More Vancouver

I'm dog-tired, so I hope this post is coherent!  I don't think I mentioned why I'm in Vancouver; I'm here for an annual meeting of the members of the Executive MBA Council (basically, business school administrators who run EMBA programs).  It's a great conference - truly one of the most useful trips I take all year - but I am always completely zonked by the end.  Sessions all day (although, I didn't have to present anything this year, which was a nice break), networking for all meals, and then in-between and at night, I have to catch up on "real work."  Add to that mix that I'm 6 mos pregnant, and you have a recipe for exhaustion by day 3 or 4.  So, there's the context.

I head home tomorrow - after one more meeting in the morning - and I'm ready!  But, the meetings have gone very well, and I've picked up some great information from my colleagues at other business schools.  This afternoon, one of my colleagues and I did have an opportunity to get out in Vancouver.  We walked about a mile to a ferry dock and took a short ferry to Granville Island, a great island filled with a public market and more shops than you can imagine...and surrounded by water.  Really pretty.  The public market reminded me of one of the things I miss not living in a big city (although I wouldn't trade my small-town Chapel Hill life for anything, save perhaps a little beach-living!).  The market was inside a huge warehouse type of structure, and comprised of stall after staff of food vendors.  Produce, meats, cheeses, gourmet foods, etc.  The closest places I can think of like it (that I've been) are the market in East London and a huge market in Decatur, GA.  It was a foodie's paradise. I had to treat myself to a crepe at the crepe stand.

In addition to the market, it was nice to just walk around in this beautiful city, enjoy the scenery and leisurely shop.  I'm not a big shopper, but I did pick up a couple small gifts for my daughter; hope she'll like them.  The was a huge "Kids Market," which included 20+ vendors selling children's wares.

I then completed the evening w/ a dinner (this one organized by the conference) at a restaurant on the island.  This is about the point when I realized I may fall asleep standing up, so now here I am, back in my hotel room and ready for a good night's sleep.

So, I didn't get an incredible amount of time to sightsee, but I what I did experience whetted my appetite to return to Vancouver for more.  Beautiful, beautiful city; I know I only scraped the surface of what it has to offer.

Vancouver: first impressions

As my flight was taking off from RDU yesterday (en route to Vancouver, BC via a layover in Toronto), I thought to myself, "Wow, this has really been a great travel year for me."  My husband always reminds me to look at the "glass half full," and I think I generally do, but I'd spent much of yesterday lamenting the impending long flight (about 7-8 hrs in total, and I.hate.flying.) and being away from my husband and daughter. I think I've commented on this blog before how difficult it is for me to leave them when I have to travel; I wouldn't have ever guessed I'd feel that way (BC (before children), I figured I'd welcome breaks!).  Back to my original point:  it occurred to me that - in 2010 - I've traveled to more places for the first time than I've done in over a decade.  Earlier this year, I went to Amsterdam & Istanbul, and now I was on my way to Vancouver (not to mention some great trips in between to oldies - but favorites - like Chicago and Pawley's Island, SC).  And, I would be remiss if I left Vidalia, GA off the "first time" list.

So, while the flight was just as bad as I thought it would be (should I remind you that I.hate.flying?), and I know I'll miss my family just as much as I anticipated, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to explore a part of North America I've never been to:  the Pacific Northwest.  I suppose, like many adults, it's been awhile since I last studied with any level of scrutiny a N. American map.  I mention this, because, upon study yesterday, I was somewhat surprised at just how far north Vancouver is to, say, Northern California...and, how relatively close the city is to Seattle, WA (a couple hours drive).

I woke up this morning (I easily slept until 8:30 a.m. PT, which makes sense since I didn't arrive in my hotel room until 2 a.m. PT), checked some email, called home to check in with A & B, and then I determined I needed to make the most of my morning before my noon meeting.  It's Sunday morning, so me for, that meant breakfast!  Now, I'm not the "go down and eat hotel food" kind of gal.  When I'm in a new place, I want to find a good spot where locals eat (or at least tourists who know good food!).  So, I turned to one of my favorites sites:  Yelp.  I easily found some recommended breakfast spots near my hotel (Hyatt Regency Vancouver, which - by the way - is only a couple blocks from Vancouver Harbour.  Hotel is pretty typical Hyatt, but the location is fabulous!).  So - after a quick 10 minute walk - I strode into Scoozi's Eatery for its "famous" Eggs Benedict.  It was perfect - the place and the food.  Small place, clearly filled with locals, but not too busy to immediate be served.  Do you ever have something so good on your plate that you want to take small bites to make it last longer?  That was my breakfast.  And, I washed it down with a hot apple cider.  On a cold rainy day (about 45 degrees and raining), it was magical.  Great, great breakfast.

I then walked about a block (no joke) down to the Vancouver Harbour.  Wow.  Again, keep in mind I've never been anywhere in the Pacific Northwest (unless you count San Francisco, which I don't think counts), but even in the foggy rain, the view of the Harbour and mountains on the other side was incredible.  I stayed there for awhile, and then I walked back up to my hotel.  On the way, I stopped at Christ Church Cathedral, which is located across the street from my hotel, to listen to some of the Eucharist music.  Beautiful.

In short:  this city is great.  It's probably one of the prettiest cities I've been to (prettiest downtown areas, anyway, since I haven't yet seen much of the city); it does remind me of San Francisco a bit - hilly, by the water, foggy, rainy...

Oh - and random observation - but shouldn't be surprised based on geographic location - I've seen more people here of Asian descent than I think I've ever seen anywhere.  Just an observation.

I'm off to get ready for my meeting; rest of the day is "business," but will still hope to enjoy:)

A mommy's mini-rant

In general, I subscribe to the self-policing practice of not putting any potentially controversial opinions anywhere online.  As we all know, this stuff will "live forever," and as a marketing professional, I'm probably more sensitive than average about how anything I put out may reflect on my professional life.

But - every once in awhile (if you read through my blog, you'll see a few instances of this) - we all need to vent - in a constructive manner, of course:).  I choose not to take to Facebook or Twitter to do so; I generally write a few words on my blog.  It's cathartic.

So, here's the deal:  I'm a mom.  Yes, we've established that.  But, that's not the only thing that defines me.  That this point in my life, my identity as a mother is arguably the most sacred and important way in which I define myself, however,  I mean, we're talking about my responsibility for raising a child.  This is no small thing.  Does this make me "more important" or "busier" than a woman my age who does not have children?  No.  We all are unique in our life experiences, and I certainly don't feel like my life is "worth more" than it was before I had a child, for instance.  I feel a greater sense of responsibility, but that's something completely different.  Anyway, I'm rambling...back to my point:  In addition to being a mother, I also work full time in a relatively demanding professional role.  My work requires me to be flexible - working some nights and weekends - and sometimes traveling away from my family.  I also assume the primary role at home for working meals, cleaning, lining up childcare, etc.  You know the drill.  Now, don't misunderstand me - I have an incredibly supportive husband without whom I could never do what I do (nor would I want to), but in short, life is full and busy.  And, I love it. I'm happy, and I've generally figured out how to balance things such that I feel like each part of my life is getting a fair part of me.

You'll notice I didn't mention friends.  It's not that they're not important - because I have and have always had wonderful friends.  I count myself as one of those truly blessed women who has long-lasting, true friendships.  And, I have a good number of them.  I take the time to let my friends know I care; I take the time to do "girls" weekends - sometimes with children and sometimes without.  I take the time to go to dinner on a regular basis, etc.  But - I'll be honest - in rare instances in which I'm forced to prioritize things in my life - my family comes out on top.  On top of work, on top of fun, on top of friends.  And, I'm okay with that.  I'm responsible for ensuring I provide a loving, stable, safe, enriching childhood for my child(ren), and that will always win when push comes to shove.  Again - let me be clear - this doesn't mean my friends,  my work, myself aren't important or that I don't make time for them.  It just means that - when forced to choose - the choice is easy for me.  And, frankly, not always a fun choice, just the one I feel like I must make.  Only I have to wake up with  myself every morning.

Every once in a blue moon - and obviously now is one of those times - one of my friends who does not yet have children (and you can't understand the juggling act until you do; I certainly did not attempt to) is offended by these choices.  And, sometimes these friends suggest that perhaps I don't understand that they also have lives but are willing to put friends first, etc.  And, what I struggle to try to explain is the following:  Wrong.  I do get it.  I know you're busy (in fact, I remember working so hard before I had Anna that I would literally get sick from running myself ragged). I know you have full lives doing incredible things I can't even imagine:  running marathons, conducting valuable charity work, etc.  I would never in a million years suggest my life is more important, or even busier, because I am a mother.

But - I have one more factor in my life (soon to be two) that does force me to prioritize in a different way sometimes.  And, that's just a fact.  I love my friends. But - rather than being cynical or pointing fingers, I'd like to ask that you be supportive such that one day - if you're also in my situation - you'll perhaps be able to expect and ask the same of me.

I'd also ask that you read this article that has been around the block quite sometime, but is still true.  It depicts the day in the life of a stay-at-home mom, but it's relevant to all moms.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/22/AR2007052201554.html?referrer=facebook

Again, let me be clear, I'm not suggesting I'm more important or busier.  We are unique.  We have different challenges.  These are mine.  Please be supportive instead of snarky.

Zucchini overload!

We've planted a garden the past few summers.  Ahem - I should clarify - Brian plants a garden.  I just pick the veggies once they're ready!  Trust me, it's best this way.

This year, I think we planted one too many zucchini plants.  I've had more zucchini than I've known what to do with; unfortunately, it's not my favorite vegetable, either.

What to do?  Zucchini bread!  I got this recipe from the Wood Family Cookbook, a collection of recipes from Brian's paternal grandmother's family.  If I'm ever looking for a southern staple, this is my first stop.  It's delicious!

Zucchini Bread
Notes:  1) This makes too much batter for one loaf pan; the recipes doesn't indicate so, but I think it's probably a double recipe.  2) I found this to take more than the suggested 35 minutes.  I suggest setting your timer for 35, then checking using the "clean toothpick" test.  If not done, keep trying at 10 minute increments.  I ended up cooking mine closer to an hour, and it was still incredibly moist.

3 c. all-purpose flour
2 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1/2 t. baking powder
1 1/2 t. cinnamon
3/4 c. finely chopped nuts (I leave these out, because Anna doesn't dig them)
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 c. vegetable oil (clearly eliminates any suggestion that this is a health food)
2 t. vanilla
2 c. coarsely shredded zucchini (I just used a manual grater, but you could certainly use your food processor)
8 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained well

Combine dry ingredients, set aside.  Beat eggs, add sugar, oil and vanilla.  Beat until creamy. Stir in zucchini and pineapple.  Add dry ingredients, stirring until just moist.  Bake at 350 for 35 minutes until done.

Enjoy!

Chicken Tostadas

Little Bit's now two years old (okay, she has been for a few months), and I don't feel like I can continue to get away with the "feed her early and then B and I eat after she goes to bed" routine.  Plus, she essentially eats no veggies (just doesn't like them?), so I figured we all needed to sit down and eat the same thing.  I should mention that she's begun to "cook" with me while I'm preparing dinner, and this activity really seems to improve what she's eating, because she wants to eat what she cooks.  I was stunned last week when she readily ate broccoli, which she previously wouldn't touch.

So - that's a long-winded intro to say that I'm trying some new recipes - family-friendly ones, that is.  Here's one that I like a lot.  It's quick, simple, not too heavy (it's still so hot outside) and tasty.  Credit goes to Robin Miller (who has a show on the Food Network).  

Notes:  I obviously didn't put pickled jalapeños on Little Bit's.  And, I garnished with avocado, salsa and sour cream.  She loves sour cream.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 4 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 4 cups shredded lettuce
• 4 cooked chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapenos
• Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, to garnish
• Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

Arrange tortillas on prepared baking sheet and spray tortillas with cooking spray. Brush in cooking spray to coat. Bake 5 to 6 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer tortillas to individual plates and top with lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and jalapenos. Sprinkle cilantro over top to garnish, if desired. Drizzle with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette.

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette:

1/3 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons honey mustard

1 teaspoon lime zest

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped

Salt and ground black pepper

In a container or jar, place chicken broth, olive oil, honey mustard, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper. Cover with lid. Shake to combine. To serve, drizzle over Chicken Tostada.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Today is one of those days when I really love my job, because two days a week, I get to eat lunch at home.  I know that sounds silly, but it makes a big difference in my work/rest of my life balance.  Of course, the flip side of that coin is that I work a good number of Saturdays and evenings (so, let's just say it all balances out).


What does this have to do with "Tuna Pasta Salad?"  Well, today, I was looking in my fridge for something to eat for lunch, and nothing appealed to me.  Then, I looked in the pantry:  PASTA!  I love pasta (could eat it for every meal, I think), but it's clearly not the most healthy option all the time.  Today, I decided I'd try to mix in enough other ingredients to make the dish healthy, and I ended up with something that was incredibly tasty - and healthy - so I'm sharing here.  


Keep in mind, I threw in a little of this and that when making, so the ingredient amounts may not be right on:

• About 1/3-1/2 pound pasta - your favorite shape.  I had a box of piccolo (small) fusilli
• couple hands full of cherry or grape tomatoes
• handful of salad greens (I had mixed organic salad greens)
• can of white albacore tuna, packed in water (packed in oil would be even better)
• several ounces of goat cheese (plain, sold in log-shape style)
• 1-2 T olive oil
• 1/2 lemon
• salt and pepper to taste

I boiled the pasta in salted water.  Halfway through, I added the tomatoes (did not cut them), so they would get soft and sort-of-cooked.  Drained the pasta and mixed with the rest of ingredients.  Viola - a great, warm, relatively healthy pasta salad.  I ate half and put the rest in the fridge for later. We have some fresh arugala in our garden, and I think that would be even better than the mixed greens; call me lazy for not walking out there to get it.

Enjoy!

Mexican Pulled Pork Over Yellow Rice

My friend, Letty, gave me the Augusta, GA Junior League cookbook, Par 3, a few years ago.  YUM.  I've long been a devotee of Junior League cookbooks, and I think this one is my favorite so far.  The following recipe is one of many I cook on a fairly regular basis.  My two-yo daughter likes it.

1 onion, chopped
1 3.5 pound boneless pork shoulder roast (I generally use a pork loin, as it's much leaner, but it's a little tougher)
1 can Rotel
1 (4oz) can diced green chiles
1 can yellow corn, drained
1 t garlic powder
1 t salt
2 t cumin
1 1/2 t dried oregano
1/2 t cayenne pepper (I don't use quite that much)
3 T tomato paste
1 package yellow saffron rice
sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Combine onion and pork in slow cooker.
Mix rest of ingredients - except tomato paste and rice - and pour over roast.  Cover and cook on high for 5 hours.
Remove roast and shred with fork.  Remove 1 1/2 cups of the liquid and discard.
Add tomato paste to cooker and cook on high for 30 min.
Return meat to cooker and heat through.
Cook rice and serve with pork and garnish.