Torrential...tears

I'm sad. It's Monday, so that's not surprising. But today, I'm especially sad. For one, I spat in the face of all things healthy by sustaining myself on trans fats and empty calories all weekend:

• McDonald's cheeseburgers, fries
• Cheetos
• Choco Tacos
• Beer
• Pizza
• Chocolate cake
• Quesadillas

I am filled with regret and sadness today as my pant waistline isn't agreeing with me at the moment. I am also upset at the forecast for my upcoming trip to Puerto Rico this week. Have a look for yourself.

Why?! How is that possible! I haven't gone on a "real" vacation in almost two years, if not more. And the one time I do, it's supposed to be raining the ENTIRE time. On top of that, today is filled with thunderstorms and heavy rain and I can't seem to find my umbrella anywhere. But what good does that do me now? None. I guess I should get used to it since I will soon be enjoying a rain-soaked vacation. Awesome.

Crack of the Month

There are soooooo many things that I love to eat and drink. But from time to time, I zero in on one particular item and become obsessed beyond obsessed. I like to refer to these items as my "Crack of the Month." Sometimes, the months get crazy and there's a different Crack of the Week, but for the most part, I am consistent.

The Crack of the Month for February comes in a liquid form. Starbucks, you kill me. I don't mind so much the empty calories of your sugary drinks, but the price? Come on! I could get a six inch sub for lunch for the same price as my Tall latte. That said, I am NOT a coffee drinker. At. All. I love the smell of coffee, I love coffee flavored things, but straight coffee? No, thanks.

Around the holidays, my opinion was slightly altered. Since there's a Starbucks next to my office, most of my coworkers hit it up multiple times a day. And the holiday season was even  more intense what with Starbuck's featured seasonal flavors.  Pumpkin spice latte...white chocolate peppermint mocha latte...gingerbread latte. Yes. I was easily hooked. What put an end to that party was the funds. I couldn't stomach the price for liquid crack.

But, now that the seasonal lattes are gone, I decided to try something new. The cinnamon dolce latte. Oh. My. Oh. Liquid crack, I tell you. I have no idea what's in it, but assume there's some cinnamony-caramelly syrup in there. To make myself feel better about this indulgence, I always ask for it with skim milk and no whipped cream. Then I ingest the liquid crack and dig out my smile.

I heart you, Kobe

I love me some Kobe. I could stare at Kobe's glistening glory for hours...if it weren't that Kobe would get cold. Kobe beef (not Kobe Bryant...I hate that kid), for those who haven't had the opportunity to experience it, is some of the tenderest meat on the planet. I first enjoyed it at BLT Steak in DC in the form of a burger. While the price was ridiculous for a lone burger, it was the only way I could fathom affording that cut of meat. The menu there charged $20 per ounce of Kobe if you were ordering a steak.

Hailing from Japan, these animals get some extra TLC that goes a long way. I've seen YouTube video of  Japanese farmers massaging the cows and feeding them beer to relax them. No wonder they're so tender.

Last night while dining at Wolfgang Puck's The Source in honor of my little brother's birthday, I got to experience the Kobe again. I ordered the Kobe Short Ribs for my main meal, and despite the fact I could've easily eaten two platefuls, I was taken away to a happy place. The ribs were de-boned and resting on top of pureed Indian-style lentis and a saffron raita. The sauce in which they slow-cooked was silky and layered with depth upon depth of flavor.

Although that happy place faded after the quick five minutes it took me to consume my humble portion, at least I snapped a picture of it to carry with me forever. Me thinks that after months of pondering, I have at last found the picture I will put in the locket I've started wearing again. Too weird? I think this shot would nicely complement the picture of Sebastian that's already in there.