An intoxicating scent in the breeze, a reminiscent song you haven’t heard in ages, a favorite childhood TV show, a particular taste that tickles your taste buds, or the first snowfall of the season can all bring us back to the happy memories associated with them. I have so many fond childhood memories that I wish could come to life once again. I’d do anything to be able to revisit the 1980s, even just for a few moments. I’m sure every generation feels that they are living in the best times, but growing up with the Smurfs on Saturday morning, Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen on the radio every other song, wearing jelly shoes in the summer, and Speak-n-Spell, Cabbage Patch Kids and Shrinky Dinks under the Christmas tree are hard to argue with. 
So many foods make me nostalgic, especially ravioli. My family bought the most delicious ones from an Italian grocery store that went out of business in the late 80s. I haven’t had ravioli like it since then. But I’m of the opinion that all ravioli is good, so I picked up a box from Shop Rite the last time I was there. I usually prefer the round ones, but once in awhile I’m in the mood for square ones. I’m sure some people are wondering what the difference is, and there really isn’t one. Slight textural difference at the most.
Yes, I buy the generic store brands now and then! The ingredients list was basic: flour, ricotta, etc., and they looked delicious on the box. There were 4 servings in the box, 240 calories each, so I made half the box for Dustin and me on Friday night and warmed up a jar of this Bove’s organic sauce that I’ve had in the cabinet for months. What was I saving it for? It’s not like wine, it doesn’t get better with age. 
The raviolis were fantastic! I sprinkled a little grated parmesan on before I ate them, SO GOOD! I estimate the calories for that bowl to be around 350-400 calories, not sure exactly, but what I assume from half of a half of the box.
Saturday night we went out for sushi at Kingston Wok. I had a Boston roll and a shrimp tempura roll.
We also had thai chicken rolls, but I felt uncomfortable taking too many flash pictures in the dark restaurant with others so close by, lol. Almost every time I take pictures a staff member will ask me about them. Some of them are so fascinated, some aren’t sure what a blog is, lol. My business cards come in handy in those awkward situations. 
Sunday, I made shredded pork tenderloin tacos for Sunday dinner–once again out of my typical Italian cuisine element. They made me nostalgic for Chipotle, but I think these rivaled Chipotle through and through. 
Dustin’s iPad is awesome. I didn’t think they were anything special at first, but I think I’ve used it more than him! It’s handy to have in the kitchen to look up a recipe or something. I dig it!
These tacos were AMAZING! And unbelievably simple. I put 2 pork tenderloins in the crockpot with some chicken stock and let it cook slowly overnight (8-10 hours). Then, when it was time to eat, I took them out and shredded them with a fork. They fell apart so easily; very, very tender. Then I added it to a nonstick pan with 1 TBSP EVOO and a sliced onion, along with some chili powder and cumin. After a few minutes, it was ready to fill a taco shell. On mine, I put: shredded pulled pork, reduced sodium Sargento cheddar cheese, romaine lettuce, diced tomato, a few small dollops of Chobani 0% plain Greek yogurt, and a few slices of fresh jalapeno. I also mashed an entire avocado with about a teaspoon of lime juice and had some fresh guacamole on the side. “I can’t believe it’s not Chipotle.”
Which foods make you feel nostalgic? My list goes on and on!
Gingerbread went to the vet for an x-ray today. They said they are waiting for his treatment. Apparently it’s hard to get, they’re trying to get it from Mexico, Canada and Europe, whichever will be easiest. The vet called and said his x-ray showed his intestines are twisted and would need to be surgically altered OR he swallowed a string. 
He’s not sure, but he said he’s never seen anything like it. If he did swallow a foreign object, he’ll need to have an operation to remove it. 
The doc said to give it a few more days to see if it passes, it not, they’ll have to go in. When he came home, his appetite came with him!! He didn’t stop eating all day, even though they didn’t do anything but take an x-ray. Maybe the anesthesia made him hungry or made his stomach feel better? Not sure. We’re just happy that he’s eating again, but concerned about what’s going on in his stomach. 
Other than that and being a little woozy from the anesthesia, he seems completely normal, as if there’s nothing wrong, which is a major plus. Hopefully his treatment will come in soon so we can kick FeLV’s butt!! 
I desperately need some fresh produce. Even my frozen veggie supply has been depleted! 
I went down to the freezer last night to find something, anything, being there’s only a few leaves of lettuce in the produce bins and came up with just a small bag of asparagus. How did this happen?! I usually have a 4 year-supply in case armageddon happens and I can’t get to Shop Rite, lol. Definitely going shopping today. Hooray for plants!!! <3
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I was going to do an update yesterday, but I got a nasty spyware infection on my laptop that Dustin took care of for me. So annoying, especially knowing exactly what it’s doing, but thankfully we cleaned it up quickly.
lol I felt really blah all day today, so I ate leftovers from Cosimo’s and took a day to chill after an indulgent weekend. Tomorrow is back to reality, but that’s ok, because reality is awesome, too. 
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