The little TV that could

If you know me, then you know I have lousy luck with electronics. That less than ideal luck has seeped over into large appliances and heating and cooling devices. For example, in the last 2 weeks I have had to make two appointments at the Genius Bar at the Apple store for problems with my iPod shuffle and iPhone. The shuffle issue was unable to be fixed. Another new tiny iPod shuffle now graces my waistband while I work out. The jury is still out on my two-year old iPhone, but my fingers are crossed that my new SIM card will get the job done. I have had 4 water heaters at my condo in 16+ years. One of them flat out burst open at 3:00 a.m. and flooded my kitchen, along with doing quite a bit of damage to my downstairs neighbor's drywall. Right now, both of my home telephones don't work. Over the years, this list has been endless....with one notable exception.

Very soon after I graduated from college in the spring of 1989, I made my first ever major electronics purchase; a 19" Philips color television. Over the years, larger TV's were purchased for my living room and my little Philips was moved to my bedroom. In the last few years, I figured that little TV would crap out on me, giving me the perfect excuse to move my 32" TV to my room, and invest in a new 42" hi-def flat screen. But, like the little engine that could, this TV refuses to go down without a fight. The picture is still sharp and the color still true. The only investment I have ever had to make is a new $15 universal remote control. With the exception of my family and a few childhood friends, this is the longest relationship I have ever had. This TV has kept me company and helped me get to sleep at night. Congratulations Philips on making a product this reliable. In a world of less than ideal product longevity and planned obsolescence, lucky little 19" has taken a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. 20 years and counting.

Drink and be Mary

Recently, not surprisingly, the most frequent question I have been asked is "How is the job hunt going?" I'm sure that question springs from a variety of places; curiosity, concern, fascination, thoughtfulness, or maybe even envy. I think people are even more interested because the job market has been so tight and the media is full of horror stories about current job prospects. Now, don't get me wrong, I've been worried too. In the old days, I could sling a dead cat and hit a job that paid well and was something I was interested in. This time, it is very different. Even though I have a strong resume, there are a lot of really qualified people out there looking for work. So, the old days of getting an offer for almost every job I ever interviewed for is getting replaced by..."Well, you have a strong resume.....but" It seems that there is just a tiny something; usually a very, very specific type of experience, missing. Needless to say, even though your brain tells you it's just business, your ego takes a little hit. During these tough times, there are a few things you can do 1.) Give up or 2.) Take a bar tending class and find a part-time job slinging cocktails in a local watering hole. I went with option #2. I've always wanted to be a bartender. One of my college era regrets aside from not attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison is not getting a bar tending gig. (It always seemed fun and an excellent way to meet boys). I think I have all the necessary qualifications 1.) An outgoing personality 2.) Relatively good hand-eye coordination 3.) A 25-year love affair with all things booze related. My journey toward barkeep status was thankfully short. I took a two week bar tending class at the Milwaukee Bartending Academy which is located, naturally, in West Allis (bar on every corner...check....school for bar tending....check!) In the class, you learn a lot of alcohol facts, history, and how to make a variety of libations, including all the new popular martinis. The bar tending school has a full working bar; sinks, soda guns, all the necessary glassware etc. Of course, you practice using colored water, but other than that, the place simulates a real bar. To pass the course, you have to make 24 drinks in less than 30 minutes. Now, that might seem like a cake walk, but some drinks have many ingredients (yeah, I'm talking to you Long Island Iced Tea) have to be layered in a certain way, or, have illogical proportions. I don't know if it's all my years of drinking experience, or my history of doing well on exams, but, I killed that test! Flying colors. After you pass the class, you are required by the state to take an on-line alcohol safety class called Learn to Serve. Basically, it teaches you how recognize when someone has had too much to drink. In theory, the class was just a formality for me. After 25 years of watching drunks, and many times being one, I think I know all the signs. But, Wisco has to earn revenue somehow. After getting my L2S certificate, I needed a way to get some practical experience. As luck would have it, Peg and Russ have a friend who owns a martini lounge in Germantown. I asked Krissy, the owner, if I could work for her gratis just to get my feet wet. Kind and generous, Kris agreed without hesitation. Well, my two nights of free service translated into a regular paid Saturday night gig. As the Beatles sang "I'll get by with a little help from my friends". When I told my brothers that I was going to tend bar, they laughed out loud and said something to the effect of "Mare, you know, there is a LOT of glass-based items at bars". I wish I could have been mad, but they have a valid point. I've always been a bit of a spiller, a dropper and a breaker. The Klavier Lounge might become my Waterloo. Kris might need to rethink her decision. However, I'm happy to report that so far, I've only broken one glass and the tip jar. Who knew tossing a dollar coin into a glass jar could cause so much damage. So, if you're ever bored on a Saturday night, journey out to G-town. I'll be quick with a joke, and a light of your smoke, and you know what, right now there's no other place I'd rather be.

Risotto virgin no more

I'll admit it. The idea of attempting to make risotto frightened me. I'm not sure why. For nine years now I've taken on the massive undertaking that is the Thanksgiving Day meal (to mostly very positive reviews over the years) I've tackled time consuming yeast breads and roll out cookies (those always derailed my Mom) and attempted countless other culinary experiments over the years (to mixed reviews: A big, belated SORRY to family and friends who survived the monk fish incident of '03) But, for some reason attempting this delicious, Arborio-rice based dish struck the fear of God in me. Perhaps it's because I've had some delicious risottos in restaurants, and knew I'd be disappointed if I couldn't achieve similar results. Perhaps it's because my friend Stacy is an amazingly good, effortless cook and after repeated attempts, claims that she has never gotten it right. For whatever reason I've stayed a risotto virgin until just this week. I'm not sure what inspired me to take my first stab at it. I did see the movie Julie and Julia recently, and I think many people left that movie, rushed over to Barnes and Noble and snapped up Julia Child's 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' with the goal of attempting the Boeuf Bourguignon that is predominantly featured in the film. Or, it could have been that just hours after my Mom handed me a big bag of fresh tomatoes from her garden, I happened across a Gordon Ramsay (he of Hell's Kitchen fame) recipe for tomato and mushroom risotto in of all places, my People Magazine. Who knew huh? Apparently, People is good for more than wiling away an hour of your life you're never getting back or seeing what celebrity "wore it best". Anyway, the recipe sounded delicious and seemed pretty easy. And, to my surprise, lo and behold, it was. One thing about making risotto is you have to be very patient and not prone to repetitive use injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. It requires a lot of stirring as you have to add the liquids (one of the liquids is wine...so I recommended sipping some as you cook...helps pass the time) in stages and stir constantly while the rice absorbs it. All told, it takes almost an hour from start to finish. I think the results were worth the time. In fact, I think I'm adding this exact risotto recipe to my Thanksgiving 2009 menu. Here is the recipe for all who are interested. Good luck and enjoy!

Tomato & Mushroom Risotto

• 1 large shallot, chopped finely
• 4 tbsp. olive oil
• 8 oz. Baby Bellas mushrooms, sliced
• 10 oz. Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz. plum tomatoes, skinned, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. each of chopped fresh basil and chives
• 2 tbsp. mascarpone cheese
• 3 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesean cheese
• sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

1.) In a large saucepan saute the shallots with the olive oil for about 3 to 4 minutes and then add the mushrooms. Continue to saute for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.

2.) Stir in the rice and cook another minute or two. Add the wine, stir and cook until absorbed. Pour in a quarter of the chicken broth, bring to a boil and cook until absorbed.

3.) Gradually stir in the rest of the broth over 15-20 minutes, adding more as each previous amount is absorbed. This helps to give you a creamy risotto.

4.) When the rice is al dente, fold in the tomatoes and herbs. Check the seasoning and stir in the cheeses. Serve in warmed bowls and top with shaved, aged parmesan.

500 Days of Enjoyable

I'm a big movie and television fan. Pair my love of movies with a summer of funemployment (now over....boo!) and you have a happy Mary and my following movie recommendation. In a upcoming blog post I'll rave about my new fav Fall TV show, but for now, let's talk film. If I like a movie a lot, I will usually see it once in a theater, then rent it again on Netflix. Of course, I will then watch it again repeatedly once it hits cable TV. Witness my recent afternoon viewings of Working Girl, Sliding Doors and Blue Crush. (Not all viewed in the same afternoon......I'm not a complete shut in...ah, yet) So, what made me see my favorite film of 2009 so far, '500 Days of Summer' three times in the theater? (you are most welcome Fox Searchlight Films). It could be the cool soundtrack, (fans of The Smiths, rejoice! You have two chances to hear Morrissey) the great young cast, (Joseph Gordon-Levitt has come a long way since that super-annoying 3rd Rock from the Sun) the out of chronological order story-telling structure, or just the general concept. It's a romance, but it's not a love story. In the film, Tom falls for Summer. Summer likes Tom, but from the get go, she makes it pretty clear that she doesn't want a boyfriend and is not looking for a serious relationship. Tom is so smitten with Summer that he basically ignores everything she tells him and all the not-so-subtle signs that she is "just not that into him". Boy, have I been there and more recently then I would like to admit. We've all done it or are still doing it. We make excuses for lame romances that aren't giving us what we want or need because we think we can will it to be something it isn't. Time and time again, we hang on too long. But, like Tom in the film, hopefully we leave each soul-crushing experience a little bit wiser and a little less apt to make the same mistakes the next time around. This movie will make you laugh, and maybe cry (I did) and you'll absolutely adore Tom's joyful post-nookie dance choreographed to a much beloved Hall & Oates song (great to see you back in pop culture Daryl and John! I missed ya). Mostly, it will make you think twice about wasting time in a relationship that just wasn't meant to be. Check it out.

70 and Counting

As most of my friends and family know, I have attended a LOT of weddings. I think that may even be what some would call an understatement. I was 13 years old when I attended my first wedding, that of my favorite childhood baby-sitter, Katie Hemmer. Since then, I have logged at least another 70 weddings. Could be more as there is no doubt that I've forgotton a few as well. Someone once asked me how I knew the number. At first, I wasn't keeping count. But one day I was like "Damn, I have been to a lot of weddings!!" and I started to write them down. I feel honored to be included in so many people's special day, but I hope to not have to repeat the phrase I have uttered countless times..."Always a guest, never the bride" until at least after the next wedding I attend is my own. From my lips to God's ears.

Last weekend, the entire Wisco Rech clan piled into two cars to attend the Indianapolis wedding of a dear family friend, Aaron Moody. I think I have the street cred to officially declare myself a wedding aficionado. I know what constitutes an amazing wedding, and this one was about as close to perfect as I have ever seen. From the venue, to the ceremony, to the invitations/table decor/paper details to the cake and the band, it was absolutely top notch. Even the weather cooperated, with a sun-filled sky, a few picturesque fluffy clouds and a light, lovely breeze. Only a few people I know deserve a day of such perfection, and Aaron is one of them. He is absolutely one of the nicest guys I've ever met. His new bride Alissa seems lovely as well. The entire Moody family is as great as he is and the Rechs were lucky to befriend them a number of years ago. I guess the fact that they are awesome isn't a coincidence. My Aunt Sheila is their grandmother. In addition to spending time with the Moodys, we got to hang out with our cousins Adam and Stacy all the way in from California who we haven't seen in about 9 years. Uncle Gene was there too. What could be better? A kick-ass time was had by all. Here are just a few of my favorite moments of the day and night.

1.) Andrea with her hands in the air, screaming at the amazing band "You guys are KILLING it!!!"

2.) Ross making one of his worst decisions ever.....ordering up a round of shots for the group...The bad decision part....straight up Bicardi Rum

3.) Us drinking the shots and asking each other "What the hell was that?"

4.) The solid 15 seconds it took for my cousin Adam to recognize me when I accosted him after the wedding to give him a big bear hug (9 years is a long time!)

5.) Christian Moody showing off his hybrid version of the electric slide/macarena/hustle and whatever other crazy dance moves he could throw in.

6.) Stacy working it OUT on the dance floor

7.) Seeing family that I haven't seen in years and hoping it won't be another 9 years until I see them again.

Congratulations Aaron and Alissa!

Stop! Hammer Time

Russ once told me that he thought that there was nothing better than "FWB".....Friends With Boats. If you're lucky and have friends who have generous natures, you get to enjoy the fun of having access to a boat, without the initial expense, transport hassle and inevitable ongoing maintenance and costs. I've been doubly lucky. About ten years ago, my good friend Sherry Hammer Knutson purchased a lovely little lake home on Lake Camelot, which is located in the town of Rome near Wisconsin Rapids. About five years ago, another friend, Kathy Lohmann Davis purchased her own place on the same lake about eight homes down from Hammer's. When the gals bought their weekend places, they were both single. Both have married in the interim, but happily for me and some of my other girlfriends, they have continued their long-standing tradition of hosting a girls lake weekend at least once a summer. This year, Hammer had the weekend event at her house. There were so many things to enjoy about girls weekend on the lake this year, including but not limited to:

1.) Having absolutely no reason to wear cute outfits or put on a lick of makeup

2.) A ginormous thermos filled with pre-mixed mojitos (Thanks Paula and Sharona!)

3.) A roaring campfire with hilarious stories and Melody's special summer cocktail (vodka, seltzer, frozen limeaid and fresh raspberries)

4.) A leisurely boat ride complete with, you guessed it....the aforementioned keg o'mojitos.

5.) Beautiful sunsets

6.) Fresh air and a long 6-mile walk

7.) Sleeping like the dead in "the cave" (the windowless bedroom in the cool basement)

8.) A 60-minute spin around the lake's perimeter in the kayak (hopefully, I'll be able to lift my arms tomorrow)

9.) A cloudless night sky, jammed with stars you just can't see when you're near the lights of Milwaukee

10.) Unlimited laughs with some of my favorite people

Wisconsin is blessed with such natural beauty. I'm blessed with wonderful friends who let me share it with them.

Making the most of "funemployment"

On my last full free day of my last full free week of total "funemployment" I decided to make the most of the lovely day and take out my mountain bike for a spin on the Lake Country recreational trail. The trail head is located at the Landsberg Center just east of the Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha. The first 4.5 miles of the trail is a relatively flat, mostly gravel trail that meanders past lakes and golf courses, through blooming meadows and verdant marshes. It's not uncommon to see the occasional deer or wild turkey loitering near the trail, sometimes with little ones following closely behind. Just about when you have been lulled into a false sense of security about the level of difficulty of your ride, bam! You hit a very steep, seemingly endless 1/2 mile uphill section that has felled more than a few recreational cyclists. I'm in pretty good biking shape this season, but that didn't preclude me from putting my trusty Trek into the easiest granny gear possible as I attacked the hill. I'm sure the sight of me frantically pedaling my bike as I inched up the steep incline was pretty amusing to the golfers taking a break between holes at Naga-Waukee.

Once at the top, goal completed, you are rewarded with a lovely view of Pewaukee lake behind you. The trail continues through downtown Delafield and ends at Cushing Park. Delafield is one of my favorite little towns. With the Lang Co. influence apparent in almost every structure, visiting there is like taking a step back 100 years into the past. You almost expect to see ladies in petticoats, men in top hats and horse drawn carriages in the streets. I always stop at this charming little popcorn stand to grab a treat or a beverage before making the 7.5 mile return trip.

Funemployment has been good to me. This is the 4th time I've hit the trail this season. Most likely, I'll be completely re-employed within the next month or so. Soon after, the winter winds will begin to howl and the snow will fly. I'll see you next season LCRT.