Nam Tok Non-success

Nick said I should take pictures of what I cook. In my entire life, I've probably cooked a total of 20 meals. 20 is probably too generous. But, my new goal is to cook at least twice each week.

I went to China Super Market to get supplies for Pad Krapow Gai, but they disappointed me. They had no basil, no shallots, nothing I actually needed. So, I got Nam Tok seasoning and mint instead.

I met several disasters. First, someone melted the rim of my rice cooker so it doesn't fit in the cooker anymore. I still tried to do it but it short circuited and now doesn't work at all. So, I am out one rice cooker. My sticky rice got about 60% cooked. I had to put it into a pot on the stove but in order for it to not burn, I had to add more water which just made the rice disgusting. Then, I poured in the entire Nam Tok seasoning. Big mistake. It was too much. Also, I cooked the meat too hot and some of it burned. I am determined to overcome my cooking challenges though. Expect me on Iron Chef.



The mango was heavenly and cheap (only 60 cents). The strawberries were pretty but I wouldn't recommend eating them with sweetened sticky rice. They were too sweet. The sticky rice wasn't great.

The Layovers were worth it

When I bought my ticket in the fall, I imagined that spring break in the twin cities would be freezing and I'd have to bring my warmest coat. But, I left behind the snow in Utah and went to 70 degree weather in the twin cities. Nick and Lachelle were good hosts and it was fun to meet Lola. I'm sure I have an inaccurate view of what it is really like there since I've been both times in the spring, but they are pretty great cities.

I used to take more pictures. I don't know what my problem is. Hopefully these will give you a little flavor of my vacation.

I'm not sure what is happening this picture with my face, but the sculpture garden in Minneapolis was interesting. Unfortunately, the cherry on the spoon was being cleaned or restored or something but I still managed to entertain myself with some of the other artwork. The worst: a rectangular area surrounded by granite benches with absurd quotes. I'm not sure how that is art.



St. Paul's cathedral is huge and gorgeous. Keyton and I look with mealworms compared to it.



Nick: Hey, Keyton. What sound does a turtle make?
Keyton: Turtle, turtle


Keyton designated himself as Queen Ant and we crawled through tiny tunnels not made for adults. It was fun until some snotty nosed kid at the museum wanted me to play with him in the tunnels. After that, I got out fast. I only play with kids I like in tunnels.


Last photo opportunity with Lola, Keyton, and Nick.

More Moab

We rafted down the Colorado too but I didn't have any room left on my camera. Imagine being blown upstream by the wind and paddling for 4 hours with a raft full of girls.


The hike in Arches with Megan was great though.

I got in my bi-weekly weight training.


I lunched on the side of a cliff overlooking the Double O arch, discussed the best books ever written, and considered feeding the chipmunk and then decided not to in a national park.


Megan sought nirvana.


If anyone wants to go camping in Moab, call me. I have a tent.

Moab Weekend

Megan, Matt (her boyfriend), and I went to Moab a couple of weekends ago. These are the only pictures that will post right now. I'll do more later.

Landscape Arch. A nice lady offered to take our picture.



This was the view that I woke to as I opened the tent door each morning.

Genius...

The boy in the middle is my brother. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a law degree. At his graduation, he joked with the Governor of Minnesota in his address. Yes, he is smart and clever and is currently (this minute I think) talking the Bar exam in Portland. I'm sure he'll pass. Good luck Nick!

#25

I try to take pictures at important events like birthday parties, but I usually forget. I managed to get three pictures at this year's birthday party. They aren't great, but will have to do.

The Canyons

I can finally add pictures from my skiing excursion a month ago. I've tried a few times but we must have a busy server or something at the school because usually the pictures won't load. I went skiing in January at the Canyons in Park City. It was a beautiful day for skiing. The snow was nearly perfect. At one point, Jason and I hiked up to the top of one of the peaks and could see for miles and miles. That is where all of these pictures come from. After resting from the hike, we skied through some powder and then down a VERY steep double black diamond. The only downside of the day was the fact that my boots didn't fit me right and my legs were having serious issues.