11.28.2011

Apples = Fall

Apples are one of my favorites parts about fall.  Fresh, crisp, and delicious.  And even better, they go great with things like cinnamon and brown sugar.

Enter, apple crisp.  I had a craving and a bag of apples from my parents, so I made a little.  And we even ended up making it for Thanksgiving to go with Pumpkin Bread Pudding, courtesy of Bobby Flay.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Apple Crisp
Peel and chop enough apples to get a decent layer in a 9x13 pan.  I ended up using 10-12 small and medium apples.
Sprinkle apples with white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Melt 2 sticks butter and mix with 1 c oats, 1 c brown sugar, 1 c flour, and 1 tbsp cinnamon.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

The measurements, as always, are approximate.  And I really should have used more apples, as they cook down quite a bit.

I ate mine plain, but it would be delicious with ice cream.  Yum.  I'll do that next time.  Enjoy!


11.26.2011

Life recently, in pictures.

Things I've been enjoying:
- beautiful sunny drives,
- cuddles with our dog,
- a decorated living room wall,
- delicious food,
- school work in the form of reading and vlogs,
- the college basketball season,
- and cider.
- delicious hot beverages in fun mugs, 
- late night music jam sessions in the car,
- dueling piano bars,
- puppies! and my favorite dog,
- more cooking time,
- a beautiful fall walk,
- an awesome concert with sweet lights,
- and a reason to wear my sunglasses in the fall.

11.24.2011

Awkward and Awesome: Thanksgiving Edition

I know I already posted earlier today, but I actually have been working on this list since last Thursday, so I had to share all my awkwards and awesomes.  Not that anything really remarkable happened.  Still.

I hope you have a had a wonderful day, whether it's been with family, friends, or a little quiet to yourself.

Awkward:
- Having to go to the store multiple times in a day.  I really need to do a better job making lists, and deciding what to cook sooner.
- The movie previews on Fast Five.  I wasn't expecting much from the movie and the previews dropped my expectations even lower.
- Not getting to Starbucks once for the 2-for-1 holiday deal.  I hate missing out on a good deal, even if I'm better off not drinking coffee in the afternoon.
- Waking up two days in a row before my alarm.  Monday I was awake at 6:30am.  I had gone to sleep sometime after midnight.  You can imagine how happy that made me.
- All the reading I haven't started yet for next week.  At least I've been a blog posting machine.  Sigh.
- I know I've mentioned egg nog lattes on here before, and I think they've become an addiction.  I haven't had one since Monday, and I've been like an addict looking for a hit.  I almost left the house in my pajamas yesterday to track one down.  Thankfully, I didn't actually make it out.

Awesome:
- Movie nights with my sister
- Having time to cook.  It's soothing and enjoyable for me.  (Men, make a note.)
- A walk on a crisp, sunny fall day.  I should do that more often.
- Being home for a full week.  Meaning not having to do another drive down and back that whole time.  Not have to gas up.  Again.  At least for a few more days.
- The Sing Off.  Have I mentioned this show?  Have you been watching?  Were you sickened to find out the lead singer of Pentatonix was only 19?  No, just me, huh?  But seriously, that group is amazing.  If you like music, or as a geek like me, like a cappella music, you should look up their songs.  Jaw dropping.
- I'm a couple weeks away from having a functional portfolio website.  You know, on top of this blog, that other one about going green, and everything else, I'm building a website via Wordpress.org.  I pretty much live on my computer.
- An all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet yesterday. It got my stomach ready for today's extravaganza.
- THANKSGIVING!  Family, reflection, food, football, basketball, more food, food comas, etc.

Thankful Thursday

Part of me wishes Thanksgiving happened more often.  Not because of the food.  That would be unnecessary.  But because of the reflective side of the holiday.

In my family, we've always used this holiday as a time to share what we're really thankful for, no matter what is going on in life, good or bad.  And I wish I did it more often.  It's just such a great reminder that life is good.

Today, as I run around frantically preparing food, I thought I'd share a list of things I'm thankful for, right at this moment.  These are in no particular order.

1. Health
2. Amazing travels this year
3. Family
4. Good friends, old and new
5. The chance to go to grad school, and enjoying the experience so far
6. Money to pay the bills every month
7. A job flexible enough to work in my life
8. A cute apartment with great roomies
9. A fully functional, fuel efficient car
10. Dogs that like to snuggle
11. Memory foam mattress toppers
12. Blog and internet friends
13. Technology, even if it can be a pain occasionally
14. Two awesome blogs that I'm excited to put time into
15. Having grandparents that live right in town
16. My cousin's healthy new baby
17. A warm cozy bed (that is totally calling to me right now)
18. The start of the college basketball season
19. Finding out about friends and family expecting babies
20. Music that makes me want to dance

I know I have so much more than this to be thankful for.  But this is enough to remind me to be content with life.

So, what are you thankful for today?

Now go get your stretchy pants on and get ready to eat!  Happy turkey day!

11.23.2011

Sweet Potatoes, again

I'm going back to my sweet potato kick for this one.  I'm all about sweet potatoes in the fall and winter, especially when the store down the street has them 2 lbs/$1.  My bank account and my belly win.


Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble
I'd love to give you amounts, but I have no idea for this one. 

I diced and lightly sauteed onions, garlic, and peppers (red and green) until the onions became a little translucent.   
Then I added the sweet potatoes, peeled and diced, and cooked the mixture until the sweet potatoes were softened.  I seasoned it with curry and cumin.  
While the potatoes were cooking, I whisked together a couple eggs and milk.  Then I added the mixture to the skillet and cooked eggs through.  

Put it in a bowl and, voila, a delicious breakfast.

11.22.2011

Ten on Tuesday: Thanksgiving

Believe it or not, these questions are actually courtesy of yours truly.  I was feeling creative over the weekend in all my spare time and these 10 (well, actually 9, one of them is Chelsea's) questions just came out of nowhere.

It's okay.  No need to applaud.

Sorry for the excessive poor humor in this post.  I'm actually writing it Monday night and I should really, really be asleep.  It's been a long couple of days.

Let's just move on and forget that ever happened.  Except for that whole being posted on the internet.

You should definitely join up in the Ten on Tuesday fun by heading over to Roots and Rings.  Seriously.  Do it.

1. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? 
My uncle and aunt from my dad's side of the family are driving over for a few days to spend time with us and Grampie.  The big event will be at my parents house, which will be entertaining with my grandpa in a wheelchair (he broke his hip this fall) and no entrance without stairs.  We're very accessible here.

2. What are you most thankful for this year? 
The chance to go back to grad school.  Even though I'm more than a little scared about taking out more school loans and what job I'm actually going to have while attending, I feel very blessed to have this opportunity.

3. Do you have any traditions on Thanksgiving? The parade? Football? Long naps? 
The parade is not high on that list, only because I don't like what TV has turned it into.  Just give me a shot of the main parade area with a little info now and again.  Stop with the yammering already.  I love football.  And I'm not a napper.  Never have been.  Literally never.  Just ask my mother.

4. Is it called stuffing or dressing? Is it in the bird or a separate dish? 
Stuffing; dressing goes on salad.  And we cook some of both.

5. Do you cook? 
More and more every year.  My mom had her gall bladder removed last week (we're just falling apart left and right around here), so my aunt and I will be dealing with most of the cooking.

6. What is your favorite dish? 
This is a really hard question for me.  I love food.  I'd probably go with stuffing or green bean cassarole, especially the Paula Dean version.  It may not be healthy, but it's delicious.  But there is nothing we have in our meal that I don't like.  Literally.

7. What is your dessert preference? 
I don't really like pie.  I know, Thanksgiving sacrilege.  Last year we made this really delicious pumpkin bread pudding, courtesy of Bobby Flay's showdown with the Pioneer Woman.  You may have heard of them.  Anyways, the stuff is like crack, especially fresh out of the oven.  And by crack I mean rot your teeth, OD (on sugar) addicting.

8. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? 
I have a very distinct memory of being at Grampie's (and Grammie's) house one year.  One of my cousins had a whoopee cushion, which we preceded to place on Grampie's chair every time he got up.  We found it hilarious every time.  In related news, my day bought a book about a farting dog at Goodwill tonight.  I just thought you should get a true picture of our family.

9. Do you plan to shop on Black Friday? 
I'm considering checking out Best Buy after midnight.  There's a couple deals I have my eye on and I would actually have to get up early, just stay up for a bit.  Then I can sleep in all I want.  Last year my sister and I went.  We got some good deals and had a plan, but it was exhausting.  And I'm already tired enough.

10. What are you most dreading about Thanksgiving this year?
Probably having family around while simultaneously trying to get work and school stuff done.  I really need to get a few things accomplished.  Work for the money and school because the quarter is almost over.  Eek!

11.19.2011

Easy Breakfast Cups

I have another recipe for you today.  Though considering my measuring practices, 'recipe' may be a bit of a stretch.  My sister found the idea for this treat on Pinterest--the place that sucks all the time and has all the pretty things.  Here's our version:

I have no idea what to call this, but it's basically a breakfast sandwich in a muffin tin.  So there you go.

You start by flattening a piece of bread and shaping into the muffin tin.  We went with 5 for two of us and it ended up being pretty much perfect.  Next we layered in cheese, bacon (cooked), and sauteed onions and peppers.  Once you have all the filling, crack an egg over the top.  Bake at 350 until the egg sets.  Take breakfast sandwich muffins out of the tins and consume the deliciousness.

A couple notes: We ended up buying an oversized muffin tin for the second batch so we could get more goodies in each cup.  Also, I ended up using a scramble egg mixture (eggs and milk) the second time.  Be warned that the mixture will expand, so don't fill to the rim.

I would love to try this with biscuit dough instead.  Yum!

What fun dishes have you made lately?

11.17.2011

Awkward and Awesome: Late Night List

I really need to start writing these things down throughout the week because I can't help but feel like I'm forgetting things when I try to recreate the week in awkward/awesome form.

Maybe someday I actually will.

Awkward:
- Getting the flattest of flat tires last week.
- My lack of motivation this week.  I've gotten everything done that I need to, but I can't help but think I could have done a better job.
- Trying to maneuver two people (a.k.a. my grandparents) and their wheelchairs.  It's not easy, I'll tell you that much.
- Meeting a ton of new people and trying to remember all their names.  I fail at that.
- I've driven over 2,500 miles in the past 2 months.  Me no likey.  So many gallons of gas.
- It's that point in the quarter where I really need to create some to do lists.  Otherwise, there is always some I forget.
- Class cancellations at work.  I need those dollars.  Not that I really hate sleeping in, but I'm not exactly swimming in money.
- The ADD nature of my digital life.  The iPhone is great, but sometimes I have trouble deciding whether to use my computer or my phone for certain things, like tweeting, when both are near by.  It's pretty much a first world problem.
- My sleep schedule.  If I fall asleep before midnight, it's pretty much a miracle.

Awesome:
- Puppy cuddles. I got to play with a friend's puppy tonight and loved every minute of it.
- Extra time off work.
- Fun times out with friends and the movies last weekend that included a trip to a dueling piano bar.
- Successfully putting a spare on with a friend and having my flat tire fixed for free at Les Schwab.
- Having really awesome guest speakers in grad school.  Jordan Weisman was in class this week.  Google his name.  Crazy cool.
- We still haven't turned on our heat in our apartment.  Nov. 17th and counting...
- Criminal Minds.  Intense.  But not safe for right before bed.
- My hair.  The length is awesome.  My curls are cooperating.  I often wake up and head out without doing anything--whether I should or not.
- Words With Friends.  I haven't won yet, but I still love playing.  I currently have about 6 different games going.  If you want a chance to win, I'm eewiley.

11.15.2011

Ten on Tuesday: Food, Work, and other stuff.

Guys, it's almost Thanksgiving, which means Christmas is closing in.  And that just reminds me that I'm a little behind on my Christmas shopping.

I'd rather have it mostly done by next week so I don't have to deal with the craziness that is the Christmas shopping season.  So, get your requests in soon, otherwise who knows what you'll end up with!

Now, onto to the Tuesday morning line up.  Head on over to Roots and Rings to join in the fun.

1. What are your pantry staples?
Pasta, black beans, salsa and chips, tomato products, bread, peanut butter, tea, and recently, sweet potatoes.

2. What are your refrigerator staples?
Milk, eggs, cheese, cream cheese, butter--apparently anything dairy--and fruits/veggies, which vary depending on price/availability.  I've been going for pomegranates and just picked up some asparagus.

3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?
My fear of letting others down,

4. What’s holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)
Experience.  In the current climate it's really hard to compete.  That's why I'm going to grad school.

5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.
Frye boots, I've been lusting like "whoa".

6. What is something that you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?
I've cut back on my spending this fall.  Outside of bills, it's mostly food purchases, and I can't think of anything embarrassing I purchase a lot.  When I was younger lass, I purchased a lot of shoes and nail polish (a.k.a. a couple months ago).  If you know me well, and can think of something, now is the time to call me out!

7. What’s in/on your bed every night?
Me.  Usually my cell phone (a decent distance from my person).  An extra blanket.  A handful of pillows. And if I'm at my parent's, their springer spaniel.

8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget if, you will always find room for it?
One pair of jeans that fits really, really well.  So versatile and helpful for putting together many an outfit.

9. What is the weirdest sandwich you’ve ever made?
I don't really do "weird" sandwiches.  I like cream cheese on my grilled cheese sandwiches, but I think that's more indulgent than weird.

10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?
I'd probably give up Facebook, not because I really, really desire making it big with my blog, but because I'm completely addicted to Pinterest.  I don't want to give it up.  Ever.

11.12.2011

Life's Little (annoying) Surprises

I had invited a friend over after we finished up a school project to have dinner.  She was following me home when I heard an thumping noise and felt my car veer right.

The passenger side front tire was completely flat.  As a pancake.

But we prevailed.

You can read more about our adventure over at C's blog for class, all about learning about car care.  I was so happy to provide her with easy blog material.

(For serious, go give my friend some love.)

I came home and made homemade mac 'n' cheese for some good comfort.  And drank wine.  It just needed to happen.

Luckily, today has been wonderfully relaxing and fun.  My dad came down for the day and we spent time thrifting, eating at a great Indian restaurant, going to a college basketball game, shopping a little, and getting fro-yo.  Many of my favorite things here in Seattle.

Now I'm relaxing and getting ready to meet up with friends at an Irish pub for some evening fun.  It's like I actually have a life down here in the Emerald City.  I kind of like it (even if I could go for a little more sleep).

Hope you are all enjoying your weekends like "whoa"!

11.10.2011

Awkward and Awesome: And so it goes.

I don't even have much to say right now, so I'll just let you read on.  Happy almost Friday!

Awkward:
- Day 2 of a headache that actually kept me from working yesterday. So instead I drove up north Tuesday night, hung out in bed/on the couch, and drove back down for class Wednesday afternoon.  Awesome.
- Having a ton of stuff due this next week.  It's time to buckle down and focus my energy.  You know, the energy sucked up by my head.
- My desire to stay in bed all the day long. It does not help with my productivity.  Not at all.
- How early it gets dark. It's like the day is over before it really gets going.  And I hate driving to class in the dark.  But just think, only three more months of this.
- The amount of blog reading and writing I do.  Between this blog and my blog for school, plus all of the blogs I try to follow it's pretty much out of control.
- Irritating my face with apple cider vinegar.  You can read more about on my "going green" blog.

Awesome:
- Whole Foods salad bar and Jamba Juice.  So good.  And healthy.  Everybody wins (except my bank account).
- Dumpster diving (or hectoring as my dad would say) with friends from grad school (also having friends from grad school) that resulted in free chocolate.
- Being able to wear my sister's pants. This is a new development that brings so much wardrobe joy.
- Getting tickets from a friend to see some college basketball this weekend. So sweet!
- Power reading through two chapters before class last night.
- My cousins adorable little baby.  I can't wait to meet him!!!
- Payday!
- Getting one of two presentations done for the quarter last night.  Also, feeling pretty good about my grade for that class.  Now I just need to build a website, no big deal.

11.09.2011

Recent Food Stuff

Now that I don't live with the padres, I actually cook now and again.  I try to cook ALL the time, so I just make really big batches and feast of leftovers.

Anyway, I thought I'd highlight a couple dishes I've cooked recently that turned out really, really delicious.  And that I want to keep eating.

I should warn you that I don't actually cook by recipe much, unless I something pretty specific and new in mind.  But I'll do my best to estimate for you.

First up are Sweet Potato Enchiladas.  I'm seriously addicted to sweet potatoes.  You'll see it a few times.

To make these I peeled, cut, and roasted three semi-large sweet potatoes.  To roast, I left in the oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.  While the sweet potatoes were roasting, I sauteed diced onion (1/2 an onion) and minced garlic (3 cloves--I love garlic!), added already cooked black beans (1 can) to let the flavor mix and stirred them into a bowl with corn (1 can, but I prefer frozen).

Once the potatoes were done,  I heated tortillas to make them easy to work with.  I opened up my enchilada sauce (1 large can, from scratch was not in the plans for this project) and spread a little along the bottom of the pan.  Then, one-by-one, I filled tortillas with the sweet potatoes and vegetable mixture and rolled them up in the pan.

When the pan was full, I topped it with the remaining enchilada sauce and lots of grated cheese.  I cooked the enchiladas at 350 for about 25 minutes--long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble.

A few notes: I probably wouldn't use the corn again, certainly not from the can.  And I'd be tempted to add sauteed mushrooms.  But then, I'm as addicted to mushrooms as I am to sweet potatoes.  Finally, the enchilada sauce is pretty key.  Make you pick a tasty one.  I got El Pato and really liked it.

That's the recipe for this week.  I'll do my best to continue share things I'm making.  You know, the ones that actually taste good.

11.08.2011

Ten on Tuesday: A Potpourri

As you can see, I'm busy working on reading for school.  I actually finished a really dense chapter and promised myself a break.  In the form of blogging.  That's when you know you are addicted.  For serious.

Head on over to Roots and Rings if you want to join in this week's Ten on Tuesday questions.


1. What's your favorite television show for each day of the week?
Sunday - The Good Wife
Monday - The Sing-Off
Tuesday - The New Girl
Wednesday - Criminal Minds
Thursday - Grey's Anatomy
Friday - Extreme Makeover Home Edition
Saturday - it's my day off

And yes, I do watch a lot of television.

2. How many times do you wear your jeans before you wash them?
Until I notice visible stains or they get really stretched out.  It's an exact science.

3. What is your favorite pasta shape?
I like the "bite size" types.  Spiral, bowtie, penne--that sort of thing.

4. Do you read newspapers?
Sometimes.  I try to keep up on current events, but more often than not I read specific articles, not the whole paper.

5. Do you sleep in socks?
Never.  They drive me nuts.  My feet get hot.  I kick them off.  Then they are in the bed.  Not okay.  I'd rather tough out a short period of cold feet.

6. Favorite genre of movie?
It really depends on my mood.  Sometimes I need comedy, other times it's a good chick flick, maybe some action.  I am really all over the place.

7. How do you feel about wrestling?
Depends, are we talking WWF or freestyle/grecco-roman Olympic style.  I worked for USA Wrestling (true story) so I have soft spot in my heart for those athletes.  And once you understand it, it can be captivating.  I still find the practice areas or "mat rooms" more than a little gross (even though they are cleaned A LOT).

8. Should men pluck their eyebrows?
How do the eyebrows look afterwards?  That pretty much determines whether the plucking was a good idea, men and women alike.

9. Do you have dimples?
I'm dimple-less.

10. Do you like to camp?
Yes, definitely.  I grew up camping.  It's been a while and I definitely need to do some camping next spring/summer.  And yes, I am a bit of a fair weather camper.  It's self-preservation.

11.04.2011

Friday Photo Dump

It's been a while (and by a while, I mean 12 days) since I've shared some photos of life recently.  Obviously, we're long over due.

Highlights from the past however long: two different Halloween outfits for which I bought nothing, a fresh hair cut (grow bangs grow!), new dishes cooked and eaten, beautiful fall colors and sunshine, and time with the family.

Happy Friday and have a fabulous weekend!

11.03.2011

Awkward and Awesome: It Keeps Coming

I've hit that point in the quarter, with the driving and the class, where I really just want to sleep.  I'm lucky if I fall asleep before midnight.  I've spent more on gas than the past year or so prior combined.

But this program, school, is totally worth it.  And I have my days of non-work when I don't have to get up at a set time.  You better believe I take advantage of that.

Anyways, on to the awkward and awesomes...

Awkward:
- Having my gas cap fall off and roll under my car Tuesday night.  I was stopped at 11:30 at night.  The perfect time for a girl by herself to gas up.  And it was cold.  I did what anyone would do--put my car in neutral and Fred Flintstoned it.  Nothing like a little foot power to get the car moving and gas cap recovered without having to crawl on the ground.
- Finding a cheap gas option and that gas station being closed for the evening.
- Giving in to a craving for fast food last night.  Let's be real though, it was delicious and I made it halfway through the quarter before giving in.
- The first time having to scrape my windshield this year.  Never an enjoyable task.
- Hitting that point in the quarter at school where it doesn't seem possible to get everything done in the time left.
- My parallel parking attempt last night.  It was dismal at best.  And that's usually something I excel at.  Always have.

- Feeling like I have a lot to do and I"m making the most of my time.  What are your keys to efficiency?


Awesome:
- Having a class cancelled today at work--giving me time to run a few errands and drive south early enough to miss traffic.
- A fun Halloween weekend.  Old friends, new friends, outfits that I paid $0 for.
- Egg Nog lattes.  They pretty much make my life this time of year.
- Feeling like I know a little bit about web programming.  I can't really do it at this point, but I can speak a little of the language.
- the combination of Target, happy hour, and froyo.  Pretty hard to beat.
- Sunny fall days.  We've been having them regularly interspersed between the rain/fog/dark normal stuff and I love it.  It makes the shorter days doable.
- Skyping with our Finnish cousins.  It was so good to see them and catch up!
- My cousin should be having her baby in the next few days.  She's due tomorrow.  I can't wait to meet little JR.
- Finding out another cousin is having a baby later this year.  So many babies.  Except for me.  That's not going to happen for quite a while.

11.02.2011

My Other Blog

I swear I'm not cheating on you all with another blog.  I mentioned last week that I had started up a blog for a class at school.  It's something I'm pretty excited about and wanted to share with all my readers here.

The blog is Using This, Not That over on Wordpress.  It's about my transition to making better choices in the products I'm using, both for environmental and personal health reasons.

I think it's easy to become passive as a consumer and it's really important for us to be critical of how, where, and on what we're spending our money.

I don't think there's one "right" way to live, but I do think we can also make small changes that will have an impact on our own lives and the world around us.  Those changes can even be easy and more cost effective than what we are currently doing.  For real.

I've published a total of four posts so far, so I'm pretty much an expert already (SF).

You can check out my latest post here.  I'd love to get your feedback, hear your knowledge, and have you call me out on anything that doesn't really make sense.

11.01.2011

Ten on Tuesday: Back from a Hiatus

I'm feeling a little bit behind schedule this morning, ahem, afternoon.  Now how did that happen?  Obviously, putting together a blog post will only help this feeling.  Right?

Anyways, I'm back for Ten on Tuesday this week.  Head on over to Chelsea's blog to join in on the fun.

1. What is your favorite month?  
I really love June.  The days are long and somewhat sunny, the promise of the whole summer is before you, the grass is beautifully green, and my birthday is fast approaching.  

2. What is the best candy to get while trick or treating? 
I love anything chocolate and peanut butter.  Reese's peanut butter cups were always the best.

3. What kind of pen do you use? 
I use whatever pen happens to be lying around.  I actually can't remember the last time I purchased a pen.  Is that weird?

4. You go to a new Italian restaurant, what is your go-to order? 
Probably some sort of seafood pasta or a stuffed ravioli.  But with a side of salad so it's really healthy.

5. If you could choose to have any celebrity’s hair, who’s would you choose? 
I really love Zooey Deschenal's hair, minus the bangs because they would drive me batty.  Really, this question should read, what celebrity's hair stylist would you like to do your hair, because you know their hair doesn't look that great magically.

Also Diane Lane's hair in Under the Tuscan Sun is glorious.

6. What’s your favorite board game? 
How about some of my favorites from childhood -- Sorry, Clue, and Yahtzee (I know, not really a boardgame).

7. Do you know how to play poker? 
I've been known to play now again, but I'm not serious about it.  I can deal Texas Hold 'Em if I need to.

8. What do you think about Old Navy commercials? 
Let's be honest, Old Navy commercials have never really be pieces of art, or creative genius, but the current campaign is even worse than usual.

9. What hurts worse- a stubbed toe or a paper cut? 
That could be pretty situational dependent.  A cardboard cut is absolutely awful.  But if you stubbed your toe hard enough to break it?  That's no fun either.  Most of the time, I'd probably rather have a stubbed toe.  It hurts for a bit and then you get over it.  With a papercut, you are reminded every time the wrong liquid hits it.

10. What’s your favorite kind of pie?
I'll be honest.  I'm not much of a pie person.  I love eating raw pie dough, though.  And anything with a cookie crust is pretty yummy.