"Why Can't You Just Stay In Tonight?"

• Because there's a really rad band playing.
• Because my friends will be there.
• Because my friends are playing in a really rad band.
• Because of a boy.
• Because I promised.
• Because I love me some tapas.
• Because after seven years of going home on time to cook dinner and watch Jeopardy, I realized I much prefer this.
• Because it's on the way.
• Because I've run out of Lost episodes to watch.
• Because the Obama administration waited until freakin' 6 pm to dump the damn FOIA documents and there's no way I'm going to Gristede's so I might as well go to Allen Street.
• Because Koz scored tickets.
• Because I'm not really keen to go home to that empty apartment tonight.
• Because missing the moment is unacceptable.
• Because it's pub quiz night.
• Because it's going to be EPIC, DUDE. EP. ICK.
• Because the Eagles aren't on TV today.
• Because I had a crap day at work.
• Because I live in New York City. Der.
• Because I need a drink and a hug.
• Because Jennie made cupcakes.
• Because it's beautiful out.
• Because the laundry can freakin' wait.
• Because I'm gonna be glad I did this when I'm old and boring.
  
• Because I already scooped the litterbox and showered this morning, so I'm good.
• Because this is where I want to be.
• Because if you had a second chance at the road not taken, you'd do it too.

Single Girl's Freezer

Once upon a time, my freezer was stocked for the apocalypse. I always had enough meat, veggies, and nutritious treats on hand to feed a small army. This was probably a result of my domestic savvy, and being brought up by parents who were entrenched in the supply corps division of the Navy. Sheps can stock a larder like nobody's business.

Alas, 2009 has seen my homemaking skills slide a bit. Okay, a lot. And while it's all for a greater good, my stockpiles are looking pretty, well...

Martha Stewart doesn't live here anymore. Clearly.

Lockout at OneTwoThreeFour Mass Ave

When taking out the kitty litter, always check to make sure you have your keys...or at least your pants.

Boys' weekend; Get classy with scallops and lavender!

This weekend I had a pantload of fun with my boys in NYC. I chilled in the park and wandered through bookstores with my high school pal Alex, I had burgers and beer with honorary Team 215 member Koz, saw a kickass Travis gig with my rockstar friend Shwa, had pancakes on the Lower East Side with my new friend Andy, and then returned home just in time for my friend Chris' gig in DC. It was the best series of non-date dates I've had in a while. Thanks, boys! I think.

However, there was a certain amount of grubbiness involved in the weekend, as it was a bit hot, and I had but one outfit and little recourse for a shower. There may have been a bit of a mishap with a too-quickly-chugged Miller Lite as well. May have been. Only Shwa, and my confessors, and most of 11th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues know for sure...

ANYWAY, much as I enjoyed my dirty weekend with the lads, I felt I needed to take back what remained of my dignity and dainty-ladyness. I'm not sure how well I succeeded, but making this dish sure made me feel a bit more classy.

Seared scallops with basil and lavender essence

Ingredients
15 to 20 basil leaves
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 drops pure lavender essence (usually available in health food stores in the herbal remedies aisle. DO NOT substitute synthetic).
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound large sea scallops

Method
Combine the basil, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Add the lavender oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let stand for 30 minutes. Cut a deep horizontal slit through the scallops, but not the whole way through. Fill with the basil mixture, close with a wooden pick. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet, and heat until foamy. Add scallops and sear for 2 minutes on each side. Scallops should be browned, and translucent on the inside. Remove from pan immediately.

If you can't find lavender oil, just sprinkle with lemon juice. Scallops can also be grilled rather than seared.

There! Don't we feel civilized? Now I'm gonna crack open a Sam Adams and watch the Phils. In my underwear. Class. Easy come, easy go.

2009 Mission Statement