Fridays with Subway

I am so awesome.

Yes, I realize this isn’t news but one can forget how awesome they are from time to time. Because of what happened today, my awesomenicinity has been reaffirmed.

REAFFIRMED.

You see, awhile back, my friends Kevin, Ashley and I went out to lunch during the work week pretty regularly. With our crazy schedules (actually Kevin and Ashley’s crazy schedule and my boring one) we didn’t have much time to see each other on the weekend so this was a good idea. However, it got to be expensive and quite generous in the calorie expenditure department. In order to keep it up, we devised a plan to save our lunch dates, yet also our money and body fat percentages. We decided to only lunch one day per week, and since the health-conscious Subway down the street NOT ONLY offered a $2.99 Friday sandwich BUT A FREE COOKIE AS WELL (only on Fridays for a limited time while supplies last all rights reserved), we picked that as our place. We went to Subway on Fridays for lunch until about last August when the two of them moved away.

(There is a side story about how that Subway developed the nickname “Place de la Chubby Butterfly” which later became this blog's namesake but I won’t go into that now.)

Due to this ingenious plan, we collected quite a few Subway points on our respective cards. As usual, I forgot about the points collected UNTIL TODAY.

I was hungry.
I wanted to go out to lunch.
I was broke as a joke.

BUT.

Because of our forward thinking skills, I had enough points to get a FOOT-LONG veggie sub WITH CHIPS and a DRINK for FREE.

(Not a cookie though because they’re only free on Fridays.)

PLUS I STILL HAVE POINTS LEFT. Can you believe it?? I was excitedly relaying this story to my coworker and she suggested I put it on my blog (which may actually be an avoidance maneuver so she doesn't have to hear my compelling stories. I haven't figured that out yet).

I don’t think a Subway sandwich has ever tasted this incredible.



WOOHOO!

Chelsea Clinton and Recipe Musings.

Chelsea Clinton visited us!

Story...for now.
(The Tribune has a propensity to yank them quickly.)

Are you voting in the Utah primaries? Typically I've only voted in the actual presidential elections but this year I think I'm going to vote in the primaries as well. It just seems like a good idea.

Also...expect another fantastic vegetarian recipe on Friday (or maybe Saturday). It is unclear what it will be, but I promise it will be awesome.

Heh.

Trader Joe's Multigrain Biscuits

Hello!

So yesterday I DROPPED OFF TO SLEEP without warning. When I awoke I was on my bed, stretched out like a chalk-drawing with a hood flopped over my head.

No, it was my hood. I had been wearing a hoodie.



For some reason, multigrain biscuits sounded REALLY good right then. Really good. I happen to have some mix that my parents got last time they were in California.



I wandered into the kitchen and made some. They were delicious!



The best part about their mix are the oats. There are nice, whole oats in the biscuits and grains making them nice and thick. I had two for lunch today with my soup. Holy crap! So good!

IF you decide to make multigrain biscuits and HAPPEN TO HAVE this very mix, here is the nutritional information BROKEN DOWN PER BISCUIT since they don't have it on the box.

1 biscuit

105 calories
5g fat
14g carbs
1g fiber

Weight Watchers points value: 2

They are great with vegetable soup! Mmm!

Go get some.

Sunday's Breaking News.

Here.

WOW.

Flickr Pickchrs

Let's try this Flickr thing again, shall we?

Pictures!

Wendover is about 2 hours from Salt Lake, just over the Nevada border. There are 5 casinos and a concert hall in the town. Also a supermarket.

That is all.

It's not bad for a quick trip though. The casinos are pretty interesting...some to the point of hilarity (can someone say MIRRORS AND NEON?) and the prices aren't bad. The best part is the concert hall. That place was FANTASTIC. There isn't a bad seat in the house and the building is beautiful. They just built it. Some really good names are performing there this year and I would go back in a heartbeat. Really. It was that good.

Did I mention they sold DRINKS including, but not limited to, WINE??

We had wine at the show. That was awesome.

Aaahh.

So there you go. Air Supply. Soft rock. New concert hall. Wine.

Good times.

BACK!!!

OMG.

1. The venue was REALLY nice.
2. They sold WINE to drink during the show.
3. We sang along at the top of our lungs.
4. We waved our arms.
5. We clapped to the rhythm.
6. THEY CAME OUT INTO THE AUDIENCE AND WERE 2 FEET FROM US.
7. My mom TALKED TO THEM and got their autographs!

I have pictures that will be forthcoming.

Yes.

It was fantastic.

Very much.

Talk to you soon.

AIR SUPPLY!!!

Guess what y'all?

My mom and I are going to Wendover to see AIR SUPPLY! WOO!!

I'll see if I can get you a shirt.

SEE YOU TOMORROW.

BBQ Veggie Rice

Okay.

This is hilarious.

I made dinner tonight.

(HHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!!!)

Kidding. Obviously that's not the funny bit. No, I made dinner tonight and it was a vegetarian meal. Do you know what I was craving as I pondered what to make for dinner?

BARBECUE VEGGIE RIBLETS.

They are made by Gardenburger and I've always liked them BUT THEY SEEM to resemble SOMETHING VERY FRIGHTENING that I may or may not have experienced recently.

Holy crap.

But I made the dish anyway because I really like it and it looks/tastes completely different so deal with it. I'm a tool. There. Now you know.

TIME FOR THE FOOD PART.

Michael's Awesome BBQ Veggie Rice!

2 bell peppers, any color
1/2 white onion
1 bunch green onions
2T Olive oil
2 cups short grain brown rice
1 box Gardenburger Veggie Riblets (DON'T SAY IT.)

You could also make any veggie patty you want and add BBQ sauce.

Stop looking at me like that.

Chop all the veggies small like you're making stir fry. Because you are. Basically.

NEXT...get a big freaking sauteé pan with a lid. Lightly coat the big freaking pan with olive oil and sauteé the veggies until the white onions are transparent. (Does this sound familiar?)

Sizzle Times.

Add the rice and continue to sizzle until the onions are a little bit more transparent (because that's how exact a science this is WHICH IS WHY I HAVE INCLUDED PICTURES).

Oooooh.

Add roughly 6 cups water and let it simmer, covered until it stops steaming underneath the lid, around 20 minutes or so. You know, like how you normally boil rice. It's nothing you can't handle.

Trust me.

When the rice is nearly done, microwave the riblets according to the package directions. The riblets that come in this box.



Cube the riblets and SAVE THE SAUCE FROM THE PACKETS. DO NOT GET RID OF THE SAUCE. It will flavor the rice.

The rice should be done. Remove from heat, add the riblets AND THE SAUCE. Mix it all up crazy style.

Mmm.

Serve with some steamed vegetables! I recommend broccoli and carrots.

DEELISHUS.

Here's the nutritional crap I calcumalated per serving because I'm wicked awesome.

PER CUP

237 calories
17g fat
40g carbs
4.5g fiber

Weight Watchers Point value: 5.5
(Without steamed veggies which are 1 or 2 extra.)

Now.

Go make it.

Seriously. Go.

Go now.

NOW.

NOOOOOW.

Fine. I'll just make it. More for me.

PEACE OUT.

Porky Pork and the Funky Bunch

Good evening.

Two things.

1. I am returning to vegetarianism on my 28th birthday which will be on the 19th of February (next month). I don't know how long it will last this time but I know more about that lifestyle...much more than before...and will be more careful and thorough in hopes that it will last longer.

2. In celebration of my anticipated meat vacation, I tried a McRib.

Explanation for the McRib:

Every time this pressed-pork-slathered-in-barbecue-sauce insanity comes out, the television shows all these people, who I would assume are normal any other day of the week, going positively APESHIT for this sandwich. I remember the craziness as a kid, and again the last time it came back about a year and a half ago (I think).

But, you see, I was a McRib virgin.

When it first came out, as I said, I was a kid. My parents never really went to McDonald's that much and if they ever did all I wanted was a Happy Meal.

I needed the toys.

I had playground cred to maintain.

As an adult the McRib had an uncanny tendency to always come back to the fold when I had just decided to adopt a meat-free lifestyle.

Every.

Time.

(Okay...this only happened once.)

Naturally when it came back this time I had JUST MADE the decision to cease meating once again BUT HADN'T PASSED THE DATE SET.

SO.

This could very well have been my one and only opportunity.

What follows is my unbiased review of the McRib.

“The McRib: What the flying rat fart did I just eat?”

First of all, let me state that the hypercrazy pork-juice induced frenzies of McRibbiness are strictly on t.v. You can go into any McDonald's and order one. There is no line, there is no waiting. Nobody really gives a crap about this sandwich.

I ordered my sandwich, took it to a table and unwrapped. My first thought was “I should have known it wouldn't look like the picture.”

The bun is very flat and the sandwich is about 1.5 inches thick. Almost like a burger. Almost like a burger and it's from McDonald's. Imagine that.

The next thing I noticed was the MASSIVE QUANTITY of barbecue sauce on it. It was swimming in a pool of that mess. Rather, it was lying fallow in it since it can't really swim. I suppose if it could I wouldn't want to eat it at all. It was lying fallow and the bun was swollen with this hickory-infused brown delight that oozed as I picked it up.

Gak.

I opened the “hood” and took a peek inside. There were about 3 slivers of white onion and 2 slices of pickle. Certainly not the mounds and mounds of veggies shown on the signage directly above my head screaming “FOR A LIMITED TIME! $3.99 FOR A COMBO MEAL!” at anyone walking in the door.

Again, not horribly shocked to find that it didn't look like the picture.

Upon examination of the patty, I noticed “rib” marks were pressed into the TOP of it, but the bottom was flat and unmarked. Almost as though someone had squished it with a tire or large snow boot.

“Yo! Lenny! We need more McRib patties! You got your Timberlands on?”

At this point I thought of turning back, but no. I had come THIS FAR so I was going to FORGE AHEAD and TAKE A BITE.

Oh mercy.

Honestly it wasn't awful. It really wasn't. It tasted like processed pork dipped in a gallon of cheap barbecue sauce on a soggy bun. Nothing more, nothing less. The “vegetables” were few and far between and I barely noticed them. If I were starving I just might eat this. Maybe.

I did finish the WHOLE thing (God am I dedicated or what?) and made it back outside in a sodium headache-induced blur. A little shaken, but almost elated. I had risen to the challenge and emerged TRIUMPHANT. I was NO LONGER A MCRIB VIRGIN!!!

I could come up with all kinds of coy euphemisms for that last sentence but I just won't.

So that was my experience. I can say it was interesting and also that the whole deal makes me excited to go back to vegetarianism. Really. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing but there you have it.

Onward!!!

Land of Confusion

That post title really has nothing to do with the story. It's just the song I'm listening to right now. The one by Genesis with Phil Collins.

Wooooo.

Last week I went to a local Chinese place for lunch. The moment I set foot in the lobby I heard raucous laughter coming from the dining room. Not being a fan of sudden, loud, unexpected noises I almost walked out. But the host was just SO friendly I couldn't do it. Reluctantly I took my seat by an elderly couple who were deep in conversation with a server.

My server.

She was very animated discussing dietary choices in great detail with them. I found it funny she was asking them about what foods they recommend she try since, well, we were in a restaurant and all. They went on and on about vegetables and other healthy things as I sat there...waiting. It was just odd because she kept asking question after question (how would you suggest I eat avocados?) after question (can I put sugar on broccoli?) after question and question and question again and again and again.

Good God.

The couple had their food and picked at it slightly while fielding her questions. What surprised me is how polite and willing they were to continue answering her inquiries and offer tips and advice on the best way to enjoy what she asked about.

After awhile she turned and saw I had been waiting. As she came to my table I noticed she was pregnant.

Wow.

She took my order ticket back to the kitchen and returned to the table with the couple. Through listening (okay, eavesdropping) to them I found out she was new to this country, came out here by herself, was working for the family who owned the restaurant, and was very eager to give this a good shot and assimilate into American culture starting, apparently, with her diet. These people had come in and for whatever reason she thought it was a good idea to ask them what they liked to eat, and ask the wife what she ate while pregnant.

All of this was pretty interesting to listen to from my table. But suddenly, while slurping hot and sour soup, I realized something.

Family has always been a source of strength for me. Whenever I've needed any kind of advice I've always known there was someone I could talk to. To not have that available would leave me feeling so lost and alone. Not only was this woman dealing with a pregnancy, but she was stuck far, far away from her family (and the baby's father) seeking out a caring face for guidance through life and help with fitting in the new land she now called home. Thankfully, those kind people came into the door and were more than willing to talk with her. It must have been such a relief!

That's about when I started feeling guilty.

After the couple finished their meal, the woman HUGGED THE SERVER and wished her all the luck in the world on her pregnancy. They told her they would certainly come back to visit and couldn't wait to meet the baby when he was born.

That's about when I started to get teary.

You know those moments when you not only realize ways in which you could make the world a better place by observing others, but also by doing so your faith in the kindness of strangers is renewed? You know those moments when the day seems a little bit more sunny and the sky a little bit more blue?

Totally had one of those.

I made sure to leave a good tip and smiled big as I left, singing, on my way back to work. It changed the whole afternoon's outlook. Completely.

Things are going to be okay for her. I just know it.

P.S. Holy crap. That song is perfect for this blog post! What are the odds?

Friday's Good News.

Taken from the Salt Lake Tribune...

Becker's first step: Domestic partners
Gay couples applaud voluntary registry proposed by new mayor

By Derek P. Jensen
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 01/11/2008 10:33:03 AM MST

Ralph Becker's first official action as mayor could bring a first to Utah - a citywide registry of domestic partners, including same-sex couples.

The novel move - fulfilling a priority campaign promise for Salt Lake City's new CEO - is designed to aid employers vacillating over whether to provide insurance benefits for cohabitants and other domestic partners.

Becker's proposed ordinance, unveiled Thursday, bucks the politics in conservative Utah - a state that rewrote its constitution in 2004 to ban gay marriage.

"It's a great step as we inch our way toward progress," said Mark Hofeling, a downtown resident who has been with his boyfriend, Jesse, nearly 10 years and, until now, resorted to power of attorney to validate their relationship in legal and health matters. "If this would give us more security, we would probably be inclined to do it."

The registry, likely to win the support of the City Council in Utah's left-leaning capital, would serve as a catalog of adult residents - gay or otherwise - who can voluntarily add their names as long as they provide proof that they cohabit and rely on one another as dependents.

Becker argues the mechanism would save businesses time and money and create a way for the city to recognize relationships of mutual support, caring and commitment.

"This is an opportunity for us to provide all of Salt Lake City's residents the same level of equality, dignity and respect," the mayor said.

Still, despite being common in about 20 states, the rainbow-colored catalog carries some controversy - particularly for conservative Utah legislators.

"I have great empathy for that kind of thing," explained Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan. "I have no problem with people sharing insurance or their wills, estates, real estate or lives. I just have to be certain we're not coming in the back door of the Amendment 3 [ban on gay marriage and civil unions]."

But Council Chairwoman Jill Remington Love notes Becker, a former Democratic legislative leader, and a team of city attorneys were careful to craft the registry ordinance within the parameters of the gay-marriage ban.

"There is certainly enough support that it's likely to pass the council," Love said. "I don't think Mayor Becker in any way is trying to back-door this."

Scott McCoy, an attorney and openly gay state senator, says the registry may reduce health-insurance fraud.

"If giving health benefits specifically to gay and lesbian partners did not run afoul of Amendment 3, I can't possibly see why a registry would," McCoy said. "It's a fairly symbolic thing. There are no benefits attached to it, but it does have utility."

Becker cites a general-welfare provision under state law that he say allows for such an index and does not conflict with Amendment 3.

If approved, the registry will be administered by the City Recorder's Office. Eligible residents would receive two notarized and certified copies documenting their registration.

Becker notes the index would afford visitation rights when a domestic partner is being treated in a hospital or clinic. The certificate also would guarantee fair access to all rights and privileges at all city facilities including recreation spots.

Yana Walton, spokeswoman for the Utah Pride Center, says the registry should encourage employers to fully recognize domestic partners. And she is thrilled that Becker, who was just named Person of the Year by Q Salt Lake magazine, acted on his third day in office.

"I'm just refreshed to know that not only has he kept the campaign promise but he made it such a priority," Walton said. "It makes me feel confident that there are going to be a lot of changes in his administration." djensen@sltrib.com

ELP?

Am I wrong in laughing every time I hear Emerson, Lake and Palmer's rendition of "Hoedown"?

Just asking.

Because you needed something to worry about.

This.

The last paragraph left me somewhat unsettled.

Wow.

Thanks, Brad!

One evening about 6 months ago Ashley, Kevin and I decided to go out to dinner at Mazza, the Lebanese place I wax rhapsodic about all the time. The cafe is small, so it was going to be an hour wait for a table. No matter, because King's English Bookshop is next door.

King's English Bookshop is an old three-level home that was renovated into a quirky and inspirational bookshop complete with perfectly restored wainscoting, window seats, overstuffed chairs and the occasional cat. Every time I've gone in there the employee, male or female, is wearing a cardigan. It must be a job requirement. Oh yes...and there's tea too. Lots and lots of tea.

Attached to the back of King's English is a very small cafe called Fresco. It almost looks like it was built from the kitchen of the old house. There are only 5 tables or so and reservations must be made far in advance. Fresco is incredibly well outfitted with charming Craftsman style decor and gorgeous mahogany floors. When Fresco is open, it's a very unique experience. As you peruse books amongst carved oak shelves and creaking turn of the century wooden floors, a bustling restaurant hums and clinks in the background through a stained glass pocket door. Sometimes there is jazz playing too.

I love it.

Well, the three of us were wandering about when we spotted a man and a woman walking by holding glasses of wine. The man was in fine Italian evening wear complete with leather jacket and the woman had knee-high suede boots, fur, and globules of shining jewels hanging everywhere imaginable. They gave us a very friendly greeting and Ashley asked them what was on all of our minds.

“Where did you get the wine?”

The man said they had gotten it at Fresco, then asked us what type of wine we liked. All three of us like white wine, which is what we enthusiastically answered. He said “Wait right here” and swooped into the restaurant through that glorious stained glass pocket door. We sat there stunned and a little excited. A few minutes later a server, in starched shirt and bow tie, naturally, came out holding a silver tray with three glasses of some exquisite white wine.

“These are for you courtesy of Brad.” she said.

We couldn't believe it! What luck! Who does that? Really!! Who?!

I'll tell you who.

Brad.

We took the wine (which was incredible and I was so shocked I never got the name of it) and looked for “Brad” while we imbibed. Brad was nowhere to be found. His lady friend was nowhere to be found. They had completely disappeared. It was almost magical.

I'll never forget that. I really never will.

On a side note, we cracked up while drinking our wine because after the shock wore off we noticed we were standing in the children's book section. Holding glasses of wine.

BEST. NIGHT. EVER.

So, Brad, I sincerely hope some day I am able to do what you did. The three of us will never forget it. Really.

Thank you.

Le Weekend.

Hello!

For those of you who care, here is what I did this weekend.

FRIDAY

After work I went with some friends to see the comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer at Rose Wagner. It was a very, very funny show. She's great! Rose Wagner is a nice venue too. We were in the Jeanné Wagner Theatre and all of us were happy with it. I've been here forever and never gone to a show there. I would go again (provided it was a good show, natch). The acoustics were great and there wasn't a bad seat in the house. After the show Jackie and I spent the night at Jordan and Kevin's which was INCREDIBLY convenient. Thanks for having us over!

SATURDAY

In the morning, Jordan and Kevin made waffles, bacon and hashbrowns for breakfast which was delightful. Jordan puts cinnamon and vanilla in the waffle batter just like me! They were delicious. After breakfast, Jackie and I carpooled back to our respective homes. It was nice to talk with her for a bit...as always. Once home I got AN AWESOME PRESENT in the mail from my friend Jeannie (the very same friend who sent me the hoodie...FROM CANADA) so I had to try it on.

WOOHOO!!!

Thank you Jeannie! I wore it with the hoodie. They seem to be getting along great.

SUNDAY

Today I did laundry, drew a picture (with a new sketchbook from Jordan),



and watched the DVD of The Simpsons Movie I got for Christmas.

Seriously that's all I've done today.

Yep.

HAVE A GOOD SUNDAY EVENING EVERYONE.

Sunday's Magical Linktastic Clicklicious Journey

Hello there. I have decided to post links from other posts because I feel like it.

ENJOY THE RIDE.

1. THIS happened to me again. For the third time. It's time to find a connection.

(Don't click that link if you're squeamish.)

2. Taking, once again, a cue from Andee I present to you THIS POST which was written (approximately) one year ago today. Thanks Andee! It's a good idea!

It actually reflects how I've been feeling lately too. We'll see where I go with it.

3. Some friends of mine asked why I wasn't a vegetarian anymore. Well, for those of you who were wondering, HERE IS THE STORY. It's quite funny actually.

THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT.

Something else.

This was cool to find out. It was in the Salt Lake Tribune today.
____________________________________________________________________

Pit bulls from Vick's dogfighting on their way to Utah sanctuary

The Associated Press

Article Last Updated: 01/02/2008 12:43:01 PM MST

Posted: 12:41 PM- RICHMOND, Va. - Twenty-two of the 47 surviving pit bulls seized from suspended NFL star Michael Vick's dogfighting operation headed to a new home in Utah on Wednesday.

The animals left Richmond International Airport aboard a chartered plane en route to Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.

The move completes the process of relocating the 47 animals to eight rescue organizations across the country. Some dogs will remain in the permanent care of the sanctuaries; others will be trained for possible adoption by the public.

The organizations were recommended by the dogs' court-appointed guardian, animal law expert Rebecca Huss, and approved by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson last month.

Forty-eight pit bulls were seized from the Surry County property, but one was euthanized for medical reasons.

Vick is serving a 23-month sentence for a dogfighting conspiracy. The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three co-defendants raised pit bulls and trained them for fighting behind his home. Several dogs that did not perform well were executed.

John Polis, spokesman for the 33-acre Utah sanctuary, said caretakers will observe the animals for at least six months and try to correct any behavioral problems.

___________________________________________________________________
Bogie came from that sanctuary. :-)

Crap!

Oh yeah! Happy New Year and stuff! Woo!

Er...bye.