61 posts tagged “god”
Asheville is really a cool funky small city. It's more or less a smaller version of NYC but full of hippies and weird things. "Keep Asheville weird", so say the bumper stickers everywhere. We have fallen in love with this area and we just found our "vegan's heaven" - Earth Fare the healthy supermarket. We found a few different vegan cakes, all kinds of vegan eats and treats ready to go, and even baked vegan pot pies. The prices are rather reasonable, but I know that's because we just left Vermont not long ago where everything seems so dearly priced. I still have no time or will to cook, but Earth Fare is going to sustain us in the meantime besides hubby's decadent pastas. Until then, life is good, and I wish all of you well.
Thank you so much for bringing so many beautiful and soul-touching songs to us! I hope you can finally have an everlasting carefree childhood now. May God rest your soul! Peace and love.
After almost eight months of trying different vegan/vegetarian restaurants in the country, I must admit NYC is still the place to find the best vegan food. So much ethnic diversity and spoiled palates absolutely help to make NYC the one and only true vegan paradise. Even Long Island is up and coming in the vegan food scene. Cornucopia Natural Foods, a local healthfood store in Sayville, has just expanded its business to include a cafe. We have been really happy with the vegan food there, especially the juicy and tasty veggie burger is so delightful. We are determined to try to recreate the burger at home to satisfy our stomachs.
Back to NYC, it is a pity that we haven't had an opportunity to get some falafels yet, mainly due to the worsened traffic condition and time constraint. We did, however, visit the much renowned Candle Cafe. A pre-warning first: if you don't want to spend much money, skip this place and try the falafels sold on the street. Even though Candle Cafe is considerably cheaper than her sister restaurant Candle 79, you will not be able to walk away without at least spending 70 to 80 bucks for a proper meal. It is in Manhattan after all. We liked the food much better than in Candle 79.
We ordered French fries and sauteed broccoli (with a creamy basil sauce) as sides.
I was going to order the Pomegranate Grilled Tofu at first but changed my mind completely once I saw Tuscan Lasagna on the menu. So far this is the first vegetarian restaurant we have been to that actually serves lasagne. I figured that I had to try it once. I was rather disappointed with the lasagna though. The tofu ricotta was too wet and the whole thing was quite bland and watery. The only thing I liked was the Swiss chard underneath the lasagna. We did get the Pomegranate Grilled Tofu (with couscous and roasted veggies) as takeout which was great. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo before digging in.
Hubby ordered the Artichoke Wrap, which was really good. It was very vegetable-oriented and the soy cheese was not over-powering. The avocado and tofu inside created a good balance. We highly recommend it.
Besides all this, we also ordered a sweet potato soup and a split pea soup for takeout. They were both very tasty as well.
Now we are still in NY and I am recovering from a sore throat (not swine flu). Hopefully we can drive up to Vermont in a couple of days. Until then, take care and God bless.
So I got tagged by Karen. There are so many first things that I haven't done. My list is really not so interesting... but first thing first.
1. Who was your FIRST prom date? I never went to a prom.
2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love? Hell, no!
3. What was your 1st alcoholic drink? Beer.
4. What was your FIRST job? Market research, right after I got out of graduate school.
5. What was you FIRST car? A Toyota (second-hand). I don't remember the model.
6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today? My hubby.
7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning? Hubby again.
8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher? I can't remember her name. She was really old and wrinkly but she was kind.
9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane? To Thailand.
10. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk? I forgot her name too. We obviously don't talk any more. All of my best friends have stopped being at their best.
11. Where was your FIRST? An incomplete question warrants no answer.
12. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today? Hubby.
13. Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time? My aunt's. She is my mother's youngest sister. But I don't remember much any more.
14. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning? I slept till after noon. So nothing in the morning. :)
15. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to? I didn't go to many concerts so I should remember. But I don't.
16. FIRST tattoo? No tattoo. Don't plan to.
17. First piercing? No piercing. So I'm really straight-laced.
18. First foreign country you've been to? Thailand.
19. FIRST movie you remember seeing? Superman, maybe.
20. When was your FIRST detention? No, sir, I have never been detained and I'd like to keep it that way.
21. What was the FIRST state you lived in? NY.
22. Who was your FIRST roommate? Never had a roommate. My parents were worried I'd be corrupted by the parties, etc..
23. If you had one wish, what would it be? More peace and love to go around.
24. What is something you would learn if you had the chance? Be a better cook and baker (working on it hard).
25. Who do you think will be the next person to post this? I'm no psychic or God. Who knows?
If you are reading, you are tagged!
This is one of those "100s" lists. It lists 100 activities and you are to select in bold the ones you have done and italicize five you would like to do most. I came across this fun meme on Jennifer's blog "Veg*n Cooking". If you want to participate, just copy this list and have at it!
1. Started my own blog – Yes. I started blogging about 3 years ago. I guess anyone who is reading this list has a blog of his/her own.
2. Slept under the stars – This sounds rather nice. I just have to make sure there would be no mosquito around when I did do this.
3. Played in a band – I'm not good at playing music. I learned playing the piano for a few years when I was in primary school, but I never felt a genuine love for it.
4. Visited Hawaii – I almost did this summer but the plan changed at the last minute. We did a vegan restaurant tour instead across the country. I was more than glad that we changed the plan. I still would love to go there once.
5. Watched a meteor shower – I had three opportunities so far but every time I slept through it and regretted not staying up the next morning. Maybe I will try a fourth time.
6. Given more than I can afford to charity – Nope, I never had such a chance. I don't generally believe in donating to charity organizations and such because I don't know who are getting my money in the end. We usually give money directly to the people who need it.
7. Been to Disneyland/world - I was in graduate school then. Since I never visited one when I was a kid, I enjoyed just as much as an adult.
8. Climbed a mountain – I can't say if I truly enjoyed the process since I didn't feel much pride or a sense of achievement. I was mighty happy when it was all over.
9. Held a praying mantis – This sounds good, but what exactly is involved?
10. Sung a solo – I never want to be in such a situation, ever.
11. Bungee jumped – I don’t need that much stimulation.
12. Visited Paris – Yes, I love Europe. But it was a pity I didn't go to Italy.
13. Watched lightning at sea – If I remember correctly, I have sworn never to go a cruise or travel by sea. Thanks, but I will have to pass.
14. Taught myself an art from scratch – I taught myself how to cook. It is the best thing I can do for myself.
15. Adopted a child – No, thank heavens! I would just mess the kid up. I am content with getting to know myself.
16. Had food poisoning – Only once, luckily. It was a pizza my father bought in a supermarket when I was in junior high. It had mushroom topping. We all had severe stomachache and my mother and I had serious diarrhea for a few days. And I happened to have my finals then. Fortunately, I did poorly in one exam without being reprimanded. I still feel a little weird buying pizzas from a supermarket now.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty – Never been there and have no desire to do so.
18. Grown my own vegetables – I am growing green onions and leeks right now, and we have rosemary growing in our little garden (not our effort though). I hope we can grow spinach and tomatoes soon.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France – Yes. There were so many people waiting to see the Mona Lisa in the glass case. It took me half an hour before I could steal a clear look among all the bobbing heads.
20. Slept on an overnight train – It was from Paris to Nice. Very comfortable, indeed.
21. Had a pillow fight – I’m an only child, so I never did this with friends or anything. I don't think I would be interested if given the opportunity anyway.
22. Hitchhiked – No, I don't think I will ever have to. I would rather walk.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. – Not once. Many a day I was ill but didn't take a sick day.
24. Built a snow fort – This seems like so much fun but we don't get snow usually.
25. Held a lamb – When I was a little kid I held a lamb because it looked so cute. But his/her mother was not very happy about it and launched an attack against me. I had to run for a while before the mother sheep was convinced that I wouldn't go back.
26. Gone skinny dipping – I don't swim so this is definitely out. Even if I could swim, I wouldn't do this.
27. Run a Marathon – This must be a joke. I gotta be really crazy to even consider this.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice – Ah, this just reminds me again that I haven't visited Italy yet.
29. Seen a total eclipse – I saw it once in primary school. I was really thrilled because we got to take two classes off.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset – I watched both, but I am still on earth. Now I'd rather watch Stargate.
31. Hit a home run – I'm really not even an enthusiastic spectator. Please pardon my blasphemy.
32. Been on a cruise – Not a water person at all.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person – Don’t really have much desire, I’d much rather see a beautiful park.
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors – Yes, but I was too young to remember anything.
35. Seen an Amish community – It is possible that we might move to a town close to an Amish community. Let's see if my answer change for this question in a year or so.
36. Taught myself a new language – Yes, French and Japanese. But I don't remember much now, for lack of practice. Since I'm not going to visit France again any time soon, I might as well learn some Italian.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied – I always feel this way. Thanks to my parents, I never felt deprived in terms of money. We are not wealthy but we live comfortably. I never bought expensive presents for myself as I never felt a need to spoil myself. I am really happy with what I have right now. So I leave it to everybody else to be more ambitious.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person – Nope. I will though.
39. Gone rock climbing – It makes me feel tired just imagining it.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David – Only a copy so far. I will when I visit Italy. But if I don't, I won't miss it.
41. Sung karaoke – This is the only way I might sing together with someone. Never a solo.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt – No.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant – I gave an old beggar 100 outside a restaurant. He just got turned away by the waitress inside, and he looked like he really could use a couple of hot meals. He looked genuinely grateful and really shocked.
44. Visited Africa – This is the one place I will never consider going even if I were given 1 million dollars.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight – No. What's wrong with walking on a beach during the day?
46. Been transported in an ambulance – Thankfully, no.
47. Had my portrait painted – No, and I’d like to keep it that way.
48. Gone deep sea fishing – No. Fishing is wrong (in my world).
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person – I would like to, one day.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris – Yes, and it was a very nice view looking down. But the towel itself doesn't look so nice.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling – Not a water person.
52. Kissed in the rain – No, I wasn't shooting a movie of myself. We walked in the rain and it felt better.
53. Played in the mud – I don't think my OCD will ever allow myself to do so.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater – No. Are these theaters still around? Where?
55. Been in a movie. – No. No. No. And it's better this way.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China – Yes. I got dragged into it, and it's not as marvelous as it was originally built since you can't visit the whole thing anyway.
57. Started a business – Yes, my husband I did it. The first two years were really the hardest because we never took a single day off, including Christmas and birthdays. We are still learning how not to get too emotionally involved and how to relax more.
58. Taken a martial arts class – No, taking a yoga class is as far as I go.
59. Visited Russia – Isn’t it really depressing and rather dangerous there?
60. Served at a soup kitchen – I probably will do this soon.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies – Not once and I am proud of it.
62. Gone whale watching – Whale watching? I wonder what the whales think.
63. Got flowers for no reason – Nope. We did get dead flowers in the box once after our Christmas party as a thank-you gesture.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma – I donated blood in college. I don't think I will do this again.
65. Gone sky diving – I still don't see the fun in this sport.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp – The war is over and let's just move on. I really don't think by visiting these camps we will understand better the suffering some human beings inflicted on other human beings.
67. Bounced a check – Never did and don't intend to.
68. Flown in a helicopter – No.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy – All of my favorite toys were passed onto my younger cousins. Little bastards!
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial – Nope.
71. Eaten caviar – NO! I truly believe this is one of those food items people all say they love it only because they don't want to appear coarse or unrefined in their fine company.
72. Pieced a quilt – Nope. What for?
73. Stood in Times Square – Yes. So what?
74. Toured the Everglades – No.
75. Been fired from a job – No.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London – No. There are so many other nicer things to see in London.
77. Broken a bone – No, thankfully, and I hope that I never do!
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle – Yes, I was on my hubby's bike. It was fun.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person – No. I will take it or leave it.
80. Published a book – No, but I hope I will one day. If I don't, I won't think it's a pity either. Writing is the part that matters for me.
81. Visited the Vatican – I can't find a reason to.
82. Bought a brand new car – Nope, and I am happy about it. Used cars are the only cars we will consider.
83. Walked in Jerusalem – No.
84. Had my picture in the newspaper – NO, and I hope it stays this way.
85. Read the entire Bible – I only read a very small part of it. Maybe one day I will read the whole thing.
86. Visited the White House – No. No reason to.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating – NO! I am really glad that I never did before I turned vegan.
88. Had chickenpox – Yes, I was in third grade then. It was two very very uncomfortable months.
89. Saved someone’s life – No, I am no savior.
90. Sat on a jury – Thank God no! I am in no position to be partially responsible for determining someone else's fate.
91. Met someone famous – Nope.
92. Joined a book club – No.
93. Lost a loved one – Yes, three times. I lost my dear grandfather and my art teacher when I was fifteen. Both losses were totally unexpected. Then I lost my grandmother a couple of years ago. I didn't even know she was hospitalized before she died. I am still trying to cope with these losses.
94. Had a baby – Nope and I don’t ever want to!
95. Seen the Alamo in person – No.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake – No.
97. Been involved in a law suit - Nope. God forbid!
98. Owned a cell phone – Yes, shamefully, I owned more than one at one point. Now I have just one and I barely use it.
99. Been stung by a bee – No. This sounds really nasty.
100. Ridden an elephant – Yes, as a young teenager on a trip to Thailand. All I remember is that elephants have thick hair on their bodies.
Alright, this is my list. I killed an hour doing this. Maybe it can help you find some fun and kill some time too.
How are you all doing today? I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday morning, afternoon or night (whatever the time zone you are in).
The year of 2008 is soon coming to its end. 2009 is eagerly looking upon us. I know we all wish this year would have been a bit easier and a bit happier, but when it is indeed going out of our door, we have many things to be grateful for and probably miss. It is true the weather has been horrible in many months. It is true that our pockets could have been a bit more filled up with gold coins. It is also true that we could have avoided a little more suffering and pain we inflicted upon each other on this planet. However, we are full of hope for 2009. We, as a natural survivor race, will do our best again in the new year. In my neighborhood, I met a few more extremely friendly new neighbors and friends. We have shared many good memories, photos, recipes, and sad stories. We have shared a lot of feelings together and encouraged each other and inspired one another. We have our own problems and issues, yet we have come together creating a sanctuary in Vox for ourselves. We even started a self-compliment group to raise ourselves up. We are worth all the effort and love. We are a group people who love life and want to get the best out of our life.
So, please, at this moment, I hope you will pay a little (well-deserving) compliment to yourself like I do. I am a loving and forgiving person, and for this reason, I forgive myself for whatever mistakes I made and love myself for what I am. And I want to compliment every one of my friends and neighbors in Vox and beyond. You are such wonderful and colorful people, and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and all the best in the New Year! God bless you all.
Always the hours we spend together, always the love.
Always yours,
Singing Horse
I haven't done anything special for the 100th post of my food porn and recipe series. So here it is. I did try Bryanna's recipe and make the no-knead yeast bread. I made a pizza and a foccacia with the dough. I still have some of the dough in my fridge that will go to good use. It was a great experience. I can't believe half whole-wheat pizza dough can still be so good, better than the non-whole-wheat dough. The topping was a marinara sauce with two large zucchini. I loaded on lots of herbs. I mean really a lot, which was the key. Great topping and great dough made a great pizza. My husband said it reminded him of an authentic Italian pizza.
I made my first hummus too. I cooked the dried chickpeas myself and shelled all of them for three hours. The hummus was really really good, but unfortunately I didn't snap any photo. I guess I won't be cooking much in the next few days because I really have a lot to do to tie up some loose ends and finish the unfinished business. Until then. God bless!
1. Are you an animal lover or are you afraid of anything furry?
I'm a huge animal lover. I love all kinds of animals, furry or not. I used to be really afraid of roaches because of one childhood trauma but I've been getting much better by identifying the real fear and putting things into perspective (the fact that the roach is so small and harmless while I'm so big and can possibly crush one if I'm not careful.) I still feel a bit grossed out when looking at some slimy worms but it's no big deal. One day I'll learn not to judge them by their looks too much.
Hmmm, I didn't think I designed such a hard question so early. I would choose to be a dog. Maybe it's because dogs can be so affectionate and faithful and they seem so cute and smart and they like to sniff things. I love sniffing things too. I'm already like a dog sometimes since I'm naturally curious about things and different smells just drive me nuts.
3. Which animal resembles your spouse/partner/loved one?
Which animal is the most regal, wise and soulful one? I'd say an eagle. Eagles always look so majestic and their eyes see so far and deep. Definitely an eagle.
4. What would you feed the animal that most resembles your spouse/partner/loved one?
The eagle can find enough food for himself. But in this world nowadays, even eagles starve. So I'd have to feed him Italian pasta, since that's his favorite food.
5. If you had to choose what you would be in your next lifetime (please just assume this is possible for a second), among vegetables, plants, flowers, and animals, what would you rather be?
6. Which vegetable (or plant, flower, animal) would you want your spouse/partner/loved one be?
If I were to be a tree, I'd surely want my husband to be a tree too, so that we can still be a tree family.
7. How long would you choose your life span is?
The same as my husband's. I would choose somewhere between 3 to 4 centuries so that we could see what happens in this world and before getting really tired of watching people, we could go back to Mother Nature's arms together.
8. What would you want to do as a vegetable (or plant, flower, animal) for a living?
As a tree, I would take care of all the birds, insects, mushrooms, and whatnot that live around me. Sing songs for them and watch them grow and play. Hopefully there would be no human being destroying everything for us.
9. List three vegetable (or plant, flower, animal) that you absolutely don't want to be. You can list all three of the same category, for example, three vegetables.
I don't want to be a shark, spider, or crocodile. Not because I hate them. Only because these three are so very often completely misunderstood and labeled as dangerous and cruel. Few people stop to think that we, as human beings, have done things much worse, on a much larger scale, and with much graver consequences. I hope that I can at least not worsen the situation, on my part.
10. If you have to write a book about a vegetable (or plant, flower, animal) kingdom, what would it be like living in this kingdom? Would you be the king of this kingdom?
