My sentiments exactly…

Thanks to Baraka

LIfe in points and the new year

So people, hope you have a great 2010!

I rang in the new year wrapped in a blanket at my mom’s house. I am not sure what exactly I have, but I am currently on antibiotics for it. At some point I know it was a sinus infection, and let me tell you, a Neti pot is wonderful! Seriously, like crack for people with sinus problems! Ahem, sid. So, anyway, back to the sinus infection, it was so bad that my forehead was swollen. Swollen forehead people! I am not certain I am feeling better, but at least the sinus headaches are gone.

Most interesting thing that happened to me this weekend was that, quite accidentally, I discovered that along with 7 other Canadian “mommy bloggers”, I was the subject of someone’s thesis. I was utterly fascinated.

I was in Miami for my sister’s wedding, no, not Sid, another sister… She was a gorgeous bride, and the wedding was beautiful. I thought it would be sad, because weddings now generally make me completely depressed, but it was just very happy and lovely.

And by the way, it’s about -20something degrees right now in Toronto, just in case anyone is interested!

What have you guys been up to?

Miami, Cheesecake and Avatars

Why doesn’t Toronto look like this in winter?? That would be so totally awesome!

Cheesecake Factory cheesecake people! I am not sure that anything tastes better! I will say that although they do have quite a selection, original is simply the best. This time I also had chocolate mousse cheesecake and that was delicious too.

I saw Avatar over the weekend, it is a fantastic movie that everyone should watch. After it was done, I had to sit there for a few minutes because I think I was emotionally overwhelmed! The parallels to the state of the world today is phenomenal – it’s a very powerful movie, with a very powerful message. I think it could be the best movie I’ve ever seen in my life! Go watch it!

To the brighter side

Sometimes I truly feel like I just want my life to fast-forward, to, I am not sure what, the end maybe? It feels as if it’s test after test and I really really want a rest. Sometimes.

But then, things happen like my almost 4 year old coming up to me with him wallet in his hand and says “mommy, you need money for your trip? well, here, you can have some of mine. how much do you need?” I think I almost broke down and started crying right there, except I was smiling and trying hard not to laugh and the unbelievable cuteness. I said, “baby, it’s 5 hundred dollars!” and he said “5 hundred dollars?! I cannot believe it!” And I tried harder not to laugh, then I opened his wallet and took out the US $1 bill and told him I was taking it because I would need that kind of money for my trip and then thanked him. He walked away very contented.

Can’t fast-forward. Just life each moment like it’s your last.

Have a happy holiday, whatever it is that you’re celebrating, and always share your laughter, love and happiness with those whom you treasure.

I may not know how to spell mussels, but at least I can cook them!

So, I went to Costco, and they were selling 5lb bags of mussels for $8. I just had no choice but to buy it, wouldn’t you?

Anyway, I never made mussels before so, as the dude told me I had to make it the very same day, I consulted with Chef Google and came up with a few videos on cleaning and cooking mussels. I realized that white wine was sort of a key ingredient, and since I am not alcohol-inclined, I opted for ginger ale… apparently good substitutes are ginger ale, apple cider, non-alcoholic wine, and stock. Ginger ale was the easiest to find. I think next time I will probably try cider.

I was in the middle of cooking it when my brother appeared and sort of took over the entire production, but the as the taste was totally awesome, I will focus more on the fact that I did MOST of the work!!

Guidelines:

1) Clean the mussels and remove the dead (open) ones

2) In a large saucepan saute a crushed garlic, onions and ginger in a little olive oil

3) Add in the mussels, pour in your liquid of choice, then cover the pan (make sure you use a large enough pan to fit all the mussels when they are opened)

4) It takes about 4-5 minutes for them to open, remove them from the pot

5) With the remaining liquid in the pot, add in pepper, salt, finely chopped coriander, and other flavors of choice. I added in some more garlic. Let that simmer and reduce for a few minutes, remove from the heat and then add back in the mussels.

Fini!