if you're into epidemic dieases...

...and who isn't, right?
I like to go to the library without a plan of what I'm getting. I usually just peruse the New Fiction and New Nonfiction sections and grab whatever seems interesting. This book, The Strange Case of the Broad Street Pump, was one of those finds. It chronicles the spread of Cholera in London in the 1800's. Overall, it was a really cool glimpse into English society and its medical establishment. In addition to elaborating on the backstory quite a bit, it really did a good job of highlighting a little known pioneer of epidemiology, John Snow. I had never heard of him before reading this book, and knowing how much he contributed, I'm surprised. Anyways, I'm not sure if toward the end I was just harried and unable to comprehend basic sentences, or if the story cohesion kind of fell apart toward the end, but I kept losing my train of thought in the last third of the book. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the former though- I can be a little, well, spacy. All in all, a pretty rad story.

Middle Way Breakfast?!?

Yep, that's right, this morning I treated myself to breakfast at the Middle Way Cafe. It was a test breakfast, and they won't be serving breakfast regularly for a little while yet, although I'm not sure of the exact date, but... Anyways, I walked in to see everyone I know with children sitting at three tables squeezed together (except for the children, which were scattered on, under and around said table...) It was pure chaos, but the happy gleeful kind, at least to us. I'm not sure what our neighbors thought, but oh, well. We had fun.
Everything looked good. I got there late so I got to watch everyone else's food come. Huevos Rancheros, Eggs Benny, and this one awesome dish that was like eggs benedict with artichoke hearts instead of english muffins. I can't recall the name of the dish. It was presented so elegantly, and I almost regretted getting the Shepherd's Omelet, until it came, that is. Holy Moley, it was good. Usually, breakfast is disappointing because I always think, I could've made that at home, but this was beyond my casual kitchen skills. It was filled with goat cheese, spinach, roasted red peppers, and caramelized onions. There was a side of breakfast potatoes that were lacking for nothing in taste or texture, and a garnish of fresh pineapple and honeydew. I'm sure as more fresh awesome produce becomes available and in season, that may change, but it was really great.
Not only is that restaurant beyond kid friendly, it just has the nicest light ever, on account of the exposure on both sides of the space. And all the awesome art is still up.
I think the thing I really like about it is that it's nice enough to really be a special place to go, yet casual enough to stop in for a coffee cake and a drink and go. Think Sacks (as far as breakfasts and ambience goes) and a not so much focus on "arranging" on the plate, mixed with Snow City minus the ridiculous crowds and that West High 1993 class reunion feel. Midtown is really where it's at, and I never thought I'd hear myself say that, but it's true! Next up for review, Yak and Yeti, the new Indian/Himalayan place on Spenard across from the Carousel. I can't wait!!

Fur Rondy

After dim sum at Charlie's Bakery today, Ted had a meeting so Kisun and I bundled up and headed off to Fur Rondy, which originally was when all the trappers and traders rendezvoused to trade furs and get really drunk. I think. Anyways, they still have a token fur auction, but the biggest draw is the carnival, which is like any other carnival you've been to, except that it's really cold out. Why on earth would anyone want to go on the Zipper at 20 degrees f.? I don't know, but they do. Can you imaine the windchill? Anyways, I had a hunch that there would be pony rides there, and I was not disappointed. Kisun really digs the pony rides, and seeing as how there's only one pony ride outfit around here, we're really starting to get to know the ponies on a first name basis. They seem happy, or as happy as ponies can seem walking in a circle in the middle of winter, but these little guys are stout with some sturdy pony coats, so I'm sure they're just fine.
After the pony rides we hit the carnival. Most of the rides weren't either suitable for a lone two-year old, or wouldn't fit a amazonian parent and said 2-year old, so we picked the carousel, which is a little like a crappy pony ride. Oh, well. Kisun liked it and managed to convince another little girl sitting on the horse next to here that it wasn't terrifying. So, all in all, Fur Rondy was pretty cool, except for the whole "fur" part. At least they weren't farmed though, huh?

Craftiness

I have, admittedly, been neglecting my knitting. It was so nice to knit with Kirsten and hve someone patient and nice to fix all your mistakes! It's actually hard to find someone who's willing to teach you what they know. I guess it can be a pain to sit and explain every little stitch, but Kirsten, you're the best! My socks are sitting staring at me, reminding me how easty it is to get distracted. I have a couple rows left and then the bind-off. Maybe I'll sit at the knitting store and just finish them today.
A really amazing thing happened to me the other day. I was at my friend Brianne's house, (and now writing that I know I spelled it wrong, but I'll fix it later!) and she gave me a whole bunch of the most beautiful vintage clothes that I've ever seen! I always have dreams like that where as I'm waking up I'm so sad because I realize that the clothes aren't real, BUT they really are this time! So COOL! Thanks B!
Another really great thing happened to me- My sweet boyfriend/ life partner (heheheh) scored me a Mountain Goats ticket. I've never heard them before, but here in Alaska even the promise of not sucking is pretty big. Plus, my dear friend Shane's band The Smilease is opening. Actually, I've never heard them before either, but I"m positive they don't suck because I'm not sure it's even Possible for anything Shane does to suck.
Ive been trying my hand at embroidery lately, mostly just sketching. It's fun- once I get some more practice in I have some fun ideas for really cute aprons and wallets- stay tuned.
We're all ready for winter to be over, but I think we have a little ways to go. Things will get busy here soon. I'm not sure if I told you all, but I'm running the B & B this summer, starting -slowly- next month. That means I guess we're moving out of our sweet little house. I'm hesitant, but really excited to be doing something a little different. Depending on how the season goes, I'm looking forward to maybe a month in the Japanese Countryside, or somewhere equally amazing, like the Bay Area. Ted really wants to spend some time filming there. There's a lot to iron out, but all signs point to awesome. Except for having to pack. Again.
Anyways, I really feel like I'm getting some momentum back with the longer days. Here's to Spring.

Oh dear, she's TWO!!!

Yep, so she's two now, as of February 2nd!
It's been bitterly cold here again, which is just no fun for anyone. Nights get down to about -15, and the the house just really gets chilly. On the plus side, the days have been stunningly clear and blue, and they are getting much longer. Every day we gain over 5 minutes of daylight. To cope with the temperatures, we've been going to the kindergym and toddler time at Spenard Rec Center every week, and we just discovered the Municipal Greenhouse, which is a tropical paradise with birds and fish, is totally free, and has plants I've never even imagined before! I'm not making this up!
I've been sewing a lot lately, most notably an awesome little hoodie for Kisun with this rad fabric I got at Bishop's Attic. It's tan with little Koala bear siloheuttes and aboriginal-inspired dots all over it. Very cool. I also made Kisun a dress with the Olive kangaroo version of the fabric. Anyways, when I get the zipper in that coat I'll post a picture. Today I made a little pockety wallet to hold my id and other cards. It came out pretty cute, but I sort of rushed it together without pressing or thinking so it's a little assymetrical and sloppy, but I really like it.
I haven't been knitting at all lately. I got to the toe of my socks and all I have to do is bind them off. Grafting is a little intimidating though, and since Kirsten is gone I've majorly lost my momentum. I can't really blame it on her anymore because it's been months now, but I can blame it on Amber for not calling about the baby knitting hour. So there.
Kisun is officially a fancy-pants: Pam brought her back two pairs of Juicy Couture Pants from Chicago- they were on sale- along with a few other awesome designer-y outfits, all really really cheap. So cute. She's been getting lots of compliments at kindergym, and I feel like I have to explain that I totally didn't buy her 75 dollar baby pants. (But they're really really nice.) Thanks Pam!
Oh, so the birthday was very low key and laid back. I had to work so I initially was oing to make it a family time. Uncle Steve and Brianne and Mariel and Shane came over for strawberry shortcake. It came out pretty okay- next time I'm going to get a pastry blender, because two forks is a stupid way of cutting fat into flour. There, I said it! The shortcakes were flakey but a little tough. I make an awesome batch of tortilla soup. Oh man it was good! And I actually have to get my booty in the kitchen right now to make some chicken enchiladas. Right now. Oh, but earlier, I made apple crepes and they were good. I didn't add sugar to the apples and I made the crepes with whole wheat flour and olive oil and they came out almost better than when I use white flour and butter. More nutty, I guess. Okay, now I really have to go.

Update

Not too much going on here- I just felt like I should update this blog for the two people who read this. We had a very interesting day shopping for new cars and realizing that they are very very expensive. Plus then we'd have to actually worry about our car and something happening to it and dinging it and denting it and changing the oil, rather than drive them into the ground like we have been doing. It's been working pretty well- no payments, minimum insurance, and get another beater every year or two, but it's grown wearisome and the game of "Will it Start?" and "What's that Noise?" is getting old.

In other news, I've been making bread a lot using a really awesome recipe. If you google "minimalist no-knead bread" it's sure to come up. It's the best bread I've ever made at home, and better than most of the local bread, definitely on par with Europa but without the fermented flavor since you're just using a commercial yeast. It really is no-knead, but it coms out with an awesome crust and lots of bubbles and whatnot.

Kisun turns two in four days, and she must have got the memo because she is definitely a two year old. The word "NO!" just echos in my ears constantly. We went to kindergym at Spenard rec center last Friday and it was awesome until literally 2 minutes before we were going to leave, Kisun fell and cut her lip and bled and cried. It was so sad. It's amazing how fast they heal.

Middle Way Cafe is now open, for everyone who has been waiting. Same cool vibe, awesome new space. I hope they make a kid's area so I can have a nice place to sit with the bean without having to stress and chase her the whole time. The owners are really cool, and the floor alone is worht a visit. I just stopped for coffee and a pastry, but I cannot ait to have lunch there. Marty's New York Bagel Deli is moving in down the way, spoiling the awesome vibe that strip mall had going. God, that place sucks. I don't remember why I went to the one on Dimond, but they screwed up my order, shorted me on my change, and the soup was really really icky. If you insist on trying it out, I recommend you stop by Middle Way and have some Cardamom Coffee Cake to get the taste out of your palate afterwards. Or just skip the bagel deli and go for the sure thing.
Alright, That's enough random pointless space-filling chit-chat. More later.

We went for a long walk in the new snow today. A walk that normally takes, oh, five minutes was transformed into a halting twenty minute long that culminated in mittens being pulled off, crying, hoisting baby like the little sack of potatoes she is, and running (as much as one can "run" while carrying a sack of potatoes) the last block and a half home. It was really colder than I thought it was, but snow falling makes it fun to do anything outside, until you take your mittens off anyways.
Today we visited our friendly local assemblyman Allan Tesche, who happens to be the husband of my good friend Pam. I had all my sewing stuff over there and I've been getting motivated to sew, so we stopped by. Pam's gone for a month and I'm really not sure what we're going to do without her!
We went over to a friend's house last night for dinner and fun. They have the coolest house ever! Kisun played with their daughter and absolutely destroyed their house.
Not too much else on the Kisun front. It's still winter here, and will be for a long long time, so we're sledding and trying to get out there as much as we can. Secretly though, I'm dreaming of summer and blankets in the yard and flowers. And "The Office." They really need to settle that strike. I'm dying here!