Friday, July 31, 2009

0 NYC

So we're in NYC filling up at this sketch little BP in Brooklyn on the way to Carrie lynn's. I am seriously in awe of this place here's a night shot of the empire state building.




-- Post From My iPhone7700 Bull Run Drive

Saturday, July 25, 2009

1 Fun night!

Last night after work I went to CarPool with the roomies, Maddox, Sarah, Feng, and Doug. CarPool is this cool bar type place with lots of pool tables, dart boards hogged by the same 4 jerks the whole night, half price appetizers, and an obsession for Britney Spears. Seriously.

After that I went to Clarendon Ballroom with Courtney! Fun stuff!

-- Post From My iPhone

Friday, July 24, 2009

0 Blogging on the go!

I can now blog from my iPhone! Be ready for crazy posts! Starting with me blogging from silver diner in Arlington waiting for Courtney! Yay chocolate creme pie! ...or at least half an eaten piece!




-- Post From My iPhone

Sunday, July 19, 2009

1 Nom it!

So I figured I would start this weekly recipe thing, where I share one of my favorite recipes with everyone who reads this so they can try them. I promise that for anything I post, anyone ANYONE could make.

My first post is inspired by some strawberries I bought today, its a Balsamic Strawberry Salad.

All you need in order to make a salad that will serve about 4 people:
  1. One head of Romaine lettuce
  2. Strawberries, anywhere from 6-12 depending on the size
  3. Balsamic Vinegar
  4. Olive oil
  5. Honey
  6. Mozzarella cheese
  7. S&P (salt and pepper)
  8. Small amount of lemon juice
So, it seems like a lot of stuff, but really, its just the lettuce, the strawberries, some cheese, and the stuff to make the dressing.

1. What you'll wanna do with the lettuce is just break a head of lettuce into smaller, bite size pieces. The easiest way to do it is just peel the leaves off and rip them into bite size pieces. I suggest this because its cheaper than the pre-cut bag variety, and saves some money.

2. For the strawberries, you want to rinse them in cold water, and then just slice them into smaller pieces.

3. For the mozzerella, either buy the pre-shredded variety, or do what I do and buy the block of mozzerella cheese, and then dice it into small cubes. The blocks them selves are typically a dollar or 2 more expensive, however the block variety is actually much cheaper if you compare the price per unit. Yet another money saving tip!

4. Next is the salad dressing. This part I'd say is where the dressing is really up to you. First you'll want to pour some vinegar into a bowl, and then with a whisk or a spoon, whisk the vinegar as you slowly poor oil into it. By slowly pouring it as you whisk, it'll emulsify the dressing, and really mix it well. I personally suggest about 1/4 cup vinegar and between 1/4 and 3/8 cup oil, but really the proportions depend upon how you want the dressing to taste. The dressing gives the salad the flavor so balance the vinegar flavor to your liking. After you've mixed it, whisk in a small squirt of honey for some sweet ness, and a small bit of lemon juice for some acid. Add S&P to taste.

5. Finally, get everything into a big bowl, and toss the salad to coat everything in the dressing.

Enjoy, this salad is pretty enjoyable, especially in the summer!

0 Sunday's Sundae

Below is the largest ice cream cone ever made. Nom it.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

0 Current Story of my Life









The Title pretty much says it all....


On unrelated news, I'm halfway through my work week, and the weekend has prospects of a Little Beef Laser Tag! So effing excited.

0 Where do we go from here?

So I have an amazing job, a great place to live, and a strong group of friends and family. So, where do I go from here?

With settling in and finally feeling relaxed in a regular routine, I'm starting to wonder about where I'll be another 4 years from now. I've gotten past all the predefined 4 year land marks of younger life (elementary school, middle school, high school, college) which all gave you knowledge of where you would be for the next couple years. With this next stage of life, I don't have that. I have certainty that I am going to be working, but aside from that, where am I going?

Ps, I'm keeping this strictly professional, screw thoughts of dating, marriage, and babies right now. I'll let all my friends handle that right now.

I think I've come to the conclusion that within 5 years I'm going to want to have a Master's (either in Software Engineering, Software Design, or Management). My major will end up depending upon what I fall in love with doing the next year or two. Also, I don't know how realistic this is, but I'd LOVE to be a Senior Engineer, or somewhere in management....at least a E2...

Sunday, July 5, 2009

0 xkcd truth

This is so true....source xkcd.com

0 Kayaks and fireworks!

Fourth of July was so much fun!


I went kayaking with some college and work friends on the Potomac, which felt reminiscent of crew, only way more fun and free of douchey jerks. We kayaked under the Key Bridge in DC, and went to some island that had the Teddy memorial. I discovered that this is one of the enjoyable differences between real life and college life. In college, I couldn't afford to spend 5 hours on a weekend kayaking (both in terms of money and time), but after college, weekends are kinda a time to find hobbies, experience new things. A couple of my friends and I have already started planning out what may be a trip to Great Falls or the Blue Ridge to go hiking. Oh the glories of no Stacks, Small, Olsson, Thorton, or any small cave I may have hidden myself in previously during school.

After going kayaking, my work friends and I went into DC to see the fireworks. They were amazing as usual, however I feel they were shorter this year in comparison to others, and kinda left me wanting more. Stupid economy.

Oh, and screw you Federer. Screw you. Maybe next time Roddick.

Friday, July 3, 2009

0 Things I want.

1. More fun summer weekends! (whether that involves more Cville trips, hiking trips with roomies and coworkers, etc...)
2. Figure out some sort of plan for the next 2 years. Nothing crazy, just something more than "work"
3. No more marriages, at least until I feel not super young! (save a few exclusions)
4. BSG 4.5 Marathon with Zak, Rachel, and anyone else who would partake.
5. More service opportunities. I know there are a huge amount here, and a huge amount of opportunity at Raytheon, I just have to be more assertive in my hunting. I guess having projects handed to me weekly just ain't gonna happen anymore....
6. Culinary Classes!
7. Rowing/Canoe/Kayak lessons!