days like this...

today was a full day. i stayed up late last night dicing jicama, peppers, and cilantro to make a salad to serve at a fundraiser for the AIDSWALK. i dropped it off at 7:30 in the morning before i went to participate in the priorities process for ryan white funding - basically setting a budget for the 2010-2011 year. this year it was held at the governor's residence. funny thing though. i worked there part time for a year and a half when i moved back to denver from san francisco. i hadn't been back since i started working working full time at the airport in 2006. it was good to see old friends and have a giggle or two.

there were more interested parties this year than i have seen in the other two years i have done this. it is seemingly tedious work, but budgeting is never really sexy unless there's s surplus. and we are not expecting a surplus in the next couple of years.

had to run back to the office after priorities to drop off a card. a nurse who works in our building had donated $500 to us and i had a thank you card to get signed by everyone. i had two emails from colleagues asking for the recipe for the salad.

i went to the verizon store after work to get a hands free device for my vehicle. i have had too many stupid close calls and i don't want to take any more chances. i can't wait to try it out.

i have a lovely feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment here at the end of this day. i am going to savor it as best i can. it is days like this that make the whole journey back to reality worth the trip. it's days like this (as well as the confetti jicama salad) leave a great taste in the mouth.

hope your havin' your own days like this....

here's the recipe for confetti jicama salad....
borrowed from an old southwestern cookbook (circa 1988)

2 jicama peeled and diced
4 peppers (red, yellow, green) seeded and diced
1 jalapeno seeded and diced
radishes to taste.. diced
1 bunch cilantro
1 tbsp. cumin seed
1 c. rice wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

mix everything ( but cilantro) and refrigerate and marinate overnight.
toss before serving and add cilantro.
be prepared to share, because everybody loves this!!! great for summer.

today's sound choice is an older house classic. ( which i still love) shaun escoffery with "days like this"... there were more than a few mornings that i greeted the sun dancing to this song at the endup in sf.