It has been an intense week for a lot of people. This is the video the Boston Red Sox did to honor those affected by the tragedy and to pay respects to the first responders.
DC/NYC Trip March 2013
Recently I took a trip with some friends, if you follow me on Facebook or Foursquare you most likely saw the journey through the check in process. Below is a break down for anyone who might be in the areas or up for a visit and wondering what places you might be interested in. This by no means would be a list of places to go on your first visit, I have been many times so always looking for unique things to do. If I can recommend a new service for Taxi or a nice way to get around town, try Uber, very convenient way to get around DC or NYC and many other cities.
Wednesday:
- Nando’s Peri-Peri (Lunch) – Just a place friends enjoy eating at and since they opened one up in National Harbor it was easy to squeeze in some food before the evening drinks. Shhhh
- The Gibson - we did this as a sidetour suggestion where Frank, prob one of the nicest bartenders in DC, did a cocktail tasting with drinks that he has created with simple syrups.The bar itself is sort of DC Legend, no sign on the outside and a door that you think leads to a closed shop. See the pics to understand why you might be skeptical. But worth the trip and experience.
- Jumbo Slice Pizza (Late Dinner) – Wasn’t planned the pizza slice was as big as the table…OK maybe half as big. But one slice could easily feed two people.
Thursday:
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Air and Space Museum at Dulles) – Not easy to get to at the moment, but hopefully once the silver line is finished it will be faster, I ended up renting a car because I did not have time to wait on public transportation. Parking being $15 was a bit much, but a free museum non the less. A must see.
- Kruba DC (Lunch with my Aunt)
- Capitol Tour – A must for anyone going to DC, suggestion from me would be to contact your local state representative and see if they have time to give you a private tour and then you would get to see more than you would if you were just on your own.
- Virtue Feed & Grain (Dinner) – A neat restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, with some good menu choices.
Friday:
- Train To NYC – While getting up early is not really my thing, catching the first train out of the area and to NYC is well worth it. You can add a whole extra sightseeing day to your trip if you get in early.
- Tortilleria Nixtamal (Lunch) – Was online looking for a place to eat before walking around the park and this was a suggestion and it was awesome.
- Worlds Fair Grounds – A area of Queens almost lost in time, it does not look like it did during the fair nearly 50 years ago, but it still has some fun things to see.
- Guy’s American Kitchen and Bar (Dinner) – So we typically do not eat anywhere near Times Square mainly to avoid the tourist and to eat food that is not what 90% of the tourist eat. However, we had read an interesting review from the New York Times and thought we would review it ourselves. From our experience it was nothing like the reviews, we enjoyed it and the food was amazing.
- Nice Work if You Can Get It
- Juniors – The cheesecake is so so so, GOOD! Great for an after theater snack.
Saturday:
- Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum – A fun museum to walk through. Once they finish the rebuild on the Enterprise Hanger it will be even better.
- Freemans (Lunch) – This hidden gem was a suggestion from a friend, great atmosphere, good food and off the beaten trail (you have to go down an alley way to get to it)
- Brooklyn Bridge – A much-needed calorie burner after that great lunch, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to see the sights and get some cool photos. Watch out it’s under construction on the Manhattan side so space gets tight.
- Circo Pastry Shop – I stumbled across this from an online article and OMG, well worth the trip. Make sure you get a Cannoli, and more than one!
- Pipin – a musical that can be a bit different, but was a wonderful time by all.
Oh, it’s time to start livin’
Time to take a little from this world we’re given
Time to take time, cause spring will turn to fall
In just no time at all….
Sunday:
- Peels (Brunch) – This little southern place was a great light but not too light brunch…only down side was alcoholic drinks can’t be served till 12.
- Newsies – The story that started it all for me was Newsies the movie. If you have never seen it then stop what you are doing and watch it, or go to NYC and see this great adaptation.
Open the gates and seize the day
Don’t be afraid and don’t delay
Nothing can break us
No one can make us
Give our rights away
Arise and seize the day!
- Bubby’s Pie Company – this was just down right phenomenal! Must get the Organic Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie.
- 9/11 Memorial Site – while I did not get to go down to the site, this was a good place to walk to and see the progress on the new tower and memorial site.
Monday:
- Grand Central Terminal – After what seems like a long renovation they have completed the outside work and all looks well. Been many of times so make sure you stop in and see the architecture.
- New York Public Library – Most movies that are filmed in NYC have a scene that involves the NY Public Library stop in take a few pics and relive the past.
- Playwright Celtic Pub – Good breakfast before heading to the airport.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip
2013-04-03 08:54:48
Yields 6
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup hot sauce (recommended: Frank's)
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
Crackers, bread or carrot sticks, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
In a medium saucepan over moderate heat, melt the cream cheese until smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the celery, hot sauce and chicken and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch pie plate and sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top. Bake until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes. Serve with crackers, bread or carrot sticks.
Notes
What Makes This Recipe Really Sing: This has all the great flavors of Buffalo chicken wings without all the fat of the chicken skin and oil. Want to make it lighter? Feel free to use light cream cheese
Adapted from Food Network
Adapted from Food Network
JPISME... http://www.jpisme.com/
End of Chapter 30 and the Start of 31
So, you all have had the pleasure of reading my ramblings of randomness of the last 31 days I thank you all. While each day had a subject I am sure there is many other things I can write about. Maybe you all should suggest some things I should write. Huh, huh?
Well I made a point in my new decade of life to let go a bit more. I take myself as a very conservative person and not in the political way so much just in my personality or day-to-day interactions. Now I know that some people would disagree with that statement but if you truly knew me you would now I stay reserved, yes I have my moments. But my goal was to be a bit more open, a bit more relaxed, a bit more carefree. Take risks let me heart do a bit more of the decision-making then my brain. Have to say that has been hard.
In the realm of learning to let go and let people into a part of my life that I have kept very hidden (the heart) it has been the toughest challenge. I look around and see all that people do to one another and wonder if there is hope for the human race. I don’t feel I ultimately ask for much in this world, someone to be there when I need picking up, someone to hold me on my sad days, someone to be there to explore new things and I will be there for them with all my heart and all my love. No it’s not easy, and if it was everyone one would be walking around with smiles on their face and divorce lawyers wouldn’t exist. Those that I let into my life in the last year, thank you, I know I might not be worth it in your eyes or maybe it was right person wrong time. Hopefully one day for you, you, or you and me both we will find that little skip in our step.
In my work life I have continued my directorship with the company I moved back to Dallas for. I can say it has been fun, frightful, irritating, exhausting and well down right what I signed up for in the end. I like what I do and still glad to do it in some form or fashion after all these and many more years to come.
In my family life well, you all read, they are crazy. But so am I and that is what makes us who we are. They are there when I need them and sometimes when I don’t. But I love them and know they love me.
What hopes do I have for 31, I hope that I continue to enjoy life and cooking with reckless abandonment. That I learn to stay just a little step ahead of the competition. Above all things I hope to remember to stay positive and know that I can do it, God as my witness I can do it!
Much Love,
JP
My Grandfather
So, I am closing March with the final post for the countdown to my 31st Birthday as March 31st is my birthday. I have compiled a topic for each day one that I either enjoy greatly or has influenced me in a way that has changed me for the better. For those that take the time to read these, and if it is no one well I am doing it to get it off my brain.
The closing week to the countdown will be all about my family, hopefully you all enjoy.
So the topic for today is My Grandfather who also was born March 31st!
I am not going to fully repeat the disclaimer from yesterday however it applies.
This post actually took several days to compose, not that I didn’t have much to say but that the emotions are very strong. If someone were to ask who my hero is or the person you look up to the most it would be him. My sister and can always agree on one thing and while he was a hard man and tough he cared for us so. His heart was always loving even if he gave you the face (like saying mufasa (points if you get that)).
I hope that everything I have done in this world is a refelection of two things God and my grandfather.
R.I.P Edwin Thomas Green Jr.
All my love,
JP
My Grandmother
So, I am closing March with the final countdown to my 31st Birthday. I have compiled a topic for each day one that I either enjoy greatly or has influenced me in a way that has changed me for the better. For those that take the time to read these, and if it is no one well I am doing it to get it off my brain.
The closing week to the countdown will be all about my family, hopefully you all enjoy.
So the topic for today is My Grandmother!
I am starting this one off with a disclaimer that I am not saying one grandmother is more important to me but I was around one grandmother more then the other. Those that know me know that I lived with my grandparents therefore one played a bigger influence in my life.
To say my grandmother is the biggest influence in my life would just about be an understatement. She is one of the strongest people I know. She is a force to be reconed with which might be where I get some of my stubbornness from, wait I’m not stubborn. What more can I say, she is an amazing lady and for those that get the pleasure of knowing her. Well you are one lucky person.
To my grandmother “there are no such things as buzzards” (inside joke)
Much love and be careful,
JP
My Mom
So, I am closing March with the final countdown to my 31st Birthday. I have compiled a topic for each day one that I either enjoy greatly or has influenced me in a way that has changed me for the better. For those that take the time to read these, and if it is no one well I am doing it to get it off my brain.
The closing week to the countdown will be all about my family, hopefully you all enjoy.
So the topic for today is My Mom!
What can I say, we are almost like best friends and while psychologist say that parents should not be friends to their kids, thanks for being mine. We have been through ups and downs together and will have many more to look forward to in the future, that is why we are strong. Know that I love you and am glad to call you my mom. God always has a plan and while we may not understand it is always for the best.
Hugs and Kisses,
JP
My Sister
So, I am closing March with the final countdown to my 31st Birthday. I have compiled a topic for each day one that I either enjoy greatly or has influenced me in a way that has changed me for the better. For those that take the time to read these, and if it is no one well I am doing it to get it off my brain.
The closing week to the countdown will be all about my family, hopefully you all enjoy.
So the topic for today is My Sister!
Sarah, if you are reading this, I hope you know I love you dearly. You have been a friend in my life through many a hard times and many good times. We may have fought as kids and no we don’t always get along you are the one I am glad to call my sister. We may not know why the troubles in our life’s happen, they do make us stronger, happier, and better to handle the future. So smile for me, and thanks for helping me along the way and teaching me so much.
Love,
JP
To My Family
So, I am closing March with the final countdown to my 31st Birthday. I have compiled a topic for each day one that I either enjoy greatly or has influenced me in a way that has changed me for the better. For those that take the time to read these, and if it is no one well I am doing it to get it off my brain.
The closing week to the countdown will be all about my family, hopefully you all enjoy.
So the topic for today is My Family!
Well, my family like most is always an intrical part of my life. I have always said if you want to meet the family that trained your family on how to be crazy, you are welcome. Any-who, while we may not always agree on things, they are a good group and I know they care about me, and I them.
Much Love,
JP
To My Extended Family
So, I am closing March with the final countdown to my 31st Birthday. I have compiled a topic for each day one that I either enjoy greatly or has influenced me in a way that has changed me for the better. For those that take the time to read these, and if it is no one well I am doing it to get it off my brain.
The closing week to the countdown will be all about my family, hopefully you all enjoy.
So the topic for today is my Extended Family!
This is to all those that were around to help raise me. The old saying “it takes a village” is no small statement. I think sometimes that is what is lacking in society today. We don’t let others influence our way of thinking. That lady telling you your kid is climbing on something they should not be on is really trying to help, don’t get mad. But back to me! So there have been people who have acted as my extended family for as far long as I can remember, from people who worked for my family and helped my with homework. For people who have been friends of family and have always been a helping hand.
Thanks for everything!
JP