Farmer's Market

I think Farmer's Markets are a really good idea.  We all benefit from eating fresh, locally grown produce.  It helps the local economy and is healthier for us.  So, I'm pleased that we have a nice market just a few blocks from my home.  However, when you are a working slob like me, it's hard to find time to attend an event held during regular working hours.

So, as I had an early morning appointment, and was going to be late for work anyway... I took  a little detour on my way to the office.  Whittier's Friday morning Farmer's Market is a surprisingly bustling place.  It was the first time I'd been since they moved to the parking lot off Bright and Philadelphia.  I got some really fresh vegetables.  Yummy and flavorful.  There were more vendors there than I remembered from last time I visited.  Some really evil man was popping popcorn in a huge vat.  I love popcorn and the smell was maddening.  It reminded me of a Saturday morning matinee, without the sticky floors and screaming kids. 

After tasting some of the produce I purchased, I'm sorry I didn't buy more!  But it's hard to tell sometimes how much to get.  It all looks so good, but there's a limit to how much one person can eat. 

Often I will stock the fridge with really great produce, only to get caught up in my hectic life, and later discover it has all turned to soup by the time I get around to eating it.  My doctor, who is from India, has been trying to encourage me to go vegetarian for years.  When I complained to her about this principle, she thoughtfully suggested I make soup when I first bring the veggies home instead of waiting for it to turn into soup on its own. Yeah, she's a real smart alec.  But she does have a point. 

I spent a few years as a vegetarian, so it's not like I haven't tried it.  Living in California for any length of time does that to you.  It's the same with going into therapy or rehab.  If you live here long enough... but I digress... I actually bought some tofu last week, intending to marinate it and fry it up with some greens.  It's still sitting in the fridge, too.  I'm going to try NOT to wait to see what it turns into when left to its own devices in the cold dark of my frigidaire, so I need to get to the store tomorrow for some marinade.  Except the Chuck season finale is on TV tomorrow night, and I can't miss it, which may put the kabosh on any experimenting in the kitchen. 

And so it goes... Sometimes I think that Purina should just come up with People Chow for folks like me who are so hopeless in the domestic department.  You know, it could be labeled like they label cat food:  there could be People Chow for kids, for adults, for seniors, for seniors with an active lifestyle, and special formulas for folks with diabetes and other ailments, canned versions and kibble.  Soylent Green analogies aside, I think it could work.

Day in the OC

Angela, Denise (not visible) Sabrina and Dannika at our marketing meeting.  We have a nice group of  marketers in our company.  It was nice to spend some time with them.  We've got a bright, creative and supportive bunch.Here is Emma.  She was in charge and did a fine job.

Cognito Ergo Dim Sum.. I think therefore I like Chinese Food...

I work with a lovely bunch of people.  Today one of our senior engineers, Doug, took us all - the Corporate office and the LA office -  out for dim sum lunch at the Ocean Restaurant in Monterey Park. 

This restaurant is lovely and noisy!  It's like taking a little trip to China without leaving California.  Here I am with Hilary, who is currently in the process of getting her master's in engineering.   She is a lovely young lady.

Here are the other two tables of our coworkers.  Barbara is facing the camera.  We had a good group in the far corner of a very large dining hall.

I was seated at a table of 8, and was one of two Caucasians at our table.  Below this picture you will see Edward and Ivy - caught by surprise by my lightening fast super hidden camera. (sorry!) I've taken to carrying said camera to inflict terror and humiliation on unsuspecting folks.  It's nice to have a pictoral history of places I've been.  This is an extraordinary place.  You can see behind them how huge this place is, and it is always quite packed at lunchtime.  The waitresses all speak Chinese, too, so it is really a fun cultural experience.          

Here are Hilary and Christina (below).  It was nice having four Chinese speakers at our table.  They helped to run interference with the Chinese speaking wait staff, and helped explain certain dishes.  Some things took a little courage to try.  And it was a test I failed miserably this year.  Last year I was fairly brave.  But this time... well, however delicious they may be, I couldn't make myself try the duck feet.  Lots of yummy food, besides that, believe me, I didn't go hungry - but there are always a few things that just don't look appetizing to my Western palate.  We had such a pleasant time, though, overall, and I certainly enjoyed the company.  I think it's very nice of Doug to do this for us every year.  Thanks, Doug. Shu shu. (or however you spell it)