Ah, roommates

While in Baltimore, I was able to meet and catch up with some old roomates. Anica has been living in Baltimore and was actually working a quick five minute walk from my hotel. When I got into town, she was nice enough to show me around; before I knew it, I was right at home. We drove by the hospital where Poe died, two John Hopkin's campuses, lots of projects, and interesting sculptures. We stopped for a cannoli in Little Italy, my very first ever. I had a great time catching up again, and re-realizing how great Anica truely is (like I could forget). It was fun to meet her for lunch breaks, walk around Baltimore, and talk politics and other fun stuff. We were also able to drive down and visit Sina and her adorable family before they take off across the world. I haven't laughed that hard in a while, rehashing old times. We unanimously decided Connection was great place to live that semester.

Society of Toxicology Meeting

This week, I was able to attend the annual Society of Toxicology meeting in Baltimore, MD. I was unsure what to expect, and was feeling a little over my head. But I really enjoyed it; I went to some really interesting talks on nanoparticles (go NIOSH!), California wildfires and the toxins created from ash, and the horrors of artifical sweeteners (or non-horrors--eat all the Splenda, Sweet-N-Low, Equal, and Truvia you can, cause they got two thumbs up from the nation's experts). I was lucky enough to present a poster at one of the Nano sessions, regarding my research on silicon. It was a great experience. I was supposed to recycle/trash my poster afterword, but I didn't have the heart. I think I'll use it as a rug for my living room instead.

Nerdiest thing you have ever done?

I just got back from a week long conference in Baltimore--great time, more to come! But, I had a multiple conversations about being a nerd. Yeah, I'm a big nerd, but what is the nerdiest thing you have ever done? For me, and I am still kind of ashamed to admit it, I am a huge Battlestar Galactica fan. As in it frakking rocks my world. We had to rush home tonight for the series finale, and I am going nuts waiting the 23 minutes until it begins. I am so nerdy I have secret crush on Admiral Adama. And his love story with the President makes me teary eyed. Sigh...

My new scarf

Dj crocheted me a new scarf with a new pattern. I love it! I call it my Mia scarf because it is so soft and cuddley and nearly the same colors as Mia. It took him about a week to make (he is taking a break from the camo blanket). The picture doesn't quite do it justice or catch the colors correctly. Here is a close up of the pattern, called the triangle stitch:

Nice View

We woke up one day this week to find this....This is what happens when Mia is inside, and the neighborhood stray cat, Kiki's Mom, surprises her by jumping on the outside of the window...

Steak au Poivre

Since we got DirectTV for Christmas, we have been watching Food Network nonstop. Our favorite so far is Good Eats, hosted by Alton Brown. Today for dinner we decided to try his Steak au Poivre. It was amazing beyond words! And yes, it involved us making ANOTHER trip to the liquor store... Here is the recipe for a fantastic, tasty meal:

Ingredients
4 tenderloin steaks, 6 to 8 ounces each and no more than 1 1/2 inches thick (We just used some steak we had in the freezer and it still was perfect)
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/3 cup Cognac or Brandy

1 cup heavy cream
Directions
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour prior to cooking. Sprinkle all sides with salt.
Coarsely crush the peppercorns with a mortar and pestle, the bottom of a cast iron skillet, or using a mallet and pie pan. Spread the peppercorns evenly onto a plate. Press the fillets, on both sides, into the pepper until it coats the surface. Set aside.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. As soon as the butter and oil begin to turn golden and smoke, gently place the steaks in the pan. For medium-rare, cook for 4 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the steaks to a plate, tent with foil and set aside. Pour off the excess fat but do not wipe or scrape the pan clean.
Off of the heat, add 1/3 cup Cognac to the pan and carefully ignite the alcohol with a long match or firestick. Gently shake pan until the flames die. Return the pan to medium heat and add the cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and whisk until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt. Add the steaks back to the pan, spoon the sauce over, and serve.

Fire at our house...

A good kind of fire. Happy B-day Dj!