Who goes bowling on a Saturday morning?

Two weekends ago, we joined the Reunion leadership community for some candlepin bowling in Davis Square. While Sacco's has renovated (everyone who went last year was amazed) and added a tasty flatbread kitchen, the lanes remain delightfully old school.

We claimed a lane with Dan and Kristin and got right to it. The bowling balls are tiny and the pins are (you guessed it) straight and skinny. It's surprisingly difficult, even though each turn is three balls. Downed pins remain where they fall, adding a new dimension — you can aim strategically for fallen pins to take out several others. I attempted this on multiple occasions, mostly throwing it into the gutter.

Like regular bowling, Ian destroyed my score, as did Dan and Kristin.

BUT I bowled a strike, and was the only one in the Reunion group to do so. Apparently it's hard, and I still can't figure out how I did it. I can still brag, right?

With or without the strike, we had a great time doing something so New England. And the unpredictability is entertaining. Who knows? Maybe next time I'll finally beat Ian...

Advent Conspiracy: goats and chickens

Goats thrive in harsh climates. Goats provide milk, which families can also use to make cheese and yogurt. Kids get healthy nutrition and the family can sell the extra at market. Goats poop, which fertilizes crops and gardens. Goats make baby goats. Families can sell baby goats, providing nutrition and income for another family. Money buys food, bedding, and schooling. Educated kids can pursue their dreams and make a difference, improving their community.

Chickens don't require a lot of money, space or food to thrive and grow. Chickens provide eggs — a great source of protein and income. Chicks hatch. Families can sell or share chicks. Other families now have chickens, providing eggs and income.

Communities changed by goats and chickens. or sheep. or HIV/AIDS care. or music lessons. or soccer balls. or fruit trees. or mosquito nets. or sewing machines. The World Vision catalog has options.

My family has donated through World Vision for a long as I can remember, so when it was time for me to start giving back, it was an easy decision (although I know there are many other great organizations). They are responsible — four stars on charitynavigator.com, and they share our commitment to unconditional love and compassion. And as of last year, it's Pomplamoose approved (click here for info on this year's Pomplamoose Christmas album).

I really appreciate how the gift catalog allows you to make this sort of giving very personal. When my grandpa, a farmer, passed away last Christmas, we gave my grandma seeds in his memory. Does your cousin like cuddly animals? Give rabbits. Is your brother finance oriented? Fund a microloan. Is your uncle a doctor? Give medicine. It's the thoughtfulness of a present with the all joy of making an impact.

And if you're looking for a bigger step, consider sponsoring a child as a family for Christmas. It's a beautiful thing to build a relationship with someone across the world. Ian and I are so blessed to see an artist and athlete grow up, knowing we're sharing what we've been given to help him and his family have a better life.

This Christmas, sponsor a child, fund a microloan, give a goat, and change a community.

an evening at Symphony Hall

Six Christmases ago (our first), I gave Ian two tickets to the Prague Symphony Orchestra, performing at K-State that spring. Since then, symphony date night turned into a (mostly) annual event. We've seen the Munich Symphony Orchestra, National Philharmonic of Russia, Philadelphia Orchestra, and now the BSO.

We started the evening at Petit Robert Bistro in the South End. Expanding our palates, we tried a trio of pâté. Educational. Ian continued with duck confit (curiosity piqued by Top Chef) and I went for a missed favorite, steak frites. We finished it off with a coconut caramel creme, similar to flan. It was a delightful and tasty dinner, and I can imagine there are bistros in France just like this one.

After dinner, we bundled up and walked to Symphony Hall. Built in 1900, it is one of the finest concert halls in the world — amazing such an old building is still in use for the same purpose it was built. While they value engineered the exterior of the building, they made sure the interior detailing remained as beautiful as they planned. It's quite stunning, and the padded, folding wooden seats are surprisingly comfortable.

We experienced Mozart live for the first time and John Harbison came out on stage after they performed his second symphony. The evening concluded with Shumann's captivating Symphony No. 2.

I'm so glad Ian appreciates the classics.

Advent Conspiracy: fresh water wells

While Advent Conspiracy is about rescuing Christmas from consumerism and restoring it's true meaning, it also is tied strongly to ending the world water crisis. Ten billion dollars would provide fresh clean water to the rest of the world; Americans spent approximately 450 billion dollars on Christmas last year. We can solve a global problem by giving less than 3% of our Christmas budgets to the cause.

Advent Conspiracy asks participating churches/organizations to donate at least 25% of their AC offering/donation (directly, not via Advent Conspiracy) to the water distribution program of their choice. I thought it fitting to highlight the two water organizations we support.

For Advent Conspiracy, Reunion gives away one Sunday's offering to a handful of charities, local and global. This year, the list includes Living Water International (4 stars on charitynavigator.org). We watched that video on Sunday, and their efforts in Haiti (no longer in the headlines, but still in desperate need) really spoke to me.

For Christmas, Living Water offers gift cards. The recipient takes the card (or e-card), visits the Living Water web site, and redeems, in $5 increments, for any of several current water projects. Perfect for a wish list or a gift idea. And, of course, you can simply donate in honor of someone. (Company/employer matching programs exist, and federal employees can donate through their workplace giving campaign.)

If you've been reading the blog very long, you might be familiar with charity:water thanks to Ian's birthday campaign. He gave up gifts in exchange for money to fund a well. His campaign is now closed; in about a year we will learn the location of the project his birthday helped fund. 100% of the campaigns goes to fund clean water. A charity:water campaign is a great way to put water on your Christmas wish list, and it allows both you and givers to track the impact of their combined generosity.

If you're looking for a gift you can hold, check out their gift store - as with campaigns, 100% of the holiday gift price goes toward water projects (% varies on non-holiday gifts, but proceeds still support charity:water and raise awareness). Order by December 10 for delivery by Christmas.

Advent Conspiracy is about spending less to give more - relationally, but also financially to those truly in need. Clean water is essential, yet one in six go without. Let's make this season count, and provide a merry Christmas beyond our borders. The first step is water.

For more Advent Conspiracy ideas, click here.

Advent Conspiracy: TOMS shoes

Ian and I both love our TOMS — classics, cordones, botas — 3 pairs each and counting. They're comfortable, stylish, and wearing them initiates you into a club, where everyone wearing TOMS notices your TOMS. The ensuing compliments are a nice confidence boost.

They also last. I still sport my first pair, purchased over a year and a half ago. They're fabric so they soak quickly when wet, but they dry out and are fine. I accidentally walked through mud in my yellow linen TOMS. Once dried, it vacuumed right out and you can hardly tell. The cordones and botas are great for cooler weather, with a little more weight and/or fluff than the classics. The classics, on the other hand, make the TSA's shoe-removal requirement a breeze (but are no help in the radiation/groping issue).

Best of all, every time you buy a pair, whether it's online or from a department store, they donate a pair of shoes to a child that needs them. These one-for-one shoes are designed for the kids' location, i.e. mountains = warm shoes with traction, and giving partners make multi-year commitments to continue providing shoes as the kids grow.

So why shoes? Kids without shoes are prone to diseases, infections and parasites they can't afford to treat. Kids without shoes can't walk as far to get needed water, medical treatment, and education. Kids without shoes are less likely to be successful in school. With shoes, healthy, educated children can change their communities.

Visit TOMS.com to order. Want to give TOMS but don't know which to pick? Give a gift certificate with the TOMS story dvd. (In the event you get the wrong size, TOMS is great about returns — if in doubt, wear them inside until you're sure.)

Either way, gifter and giftee can feel good knowing sweet new kicks mean somewhere a child has a better life.

For more Advent Conspiracy ideas, click here.

Advent Conspiracy: Punjammies

Pajamas often are a standby Christmas present — footed pajamas in SkyMall and matching sets from infomercials are akin to the dreaded Christmas sweater. And obligatory presents have no place in Advent Conspiracy. After all, how many women's lives have been changed by Christmas pajamas?

Not many, until punjammies. In India, International Princess Project provides after-care facilities for girls who have escaped slavery in the sex trade. These girls receive medical care, emotional support, and education. As part of their rehabilitation, they create punjammies. This vocational training empowers them to support themselves and begin to see their true value. Sales provide fair-trade wages and afford more resources to rescue more girls.

The pajamas are comfortable and beautiful — bright colors and bold patterns have a touch of the exotic. Mine were a perfect fit thanks to the accurate sizing charts (styles vary so check the chart on the individual product page). I was disappointed when I noticed they had started to fray at the seams after one washing. I contacted the IPP office, which promptly exchanged them for a different pair (cotton instead of polyester). My contact was very apologetic and she let me know their new fabrics shouldn't have this problem. My new punjammies look great after lots of weekend and holiday lounging (and made it through the laundry just fine).

Pickings are slim right now, but new styles are on the way for Christmas shopping so keep checking. They sell out very quickly; if you see the perfect gift, don't wait.

For more Advent Conspiracy ideas, click here.

Christmas can [still] change the world.

For the second time, we're going through Advent Conspiracy with Reunion.

I've heard several people say they prefer Thanksgiving to Christmas because there's no stress — just a great meal with friends and family. Which begs the question, why is Christmas stressful? Does it have to be? Isn't the point of giving gifts to share love?

Answer: Advent Conspiracy. This year we're giving more relationally — presents with meaning and purpose, and scaling back to give more. Take away the time and money wasted on obligation gifts, and you have more left for enjoying the season and sharing what matters — joy, love, freedom — with everyone, near and far.

If you'd like to join the conspiracy, over the next several days I'll share some of our favorite gifts that keep giving. And we'd love to hear how you're making Christmas _more_ [relational, intentional, meaningful, joyful] with _less_ [stress, spending, obligation, stuff].

For Advent Conspiracy ideas, click here.

someone new on the Charles River

We welcome a new neighbor at the office, although I think he picked the wrong season to move to the Charles. I wonder if his family misses him?

Happy Thanksgiving from Boston

eight great friends.

22 pounds of turkey nicknamed "big boy."

one great Thanksgiving in Boston.

Hope you had a wonderful holiday with plenty of thanks.

a surprise vacation in...

Right after I volunteered to bring quiche for my book club's November meeting, Ian told me I couldn't go. He had plans for the weekend.

"Well, can we do it later Saturday? After book club? It's just in the morning."

"No. Actually, it might involve an overnight bag."

The next day, I received the following e-mail:

In preparation for this weekend, please block off your schedule from 3:30 PM on Friday, November 12th until 8 PM Sunday, November 14th, and be waiting at the office by 3:30 on the 12th with the following items packed:

• Nice evening dinner attire for one evening,
• Casual comfortable clothing for 2 days, including fleece/warmly lined pants and outdoorsy shoes,
• "Cozy" clothes for the purpose of vegetating,
• Toiletries,
• Reading materials of your choice, and
• Provisions for automotive travel ranging from three to eight hours of travel.

*If possible, please try and complete all work prior to 3:30 PM on the 12th to ensure maximum productivity during the weekend.

If you have any questions regarding this appointment, please feel free to ask. However, know that at this time, some details are confidential, and therefore I may be unable to answer.

Thank you.

Friday, we brought our bags to work and by 3:45 we were sitting on the bench outside. Ian let me think we were waiting for Enterprise, then Brett and Emily drove up. Discovery 1 — the trip was in honor of Emily's birthday. But the guys remained tight-lipped about our destination.

After one Target stop for an iPod cable, three states (including Mass) and four Frosty + french fry snacks, Brett stopped in a gas station parking lot and pulled out his MacBook for a slide show presentation. Emily made discovery 2 — our destination was the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont — quaint mountain resort town and home to Ben & Jerry's and Cabot cheese. Amen.

We enjoyed a late dinner at Pie-casso (tip from our awesome waitress — order "pigs in a garden," an off-menu pie) before checking in at the Lodge.

The next morning, we had a late breakfast and spent a good hour playing with the modeling clay that came in one of Emily's birthday boxes. We finally decided we should probably get out and explore, so we headed to Pinnacle Trail and conquered Hogback Mountain.

I learned that while I may have the balance and grace of a mountain goat (flattering, right?), I'm not a die-hard outdoorswoman.

In the face of mud and a couple icy sections, we made it to the top and spent some time eating homemade Chex mix while looking at this.

After our hike, we hopped back in the car to catch a Ben & Jerry's factory tour. Short and sweet, you end with a heaping sample of ice cream. Then we headed to the scoop shop to get more.

We finished Saturday with nachos and shepherd's pie at Gracie's, then headed back to the lodge for some well-earned rest and relaxation.

Sunday, we indulged in brunch at the Trapp bakery — possibly the best chocolate croissant I've ever had. After Brett finished his training run, we loaded up the car, then wandered the grounds. Our search for the extra-hairy cows was unsuccessful, but we did see a von Trapp family member giving a tour at the Captain and Maria's graves. Content with our von Trapp experience, we headed into town.

After lunch at the Depot Street Malt Shop, we explored downtown then headed to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for some tasty souvenirs and Ian and I's first encounter with cider doughnuts. Car and stomachs full, we headed back to Boston.

Brett — thanks for letting us join your surprise for Emily. It was so much fun spending a weekend with you both. And again, happy birthday Emily!

For more photos, click here.

chocolate world tour: Peru

60% cocoa, well-rounded with subtle jasmine notes and a clean finish
Ideal pairing: cabernet sauvignon

I confess, Peru was shortchanged. We were relaxing with Micki and the chocolate bar disappeared with very few tasting notes and no pairing. I did, however, manage to write down two descriptors: "creamy" and "the epitome of dark chocolate." I think it's safe to say this was a satisfying end to an evening with good company.

chocolate world tour: São Thomé

70% cocoa, intense cocoa flavor with an exciting bitterness
Ideal pairing: dry roasted almonds

As we unwrapped the São Thomé bar, a nutty baking chocolate smell wafted past the foil. The first taste revealed a deep molasses flavor, and floral (jasmine in particular) and earthy components. A hint of rubber snuck in, but not in any unpleasant way - more of a memory of summer bike rides than an actual, tangible flavor.

The texture of the chocolate was a good match for roasted almonds - thicker, so it coated the nuts as I chewed. The chocolate was a little bitter at first, but the almond balanced this. It reminded us of hot chocolate at Cafe by the Ruins in Baguio - rich dark chocolate bits melted into steaming carabao milk - if you drank it sitting next to a cozy campfire, everything taking on a hint of woodsmoke.

Since coming back from the Philippines, I get sporadic craving for a cup of Rizal's hot chocolate. It's nice to get some satisfaction without a $2,000 plane ticket.

Catherine and the original Boston cream pie

Last week, Catherine was in town for a food and nutrition convention. Even though her schedule was packed (when your grad school pays, you can't miss anything), she managed to squeeze in an evening with us.

After work on Monday, we met her at her hotel downtown then headed straight for the Omni-Parker House, home of the original Boston cream pie.

We walked in to old money elegance — dark wood, high ceilings, gilt molding, plush carpet. Feeling mildly out of place, Ian led us on to the hotel restaurant where the maître d’ apologized, but as we didn't have reservations he couldn't squeeze us in until after eight. Catching a glimpse of the restaurant interior and patrons, perhaps this was for the best — I'm not sure our attire was quite up to snuff.

Instead, we opted for The Last Hurrah — the hotel bar — for a relaxed dinner while still indulging in that Boston classic at it's birthplace. We caught up over clam chowder, stew, and chili before splitting dessert. It was gone in 5 minutes.

After dinner, we wandered around Beacon Hill and the Common, and Catherine told us more about Hershey — the man, the company, and what it's like to work there. It was a lovely evening despite the rain.

Catherine, it was great to see you and we'll be taking up your offer to visit Hershey!

chocolate world tour: Venezuela

70% cocoa, unique mild taste with hints of floral and dried grasses
ideal pairing: Earl Grey tea

The Venezuela kicked off our chocolate tour with a strong, rich scent, reminiscent of a good dark hot chocolate. It started off dry and sweet but darkened the longer we savored it. On a texture scale, it was evenly balanced between smooth and chalky — there was a sharp snap but it wasn't too dry.

After an initial taste, we combined it with Harney & Sons Earl Grey tea. This brought out more dry, grassy flavors in the chocolate. It was almost musty, like a hay bale in the summertime, and the tart and bitterness of the chocolate came through more as well. The chocolate also heightened these flavors in the tea.

Wine is the usual suspect for in-depth flavor analysis, so I find it delightfully intriguing that other foods also have a deep complexity of flavor. Hello again, chocolate. It's nice to know you've grown up alongside me.

Eagle's Deli, or John and Erin move to Boston

Almost two weeks ago, John and Erin arrived in Boston with a moving truck. We're so excited to have them here in Boston, just a ride away on the green line!

Fox was able to leave work early and help them unload in the afternoon. By the time Ian and I arrived at their new apartment, everything was inside. So instead of revealing my lack of muscle, we admired John, Erin, and Fox's sheer moving power, then told our commute story.

November 2, you might recall, was an election day. To fulfill our civic duty, we made a pit stop on the way to John and Erin's. Post-vote, we discussed the candidates as we passed the elevators on our way out. Then we heard a yell and a thud.

Our polling location happens to be in an independent living apartment building for older folks. Ian and I turned around to see an elderly Asian woman on the floor in a puddle of blue Tide with bleach alternative. Ian checked to make sure she was okay and helped her up while another man went to get paper towels. The woman kept apologizing, but we were just glad she wasn't hurt. Between her sorries, we learned her husband hadn't tightly replaced the detergent cap. It must have leaked as she got off the elevator and she slipped in the inevitable puddle, flinging soap everywhere. I couldn't help but think of an episode of Fringe where an off-the-charts genius sets chains of events in motion by doing something mundane — dropping a pen or perhaps unscrewing a laundry detergent lid.

We cleaned off a few more soap globs at John and Erin's before the five of us headed out for dinner at Eagle's Deli, of Man vs. Food fame.

I finished my food. Ian didn't. Those are some pretty big bragging rights.

Clean plate or not, they were excellent burgers, and we're glad we got to share that Boston first with John and Erin. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Anna = office supply item, Ian = guest speaker

I'd been researching couples costumes for Halloween this year. Then the department head invited Ian to go back to K-State on Halloween weekend to speak to students about internship opportunities. It was a huge honor, so of course he said yes. (Plus you really can't turn down a free trip.)

Thus began my quest for an amazing Halloween costume for Dan and Kristin's Costume Brew ha ha.

I settled on Post-It note. Creative, simple, inexpensive, and most importantly, not too flashy while riding the T (as Ian wouldn't be there to fend off decked out drunk guys). Original idea credit goes to a random girl in an English class my junior year.

Saturday evening, I showed up at Dan and Kristin's looking like this.

We had a memorable evening of sweets, Catchphrase, and Pictionary. I thoroughly embarassed myself in Pictionary — so much so I'm unwilling to share the details. And to add insult to injury, the guys routed the ladies in both games. Just wait until Valentines, when we exact our revenge.

In the meantime, Ian had a great trip. Over 70 people showed up for his presentation on great Boston spaces, and he enjoyed talking to students and faculty about preparing for internships, graphics (especially sketching), and sitting in on classes as a guest critic. K-State, the department, and studio are all like family and he loved spending time with everyone. Add that to dinner and football with Nathan and Caleb as well as Deb and Jim, and you get one happy husband. Throw in some dust jacket protective covers from the Dusty Bookshelf and a trip to the jewelry store for a wedding ring cleaning, and you get a happy wife, too.

And by now, you might be curious about those couples costumes I found. Bazinga! You'll just have to wait until next year.

TJ's chocolate palette world tour

Several months ago, Trader Joe's offered a special stack of chocolate bars. Dark chocolate bars from eight different countries, each with a distinct flavor and recommended pairing. Ian and I love this sort of thing (evidenced in our Jones Soda reviews), and I'm a huge fan of dark chocolate. So we tossed it into the cart.

We're still working through the bars — for some reason we've been unmotivated to pick up the recommended pairing items so they're chilling in our fridge. Yes, I know that discolors the chocolate. But it was the only way for the chocolate to survive the hot, humid late summer months — room temperature butter was puddling so you can imagine what chocolate bars would have looked like sitting out. I digress.

To motivate us into finishing our grand chocolate world tour, I'm blogging about it. Watch for reviews soon!

What Stewie Did on Her Fall Vacation

The weekend following Chris and Kelly's wedding, Stewie came to visit. She's a teacher and took advantage of her well-earned fall break to join us for a renowned New England autumn. On Friday, she walked the Freedom Trail and stopped at Mike's before joining us at Zaftig's for an evening of conversation and Jewish food.

We spent Saturday and Sunday zipping around Boston — Harvard, Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, the aquarium, SoWa Open Market, and Chinatown.

Megan and I both enjoy taking lots of photos wherever we go, so we spent a lot of time in the more picturesque areas of our walking tour, snapping away. It's fun to have a comrade-in-camera!

Megan left the weekend plans up to us, only requesting a trip to H+M. A word of advice — avoid this store on weekends if you prefer an under 20-minute dressing room wait or desire a relaxed shopping experience. Thankfully, that was our last stop of the day and were in no rush. Lesson learned.

Unrelated (I think), we've been informed the world will end on Dane's birthday this year (hour: still unknown). It's a Saturday, which is a little dissapointing — I'd rather be raptured on a Monday.

At the SoWa Open Market, Ian and I picked up some handmade soaps (his and hers).

All the shopping triggered an appetite. Thankfully the market also hosts food vendors. Ian and Megan opted for barbeque pulled beef and pork sandwiches, respectively. I indulged my comfort food itch with a gourmet grilled cheese — Cabot cheddar on hearty french bread, and shared dessert with Ian. I'll be experimenting with banana + marshmallow + nutella grilled between two pieces of bread.

For a 4 p.m. snack, we received a lesson on olive oil, complete with tasting. To my tastebuds' surprise, we learned for olive oil, as for wine, weather, location and fruit ripeness have a big impact on flavor. And yes, you can tell a difference.

We walked through Chinatown on our way back to the T, then decided to call it a day. We went home, opened a pomegranate, and watched Top Chef: Just Desserts over some cheeseburger pasta and Mike's cannoli. A relaxing end to a great weekend.

Stewie — thanks for visiting, and we hope you had a great time in Boston!

For more photos, click here.