2U/s1600/3FB7822B-8E6E-4D64-B103-18B0D24CC7ED.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidilTEFZMv5vFZmG0hQ5zPVqNu_Mbml5KKcAEfE4qzds3G92YXQ868ravs8YzpuAM43QPkTd1EZwL63OWBY6oNP8J8Vf6k5LrFqepf2D7Ef6B12xNuv1SK-D6FP_kpoWdc5KRHUJT3T2U/s400/3FB7822B-8E6E-4D64-B103-18B0D24CC7ED.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Can you believe it? The boyfriend and I just celebrated 3 years of togetherness.</div>
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Not that I find it all that shocking. He is that oddly shaped puzzle piece that fits perfectly into all my twisted nooks and crannies. <br />
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I often tell friends that I keep waiting for that newly 'wed' stage to slowly fade, for all the sweet <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/11/never-been-kiss-ed-like-this.html">unexpected kisses</a> and giggly butterflies to somehow disappear and be replaced by routine and the dreaded feeling of knowing each other too well. But, thankfully, we only seem to fall more perfectly in <a href="http://the-ed-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-if-world-stopp-ed.html">love</a> together the more we explore our relationship together.<br />
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Three years is only the beginning. I hope to have many more years of this bliss.<br />
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Thanks for the flowers and for spoiling me rotten every other day of the year, bab.inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-77928758956485636462012-10-03T10:00:00.001-07:002012-10-03T10:00:39.166-07:00Well Travel-ed.One of the great things about New York City is the ready accessibility to so many different cultures.<br /><br />One culture that I have adopted as my second nationality, la France, was hosting a Taste of France Food Festival this past weekend. Of course, the boyfriend and I had to swing by.<br /><br />We shared a platter of country pâté, fresh bread and two tasters of côte du Rhône for lunch--not too shabby.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1314.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1314.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We (particularly the boyfriend) were quite disappointed to find there was a glaring absence of cheese at the festival, so we decided to load up on dessert instead.<br /><br />Two mini chocolate eclairs:<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1315.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1315.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yum!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1316.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1316.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And an unpictured crêpe framboise.<br /><br />All on all it was a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Though the clouds threatened rain, it held off until we got home, which reminded me of the afternoons spent drying out, drinking hot tea in my tiny Parisian apartment. There's just something about good food that brings with it a twang of nostalgie. Oh la France, comme tu me manques!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/03/1318.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/03/s_1318.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-45642850956992876162012-09-29T09:41:00.001-07:002012-09-29T09:41:20.483-07:00Bak-ed<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/29/1316.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/29/s_1316.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This was my Friday night: homemade apple crisp with vanilla bean ice cream, an old thriller film, a comfy couch, and a very cuddly boyfriend. It was just perfect. The first of many cozy fall evenings.<br /><br />How did you spend your Friday night? I hope it was delicious.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/29/1317.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/29/s_1317.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-14436526536424972782012-09-25T11:40:00.001-07:002012-09-25T11:40:00.514-07:00Instantly Gratifi-ed.<br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/25/1471.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/25/s_1471.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Look out world, I've finally downloaded a mobile blogging app! (Yes, I understand I am severely behind the times!) I am typing this from a moving train and while I find it very exciting, I also can't help but feel like I've sold out.<br /><br />Yesterday evening, I took a run along the Hoboken waterfront as the sun was setting against the skyscrapers across the river. It was a gorgeous afternoon, a perfect fall crispness to the air. My music was shuffling just right and I was inspired to pause and snap a quick photo on my iPhone before heading home. <br /><br />I often think about how much the world has changed since I was a little girl. Growing up, it would have seemed like science fiction to imagine that I could take my phone on a run with me to play music, snap a photo, make a phone call and play a game of Scrabble all at the same time. While I don't disagree that it's amazing, it also makes me yearn for the days when things moved a bit slower and required a bit more effort. We are truly a spoiled generation--instant gratification is literally at our fingertips. It's all so wonderful and terrible at once. <br /><br />I often try to imagine the world my children will live in. Technological advances are inevitable--things are getting faster, more convenient, more digital everyday. I just hope that the next generation will still appreciate the little moments our world offers us, like a sunset on a beautiful fall day, or the way your lungs feel after a hard run. <br /><br />Here I make a promise to teach my children about the joys of life as I saw them as a kid. I'm sure they'll laugh at how little knowledge I have of the latest technology, as we all do with our parents, but while they have their heads down, absorbed in an app or a text, I'll be pointing out the sunset.<br /><br />May we save a piece of the real world for the next generation, just as our parents have tried to do for us. And with that, I am off to walk the dog and (gasp!) leave my phone behind.<br />inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-72499668389276784252012-09-24T09:24:00.000-07:002012-09-24T09:25:59.999-07:00Soul Foo-ed.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is it about eating outside in the elements that makes
food taste so good?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This weekend, after
a nice Saturday morning hike up the mountains of the Delaware Water Gap, the
boyfriend and I broke for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
climbed out onto two rocks at the border of the Sunfish Pond and unwrapped our
turkey sandwiches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each crusty bite,
we alternated mmms and garbled “this is so gooooood.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe it was our primal instincts kicking in, maybe the
added effort had peaked our appetites, or maybe there’s just something about
the fresh air that enhances the taste of food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, without a doubt, that was the best dang turkey sandwich I’ve ever
eaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t even get me started on
the fruit tart we gingerly carried in our backpacks and then devoured sans
forks or napkins, licking our fingers and sucking up every last buttery crumb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We trekked down the mountain with full bellies, lungs and
hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes all we need to feed
our souls is a little fresh air, good company, and a turkey sandwich.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>How was your weekend?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7548456144606208391.post-1591438950567382362012-09-21T11:17:00.000-07:002012-09-21T11:17:10.566-07:00Impassion-ed
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night the boyfriend took me to dinner in this tiny
French bistro, tucked in a corner on a quiet street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easy jazz oozed from cracked stucco walls,
smells of garlic wafted from the back kitchen and the handwritten chalkboard
menu made your mouth water before even stepping inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Though the food was fantastic, the music is what really made
the evening special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every Thursday
night, the restaurant’s owner leads his jazz band in a set of nostalgic tunes for diners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he strummed away at his guitar, I found
myself envying him. He had found a way to incorporate two passions into
his everyday life—food and music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
admitted this to the boyfriend, he asked<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What are your passions?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without hesitation, “Food, travel and writing” I responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He then suggested that I’d already taken care of the hardest
part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The easiest part is figuring out a
way to weave those passions together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so, here I am, back to writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t mind, I’d like to take you to a
few places and tell you about a few fabulous meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But mainly, I’d just like to feel impassion-ed
every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
inspir-ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02524264866034768058noreply@blogger.com0