Love...true love

My love for pizza is a true love. It's such a big love, that it's not enough for me to enjoy eating it, but I also love to cook it. HH recommended I try this pizza from the cover of January's Sunset magazine. It was my first attempt at a cast iron skillet pizza and it was really quite special. The crust was slightly doughy around the thickest parts, so I know I need to par-cook it a little longer next time. The toppings however, came out magical. Yellow bell pepper, broccolini, red pepper flakes and mozzarella made for a slightly sweet, bitter, spicy and salty combo. There was no sauce, but I didn't miss it because it was not dry at all.

Man. I wish I had some more of this pizza.

REEEEE-MIX

Googly eyes
Originally uploaded by riblet.

I know I put this picture up previously, but today it's featured on the Consumerist Flickr finds!!

Sacramento's most blogged dog! She's a star among dogs and still, so humble.

I'm not nervous or anything

I lied! I'm totally nervous about my upcoming Lasik surgery. LASERS! EYES!

After going to two different Lasik providers for consultations, I feel like I made the right choice. The place I chose is super clean and the people are nice, which matters a lot to me since I'm going to get my eyes operated on. Plus, I'll go anywhere Jennifer Smith of News 10 recommends! I got my surgery information in the mail yesterday. It's filled with all kinds of helpful info sheets including one called "Don't sue us if we make you blind...on accident or on purpose, with our big, fancy laser that wasn't approved by the FDA to use on anyone's eyes." I'm kidding, of course, but not really far off the mark. One of the after care directions COMMANDS that I do not use any eye make up (not even the eye make up I wear to make it look like I'm not wearing make up!) for an ENTIRE WEEK post surgery. I'm mentally preparing myself for lots of "you look tired/sick/like death/old" comments at work, which is going to be the only place aside from home that you will find me without giant, practical joke-sized sunglasses.

You know what, though? I'll be so glad to be rid of contacts and glasses (until I need glasses again, that is). Those lousy glasses! They make everything seem smaller, even my 4 year old kid, who turns into a wee infant when I wear my specs. Oh, dear. I can't wait to wake up everyday and be able to see beyond the few inches in front of my face.

Emmmpanada

Emmmpanada
Originally uploaded by riblet.

At first I was a little embarrassed to pick up a box of instant pie crust mix. Just add water! But I quickly got over it when I realized that this box of instant pie crust saved me enough time slaving away in the kitchen, that I could realistically stuff and bake out about 20 mini-spicy "beef" empanadas on a week night. Boo-ya.

Boxed crust! I know. I'm a busy mom and I'm allowed some modern conveniences, however tacky they may be.

Thinking of crust, I am remembering a great Ira quote from a couple of weeks ago.

Me: Ira, what do you want for dinner?
Ira: Pizza crust.

One of a kind

Aww.
Originally uploaded by riblet.

Before the holiday break, Ira was sent home with this amazing felt ornament made by one of his awesome teachers. So freaking cool.

Have a kid (a cool one if you can), they're great!

Who wants a peanut butter spoon?

Who wants a peanut butter spoon?
Originally uploaded by riblet.

Step right up. Show me your best human tricks! I have peanut butter spoons for everyone. Seriously, we buy it in vats from Costco.

Soy good

Vegetarian vietnamese-style sandwich
Originally uploaded by riblet.

I had the best tofu sandwich for lunch today at Wayside Noodles. This photo is not the one I had, but they were kind of similar. It had fried tofu, some kind of teriyaki sauce, carrots, cukes, fresh jalapenos, all on a soft and crusty baguette. Hold the mayo please. It was so good, I did not want it to end. Bonus: It was under $5!!

I haven't been blogging lately, but really should. I sometimes end up with enough free time to read the entire internet and the comments. I hate to sit on these blogging hands anymore. Where to start?

We had a pretty tragic holiday season, which for me continues to drive home the point, more than ever, that anything can change at anytime. I find it so important to be present in the moment. I don't like to make resolutions (I once vowed to drink nothing but champagne and look where that went), but being cognizant of this life as it goes along is one thing I am trying to do more of.

So as I ate my awesome sandwich today, I REALLY ate it. Instead of wolfing it down, I took the time and tasted everything. In those few moments, Liz Lemon, it was the best sandwich of ALL TIME.