2010.06.30

• A nice walk to the market with Uma. My ever-patient loving dog always tags along and awaits as I shop a bit and take photos of doors and events.
• A delicious meal at my friends’ home. M & I were gracious hosts as always and they showed me their splendid veggie patch that I helped plant. The effort was theirs and a bit of mine at first, but there was a hint of a proud smile in my face since I gave them most of the seeds and gave them much guidance to some techniques and suggestions. We had a wonderful talk over dinner with much laughter about all the idiosyncrasies and surrealism of cultures in general but particularly our own :D
• The trip to my friends’ home reminded me of the goodness in people of smaller towns. When I was a bit hesitant when the combi (a small van for public transportation) dropped me off at the stop, the driver asked me: “Whose house are you going to?”. I replied, and he didn’t know, but a passenger gave me the directions!
  When I boarded another combi for the way back, a passenger offered me and others some peaches from a batch she had. I reciprocated with some beet and carrot seeds that she picked from the seed envelopes I had. Goodness is all around :)

See more progress on: enjoy life

2010.06.29

^{larger view}

• A sudden luminosity in the sky in an otherwise very-dark sky; eight minutes of bright light coming through the clouds from the covered sunset. Spectacular! _{This is a 360º photo montage.}
• Taking a nap spooning Uma. I bathed her earlier in the morning, and we were both exhausted from her struggle.
• Spain winning the match against Portugal. We’re in quarter finals! ¡¡¡Oéeee, oé, oé, oéeee!!!

See more progress on: enjoy life

Door #2

In honor of the goal’s creator, a green door ;)

Green metal double door. Cholula.

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Chiles rellenos

credit

^{Temporary pic, beautifully taken on a more beautiful talavera plate. Will try to substitute with a picture of my own when I take it}

This week I prepared chiles rellenos (stuffed chiles). A simple yet delicious meal that I’ve never prepared, but I decided to invent the recipe from my observations. I recently got reminded of it at a friend’s house, and I thought of incorporating it more regularly to my meals.

Ingredients:
4 medium poblano peppers
200 gr panela cheese (or fresco)
wheat flour
2 eggs
2 tomatoes
1/4 onion finely chopped
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
salt
oil
Rice and beans for sides

For sauce:
Boil tomatoes for a few minutes until skin can be easily removed. Remove the stem remnant, too. Blend and strain. Set apart.

Sauté the garlic and onion until transparent. Add the tomato liquid and stir. Bring to a boil and lower the flame. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked.
^{I’d like to add an herb to this sauce, but I’m still delivering on which one will add to the general flavor —maybe oregano? And I’ve also seen this sauce mixed with beans instead of serving them apart, which I’d also like to try.}

For the chiles:
Brush oil on the chiles and toast them directly on the stove burners till they are more or less burned (oil helps for a more even burning). Let cool a little and then remove skin and seeds (it’s a standard to let them “sweat” in a plastic bag, but IMO this takes away from the chile’s consistency and flavor). Remove veins for a less-hot version. Fill with slices of the cheese.

Beat egg whites until stiffened. Incorporate yolks. Cover the chiles with flour and then with the egg mixture.

Fry in med-high flame for a few seconds until golden, making a three-sided chile (looks better than a two-sided one).

Set in plate and cover with tomato sauce. Serve with sides of rice and beans.

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Eighth finals

Tough round… and we’re out :S

Mexico was up against (1) an Argentina not at its strongest and (2) an outdated rule in which referees are not able to check a tv repetition when there’s doubt —Argentina ‘scored’ a goal that should’ve been nullified with an offside. England had the same issue earlier the very same day —a goal that entered but bounced back and was not counted. I think both teams were discouraged, were affected from it, and were eliminated. I don’t intend to diminish the performance of the strong contenders they faced, but it is in my opinion that these ‘little’ decisions are the ones that off-balance a game.

That aside, I think Mexico’s biggest enemy is itself. I have yet to see them play as a ‘team’. Our greatest loss of this match is not of being eliminated from the tournament, really, but of not seeing our real weaknesses, learn from them, and correct them. We will never get beyond eighth finals if we never play as a team but choose to play in our individualities —if that were the case, the game wouldn’t require eleven players. In the course of the tournament, there were clear opportunities to score a goal by passing it to another teammate; but no, they want the whole play for themselves. This is something that not only Mexico has to work on, but several other teams as well.

I wish that offside didn’t happen —and also the absurd pass of the defense player to the opponent’s offense which caused another goal. I wish they didn’t happen not because they obviously contributed to our loss but because now that’s all we will focus in. Sadly, we will go on and on and on bickering for years about the injustice of that referee call, about the bad pass, about the coach’s choice of players… OMG, the commentators could not stop talking about it! We will forever be blinded by these specific events and not see that we need to improve our game and not depend on others’ decisions and others’ benefit of our mistakes; because that’s where our true talent lies: blaming it on others and not assume responsibility.

Earlier that day, Germany and England played the best match of the Cup so far —of the ones I’ve watched. Both teams really play as teams, and it was a delight to see a game well played. There were mistakes —as in all games— and yes, a disastrous referee call against England. And, wow, the 1966 infamous goal repeats itself 44 years later with the same contenders; this time, the decision goes the other way. How odd —especially that nothing has been done technology-wise to solve these controversial events after so many years; they might as well still be playing with a rubber ball…

All in all, even though I root for some teams —especially to get in the excitement of the Cup—, I foremost root for a match well played :)

And tomorrow’s another day. Spain is up against Portugal, a strong contender, too. I have still to see Spain at full capacity, and I hope tomorrow’s the day… ¡¡Arriba, España!!

^{I know I get too effervescent, intense, and opinionated with this, and thus why I only follow this every other world cup —I already have a world-cup overdose as is!}

See more progress on: follow the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

Door #1

Moon, sun, and glyphs in Coyoacán neighborhood. Mexico City.

I’m starting off this goal with this lovely door. I love moons and suns —yeah, shocker, Luna ;P

Thank you, emiliakaarina, for the invite :)

See more progress on: photograph another 43 doors

2010.06.24

• A delightful weekend in Mexico City. I attended the first communion of two daughters of one of my best friends —I’m wearing the dress I made for the occasion. I’m posting the only photo I’m in —a couple of you were curious as to how it turned out.
  I stayed at my aunt’s, and we went to the movies with her daughter and her son’s girlfriend, so it was four of us to go see “Sex and the City 2” ;) We also watched a World Cup game on their HD tv. Wow!! And OMG! I almost cried the next day back home when I watched another game in my 25-year-old tv :P
  I also met with three cousins and four of their children for tacos and coffee. They’re some of my cousins I feel more connected to, yet I only see them very sporadically —besides last year, I had not seen them in 10 years!
  And lastly, I also met with my very good friend P, with whom I had breakfast in a nice restaurant in downtown Coyacán —one of my top-favorite neighborhoods—, and then we strolled around the main square to find out that the “temporary” stands and tents from sellers were finally gone. They had been there in the main square for as long as I can remember until about two years ago when they got kicked out by the residents. The feeling of the unobstructed view of the fountain with the coyotes sculpture in the early morning was sublime:
  
• The resolution of my name correction in my papers finally came back. It was a negative resolution because apparently the correction “does not proceed”. I get a feeling that someone just got lazy about it and decided that, after five months, that it was the best way out of it. I’m so angry about it, and I wanted to cry it out, but I just haven’t been able. My brother told me to not take it so personal and just adopt my new name spelling. Although spelling my name differently after 40 years bothers me, somehow it doesn’t bother me as much as the fact that they took FIVE freaking months to “solve” this, and now I have to make them give me some paper that proves that both spellings belong to only one person. I really hope this doesn’t haunt me some years ahead with property, or pension, or social security, or whatnot.
  So, the only reason I’m writing this down under this goal is because I’m finally able to process my passport —under the new spelling, but whatever… I’m still for Spain, and tomorrow I hope we win!! ;)
• My internet connection and my computer in general have been painfully slow, yet here I am trying to post but it’s not likely that I’ll be too active :( I’m having ups and downs lately, but I’m posting both equally as they are all part of enjoying life :)

See more progress on: enjoy life

Super cool calendar

I bumped into this calendar a couple days ago, and it’s the best I’ve seen. Really cool Flash usage, and all the info you need is right there in one oval.

See more progress on: follow the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

World-Cup publicity

Every single commercial out there this days has something to do with the World Cup, or football, or the national team, whether they have paid rights to be an official sponsor or just use the football theme as an excuse for their ad. There have been quite some creative and original ads, but this one just cracked me up the other day at a bus stop in Mexico City:

They don’t mention anything about the Cup, or the game, or the team; yet the slogan “Sí, se puede” (Yes, we can) and the wig with our flag colors give away the “football soccer” theme. It is especially funny that they used the pig —maybe the potato head would’ve been equally funny.

I cracked up when I saw it, and I guess it’s just an advance laugh for the movie I would’ve seen anyways —wig or no wig ;)

See more progress on: follow the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

Round 3

^{My neighbor vigorously waving the flag and cheering his lungs out after the win over France}
Tomorrow we’ll find out who the final four teams make it to the eighth-finals. Mexico barely made it, even with our loss to Uruguay. It’s a pity our difference in goals made us pass to the next round but the host South Africa was eliminated —it feels like deciding a game with penalties.
We’ll be facing Argentina on Sunday, who’s been very strong. There have been quite the surprises so far —France and Italy are out, and the US ended first in its group—, so who knows, there is a possibility as long as the ball rolls…
Spain is playing against Chile tomorrow. A tough game since Chile has won the previous two. Spain has to win —or tie and be at the mercy of the result of Switzerland vs. Honduras. I’m stressing out just typing this. Why? Why in the world am I like this if I don’t even follow football except every other world cup?? lol
¡¡¡Arriba, España!!!

See more progress on: follow the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

Bravo, dragonfly!

Congratulations on this big achievement. Here’s a haiku for you.

You and metafora are true inspirations. I salute you both. Thank you for making this world a better place :)

See more progress on: NNHHC MARATHON BOOTCAMP 43T CHEER SQUAD! Support, Encourage, and CHEER Namaste Nepal Marathon Team members- metafora and dragonfly as they run to change the world!!!! :)

Haiku #35

Four two one nine five
Meter by meter she ran
Bravo, dragonfly!

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Round 2

Wow! A few surprises in this round. Of course, our whole country is all ecstatic from its victory over France. Yet, I have a bitter-sweet feeling about it since I don’t know where France’s head was; it was as if they were absent from the game. Given this situation, Mexico could’ve scored at least one or two more goals, but their individualities got in the way. I think Mexico has come a long way to overcome this, but we’re still far from really playing as a whole team.

Yesterday’s game between Brazil and Ivory Coast ended up a mess. It started off extremely badly played and the second part was a joke. I have watched very few games, but this has got to be the worst game so far.

As for Spain, I’m very happy they’re back in the game. I feel they could’ve scored more —not including the failed penalty—, but they offered a good game to watch.

On to Round 3 that starts tomorrow with simultaneous games of Mexico vs. Uruguay and France vs. South Africa.

¡¡¡Vamos, México!!!

See more progress on: follow the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

2010.06.16

• Sensing a distinct light after yesterday’s rain. The air seemed clear and, with the afternoon sun, everything looked crispier. Although the sky was heavily overcast, I took the opportunity to shoot the Cholula archeological area underneath the vegetation-covered pyramid topped with the church. In the photo, it looks sunnier than it actually was.
• A walk to the market with Uma. On our way back, we passed by the Casa de la Cultura where they were giving away baby pines for us to plant. We had our picture taken with our new tree. Now I need to find it a suitable spot. I’m thinking my friends’ house where they’ll take care of it while it establishes. It’s a good effort from the municipality to involve the people and hopefully spread awareness of trees and plants. I’ve always thought this town seriously lacks in green areas —well, except for the farm lands within the town, but there are almost no trees.
• Getting closer to finishing my dress for my event on Saturday. Although now I’m worrying that it might have come out a tad too formal. It’s not really a formal dress, just a cocktail dress. I was told that First Communions now have a “casual elegant” dress code. The dress was going to be a different design, but I changed it at the last minute so it would be more flattering, but I forgot to consider the shoes. Now I’m thinking that they may be too casual…mmmhh :S

See more progress on: enjoy life

::pout::

Spain lost today :( That’s one of the teams I’m rooting for —along with Mexico and France.
This is the first time I’m rooting for Spain as a citizen!! :) In 1986, they happened to play the quarter-finals here in Puebla. I made a huge Spanish flag —about 3×2 mt— which stood out even in the almost-all-red stadium. We were all so overwhelmingly rooting for Spain that I can’t remember who they played against —maybe Denmark? Unfortunately, they beat Spain and went into semi-finals :S I do remember the famous Manolo passing by all around the stadium with his drum! Much more fun and exciting than the stupid horns they have these days.
So well, onto tomorrow that Mexico contends France…

See more progress on: follow the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

2010.06.15

• The smell and sound of rain coming through the open window/door while I was sewing. Uma, as always, keeping me company.
• Getting a lot of cutting and sewing done.
• Getting in touch with my Mexico City friends and setting dates to meet them this weekend!!

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Fusilli with salmon, asparagus, and mushrooms #2

A few days ago, I posted this same recipe I made before. This time I also added a broccoli and zucchini, and I skipped the cream. Pasta is so versatile that you pretty much can add anything to it, and the more veggies you throw in, the less pasta you eat, and it is still very delicious.

See more progress on: try a new recipe every week

Item #13: washing machine

As difficult as it is to depart from this one, it’s got to get the boot. It’s only six years old and only used for four. It was a very good washing machine and a very expensive one; that’s what makes it hard to get rid of it. It actually lasted this long because it’s a good one. I got it back when I lived by the sea. I remember that a good friend had to ditch her cheaper one after only two years. These appliances can take so much sea corrosion, heat, and humidity. This one stood longer until just a few weeks ago when it finally gave in.

I was going to leave it for my dad, but the repair cost is not worth it. I even thought of salvaging the mechanism and turn it into a pottery wheel!! If I were not moving overseas, I would have taken the challenge —I’m incorrigible!!

The ‘metal-picking’ guy drives by my house almost every day. It will be just a matter of catching him and get a few bucks for its metal weight.

See more progress on: 2009: Identify and Rid Myself of 43 Items of Überclutter

Tomorrow

I’ll be meeting my friend C —whom I bumped into a couple weeks ago— and our mutual friend R, who is coming into town from Tabasco. We’ll be having dinner, and it will be interesting to talk about the paths our lives have taken. I already caught up a bit with C last week.

It was four of us hanging out when finishing uni back in 1992. I was trying to get the four of us on an after-school trip to Europe. Well, C married shortly after; R didn’t finish her thesis so had to stay longer; and G’s father set a design studio for her. So then, I was the only one to take off to Spain. I find it funny that 18 years later I’m at the same point again!! Talk about life cycles…

See more progress on: reconnect with friends i've lost contact with

Fusilli with salmon, asparagus, and mushrooms

This dish came out from ingredients found in my fridge: I sautéed onion and garlic with asparagus, mushrooms, and salmon. I then added the cooked fusilli and half-cream. I garnished with parsley and enjoyed with a glass of white wine. It was delicious. I’ll make it again, but I’ll skip the cream.

See more progress on: try a new recipe every week

Five things I've learned on the first day of the World Cup

1. A yellow-colored stadium can be intimidating; it means you’re playing the real local team.
   
2. Orange shoes seem to be the latest fashion statement. The jury is still out on this…
   
3. Horns need to be banned from stadiums; they’re beyond annoying being a constant noise all-through-the-game. They have single-handedly caused me to almost drop this goal.
4. No networks in Mexico broadcasted the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games; yet, for the World Cup, you have a choice of five different networks that broadcast all matches!!
5. The French team is HOT!!!

See more progress on: follow the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

7 hours to go

In barely 7 hours, our whole country will come to a halt. Not because it’s a national protest or strike. No. Our country happens to play the inaugural match against the host country!

Ironically, I don’t regularly follow soccer like I once did, but the excitement in the air is contagious. So I might as well join in and enjoy the month’s ride…

So tomorrow, 9:00 (GMT -5), South Africa vs. Mexico. You gotta love Google that it now comes up with this in the search results for ‘world cup 2010’ —and it even displays the matches in your local time:

See more progress on: follow the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

Asparagus and shrimp risotto in squid ink

I had previously cooked this risotto without the ink, but I had some leftover and thought it would be a good addition. Yes it was!

Ingredients:
1 cup Rice, preferably Arborio (not used in this photo)
Shrimp
Asparagus
Broth
1/2 cup White wine
1 Squid ink packet
Parsley chopped finely

Fry the asparagus and the shrimp separately and set apart. Cook the risotto the regular way adding broth and stirring constantly. Add the wine and let evaporate, keep stirring. Keep adding the broth. Add the squid ink. Just before the rice is done, add the asparagus and shrimp and cook for another minute or so. Serve with a dash of parsley. Enjoy with a glass of wine :)

See more progress on: try a new recipe every week

Here's to an illuminated future!!

A very belated graduation wish, Indigo_Divaah. I wish you all the best :)

See more progress on: Wish Indigo_Divaah an illuminated, reflective, healthy, beautiful, uplifting, lovingly relaxing and wonderfully spectacular Graduation Day on May15, 2010!!!!

2010.06.07

• A postcard from saraband in my mailbox over the weekend. It fills me with joy to receive a personal note from one of my favorite 43Ters from her corner of the world :)
• A few opportunities popped up last week, making me consider changing plans for the n^th time. I’ll consider them all, but I’m just finding amusing it all, how I’m just not making plans anymore and just go with the flow. We’ll see how events unfold…
• I moved around my desk, so it’s now facing the window instead of being sideways. Now that the sun is past zenith and for these two months that it’ll be north of us, this southern window is proving with great light quality and an acceptable view to get my work done there. No direct scorching mid-day sun.

See more progress on: enjoy life

¡¡¡metafora, metafora, ra, ra, ra!!!

You must now be resting for your big day tomorrow, but here’s some cheering and a haiku for you :)

Even from afar, I’m joining hg and dragonfly on the cheering squad:

♪ ♫ ♬
A la bio, a la bao
A la bim, bom, ba
metafora, metafora
¡¡¡ra, ra, ra!!!!

See more progress on: NNHHC MARATHON BOOTCAMP 43T CHEER SQUAD! Support, Encourage, and CHEER Namaste Nepal Marathon Team members- metafora and dragonfly as they run to change the world!!!! :)

Haiku #34

Run, race, sprint, fly, flow
The meta is in your name
Go, metafora!

See more progress on: write haiku on fridays

2010.06.03

• My neighbors’ dogs Café & Barbas. They always run to us when they see us coming out of our door. Now, also Uma runs to meet them. They always tag along and make the daily walk much more enjoyable.
• I spent an hour or so tidying up the garden and doing some pruning. Gardening is so relaxing and is good exercise. I also collected seed, and now I don’t know what I’ll do with thousands of seeds of parsley, snapdragon, baby breath…
• Talking over the phone with my brother. We’ve been having good chats lately about our stuff and also remembering trips and things we have done together. I have been talking to him quite a lot in the past few months, but it was mostly work-related, so this change of topics is very welcome and bonding :)

See more progress on: enjoy life

A single entry for a mindful month of simplicity

I need to work more on my mindfulness and awareness. I can’t believe May is gone. Swoooosh!! Where did it go??!! Not paying too much attention…

Yet, I was able to keep it simple. I focused more in doing less things more intensively than doing more things in a less intensive way. I also was less active on 43T. I have to find a balance between being here and getting things done. In the bad news, I completely dropped my calisthenics and stretching routine… and my body has resented it. The good thing is that I’ve kept my daily 2-lt water intake. I really need to get back into bootcamp mode…

Here’s to a more intensive June!

See more progress on: May Bootcamp: Mindfulness and Keeping it Simple

2010.06.02

• The sun setting on the Izta Volcano’s “head”. It looks like an aura around the “sleeping woman”. Awesome moment.
• Breakfast turning into lunch turning into mid-afternoon with my good friend C. It still wasn’t enough to catch up on 18 years of losing track of each other. After bumping into each other last week, it seems we’ll be meeting quite often from now on. It was so great to be with her (one of my best friends in uni) and to see that the energy that once was is still there :)
• Designing the invitation for my friend’s daughters’ first communion. I adapted a design that is very trendy right now. They loved it!

See more progress on: enjoy life