Saturday, May 30, 2009
Blogging from Central Ohio
It’s a beautiful day back here in Ohio and it feels great to be back at college! It’s been so fun reminiscing with old friends, and surprisingly really fun to stay in the dorms.
My friend Sara packed us sandwiches for the car. Turkey and Muenster with Lettuce & Tomato on Ezekiel Bread
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Grapes and Car Reading Material
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And a good amount of Sun Chips but they were not documented.
I forgot how much I hated that drive. Six hours is too much. When we got onto campus we promptly mixed a drink. Firefly Iced Tea Vodka with Lemonade.
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And then we prepped for the night out. Dinner was this Clif Bar. Not the smartest idea.
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There was an open bar in the academic quad from 9 – 11. They also had a huge dessert bar, which I avoided.
I had one glass of white wine and a Corona.
Then we hopped into this golf cart that drove us into town to go to the bar.
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I had maybe 3 beers at the bar? Definitely too much drinking for one night, but I definitely drank more than that in college. I did eat more Sun Chips when we got home though, which I’m not proud of, which goes to show that alcohol really messes with your inhibitions. But, I’m not going to dwell on it – I’m just going to get over it.
We were up and at ‘em to run the school sponsored 5K this morning. Running up the first hill I started to rethink the experience and was really thankful for the Excedrin I took before leaving, but then thought of Meghann running her marathon this weekend, and thought, “This is a 5K, she’s running 26.2 miles, get over yourself and do it.”
Which lasted for a minute. We stopped maybe around the 3K point, once we got into town to stop for breakfast, so I’m definitely not as good as Meghann, but at least I was moving!
We went into Aladdin’s for breakfast, a very typical diner. I forgot how slow the service can be – so waiting for a cup of coffee was a bit unbearable.
I split some home fries with my friend Sara and had an English Muffin with Peanut Butter. Those pictures are on my friend Miranda’s camera, so they’ll be up later. So, all in all, it was a fairly balanced meal – a little bit of grease, some carbs and protein. I could really go for some fruit or veggies though.
Off to hop in the shower before we go to our class photo and lunch. Hope you all are having wonderful Saturdays!
Posted by Quinn at 11:23 AM 9 comments
Friday, May 29, 2009
Road Trip – College Style
So for those of you who don’t know – I’m going to be hitting the road to head back to college this weekend for my five year reunion. Crazy!
In the Fall of 2000 I began my college career experience at the small Denison University in quaint Granville, Ohio. My parents loved the town of Granville for its Victorian charm.
Welcome to Granville, Ohio
I loved it for its two bars: Brews and The Villa (may you rest in peace).
We were just a short 25 minute drive from the urban mecca that is Columbus. Albeit, we never really made it into downtown Columbo – just Easton Town Center – an outdoor shopping and dining amusement park complex where we would spend our few dollars at buying movie tickets whilst donning lax sweats, noshing on lettuce wraps at PF Chang’s and buying formal dresses at Forever 21.
Many a day I would spend in the Kappa Alpha Theta house, where I served as chapter president.
We couldn’t live in the house, as in the town of Granville, more than six women together living in a house was considered a brothel.
Denison has many famed alums:
Steve Carrell (who was recently back on campus this spring and my sister accosted him in the bar, yes she goes there too)
Jennifer Garner (met her and her first husband, Scott Foley, when they came to campus to present my junior year – the height of Alias)
James Frey (whose book, A Million Little Pieces, was “loosely” based on his experiences at our fine alma mater)
Michael Eisner (head of Disney, who didn’t give me a job when he came to talk careers with graduating seniors. Still bitter about that)
Anyway, those are just a few facts about my good ‘ole alma mater. I will be blogging from the dorms – so expect to see a potential drogging, as Miss Caitlin herself would say!
See you all in Ohio!
Posted by Quinn at 10:27 AM 3 comments
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Leftover Lunch with a Side of Pandora
I’m prepping for a big 3:00 meeting today, so lunch was eaten in Le Cafe de Cubicle. Who am I kidding? I eat lunch at my desk four out of five days a week!
On Le Menu:
BBQ Tempeh on Nature’s Own Double Fiber Bread with Sliced Tomato, Spinach and Avocado
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I really love this BBQ tempeh! Tangy and chewy with a hint of spice. Talk about flavorful!
Dessert Concoction: Plain Oikos, One Splenda, One Banana
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All Mixed Up
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The Splenda didn’t mix around too much though and I kept getting little zaps of sour from the yogurt. I love the Oikos, but the plain is better suited to smoothies and other recipes.
Whilst lunching I am listening to some retro Sting on Pandora. If you haven’t tried Pandora yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. It saves my work days. You select an artist you like, and it builds a music station around those preferences. You can say you like songs, or don’t like songs, and it will tailor the station to your ideal music!
Afternoon Question of the Day: What is your favorite genre of music? Or if not genre, artist?
I am a HUGE sucker for anything 80s! Journey, Genesis, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Belinda Carlisle – love it all!
Posted by Quinn at 12:43 PM 5 comments
Tempehtations
Does anyone remember that show Temptation Island? It was so bad, but so good. Anyway, I got to thinking about it when I made dinner last night – something fast, easy and what I’ve been wanting to try after seeing it out there in blogland.
BBQ Flavored Tempeh
Toasted on Nature’s Own Double Fiber Bread with Avocado and Tomato
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And Kashi Moroccan Curry Pilaf on the side.
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I love that I can literally throw this bag in the micro for just 90 seconds and voila!
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It had great flavor, and even better chew. It filled me up! I couldn’t even finish my glass of water.
I loved Night #1 of NO TV. I read my newest issue of Shape and started on Citizen Girl. My company merged with another last year, and we finally came together in one office last week. The other company had a huge bookshelf they call a “Lending Library.” There are so many books to choose from and this was one of them. It’s all based on the honor code. Cool, no?
Anyway, I woke up feeling awesome and like I hadn’t wasted any brain cells! The pooch and I went on a super long walk, and then I came back to pack Geoff’s and my lunches and cook up some breakfast. In this morning’s bowl of oats:
1/2 Cup Quaker Oats
1/2 Cup Skim Milk
1/2 Banana
Dash of Cinnamon
Dash of Shredded Coconut
Dried Cherries
Dash of Flax Seed
Spoonful of PB
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Yum, and I think it’ll hold me over!
Off to get lots of work done today because tomorrow I’m “Going, Going, Back to Back, To Ohio, Ohio, Ohio.” Do you remember that Notorious B.I.G. song? Well, Cali – but it sure does remind me of college.
And college memories will ensue – it is my 5 Year College Reunion in good ‘ole Granville, Ohio. (GreenDogWine: I’ll be in your state!)
Has it really been that long???? And yes, we’re staying in the dorms.
Get ready for some fun pictures and trips down memory lane. Not really directly of me – because I really was a chub-a-lub Graduation Day. I’ll try to scan that picture to show the inflammation from all the beer consumption. Here are a few I surprisingly have on my computer because no, we didn’t have Facebook in college (thank God), and I am that old.
Antiquing – this was a regular occurrence to many of the boys in our dorm.
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The Simpsons Party – we were all assigned characters from the show and came in costume. These were some of our boys senior year.
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Spring Break ‘04 – Sailing on my friend’s yacht to Key West. Yea, I know. Note: I was the school’s charity case.
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Forty Party
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Senior Year – Random Party
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I will say – I have a feeling I’ll be making a few better decisions then I would have five years ago.
Posted by Quinn at 9:04 AM 4 comments
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
DMV Horrors
If you’ve experienced a horrible time at the DMV, then you can empathize with me, and understand why when I left work at 1:00 and got home at 5:30 with nothing accomplished that an alcoholic beverage was in order.
So, here’s what I like to call “Quinn’s Day of Hell in Suburban Maryland.”
12:00 Eat lunch in office cafeteria quickly before departing. A Flat Out Wrap with Leftover Steak, Laughing Cow and Spinach
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Strawberries and Vanilla Greek Yogurt
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1:00 Depart office in DC for VEIP Inspection Station in the middle of freaking nowhere Gaithersburg. Look how close I am to the front!
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2:16 Here I am guys! Hanging out in line – proud to show you how easy my day looks.
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2:29 Day goes sour when I find out I don’t need to be at the emissions station – I just need a regular MD State Inspection at any local gas station.
2:40 Pull into random ass gas station. Clerk tells me it’ll be 30 minutes before they can see my car, and another hour for inspection. Fine. I have no other choice. But, DMV closes at 4:30 so I start to get panicky.
2:45 I really have to pee, and make decision to use random gas station bathroom. You may see a doctor’s appointment in coming posts.
3:20 Frantic woman enters gas station asking clerk to use his phone. She calls her friend to let her know that a) she has spent all of her money on medication and has no money for a pack of cigarettes and b) will said friend be bringing home some smokes later that night. She drives away cursing. I am fearing my life.
3:50 My car is done! It FAILED due to a crack in the windshield from a rock the lawn mowers flicked up onto my car. I cannot get my car registered in Maryland and I have to come back in 30 days and see the exact same mechanic to complete my inspection. Oh yea, and they charge me $64.99. Awesome.
4:05 Enter madhouse that is the DMV. At least I can get my license.
4:20 Make my way to the front of the line with all my paperwork. Passport, lease, bill with my name on it – oh wait, why does your bill say “Quinn X” on it? Note: my middle name is Quinn. So, despite the fact that my license, passport, etc. say “X Quinn X” because my bill is not with my first name I cannot get my license. Holy God.
4:22 Make my way into my car and proceed to cry. A lot. Call husband who has no words for me because basically this is the worst day ever. Have no realized I have WASTED my day. Feel incredible empathy for American immigrants who have to take an afternoon (and likely no pay) off work and go into these places only to not understand what is going on.
5:24 Finally enter my apartment. Walk pooch and pour a drink. It was that kind of day, and despite the fact that it was Monday, I think totally justified.
I dare you to beat that story.
After wallowing for an hour or so I started dinner. Shrimp Scampi and Corn on the Cob.
In a pan I added one tablespoon olive oil and one clove chopped garlic. I let it all simmer.
I then added one bag frozen shrimp and the tail end of a bottle of white.
I chopped up some marinated artichokes, and added the juice to the pan as well. I also added a chopped tomato, some parmesan and pine nuts.
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Served atop a bed of greens with corn on the side.
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Picture 198 No TV Summer is back in session!
With all the reruns we sometimes find that we get mad and irritable at the lack of options – on tv, how pathetic is that? Who am I? Roseanne Barr or something?
We are expanding our minds and spending our evenings bettering ourselves – reading, blogging, board games, talking, even walks. Try it – you will LOVE it.
And there are a few rules:
1. We can watch important Mets Baseball Games or have them in the background of whatever we’re doing – MUTED.
2. We can watch the Today Show in the morning.
3. We (I) can catch up on reruns of the Real Housewives of wherever at the gym.
Breakfast was simple and good. Toast with PB and Flax.
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And lunch at the desk. Ezekiel Bun, Avocado, Spinach, Morningstar Chik’n Patty and Tomato.
Open
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Closed
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Banana
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Have you ever gone TV free?
Posted by Quinn at 12:50 PM 10 comments
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
No More Long Weekend?
I LOVE long weekends, but it’s so sad to see them go. I had a great one full of lots of fun times with friends, outdoor activities and getting caught up on life. So, without further ado….
FRIDAY
I took the day off – had to go to the dentist, overall get caught up with some errands. Breakfast were these oats:
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Lunch was a lovely Chickn Patty on an Ezekiel Bun. And a leftover salad from the day before’s luncheon.
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Worked out next to George Stephanopoulous at the gym earlier that morning too.
We hosted our friends Macy and Elizabeth’s engagement party Friday night. Geoff went to work right away helping:
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I’m kidding 
He was a GREAT help!
On the menu:
Roast Beef, Boursin, Avocado Roll Ups
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Mini Pulled Pork Sliders (crockpot pork – I am an amazing chef )
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Tomato & Mozzarella Skewers
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Key Lime Cookies (courtesy of Safeway)
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Bacon Wrapped Dates. Not my best. No photo.
My friend’s White Bean Dip and Pita Chips.
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Mini BLTs
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It was such a fun party.
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Complete with presents for the happy couple! Who doesn’t like a blue box! It’s my signature engagement present. Matching champagne flutes.
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And Thumper ate a bird later that night. I can’t even talk about it.
SATURDAY
Went to the store early to get some ingredients. Saw some grapes – suckers cost $8 – here’s what $8 grapes look like:
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Geoff made breakfast!
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Banana French Toast and Light Sausage
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Biked to gym early with hubby and had a killer workout. Came home for lunch.
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Then headed to VA for my friend Sara’s final wedding gown fitting. She will make the most beautiful bride!
Saturday night we vegged at our friend Sara and Bret’s apartment by their pool and ordered Taquiera Poblano. I had the Crab Quesadillas.
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Just the perfect size!
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And delicious!
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SUNDAY
Picked up new cabinet from Crate & Barrel. Realized I ordered the wrong color. But, surprisingly it works in the room.
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Headed to Loehmann’s and Macy’s with friends Miranda and Sara. Bought a dress, a top, and workout pants.
Stopped for lunch. Had half a tomato/mozzarella sammy
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and some pineapple and melon.
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Picture 156 Came home, napped (which I NEVER do), and went back to Sara and Bret’s for more pool lounging.
Headed to O’Sullivan’s in Arlington where I confronted/educated a motorcycle club who were in town for Rolling Thunder about the importance of helmets. It’s a wonder what a beer or two will do for the courage factor.
MONDAY
Woke up, returned my friend Sara’s Explorer to her apartment and ran on the path home – about two miles.
Returned a top to Anthropologie, checked out Home Goods and found THE BEST Harris Teeter ever. Lots of Buy One, Get Ones AND a $10 off coupon. Score!
Finished setting up the apartment, called some family and settled in to adjust to another work week.
Cooked dinner:
Salad
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Corn on the Cob (I LOVE the summer season!) I only use salt & pepper – no butter!
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Steak
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All Together
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Dessert
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And then the Jon & Kate episode everyone was talking about. God, how sad is that? Turn those cameras off already!
And then I had dreams about J&K all night. Weird!
I had no idea it was pouring this morning, which made for a fun dog walking experience. Breakfast was something I haven’t had since last summer! Egg Sandwich with Light Cheese and Buffalo Sauce.
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I forgot how much I loved this.
A short work day for me today. I have a long overdue date with the DMV.
How do you feel about the DMV? Have you had good experiences? Nightmares?
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