South Korea

Well, it's actually happening. My brother John is moving to Seoul for a year (we hope only 1 year) to teach English. Like a lot of 26 year old's with a degree in theater, he's been struggling to decide what he wants to do with his life. This opportunity came up and I'm proud of him for doing it. I can only imagine how much courage it takes to make a move like this. I moved only 4 hours away and it was terrifying. He's moving across the world and doesn't speak the language. However, he's excited about the adventure and I'm excited for him. Plus, I get to visit him in a few months on my way home from a work trip to Thailand. It'll be very cool to have him show me around Seoul. He'll be blogging while he's there, so I'll be sure to have his blog in my "friends" list...feel free to check it out!

Good luck Johnny...we'll miss you!

Guess who's back together...

OH YEAH...NKOTB!!! The 14-year old in me sure is happy today!!! :)

NOW

THEN

Japan

I've finally uploaded my photos from Japan...I took over 500, so I'll just post a few highlights here. We had a fantastic trip and I loved Japan! In fact, I'd like to post about some of the things I'll miss.

Top Ten Things I'll Miss About Japan

10 - Bowing. I loved watching people bow to each other...such a respectful gesture
9 - Hi-chew, my favorite Japanese candy (I stocked up though)
8 - The precision of the train schedule
7 - Women wearing kimonos
6 - Cool Buddhist temples
5 - The cool vending machines (on every block!)
4 - Everything being individually wrapped (And I do I mean everything)
3 - Torii gates and little neighborhood shrines
2 - The AMAZING level of service EVERYWHERE
1 - Heated toilet seats


Here are a few photos for you to enjoy!

Torii gate in Meiji Shrine

Cool vending machine Torii gate at Miyajima (one of my favorite places)
Pagoda (I'm in there too!) at Toshogu shrine in Nikko

Golden Pavilion in Nara
Heated toilet seat!
Buddah at Todai-ji temple (he was huge!)
Mt. Fuji from the train (we were lucky to see it...no fog!)

American Idol - David Cook - Hello

My new favorite Idol contestant. This guy has some serious talent!

P.S. Japan photos coming soon!

Today is a good day because...

I've been inspired by Anna (and her sisters/SILs) to be aware of good things that happened today. I needed this!!!

Today is a good day because...

--It's 8:00 and my primary lesson is finished, so I can relax tonight!
--I cleaned (I mean really cleaned) today and it feels good to look around and not see clutter!
--I washed my sheets/duvet cover and can't wait to go to bed tonight
--I got to sleep in today (and woke up to the sound of rain outside instead of my alarm)
--I got a pedicure and my feet feel great
--My roommate brought home pizza for dinner...YUM
--I'm not sick (thanks to a routine of Airborne, OJ, & Vitamin Water)
--I made a list of things I need to pack for Japan (I leave in 6 days!)
--There's Ben & Jerry's in the freezer with my name on it
--There's a good basketball game on tonight

It's a good day!

Mmmm...brussels sprouts

I was watching Giada on the Food Network the other day (yes, that's right...I actually watch the food network...stop laughing), I found my mouth watering. Over brussels sprouts. Wierd, I know, but let me tell you...this recipe is incredible. Even when I make it...

I found that I liked it better when I only added between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of broth at the end. 3/4 is too much and dilutes the flavors. But you do need a little bit to get everything off of the pan. I also cut the sprouts in half (and cook them a bit longer to they're nice and tender), they absorbed the pancetta/garlic better that way, plus they were easier to eat. I've used both the paper-thin pancetta as well as the 4oz package of cubed pancetta from Trader Joes. Both work fine. I've also used bacon, but it's not as good.

1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 ounces paper-thin slices pancetta, coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup low-salt chicken broth

Partially cook the Brussels sprouts in a large pot of boiling salted water, about 4 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute until beginning to crisp, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until pale golden, about 2 minutes.

Add the Brussels sprouts to the same skillet and saute until heated through and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Season with pepper, to taste. Add the broth and simmer until the broth reduces just enough to coat the Brussels sprouts, about 3 minutes. Serve. YUM.

Best performance of the night...

I was worried when I heard he was going to sing "Hello". Boy was I wrong, he blew me away!