Laptop Cozy

Before heading back to school last fall, I bought myself a laptop. I had always used desktop computers in the past and I wanted a change. The freedom of being able to work from pretty much anywhere was so appealing. After my new laptop arrived at the house, shiny and new, I was beyond happy and I realized that there were so many advantages to laptops aside from the obvious. As I had suspected, being able to lie in bed and check my email or work on a paper, was very gratifying. But something I had not anticipated as a bonus to laptop ownership or considered as an advantage, were the accessories that people bought for their laptops. If anything, these would surely fall into the category of disadvantages. I continued to think this way until I came across this post a year ago on what has now become one of my all time favorite blogs, Smashing Magazine. I was particularly smitten with the laptop cozies, especially this one. I wanted to make my own right then and there. I picked out some fabrics that I liked at a local store for less than 50 pesos and got to work. Half way through the project, my laptop broke down and spent months in repair. I just recently got it back and I decided to finish the cozy a nice welcome home present. I am happy with the final product and I have ideas for a few more that I would like to make. In the mean time, this one works just great.

Riveroll Part 1: Riveroll and 2nd Street

In almost every city there is a street that most people would consider to be representative of the local tourist culture and cuisine, a street were you can find locals and tourists in the same restaurants, where the trendiest drinks are served and where the hippest appetizers are offered. In Ensenada, that street is undoubtedly First Street, with all it its tourists shops and fancy restaurants. In Winnipeg, I would consider Corydon to be that street, packed in the summertime with tourists and locals alike, sipping drinks in the outdoor patios, enjoying the all too brief summer. But I'm not going to talk about those streets. I'm am going to talk about the unsung hero of Ensenada's culinary landscape: Riveroll.

Running east and west, Riveroll stretches out between First and 19th, and along the way, you can find the best street food in the city. Evaristo and I have decided to showcase our favorite spots to grab a bite on Riveroll in a series of posts, starting with the carnitas (roasted pork) of Riveroll and 2nd street.

The absolute best carnitas tacos in the city can be found at Carnitas Hermanos Ramirez. For 10 pesos a taco you are given a choice of preferred meat type and are free to add a variety of toppings at your leisure. I personally love the simple combination of cilantro, lime and a bit of red salsa. Simple and yet oh so good. And the best bonus of all: they'll give out free bones for your dog.

Head over to Evaristo's blog and check out his account of the carnitas of Riveroll and 2nd street.

Reflections 2008

2008 feels like it has come and gone much too quickly. I can't help but be filled with a wonderful feeling of contentedness when I look back on what has happened this past year.

It turns out that 2008 was a year for making new friends.

The summer was spent with a house full of guests, making soups at night after long, warm days spent swimming and snorkeling. What an absolute treat.

As fall begun, I started a new chapter in my life and went back to school.

But best of all, Evaristo and I spent the whole year together. A first for us. I love our life together, our conversations and silly little jokes. I feel very fortunate to be sharing my life with him, to be passing the days by his side.

I look forward to what the next year will bring.

calendaRio for January 2009

I took this picture on Christmas Eve using a camera that Evaristo found at Los Globos. Rio was good enough to hold still while I got the focus right.

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