Morning Antioxidants and Caffeine

One of the many things I cherish over the weekend is the morning.  Waking up at 9, 9:30, 10 (11 if it was a long night) to not having to do anything productive in particular just yet is a great way to relax.  What's even better is having a 3-day weekend to help extend the morning ritual to a day where normally, I would already be at work, probably fighting fires and quickly sipping down tea to warm my bones after traveling to Oakland via public transit (hence the Monday morning blog post). My Saturday and Sunday mornings usually consist of waking up, snoozing in bed while Zolite attempts to drag my bottom out of bed by sticking her nose in my face, licking my face, pawing at my face and sitting on my stomach purring until I actually move.  Maybe not the best way to be woken up in the morning (I can think of a few more preferred methods), but it's better than an alarm clock.  Once I actually get up, I feed the kitten and get my coffee started.  On the weekends, I make a slow drip coffee that really absorbs all of the coffee flavors and produces the best cup of java outside of a pristine coffee shop.  The pot I use is called, Chemex.  


Chemex pots have been around in the consumer space for about 5 decades and of course, they were designed by a German inventor, Peter Schlumbohm.  Germans just know how to make everything -- fantastic cars, coffee pots, beer -- maybe they have a bad rap from the whole Nazi-Hitler nonsense, which was indeed a very dark time for the Germans; however, I will give them props for their mechanical skills and methodical common sense.  Anyway, the pot is made out of glass and has a very distinct shape in order to brew the perfect cup of joe.  I'm not going to give a historical lesson on the pot, you can read up about it HERE or on Wikipedia.  


This is what my pot looks like:

Image courtesy of me.

Growing up, my parents always brewed coffee in this pot over the weekend, so of course, when I moved out and got a place of my own (and broke my old Melita pot...twas quite the tragedy), I wanted one too.  My Mamiņa picked up on the idea and bought it for me as a housewarming gift when I moved into my SF apt.  It definitely makes my morning.  Now granted, I'm a slight coffee snob.  I don't buy Starbucks or Folgers or any of that terrible tasting coffee you get at the mass market grocery store.  Instead, I buy my coffee from Trader Joes (they do indeed have a good coffee selection) or when I'm lucky, I get specialty coffee from a coffee shop in Berkeley (which my Mamiņa snags for me sometimes when she goes to Monterey Market since it's just around the corner).  It is incredibly important to have good, quality coffee, stocked full of grade A antioxidants and caffeine.  How else are we supposed to excuse our caffeine addictions if not with a high quality beverage?  My favorite beans come from Kenya, Papua New Guinea and Peru -- locations generally growing beans ideal for medium to dark roasted coffee.  I like it strong, what can I say :) 


The Chemex pot is a great alternative for those of us who don't want to run out in the morning and fetch a cup of coffee, but prefer a home-brewed method allowing us to enjoy our extended mornings.  The pot does require a little more attention than the standard auto-brew pot (I have one of those too for the weekday morning coffee fix while I put on my face), but on the weekends, we have time, so mind as well make the morning that much more enjoyable.  


Cheers to coffee!

Image courtesy of me.  This is one of my larger coffee cups, perfect for the weekend coffee.  It also was a gift from Latvian relatives, so it's extra special :)

I Love Shoes In Case You Didn't Know

Oh man do I love shoes...expensive shoes...shoes that you buy in swanky department stores with overstuffed couches, chandeliers, overly attentive salesmen in suits, complimentary bottled water, and oh yes, shoes delicately laid out on glass tables, shelves with decorative elements, all organized by designer.  How did I adopt this expensive habit?  Well, it started when I got a job, made money and thought, "Hmm. I wonder how a Manolo Blahnik would feel on my narrow clown foot."  Ok, so maybe I was influenced by Sex and the City and Carrie Bradshaw's addiction to fine footwear.  I'll admit it.  Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte all walking around NYC in their fabulous shoes and clothes makes any girl ask themselves, "How do I get me some of those?!"  So I made it happen.  I bought my first pair of Manolo Blahniks from the Neiman Marcus outlet in Milpitas at the Great Mall of America and with one swoop, I was hooked.  My sister then of course was getting married and I needed some fantastic shoes to go with my adorable chick yellow fish dress. Jimmy Choo anyone?  I opened a Saks credit card, bought my Choos and threw in a pair of Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes (which now have sadly seen their last days, but I don't have the heart to throw them away even though the heel is broken on one of them).  

So it started.  I couldn't possibly go back to the days of cheap footwear now that my feet were spoiled with exquisitely made shoes.  If I had a bad day, bad week, bad event, I hit Saks and Barneys (aimed to hit the sales too) and treated myself to much needed retail therapy ending in successful shoe purchases.  If I had a good day, good week, good event, I hit Saks and Barneys and rewarded myself for my accomplishments and positive demeanor with a shoe purchase.  I'll make up any excuse to buy shoes (obviously).  How do I afford it?  NO IDEA.  I've cut back considerably on shoe purchases now that I bought a car.  Trade offs of life.  I did manage to purchase some shoes last year though.  Granted, my boss did give me $750 to spend at Neiman Marcus because I was pissed off and he wanted me to be un-pissed off (apparently I'm supposed to be bought with shoes), which I debated actually spending, but I of course erred on the side of reason and indulged my addiction.  What?  I earned it!  So I personally only bought 1 pair of shoes from my own pocket last year and my boss bought me 2.  I'll take what I can get :-D

Are you ready for this?  Are you really ready?  Because there are some fantastic shoes posted below and oh yes, you might get jealous.  

First up is Gucci.  Oh Gucci.  How I've longed for a pair of Guccis and last year, I finally snagged me some.  I bought these on sale at DSW for a brilliant deal.  

Image courtesy of me.

Gorgeous right?  Even the box is pretty! I wore them to our Latvian Independence Day celebration, which happened to be on my birthday, with black leggings and white sweater dress.  Turned out to be a little bit of fantastic if you ask me!  In Latvian society, I've become notorious for having fabulous footwear, so now all the ladies when they greet me, look at my shoes first and then say hello.  Go figure.  Hahaha.

Next up are shoes, part 1, from the gift card.  I did have a fantastic time trying on shoes at Neiman.  The salesman helping me was a quirky fellow, but did happen to enjoy bringing out lots of footwear options for me.  I'll try on endless pairs of shoes any day!  Anyway, these are Christian Louboutin.  I love the red sole -- it's such a fantastic accent to the shoe.  It adds that little extra pop to complete the eccentric vision of Monsieur Louboutin.

Image courtesy of me.

Red patent leather with a diagonal cut on the toe and open side...mmMMmm, yum!  I wore these to new years with my black D&G dress that I wore to my boss' wedding 1.5 years ago.  They were the perfect pop to top off the party dress.  I thoroughly enjoyed wearing them and I look forward to taking them out on the town again.  

Lastly are shoes, part 2, from the gift card.  These were love at first sight.  I saw them, we immediately connected, and knew that this would be a lasting relationship.  Manolo Blahnik.  Oh Manolo Blahnik.  Classic, elegant, pristine.  Perfect cut, color and dose of sophistication.

 

Image courtesy of me.

  
I haven't worn these yet, but I have the perfect dress to go with them along with the perfect event to showcase the ensemble.  It's in a couple of weeks and I'm very very excited to get dressed up.  These are what I call Renate shoes.  Classically sophisticated and powerful that identifies my personality so well.  We are a match made in heaven.


If your curious about some of the other shoes in my collection, GO HERE.  It's my old blog about shoes which I've given up on.  Many of the shoes I see today are just too much.  Designers trying to make hooker heels fabulous is a no go for me.  Yves Saint Laurent's metal caged heels are also no gos for me.  I like a bit of eccentricity, but also practicality and they have to look pretty.  You can't just put anything on a shoe, it has to make sense.  So, since I was sadly discouraged about the trend in shoes recently, I stopped the blog.  I may revive it again when I'm inspired, but until then, shoe posts will be made here.  


You may think of me as a snob or a terrible brag when it comes to shoes, and I'll admit it, I am a snob about shoes, but I don't mean to brag :) 

What I Learned From 2009

I started and stopped this post about 4 times trying to think what I actually learned from 2009.  At the end of the previous 2 years, I was able to put together a vast list of all the things that happened during the year that I thought were important to mention.  2009 wasn't particularly eventful...there were some highlights and some low-lights...some exciting events and some terrifying occurrences; but for the most part, it was just another year at the same job, just coasting along...a flat line year if you will, with a couple of bumps (some up, some down).  So here's what I've taken from the year:


1.  It really is scary how close death can get to someone you love, but thankfully, there is solid Latvian stock in this family to keep us all going for a really long time.  


2.  The sad thing is how pathetic family drama can still be present when there's someone in need.  Our Latvian stubbornness really does get in the way of breaking down our barriers and burying the hatchet and that does make me frown.


3.  Guilt speaks pretty loudly which warrants excuses to an extent, but people shouldn't ride it forever, instead they should channel their guilt to being supportive, loving and understanding.


4.  Large purchases are definitely a large investment, but are completely worth it as they eliminate the headache of fearing death on the road.  So yes, I do love my 2009 GTI even if I have to continue paying for it over the next 4.3 years.  It was worth it!  


5.  6-speed manual transmission, united gray, sunroof, 2-door hatchback = one of my lovers who knows exactly what I need.


6.  Google is terrible at directions in Marin and has gotten me lost there more than three times in 2009.


7.  Google also thinks it's funny that the best directions to Mt Tam are the ones that lead to the start of the fire trail.  Climb your way to the top, duh!


8.  The best way to prepare for a 16 mile loop hike is to 1) use Google for directions, 2) stock up on water, 3) wear sunscreen because of course it's going to be 90˚ that day, 4) thank the heavens that someone created a fresh water bath for you to stock up on water, 5) pack a wine, cheese, cracker, veggie and dip lunch to enjoy when you made it to the top of the damn mountain, 6) prepare for wanting to live on the mountain on your way back because every part of your body hates you, 7) thank god that BevMo exists and that you an stock up on much needed beer infused calories post-hike.


9.  Trips to the wineries are always a fabulously fantastic adventure no matter who you're with.  Meeting the winos at the wineries is pretty interesting too.


10.  I think I saw maybe 3 movies in the theaters last year and can say I'm pleased that I didn't invest more money in seeing more.


11.  Sometimes the best vacations are those taken locally -- hang out at home, maybe throw in a trip to Tahoe, but just veg and enjoy life in the city.


12.  Taking an aimless drive sometimes leads you to the most peculiar, but soothing places.


13.  I truly enjoy floral photography.  One day, I will buy a digital SLR and will master it's vast amount of features. For now, the point and shoot will have to do.


14.  Sain Saine is the best place to get a massage in the city.  Any place that can relieve so much stress from your body that you wake up literally feeling like you're in a cloud or stoned is brilliant.


15.  The botanical gardens represent natural therapy in the purest form, no matter where they are.  


16.  I really don't like all day business trips where you wake up at 3am to pick up your boss by 5am to catch your 6am flight, have to drive everywhere at your travel destination, meet with dozens of people and then get home after 10pm and then of course have to go to work the next day.  


17.  I do, however, thoroughly enjoy business trips where I travel alone, get to spend the night and get to engage with my clients without my overly chatty, domineering boss.


18.  Nashville is truly an interesting city to experience.  I look forward to visiting it again.  


19.  Zolite will always be the best kitten ever.  Yes, I know she's now a cat.


20.  I still love my SF apartment even though I hate writing the rent check for it every month.


21.  I know I shouldn't splurge on material goods, especially since I made a large investment, but sometimes, you just can't help yourself.


22.  The iPhone really is the best phone to own. 


23.  I'm glad I started doing tautas dejas again -- it really is good exercise and a great stress relief.


24.  I'm also very happy to have met more fabulous letiņi and I look forward to taking more adventures with them in 2010.  


25.  Realizing you'll always have a connection to those that share your roots is pretty amazing and comforting.


26.  I will continue to be skeptical in the dating scene, but will tread carefully with those that I actually like.  


27.  I never thought I'd see someone do anything spontaneously to see me, but apparently it does happen.


28.  I also never thought that someone who does something spontaneously to see me would get scared so easily.  And no I didn't scare him...or if I did, I don't know how I did.


29.  Never ever ever will I date a married man again, even if he says he's in the process of getting a divorce, it's not worth the "what ifs" and the "what happened" when he goes MIA for 6 weeks.


30.  It's amazing how after 2 years, rekindled feelings still exist.  What's even better is how they're easily pushed aside again after being revisited.


31.  Finding a new job is incredibly challenging, but this year, I will strive to work harder to snag myself a new one.


32.  I can't be bought with shoes, but I will spend the gift cards you give me, I won't feel guilty doing so and I won't feel indebted to you.


33.  After 2 years of asking, I got business cards with my Latvian "a" (ā) on them.  I also made my own with my Latvian "a" (ā).


34.  Ikea's Clips frames are cheap and awesome.


35.  I will continue to cherish Vinet and Joey's mad cooking skills.


36.  I will, however, invest in new tupperware for them so they don't spill pickle juice all over my new car again.


37.  It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is the best show on television, hands down.


38.  I somehow am a great hustler for my boys at strip clubs.


39.  However, I never want to hustle for my boys at a strip club on Broadway ever again.  Boobs in face = not amused LLLQ.


40.  I will love taking adventures with my boys that start at the Lafayette Reservoir and end in delicious seafood meals topped with tequila shots, champagne and terrible Marina bars.


41.  Smoking while drinking has become my terrible vice.  


42.  Reconnecting with old friends is truly a good thing and makes you wonder how you lost it in the first place.


43.  Never do I want to party on Broadway in North Beach ever again.  It's really an awful strip.


44.  While I was sad not to have Vinet and Joey at home for Christmas, I did have fun enjoying a quite non-traditional Christmas with the letiņi.


45.  I do enjoy cooking, I just wish I was better at it. 


46.  It will most likely take another 2 years for me to finish my painting.


So what are my goals for 2010?  Hopefully to make it more interesting!  I know I want to take a wine class, get a new job, get more involved in some sort of activity being Latvian related or not and just dive into what's out there because you mind as well experience it while you're young.  Cheers to 2010, a new year, a new decade, another new beginning.