I've been obsessed with pan-roasted potatoes lately. But white potatoes every other night? Not so good. So I've been experimenting, making frequent trips to Monterey Market. Last week, I tried jicama and turnip. No. Absolutely not. Yesteday, I picked up a couple of sweet potatoes. Now, I always pass on the sweet potatoes (even those with the little marshmellows) on holidays. Just not a fan, ya dig? I thought maybe it would be different if I parboiled them and threw them in a pan with some olive oil and my go-to spice mix. Not so much. Just too SWEET. I still don't (really) understand how they're healthier than bland white potatoes.

Magazine/business acronyms I have used today (and I've only been at my desk for 30 minutes): FOB, BOB, COB.

Good things:

Sunday afternoons at the beach.

Two-for-one drink specials.

Coffee cup cardboard cooler thingies with Altoids attached to them.

And, once again, the Crate & Barrel Outlet.

Long Beach Island

Overlooking the Bay at Shipbottom 11
Originally uploaded by lorenzodom.

Yes, I love it:

New Jersey: Come See For Yourself

Sometimes, I'll be walking around with my iPod, bopping my head like a ROCKSTAR, and I'll think: If anyone knew what I was listening to, they would shake their head in disgust.

But lately been really into Jamie Cullum. Much like the faux magazine cover, I'm a bit behind the trend, but I got his latest CD for my mom for a Christmas stocking stuffer and have been listening to it ever since. Loves, loves, loves it!

(Also: Waking up at 9 on a Sunday is not super fun, but leaving the house at 10 and hanging outside until 4 is quite enjoyable. I should tear myself away from my laptop and Tivo more often.)

Pros and cons of working from home (Day 1):

+ Working in my own set-up next to a window in a room with tons of natural light beats sitting in a cluster of identical desks under fluorescent lights.

+ Stealing 45 seconds here and there to throw a loady of laundry into the washing machine.

- Ready to work by 7:30 a.m. because company is based in NJ.

+ Non-existant commute.

+ Can listen to music without destroying ears with cheap iPod headphones.

+ Speakerphone is actually usable, unlike in an office where it annoys everyone.

- No free coffee.

- No coworkers to go to lunch with.

+ Lunch can include a quick trip to the grocery store, use of the stove, etc.

+ No one sees you roll your eyes or yawn during meetings.

+ It's always casual Friday at home.

My New Year's experience can be summed up in three words, all caps: SERIOUSLY FUCKING RIDICULOUS.

And that is all there is to it.