{i have decided}

It's a stupid rule. Or at least not well thought out. What am I talking about? No talking on your hand held device while driving. Don't get me wrong. I understand where the "idea" of this rule is coming from, but come on. First of all, let's get to the point of what's happening. I'm driving to work today...and I look over and I see someone texting while driving, and then another person following suit, and another, and yes - ANOTHER. During my 26 minute drive I counted 7 people texting while driving (and a few just openly talking on their phone).

(Side note: The issue of texting may technically fall under the rule of no hand-held devices while driving. The rule may actually specify, but it is quite easy to conceal, if one wants. Therefore, what follows in confrontation is: a "he said, she said" game.)

Now, in all honesty, I am not without fault. Yes, yes I've texted while driving (move on). But, I don't recommend it.* I try to be a careful driver. And, now that there's this rule: the number of people texting while driving has gone up by 23%.** That's a scary number! If we've seen that great of an increase in just the first 3 weeks of this rule being implemented, what are we to expect by year end? Exactly! And so I don't think I'll be texting anymore. How can I? No one's driving defensively anymore, cause they're all texting. What's worse - talking or texting? Hmm.

That all said, I don't have a problem with talking on the phone while driving (and, yes, I am aware that bluetooth and other such hands-free devices solve this whole problem). BUT if we really followed this rule to the "T", then why not regulate smoking, eating, make-up applying, cd switching (if you don't have your ipod), car cleaning, email checking, rubber-necking, back seat disciplining, really really funny conversations, screaming fights, reading*** and lip gloss applying.****

and on that, HAPPY FRIDAY AND SAFE DRIVING THIS WEEKEND!

*Texting can be fine if you are highly trained, quick and the only person doing it, while driving on a back road. Or perhaps in an emergancy because talking on the phone is illegal.

**This number has no standard measurement, as no official poll has been conducted. This number used was solely based on my preference of typing whatever I desired.

***Reading the newspaper on the morning commute is pretty trendy. It shows one's high level of multi-tasking, professional example of paper folding - as to be able to take in the maximum amout of text, while still having a view (clear or obstructed) of the what's ahead . This is primarily done while at stop lights, and should never be attempted while actually in downtown traffic.

****Even though a fresh coat of make-up was just applied, lip gloss applying is an all day activity.

{tuesday's top!}

{this week's 'old' movie favorite...}

TOP GUN.

Need I say more? After our fun weekend at the Air Expo, who couldn't resist watching Top Gun. Sunday night seemed a perfect time. Even the opening music thrust me back into a complete state of rememberance of just how wonderful this film is. A true classic.

This wins my "old favorite movie of the week" award. (My last award went to Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken).

"Talk to me Goose."

{mmm good!}

Fresh Scallops anyone?  I went to one market.  Out.  I went to a second market. Out.  Finally, I went to a third - and I got the last bit!  Were they just that popular this weekend? I've actually never made scallops before; however, this week, I got a craving.  In the past I've tasted some pretty "fishy" versions, but these were wonderful.  (Of course you have to like seafood, to enjoy this dish).  They were easy to make too!

*I put salt and pepper on all, and then dredged them in flour (gluten and wheat free flour, that is). Browned them on both sides in unsalted butter, then added a bit more butter and finely chopped shallots, garlic and parsley.  After another 2 minutes I added a bit of dry white wine and let it cook off, making a delightful sauce (thanks to the bit of flour that was on the scallops).   Totally good and not "fishy" at all!

I paired it with some rice (with added scallions, parsley and dill), and a fresh raspberry salad.  The meal was light and fun.  In the future I'd pair it with some red potatoes though and skip the rice.  If you're looking for a different flavor for dinner - this just might hit the spot!

Happy Monday to you all!!!!

{air expo 2008}

Ever since knowing Anthony, and especially after being married, I can say that there are two genuin things that make him giddy. Yes, giddy. His eyes light up, his grin gets bigger and his mind races with little facts. These two things you ask? Planes and Animals (the wilder the better; however, his love for the natural instict of domesticated dogs and cats is astounding. - especially, since i don't share that same passion).

It just so happened that the Thunderbirds came to McChord Airforce Base this weekend. How fun! (but, what a day...)

The day started with an opening "jump" (I don't know any official terms or names of aircrafts, so you'll just have to search that out on your own, if you want! Or perhaps ask my husband.) It was cloudy in the morning as you see. We then saw various aircrafts, walked a bunch, and waited for the Thunderbirds.

(notice this Flag? the national anthem was being sung during this portion of the show. i had goose bumps!)

(hello! the sun is starting to shine a bit!)
(big plane. big gun.)
(this little blue one was my favorite. )
(oh, this one was pretty cool too.)
(my husband is QUITE familiar with this one...he's had to jump out of it before. scary indeed.)
(you would think that the inside would be a bit nicer...hmm.)

(and now...to the army station. this car is crazy, and to think my husband had to drive it in downtown seattle. what a statement!)(hello mister!)

AND NOW...THE THUNDERBIRDS....

Actually, I don't have many photos, cause it was just too amazing to stop and take pics...my eyes were devoted to the skies. It was great though!!! And look at the clear blue skies - it was perfect.

As for the rest of the day. Hmm. All I can say is thank God we had kettle corn:

Why? Well, as we were leaving the parking lot, we all got stuck. No, not for a 1/2 hour due to the 150-200 thousand people trying to leave as well, or the complete lack of planning a smooth exit from McChord. Apparently a woman went into labor! We were in our car, in line and waiting. After a while the ambulence left...and we were still waiting? How long? 2 hours and 5 minutes. No one could move. Just waiting. People were so mad. Did they lock us all in? What were they doing? Finally, gates opened on all sides, and traffic slowly made it's way....BUT, then we get to I-5 and dead locked again (yes, an accident). So...we took a sharp right, cut perpendicularly across the stopped freeway (all the while smirking at the shocked faces of people looking at our bold move), and exited. Might as well just eat! ...the kettle corn was running low and not doing the trick. After a relaxing meal we hit the road again and made it home by 9ish.

What an adventure we had!

{a new fave side}

Quinoa - pronounced keen-wah, is an important staple in South American cuisine.  It was in fact, a staple of ancient Incas who referred to it as "the mother grain".  And I want to say, ' It is "the MOTHER grain" indeed!'  This stuff is so good.  It's flavor is extremely delicate, so it's a great alternative as a side dish.  I added chicken broth, basil, scallions, fresh tomatoes, and some fresh lemon juice.  For a first time try, it was definitely a success (and that's coming from the husband!).  It's so delicate that I'm going to try it in place of Cream of Wheat (a personal fave of mine and my husband's).  Yes folks, this is wheat and gluten free!  So, it could do just the trick for a cold morning craving of a hot steamy bowl of goodness.  (Topped with brown sugar, rice milk and maybe a bit of butter and cinnamon.)

INTERESTING TAD BIT for the knowing....This yummy stuff isn't really "grain". In fact, it's really a fruit!  And a shout out to Willow (as she loves all things health...don't be fooled by her last post on cookies): this grain-fruit is described (by the National Academy of Science) as "the most nearly perfect source of protein from the vegetable kingdom."  It's loaded wth lysine and other amino acids making it a complete protein.  AND, it's high in fiber, calium, iron, vitamin E, B vitamins and phosphorus.  So, if you're looking for a healthy yet delicious alternative - this should be on your list!

So, when in doubt for your next side, try quinoa (if you haven't already).  You won't be dissapointed!  

HAPPY FRIDAY!  See you monday!

{busy week!}

Hi!! I'll be posting sporatically this week...but please know that it's a busy week! My job is going well. I had my first day today and it was great. Anthony and I are getting ready for this upcoming weekend, where we hope to go to an air show near Fort Lewis and then the BOSTON RED SOX are in town! Whoo-hoo. (Well, basically that's Anthony who's cheering...). We also have dear friends coming into town and even my brother and his girlfriend will be coming by for a game. SO...busy set up, but I'll keep you all posted here and there!

On a personal note, my dear husband is learning to adjust to his new gluten free/wheat free life. For those of you who did not see my recent post on Belle.Chic.Cuisine, we found out Friday that he's intollerant to gluten and allergic to wheat and dairy. So, this past weekend was primarily spent changing out our cupboards, etc. Bless his heart. He's already feeling the benefit of the change though! I'm learning a lot. Thankfully, my mother in law is a great resource for this info too! Plus, like a friend mentioned, it's not 1991 - and there are definitely great resources out there for gluten free/wheat free products that don't taste like cardboard! Just check out these delicious GF brownies below!

{going FREE}

Gluten Free - Wheat Free brownies! Why gluten free and wheat free do you ask?   Well, my husband just got blood work back, and he's completely gluten intolerant and highly allergic to wheat (and cow's milk, peanuts, bananas....)  I know.  *sigh*  We found out on Friday, and so we spent the entire weekend changing our cupboards and fridge.  What a task.  I used to think about going GF (gluten free)...not for me mind you...just what it would be like.  Anyway, I used wonder what it would truly be like.  It wouldn't be right for me though.  Nope.  I love cooking, baking, and well eating all too much!  (And yes, apples, mixed fruit and raw veggies are my fave, but who thinks about totally cutting everything else...like bread?  aaaahhhh.)  Anyway, movitvation comes quickly when it's a necessity!  I've done so much research this weekend and I'm quickly learning....and adapting.  Our cupboards are "healthy".  lol.  And look at the above creation!!!  (GF/Wheat Free BROWNIES)  They were perfectly moist and rich with chocolate.   This "food"/kitchen blog may change a bit...as, I'll be focused on all things free of gluten, wheat, dairy...etc.  But, I think it'll be a good source for sharing some fun new foods.   (And no worries friends...we found some ok bread that'll work until I make my own.)  Happy Tuesday!  (I start my new job today.  *sigh*)