HEARTC♡RE

1. I just slammed 500 grams of carbs at a Hot Pot dinner y me siento FATAL, COMATOSE, DRUNK

2. Big back habit caused me to have a Grande Icd Brn Sgr Shkn Espresso 

• Became over caffeinated 

• Spring Goat Gouda:

• Somerdale:

• Mitica Mahon:

I expressed to my sister, Emily, that I really wanted to dive into a hobby or interest and we discussed some ideas, but the usual hobby umbrellas aren't my thing and don't come naturally (sports, creative, outdoor) . 

I've had this "hobby" thought before and I don't know why it wasn't till now that it freaking hit me - CHEESE. I am sure I am not the only one amongst the charcuterie/board lovers that want to not only eat cheese, but be knowledgeable about it - where it comes from, the notes, how it's cut/served, best way to pair, etc. And so, I am officially on the path of cheese-ploration. This is where The Cheeseme (pronounced cheese-meh) comes in - a Heartcore series to document all the fun and yummy learning experiences. 

I'd like to explore actual charcuterie (meats) and all the other aspects of the American Charcuterie Board. But for now, I think cheese is a fine start. 

I always like a photo with my posts so when I searched cheese on my phone and several boards I've had a hand in creating over the years came up, I mass uploaded - oops. 

The first official Cheeseme post is not glamorous but it's with Emily and I am excited to share, so stay tuned! :-)

There must be a post out there where I express my love for the month of February. It even beats out OCTOBER (birthday month, PSL season, Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, quintessential fall weather, and again my BIRTHDAY). A 28 day month with hues of pink and red, chocolate, candy, love, friendship, cool weather, and the lingering excitement of the new year is just so for me. 

(okay I have made a great argument for October and I almost want to have second thoughts but I know where it's at)

So yesterday was Valentine's Day 2024 (more on that holiday to come), and my friends and I went out to The Third Door, a bar on Marietta Square. I LOVE THAT PLACE - craft cocktails, great bartenders (dare I say MIXOLOGISTS), and a menu with unique signature cocktails that are rotated out monthly. We lived there last summer but our average per person bill was probably 50-60 dollars for just drinks and mind you, we probably hit multiple spots a day and this was the day's night cap, so not very sustainable. We decided to tone it down this year but of course we've been there twice this month already, lol. BUT yesterday was totally a holiday so we get a pass (yesterday's damage for the curious -  $70/4 drinks + tip). 

First drink was one of their house cocktails, Wake Up Call. I can't decide if it's Espresso Martini's younger or older brother?

• Vodka, Tuesday's Coldbrew Coffee, Oat/Vanilla, Chicory, Cream Sherry

Second and third drink were Tom Collins. 

• Gin, Lemon Juice, Sugar, and Carbonated Water

I originally asked for a Vodka Collins, but our bartender, who we get along with well, shamed me into getting the OG. I have never liked gin. I am not a fan of brown liquors, but I can, you know, give a little sippy sip. But with gin I am not tasting your drink or even giving it a whiff. So I did my best to give him an idea of what I don't like about your quintessential gin flavors and I did a bad job but he did a great job picking one out! I think I have been mistaken that all gin must be that Bombay Sapphire/London Dry taste. 

For my fourth drink - ugh I did the "surprise me" and cringe as it may it gave me a new favorite drink!! It gave me the feeling that no other drink has been able to match since the Moscow Mule circa 2017. 

Her name is Bramble: gin, blackberry liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a lemon garnish (blackberry garnish if it's in season). And the best part? poured over crushed ice (this one is for the girlies). 

It's everything I want in a drink on a night out with friends. Dusty below has the right idea: Tart + Sweet + Bitter = 🤤 she'll definitely be trending in my summer books. 

Also fun fact, it has the same creator as the Espresso Martini, Dick Bradsell. You can read more by clicking on this liquour.com link on the BRAMBLE (and see Dusty's comment).

Third Door made it with Four Peel Gin. Definitely recommend it if you're gin-curious :-)

Here's to expanding our horizons! Cheers! 

Yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday, and like every other year I opted out of watching the game (Usher's half time show wasn't enough to reel me in). I spent the evening with my brother and as we were driving back home from an empty Target, I told him how I was well into my 20s when I made the connection that the SpongeBob Bubble Bowl episode was about the Super Bowl. And it's not even a reference or inspired by - they are LITERALLY playing at a Super Bowl game (ugly looking fish and all). And as it turns out, he, who I consider pretty apt at these kinds of things, came to the same realization at that moment at his 24 years of age, LOL.  Another victim of being raised outside of the all American experience. He did make a small connection of it, but considered it an art imitates life matter - rather than well . . . . . just SpongeBob performing at the half time show.

"Sweet Victory" by Band Geeks 😉 From arguably one of the best SpongeBob episodes to exist. 

Hi all,

I hopped on to share the thoughts and emotions of my heavy heart. A Hamas led attack on Israel has led to a humanitarian crisis - Israel committing war crimes against the people of Gaza. 

Although I am focused on work during the day, at night when I have a chance to scroll through social media uninterrupted - I am a witness to all the atrocities being inflicted on the Palestinian people. The content and stories being shared are overwhelming and heartbreaking. I do not want to dive into the details as I am sure if you are reading this you are aware and can see for yourself (although I must say I am shocked, albeit shouldn't be, by the propaganda and misinformation from the Israeli government, the US, and the mainstream media). 

I am asking myself - why do I feel this crisis on such a deep level when other current events of human suffering and oppression are so rampant? I understand that some get more publicized online than others, but that should not make a difference to it's effect on my conscious. . . .

But whether it's right or not, like many things in life for many of us, there is a personal and longstanding connection to Palestine in my life. It has only been a little more than 10 years since I became aware of the movement to free Palestine, all my adult life, but it was the first movement where I truly connected with a cause of that magnitude - apartheid, oppression, genocide, war crimes, torture, surveillance state, and just what it means to live in an occupied state where there is no freedom, no opportunity, and have your life and your family's lives in the hands of government, military, and often times civilians who want you wiped off the face of the earth. . . . the statements I read then and have read now . . . I just cannot do them justice with my insignificant words. 

I am grappling with my anger and hopelessness for those that are living this reality of colonization and oppression and also questioning what I am doing to contribute to help. 

The weather has cooled down here and I am in long sleeves, pants, thick socks and under three layer of blankets. . . just thinking of those poor children and the community in the rubble and cold. . . with no water, food, power, or medical supplies. . . is this just it? For one, I listen to their stories, what were their hopes and dreams so they can know that they were heard if even just by me. . . I donated a measly $20 to a charity. . . via Paypal with a delivery ETA of sometime in late November. . . (it is mid-October) that really just pissed me off. . . but as of now no aid can enter Gaza anyways so I guess it doesn't make a difference . . .but is this just it? Is this all I can do? Will calling make a difference when President Biden is standing behind Israel 100% and sending military backup and millions, if not billions, of dollars?? 

In a way it takes me back to the university days where I could dream a little bigger - think more radically and involved and have a hunger to make a difference . . . while now, not so much, sometimes do the disservice of scrolling away from news (it's not hard to take a moment to listen and learn of the stories in my cushy and comfortable room or office). 

For a couple years now I have debated and wondered if having children is something that I want in my life. Is it selfish, is it natural? I know the world and the economy are always going to be fucked in one way or another - but that doesn't mean that I should want to raise children in it. And as someone that is currently okay with taking the that childless path - I wonder if this is my opportunity or calling to change my trajectory to doing something bigger than myself. It is hard to think that one can make a difference  . . . coupled with my own self doubt of what the fuck can I do. . but then it's like WELL SHIT people do it all the time and make a difference (because if they didn't then this world would be fucked 100000 times more and I recognize there are some very beautiful things and in some ways getting better). And even if it's not ground breaking contributions - just touching a few lives . . . isn't that more than enough? 

I am not sure, where I am headed with all this - but it is something that I just had to get off my chest and maybe help my mind stop racing and spinning in circles. I think I just have way more to think about then I have allowed myself to these last few years. 

[Lil Rob singing 'SUMMER NIGHTS']

And I am so ready! Like 97.5% of American girlies, I look forward to fall every year. Yes, I salivate for the PSEverything, but this year I add another season that I am hyped for (I appreciate Spring so much and Winter is aight). I know there's people, apart from school aged children, that look forward to summer, but it's a first for me. Summer starts in about a month (June 1) and my mass of thoughts below. 

Kicking it off with - 

1. Last week of May - Texas wedding weekend + road trip home
2. First week of June - Gulf shores beach weekend