Well we are knee deep into the Capricorn Season
I celebrated my birthday last week (12/25 - lol) turning a bright 32!
Boy do I feel my age LOL here's a list of things that have changed since saying good-by to my 20s
-TIRED TIRED: I recently changed jobs; shortened commute time, switched to less stressful job and I'm still tired. I attribute it halfway to age and to my habits. I tell people all the time being vegan is still not a pass, I still need to eat a better diet that consists of more raw foods and again less 'vegan junk'. I've decided to go gluten free and for me that's pretty easy change as I don't eat alot breads rice or pasta for me this means buckwheat (instead of oatmeal) and no breads (eating out) and continue to stick to veggie wraps.
-CONCENTRATION: Lawwd now I kinda feel I was in denial of this but music + work = caplady cannot concentrate lol. Honestly I've grown alot anyway DC has killed gogo music, rap/r&B sucks.. so I listen to alot of beneficial podcasts, CNBC/Bloomberg streaming through out my day and honestly if I need background
-PATIENCE: Man I'm pondering if technology has ruined my brain
note: actual post date 3/14/2014 - SMH 3 months later clearly not complete but trying to re-active my blog life
title will make sense in a moment (see next post)
Showing posts with label My Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Life. Show all posts
Friday, March 14, 2014
Saturday, October 19, 2013
I have time to blog now.. Hello!
well the blog was dusty but I'm posting before I ht my "one year she no post anniversary" LOL
let see in the last year what's been up?
-Work: Quit my job at the big 4 much happier now.. still loving and working in infosecurity but the consultant life ay...I say this as we fedcontractor & govvies arise back from our furlough "holiday" meh...giving myself 1-2 years top I want to be working purely in the commercial work. My dream job is amazon.com which is in the DC Area trust I will get a job there!!
-NBA season soon: still playing fantasy basketball and venting about my Wizards. I guess my Lakers are gonna suck this year.. RIP Dr. Buss we are in turmoil
-Weight Loss: Not only have I kept my weight off from my highest weight ever to know I'm down a smooth 70 lbs.. but since late 2011 I've lost about 50 lbs.. amazing seriously. I'm down from 16/18 to 12.. I've never been this small EVER (as an adult). Yes the veganism helps but the exercise and the no car life in DC helps. I can now bike to work with my new job and I still walk everywhere.
-Half Marathon: Ran the inaugural Washington DC NIKE HalfMarathon in April: Again my old coworkers were the ones behind me getting in shape they run the marine corps, army 10 miler all the popular races so they were like leave that 5k baby stuff behind and go for the gold. Jogging is still growing on me but all winter I did my lil runs around the city..and ran (& WALKED ALOT) that joint in about 3 hours.
Let me tell you the next day this 31 year old body was in PAIN like slow walk pain LOL. What was most embarrassing my cowoker >50 did the race she was fine the next day. Horrible..my training was bad I did not get enough long runs (>.10miles) in so I shocked my body but damit I made it through the finish line and I would love to run this race again.
-Current Obsessions:
Technology, Technology, Technology - Before I get into this let me stamp that I've been a gadget junkie since a kid. Seriously in my only child world I was always an executive (cappy trait) LOL I had a filofax organizer as a kid, my family laced me with all gadgets the 1st was the almighty casio electronic organizer
and yes I had the ORIGINAL Palm Pilot during my last year of middle school.. 1st computer by 1995. My senior year of high school I was interning at our town's only internet service provider.. so again STAMPED geeked from the 90s baby LOL
Anyway I'm loving this era we are in.. coding/development is cool, gadgets are a plenty the internet has soo much for learning/growing. Social media overload - I've calmed down with twitter (got old), IG i like and FB will always be there but I do take SM breaks time to time-- its soo easy to get caught up.
Given my maturation as IT chick- tech is fun but I realize to make it you have to tie to business value. So tech strategy blogs/articles are my new thing. I'm sooo sad to see how Blackberry has faltered but I enjoy reading and watching the OS/Phone/Internet/Startup wars that are going on these days
My current tech portfolio: Phones I have 2 LOL - my main line is blackberry - I'm sorry and i did try but i need a physical keyboard ..i just do. My 2nd phone is Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (rooted) with Sprint (unlimited data) it serves as my modem to keep my ipad computer and friends gadgets online when we are in a pinch lol. Basic dell laptop, my old kindle DX (great for reading). I plan to build a badazz PC next year to help serve for virtualization testing and I do want a MBP.
Juicing: Move over vitamix j/k green smoothies 4 life but my treat to getting a new job in August was the purchase of an Omega Juicer - Love Love Love green juice .. working my way up mentally to do a juice fast one day
Apple: not the fruit...so I am an Android fangirl however when my job gave me the iphone last year; life changed LOL. I was able to understand the apple fan'ism the phone was simple too simple but easy to use and practical. Coupled with the fact that apps still goto iOS first I've purchased the 64GB - Retina ipad and that joint is my baby! I do want a macbook (eventually) but that $$$$$$$ Apple is overrated but its a lifestyle and those purchasing financially are capable hence the extraordinary sales.
Shopping: Not so much these days LOL...one I had to take a hiatus during the weight loss as my clothing size was all over the place so if It wasn't coming from a target sale rack - I did not buy. Major progress as many many people reminded me that I wouldn't be caught dead in target clothes a few years ago LOL. I have not purchased a designer bag in almost 2 year. that's all I gotta say about this topic people can change. Don't get it twisted the capricorn in me still love nice high end things but I'm learning how to be more financially responsible and purchase things not so spontaneous.
Welp that's its folks.. I'm hoping seriously to blog more and I want to migrate this blog to my own domain as I've learned how to manage wordpress sites..well see LOL
let see in the last year what's been up?
-Work: Quit my job at the big 4 much happier now.. still loving and working in infosecurity but the consultant life ay...I say this as we fedcontractor & govvies arise back from our furlough "holiday" meh...giving myself 1-2 years top I want to be working purely in the commercial work. My dream job is amazon.com which is in the DC Area trust I will get a job there!!
-NBA season soon: still playing fantasy basketball and venting about my Wizards. I guess my Lakers are gonna suck this year.. RIP Dr. Buss we are in turmoil
-Weight Loss: Not only have I kept my weight off from my highest weight ever to know I'm down a smooth 70 lbs.. but since late 2011 I've lost about 50 lbs.. amazing seriously. I'm down from 16/18 to 12.. I've never been this small EVER (as an adult). Yes the veganism helps but the exercise and the no car life in DC helps. I can now bike to work with my new job and I still walk everywhere.
-Half Marathon: Ran the inaugural Washington DC NIKE HalfMarathon in April: Again my old coworkers were the ones behind me getting in shape they run the marine corps, army 10 miler all the popular races so they were like leave that 5k baby stuff behind and go for the gold. Jogging is still growing on me but all winter I did my lil runs around the city..and ran (& WALKED ALOT) that joint in about 3 hours.
Let me tell you the next day this 31 year old body was in PAIN like slow walk pain LOL. What was most embarrassing my cowoker >50 did the race she was fine the next day. Horrible..my training was bad I did not get enough long runs (>.10miles) in so I shocked my body but damit I made it through the finish line and I would love to run this race again.
-Current Obsessions:
Technology, Technology, Technology - Before I get into this let me stamp that I've been a gadget junkie since a kid. Seriously in my only child world I was always an executive (cappy trait) LOL I had a filofax organizer as a kid, my family laced me with all gadgets the 1st was the almighty casio electronic organizer
Anyway I'm loving this era we are in.. coding/development is cool, gadgets are a plenty the internet has soo much for learning/growing. Social media overload - I've calmed down with twitter (got old), IG i like and FB will always be there but I do take SM breaks time to time-- its soo easy to get caught up.
Given my maturation as IT chick- tech is fun but I realize to make it you have to tie to business value. So tech strategy blogs/articles are my new thing. I'm sooo sad to see how Blackberry has faltered but I enjoy reading and watching the OS/Phone/Internet/Startup wars that are going on these days
My current tech portfolio: Phones I have 2 LOL - my main line is blackberry - I'm sorry and i did try but i need a physical keyboard ..i just do. My 2nd phone is Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (rooted) with Sprint (unlimited data) it serves as my modem to keep my ipad computer and friends gadgets online when we are in a pinch lol. Basic dell laptop, my old kindle DX (great for reading). I plan to build a badazz PC next year to help serve for virtualization testing and I do want a MBP.
Juicing: Move over vitamix j/k green smoothies 4 life but my treat to getting a new job in August was the purchase of an Omega Juicer - Love Love Love green juice .. working my way up mentally to do a juice fast one day
Apple: not the fruit...so I am an Android fangirl however when my job gave me the iphone last year; life changed LOL. I was able to understand the apple fan'ism the phone was simple too simple but easy to use and practical. Coupled with the fact that apps still goto iOS first I've purchased the 64GB - Retina ipad and that joint is my baby! I do want a macbook (eventually) but that $$$$$$$ Apple is overrated but its a lifestyle and those purchasing financially are capable hence the extraordinary sales.
Shopping: Not so much these days LOL...one I had to take a hiatus during the weight loss as my clothing size was all over the place so if It wasn't coming from a target sale rack - I did not buy. Major progress as many many people reminded me that I wouldn't be caught dead in target clothes a few years ago LOL. I have not purchased a designer bag in almost 2 year. that's all I gotta say about this topic people can change. Don't get it twisted the capricorn in me still love nice high end things but I'm learning how to be more financially responsible and purchase things not so spontaneous.
Welp that's its folks.. I'm hoping seriously to blog more and I want to migrate this blog to my own domain as I've learned how to manage wordpress sites..well see LOL
Thursday, January 26, 2012
dusting these html pages off
what up fam!
omg...i'm so past due (like that's nothing new) on my blog entries; I have SOO much to talk about. For now since I have milliseconds of downtown let me just rock a freethought entry
I'm teleworking about to head into the office soon.
Enjoying a healthy breakfast. I've been on a whole grain kick as I realized that was lacking in my diet. I made Bob's Red Mill 6 Grain Hot Cereal with Flaxseed contains stone ground wheat, rye, corn, oats, spelt, Kamut® and flaxseed. I cook it with almond milk & add coconut & cinnamon - yumm-O!
Other than work I've been focusing on my health and utilizing the heck out of my bldg gym. I'm down about 15+lbs so far and inching closer to my 1st goal or reaching my high school weight.
I told myself that if I can eat a strict vegan diet and not work out - whats the point? might as well go back to eating meat. Now I see results from the marriage of good nutrition + exercise.
As a HUGE fan of android I"m very sad reading about google's change to the privacy policy. Its very scary and I'm upset to the point that I thinking about moving to the dreaded Iphone/Ipad combo.. hence I don't believe apple not looking at my data but at least they aren't a major hub of search engine data.
well my 5 mins are up and I must go.. more to come lata (me hope) :\
omg...i'm so past due (like that's nothing new) on my blog entries; I have SOO much to talk about. For now since I have milliseconds of downtown let me just rock a freethought entry
I'm teleworking about to head into the office soon.
Enjoying a healthy breakfast. I've been on a whole grain kick as I realized that was lacking in my diet. I made Bob's Red Mill 6 Grain Hot Cereal with Flaxseed contains stone ground wheat, rye, corn, oats, spelt, Kamut® and flaxseed. I cook it with almond milk & add coconut & cinnamon - yumm-O!
Other than work I've been focusing on my health and utilizing the heck out of my bldg gym. I'm down about 15+lbs so far and inching closer to my 1st goal or reaching my high school weight.
I told myself that if I can eat a strict vegan diet and not work out - whats the point? might as well go back to eating meat. Now I see results from the marriage of good nutrition + exercise.
As a HUGE fan of android I"m very sad reading about google's change to the privacy policy. Its very scary and I'm upset to the point that I thinking about moving to the dreaded Iphone/Ipad combo.. hence I don't believe apple not looking at my data but at least they aren't a major hub of search engine data.
well my 5 mins are up and I must go.. more to come lata (me hope) :\
Sunday, September 4, 2011
happy labor day
What up peeps.. up early moms in town and I took her to Eastern Market. Besides being addicted to yellow peaches I wanted her stamp on the produce & products I've been buying all summer. Granted nothing in the DC Area will compare to Eastern Shore she def said the quality was great and the prices ehh lol just a lil bit higher than back home.
I'm back on a Earthy Kick LOL...picked up 2 new plants - Parsley & Cilantro.
The parsley wilted like a mofo and I just re-potted the cilantro so I hope they both perk up.
My garden just about complete except I need 1 more plant thyme. Hopefully we get a few more weeks of warmth and sunshine than I will start transitioning everything inside.
Conducting a Milk off:
I know yall like uhh your vegan why are you drinking milk lol... well not to go into a long rant but I stated hate for soy milk however DR diagnosed me with vitamin D deficiency - so research says Soy helps with that issue. Well I finally understand why hardcore veggie folks avoid soy- bottom line its a Genetically Modified Object (GMO) even the organic. Its recommended that humans only consume fermented soy (miso, tempeh, seitan) OCCASIONALLY! I'm not gonna life I loves my tofu in my asian food and tempeh bacon :0 YUM! so its going to be hard but my goal is to try and put that healthiest +purest foods into my system so dueces to Soy.
So I'm researching alternative milks that are high in Vitamin D for my health condition and for something else that I'll explain in a bit.. now onto the contestants"
most of these "milks" I got the unsweetened version or if I was scared the taste would be "out there" I purchased the vanilla flavor
1. Rice Milk- I've always drank very sweet..
2. Almond Milk- I hated it in the past.. funky aftertaste still on the fence
3. Coconut Milk- yumm goes into my smoothies
4. Sunflower Milk- LOLOL haven't opened this yet - no idea what to expect
5. Hemp Milk- LOLOL ^^^^
6. Oat Milk - "same deal as ^^^"
Vitamix:
Dear QVC I hate you! Sike well I've heard about the VitaMix blender from watching youtubes on green smoothie. This blender is like the bently of blenders in the veggie/raw foods world.
To define a green smoothie: A regular fruit smoothie with some type of green- Kale, spinach, Collards etc. This culture stems from the book "Greens for Life" which I already blogged about here.
So this blender is supposed to the greatest bc it will blend anything (I've seen vids where folks throw whole avocados in there smoothie pit + all). If you blend things long enough it warms up the product, makes soups, ice cream so its pretty versatile. For the dough I'm like this joint better turn my kitchen into Smoothie King. I upgraded to kitchen aid blender but I will admit that berries & flax seeds still give me a grainy smoothie. I've made a few green smoothies w/ the vitamix while I'm not blown away, my smoothies def are SMOOTH.
Given the 5 easy payments lol I don't feel the hurt of paying for this blender all at once so I will keep as it fits in with my goal of continuing to be a healthy mofo. I realized that I suck as a vegan.. lk in the last few weeks I've gone to more Yoga and exercised more bc I cannot keep eating so well and not exercise. I might as well go back to eating meat if I'm going to dogg my body out like that. So besides this blender, more exercise me and another homey in the city are splitting a CSA membership.
CSA (Community Supported Agriculture):
Some folks call these farm clubs but pretty much its a way to get local produced delivered.
We went with Washington Green Grocer subscription. Kinda nicked says small box 12-18 lbs LOL. Right now I'm all about hitting up the farmers market but this will be so handy come fall/winter. The first order should come tomorrow here's a sample listing of what should be delivered:
- Sweet Corn PA
- Eggplant PA
- Grape/Cherry Tomatoes PA
- Yellow Squash PA
- Red Leaf/Romaine Lettuce CA
- Delicata Squash PA
- White Mushrooms PA
- Golden Supreme Apples (IPM from PA)
- Peaches (IPM/Food Alliance Certified from PA)
- Red Seedless Grapes CA
- Ruby Red Grapefruit FL
- Bananas S.A.
Enjoy the holiday folks :)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
what have i been doing all summer?
working . traveling . gardening. enjoying life & shopping
LOL - hello! can you all believe we are looking at Fall my my time is rollin!
Let me pick up where I left off... so the DC move again my commute is wonderful but I tell ya what (king of the hill voice) lol not having my 495 has been killer.. meaning getting to places has been difficult. I must keep at it learning the DC streets. I've been enjoying taking the bike out to explore when I can get home by 6 and we don't have the kaboom thunder activity afterwork.
Now my bldg; granted I am not the friendliest person upon first glance but jeezus first of all everyone is import (new trend of DC) cars in the garage downstairs from Cali to Connecticut (alot of NYC of course).. these folks in here are not friendly I'm not going to play the race card but even when I try to put on a smile and 'ish *cold stares*. I swear I'm going to kirk out one good time on somebody next time they ask "do you live in the bldg?" Reminds me of Higher Learning "b1tch show me yo lease before u check me" LLS seriously .. big turn off!
ugh sprint service.. of course no way comparable to Verizon but I'll smile off the strength of my cheaper bill. I finally rooted my Android Phone to CyanogenMod (CM7) that def bought some stability to my phone and can I say i LOVE android.. while I have a macbook on my wishlist and respect iOS.. 'I LOVE ANDROID" The multi-desktops and widgets sold me.. now the security and stability - give it time and more on that later.
my current obsession:
i couldn't resist any longer and so glad i waited and did not hop on the IPAD bandwagon.
Got a tablet pc Android based (honeycomb) Motorola Xoom. My coworker put me onto woot.com so trust I did not pay full retail but OMG love love love my tablet.
Of course at work the Ipad mtg crew be going in... "why don't you carry your xoom to meetings" "why are you still using your paper agenda" I just realized as techy as I am LOL I'm a paper chick. Stickies, pen, pencils I write on paper - so I'm weaning myself off this habit. My beef with putting your life in a phone/tablet is security. I don't like clouds dont sync MY DATA.. I need everything password protected, encrypted - I need time to figure out how to secure my 'ish than I'm all for it. I tested Google 2 step password verification, in short summary send your device a code after you sign in with password. Gosh props to google joint worked so good I kept locking myself out but that's the type of 'ish I need. I'm such a private person I will be sad if my devices where lost but I'd die if my data was viewable by outside eyes.
my travels
Chicago
My job sent me here for 4 days for Auditing Oracle Application Course. Uhhh class blew my mind lol but OMG Chicago is a beautiful city. We stayed in downtown Chicago and did most of our exploring via foot lol. My coworker and I visited the Willard/Sears tower, Millennium Park and we ate well. Of course being a Vegan I didn't have time to find a place where I could get deep dish pizza but none the less the variety was on point.
I checked out the local tea scene which was dry... but Argo Teas was the local spot. I bought
Las Vegas
Embarrassing but this was my 1st time visiting "Sin City" My job sent me here in support of attending Black Hat (technical security conference). The conference no words was just blessing to be amongst so many smart individuals and learn about my field. Ok forget the slots forget the gourmet food options - the freaking shops :0 :0
I was just done with the lux brands being connected to my hotel
Shops as Pallazo kilt me..
I can't go back to Vegas alone... cuz nope I need a baby sister for my wallet LOL
& what happens in vegas... got shipped to DC
(badgirl)
Seattle
My family lives out here and since I was more than halfway across the country decided to spend the weekend in the Pacific NorthWest. The timing was perfect because although I've been to Seattle 4 times now my cousin was getting married so it was also a slight family reunion.
The usual coolness and clouds but I was able to get a peak at Mt. Rainer.
My cuzin took me to a fabulous tea shop in Tacoma - Mad Hat Tea. Overwhelmed I was...
picked up 2006 puerh tea cake, some black tea and ginger rooibos for my friend.
The owner was so sweet gave me a cup of ti kin yuan to go and man started my trip off on a bang!
my herbal garden
I'm going to make this a 2 part blog update To be continued....
Thursday, June 9, 2011
news & views on current technology
what up peeps...bloggin live from the new home.. still renting but moved to Washington DC. Finally moved after talking about it for years.. #1 commute has been very draining.. working in VA - 9 yrs strong
I've finally stepped into cool phone land and divorced Verizon in the process..
newly minted sprint customer w/ an Android Device - Evo Shift - couldn't let go of my keyboard but other than me being a anti-touch screen chick and the nuances that come with it.. the phone is pretty vicious.
The android app store def lacks the hollywood apps of Apple but is still very comparable in inventory.
Right now I have the Evo Shift, and 2 BB for work - one including the BB torch.
Today's post is a rant on RIM..inspired by these article in WAPO -"For federal workers, BlackBerry slips as device of choice" & Federal government loosens its grip on the BlackBerry
First let me highlight some other articles who are on the same page of me:
PlayBlackBerry bruised by rivals
4 ways for BlackBerry to stay alive
I lovvvvvvvvvvvvveee my blackberry no doubt.. it gets the job DONE no bells & whistles. BEST EMAIL MGMT EVER!
I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee BBM - though my buddy list is dwindling BUT my first choice of messaging through & through.
I guess im becoming a late apple fan girl not for the cool gadgets but one of my favorites magazines Fortune is exposing me the BUSINESS side of the world - (super weakness for a g33ky gal like myself and being exposed even further working at "big4" /end rant) but you have to admire whats under the hood at a company that was hot in 80s.. cool in 90s and than took off..
respect to Jobs + his mgmt style.
I got caught up w/ the cool app life with my ipod touch..all still while loving my blackberry but I knew times were changing one morning the alarm on the BB was going OFF.. and I'm pressing the screen like mad only to realize hello.. no touch screen LOL!
So that brought me to a point in which I knew after my move I was going to switch my personal phone to Android...I like Iphone but the lack of physical keyboard was a deal-breaker PLUS too redundant to my Itouch.
Sprint had a special $125 credit for switching over.. said good-bye Verizon. That's another future Rant.. I never truly minded paying for the expensive service of VZW however in the last 1 yr myself and one of my homegirls admitted service has not been so peachy aka most dropped calls ever in span of being customer for almost 10 yrs. Given the 3/4G and stability of the other wireless carriers and for the most part I frequent metropolitan areas with good service - I could risk leaving VZW. #1 I was astounded that for 60$ I get unlimited everything .. like I had to keep asking the customer service representative how much was the data? the txt package? She kept reminding me 60$ = all in one LOL
So far given my new bldg cell coverage sucks in general.. I can see where Verizon outside is better.. but Sprint inside works in places I would never get VZW service. Big minus I miss being able to have pretty decent reception in metro- Sprint = total fail.
Ok ok back to my RIM rant-
pretty much RIM is the mobile MS, meaning you had the game on lock but dude check the rear view- your company is flailing..
-OS6 sucked.. like I cannot stand that wack frequent/all/favorite menu system- the thought process was there delivery not so smooth
+Webbrowser is improved but not the true to PC exp like one gets on safari or android
-App store- how about me and paypal aren't in a relationship anymore.. well no paypal = no appstore acess AT ALL- blew me to the worlds end!
+BB Torch very solid much better blend of touch & traditional than Storm
I don't have to keep nitpicking but bottomline RIM just released another weak product (BB Playbook) just google the review..I think it may have more software now but I know it shipped with no email or browser access //like wtf//
Rim needs to realize they need to OVERHAUL their OS or keep faith in this QNX acquisition. I'm no SME but basically QNX is an emulator and RIM has been selling the fact android software can work on the Playbook via QNX...so that's cool to have BBM/BB stuff & cool droid apps but that's admitting some defeat by deferring to another OS granted its somewhat embedded - not the strongest move.
What will kill Rim and seriously I see you Jobs.. I get it.. have everyone embrace your gadgets & computing devices.. rock with your own OS (iOS) your own internal services (mobile me)..shake, stir and ascend to the next level. As announced at WWDC apple has merged a whole mix of things and embraced the cloud (gag- me not a fan of cloud computing- another post).. recap below (wapo)
I'd def would embrace and hopefully SOON will embrace once I get an Ipad...my beef w/ cloud -C is.. it is what you put into it.. don't be mad if your world is stolen by hackers but for a person who knows what to keep on-line I have no beef w/ trying this new apple services and trust if you had a Macbook, Ipad, Iphone.. this will make your life simpler and people are gonna eat it up and Apple will get more business. Trust that i-messenger .. What do I need a blackerry for again?
Other than email and honestly Microsoft (wake up) should try making their new win 7 phones use the power of outlook to gain corporate email shares over RIM. Again I can only speak with a DoD voice.. and given the Ipad STIG was pulled LOL.. idk when or how we can say yes to iphone/tablets/android etc on sensitive networks. Trust right now one of my systems is mobile project the old school win ce.net phones - like security holes out the wazoo but we are stuck with using it bc - no "approved" DoD replacement.. but that's a rant on security in form of checkboxes (yet another future blog post)
anyway enufff ranting.. let me get to some fun stuff in my life than I must try get rest.
my move: woot! I never knew why but when I was 14 about the time my mom shot down my dreams with the whole I'm not paying for Howard University.. the ONLY time I give my mother full credit.. sorry HU peeps UMCP >>> HU (costs less & degree just as good if not better) heheh
but I faked, got cold feet.. at the end of the day I'm a small town country girl DC seemed overwhelming & expensive. But seriously the move has been great so far.. I'm broke as heck lol paying this fake Manhattan rent but the goal was to improve the work/life balance.
other stuff:
like people think IT folks be on the ish.. i know i be tired.. like the PCs in my home aren't fly flashy.. seriously they are patchwork jobs overloaded w/ RAM. I bring this up bc I went to my main site to search. I swore I had posted about my basil plant.. wholetime - why do I NOT have a search button on my blog - LMAO - terrible. My blog is stuck in the 90s LMAO! Imma try peeps to upgrade to wordpress & migrate to my own domain- maybe by end of summer or 2011- meanwhile I'll try make some cosmetic upgrades to "blogspot"
new obsession :Keriug Kcups machine- supply of the energy for this post.
Blame QVC & 3 easy payments LOL.. its a nice machine w/ a huge variety of refills plus at the end of the day.. anything that takes away the urge to spend 5$+ at Starbucks = FTW
basil:
forgive me I believe the plant before & after growth pics are in the old BB - sorry.. all I have is the harvesting of the plant..not gonna fake it was SCARY to say like ok I can pluck this and throw it into my food LMAO.. but after much research apparently that's what you do.
So I ripped up 3 leaves tossed into this marinade I was making - fresh lemon juice, ginger, garlic & red wine vinny- WOW like it taste so Italian-y lol meaning that fresh basil made it POP.. delish. Next plants I want to grow : thyme, mint
bedtime peeps
I've finally stepped into cool phone land and divorced Verizon in the process..
newly minted sprint customer w/ an Android Device - Evo Shift - couldn't let go of my keyboard but other than me being a anti-touch screen chick and the nuances that come with it.. the phone is pretty vicious.
The android app store def lacks the hollywood apps of Apple but is still very comparable in inventory.Right now I have the Evo Shift, and 2 BB for work - one including the BB torch.
Today's post is a rant on RIM..inspired by these article in WAPO -"For federal workers, BlackBerry slips as device of choice" & Federal government loosens its grip on the BlackBerry
First let me highlight some other articles who are on the same page of me:
PlayBlackBerry bruised by rivals
4 ways for BlackBerry to stay alive
I lovvvvvvvvvvvvveee my blackberry no doubt.. it gets the job DONE no bells & whistles. BEST EMAIL MGMT EVER!
I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee BBM - though my buddy list is dwindling BUT my first choice of messaging through & through.
I guess im becoming a late apple fan girl not for the cool gadgets but one of my favorites magazines Fortune is exposing me the BUSINESS side of the world - (super weakness for a g33ky gal like myself and being exposed even further working at "big4" /end rant) but you have to admire whats under the hood at a company that was hot in 80s.. cool in 90s and than took off..
respect to Jobs + his mgmt style.
I got caught up w/ the cool app life with my ipod touch..all still while loving my blackberry but I knew times were changing one morning the alarm on the BB was going OFF.. and I'm pressing the screen like mad only to realize hello.. no touch screen LOL!
So that brought me to a point in which I knew after my move I was going to switch my personal phone to Android...I like Iphone but the lack of physical keyboard was a deal-breaker PLUS too redundant to my Itouch.
Sprint had a special $125 credit for switching over.. said good-bye Verizon. That's another future Rant.. I never truly minded paying for the expensive service of VZW however in the last 1 yr myself and one of my homegirls admitted service has not been so peachy aka most dropped calls ever in span of being customer for almost 10 yrs. Given the 3/4G and stability of the other wireless carriers and for the most part I frequent metropolitan areas with good service - I could risk leaving VZW. #1 I was astounded that for 60$ I get unlimited everything .. like I had to keep asking the customer service representative how much was the data? the txt package? She kept reminding me 60$ = all in one LOL
So far given my new bldg cell coverage sucks in general.. I can see where Verizon outside is better.. but Sprint inside works in places I would never get VZW service. Big minus I miss being able to have pretty decent reception in metro- Sprint = total fail.
Ok ok back to my RIM rant-
pretty much RIM is the mobile MS, meaning you had the game on lock but dude check the rear view- your company is flailing..
-OS6 sucked.. like I cannot stand that wack frequent/all/favorite menu system- the thought process was there delivery not so smooth
+Webbrowser is improved but not the true to PC exp like one gets on safari or android
-App store- how about me and paypal aren't in a relationship anymore.. well no paypal = no appstore acess AT ALL- blew me to the worlds end!
+BB Torch very solid much better blend of touch & traditional than Storm
I don't have to keep nitpicking but bottomline RIM just released another weak product (BB Playbook) just google the review..I think it may have more software now but I know it shipped with no email or browser access //like wtf//
Rim needs to realize they need to OVERHAUL their OS or keep faith in this QNX acquisition. I'm no SME but basically QNX is an emulator and RIM has been selling the fact android software can work on the Playbook via QNX...so that's cool to have BBM/BB stuff & cool droid apps but that's admitting some defeat by deferring to another OS granted its somewhat embedded - not the strongest move.
What will kill Rim and seriously I see you Jobs.. I get it.. have everyone embrace your gadgets & computing devices.. rock with your own OS (iOS) your own internal services (mobile me)..shake, stir and ascend to the next level. As announced at WWDC apple has merged a whole mix of things and embraced the cloud (gag- me not a fan of cloud computing- another post).. recap below (wapo)
As one of the core new features highlighted today in iOS 5, iMessages has one purpose: to kill SMS. That is, traditional carrier-controlled text messages. iMessages will do this by replacing SMS with a service that Apple is in control of across all of their iOS devices. And here’s the real death blow: iMessages will be completely free.
Sure, you can argue that iMessages is limited due to the iOS requirement. But as Apple announced today, there are over 200 million iOS devices out there now. That’s a lot. Like Blackberry Messenger before it, Apple now has the strength to create their own device-to-device messaging application. And that’s exactly what they’ve done. And considering what a colossal rip-off SMS is, I can’t help but love this move. It’s exactly what I’ve been waiting for
"iCloud stores your content in the cloud and wirelessly pushes it to all your device. It automatically uploads it, stores it, and pushes it to all your devices." And by "automatically," he means it: in addition to every day content, such as purchased music, iBooks, photos and videos, device settings, and app data that will be automatically backed up over WiFi, Documents in the Cloud will effortlessly sync Pages, Numbers, and Keynote data between all of your iOS devices.
I'd def would embrace and hopefully SOON will embrace once I get an Ipad...my beef w/ cloud -C is.. it is what you put into it.. don't be mad if your world is stolen by hackers but for a person who knows what to keep on-line I have no beef w/ trying this new apple services and trust if you had a Macbook, Ipad, Iphone.. this will make your life simpler and people are gonna eat it up and Apple will get more business. Trust that i-messenger .. What do I need a blackerry for again?
Other than email and honestly Microsoft (wake up) should try making their new win 7 phones use the power of outlook to gain corporate email shares over RIM. Again I can only speak with a DoD voice.. and given the Ipad STIG was pulled LOL.. idk when or how we can say yes to iphone/tablets/android etc on sensitive networks. Trust right now one of my systems is mobile project the old school win ce.net phones - like security holes out the wazoo but we are stuck with using it bc - no "approved" DoD replacement.. but that's a rant on security in form of checkboxes (yet another future blog post)
anyway enufff ranting.. let me get to some fun stuff in my life than I must try get rest.
my move: woot! I never knew why but when I was 14 about the time my mom shot down my dreams with the whole I'm not paying for Howard University.. the ONLY time I give my mother full credit.. sorry HU peeps UMCP >>> HU (costs less & degree just as good if not better) heheh
but I faked, got cold feet.. at the end of the day I'm a small town country girl DC seemed overwhelming & expensive. But seriously the move has been great so far.. I'm broke as heck lol paying this fake Manhattan rent but the goal was to improve the work/life balance.
other stuff:
like people think IT folks be on the ish.. i know i be tired.. like the PCs in my home aren't fly flashy.. seriously they are patchwork jobs overloaded w/ RAM. I bring this up bc I went to my main site to search. I swore I had posted about my basil plant.. wholetime - why do I NOT have a search button on my blog - LMAO - terrible. My blog is stuck in the 90s LMAO! Imma try peeps to upgrade to wordpress & migrate to my own domain- maybe by end of summer or 2011- meanwhile I'll try make some cosmetic upgrades to "blogspot"
new obsession :Keriug Kcups machine- supply of the energy for this post.
Blame QVC & 3 easy payments LOL.. its a nice machine w/ a huge variety of refills plus at the end of the day.. anything that takes away the urge to spend 5$+ at Starbucks = FTWbasil:
forgive me I believe the plant before & after growth pics are in the old BB - sorry.. all I have is the harvesting of the plant..not gonna fake it was SCARY to say like ok I can pluck this and throw it into my food LMAO.. but after much research apparently that's what you do.
So I ripped up 3 leaves tossed into this marinade I was making - fresh lemon juice, ginger, garlic & red wine vinny- WOW like it taste so Italian-y lol meaning that fresh basil made it POP.. delish. Next plants I want to grow : thyme, mint
bedtime peeps
Sunday, May 1, 2011
tea tour continues
Sat - DC has a taste of spring.. which closed up quickly because Sunday I awake (cold) and it was rainy and cloudy :(
Sux because I've finally upgraded my bike (thanks to my job and their 500% health subsidy) to an entry level pro hybrid. Its an REI special aka purple lightening.. not the vicious cannondale I desired but hey.. I've taken it out twice and it already drives/feels 9million times better than my target special
ok back to Saturday went on a Georgetown walking tour with my tea meet up group.
We visited:
Cha Cha Chang
DC Tea & Spice Exchange
Capital Teas
1. Cha Cha Chang -1063 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W
I've shopped here many many years - they sell the best empy tea bags ever. Its small very very traditional tea house but this time I finally was able to sit down enjoy tea and eat.
I ordered veggie dumplings and broke down got $20 pot of my #1 fav tea ti kuan yin (oolong).
Our group learned a traditional way to enjoy tea via the assemble to the left.
Not pictured but we had a reg kettle filled with hot water
(working off memory here but description about 80% accurate)
1. take hot water and pour into brown(clay) pot that has the tea leaves
2. you always want to discard the 1st brew --> goes into the bigger white/blue pitcher
3. take the discard pour into middle cup
3. take the discard and pour on outside of brown teapot
(2&3 are supposed to keep the pot and cups warm- something like that )
4. hot water poured into clay pot (let steep about 60 secs)
5. pour brewed tea into white/blue pitcher
6. serve in the small cup (bottom right)
repeat
What I most enjoyed what the heavy clay teapot and holder like of course you spilling water everwhere and the bottom part catches everything. Clay pots rock so heavy and unlike ceramics require no soap & water bc chemicals eventually steep into the liquid.
2. DC Tea & Spice Exchange
Small shop in a rowhouse... def worth visiting if you want to check out custom spice blends. Customer service wasn't all that and the Alexandira location is bigger. The tea selection is so-so - I wouldn't necessary be pressed to come here often. Coolest thing was the salt blocks for sale LOL
3. Capital Teas- I've blogged about them already but man these folks keep opening more and more DC stores.. this was my first time visiting the gtown location. The store is in an alley but
same selection as the National Harbor store. Great customer service- and I had to shout these guys out bc after becoming a facebook fan I won a free giveaway- Royal Wedding Tea
I have not sampeled yet- I'm not a big fan of flavored teas but just happy to have won something. DC be on the look out for these guys to overtake Teaism they have 2 more store opening planned Friendship Heights and another NW location.
Sux because I've finally upgraded my bike (thanks to my job and their 500% health subsidy) to an entry level pro hybrid. Its an REI special aka purple lightening.. not the vicious cannondale I desired but hey.. I've taken it out twice and it already drives/feels 9million times better than my target special
ok back to Saturday went on a Georgetown walking tour with my tea meet up group.
We visited:
Cha Cha Chang
DC Tea & Spice Exchange
Capital Teas
1. Cha Cha Chang -1063 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W
I've shopped here many many years - they sell the best empy tea bags ever. Its small very very traditional tea house but this time I finally was able to sit down enjoy tea and eat.I ordered veggie dumplings and broke down got $20 pot of my #1 fav tea ti kuan yin (oolong).
Our group learned a traditional way to enjoy tea via the assemble to the left.
Not pictured but we had a reg kettle filled with hot water
(working off memory here but description about 80% accurate)
1. take hot water and pour into brown(clay) pot that has the tea leaves
2. you always want to discard the 1st brew --> goes into the bigger white/blue pitcher
3. take the discard pour into middle cup
3. take the discard and pour on outside of brown teapot
(2&3 are supposed to keep the pot and cups warm- something like that )
4. hot water poured into clay pot (let steep about 60 secs)
5. pour brewed tea into white/blue pitcher
6. serve in the small cup (bottom right)
repeat
What I most enjoyed what the heavy clay teapot and holder like of course you spilling water everwhere and the bottom part catches everything. Clay pots rock so heavy and unlike ceramics require no soap & water bc chemicals eventually steep into the liquid.
2. DC Tea & Spice Exchange
Small shop in a rowhouse... def worth visiting if you want to check out custom spice blends. Customer service wasn't all that and the Alexandira location is bigger. The tea selection is so-so - I wouldn't necessary be pressed to come here often. Coolest thing was the salt blocks for sale LOL
3. Capital Teas- I've blogged about them already but man these folks keep opening more and more DC stores.. this was my first time visiting the gtown location. The store is in an alley but
same selection as the National Harbor store. Great customer service- and I had to shout these guys out bc after becoming a facebook fan I won a free giveaway- Royal Wedding Tea
A commemorative union of our bold Cream Earl Grey Black and our light and refreshing Cream Earl Grey White, enhanced with the essence of roses. Available for a limited time only. Price is per 4 oz.
I have not sampeled yet- I'm not a big fan of flavored teas but just happy to have won something. DC be on the look out for these guys to overtake Teaism they have 2 more store opening planned Friendship Heights and another NW location.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
dropping recipes like bombs..
Curry Veggie Lentil Soup Overload
Sorry peeps- I'm bad at cups/measurements - normally my style of cooking is to borrow from many variants of the same recipe and conform into own. Not alot of pics either- only decided to capture the moment halfway through the creation process :\
base
1 small yellow onion
2 leeks
half root of ginger
veggie stock/water blend
2 cans diced tomatoes
EEVO
spices:
red pepper flakes
indian curry (alot)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp thyme or fresh sprig
1/2 tsp cinnamin/nutmeg
1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
black pepper
veggies:
yellow squash
zucchini
Brussels sprouts
string beans
broccoli
kale
2 cups (mixed) french/green lentils
chop up all veggies to size..add just a lil bit of salt to veggies only
VERY IMPORTANT - when cooking a lentil soup.. salt makes lentils rubbery hence add salt for overall flavor the last 10 mins or so..
The prep is heavy overhead but once everything is chopped up
Get a large pan base with some EEVO warmed- throw in the base dry ingredients first when almost brown add liquid & spices. I don't add water to my veggie stock until i've bought everything to a boil. Retaste make sure flavors are to personal liking.
Toss in veggies let cook good 20 mins on low simmer with top on.
Lentils go afterwards 30-45 mins+
Note I like my veggies soft you can opt to throw those preferred to be more firm closer to the last 20 mins of cooking time.
---
TV wise I hate reality TV and the only shows/stations I watch are:
FoodNetwork
Sports
Cartoons
Old Shows (e.g Golden Girls)
MSNBC -
Documentary shows
From the foodnetwork the person I love and adore is Ina Garten aka BAREFOOT CONTESSA
IDK what it is about this lady but her style of cooking just resonates with me.
I love her steezo. She's calm quiet yet vicious when it comes to picking ingredients for cooking, and flavors- plus I love her home and how the incorporates aesthetic value towards picking dishes and decor to match the meal - That's a personal goal of mines when I buy a big house - Although the vegetarian thing will be an obstacle I'm so about hosting dinner & tea parties
Anyway I hope to be back with a few blogs- I have long coming rant against RIM- Blackberry
Work's kicking my butt as usual but check ya later peeps
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Weekend Recap
hewwo peeps....
tired and busy.. went out to U st the last 3 Fridays in a row up till 5am.. im 29 body is old LOL
Friday night attended the Kem/Ledisi and Mint Condition show at DAR Constitution Hall
Being lazy and not up for the 10-15 min walk from Farragut North/West metro I drove and didn't even leave my spot until 730 show started at 8 and oddly it started on time LOL
so I missed Ledisi who they only gave her about 20 mins bc Mint Condition came on 830 I got there about 845 so I was able to see some of the best R&B band of my era!
Kem came out very dapper gray suit hat.. slim and short dude. He sung a variety of songs from each cd and genuinely sounded just like his cd very strong voice.
---
I'm geeked off a new tea shop I found down that National Harbor in Maryland.
Capital Teas - the shop was small but I loved the wall of tea. The tea was held in glass jars for customers to smell. I purchased the basic 2oz (minimum) of Basil/Lemon Oolong [can we say perfect with an Italian dinner] & Stimulating Herbal Tea
- it is an intense blend of ginger roots, cardamom, coriander, tumeric, cloves and nutmeg. I could not help myself I brewed a halfcup of the herbal tea tonight and OMG - u know anything w/ ginger is spicy-yum but the other herbs heighten the senses to a new level - I LOVE THIS TEA!
Also after a long convo with my tea twin at work.. I invested in a measuring spoon to help with ensuring my tea purchases last- ex 4oz of tea should yield 20+ cups.. me scooping a pinch of tea each morning LOL kills the ratio and now that I'm on a tight budget (explain lata) plus honestly adhering to proper temperature, quantity makes for a better cuppa...I'm slowly getting there.
Anyway about to finish watching my FAVORITE show Chopped (All-Stars) than going bed TIRED
tired and busy.. went out to U st the last 3 Fridays in a row up till 5am.. im 29 body is old LOL
Friday night attended the Kem/Ledisi and Mint Condition show at DAR Constitution Hall
Being lazy and not up for the 10-15 min walk from Farragut North/West metro I drove and didn't even leave my spot until 730 show started at 8 and oddly it started on time LOL
so I missed Ledisi who they only gave her about 20 mins bc Mint Condition came on 830 I got there about 845 so I was able to see some of the best R&B band of my era!
Kem came out very dapper gray suit hat.. slim and short dude. He sung a variety of songs from each cd and genuinely sounded just like his cd very strong voice.
---
I'm geeked off a new tea shop I found down that National Harbor in Maryland.
Capital Teas - the shop was small but I loved the wall of tea. The tea was held in glass jars for customers to smell. I purchased the basic 2oz (minimum) of Basil/Lemon Oolong [can we say perfect with an Italian dinner] & Stimulating Herbal Tea
- it is an intense blend of ginger roots, cardamom, coriander, tumeric, cloves and nutmeg. I could not help myself I brewed a halfcup of the herbal tea tonight and OMG - u know anything w/ ginger is spicy-yum but the other herbs heighten the senses to a new level - I LOVE THIS TEA!Also after a long convo with my tea twin at work.. I invested in a measuring spoon to help with ensuring my tea purchases last- ex 4oz of tea should yield 20+ cups.. me scooping a pinch of tea each morning LOL kills the ratio and now that I'm on a tight budget (explain lata) plus honestly adhering to proper temperature, quantity makes for a better cuppa...I'm slowly getting there.
Anyway about to finish watching my FAVORITE show Chopped (All-Stars) than going bed TIRED
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
its december
Tea leaves
tea loves
loves tea
Lives tea
leaves tea?
never.
-UNIEK SWAIN
I'm excited just sent out invite to my fab0O-ulous birthday tea party.
this is the year of 29 - no comments on that LOL....so I know yall she just gonna flow into blog without apologizing for the 4 month lay off.. I think my thirst for twitter slows my passion for blogging. I plan to work on that ratio in the 2011
One of my good college friends "j9musiclife" started her own blog and I served as a guest poster when I reviewed the Rhianna concert in Sept. Horrible I know :( neglecting my own blog for someone else. Here's the story
tea loves
loves tea
Lives tea
leaves tea?
never.
-UNIEK SWAIN
I'm excited just sent out invite to my fab0O-ulous birthday tea party.
this is the year of 29 - no comments on that LOL....so I know yall she just gonna flow into blog without apologizing for the 4 month lay off.. I think my thirst for twitter slows my passion for blogging. I plan to work on that ratio in the 2011
One of my good college friends "j9musiclife" started her own blog and I served as a guest poster when I reviewed the Rhianna concert in Sept. Horrible I know :( neglecting my own blog for someone else. Here's the story
So in July - I was a disheveled mess preparing for the CISSP exam.. the great new me passed! woooot I'm a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) feels good I def worked hard for it.
I've been peeking back into the world of academia. Sat in for a GRE course- went WAY like Stratosphere over my head. I felt like ok did I even get a college degree the math was okay but that GRE verbal no good son! I also enrolled in pre-req (Networking 101) for the grad program I'm feeling GWU High Tech Crime Investigation. The program is excellent the tuition OC & the GRE is required unlike most other grad programs in the area, but I know its worth the struggle to get accept so I'm still 50/50.
as always attending the 2010 Logan Circle House tour this year with one of my coworkers. Upset I went on a slight work trip to Hampton last month and left my digi cam in the rental major FML.. so no pics this year though Ill get my friend to take some. Just a sidebar but I'm def moving into the city next year possibly a house staytuned #stillscared ...but there are deals so lets just claim it early for the 2011 #noshopping I've given my CC, Neimans, & Macys cards to my best girlfriends so and I'm about to start leaving my debit cards and home I really need to focus and not be a "single black female/addicted to retail" such a capricorn/woman issue LOL...
let see back to tea.. I've tried many of the last few months .. thanks to my new fav forum
tea chat I found new vendors:
Golden Teahouse
First-Grade Tie Guan Yin- basically an oolong best tea i ever. It had like sweet rose tasting tea and what I've learned good tea can be re stepped a good 4-5x and the flavor gets better each time.. yum a 5star tea LOL
Jing Tea
Lychee Red Black Tea- naturally sweet black tea no sugar/honey needed
Li Che Hong Cha- chinese green tea..i like normally the 2nd steeping and beyond is when the flavor really takes off
Traditional Iron Buddha Oolong (Monkey Picked*)- I ordered this bc local shop pearlfinetea had this last yr 2nd best tea I ever had.. this was good but not like the one I tried in the past
Tie Guan Yin Wu Long- umm was not as good as Golden Teahouse version but I enjoyed
Zhi Tea
Darjeeling Green- Green tea from Indian i loved it- quietly need to re-order some more
Dong Ding Oolong - Bought off of a recommendation it was OK
GABA Oolong- Gaba is a chemical that reduces stress.. but makes tea taste Nasty-- i hated this
ok me out.. hopefully catch yall before year end mi loves :)
I've been peeking back into the world of academia. Sat in for a GRE course- went WAY like Stratosphere over my head. I felt like ok did I even get a college degree the math was okay but that GRE verbal no good son! I also enrolled in pre-req (Networking 101) for the grad program I'm feeling GWU High Tech Crime Investigation. The program is excellent the tuition OC & the GRE is required unlike most other grad programs in the area, but I know its worth the struggle to get accept so I'm still 50/50.
as always attending the 2010 Logan Circle House tour this year with one of my coworkers. Upset I went on a slight work trip to Hampton last month and left my digi cam in the rental major FML.. so no pics this year though Ill get my friend to take some. Just a sidebar but I'm def moving into the city next year possibly a house staytuned #stillscared ...but there are deals so lets just claim it early for the 2011 #noshopping I've given my CC, Neimans, & Macys cards to my best girlfriends so and I'm about to start leaving my debit cards and home I really need to focus and not be a "single black female/addicted to retail" such a capricorn/woman issue LOL...
let see back to tea.. I've tried many of the last few months .. thanks to my new fav forum
tea chat I found new vendors:
Golden Teahouse
First-Grade Tie Guan Yin- basically an oolong best tea i ever. It had like sweet rose tasting tea and what I've learned good tea can be re stepped a good 4-5x and the flavor gets better each time.. yum a 5star tea LOL
Jing Tea
Lychee Red Black Tea- naturally sweet black tea no sugar/honey needed
Li Che Hong Cha- chinese green tea..i like normally the 2nd steeping and beyond is when the flavor really takes off
Traditional Iron Buddha Oolong (Monkey Picked*)- I ordered this bc local shop pearlfinetea had this last yr 2nd best tea I ever had.. this was good but not like the one I tried in the past
Tie Guan Yin Wu Long- umm was not as good as Golden Teahouse version but I enjoyed
Zhi Tea
Darjeeling Green- Green tea from Indian i loved it- quietly need to re-order some more
Dong Ding Oolong - Bought off of a recommendation it was OK
GABA Oolong- Gaba is a chemical that reduces stress.. but makes tea taste Nasty-- i hated this
ok me out.. hopefully catch yall before year end mi loves :)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Tea Fiend
my name is caplady1225 and I Love tea...
I can't get into a lengthy blog because I'm about to take a nap. My entire life is disheveled.
Work = insanity and I'm signed up for the CISSP exam again next month (more on those topics in a future post)
No its not a cookie (lmao) its a PUERH (pooh-air) tea cake (circa 2005) from Teaism (DC).
Here's how it looks unwrapped:
Scary yes! its literary tea leaves pounded together and aged. Puerh tea cakes from way back in the day can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars..
Its prepared by being chopped apart into teaspoon sizes from there you can put into a tea bag or brew via loose leaf brewer. It can be re-stepped 4-5 times and has aged earthy flavor.
Puerh tea is close in family to black tea which is the strongest compared to White (lightest), Green, Oolong (cross btw Green & Black) & Black (strongest).
But if you are following me on twitter like u should!! You'll see my daily ramblings different teas I try and more..
ok loves off the nappy land
I can't get into a lengthy blog because I'm about to take a nap. My entire life is disheveled.
Work = insanity and I'm signed up for the CISSP exam again next month (more on those topics in a future post)
No its not a cookie (lmao) its a PUERH (pooh-air) tea cake (circa 2005) from Teaism (DC).
Here's how it looks unwrapped:
Scary yes! its literary tea leaves pounded together and aged. Puerh tea cakes from way back in the day can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars..
Its prepared by being chopped apart into teaspoon sizes from there you can put into a tea bag or brew via loose leaf brewer. It can be re-stepped 4-5 times and has aged earthy flavor.
Puerh tea is close in family to black tea which is the strongest compared to White (lightest), Green, Oolong (cross btw Green & Black) & Black (strongest).
But if you are following me on twitter like u should!! You'll see my daily ramblings different teas I try and more..
ok loves off the nappy land
Saturday, June 5, 2010
whats going on with me right now
hey yall
been a couple months no bloggin :(
let me say #1 .. (ironically) lol WIZARDSSS John Wall!
OMG I was so geeked on lottery nite.. tweeting with my folks making jokes.. yall know the Wizards luck horrible so when we went past the top 5 woo Nervous wreck out here lol. Next thing I know boom we in the top 3 with NJ & Philly yo! when NJ fell to #3 kirk out mode! mann they called the 76ers I was done! As a hardcore Wizards fan such a glorious day and with the new owner Ted I think we can truly belive we are official rebuilding hopefully the right way much thanks to RIP Abe Polling I'm sure this pick is a gift from him above
oh yall know my #2 team- LAKERS yes a fan since 2002 we back in the finals.. yes yes yall on the way to a repeat bet that! My fav player is Fischer he such a man of high character and really steps it up on the court & leadership wise during the playoffs- respect!
Work-
Still happy at my job lol the consultant life is so weird like but I' m getting used to it and I do like feeling more connected to my company like this firm has alot of resources and constantly holding events to keep us informed its good to be able to leave work and hit events without being penalized so that's the big + of the consultant lifestyle oh and I got a cool phone LOL was so on the edge of getting an Iphone as work phone just to be "cool" but I can't stand all touch devices so I went with a wack HTC Pro 2 its just OK I didn't want to have 2 Blackberries :(
Music
Excited in Aug ill be going to see Rhianna in VA at the old Nissan Pavilion it was renamed recently forgot the new name lol.
other than that nothing new going on..ill check back in lata
been a couple months no bloggin :(
let me say #1 .. (ironically) lol WIZARDSSS John Wall!
OMG I was so geeked on lottery nite.. tweeting with my folks making jokes.. yall know the Wizards luck horrible so when we went past the top 5 woo Nervous wreck out here lol. Next thing I know boom we in the top 3 with NJ & Philly yo! when NJ fell to #3 kirk out mode! mann they called the 76ers I was done! As a hardcore Wizards fan such a glorious day and with the new owner Ted I think we can truly belive we are official rebuilding hopefully the right way much thanks to RIP Abe Polling I'm sure this pick is a gift from him above
oh yall know my #2 team- LAKERS yes a fan since 2002 we back in the finals.. yes yes yall on the way to a repeat bet that! My fav player is Fischer he such a man of high character and really steps it up on the court & leadership wise during the playoffs- respect!
Work-
Still happy at my job lol the consultant life is so weird like but I' m getting used to it and I do like feeling more connected to my company like this firm has alot of resources and constantly holding events to keep us informed its good to be able to leave work and hit events without being penalized so that's the big + of the consultant lifestyle oh and I got a cool phone LOL was so on the edge of getting an Iphone as work phone just to be "cool" but I can't stand all touch devices so I went with a wack HTC Pro 2 its just OK I didn't want to have 2 Blackberries :(
Music
Excited in Aug ill be going to see Rhianna in VA at the old Nissan Pavilion it was renamed recently forgot the new name lol.
other than that nothing new going on..ill check back in lata
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Meaning of Tea- Review
a lil incentive to get me to dust off my blog a le bit more often .... thanks (again) to twitter in conjunction with meetup.com. I won another free ticket to a lovely event hosted by the DC Asia Society around Dupont Circle. Here's the PR blurb
Alexis Siemons at The Meaning Of Tea, Director of Marketing & PR [masked] (New York City, NY) – March, 2010- Asia Society Washington invites members and guests to a tea tasting and D.C. area premiere screening of the lyrical documentary, The Meaning Of Tea. Filmmaker and Director of The Meaning of Tea project, Scott Chamberlin Hoyt, will be introducing the film, in addition to signing books and sharing a few of his favoriteteas during the tea tasting reception.The Meaning of Tea is a 74-minute documentary film exploring the calm and purposeful nature of tea life. It is an ongoing, tea-inspired journey that celebrates the history, rituals, spirituality and simple, pure enjoyment of tea through the eyes of tea lovers in places where tea is revered-from India to Ireland, from Taiwan to Japan, from Tea, South Dakota in the USA to Morocco, England and France.
Through inspiring interviews with people from all over the world of tea - tea pickers and plantation owners, street sellers, raders, teapot makers, tea tasters and eloquent tea scholars - The Meaning of Tea film explores the profoundly positive role that tea can play in the renewal of our modern world. The Meaning of Tea is also accompanied by a companion book and a CD of the film's original tea-inspired music. Each one explores the underlying sentiment of tea.
Following a sold-out screening and tea tasting at the Asia Society in New York, The Meaning Of Tea is thrilled to offer its second screening hosted by the Asia Society Washington D.C. during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This stimulating series of events coincides with the Asia Society’s online discussion that asks, are tea rituals still relevant today?
Along with this online discussion, Scott Chamberlin Hoyt hopes to carry on the conversation as he continues to blog, tweet and
tour the nation offering exclusive screenings that inspire us all to seek out a deeper meaning of tea.Scott Chamberlin Hoyt is a filmmaker, photographer, painter, budding tea connoisseur and director of The Meaning of Tea project. His longtime interest in tea increased when he began studying various alternatives to orthodox modern medicine and learned that tea, and the enjoyment of tea, is one of the cornerstones of living life well. His perspective is augmented by years of world travel, and deepened by decades of exploration into Eastern thought. Scott is on the board of directors for Global Learning Across Borders, a member of the Directors Circle for the American Botanical Council, and he is President of the Tibetan Classics Translators Guild of New York. He holds a BS in Business Administration and an MBA from New York University.
Asia Society Washington, Asia Society established its office in Washington, DC in 1985 to provide a forum in the nation's capital for diplomats, members of Congress, government officials, journalists,scholars, artists, business executives, and other interested individuals to exchange views on a wide variety of subjects concerning Asia and the increasingly important US-Asian relationship. From Iran to Japan, from Central Asia to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Asia Society programs inWashington look at contemporary issues and the cultural context of the Asian region as well as the implications of future trends. Our programs are designed to address major issues and discuss recent events with key U.S. and Asian practitioners to promote a greater awareness about Asia in the Washington community."
When I arrived, I knew I was gonna be in for a good time. I walked in and saw a few people sipping from the Ultimate Tea Cup easily had from Teaism. What makes this cup great is its sectioned off the hot water & loose tea.. brews & no mixing, no spitting out leaves and the outside does not get hot after you add water lol.
They had a few tables set up for the slight tea tasting..I got this organic herbal blend called Rejuvenation..yummm so minty and refreshing. I also saw jasmine green, an oolong and I believe a black tea available for tasting. The set up for the screening was pretty basic; big room with table & chairs. I was ultra nervous, rolling solo and not knowing anyone but I learned a tea lover is a tea lover regardless of race,creed or status. Besides the wealth of information shared I think the bonding also made this a great experience. Unfortunately although we probably watched about 45mins of the DVD it was skipping chapters so we missed out on alot of content. The DVD was filmed at several areas in the world known for tea (e.g China, Japan, India, England) the premise was give some insights on the tea manufacturing process (growing, picking, tasting, packaging) as well as show how this beverage is more than a drink but a cultural statement to others. I don't want to give too many spoilers but some interesting things I noted:
-tea tasters- taste 2k cups of tea a week.. crazy!
-to hold the tea cup with your palm facing in = good manners
-most "real (non lipton lol) " teas are handpicked.. automation has no occurred- surprising to me.. I just assumed technology had automated 1/2 the things in the living world . Obviously alot of tea farms believe keeping the process as natural and historic as possible to preserve taste and reputation. One scene that stuck out to me was a tea co. that had the tea leaf & ladybug as their logo. The farm manager believed firmly in no pesticides and letting nature intermingle.
-Good tea stays in your heart- so tru .. I only have 2 teas on my list that I can stamp as the BEST EVER lol (Pearl Tea Monkey picked oolong & Teaism World Peace tisane). The rare Gyoruko I got from Germany good reviews online but it tastes like regular green tea to me I've only brewed the lil I have twice but I also picked up some brewing tips last night so I will try the Gyo again soon.
enough rambling.. I need to wrap this entry up and finish my work day. Coincidentally I'm going to a women's tea talk afterwork sponsored by my NEW JOB!!
I have another blog entry coming soon (me promise) to talk about the new gig & ..................... my kindle DX (took that plunge) LOL
Thursday, February 18, 2010
.. i am the #1 Mary J Blige Fan
Thanks to beloved twitter I saw a link to
So yes Md is so not the TRI-state area.. I emailed my girl in Brooklyn like girl please enter.
Well last Friday night I got a phone call of screaming and crying- WE WON! Sunday I had bought tickets on the BOLTBUS you can't beat it mann.. $38 round trip. I left Monday afternoon (yes was like eff- work lmao).. came back yesterday afternoon.
Was it worth it- HELL YES!!!
Now ended up we really treated to a special concert only aired on-line:
http://www.cbs.com/liveonletterman
Because the Tuesday night Letterman- MJB sung one sung and that was a different audience.
Maryland has been blizzard city aka baby Antarctica but Tuesday in NYC it snowed/sleet/iced all day and me and my girl trekked through the city to pick up the tickets and make the show.
Let me tell you MJB has a HARDCORE following, trust my friends thing I am crazy like groupie/stalker crazy..lmao umm im lightweight compared to the folks I had convos with while we were all waiting in line. Folks that seen MJB over 10 times - all races/sexes represented it was great to be with my 'own kind'
Playlist:
She was WRONG WRONG for hitting all those mylife album songs..almost had a breakdown!
Pics:
8 rows back baby!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an intimate Mary J Blige performance live from the legendary Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City as part of the “Live on Letterman” web series. If selected, you and friend will be Mary’s guests as part of the live studio audience. If you live in the Tri-State Area and are over the age of 18, send us an email at mjbliveonletterman@gmail.com with your name, age and home zip code. Winners will be selected and notified by Saturday, 2/13 and must be available during the afternoon/early evening of Tuesday, February 16th.
So yes Md is so not the TRI-state area.. I emailed my girl in Brooklyn like girl please enter.
Well last Friday night I got a phone call of screaming and crying- WE WON! Sunday I had bought tickets on the BOLTBUS you can't beat it mann.. $38 round trip. I left Monday afternoon (yes was like eff- work lmao).. came back yesterday afternoon.
Was it worth it- HELL YES!!!
Now ended up we really treated to a special concert only aired on-line:
http://www.cbs.com/liveonletterman
Because the Tuesday night Letterman- MJB sung one sung and that was a different audience.
Maryland has been blizzard city aka baby Antarctica but Tuesday in NYC it snowed/sleet/iced all day and me and my girl trekked through the city to pick up the tickets and make the show.
Let me tell you MJB has a HARDCORE following, trust my friends thing I am crazy like groupie/stalker crazy..lmao umm im lightweight compared to the folks I had convos with while we were all waiting in line. Folks that seen MJB over 10 times - all races/sexes represented it was great to be with my 'own kind'
Playlist:
Grown Woman Intro
Love Is All We Need
i'm The Only Woman
Be Happy
You Bring Me Joy
Real Love
love no limit (remix)
Mary Jane (All Nite Long)
I Am (fans sing along & new begining)
Good Luv
Just Fine
Family Affair
She was WRONG WRONG for hitting all those mylife album songs..almost had a breakdown!
Pics:
8 rows back baby!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
& let there be snow...
my goodness... Maryland has turned into Antarctica or something like we just finished getting our 2nd blizzard of the year. This recent storm was at least 2 feet of snow..cars covered and what not, metro shut down!
Like here's' a pic
my car is the blob on the far left
love it!
Like here's' a pic
my car is the blob on the far left
love it!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Goodbye 2009
Hello..yes we are at end the year- midway through the glamorous season of capricorn (yes I turned 28 uhh a week ago lol)
I have been MIA just not in the best place..oddly enough i'm aggressively (on some days) job hunting.. just tired of being overworked.. and I've been brooding at my life progress.. and no this post isn't going to turn into a #whatineedtochangefor2010 post (sorry for the twitter lingo lol).
I just want my (few) blog fans to know that I appreciate the support but the sporadic posting will continue until I get some order in my life.
& yall know cappys need order and structure so i will right this ship soon :)
Nay to the Redskins and Wizards= DC sports slum..
Lets see what else going in my life .. oh yeah read this good book (also bought 2 copies as gifts)
Like me and the bff obsess over her style and i swoon even more know that i know Mrs. O is tall (5'10+) like myself i notice she keeps to the min heels (she <3 Choos lol) .. which is cool I hate towering over everyone. The book does a great job of giving background history on some of Michelle outfit choices. Personally I will continue to acknowledge her as the diva but I need to mimic her moves in terms of education and business saavy as well. Went to the Kennedy Center few weeks back free ticket with coworker went to see Handel Messiah. I'm pretty cultured but I had no idea what to expect for this show lol was a lil nervous. Def cool a mix of opera, choir & orchestra lol
*cam phone pic *
Attended the 31st Logan Circle House Tour- pics
I have a new love for fireplaces and of course my folks living in NW are living large- a mix of traditional row homes & modern condos in the photos- enjoy!
Loggin off gonna make my way to church tonight.. bring my 2010 in prayfully with the Lord.
Yall be safe & easy
I have been MIA just not in the best place..oddly enough i'm aggressively (on some days) job hunting.. just tired of being overworked.. and I've been brooding at my life progress.. and no this post isn't going to turn into a #whatineedtochangefor2010 post (sorry for the twitter lingo lol).
I just want my (few) blog fans to know that I appreciate the support but the sporadic posting will continue until I get some order in my life.
& yall know cappys need order and structure so i will right this ship soon :)
Nay to the Redskins and Wizards= DC sports slum..
Lets see what else going in my life .. oh yeah read this good book (also bought 2 copies as gifts)
Like me and the bff obsess over her style and i swoon even more know that i know Mrs. O is tall (5'10+) like myself i notice she keeps to the min heels (she <3 Choos lol) .. which is cool I hate towering over everyone. The book does a great job of giving background history on some of Michelle outfit choices. Personally I will continue to acknowledge her as the diva but I need to mimic her moves in terms of education and business saavy as well. Went to the Kennedy Center few weeks back free ticket with coworker went to see Handel Messiah. I'm pretty cultured but I had no idea what to expect for this show lol was a lil nervous. Def cool a mix of opera, choir & orchestra lol 
*cam phone pic *Attended the 31st Logan Circle House Tour- pics
I have a new love for fireplaces and of course my folks living in NW are living large- a mix of traditional row homes & modern condos in the photos- enjoy!
Loggin off gonna make my way to church tonight.. bring my 2010 in prayfully with the Lord.
Yall be safe & easy
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
here and there...
sorry I haven't been in the bloggin mood lately.. yes twitter has stolen my heart but i also have alot on my mind.. i hope to end the year on a good note.. not that my life is bad.. I'm very blessed to be employed and with a home but i guess as I head towards 28 (23 days left lol) i've hit the panic button as far as the progress I'm making...
anyway good news DEC always a great month and my girl Mary J Blige has a new release schedule 22 DEC
Black Friday was fun...scored a Michal Kors bag $50 from $328 LOL 40% on top off the fact bag was marked down to 89 due to broken inside zipper (who cares)
also started a detox..haven't done one in a while.. still holding down my vegetarians (no meat/seafood) and 80% vegan (no dairy) i will eat slice of cake now & then LOL
ok...back to work
anyway good news DEC always a great month and my girl Mary J Blige has a new release schedule 22 DEC
Black Friday was fun...scored a Michal Kors bag $50 from $328 LOL 40% on top off the fact bag was marked down to 89 due to broken inside zipper (who cares)
also started a detox..haven't done one in a while.. still holding down my vegetarians (no meat/seafood) and 80% vegan (no dairy) i will eat slice of cake now & then LOL
ok...back to work
Saturday, September 26, 2009
the love affair continues
with MAC
wooo me and lets call her lil caplady aka my shopping buddy lol went up to pentagon city 2 weeks ago for lunch and of course we did a lil shopping lol. Went to MAC to look around and the sales lady was giving us a preview of the new style black line and she asked if we wanted to get on the list for a free make over the following friday lol who's gonna say no to that. So Friday she and I went up there got our make over and end up spending $60 bucks lol we each got 2 eye shadows & 1 lip glass. The Style Black collection is amazing SOooo perfect for winter dark themes, grays & black shades. Its very extreme black lips black eyes black nails.
Me and lil caplady both jumped out there, she got the jet black lip glass omg its like tar on your lips but they advise you mix it with reds & pinks and it will darken it up. I got a demo of this, the lady put cherry red lipstick on me and took the black lipglass over it; turned into a deep burgundy lol. Too bold for my personality so I got the lip glass with the gray/purple hues.
I also got some more makeup (going crazy right) shipped to me this week. Tried this new brand [Coastal Scents] based on a lot of good feedback online and personal recommendation from a friend. They have several different 88 pallets & I finally upgraded my brush set. Trust granted the kit was only 30$ its wayyy better than what I'm using now LOL. Reviews to come later...
On the music tip I have to speak on the state of 2009 Female R&B singers. I recently just got put on to Letoya Luckett lol remember her the chick from Destiny Child she had the hit torn. Basically I didn't dislike her but she didn't really impress me. My friend was cising her cd on facebook like everyday so finally I gave it a listen. I was blown away like this joint rocks!! So here how it stands Best cds: Beyonce > Letoya > Keyshia Coles > Keri Hilson . Either way Im happy I swoon for female R&B/pop.
wooo me and lets call her lil caplady aka my shopping buddy lol went up to pentagon city 2 weeks ago for lunch and of course we did a lil shopping lol. Went to MAC to look around and the sales lady was giving us a preview of the new style black line and she asked if we wanted to get on the list for a free make over the following friday lol who's gonna say no to that. So Friday she and I went up there got our make over and end up spending $60 bucks lol we each got 2 eye shadows & 1 lip glass. The Style Black collection is amazing SOooo perfect for winter dark themes, grays & black shades. Its very extreme black lips black eyes black nails.
Me and lil caplady both jumped out there, she got the jet black lip glass omg its like tar on your lips but they advise you mix it with reds & pinks and it will darken it up. I got a demo of this, the lady put cherry red lipstick on me and took the black lipglass over it; turned into a deep burgundy lol. Too bold for my personality so I got the lip glass with the gray/purple hues.
I also got some more makeup (going crazy right) shipped to me this week. Tried this new brand [Coastal Scents] based on a lot of good feedback online and personal recommendation from a friend. They have several different 88 pallets & I finally upgraded my brush set. Trust granted the kit was only 30$ its wayyy better than what I'm using now LOL. Reviews to come later...
On the music tip I have to speak on the state of 2009 Female R&B singers. I recently just got put on to Letoya Luckett lol remember her the chick from Destiny Child she had the hit torn. Basically I didn't dislike her but she didn't really impress me. My friend was cising her cd on facebook like everyday so finally I gave it a listen. I was blown away like this joint rocks!! So here how it stands Best cds: Beyonce > Letoya > Keyshia Coles > Keri Hilson . Either way Im happy I swoon for female R&B/pop.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
welcome to the family
this phone kicks azz!! excuse my french
Thursday, September 3, 2009
not dead yet- The September Issue
Ok I guess the reality is I divorced my blog for twitter , sike nah I will be back in f/t capacity soon.. all I can say
Meanwhile via http://www.projectbeltway.com/ I won 2 free passes to this screening tonight in Georgetown
Meanwhile via http://www.projectbeltway.com/ I won 2 free passes to this screening tonight in Georgetown
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