Easy Guac Dip for the Snow OR the Super Bowl
Whenever I am experiencing a “storm of the lifetime” or caught in a “Snowmageddon” I like to cook. As you know, last night I made ham and green bean casserole, and this morning I started making my favorite chili for tonight (I’ll post that recipe later). But, it’s lunch time, and the chili is still a good 6 hours away from being done, so what are we having guys?
The answer: tortilla chips and guac, and a classic snow day standby, mac and cheese!
So, if you are in the mood for a tasty guac treat as well, this simple recipe is for you!
Ingredients:
- 1 avacado
- 1/4 red onion
- 2Tb of honey
- 1/2 a packet of taco seasoning
Directions:
- Take the avacado (remove the skin and pit obviously – though I have learned that one cannot assume people know to do this) and give it a good mashing. Sometimes I use the mixer, sometimes if it’s ripe enough I’ll just use a spoon.
- Dice the red onion up into fine pieces and add to the avacado in a mixing bowl.
- Finally, add the honey and taco seasoning to the bowl and give it a good stirring.
Done. Seriously, it’s that easy and it is oh so good… Bon appetit!
Add comment February 6, 2010
It’s What’s for Dinner: Ham & Green Bean Casserole
One of my favorite cold weather meals, particularly when we’re in the middle of an official “snowmageddon,” is ham and green bean casserole. A quick Google search a few years back revealed this gem on Cooks.com.
1 med. onion, chopped fine
3 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. sour cream, light
1/2 c. chopped ham
1/2 c. pimiento cheese spread
2 (1 lb.) cans French green beans, drained
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 comment February 5, 2010
Missing the Snow… Again
As a closet weather geek (I should probably do something with that meteorology degree some day), I live for big storms. It can be any kind of storm… thunderstorms, wind, rain, whatever. But when you live in the DC area, the one kind of storm you so rarely get is a good snow storm. As most of you in this region know, we are usually met with disappointment after a week of hype. We’ll get 2 inches before it switches to rain and washes away, or we’ll get an inch of ice, which is cool while it’s happening, but a pain in the neck logistically when it’s finished.
Well, this winter we’ve actually had two bona fide snow events and I have missed them both. For the snowpocalypse event, we were on the Eastern Shore of Maryland visiting my wife’s family where we only got a mere 3″ of snow, and today I’m up in New Hampshire where all I have is sub-zero temperatures (no exaggeration), but no snow.
I admit that my feelings are somewhat mixed on the snow: while I enjoy a good storm, the aftermath is certainly annoying. And given how long the aftermath lasted following the 16″ we got in December, I think I’m actually over snow for the season. Having said that, it’s still fun to watch it fall – which I’m currently missing.
Anyway, to all of my friends in DC, I’ll be thinking of you this afternoon when the snow really starts to fall according to the latest from the guys at the Post. Make a snow angel for me.
Add comment January 30, 2010
My New Favorite Show
After just three episodes Human Target has quickly risen as one of my favorite new shows. In a TV landscape so full of unnecessary violence, predictable outcomes, and unneeded stress, Human Target is one of those shows that allows you to put the mind on cruise control and enjoy the action. Granted it doesn’t tickle the funny bone quite like Modern Family does, but it certainly does the trick for me on a Tuesday night.
If you haven’t seen it, check it out.
Add comment January 26, 2010
Back in Commission
Funny how a little virus can knock you flat on your back for a couple of days. This past weekend our family joined up with my brother-in-law and his girlfriend in the Shenandoahs for a nice weekend of hiking and just relaxing in the mountains. Of course, within 3 hours of arriving, I was vomiting like I’ve never vomited before in my life, and spend the next 11 hours running to the bathroom every 15 minutes. As fate would have it, my wife joined me around 1am and we began the sick dance until later the next day.
I don’t think there is anything worse than being sick in a place other than your home, nor the feeling that you are 2.5 hours from your bed (and your own bathroom). Add to it that you have a 9 month old child to take care of, and you are almost overwhelmed by a feeling of complete helplessness. Before E’s arrival, we probably would have sucked it up and stayed the long weekend, but you when you are moving at a snail’s pace, and bright lights and loud noises make you nauseous, you want to be on your home turf. So, we piled into the car and hightailed it over the river and through the woods home.
The point of this little anecdote is that we’re back in commission. I have been completely out of what’s going on with the world, with the obvious exception of the going-ons in Haiti. The media coverage (TV, radio, social, and online) have done a great job in getting the stories and images out, as well as driving donations. Speaking of which, I read that text-based donations have surpassed $22M which is amazing, but also shows the power of mobile-based campaigns. I’m also very impressed with the Red Cross’ social media participation – they definitely get the power of it, and have figured out how to do it right.
Anyway, time to hit it hard and play some serious catch-up. I hope everyone is feeling healthy and motivated.
Add comment January 21, 2010
I’m So Excited!
Listen, I think you know that I love social media, technology, etc. But what I love even more is talking about it, especially with friends, family, coworkers, and clients. And lately, it seems like the winds of change are blowing, and more and more people want to talk. Maybe it’s the new year. Maybe people are finally coming around. One this is for sure. I’m excited and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Add comment January 8, 2010
So Long Vimeo, I’m Just Not That Into You
When our son was born this past spring, L and I knew we’d be taking video at some point. When Apple launched the 3GS, consistent video became a reality and L began shooting multiple videos a day. The only issue was where those videos would live. Did we want to use YouTube? Did we want to use Vimeo? Well, not being as famliar with Vimeo as I wanted to be, I opted for Vimeo to gain a better understanding of capabilities and functionality. I was impressed at first, and L was able to email her videos in from the phone, albeit not as easy as the current post to YouTube button that is a default on the iPhone. However, it was easy enough, which is key when you have grandparents that want to see today’s video, yesterday.
However, about a month ago, our videos no longer posted over email. We posted comments through the Vimeo message boards and the support was just not helpful. First we were instructed to read the default FAQ response to videos not uploading. Then we were instructed to try again. Then we were instructed to try emailing while connected to a wifi hotspot (which we were every time anyway). Finally, we were told just to upload from the computer.
Sadly, that answer doesn’t cut it, not when YouTube and Flickr have no problem handling mobile uploads. I don’t have the time, nor do I remember to post videos from my computer. The inconvenience causes me to lose interest in what was a good experience. For any service to cut it in the competitive market that is social media technology, convenience and efficiency are key, and this is something that both YouTube and Flickr have figured out.
So, it is with regret, but with said efficiency, that we will be saying so long to Vimeo and posting all of our photos and videos to Flickr, thus consolidating our visual media in one location.
Yes, Grandma and Grandpa, only one click now… You’re welcome.
2 comments January 8, 2010
How much is too much?
As social media and technology opens the doors for sharing information with friends, family, (and random people) the types of information that we share also grows. I love technology… and as someone who suffers from my generation’s ADHD, I also love testing new social media platforms as they are introduced. I probably sign up for a new service or download a new application 3-4 times a week. And if it’s interesting, entertaining, or something that will make my life better I will continue using it. I have a service to share my favorite music, my favorite sites, my pictures, my videos, my location, quick thoughts, not so quick thoughts, my favorite movies, my friends, and the list goes on and on.
And then the other day, my wife asked me if I was worried about sharing too much information. So much so that my identity was potentially at risk. At first I brushed her off. After all, I am supposed to be the one in the know, the one who is much more educated about this than she is (though she’ll argue with me on this – what else is new?). But as I thought about it, it’s from her everyday perspective that I should be viewing the sharing of my information. How much sharing of information is too much information?
As we spent time with family and friends over the holidays, I wanted to tweet my presents, upload pictures of our one year old son opening his gifts for the first time, and share some of our holiday anecdotes. But every time I picked up the laptop to fire something off my wife’s concern nagged at me in the back of my mind (insert your favorite wife nagging joke here). Every time, I refrained from posting what I thought to be interesting information.
So, I’ve been wrestling with this question for the past few weeks: Why am I using social media? Not only am I throwing so much information out there that a quick Google search could tell you how negligent I have been on going to the gym, a quick scan would reveal that I may be using social media without any purpose in mind.
This thought process is no different than how any business should approach using social media. Everyone wants a Facebook page, or an iPhone application, but with what purpose? Who are you talking to? What are the objectives? As a business, you understand who your audience is, what media they consume, and what the message needs to be on a particular media to get your audience to take action. In this case, social media is no different than using any other media. The difference is understanding how to use the media to get your audience to take action. So, as you think about how you are going to approach using social media in 2010, ask yourself how much is too much, and with what purpose am I doing this? Believe me, I will be asking myself the same questions.
Add comment December 30, 2009
One and Done
One week of prep and thirteen weeks of dilligent management led to a complete lack of performance on my fantasy football team’s part yesterday. After the games I sat down with the teams looking for an explanation but my frustration was met with blank stares and quiet coughing.
“Live Action” which struggled all year with consistency had gone on a hot streak, lending me false hope for an underdog run to the championship, but despite our team captain, McNabb showing up, guns a-blazing with 24 points, and my D (the Eagles, ugh) scoring a whopping 18 with two defensive scores, the rest of the team (9 dudes) mustered 18 points… that’s right, 18 points! Pathetic. I raised hell for about 25 minutes, making references to their mothers, sisters, and family dogs, but that didn’t take away the “L” and it certainly didn’t make me feel any better. Steven Jackson did muster a weak apology, but it fell on deaf ears as I shut my laptop.
“Men of Steel”, my high flying team of superstars also fell short, though their combined efforts produced 25 more points than Live Actionless. Chris Johnson continued his prolific production with 3 TDs and over 150 yards of offense, but my #1 pick, Hollywood Brady managed only a meager 11 points. Tom cited the birth of his son, but being a new father myself, and knowing I could have done better myself, I told him that good looks, a stunning wife, and millions of dollars also meant he had a responsibility to his teams, as well as to his general manager, me, and as such I expected more production out of him. Alas, he shook off my criticism, and climbed into his fancy car, leaving me to answer to ownership (the wife) for our sudden departure from the playoffs and no chance of winning our entry fee back.
I met with ownership this morning and told her, “there’s always next year” but was told that witty cliches don’t buy diapers and that I will now need to take a second job in the offseason.
Thanks fellas… maybe next year.
Add comment December 14, 2009
This Week’s Random Thoughts and Rants
These were the top random thoughts that crossed my mind today:
Tiger Woods. Is he really gay? And if so, was his marriage and family, along with the women he has been linked to just a coverup? And if so, will the public forgive him for his “transgressions” as the public often does when a man reveals his true sexuality? And if so, will his sponsors forgive him too and come back? I don’t know of too many gay athletes with mega sponsorship deals, but maybe as Tiger’s father said so long ago, Tiger will change the world. And if he does, did it really have to be at the cost of his wife Elin, and his kids?
Netflix. Really? Is anyone else upset that Netflix has signed an agreement with Warner Brothers to delay new releases by 28 days so they can sell more DVDs? I know L and I have already cut our rental agreement with Netflix back to 1 rental at a time, but given how convenient Redbox is, if Netflix decides to take the same approach with other studios, Netflix may get cut from our budget entirely. This agreement seems like such a risky move given how tight family budgets have become in this economy, and most families are looking for any excuse to cut unneeded discretionary expenses. Will greed be the downfall of what used to be such a smart and savvy company?
The Bowl Season. Does anyone else think the bowl season is too long? With tonight’s national championship game looming, I am actually sitting on my computer rather than watching the pre-game with bated breath as I once used to. The excitement of the bowl season used to culminate with a crazy day of college football on New Year’s Day, and a night of championship football. Then it expanded to January 2… then January 3… and then this year’s ridiculuous schedule of a game every night (except for the NFL’s Sunday). January 7th for the national championship game? Really? I’ll be lucky if I make it to half. I just don’t care anymore.
Gilbert Arenas. I am sure this has been blogged and talked about to death, but what an idiot. When the Wizards signed Gilbert Arenas back in 2003 (which seems like yesterday sadly) I thought the Wizards were finally going to be a premiere team to compete in the Eastern Conference. As most of you know, he has been a complete disappointment, along with the Wizards as a whole (with the exception of beating the Bulls in the first round back in the ‘04-’05 season – which has to go down as one of the more exciting sports moments I’ve experienced in person). And then he brings unloaded guns to the locker room. When David Sterns suspended him indefinitely yesterday, I didn’t care. As one caller put it on a local sports show recently, “it’s not as if we asked Gilbert to be a role model, even if the kids naturally gravitate to him. We just want him to act like a responsible citizen, not a 12 year old.” He hasn’t, and is a 12 year old. I say cut him and good riddance… may we void your contract on the nearest hibachi.
The Redskins. As most of you know, I love Washington sports, and I love the Redskins, for better or for worse. But I’m over it. I’m over the firing of Vinny. I’m over the hiring of Bruce Allen. I’m over Shanahan being named the head coach, and I’m over all of the ridiculous antics of such overpaid egos like Clinton Portis and Albert Haynesworth. As I said to my buddy yesterday, just effing win. Seriously, I don’t care who you draft, what your draft strategy is, what Shanahan’s record has been, or whatever analysis is required. Just shut up and win next season.
Nosey Neighbor. Finally, if your neighbor’s dog barks in the middle of the night when you normally never hear it, and then you ask them about it the next day because you were concerned that something nefarious might be going on, are you a nosey neighbor or a concerned neighbor? I’d like to think the latter, but could easily see being the former. I hope they think of us though as concerned neighbors. Anyway, that’s all for now. I’ve wasted enough time banging out my frustration on these keys and should probably get some work done tonight before I bore myself with the Texas-Alabama game. Thanks for listening.Posted via web from Daily Life Shorts
Add comment January 7, 2010