Noodley Goodness

My husband first lived in China before we had ever met. He lived in Northern China, Xi'an (pronounced She-On) .



It is the town that is home to the terracotta warriors. 



In northern China, they tend to live more on noodle dishes than rice dishes. How is that for an interesting fact for you? There was a little noodle shop in his neighborhood, that he often frequented with his roommates. Before we ever moved to China together, all I ever heard about were those damn noodles. Finally, we were able to make the trip to Xi'an together.. along with Mario, Crystal and our friend Randall. I was excited to finally see what all the hub-bub was about.


The whole gang, minus Brandon (someone had to take the picture!) - Randall, Yours Truly, Crystal, Mario.

The noodle shop was really just a tiny little whole in the wall place, with a giant wok on top of a large open flame - boiling water for noodles.


taken by Mario


taken by Mario

The restaurant was not in the Muslim Quarter, but was owned by a Hui family. Like most noodle restaurants in China, the noodles were handmade.

Almost a year after my first taste of the noodles, Brandon and I went to Xi'an again. We, of course, headed to the Muslim noodles shop asap only to find that it, along with almost an entire block of buildings, had been leveled.

Out of curiosity, we ran across the street to a shabby dry cleaning place and asked the owner if he knew if the restaurant had moved.... it had. Score! He jotted down the directions and off we were. We hiked around Xi'an for the better part of an hour before finally stumbling across the new home for those glorious Xi'an Muslim noodles.

The new establishment was much more Western friendly...

They were still run by the same family and were still hand making their noodles.

I don't know if you can tell, and you may already be familiar with this, but the man in that picture is taking the long strands of dough and pulling, swinging, and thwaping it around in the air and on the table. This is actually a common site among the streets and restaurants in Northern China. Oh, and do you see that basket of green stuff? Coriander .. or Cilantro. Whatever you want to call it.

The noodle ingredients were pretty basic: noodles, cauliflower, potato, fried tofu, black fungus and carrots. Always with cilantro on the top! Mmmm.


Please excuse the blurriness.

The flavor comes from all of the spices. I'm sure there is something in the broth they used to cook the vegetables in, but the majority of the spice comes from what you add after your helping has been dished.







I've slowly learned how to recreate this dish for my husband. Of course, I have no noodle-thwapping skills, so I just make egg noodles and cut the strips out. I have a pasta maker, but it doesn't make them as thick as they should be.

I made this dish the other night. I like to think it is one of the reasons he still keeps me around.

Getting My Noodle-Groove on, in our hobbit-sized kitchen in China, 2005

----

After searching through my old Chinese photos, I came across some lameo ones I took with a point and shoot, because I oh-so-desperately wanted engagement picture. And OMG look at my hair! LOVE it. Why can't it be like that now? (insert whiny 4 year old voice, foot stomp and door slam here)


Spring 2005

Dear Crystal

By my calculations, I don't think we've seen each other in an ENTIRE month.



We should fix that.

Love,

EmilyPie

Sayonara

Happy Nevada Day (tomorrow), I'm going to California. But thanks for the holiday Nevada.

Tonight, we'll be leaving after work for the one, the only, Bakersfield, California. We are visiting friends from San Diego (flights were too expensive, and since the friends and my husband are all from Bakersfield, we've met up there a few times instead)...


The last time we were with these guys was for the fourth of July....

(So they aren't in this picture, but I am. They were at this party, I just thought this was the most hilarious shot to post.)

Before that, Napa.....

Before that, on another trip to Bakersfield....

Tequila Shots from Emily Pie on Vimeo.

I think it is safe to say that my liver might be in trouble after this trip, no?

I'm also lucky enough to be able to meet up with these lovely ladies for breakfast!

But guess what, I'm leaving the 5D at home and will be rocking the crappy lil point and shoot instead. Sorry.

This is NOT my Challenge Submission!

Ohemgee! Did you see the challenge Ashley blogged about? 

For Realz, Yo. I'm so jumping on that train. Now I just need to think of an idea... 

In the mean time, check out the stupid video I made earlier in the evening... just because .... 

A Video Blog? from Emily Pie on Vimeo.

I'm sure many of you aren't familiar with a few of the references in this video. But, because I'm such a nice gal, I'll link a few things for you ... Memo to Ed Adkins started by mrjerz & Mound House, NV. 

And now... I can sleep. 

Weekend Update

(and, Happy 500th Post!)

Remember the maternity session I had a (long) while back with our friends in Davis? Well, this weekend, they came to town to visit with us and Crystal and Mario. Of course, they brought their sweet little babe, Landyn, with them. 

 

On Sunday, we all met at the university and did the walk for the cure. From now on, I'm only exercising with babies ... they make me look good.

I had a lovely weekend... how about you?

Apology

A while back, I made a choice to write about my feelings here. I blogged about my insecurities in a friendship triangle because two of the friends were able to spend more time together than I was with them. Unfortunately, I spoke more uncandidly than I thought I was... and while I had no intentions of shining a negative light on them (as they had done nothing wrong), I understand that my writing may have still cast them in a negative way. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for that. That was not what I had in mind at all. What I thought I was doing was simply expressing my feelings and calling the feelings out on their lameness. 

As for turning the comments off on that blog, if you notice, I have the tendency to do that when I blog about my "feelings".  I know that I will still get feedback from those posts via email, as I did on that post, and I plan on continuing with that method. I like it. 

The Old Familiar Sting

I didn't know if I should write about this, about my feelings. I normally never write about my feelings on this blog, I try to keep it pictures, dogs, blah blah blah. Then, I try and write a heartfelt post and each one starts out like this, all, I never do this... Then, those posts gets toned down because I'm worried about offending or being taken the wrong way and judged. So I start off making it a big deal, but the post gets watered down and by the end, you are left thinking, "What was her problem?"

This is because I am a photographer and not a writer. Deal with it. Even if you don't understand what my point was or why exactly I was upset with something, writing it helped me.

I also hate editing.

Back to my feelings.

Have you ever been in a threesome? I don't mean the sexy kind.. I mean a trio of friends. Well, have you? Did it work out? Or was there always someone on the outside?

For me, I feel as if a threesome of friends is always a bit awkward. Maybe it is because I am a tad bit insecure? Maybe it is because I'm a catty girl? I don't know. Whatever it is, I've never had a FABULOUS experience with threesomes.

Until this summer.

Things happened, and through the magic of the blog-world, I met up with two of the coolest gals a girl could know. We had an amazing time... the THREE OF US. It was enough to make me rethink my stance on friendly trios.

Slowly, I noticed that the other two were growing closer and closer, while my relationship status with each of them, maintained.

Here is when I blame my lack of a Mac for my personal problems.

If I had had iChat, maybe things would have been different? Maybe we could have engaged in more three-way chat sessions? Maybe.

Instead, they were able to engage in the fancy iChat sessions together. I'm also sure they also had the chance to bond over their new careers as full-time photographers.

I, on the other hand, was stuck in my day job. My life hadn't taken that drastic change. That alone makes me different -left feeling inferior.

When Blogher came around, two of us were able to go, and one person wasn't. That person was left feeling left out. We felt horrible that she wasn't there to share in the experience with us... and I'd like to think that we showed her we cared .... by parading her head around on a stick. Yes folks, in my twisted little head, that equates to love.

Around that time, the friend who couldn't make it to blogher posted this little post about her feelings. Go read it. I'm sure we've all been there. I'm kind of there right now, in a way.

Yes... my point is that now... now I am the one feeling left out. I'm feeling as if their connection has grown much closer than mine has with either of them. It is the natural progression of a friendly trio I presume.

As of late, opportunities for them to do things together have come up. These opportunities will of course, strengthen their friendship further. As these things happen, I'll be sitting around, hoping and praying they don't twitter about it or refer to each other as their "fabulous" and "wonderful" friends.

Catty? I know.

Pathetic? I get it.

I can't help it. I don't want to feel like this. I don't want to read their blog posts and think, "Why don't they refer to me that way?" or "Why didn't she mention I was with her?"

I need to stop wallowing in my self-created misery.

On a side note...sort of... Isn't it funny how lame your feelings seem to be once you've shared them with others? Laid out on the line the emotions you've had pent up inside, and then all of a sudden you realize they don't really seem that "legitimate" ? And now you are left hating yourself for still feeling that way... regardless of how childish the reason may be? Still feeling hurt because one person gets to play more with the other. I'm so immature.

But, it still hurts.

(I turned comments off on this.)

Baby Maker

I don't know if you happened to read this post on Colleen's blog (judging by the number of comments on the post, I'm pretty sure you have...).. but in case you missed it: 

She also posted a few "ideas" about what her baby might look like - thanks to makemebabies.com. I was curious and decided to upload pictures of myself and my husband - my facial hair sporting husband. Apparently, the facial hair & bangs threw the baby makers off... or they were letting us know that adoption was in our future... either way, here was our result: 

What Friends Are For

A long, long, time ago. My friend Crystal asked if I could take some "vintage" family portraits of her and her little family. Now, "vintage" isn't normally my style. I'm not typically one to fool around in the post-processing, so this was going to be a challenge. But who better to have as guinea pigs than your good friends?

I had a certain look in mind. There is a family picture (somewhere, and in an oval frame!) of some distant relatives (from one side of the family or the other) and I remember the couple having a squinty-the-sun-is-in-our-eyes look. The hair was dark and their faces worn. The couple stood next to each other and lacked any type of emotions, minus said sun-complaint. The colors were fade and quite "sepia" like (as much as I DESPISE sepia). Going into this, that was my inspiration - except I wanted to portray a little more emotion, and less squinting.

We met Mario and Crystal at their house and hiked up this haggard hill behind their house, making Brandon lug a kitchen chair on his back like the pack-mule he is.

I setthe chair up and quickly realized I was too late for lens flare. The sun was JUST setting behind the mountain.

Damn. If only I had gotten there 15 minutes earlier. Oh well... on to a different idea. Improvisation, I could handle that. A few shots later, and I think I have some stuff to work with. Now, it is a matter of figuring out the post processing... ugh. Like I said, I am not usually one to mess with photos too much. So I'm having a difficult time. I *think* I like these...... but maybe I've just been staring at them too long?

But, they are pretty cute in modern-times too! 

Pictures of US!?

Holy Role Reversal Batman! I think I could get used to this. Tuesday, we met up with our good friends Mario, Crystal, and baby-tooth-growing-Squidge for a family photo session. I wanted to try out a new location by their house, and well, Crystal is always up for pictures .... not to mention.. she feeds us well.

While I'm back logged, and have yet to even touch many of the photos I've taken the last 6 days. Mario was quick like lightning in getting his pictures up! So, I took it upon myself to share. Our photo session was a little more impromptu. Brandon was sporting a ginormous t-shirt and shaggy hair, and was not thrilled about being in photographs in that state. I told him to shove it.. stand next to me.. and look like he loves me!

**all of these shots were taking by Mario**

I've decided that we need more pictures take of us. I'm usually taking pictures of other people, and my husband is very thankful of that because that means he isn't on the other side of my lens. I told the husband to be prepared ... he has a large, tri-pod photo session coming up where he will be photographed with me and the dogs... for Christmas cards! muahahaha.


P.S. Check out the sweet Northern Nevada background! I love this part of the country. Sage brush & mountains .. oh my!

If My Dogs Only Knew

(I really shouldn't be posting these, as I just realized I forgot my power cord.. but I had to share ....)

They aren't the best Chloe & Burrito-roonie shots ...but you get the idea.

... and one more Burrito shot, for Sarah.

Photogging Madness!

This evening, after work, I'm leaving Reno and driving over the hill to San Francisco. Again. Really, I am. As if I haven't had enough fabulous jaunts over the hill this summer.... I get another one!

Ashley was kind enough to ask me to 2nd shoot a wedding with her this weekend and I have a family portrait session lined up for the following day, before I head out of town. Hello fun-filled weekend of PHOTOGRAPHY! ... I love my life.

Of course, there is always a downside to fancy photography weekends..... leaving my fabulously supportive husband at home by himself. We thought about going together, but honestly, I wont have any time to spend with him. Also, we have friends coming in town and he gets to go float the Truckee River ...again... with out me. So, while I'm gallivanting about the Bay Area enjoying myself, I know Brandon will be lifting his butt to avoid rocks, screaming loudly as the cold mountain water soaks him for the first time, and enjoying the company of some old friends. That makes me feel a bit better ... but that isn't to say I'd rather runaway together and let is just be the two of us for a weekend ....... some day.

To add this story, I was gone all evening last night. I met up with a friend for drinks, a photo session, and then dinner. I had a wonderful time with her. And ... we were only accosted by ONE transient.. who insisted he should be the guy behind the camera! The lighting was rad, and the company was even more rad. I had a blast, and I hope she loves her pictures as much as I do.

The Best Part About Blogging

This year, I've had the amazing pleasure of meeting of up with several of my favorite bloggers. There have been individual meetings, photo excursions, photo excursions gone to breakfast, blogging convention fun-ness, and last night, Brandon and I met up with Sarah & Jon while they were on vacation in Lake Tahoe.

Originally, I had offered a photo session to them, but it was mostly so I could get more pretty people fro my portfolio. Unfortunately, a freaking cold front decided to blow in this weekend. The wind was incredible! .. but not so helpful when it came to an outdoor photo shoot. I managed to snap a few shots, before dropping (and breaking) my 50mm .. and then calling it a wrap and heading to the restaurant to start getting our booze on- which we did.

**Shot with my 50mm f/1.4 .. rest in peace my dear friend. RIP.**

**shot with my Sigma 24-70 f/2.8**

And in case you missed my twitters from the evening ... a few iphone pics...

OMG I had a blast. I wish I could have had a better chance to take their pictures.... but maybe next time? ....Like, when we meet up in Napa? ;) 

Ribtacular!

Attended the 20th Annual Rib Cook Off in Sparks this evening. It was actually the first time Brandon and I have been able to go in our three summers here! Although we had some mighty fine ribs, I was sad there weren't any stalls from Kansas City - even though Kansas City Barbecue Society was a sponsor in this whole shindig. I also managed to find sun tea, but no sweet tea. Damn it ya'll ... don't you know if there is going to be a BBQ Rib contest there needs to be a participant from Kansas City making some kick-ass KC style BBQ ..... and there needs to be some sweet tea. Sheesh Nevada... get it right.*

We got to see Joey Chestnut kick some serious tail in a rib eating contest ... that was pretty awesome. The dude at 9.8 lbs of rib meat in 12 minutes!

** all of these shots were taken using my Canon 50mm f/1.4**

We did some eating ourselves...













.. and a few other random pictures ...

*I could very well be wrong, and just happened to miss the Kansas City rib stall & sweet tea completely, but I'm fairly certain there wasn't anything like that there.

Some Might Call Us Crazy

We're back, safe and sound, from a little weekend away with friends. Friday evening, Brandon, the pups and I headed up to Lake Almanor along with Mario, Crystal, (7 month old) Scarlett, and their two dogs. We had a small camping trip in a camp ground we'd never been to.... with the incapable beings outnumbering the capable. (Does that even make sense?) 

Thankfully, this camping trip was no where near as bearventful as the one we all went on last year! Actually, I don't think there were even any bears at this site ... surprisingly. 

I didn't have my camera out for most of it, but I did manage to snap a few shots to share... 

Oh yes, and Brandon and I were there as well! ... Though we aren't too fond of being in front of the camera....

The River Wild

Brandon and I met up with our friends in Truckee to float the Truckee river - an activity which, though it is quite popular, Brandon and I have always been busy in the past to meet up with our friends when ever they've made this trip in the past. This time, we were able to make it! And OMG, I want to just do it over and over again... like that one time I rode the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World about a half-dozen or so times -  in a row. This was THAT much fun. 

They say, the typical route starts in Tahoe City.... but we got in in Truckee and floated a few hours down. We hit a few rapids. Some were rougher than others - considering we were in an inner tube and all. I even whacked one really well with my butt... I'm have sitting troubles this evening. Ouch.

It was a GORGEOUS day. 







Melinda! 

Michael

I don't know who these pasty legs belong to! .. Haven't a clue. ;) 

Family Time

Some friends of a friend were in town this weekend... some friends who just happened to have me photograph their wedding a while ago... and we met up for a little family portrait session this evening. (After stressing about my camera which needed cleaning... badly. Hubby came to the rescue... but I'm pretty sure I'm going to be sending her off for a week to get some professional TLC)

Pay no attention to my siggy. Photoshop butchers the signature when the picture is resized in lightroom first.

Monking Around

Some of you remember the friend of my husband's who decided to become a Buddhist Monk in Thailand. Some of you have even asked how he's doing. So, I thought I'd give a little update...


But first....


My husband, Crystal's husband, the Buddhist Monk, and (as you all like to call him) Will Ferrel have all been BFFs since they were .. oh two or three. They all grew up in Bakersfield together, and most of them went to high school together. They were in boy scouts and play groups with each other. When college came, they all went their separate ways (from UCLA to Cornell).

Left to Right: Andrew (aka Will Ferrell), Mario (Crystal's hubby), Brandon (mine!), Sean (the now, Buddhist Monk). 

When Brandon and I first started dating and I learned of these friendships, I was a might bit intimidated. I had had boyfriends who worshiped their friends to the point that no girl ever stood a chance. Even before I got a chance to meet these guys, I knew right away that .. oh my gosh.. not only do they have an incredibly special friendship... they have healthy relationships with each other AND others. These guys are fabulous role models for what friendship should be.

Yesterday, we got some pictures in the mail from Sean's ordination ceremony. He also sent an email telling us that after the ceremony, they travelled to northern Thailand for a retreat. Here are his words telling about the trip back to the temple: 

On the last day of the one month program, we boarded another double-decker touring bus to return to Bangkok. Our driver was in a hurry, so he sped through the windy mountain turns dangerously, narrowly escaping cliffs that dropped hundreds of meters down into a river. But the last turn proved too twisty for our driver, so our bus fell off of the road and began to roll down the mountain. I thought we were done for. We all did. Fortunately, a big tree at the edge of the final precipice stopped our momentum. If the tree wasn't there, I would not be alive right now.

After a few days in the hospital, he's now back at the temple and we were able to talk to him last night.  He seems quite happy with his decision, and plans on remaining at the temple for a while. 

Here are a few pictures of the ordination ceremony... 

Now, I don't know if Monk's are allowed to blog, but Sean... if you are, I highly suggest you start! ... Congratulations! (Is that what one says to another after they are ordained?) 

Because I'm a Slacker...

WAAAAY back on July 11th, we had a friend in town, and friend out of town, and some friends over for dinner. I took some pictures, until my 2nd glass of wine kicked in and I said screw it (actually, I continued taking pictures, but I might as well have just said screw it because .. well... they were just as in focus as my eyeballs were after one too many ....)

I really have nothing witty to say about this night. I'm going to be honest with you though, the only reason I'm posting them here is because it is hell trying to get people to figure out Flickr. *Sigh* Who am I kidding? I should just upload to myspace or .. I guess the big deal these days is facebook, no? This is where I shout out to my Real Life Peeps ... Are you reading this? Because I don't know, and it would sure be helpful to know... because then I know how much crap I can talk on here wont have to bore you with the same old stories (when I do find time to meet up with you). So, open up the comments section and leave me one... k?

Crystal was out of town, spending her first night ever away from Squidge.... so I got to feed her! 













You stay with us....and we put you to work!





And then I take your picture ...

The One Where I Inundate You with Photos

Ashley and I wandered about Little Italy and Chinatown this morning, before I left San Francisco. Seriously, these are my two favorite neighborhoods... ever. Mostly for photographic reasons, but also because Chinatown makes me a little nostalgic - and I like that feeling. 

And Of Course .... 

There are also more on my flickr site, if you are so inclined.