I got a little OCD with witchypoo about the fact there is no #2 on this list. I figure if I'm going to be all over-invested in its ordinal consistency, the least I can do is play along.
1. Any nicknames? Not really. I do go by my middle name instead of my first.
3. Favorite drink? Wine, and I'm not too picky about it.
4. Any tattoos? Yep, my astrological symbol on my belly. I went on a road trip with two of my friends in college, and we all got tattoos in Pittsburgh.
5 Body piercing? Just my ears.
6. How much do you love your job? I love working on a cause I believe in, and that makes me happy everyday. On a day to day basis, I love my job completely about 99% of the time. The other 1% of the time I'm crying quietly to myself with my office door closed.
7. Favorite vacation spot? I couldn't pick one spot. I love to travel.
8. Ever been to Africa? No. I hope to have the chance to go and visit my uncle, who is in the foreign service, if he gets reassigned to an African country.
9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes. Sometimes I don't even bake them first.
10. Ever been on TV? Once, answering phones for the local public television pledge drive.
11. Ever steal any traffic signs? No. But I did used to collect those little bumps that divide the lanes on the road. I had small white and yellow ones, white and orange reflective ones, and one of those giant yellow ones that mark a left turn lane. I always coveted the blue reflective ones that mark fire hydrants, but I wasn't irresponsible enough to steal one, and I never found one that had come loose on its own.
12. Ever been in a car accident? One time, but it wasn't my fault.
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4-door with a hatch back.
14. Favorite pie? If I had to pick just one, I'd say cherry, but my love for pies is broad and deep.
15. Favorite Number? 7 or 17. My birth month is July, and I was born in 1977. The address of the first home we've ever owned begins and ends with seven. The last two jobs I've had hired me on the 17th of the month. Those numbers just keep popping up.
16. Favorite movie? Heathers
17. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
18. Favorite dessert? I can't narrow it down. My sweet tooth is mighty.
19. Favorite food? Sushi, and most things that come out of the ocean. Honorable mentions go to Tex-Mex and really garlicky Italian food.
20. Favorite day of the week? Saturday. It's the only day I can manage sleeping in and staying up late without having to worry about work.
21. Favorite brand of body wash? Evidently bath products are a popular gift for females, so I have received several metric butt loads of body wash over the years. When one bottle of body wash runs out, I just reach in the cabinet and choose another one at random.
22. Favorite toothpaste? Tom's of Maine, wintermint flavor.
23. Favorite smell? That's a hard question. I love the smell of onions frying, but I wouldn't want my shampoo to smell that way.
24. What do you do to relax? Read blogs and drink wine. Plant things. Take a hot shower. Knit. I really have the whole relaxing thing down.
25. Do you have a message to your friends reading this? The crow flies at midnight.
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Kind of the way I am now, only more so.
27. Furthest place you will send this message? Not too far, I'm pretty sure.
28. Who will respond the fastest? I'll be surprised if anyone does, to tell you the truth.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Adult Supervision
Last night I went to hang out with Jack (a.k.a. The Offspring). Earlier in the week my good sense was overcome by the sheer wonderfulness of the craft store, so I ended up with several wholesome activities to inflict upon The Offspring.
We started with the make your own Super Ball kit.
Let me advise you, if you have kids who are easily disappointed. Do not buy this toy for them. It is absolutely impossible to create balls that look anything like the ones on the package. Fortunately, The Offspring has reasonable expectations when it comes to truth in advertising, and was openly skeptical about the likelihood that our finished products would match those on the box. He was absolutely correct. We did manage to make a few bouceable balls, however.
Then, I tried to sell him on the pirate ship kit, but for some reason "coloring on wood" was a big turn off for The Offspring. I asked him if he had tried coloring on wood before, and he said yes but he wouldn't elaborate. Maybe one of his parental units could let me in on the coloring-on-wood related trauma he has experienced because that's just weird.
I didn't see any reason to expose the kid to the horrors of wood coloring, so we moved on to making sun catchers that look like bugs. We both thought this was pretty fun, and our bugs turned out quite beautifully.
We took a few breaks to play Guitar Hero, watch Futurama, and have a snack. I also managed to accidentally expose the poor child to sadomasochistic sex slavery (thanks a lot, network television) before distracting him with the movie Dodgeball.
Although we were peacefully coloring when The Offspring's folks came home, I have to admit he spent an awful lot of time flinging our homemade super balls at the walls while I made helpful suggestions like, "Let's see what happens if you throw two of them at the same time." But seriously, if I wanted to be all responsible and discipliney I'd have my own kids.
We started with the make your own Super Ball kit.
Let me advise you, if you have kids who are easily disappointed. Do not buy this toy for them. It is absolutely impossible to create balls that look anything like the ones on the package. Fortunately, The Offspring has reasonable expectations when it comes to truth in advertising, and was openly skeptical about the likelihood that our finished products would match those on the box. He was absolutely correct. We did manage to make a few bouceable balls, however.
Then, I tried to sell him on the pirate ship kit, but for some reason "coloring on wood" was a big turn off for The Offspring. I asked him if he had tried coloring on wood before, and he said yes but he wouldn't elaborate. Maybe one of his parental units could let me in on the coloring-on-wood related trauma he has experienced because that's just weird.
I didn't see any reason to expose the kid to the horrors of wood coloring, so we moved on to making sun catchers that look like bugs. We both thought this was pretty fun, and our bugs turned out quite beautifully.
We took a few breaks to play Guitar Hero, watch Futurama, and have a snack. I also managed to accidentally expose the poor child to sadomasochistic sex slavery (thanks a lot, network television) before distracting him with the movie Dodgeball.
Although we were peacefully coloring when The Offspring's folks came home, I have to admit he spent an awful lot of time flinging our homemade super balls at the walls while I made helpful suggestions like, "Let's see what happens if you throw two of them at the same time." But seriously, if I wanted to be all responsible and discipliney I'd have my own kids.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Eat Yer Veggies
This post at Pandagon inspired me to try to include more fresh produce in my diet. I really don't have any excuse not to, especially considering the challenges so many people face in getting any kind of decent food at all. (Uncharacteristically, I jumped into the fray at the Pandagon post close to the end of the comments. Feel free to go over there and back me up or tell me I'm full of it.)
However, I'm always in need of tasty, uncomplicated vegetable recipes. I hope you'll post your favorites in the comments. In the spirit of reciprocity, I'll share some of mine here.
Garlicky Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
(from Cooking Light)
We made this last summer with tomatoes and basil from our back yard garden. It was just heaven.
3 tbsp. extravirgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups (about 2 lbs.) chopped plum tomatoes (We just used a hodge podge of tomatoes since we grew a couple different kinds.)
6 cups (about 12 oz. uncooked pasta) hot cooked campanella (or other twisty-ish shape of pasta)
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic; saute 30 seconds. Add chopped tomatoes; cook for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Add pasta, basil, salt, and pepper, tossing gently to combine. Serves 6.
The recipe also calls for 1/4 cup (1 oz.) of grated fresh Parmesan cheese to be added to the tomatoes along with the pasta, basil, salt, and pepper, but I like to cook vegan whenever possible. I certainly didn't miss the cheese.
Sesame Kale
My favorites for this recipe are beet greens or chard. You could also use collard greens, mustard greens, spinach, or kale. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time depending on how tough your greens are and how tender you prefer them.
1 pound greens
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 large garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup of water
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tbsp cider vinegar
Wash the greens in a sink filled with cold water. Drain greens and wash a second time. Drain greens and remove any heavy stems. Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
In a 3 qt saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and start to brown. Stir in garlic.
Add water to the hot pan, stirring to loosen any particles from bottom of pan. Stir in sugar and red pepper. Continue cooking until mixture boils.
Add greens, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or more depending on desired tenderness of greens. Stir in vinegar. Serves 2-4 depending on how much you like greens.
(Adapted from Simply Recipes)
Of course a major reason why so many people don't include fresh produce in their meals is lack of access. Poor urban neighborhoods may not have any grocery stores selling produce, so people have to find transportation to shop for fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is too expensive for tight budgets to bear. Also, some people don't have the capacity to store perishable items.
Often, I'm just too lazy to plan for meals, so I've come up with a few recipes that require few or no perishable items, but still feature plenty of vegetables.
(The following recipes are a little sketchier than the ones above because I mostly made them up as I went along. I'll try to include all the relevant details, but just let me know if I left out anything vital.)
Tomato Florentine Soup
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 large carrot, sliced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth (I usually use a powdered mix)
2 can diced tomatoes, undrained (I use salt free)
10 oz. package of frozen spinach, thawed
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp marjoram
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, and saute until soft. Add garlic, and stir for 30 seconds.
Add broth, tomatoes, spinach, beans, and spices. Simmer 15 minutes. Salt to taste.
Lemony Spinach and Brown Rice
2 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup cooked brown rice (I use instant, prepared according to directions on package)
10 oz. package of frozen spinach, cooked according to directions on package
3/4 tsp lemon pepper
1/2 tsp dill
1 can mushrooms, drained
Saute the garlic over medium heat in the olive oil for 30-60 seconds. Then mix all the other ingredients together. Stir for a few minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through.
Super Easy Vegetable Soup
Open a bunch of canned vegetables. Pour them in a pot. Heat them up. Add some salt and pepper.
My usual mixture includes
(don't drain the following)
2 cans chopped tomatoes
1 can French cut green beans
1 can carrots
1 can mushrooms
1 can corn (maybe)
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
A handful of whole wheat macaroni
1 tbsp vegetable broth powder
As much water as necessary to create the desired degree of soupiness.
Season with dill, dried basil, black pepper, garlic salt. Add a shot of lemon juice if you have it.
If you try any of these recipes, I hope you'll let me know how they turn out. Also, please share your favorite veggie recipes.
However, I'm always in need of tasty, uncomplicated vegetable recipes. I hope you'll post your favorites in the comments. In the spirit of reciprocity, I'll share some of mine here.
Garlicky Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
(from Cooking Light)
We made this last summer with tomatoes and basil from our back yard garden. It was just heaven.
3 tbsp. extravirgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups (about 2 lbs.) chopped plum tomatoes (We just used a hodge podge of tomatoes since we grew a couple different kinds.)
6 cups (about 12 oz. uncooked pasta) hot cooked campanella (or other twisty-ish shape of pasta)
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic; saute 30 seconds. Add chopped tomatoes; cook for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Add pasta, basil, salt, and pepper, tossing gently to combine. Serves 6.
The recipe also calls for 1/4 cup (1 oz.) of grated fresh Parmesan cheese to be added to the tomatoes along with the pasta, basil, salt, and pepper, but I like to cook vegan whenever possible. I certainly didn't miss the cheese.
Sesame Kale
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound kale (about bunch)
2 teaspoons sesame seed oil
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Salt and pepper if desired
Mince the garlic cloves. Wash the kale and shake it over the sink. It should remain a little wet. Remove and discard the stems from the kale and tear it into bite-size pieces. Save the stems for another use, such as vegetable stock.
Heat the sesame seed oil in the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and saute for about 20 seconds. Add the kale and water to the garlic and oil, and cover the skillet.
After 1 minute, stir the kale, then re-cover. After 1-2 more minutes, when the kale is wilted, stir in the soy sauce and sesame seeds. If desired, add salt and/or pepper to taste.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Sweet and Sour GreensMy favorites for this recipe are beet greens or chard. You could also use collard greens, mustard greens, spinach, or kale. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time depending on how tough your greens are and how tender you prefer them.
1 pound greens
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 large garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup of water
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tbsp cider vinegar
Wash the greens in a sink filled with cold water. Drain greens and wash a second time. Drain greens and remove any heavy stems. Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
In a 3 qt saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and start to brown. Stir in garlic.
Add water to the hot pan, stirring to loosen any particles from bottom of pan. Stir in sugar and red pepper. Continue cooking until mixture boils.
Add greens, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or more depending on desired tenderness of greens. Stir in vinegar. Serves 2-4 depending on how much you like greens.
(Adapted from Simply Recipes)
Of course a major reason why so many people don't include fresh produce in their meals is lack of access. Poor urban neighborhoods may not have any grocery stores selling produce, so people have to find transportation to shop for fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is too expensive for tight budgets to bear. Also, some people don't have the capacity to store perishable items.
Often, I'm just too lazy to plan for meals, so I've come up with a few recipes that require few or no perishable items, but still feature plenty of vegetables.
(The following recipes are a little sketchier than the ones above because I mostly made them up as I went along. I'll try to include all the relevant details, but just let me know if I left out anything vital.)
Tomato Florentine Soup
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 large carrot, sliced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth (I usually use a powdered mix)
2 can diced tomatoes, undrained (I use salt free)
10 oz. package of frozen spinach, thawed
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp marjoram
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, and saute until soft. Add garlic, and stir for 30 seconds.
Add broth, tomatoes, spinach, beans, and spices. Simmer 15 minutes. Salt to taste.
Lemony Spinach and Brown Rice
2 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup cooked brown rice (I use instant, prepared according to directions on package)
10 oz. package of frozen spinach, cooked according to directions on package
3/4 tsp lemon pepper
1/2 tsp dill
1 can mushrooms, drained
Saute the garlic over medium heat in the olive oil for 30-60 seconds. Then mix all the other ingredients together. Stir for a few minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through.
Super Easy Vegetable Soup
Open a bunch of canned vegetables. Pour them in a pot. Heat them up. Add some salt and pepper.
My usual mixture includes
(don't drain the following)
2 cans chopped tomatoes
1 can French cut green beans
1 can carrots
1 can mushrooms
1 can corn (maybe)
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
A handful of whole wheat macaroni
1 tbsp vegetable broth powder
As much water as necessary to create the desired degree of soupiness.
Season with dill, dried basil, black pepper, garlic salt. Add a shot of lemon juice if you have it.
If you try any of these recipes, I hope you'll let me know how they turn out. Also, please share your favorite veggie recipes.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Random Photo Friday: Oh, Yeah, I Almost Forgot About Doing This Edition
Today's selection requires no explanation.
It's a cat! Wearing a bandanna!
I'm totally sending this to Stuff On My Cat.
It's a cat! Wearing a bandanna!
I'm totally sending this to Stuff On My Cat.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Drugs Are Bad, mmKay?
I had my doctor appointment today to make I sure I didn't break my brain. She confirmed that the Lexapro withdrawal probably is making me a little bonkers, and although I really shouldn't have quit taking it all of a sudden, the damage won't be permanent. Unfortunately, another side effect I didn't anticipate is that my blood pressure is now really high. It's not like, internal-organ-blow-out high, but it probably explains the headache and dizziness.
And, get a load of this! Walgreens called me today to tell me my refill is ready - my refill of Lexapro they told me they didn't have, which started this whole pharmaceutical fiasco. Walgreens can suck my butt.
And, get a load of this! Walgreens called me today to tell me my refill is ready - my refill of Lexapro they told me they didn't have, which started this whole pharmaceutical fiasco. Walgreens can suck my butt.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Best Withdrawal EVAR
I somewhat involuntarily took myself off the Lexapro, and let me tell you, it is going GREAT.
The night before Thanksgiving my prescription ran out. My pharmacy was closed until Friday, but I knew going without the crazy pills for couple of days wouldn't be a big deal. However, when I called for my refill, I discovered that my doctor's office never called it in. At first I freaked out and started making frantic phone calls. But, I already had an appointment scheduled for tomorrow, so I figured I'd just see how it turned out.
Whatever havoc I've accidentally wreaked on my brain chemistry has resulted in relentless optimism and excessive enthusiasm for just about everything. Yay, everything!
At first it seemed I had achieved a surprising level of mental stability and emotional maturity. For example, see my very reasonable post about my employment issues. Then I thought I was just feeling cheerful.
But now I'm having trouble falling asleep because I'm just having so much fun! lying there, thinking about stuff. My mother-in-law brought over some persimmons, which I had never tried before. When I tasted one, it was so excellent that I exclaimed out loud, all alone in my kitchen, "Persimmons! Fuck yeah!" This evening I noticed that it was 6:30, so I pumped my fists in exultation that it was 6:30! All right, 6:30! I don't know why.
I sort of feel like I just got off a roller coaster - sort of giddy and wobbly with a funny feeling in my stomach. I can only imagine I'm veering into some sort of drug withdrawal induced mania. It's really fun, but I'm glad I have a doctor appointment before I start skipping around the neighborhood naked, tossing flowers at everyone. Except they're not really flowers. They're like, rubber bands or something. You know, because I'm ker-RAY-zee.
The night before Thanksgiving my prescription ran out. My pharmacy was closed until Friday, but I knew going without the crazy pills for couple of days wouldn't be a big deal. However, when I called for my refill, I discovered that my doctor's office never called it in. At first I freaked out and started making frantic phone calls. But, I already had an appointment scheduled for tomorrow, so I figured I'd just see how it turned out.
Whatever havoc I've accidentally wreaked on my brain chemistry has resulted in relentless optimism and excessive enthusiasm for just about everything. Yay, everything!
At first it seemed I had achieved a surprising level of mental stability and emotional maturity. For example, see my very reasonable post about my employment issues. Then I thought I was just feeling cheerful.
But now I'm having trouble falling asleep because I'm just having so much fun! lying there, thinking about stuff. My mother-in-law brought over some persimmons, which I had never tried before. When I tasted one, it was so excellent that I exclaimed out loud, all alone in my kitchen, "Persimmons! Fuck yeah!" This evening I noticed that it was 6:30, so I pumped my fists in exultation that it was 6:30! All right, 6:30! I don't know why.
I sort of feel like I just got off a roller coaster - sort of giddy and wobbly with a funny feeling in my stomach. I can only imagine I'm veering into some sort of drug withdrawal induced mania. It's really fun, but I'm glad I have a doctor appointment before I start skipping around the neighborhood naked, tossing flowers at everyone. Except they're not really flowers. They're like, rubber bands or something. You know, because I'm ker-RAY-zee.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Crisis Averted
In a cleansing burst of sanity, I've come to terms with my career crisis from last week.
What happened was my boss was mean to me. I drove home crying about how mean she was. As soon as I got home I started looking for another job so when I forced a confrontation with my boss about how mean she is and she fired me I would have a back up plan.
However, upon thinking calmly about the whole stupid situation, I realized that there are several components involved in her meanness.
1. She's mean. I've always known this about her. Sometimes she's kind of teasing, funny mean, but sometimes she's just mean.
2. She's obviously been really stressed out about something. It's probably work related, but it doesn't have enough to do with me that I know what it is. In summary, it's not my problem.
3. Maybe, at least sometimes, she doesn't like me. That may sound insecure, but sometimes I don't much like her, so I'm sure it's possible.
There is nothing I can do about any of these things, so there is no point in getting all freaked about it. I can get past the meanness and take the points she was trying to make that can help me do a better job.
I enjoy my job. I feel good about what I'm accomplishing, and I like most of the people I work with most of the time. If I look at the situation from Traivor's wise perspective that "Working sucks. That's why they have to pay you to do it." my job is really not that bad.
What happened was my boss was mean to me. I drove home crying about how mean she was. As soon as I got home I started looking for another job so when I forced a confrontation with my boss about how mean she is and she fired me I would have a back up plan.
However, upon thinking calmly about the whole stupid situation, I realized that there are several components involved in her meanness.
1. She's mean. I've always known this about her. Sometimes she's kind of teasing, funny mean, but sometimes she's just mean.
2. She's obviously been really stressed out about something. It's probably work related, but it doesn't have enough to do with me that I know what it is. In summary, it's not my problem.
3. Maybe, at least sometimes, she doesn't like me. That may sound insecure, but sometimes I don't much like her, so I'm sure it's possible.
There is nothing I can do about any of these things, so there is no point in getting all freaked about it. I can get past the meanness and take the points she was trying to make that can help me do a better job.
I enjoy my job. I feel good about what I'm accomplishing, and I like most of the people I work with most of the time. If I look at the situation from Traivor's wise perspective that "Working sucks. That's why they have to pay you to do it." my job is really not that bad.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
A White Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was especially excellent this year since I got to share it with 14 members of my family - the biggest crowd we've had in years. We were just missing a couple of cousins and uncles who are currently spread across three continents. By Christmas, however, they may all be back in Texas, at least for the holidays. I can't wait.
As remarkable as the family fellowship this year was the weather. It snowed all afternoon.
The day after Thanksgiving my parents and I have a tradition that we cook our own dinner with all our favorite dishes so we can keep all the leftovers for ourselves. One of the downsides of having such a large family is that the leftovers are spread thin even after a huge dinner.
We had (clockwise from the top) squash casserole, crescent rolls, corn casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, Quorn brand turkey substitute, dressing, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, sauteed green beans, wasabi deviled eggs, with mushroom gravy all over everything.
Not pictured is green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup and french-fried onions because that's just gross. My dad likes it, though. Also not pictured because I forgot is my mom's fruit salad, which is particularly delicious since it's made with peach pie filling. For dessert we made pumpkin pie and cherry pie and homemade whipped cream. We also enjoyed a nice Sauvignon Blanc and then had to drink a pot of coffee to revive ourselves.
Pretty much every Thanksgiving is like this, and I look forward to it all year. I like Thanksgiving way better than Christmas. It offers all the same opportunities to eat too much and hang out with family and take time off work without all the shopping - a truly ideal holiday.
As remarkable as the family fellowship this year was the weather. It snowed all afternoon.
The day after Thanksgiving my parents and I have a tradition that we cook our own dinner with all our favorite dishes so we can keep all the leftovers for ourselves. One of the downsides of having such a large family is that the leftovers are spread thin even after a huge dinner.
We had (clockwise from the top) squash casserole, crescent rolls, corn casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, Quorn brand turkey substitute, dressing, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, sauteed green beans, wasabi deviled eggs, with mushroom gravy all over everything.
Not pictured is green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup and french-fried onions because that's just gross. My dad likes it, though. Also not pictured because I forgot is my mom's fruit salad, which is particularly delicious since it's made with peach pie filling. For dessert we made pumpkin pie and cherry pie and homemade whipped cream. We also enjoyed a nice Sauvignon Blanc and then had to drink a pot of coffee to revive ourselves.
Pretty much every Thanksgiving is like this, and I look forward to it all year. I like Thanksgiving way better than Christmas. It offers all the same opportunities to eat too much and hang out with family and take time off work without all the shopping - a truly ideal holiday.
Yes. Yes I Did.
On chilly weekend mornings I spend a little while fantasizing about the elaborate delicious breakfast I plan to have in order to motivate myself to get out of bed. Yesterday, I dreamed up French toast made with egg nog instead of milk and topped with cherry pie filling, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. The egg nog didn't add a lot of extra flavor, but it was a wonderfully fattening way to start the day.
This morning, my idea was an omelet seasoned with dill and stuffed with salmon, capers, and heavy cream. Of course, I'm really lazy, so instead of getting up and cooking myself breakfast, I was lolling around in bed, petting the cat, when The Husband shows up with the omelet! Dizzy and I enjoyed an exceptional, custom-made breakfast in bed. Did I win the marriage lottery or what?
This morning, my idea was an omelet seasoned with dill and stuffed with salmon, capers, and heavy cream. Of course, I'm really lazy, so instead of getting up and cooking myself breakfast, I was lolling around in bed, petting the cat, when The Husband shows up with the omelet! Dizzy and I enjoyed an exceptional, custom-made breakfast in bed. Did I win the marriage lottery or what?
Thursday, November 22, 2007
House guest
This is my dog-in-law, Xena: Dogular Princess.
Or maybe Xena: Warrior Dogcess. I don't know. I didn't name her.
Anyway, this goofy girl is staying with us for the Thanksgiving holiday while my pop-in-law and his attractive and sophisticated wife head out of town. She's sweet and all, but she certainly hasn't affected my extreme prejudice in favor of animals of the cat persuasion.
She keeps sticking her head in my crotch and breathing on me with her hot dog breath, and she's way too big to curl up in my lap. It is fun to take her for a walk, though. Dizzy Wizzy Kitty never really leaves the house. Sometimes I carry her around in the yard or let her walk around the fenced back yard while I follow about three feet behind her.
Dizzy and Xena do NOT get along. Xena very much wants to smooch or possibly swallow Dizzy, and Dizzy very much wants to kill Xena. I'm glad our house has lots of doors. We've created the Dizzy zone and the Xena zone.
Although cats have the reputation for being aloof and independent, Xena is much more self-sufficient than Dizzy. Last night Xena actually put herself to bed. Around 10:30 she went in her kennel and laid down. The Husband gave her a treat and closed the door, and we didn't hear another peep out of her.
Dizzy, on the other hand, stomps around meowing until I lie down in the bed. Then she crawls on me all night. It must have been particularly cold last night because I woke up with Dizzy sleeping half on my neck and half on my face. Later she pushed all the blankets off of me with her nose because she was trying to burrow under them. Meanwhile the dog was soundly (and quietly) sleeping in her own room in her own bed.
I wouldn't trade my Dizzy Wizzy Kitty for the world, though.
Or maybe Xena: Warrior Dogcess. I don't know. I didn't name her.
Anyway, this goofy girl is staying with us for the Thanksgiving holiday while my pop-in-law and his attractive and sophisticated wife head out of town. She's sweet and all, but she certainly hasn't affected my extreme prejudice in favor of animals of the cat persuasion.
She keeps sticking her head in my crotch and breathing on me with her hot dog breath, and she's way too big to curl up in my lap. It is fun to take her for a walk, though. Dizzy Wizzy Kitty never really leaves the house. Sometimes I carry her around in the yard or let her walk around the fenced back yard while I follow about three feet behind her.
Dizzy and Xena do NOT get along. Xena very much wants to smooch or possibly swallow Dizzy, and Dizzy very much wants to kill Xena. I'm glad our house has lots of doors. We've created the Dizzy zone and the Xena zone.
Although cats have the reputation for being aloof and independent, Xena is much more self-sufficient than Dizzy. Last night Xena actually put herself to bed. Around 10:30 she went in her kennel and laid down. The Husband gave her a treat and closed the door, and we didn't hear another peep out of her.
Dizzy, on the other hand, stomps around meowing until I lie down in the bed. Then she crawls on me all night. It must have been particularly cold last night because I woke up with Dizzy sleeping half on my neck and half on my face. Later she pushed all the blankets off of me with her nose because she was trying to burrow under them. Meanwhile the dog was soundly (and quietly) sleeping in her own room in her own bed.
I wouldn't trade my Dizzy Wizzy Kitty for the world, though.
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