Monday, February 25, 2008

Fun Monday

Wow, last week zipped by like a boy racer on a straight clear road. I can't believe it's time once again for Fun Monday.

This week's gracious hostess is Mariposa and she has given us a delightful double challenge:
(1) Please share to us how the NAME of your BLOG was made? I can't wait to hear interesting funny stories!

(2) Please share to us (in words or photo, though a combination of both will be a bonus!) your favorite/ most common dish!


(1) The name of my blog
Three years ago, I started this blog because my dad started one. He's a career counselor at a university and part of his job is being down with the latest online job search tools. He chose "CareerGuy" as the name in his blog address and then used the clever tag line "Your Life's Work" in his blog header. (Although he subsequently changed that to "My Life's Work" as the blog became more about him than about work and job searching.)

When I created my blog, I was following my dad's style and thought that you had to have a different name in your header than in your blog address. I had just decided I was going to train for another marathon and so I wanted to be RunnerGirl. But that was taken. I tried several different variations before the phrase "For the Long Run" popped into my head. I liked it because it had a sort of double-meaning to me. As a marathon trainer, you do many, many long runs. But it also reminded me of planning and the future, like "in the long run, you're better off..."

For my header tag line, I chose a remarkably pretentious and long name. I'm nearly embarrassed to tell you what it was. But I will: Of Marathons and Other High Intensity Endeavors. The first part of that is obvious, the second part is just me - I am a bit intense and high energy sometimes. I have a habit of throwing myself whole heartedly into things. I value motion and activity and I'm not at all good at relaxing.

Two years ago, I told Middle Brother, who is a talented graphic designer, that all I wanted for my birthday was a nifty blog header. I don't think we ever specifically discussed jettisoning the pretentious tag line, it just sort of happened. It didn't really match the blog anymore. For the Long Run became the more prominent title and the phrase "Ah sure, it'll be grand" was added.

(2) This is a tough one. How to narrow it down to one? The criteria I'm going to use is my favourite dish that I've made in the last month. That makes it easy. The run-away winner is Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil, from Cooking Light. I love risotto and this one has the perfect mix of tastes. Some people find making risotto tedious because of all the standing around and stirring. I find the stirring relaxing (this is very me - I can only relax by doing something) and a good time to think. I set up all the ingredients beforehand (like a cooking show, I always tell Peter) and just really enjoy the process. If you decide to try out the recipe, just know that you can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken. You can also use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes, which can be tricky to find over here out of season.

Before you go running off to make risotto and visit the other participants, I'd like to invite you to enter my blog contest. There are even prizes. Really. There is even a category for Most Humorous, so if you don't feel like looking for the answers, you can just make stuff up.

Thanks and have a fun Monday.

42 Comments:

At 25 February 2008 at 07:03, Blogger Gattina said...

Apparently it was quite difficult for you to find the right blog title. I just thought about the writer's cramps I could get with a blog and that was it, lol !

 
At 25 February 2008 at 07:10, Blogger Gattina said...

I forgot, thanks for the recepe, I will try it out it looks nice and easy !

 
At 25 February 2008 at 07:55, Blogger Pamela said...

the name would still be great even if you weren't a runner.

another great recipe. Risotto and fresh Mozzarella -- oh groan... sounds wonderful.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 08:21, Blogger j said...

Aren't you gald Dad got you started? Have a happy week - Jen

 
At 25 February 2008 at 10:12, Blogger Irene said...

As I am dieting now, that risotto sounds delicious, but I know I would only eat a bite or two of it, so I must not linger on the thought of it too long, besides, I have had my chicken fillet sandwich and that is enough for now.

I've got to look up your dad's blog and see if he has the same sort of dry wit that you have. I am going to do that right now. Ciao...

 
At 25 February 2008 at 10:32, Blogger Mariposa said...

I'm just glad I remove madness from my title and just leave it with Mariposa's Tales...or it would have been too obvious! LOL

Love yout title! Happy Fun Monday!

 
At 25 February 2008 at 10:36, Blogger Irene said...

Well, never mind about that, he quits just as I enter. I did run into someone else's very funny blog, though. Someone named Crystal. Is she by any chance related to you?

 
At 25 February 2008 at 10:49, Blogger Babaloo said...

That's actually an interesting topic for Fun Monday. I'll have to look into joining up!
And the recipe sounds yummy. I've actually never made a risotto. Just as you said, the stirring turned me off and I'm not that big of a fan of rice. But I will try it one day. And maybe I'll just pick this recipe to start with.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 14:26, Blogger Jill said...

i would love to be a career counselor. your dad is really lucky. i wondered if you did any running with the name of your blog being like it is.. very neat.. hope the weather there is better than here. 4-8 inches of snow today and tonight plus snow for 3 other days this week.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 15:43, Blogger Kim said...

I've always liked your blog name. The header is so cute.

I know that recipe. It is one of my favorites!

 
At 25 February 2008 at 15:56, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the story of how your came up with your blog name. How fun that your dad has a blog. I need your brother. I'm am so tired of plain yucky color on the borders of my blog page. I think my birthday gift is going to be a new look for my blog. Your recipe sounds very yummy indeed! And even though you can't find good tortilla chips in Ireland I so want to come and visit your marvelous country!

 
At 25 February 2008 at 16:05, Blogger Aoj and The Lurchers said...

I'm with you on cooking risotto, I find it extremely easy to do and very relaxing. Not tedious at all.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 17:32, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I suppose cherry tomatoes would work, but grape maters taste so much better!

 
At 25 February 2008 at 17:46, Blogger Ivanhoe said...

Yummy, I love rizzoto, too! And I love your banner, your brother did a great job! Happy FM!

 
At 25 February 2008 at 17:51, Blogger Sauntering Soul said...

You picked an awesome name for your blog! And an awesome recipe to share. That sounds so delicious.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 18:17, Blogger -Ann said...

Gattina - Names are the most important thing - they have to be right.

Pamela - Thanks. The recipe is really lovely.

Jennifer - I sure am. He and my brother got me on Facebook too. I am less pleased about that. :)

SI - It's okay, it's a Cooking Light, so it's healthier than average. If you want some help with translating the measurements, just let me know. Crystal is not related to me. And I am still annoyed with my dad for shutting down his blog.

Mariposa - Thanks for the great assignment.

Babaloo - There are other risotto recipes where you start it on the stove and then finish it in the oven, so much less stirring.

LM - Thanks - I'll swap you weather. It's been raining ALL day and is probably going to rain for the next 2.

Kaycie - Thanks. Do your kids eat stuff like that? I would have run a mile from something like that when I was little.

Ellen B- We do have other nice things here, just no Mexican food. A small price to pay, except on those days you get a craving.

AOJ - As long as you're not rushed, risotto is a joy to make. In fact, I;m making some tonight. A different recipe though.

Nikki - They sure are, but sometimes we have to take what we can get.

Ivanhoe - Thanks. Happy fun monday to you too.

SS - Thanks - you should try it out sometime.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 18:37, Blogger Unknown said...

I love the "Ah sure it will be grand"

Hi from another irish blogger. Found you through the Fun Monday - I am joining in for the first time today.

I love to eat risotto but have yet to make it myself - I think I should definitely give it a go.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 19:18, Blogger Junebug said...

I enjoyed reading the process of naming your blog. I wanted my blog name to be my URL and it was taken too. So I added my Junebug nickname to it and it worked out. I have always been called Junebug by my dad. It's my middle name. I don't make risotto very often but I do like it. I will try the recipe..

 
At 25 February 2008 at 19:32, Blogger Joy T. said...

I thought maybe you were a runner but wasn't sure because that title could certainly belong to runners as well as non-runners. I really like it. And the recipe?? I have now printed it out. Yum!

 
At 25 February 2008 at 20:04, Blogger Faye said...

I like your blog name for its optimism and forward motion--is that a marathon quip? Anyway, you get it. Also like the fact that your brother designed the header for you. I hope my Geek Squad friend will do that for me soon.

Nothing better than rice with a spoon!

P.S. Ann, I'll get back with you about the dog rescue question. I have a couple of good contacts in the part of States you need--they've been around for a long time.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 20:39, Blogger Mamalang said...

I just can't get into risotto...someday maybe. It always sounds so yummy...hmm.

Love the name story. Very good.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 21:11, Blogger Carrie @carrieloves said...

I love the banner & the name. Also the risotto sounds amazing!

 
At 25 February 2008 at 21:24, Blogger Hootin Anni said...

Well, I really like "For the Long Run" it's definitely fitting for a marathoner, and perhaps you'll be into blogging for a long run too.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 22:05, Blogger ChrisB said...

I think this is a great name for your blog~ I have to say I also think you were wise to change the tag line!

I've been collecting risotto recipes for the last couple of weeks so thank you for the link to this one :)

 
At 25 February 2008 at 22:18, Blogger Jientje said...

Love making risotto too!I agree, it is very relaxing!

 
At 25 February 2008 at 22:49, Blogger Unknown said...

It's great your brother helped you with a header and I love how you came up with your name. Does your dad still keep his blog?

 
At 25 February 2008 at 23:26, Blogger Amanda said...

WOW! I always admire people who run marathons. It takes so much determination and discipline!

AND I love risotto!

 
At 25 February 2008 at 23:55, Blogger Sayre said...

I like your name - and the meanings behind it.

 
At 25 February 2008 at 23:56, Blogger Sandy said...

I will definitely try your recipe. I have a pasta recipe that uses the "risotto syle" of adding hot broth.

Really good.

I have always like your header. Just makes me smile, it does.

 
At 26 February 2008 at 01:35, Blogger Bren said...

Hmm, I love risotto as well. Your way sounds good!

 
At 26 February 2008 at 02:31, Blogger Kim said...

Oooh, when do you want me to show up for some Risotto? I'm free next weekend.

 
At 26 February 2008 at 02:55, Anonymous Anonymous said...

If I based my blog title on my physical attributes, it would be something like, "well, I was a lot younger then" or "I haven't broken THAT bone yet". Your double meaning is great. It's nice to get the background - the why's and how's.

My temptation for the food dishes are developing into meals for next week. I appreciate that. Hope you'll visit us at our site someday. We wish to have a contest soon. I will look into yours. See ya! NLM

 
At 26 February 2008 at 03:32, Blogger Michelle said...

Sounds yummy!!

I love the "double meaning" titles. Wish I was clever enough to come up with one!!

 
At 26 February 2008 at 04:01, Blogger Alison said...

I have always liked the name of your blog...and I figured that you were a marathon runner!!

your risotto looks wonderful..it is one of my favorite dishes..I will have to try this recipe!

 
At 26 February 2008 at 05:26, Blogger the rotten correspondent said...

I love love love your blog header. It's so perfect! I smile every time I see it.

Cooking Light is one of my favorites, but I haven't tried that recipe. Guess I'll have to now...

 
At 26 February 2008 at 11:28, Blogger Celeste said...

I didn't guess that your name was about actual running.....but in reading the posts for this FM, I am finding that I am slow on the uptake for some things. I am impressed with anyone who has done a marathon.

 
At 26 February 2008 at 12:05, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I like the name of your blog... so futuristis and full of optimism!

 
At 26 February 2008 at 17:54, Blogger Melanie said...

This is a great name- I love the double meaning.

 
At 26 February 2008 at 19:30, Blogger Jan said...

I've always liked the name of your blog. Now, it's nice to know the meaning. I've never made risotto, I'd better get going.

 
At 26 February 2008 at 22:01, Blogger Karina said...

I'm really enjoying learning all about why people chose the names they did for their blogs. I like yours and the "double meaning" it contains.

I've never made risotto, but it sounds like something I could enjoy making on a lazy afternoon...uh, that is, if I can ever find a lazy afternoon. ;-)

 
At 26 February 2008 at 22:09, Blogger Cynthia said...

I think your name is great. The recipe looks good. My husband and I would probably be the only ones that would eat it. I will save it for in a few years ;-)

 
At 28 February 2008 at 22:14, Blogger Irish Coffeehouse said...

I agree with Pamela, your blog name is really open to interpretation all dependant on what you present it as. I think it's quite a clever name because of that! :)

Risotto... if they ever make one that's viturally cooking foolproof I'll definitely try it! lol

Thanks for sharing!

 

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