Lynne With An Experiment – Inauguration

Posted on April 8, 2010 by yukyukbox

I am taking an Adult Beginner Ballet Class.

Be scared. Be very scared.

It is part of a new segment on Lynne with an E. And it is called Lynne With An Experiment. Catchy title, huh? I thought so. What? You would pat me on my back, but my hand got there first.

Anyways, back to the inaugural Lynne With An Experiment. Now, these segments will basically involve Lynne with An E taking part in various activities, i.e. experiments, that put her outside her comfort zone. We are starting small with a ballet class. Now, that doesn’t mean that the next experiment involves cliff diving. I actually do not know what the next experiment will be but let me give you some of the details on this Inaugural Experiment. As well as some initial observations.

  • Ballet is a very contained activity.  Lynne with an E isn’t known for being very contained.
  • Lynne with an E took ballet lessons for about a month when she was about 7 years old.
  • The ballet class is held through the local parks and recreation group.
  • Lynne with an E has already attended one class, and there are already a few show-offs.
  • Lynne with an E is an athletic and coordinated individual but there are flashes of the ballerina hippo from Fantastia flashing through my head during some of the routines.
  • Lynne with an E is realizing that she will not be receiving an invitation to audition from Twyla Tharp any time soon.
  • Unfortunately, because of work responsibilities the next bout of the experiment will not take place until next week.

And if you have any suggestions for future experiments, please submit. Please keep in mind that experiments should not involve loss of limb(s) or life, be illegal or require Lynne with an E to take out a loan.

Posted in Art and Culture, Dance, Humor | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The Dinner Party

Posted on April 7, 2010 by yukyukbox

So have you ever been to a dinner party where any of the following has happened?

  1. The party starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m.
  2. The hostess is drunkety-drunk-drunk before the main course is served.
  3. A food fight involving one yellow peep.
  4. A wanted tutorial on how to pray the “roshary” (drunk-speak for rosary).
  5. A man tells his mother-in-law to get to the f**ing point! when trying to explain the rules of an Easter Egg Hunt.
  6.  Five eggs are hidden in one place because the hider is too drunk to space them out.
  7. The hostess sits in an office chair with rollers instead of a dining room chair. And at various times during dinner, pushes herself away from the table, rolls out towards the foyer while squealing, “Wheeeeeeee!!!”
  8. Get hit in the side of head by a champagne cork.
  9. Get a sunburn.
  10. Try to hide in the food pantry and have an impromptu dance party.

Oh you haven’t? Oh well, I haven’t either. I was just wondering…

Posted in Cocktails, Humor | Leave a comment

So Long Louie, Hello St. Louis!

Posted on April 6, 2010 by yukyukbox

Umm Louie, I have something to tell you.

I know he's concerned.

I am going on a trip, Louie. I won’t be gone that long.

I have to go to St. Louis. Ya know, ‘So Long Louie, Hello St. Louis!’ Catchy huh?

I know, you are more the suffer in silence type.

Posted in Animals, Travel | Leave a comment

A Whole Lot of Shakin’

Posted on April 5, 2010 by yukyukbox

Well, the Earth decided it needed to let off a little steam yesterday. In the form of a big rumble south of the border. San Diego does not have any active fault lines directly under it. Even though, I am not sure I fully trust scientists when they say that. Because every time an earthquake hits in a new place, they kind of act like, “Oh! We didn’t know there was a fault line there?!”

The one that hit yesterday afternoon that registered at 7.2 on the richter scale, wasn’t exciting in its strength but its length. It went on for awhile. RUUUUMMBBLLE, RUUUUMMMBBBBLLLEEE,rumble (okay, I am still in the house at this point)..rumble, rumble (yeah, grabbing the dog and out the door).

Speaking as a native of the Quake State, over time you develop your own richter scale. The richter scale starts at “I think I am just going to stay here.” up to “Holy Shit! Grab the dog and get the hell out!” A couple of stages in between have testing statements such as, “Do I really want to leave this cozy warm bed?” and “I need a clothing alternative and this toga sheet will work.”

When I was little I was always jealous of kids that lived in climates that had snow. Mainly jealous of their snow days. So when an earthquake would hit in the early morning hours of a school day, I would be so excited of the possibility of school closures. But of course, that wish was never granted.

We are able to see the beauty of this world in so many ways every single day. A flower, a smile, a sunset. It is only logical that we must experience its strength as well.

Yesterday my family gathered in the living room to give thanks before descending on the food. We had just finished saying grace and the question was asked if anyone had anything else to add. And my niece shouts out, “I felt the earthquake today!” and proceeds to do a happy jig.

So no matter what your faith may be, here’s to experiencing both the beauty and the strength of nature. And to happy jigs.

Sunday Morning

Posted in Humor, San Diego | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Cat, Dog, Coffee and/or Chocolate

Posted on March 31, 2010 by yukyukbox

Cat, Dog, Coffee and Chocolate. I think these are the basics to determining if you have anything in common with a person. Or if you will even like them. Now, if you are a psychiatrist dealing with a serial killer, I don’t think it will help the matter but for basic friendship, I may be on to something.

I happen to like all four. Some more than others at various times of day. Like when the dog wakes me up at six on a Saturday morning – bottom of the list. And I am not a big cat person just because I don’t want to turn into that lady in the GOT MILK? commercial. You know the one. She runs out of milk and tries to feed the cats the non-dairy creamer with water. And all you see is a cat paw locking the door. Shivers down my spine. But I found my cat in an avocado tree on Labor Day. And no one claimed him so as my mom so blatantly put it, “Guess you have a cat.”

But I have friends that only like one of the four. But they have to like at least one. I have a friend that doesn’t like dogs. I can’t understand it, I don’t try to understand it. But she likes cats, coffee and chocolate. So we are friends.

Now if a person only likes cats out of the list of four, I am running in the opposite direction (and I think you should do the same).

My mother doesn’t like chocolate. I can’t understand it, I don’t try to understand it. But she likes cats, dogs and coffee. So she may remain my mother.

My brother-in-law doesn’t really like cats or dogs. I can’t understand it, I don’t try to understand it. But he likes coffee and chocolate. So he may remain my brother-in-law.

Friendships can be so complex. I am just stripping it down to the basic four ingredients. Oh, one last bit of advice – stay away from “the only like cat” people.

So what are you? Like Cats? Dogs? Coffee? Chocolate?

Posted in Animals, Humor | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Bad Hair Day

Posted on March 31, 2010 by yukyukbox

I have been in a bad mood today. I was ready to rave at the world. But then, I was going through my photos and this one brought a smile to my face. So if you too had a bummer day, I hope this brings a little smile to your face.

Fizgig on the loose.

Posted in Animals, Humor | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Cilantro – Two Ways

Posted on March 29, 2010 by yukyukbox

Spring is officially here in Southern California. It is subtle but it is definitely here. Which means summer is definitely close on its heals. And after my decadent journey to NYC, it is time to get creative with the lowfat living. Since I don’t really like the idea of a cleanse, I will go the route of clean eating. Because for the most part, that is what it is going to be for the next several months. I have created a couple of recipes that definitely will add variety in my diet. Plus, make me feel lighter but still fill me up.

Lowfat Taco Salad

Please Note: If you would like to add different veggies or more veggies – I will not stop you! This recipe is a launching point. 

  • 2 1/2 cps Romaine Lettuce
  • 1/4 cp Diced Radishes
  • 1 Tortilla
  • 1/2 cp Ground Turkey (lean)
  • 1/2 cp Kidney Beans (or black beans)
  • 1/2 Lime
  • 1 Tomato
  • 2 tbsp Light Catalina Dressing 
  • 1/3-1/4 cp Cilantro

In hot, non-stick pan, cook ground turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, set aside. Cut tortilla into strips and toast in toaster oven. Set aside both to cool off. (Note – there was no use of oil in the preparation of the turkey and tortilla). Chop up lettuce, radishes, tomato and cilantro. Combine veggies, turkey, kidney beans and tortilla in mixing bowl. Pour salad dressing over top and juice lime directly over top. Combine all ingredients. Enjoy! This is a nice guilt-free lunch or dinner.

Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 bunch Cilantro (stems removed)
  • 1/4 cp White Onion, diced
  • 1/2 cp Greek-style Non-Fat Plain Yogurt
  • Juice of 1-2 limes
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

In blender combine cilantro, onion, yogurt and lime juice. Season to taste with pepper and salt. Tasty sauce to be added to chicken fajitas, fish tacos, etc. It would probably be a tasty dip as well. I put it on fish tacos. Great substitute for cheese. And now that I think about it, you could use it as the dressing for the Taco Salad above:)

Lowfat Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

Posted in Food, Recipes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

New York, New York Part Two

Posted on March 28, 2010 by yukyukbox

Cityscape

New York is a city of discovery. As in many fantastic cities, hours could be spent walking the streets and snapping photos of the city at-work.

We had some great meals in New York. And I am going to spotlight two of them.

FIVE NAPKIN BURGER

Located on 9th Avenue, near Times Square, Five Napkin Burger is a fantastic and crowded restaurant. Subway tiles on the wall, backlit back bar and bare lightbulbs hanging from butcher hooks, this is a great place. Even on a Tuesday night, we had a 30 minute wait. But no worries! A beeper is given to you for when your table is ready. The back bar is great with reasonably priced (please put in the context of NYC) cocktails. So enjoy one or two while you wait for your beeper to start shaking.

Bar at Five Napkin BurgerLight Fixtures on Butcher Hooks

Light Fixtures on Butcher Hooks

The menu is only one page but that is enough. And it all comes down to the signature Five Napkin Burger. Mmmm! A moment of silence for this delectable burger. Made from 100% ground chuck, this burger is outstanding in its minimalism. Burger, carmelized onions, gruyere cheese, rosemary aioli served on a white roll. Not to be missed. Fish and chips were fresh and delicious. Great waiter and and all around great place.

Five Napkin Burger - Soooo good!Five Napkin Burger - Delicious!

Five Napkin Burger - Delicious!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lombardi’s
I am a repeat offender at Lombardi’s. This is one pizza institution I would willingly be committed. Located on Spring Street, the easiest way to access this pizzeria is the subway. This is true New York pizza. The thinnest – only to be beat by some pizzerias that I went to while in Italy. I always order the Pizza Margherita. Just perfect in a few simple ingredients. Mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and basil…sooooo good. This pizza is truly the holy grail of pizzas. It will ruin you for all other pizzas.

Words cannot describe...

 Sorry, I have to clean up this pool of drool that has accumulated on the desk in front of me. I may have come back several pounds heavier, but it was worth it. One life to live – and I definitely made the most of it in NYC. 

 

Posted in Food, Photography, Travel, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

New York, New York, What A Wonderful Town Part I

Posted on March 25, 2010 by yukyukbox

Well this last week I returned from my second annual trip to New York City. I was actually there for work which means two great things: 1. Food Stipend 2. Free Hotel Room. These are two things that should never be taken for granted especially when visiting The City That Never Sleeps.

Marriott Marquis, Times Square, NYC

 I stayed at the Marriott Marquis right off Times Square. If you have the opportunity, just walking through the lobby, which is located on the eighth floor, is quite a spectacle. Conveniently located right on Times Square, it is walking distance to many Broadway shows as well as subway and bus lines.

Except for a couple of sidetrips a majority of my time was spent in the vicinity of Times Square. Last year, I cut a wider swath through the city (doesn’t anyone else hearing a bit of Jack Sparrow in that last statement?). Years could be spent exploring every single neighborhood and burrough of New York. Probably the main reason why so many people keep coming back. You won’t be able to do it all when you come to New York.

This year, I was lucky enough to be in the city on a very coveted holiday in my family…St. Patrick’s Day!

I have never seen such a big parade. I felt very proud of my Irish heritage and all the great things that we have contributed to the world and especially to the U.S.A. Meanwhile, I was trying to ignore all the drunken college students lolling around trying out their fake brogues on each other while wearing “Irish I Was Drunk” t-shirts. Yes, aren’t we a classy group? But I’ll tell you who had class – this guy-

 

Side note story: He has more class than Lynne with an E because I almost wore this on my backside during a recent St. Patty’s Run. Glad I didn’t since it was benefitting a local children’s hospital. But I was so proud of it, that I have to share it. So yes, another example of why the Irish are so classy.

 

You know, looking at that last photo, I think I am going to end this entry right now. Shaking my head and realizing that I was actually contemplating wearing that statement on my behind while in the company of about 3,000 people. That photo is proof of one constant – I have no shame. New York City – to be continued…

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Post From A Pomeranian

Posted on March 23, 2010 by yukyukbox

I’ve been gone for awhile. Almost a week actually. Sorry I haven’t written any posts. I have been a bad, bad girl having a lot of fun, fun, fun in the big, big city. Yes, I am stopping. I spent last week in New York City. NEW YORK CITY?! Yes, New York City. And I am hoping to tell you all about my travels as soon as the luggage is unpacked and the laundry is clean. But in the meantime, this cute bugger was one of the big reasons I was happy to come back.

I need my teeth brushed.

Posted in Animals | 1 Comment