Nice work, fellow citizens

What an incredible day. All I've been doing is grinning like a fool, crying like a tiny child, or gabbing about the inauguration like a giddy idiot. It was as good to see W. get on a helicopter as it was to see President Obama take the oath of office.

You cannot accuse me of being overly patriotic, but perhaps that will change from this day forward. Good going, America. Way to not eff this one up.

In weather like we're having, I think this qualifies as torture

Want the best job in the world? Apparently the Queensland department of tourism is looking for someone to help promote their gorgeous islands. And the pay (approx. $100,000 USD for six months of work) isn't half-bad, either.

Sigh. Too bad I just took a new job. I'm sure late-twentysomething Midwestern Americans are the perfect target demographic!

Consider this a public service announcement

Yes, I'm holding a tallboy. Two of those + a vodka and 7Up and I was definitely feeling it the next morning -- and keep in mind, this was after a mandatory 2-week detox. If you're trying to scale back on your alcohol intake, I highly recommend vacationing in a place where drinking is illegal/frowned upon.

(Mandatory disclaimer:) Not that I'm a big boozer or anything, but the Pitts house certainly enjoys a glass of wine or two with dinner. Since returning from our trip, however, I've had much more of a taste for apple juice.

Reinvention

It's been way fun posting super-regularly on a blog -- actually having something of interest to write about, no? No new year's resolutions here, but I'd like to make this little corner of cyberspace a wee bit more interesting...both to read and to write.

*tremendous sigh*

I've been away from America for almost two weeks and although I'm reading the news online daily, I feel as though I'm ensconced in this safe little media-free bubble. For a political junkie like myself, this is actually kind of nice.

And then I read this. Seriously?!? Agggghhhhh. I hate these people.

Moonlighting

We leave in less than 2 days and I spent all afternoon handcrafting 100 holiday cards. Priorities, anyone?

Find me here over the next two weeks. Should be interesting to say the least!

The PK

As some of you may have discerned from my previous post (i.e. you read this blog semi-regularly and are able to piece together logical thoughts), my husband and I will be spending Christmas in a country where the general population doesn’t really subscribe to the whole baby Jesus phenomenon. Yes folks, we’re going to Pakistan (or “the PK” as my sister and I lovingly refer to it). Talk about National Lampoon – the Hubs always jokes about being Clark W. Griswold so baby, here’s your chance to prove it.

Just kidding (kind of). We’ve – well, I’ve – decided it’s time to make the pilgrimage back to the place that, next to Smith College, has probably had the greatest hand in shaping who I am today. [Fun fact: I’m taking the Hubs to Karachi before he’s been to Northampton. Discuss.] Our family lived in Pakistan for a little over 9 years, which meant I was running around over there from about age 3 to age 13 (approximate). Growing up in a country that’s considered “Third World” (and yet they’ve beat the US to electing a female head of state – go figure) has definitely impacted me both directly and indirectly. Directly: in college, I was a source of constant amusement to Hannah when she’d reference some seemingly ubiquitous 80’s movie (Goonies, anything having to do with the Brat Pack) and I would stare back at her blankly. Indirectly: I like to think I have an affinity for non-profit work (and lefty views) because I saw so much real poverty when I was a kid. I mean, it was ALL around me: crazy, we-have-fewer-coins-than-you’ll-find-in-your-couch-cushions, my-children-beg-for-a-living-rather-than-go-to-school, what-are-these-government-funded-social-services-you-speak-of? poverty.

This trip has been fraught with emotional ups and downs from all corners. My father, whom I haven’t seen in 14-ish years, has now remarried and has two very young children who were raised learning all about their “big sisters in America” but whose names I did not know until a few years ago. Lots of people in our sphere at home are wildly uncomfortable with the idea of a trip to the PK, regardless of the current political situation (hello there India!). I’m leaving my Mom alone for Christmas (my sister will also be in the PK), but as my sister pointed out, “They got divorced, so you have to figure they knew they’d be splitting up the holidays. And besides, Mom’s had us since you were 13.” Touche.

So while it won’t be a white Christmas, it’ll definitely go down as our most memorable holiday season to date. And this is cold, hard proof that my husband truly loves my crazy ass.

Attention, readers of this blog who have opinions on kids' books

(Cristin Stickles and Katie Fee, I'm lookin' at you.)

Leaving in 13 days for the desert [Pakistan]. Will be encountering two semi-wee ones while there [half-siblings, never met them before, natch]. Want to introduce them to good books/American culture without scaring the pants off them.

We're dealing with one girl -- I think she's 12? (I realize this sounds horrific. Don't judge me) -- and one boy, age 10-ish.

Your recommendations are much appreciated. And yes, this trip is insane. I know.

Giving thanks

Here are, in random order, the things I'm thankful for this year:

My boys: after being surrounded by strong, wonderful women for the better part of my life, I've come to realize the value of having a reliable dude around. My husband and (let's face it) Jake are two dudes I can't live without.

Gimme shelter: On Thursday, we filled our house to bursting with family, friends, kids and dogs (no joke!). I love our home, but it's at its best when the people we love are holed up inside.

The Internets: Seems funny, but my posse is spread all across the planet. It's technology that allows me to stay connected with each and every one of them.

How's about those loved ones? Be they adopted, related by blood or by marriage, it's all gravy.

My brain: I've never been a drop-dead raving beauty -- don't get me wrong, I'm definitely above Ugly Betty but significantly below a real-life Rebecca Romjin. However, I've learned to love what I've got and be thankful for the most useful asset of all, my noggin. I'm grateful that I have a thirst for knowledge, a love of reading, and the student loans to prove that I spent a crap ton of time, energy and money enhancing the gray matter inside my cranium.

My job: I've experienced first-hand what it's like to love and hate what you do for a living. Thankfully, I'm safely in the latter category. Not to mention that with the economy being what it is, I'm doubly thankful that both I and my spouse are gainfully employed.

My niece and nephew: One of the huge perks of marrying my husband -- he came with built-in wee relatives! They're awesome, adorable, and a great reminder of the hilarious ups and downs that come with having kids. I consider them my training wheels.

Good friends: We're not related by blood, so you're not obligated to like me. That makes our relationships all the more special. You know who you are.

My health and my youth: Two things I take for granted far too often.

Happy Thanksgiving, kids.

Pretty cool

Friend of a friend. Check it out, pass it along.

Calm before the storm

Mom and sister are arriving tomorrow in the early afternoon, and then we're off on a holiday weekend -- hurrah! Because of our big trip over Christmas, this is really the most festive we're going to get for awhile, which is kind of nice. Most of my gift-shopping is done (don't judge me, we're leaving in less than 3 weeks!), so I feel as though I can really relax and enjoy this time with family and friends. Kind of great.

We're having Thanksgiving for 4-1/2 (Jake is the 1/2) at our place, then squeezing in all the dishes and a nap before hosting assorted friends and fam for what's rapidly becoming our Annual Thanksgiving Night Open House. Why? Because it's the world's easiest party, people! Nobody wants to eat any food, so all you've got to do is have plenty of booze and a few appetizers on hand. Easy peasy!

Food from the goats

What's Cooking has gone a bit wanting lately, and although the Hubs is still eating hot, homemade meals, I haven't tried a ton of new recipes that I've felt are worth sharing. This one, however, takes the cake.

Goat Cheese & Parmesan Pasta
Adapted from this recipe in the New York Times
Serves 4

*1 lb. small pasta (penne or macaroni)
*2 T. EVOO
*3 minced garlic gloves
*1 28-oz. can chopped or pureed tomatoes
*1 6-oz. can tomato paste
*salt, pepper, oregano and basil (dried herbs are fine; I rarely buy fresh)
*4 oz. soft goat cheese
*2-3 handfuls shredded parmesan

-Prepare pasta according to package directions.
-Heat a large skillet on medium high; warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and saute.
-When garlic is fragrant, add the tomatoes and paste. When warm, add salt, pepper, oregano and basil. Let it bubble, then cut pieces of goat cheese (so everything melts easier) into the tomato-and-spice mixture. Throw in 3 handfuls of parmesan and stir everything up so the cheese melts.
-Combine sauce with pasta. Serve with bread and a big glass of wine.

This is actually a very inexpensive dish to make if you keep spices on hand -- pasta and tomatoes aren't expensive at all, although you may end up shelling out some bucks for the cheese. I buy shredded parm in bulk at Sam's Club so the cost is minimal, and our goat cheese usually comes from Aldi (bargain alert!) for two to four bucks a pop. And as for fresh vs. dried spices, I suppose that if I were a "real" cook I'd use the fresh stuff...but it gets pricey and goes off so fast, I can't bring myself to keep buying herbs from the veggie section. Plus, I honestly can't taste the difference at home (although at a restaurant I think it's a different story).

I changed the original recipe because I was so excited to eat goat cheese pasta I couldn't wait to bake this dish (sad, but true). You can use any combination of canned tomatoes (diced, paste, stewed, etc.) depending on how you like your sauce. I love how particular batch turned out -- every noodle is perfectly coated in yummy cheesy tomato goodness. Rowr.