ALSO I must report on a recent happening of which I have never before participated. THE ACADEMY AWARDS. Though I had never watched the show in full before, I found myself quite entertained throughout the whole event. Although, why is it that over half the movies nominated I had never heard of let alone seen??? I guess I need to get out more.

Without a doubt, my most favorite competition was between two of my most favored composers: A.R. Rahman and Thomas Newman

You can get a little flavor for both in the following:


A.R. Rahman has scored music for hundreds of Bollywood films, and now won two Oscars for his work on Slumdog Millionaire.


This one is just for listening. Thomas Newman has done soundtracks for tons of movies. If you've ever seen Little Women, Meet Joe Black, Finding Nemo, Green Mile, Angels in America, Horse Whisperer, Pay it Forward, or Wall-E, etc. you've heard his tunes.

I really have to give credit to former roomate, Wendy, for introducing me to the world of Bollywood. As she recently posted: "...the Bollywood revolution is here, people. Embrace it."

What the heck, I'm on a roll. Here's some of my favorite Bollywood tunes.

Things that get me all excited

My early b-day present came early in the mail yesterday!

Please don't judge me. I never thought I would be investing in one of the most EXPENSIVE pieces of hair care equipment--mind you I did not pay what one normally would. Its just that after experiencing the finesse, the ease, the speed and efficiency of a Chi over Christmas in my mother-in-law's bathroom, I knew I needed one of my own. Now that its come, my hair will never be the same.
Please believe me when I say that I am twenty trillion times more thrilled than that half hearted smile you see. AND my hair is silky smooth and straight.

Food, Food, Glorious Food

As many of you know, my life revolves around food. I'm not necessarily good at making it, but I do love to try and I love to eat.

This year for Valentine's Day I told Jared he didn't have to get me anything, but with my allotment of grandma and grandpa's generous donation, I bought myself one of the world's smallest wonders and my greatest delights. KUMQUATS!
These delectable little fruits are pungently sour when you first bite in, and then delightfully sweet when you finish. (Its the skin that's the sweetest).

THEN we made Mulligatawny soup! Its delish, and was made famous by the "Soup Nazi" episode on Seinfeld. Its seriously one of those soups that I make on accident when I'm trying to use all of my going bad vegetables... only this one is ah-mazing :)

If you can't tell from the picture, or if you're too lazy to click on the link ;-) there's EVERYTHING in this soup, from spinach, to granny smith apples, to sweet potatoes and lentils, to onions, celery, ginger and chicken! I swear, its the greatest. Happy day after V-day to ME!!!!

ps. Speaking of food, Jared just announced this morning that he-- once what I would describe a "meat and potatoes" man--- could live off of fruit smoothies and pitas with veggies, falafal and hummus. That's it. As a wife seeking greater health for her family, I feel like I could die tomorrow a happy and accomplished woman :)

I finally....

Yesterday. It was my first race in a loooong time. All week I was gearing up for it. 37 flights. 600+ stairs. And I had no idea how it would be. I've never run up more than a few flights at one time. Would this take me 25 or 45 min? Would my legs be on fire or would I even break a sweat?
Well.

As it turned out, two friends signed up and we raced together-- doing the fun walk. EVEN WALKING we finished in like 15 min. I felt like I just did a series of light stretches or something. To make up for the lack of physical exertion, I told the ladies to drop me off in the middle of downtown Cleveland so I could meet Jared on the other side of the city at a market. BAD IDEA.

No sooner had I progressed a few blocks, than I was surrounded by buildings under construction and men with few teeth muttering or screaming things to themselves. Then I realized I was lost. Then I called Jared and got the "what did you think you were doing" lecture. Then I met up with him and life was safe again. AND I felt triumphant.

Miranda vs. Cleveland

Miranda won again.