weekend lunches

For most of the summer, we have had somewhat of a weekend lunch routine. So consider this a version of a “Best Thing I’ve Eaten This Week” but also know that this is something pretty simple that we have actually had most weeks this summer.  It’s tuna salad. That’s right, your good ol’ fashioned, plain Jane tuna salad. Although ours is hopefully not too plain Jane.

We use your typical canned tuna, along with a dollop of mayo and some salt and pepper. Pretty simple and quick to throw together. Our only little trick is that we also add a bit of horse radish as well to our mixture. [Each of these you can add to your desired taste – mayo to level of dryness/moistness, horse radish to level of zing/kick, and salt and pepper to taste.]  The most important thing about any tuna salad sandwich is the slice of tomato that goes on the sandwich. In fact, I’ve even had the tuna salad sandwich without bread – just a bit of the tuna salad mixture on top of a slice of tomato. [PS. If you are going to have a sandwich, be sure to toast the bread!] We are lucky to be close to a great little market where we get fresh, delicious tomatoes for a very good price, along with a lot of other great, fresh produce.

 

So here you have it, the tuna salad that you complained about as a kid has now become a weekend staple for us. We love it with the bit of horse radish kick and the nice slice of tomato on toasted bread (above also has some home grown lettuce as well). The whole thing takes about 5 minutes to assemble, so it’s quick and easy on the weekend afternoons. Tuna is also high in protein and pretty healthy, which is a nice bonus (just don’t over do it with the mayo if you’re trying to stay healthy!). Wendy also loves it because we usually give her one of the empty cans to lick – a real treat for that little puppy!

As Always: Eat. Be Happy. 

 

#wendy

Yes, this new commercial absolutely cracked Em and I up because it is Wendy in so many ways!  That little pup loves to nap like no other…just like this one in the commercial, and they look pretty similar as well!

 

 

You can check out the actual song here.

 

Thanksgiving: Update…round 3

Update:  I wrote this post three years ago – my first Thanksgiving as a blogger here on Trokspot Enterprises – and this is an update of that post.  I’ve got it pretty good, and Thanksgiving is a good time to reflect on that and be especially thankful for a lot!

I’m not always the biggest fan of posting everything to social media.  I’m not sure that airing all of your dirty laundry (or even your clean laundry for that matter) on Facebook, Twitter, or the blogosphere, is the wisest decision.

Yet, as I sit here on a comfortable couch drinking a beer, watching football, surrounded by family, about to eat an excessive amount of food, I do feel that it’s an appropriate time to go through a quick list of things I’m thankful for…

Update:  I am still surrounded by (most – miss you Zaboo and Joel) of my family.  And I am delighted that my sister has a nice enough home that we can comfortably share…and that we all like each other well enough to want to share it with one another!

But before I even go through this list, I think it’s important to remember that when we (and by we I also mean I) pause on Thanksgiving to remember some of the things that we’re thankful for and have been blessed with, that it’s not just Thanksgiving that many of us are afforded these blessings.  These are things that I am thankful for all of the time; Thanksgiving is just a good reason to take an extra couple of minutes to remember them.

Update: This has been an especially big year for my family, with lots of great stuff that has happened. And there’s still no better time than Thanksgiving to pause and remember many of these awesome things!

I’m thankful for my family.

Update: We’ve had some new additions to the family… My wife, Em, is now “officially” family, and I couldn’t be happier to have such a great partner as we begin to define our own family!  Also, welcome to Ethan and (almost) Joel.  Oh, and nearly another Parker.  Wow, I told you we were growing!

That I was raised in a very stable house with siblings that I got along with (most of the time!) and with parents that were able to provide for more than my basic necessities.

I’m thankful that I’ve never truly gone hungry.

I’m thankful that I am employed (grad school is close enough…I’m able to live!)

Update: Grad school seems like a while ago…  I am still employed and have a pretty nice job…and I am thankful for that.

I’m thankful for a little nugget named Em.

Update: We are married!  Yikes, how did that happen!?!  Seriously, we are so happy and are incredibly lucky to have had the wedding that we did…we had so many people that helped and supported us throughout the entire process and day (and continue to do so), and we couldn’t be luckier.

I’m thankful that I have no physical disabilities.

I’m thankful for having amazing friends.

I’m thankful for the rather extravagant meal that I’m about to indulge in.

Update: Still rather extravagant…but just fun to mention that everyone is great at pitching in to make it an overall great meal.

I’m thankful for my two adorable little nieces who crack me up and make me smile.

Update: Add a nephew to that mix. And another on the way….slow down, Parkers! 

I’m thankful that all of my family is in good health.

I’m thankful that I have both sets of grandparents alive and fairly well.

Update: One grandparent on each side.  It was still a blessing to have all of them around and involved for as long as they were!

I’m thankful that I have enough free time to spend with people I care about.

I’m thankful for a new little puppy named Wendy.

Update: Wendy is still the cutest.

I’m thankful that I have a warm, comfortable place to sleep every night and plenty of food to eat everyday.

I’m thankful that I’m able to travel to places to see different people that I enjoy seeing.

Update: I’m thankful for our very happy beachy life that makes most days feel like I am on vacation!  I don’t want to lose perspective on how lucky we are to be in such a lovely place with lovely weather with each other and plenty of friends eager to visit!

 

I’m thankful that I’ve been afforded many opportunities that many others aren’t for a variety of reasons.

I’m thankful that I have the luxury to have lounged around on Thanksgiving day without worrying about much.

I’m thankful that I have access to all kinds of technology that I use on a daily basis without thinking about.

Update: The old DPU laptop died just about a year ago…eight years strong. RIP. However, I know that we are fortunate to have been able to replace that laptop with a new one when the time came. 

I’m thankful that I have clean water and other sanitation issues taken care of.

I’m thankful that I have a reliable car to get where I need to go.

I’m thankful that I get to experience four different seasons every year (even though I sometimes complain about the cold).

Update: I now live in the south, and I am loving the weather there (even if I miss out a little bit on some of the seasons…I’ll see winter for a quick visit and that’s good enough for me!)

Even more recent Update: I am even further south now. If we keep this up, we’ll be living on a Caribbean island before you know it!

I’m thankful that I’m fortunate enough to care about frivolous things like sports and fantasy football, and television shows.

I’m thankful for all of the abilities that I’ve been gifted, and for the opportunity to develop those skills and even venture into new ones.

I’m thankful to be 26 and debt free with a supply of steady work when many others are not.

Update: I’m three years older, but still debt free, with work.  Thankful.

In short, I know that I’ve had all kinds of opportunities and gifts given to me.  I’ve tried not to squander many of these incredibly opportunistic and fortunate things; I know that opportunity enough is not enough to succeed and be happy –  I’ve tried to take advantage and utilize these things their fullest because I know that not everyone was given these things.  Being raised as a white, middle class, Christian male, in America, with a stable and supportive family, great friends, educational opportunities, and many other advantages have all contributed to many of the great things that I am thankful for (certainly not an exhaustive list, by the way).

And this is my sappy, Thanksgiving post.

Update: I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

 

Holy Matrimony

It’s now official!  We got hitched!  After nearly 7 years of dating and two years of living together, Em and I are finally married.  The event was absolutely lovely, with the ceremony in Em’s hometown church and the reception at her house.  I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: We could not have asked for our special day to have been any better.  Many thanks to all those who helped make it that way – whether it was helping with planning/preparation, being in the wedding (reading, singing, bridal party), photographers/DJ/food for the day, coming to celebrate with us, or anything else wedding related.  A huge thank you to all – parents, friends, and family for making it a success.

For now, enjoy just a handful of pictures from the day.  (Official pictures still to come.)

my family

the church – how regal

bridal party fun

first dance

wendy leads us to the reception

depauw guys

depauw crew

Again, such a lovely event that Mrs. Metroka and I will remember forever as being absolutely perfect!

 

Thanksgiving: Update, 2 years later.

Update:  I wrote this post two years ago – my first Thanksgiving as a blogger here on Trokspot Enterprises – and this is an update of that post.  I’ve got it pretty good, and Thanksgiving is a good time to reflect on that and be especially thankful for a lot!

I’m normally opposed (at least in part) to overly emotional and outward signs and displays of emotion and feelings (especially on things like facebook, etc.).  I don’t particularly buy into reading what I consider to be extravagant or excessive displays of others’ feelings.

Yet, as I sit here on a comfortable couch drinking a beer, watching football, surrounded by family, about to eat an excessive amount of food, I do feel that it’s an appropriate time to go through a quick list of things I’m thankful for…

Update:  I am still on a comfortable couch, drinking beer, watching football, and surrounded by family (though not the whole gang); however, this year it is a different couch in a different place.

But before I even go through this list, I think it’s important to remember that when we (and by we I also mean I) pause on Thanksgiving to remember some of the things that we’re thankful for and have been blessed with, that it’s not just Thanksgiving that many of us are afforded these blessings.  These are things that I am thankful for all of the time; Thanksgiving is just a good reason to take an extra couple of minutes to remember them.

I’m thankful that for my family.

That I was raised in a very stable house with siblings that I got along with (most of the time!) and with parents that were able to provide for more than my basic necessities.

I’m thankful that I’ve never truly gone hungry.

I’m thankful that I am employed (grad school is close enough…I’m able to live!)

Update: I am now gainfully employed (more than grad school) at a company that I really enjoy, learning new skills that I think are are interesting.

I’m thankful for a little nugget named Em.

Update: We are now engaged and will be married soon, whoa!

I’m thankful that I have no physical disabilities.

I’m thankful for having amazing friends.

I’m thankful for the rather extravagant meal that I’m about to indulge in.

I’m thankful for my two adorable little nieces who crack me up and make me smile.

Update: Add a nephew to that mix.

I’m thankful that all of my family is in good health.

I’m thankful that I have both sets of grandparents alive and fairly well.

Update: One grandparent on each side.  It was still a blessing to have all of them around and involved for as long as they were!

I’m thankful that I have enough free time to spend with people I care about.

I’m thankful for a new little puppy named Wendy.

I’m thankful that I have a warm, comfortable place to sleep every night and plenty of food to eat everyday.

I’m thankful that I’m able to travel to places to see different people that I enjoy seeing.

I’m thankful that I’ve been afforded many opportunities that many others aren’t for a variety of reasons.

I’m thankful that I have the luxury to have lounged around on Thanksgiving day without worrying about much.

I’m thankful that I have access to all kinds of technology that I use on a daily basis without thinking about.

I’m thankful that I have clean water and other sanitation issues taken care of.

I’m thankful that I have a reliable car to get where I need to go.

I’m thankful that I get to experience four different seasons every year (even though I sometimes complain about the cold).

Update: I now live in the south, and I am loving the weather there (even if I miss out a little bit on some of the seasons…I’ll see winter for a quick visit and that’s good enough for me!)

I’m thankful that I’m fortunate enough to care about frivolous things like sports and fantasy football, and television shows.

I’m thankful for all of the abilities that I’ve been gifted, and for the opportunity to develop those skills and even venture into new ones.

I’m thankful to be 26 and debt free with a supply of steady work when many others are not.

Update: I’m two years older, but still debt free, with work.  Thankful.

In short, I know that I’ve had all kinds of opportunities and gifts given to me.  I’ve tried not to squander many of these incredibly opportunistic and fortunate things; I know that opportunity enough is not enough to succeed and be happy –  I’ve tried to take advantage and utilize these things their fullest because I know that not everyone was given these things.  Being raised as a white, middle class, Christian male, in America, with a stable and supportive family, great friends, educational opportunities, and many other advantages have all contributed to many of the great things that I am thankful for (certainly not an exhaustive list, by the way).

And this is my sappy, Thanksgiving post.

Update: I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

 

Puppy Pix Project

A couple of days ago the lighting was just right, and Wendy and I had the opportunity for an oh-so-dramatic photo shoot.  I thought I should share with you all here…

Looking off into the deep beyond.

Puppy contemplation.

Puppy shadows.

Puppy throne.

I hope that everyone enjoys this dramatic puppy collection.

Again, I apologize that you can’t blow up the pics a bit more, but I’m working with what I’ve got!

 

Holy Hund-o

My goodness – this is my 100th post here on Trokspot.  In just under a year, I’ve managed to keep Trokspot up and running on a fairly regular basis.  Here’s a look back at some of my top/favorite posts from the first 100:

1. This is where it all started.  My first post.  Yikes!  I’d like to think that I’ve come a long way and that the blog has taken shape since then…
2. According to my site stats, this post on the Titanic as an exemplar for teaching stratification has the most hits of any of my posts.  “I’ll never let go…”
3. Trokspot received its first real celebrity comment from Chef Robert Irvine (prominently feature on the Food Network) in this post about his show, Restaurant Impossible.  I’m certainly hoping to sustain that “Irvine Bump” moving forward (see the comments).
4. Wendy is always a fan favorite.  In Puppy Thoughts (The Sequel) we get to find out what she’s really thinking, and of course, see some great pics…
5. This post on using Rocky as a teaching tool is one of my top viewed posts.  It was also the first post that I got featured on another (a sociology) website.
6. Of course, one of my most frequent post topics is food!  Here’s a slight variation of my usual “Best Thing I’ve Eaten This Week” installments.  It’s kind of fun to look back on because it actually features a few different dishes instead of just one.  (As a point of reference, here was my first food picture that I posted to the blog – not terrible, but rudimentary!)
7. Ahhhh, some fond memories of how I spent my last birthday.  Good food, good beer, good people.
8. Here is one of my most recent posts that takes a look at Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning.  This guy was a featured article recently on a sports site: faniq.com
9. One word: VEGAS!
10. Proof that we can be pretty handy – such DIYers!
11. Here’s a bonus, just because I want everyone to enjoy watching Wheel of Fortune to the fullest.  Grab a few beers and enjoy!

So there you have it – Trokspot highlights from the first 100 posts.

If you’ve been here since the beginning – Thanks and I hope you have enjoyed and continue to enjoy!  If you’ve jumped in more recently, then hopefully you’ll enjoy some of these posts that maybe you’ve missed!

What do you think??

Any of your favorite posts that I didn’t mention?

Any ideas for future posts that you’re dying for me to blog about? (Restaurant Impossible was actually a request – and that led to the first celebrity comment!)

Again, thanks for reading!  Stay with me for at least 100 more posts!

 

 

Puppy Thoughts (The Sequel)

“Since I last posted, I started a company and am the CEO. What have you been doing?!”

“iloveyou iloveyou iloveyou iloveyou iloveyou iloveyou iloveyou”  *wags tail furiously*

“Why do I have to stay behind at home when you go to class!?  I can read, you know…”

“Sometimes people mistake me for a cat.  I’m not even offended.”

“Oh my God, new person!!! I need to lick your face now!”

“Hey let’s run guys!” *5 minutes later* “I’m ready for a nice little catnap now.”

“What that little yellow spot by the door… That probably – no, it couldn’t have been me.”

“Sometimes when I put in really long hours, I just close up the old laptop and go right to sleep.”

“Anyone have any people food they’re willing to share?”

“Yeah, I’m kind of a big deal around here.  People see me walking down the street and want to know who I am.”

“Oh man, remember that time that Santa requested me to be one of his special helper elves… Yeah, NBD.”

*streeeeeeeeeeetch* “Ah that one really felt good.  Think I got a couple kinks out there.”

“I’ll tell ya, sometimes I wish I had a job and responsibilities and obligations.  Sometimes being a puppy isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be…”

“Thanks for that treat.  I’ll be retreating to my lair under the couch.  See you when I’m done and I know you won’t take it back!”

“Uh-oh.  Mommy’s drinking again.  Better steer clear before she tries to get a little handsy with me…”

“Ooooh, so many varieties of grass… I want to try them all!  There’s crabgrass, clover….”

“Yeah, I ran away from a bunny.  But it was only because I thought he would be scared if I flexed at him.”

“I’ve always had great oral hygiene.  That’s why I usually have at least a few toothbrushes on-hand.”

“Why do you even ask if I want to go outside, you know I always want to!!”

“Alright, I’ll sit.  But only because I know that I’m getting a treat for this.”

 “Well this was exhausting.  I’m going to rest a bit…”

 

Puppy Cut

Snip snip.  Buzzzzzzzz.  Yip. Squeal. Struggle.

Those were the noises echoing from my small bathroom this afternoon. Why?  You guessed it –

Puppy Cut.

Today we decided that it was time to turn back the clock and make Wendy look like the puppy she once was.  And what better way to do this than to take a little off the top, the sides, the legs – well, everywhere.

Now, when I say puppy cut, it sounds so innocent and sweet…. Heck, you might even want to be in on one as well.  But let me tell you that little Wendy dog wanted no part of the puppy cut.  And since she was the one being trimmed, well, that created a bit of a fiasco for us.

At first we thought about doing just a bit of scissor-work around the eyes.  Then we decided to get serious and go all out.  Bathroom time for the real deal.

My weapon:

That’s right – clippers.  The very same clippers that I use on myself when I cut my own hair.  Hey, if they’re good enough for me…

I’m really not sure what it was about the clippers…maybe it was the loud buzzing or the vibrations, or the fact that they got pretty warm to the touch after a while, but Wendy did not seem to take a liking to them.

But they did the job.

Regardless of whether Wendy liked them or not, they sure did the job.  (If you don’t believe me, see above picture of huge mound of Wendy hair.)

That’s a lot of puppy hair.  She needed that puppy cut.  Bad.

There was so much hair, that Em thought it might be fashionable to try some on for herself:

(Not the best look ever…)

But what do you know, it actually turned out reasonably well.  There were a few instances where we thought we had perhaps made some irreparable snips; that perhaps we had gone too far; that that snip was the one that would turn Wendy into a freak; that all the other puppies would laugh and call her names….  Any number of things could have (and almost did) gone wrong.

But instead, we ended up with a fairly normal looking Wendy dog.  A youthful, puppy-like Wendy dog.

So while there were struggles and the bathroom was a bit of a war zone for about 45 minutes this afternoon, we ended up with a trimmed little puppy.  Success.

 

Puppy Thoughts

Why don’t I get to eat that?

Mmmm, your face is so yummy.

Let’s go outside!

What’s that….a shiny object?!? I want to eat it.

Nom nom nom.

You know I can get up on the couch. Putting me back on the floor is just extra work for both of us.

Got your sock.  Guess who’s laughing now!

*Cocks Head* Why are you looking at me?  I’m innocent…

Why do you keep throwing shit down the hallway and make me go get it?!

Can’t you see that when I try to bite you, I want you to leave me alone!

People love me because I’m cute!

Let’s play!

I’m little.

Why are you forcing me to take a bath?

What – do you think I’m Simba or something?! Put me down!

I’m only sitting so that you give me a treat.

Let’s just lounge for now.