31 January 2009

food... is it?

When my mother visited the summer before last she insisted on refilling my pantry and freezer.  We returned from the store with boxes upon boxes of Rice-a-roni, instant pudding, bags of seasoned noodles, pasta/sauce, canned vegetables, baked beans, and pre-marinated giant turkey breasts, and ground beef in tubes.

yay.

not really.

I tried to work my way through the piles of chemicals, but it was just too... preserved.  I didn't touch the meats.  They were just too big.

When my brother visited I gave him all my instant foods.  He has a microwave in the dorm and just this year managed to figure out the washing machine.  I figured that with directions printed on the food it would be better than fast foods.

However, I kept the meat.  Today I cooked one up a gigantic turkey tenderloin (do turkeys even have loins?) with the intent of making turkey salad, turkey soup, and turkey pie.  It turned out to be a breast.

So I cooked it through.

It's so damn over seasoned and salty.  I'll see what I can do to counter it.  Maybe diluting it in the soup and such will work.

::pout::


30 January 2009

beer (and sleep)

for starters, this came through my myspace bulletins from Rogue Breweries:

The 4th annual Chocolate Festival is happening this weekend at the World Forestry Center in Portland Or.

Rogue is the only brewery pouring at this event.

We will be selling Chocolate Stout on Draft, Chocolate Stout bottles, Imperial Chocolate Stout bottles, Valentines Day Gift Boxes, Rogue Creamery Chocolate Stout Cheddar, and Chocolate Stout Pumpernickel Bread

Come indulge yourselves in Chocolate mayhem.





(yum, I want chocolate stout cheddar)


So I haven't slept well for the last many weeks.  Some days are better than others.  I just really want 6 hours of sleep, even if the cats wake me up.  I've just gotten tired of waking up and laying for hours... or as last night was, not falling asleep until 4AM.

I've tried going to bed a decent times, I'm up at 7-730, so I thought that 10 to 11 or even on late nights at midnight, but never later.  Even on weekends, I'm in bed midnightish to 1 and up by 9, if not 8.

The few nights that I have slept better, though, I've noticed a trend: I was drinking.

It made me think of an article that I had been reading ( http://www.feministing.com/archives/012592.html ).  Now the question is, how much does that apply to me?

27 January 2009

My Cookware

I have the most awesome cookware, let me tell you about it.

My grandmother passed away two summers ago (this is part of the story).  That fall my grandfather decided to move into a small assisted living community in Massachusetts.  This meant that he had to downsize... a whole bunch.  He had been living in Florida, but Massachusetts meant that he could be nearer to some family.  On the way up, he stopped by Knoxville.  He had boxes of things for me.  Great, just what I needed, more stuff.  It took a few weeks for me to go through all the boxes, and I never quite got back to the level of clean as I had before he brought boxes and boxes of dusty stuff to my house.

Going through it I ended up with random pieces of games, camp chairs, and such erratic shtuff.  Two sets of the shtuff were actually worth keeping.  And even if they weren't, there was no way I would be forgiven if they ended up in a goodwill bin, ebay, or the collectors markets.

One was my grandmother's wedding china, from her first marriage.  This is serious 1940s/1950s china.  You know, 12 place settings with platinum edging.  Needless to say, it got packed up in newsprint and put in big hard Tupperwares.  Because the next thing I need is *more* dishes that I can't put in the microwave.

The second is a full set of Guardian Service cast/hammered aluminium waterless cookware, her wedding pots which she has used for cooking since.  Everything: roasting pan, 4 quart, 3 quart, 2 quart, 1 quart, skillet.  It's great.  It has glass lids and I've accidentally broken one in the year that I've had them.  It's ok, though, because I have another lid of the same size. 

They are great to work with.  Because they're thick, the bottom doesn't get hot spots, and once the entire pot is hot, I can put the temperature on low and it will still keep bubbling.  Because they're aluminium, they're strong.

I wanted to see if there were any other sizes that I might not have, so I checked ebay.  Apparently these pots are *still* extremely popular even though they've been out of production since 1956.  They're all more the FIFTY YEARS OLD.  And still functional!

wow

26 January 2009

New Years in Atlanta

There was a line. For the museum. It was 12:05, the Museum opened at
noon, and there was a line stretching around the plaza.

Morgan and I had been toying with the idea of taking a daytrip to
Atlanta in order to see the Terra Cotta Warriors Exhibit. On Saturday
we decided that we had done enough work to take a day off, so we
ordered the tickets to the High Museum and chose 2:30 for our entrance
time to the special exhibit.

We were on the interstate by 8 and stopped for breakfast at a Cracker
Barrel. We managed to pull into the parking lot of the Museum by Noon
and then took the elevator to the museum level.

Where we encountered the line. We jumped in as people slowly filed
into the building. Suddenly a black and red haired woman came out.
She announced that members should go inside immediately and go to
their special line. Then, will call (us) were directed to our lines.
The rest of the schlubs... er... people were left for general
admission. There were only 5 parties infront of Morgan and I, so we
flew through pretty fast.

When we got our ticket I looked at it and asked the woman what time we
had signed up for to see the exhibit because I was pretty sure it was
2:30, but it didn't say on the ticket and I didn't want to risk
missing our entrance time. Museum people can get rather frustrated if
you mess up their order. I would know.

"Well, we don't have that many people signed up for the afternoon, so
you can just hop in whenever you want." She responded.

So we did.

It was pretty awesome. No pictures allowed, but that's ok. There
were some complete warriors, including one like ours at the museum.
There was also a horse because the Emporer wanted chariots. They also
including musicians (how cool is that!) and birds that would inhabit
the Emporer's afterlife court.

There was also an exhibit on masterpieces from the Lourve, so we saw
some original Michaelangelos and such. And the permanent collection
was so daunting.

A good part of the permanant collection was spent investigating how
design/decorative arts evolved. When I was in the early 20th century
part, Morgan stepped outside for a cigarette. I found a desk and
chair set by Frank Lloyd Wright and sat down.... across from it.

A family comes up and is being given a guided tour. They have two
daughters, one about 5-7 the other 9-12. The youngest raises her hand
right after the guide mentions that FLW designed the piece. The guide
calls on the girl who points to a thing sitting on the desk.

"What's that?"
"Thats..." the guide starts
"Oh! I know!" says older daughter. "It's what old people use instead
of a computer. You hit the keyboard and the letter shows right up on
the paper. You don't need to hit the print button!"

The guide is trying so very hard not to laugh. So am I. The older
daughter's description of the typewriter, however, was most awesome.

By the time we wandered our way through four floors of chronological
art, we were most arted out and starting to get a little hungry.
Claire had recommended a few places, including Canton House with all
day Dim Sum. I had never done DimSum before, and the directions to
the restaurant were rather easy from the museum, so we popped on I85
jumped off to Buford Highway, and found it rather easily.

The Canton House had such huge chandeliers! And there was a black and
red laquered stage on one end with gigantic gold dragons flying along
the wall. Where we sat we saw into the kitchen. They had a tank
filled with crabs! And another with swimming fish. Talk about fresh!

One waitress explained just what DimSum was to us, and we dove in. We
started with pork in steamed dough balls, shrimp dumplings, and
stuffed mushrooms. With the next cart we got BBQ pork buns, shrimp on
sugar cane (which I missed so much from Saigon's in Albany), then we
tried beef spare ribs. We were cautious because we weren't sure how
much things were. There were two definite teirs as they marked our
order sheet, and five dishes were in the top (lowest priced) tier and
two were in the middle, the spare ribs and the sugarcane shrimps. We
felt somewhat good after that, and through this I noticed that so many
people were wearing red. And one waitress had a red envelope that
looked like what would be used for the.... Chinese New Year!

I felt so very stupid for not remembering, I was sure I had heard
something about it on NPR that day, but still....

The meal came to $22 total, our worry was totally unfounded. And it
was DELICIOUS!

Then we hit the road, at about 6, and unexcitedly made it back home by 9.

It was such fun!

In the spirit of the Chinese new year, I'm posting my horiscope. I'm a Piggy.
It sounds like it might be a good year!

Pig Overview
The Pig has many opportunities to shine this year. Your generous
nature is apparent in all aspects of your life. It is an admired
quality that people respect. This year, your inherent generosity plays
a large role in areas that you may not even be aware and may pave the
way to a possible career change. You have an abundance of friends and
you are well loved by your family. this year will only enhance these
relations. One area that may create some issues is that you seem to
overextend yourself to a point where there isn't any time left for
you. This could lead to a change in priorities and could promote some
better organizational skills.

Pig Rating
53% (2 favorable 9 neutral and 1 unfavorable month)

Pig Career
The Pig may feel complacency in your current job position. This could
be a year that you may need a change towards something that is more
suitable for your needs. You may gravitate towards something that is
more of a position that provides service to others, perhaps a
non-profit organization or a customer service based position. Your
busy schedule will also play a part in your work. You may be forced to
choose between certain activities, as there are only seven, not eight
days in a week. Whatever the course may be for your career, you will
fit in well with your endearing personality.

Pig Relationships
Personally, 2009 will be a year that the Pig will enjoy much
happiness. Both your social and domestic life will be endearing to
you, providing you with encouragement and advice. Your family and
friends will be the source of many memorable occasions this year. For
the unattached Pig, there will be some romantic opportunities. Be
careful who you let into your circle, as you tend to give others too
much credit. July is a particularly favorable month for all Pigs.

Pig Health
The Pig would do well to watch your health this year. There may be an
unforeseen incident that arises sometime during the year, most likely
in late April or early May. This may cause you to look at your habits
relating to your health. One area in particular is your diet. This
year could provide a change in your eating habits, which could help
other areas of your health.

Pig Wealth
There may be times this year when you are uncertain about your
financial future, but there are things in your life that take
precedence over money. You will be taken care of, but there may be
times of financial uncertainty. A change will come in the second half
of the year that will provide greater financial comfort and allow you
to live at a means that is more accustomed to your liking. Be patient,
as the change will come.


Always remember, a cat looks down on man, a dog looks up to man, but a
pig will look man right in the eye and see his equal. - Winston
Churchill

24 January 2009

so did i mention...

that I was asked, by a small East TN group who has funds in hand, to
put together their museum.

CONCEPTION TO CONCRETE!

wow.

still getting information on what all they want. let's see if it's
reasonable. it's not for pay, but for glory.

::cross toes::

like... EEEW

Just another reason why I've been steering away from processed foods... like both featured here:

Mechanically Separated Chicken Totally Looks Like Strawberry Soft Serve
see famous look-a-like faces

22 January 2009

woot

http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2009/01/22/executive-order-watch/

Blog for Choice

It's the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, meaning it's National Blog
for Choice Day.

Yay for choice! We have hope with the new administration that there
will only be progress in the way of reproductive rights.

Unfortunately people still stand in the way of this.

Today:

http://www.plannedparenthoodadvocate.org/content/clinic_violence_on_the_annivesary_of_roe_v_wade

"[I]n St. Paul, while anti-choice protesters peacefully protested
across the street from the Planned Parenthood Highland Park Clinic, an
extreme anti-choicer decided to ram his SUV against the front door of
the clinic. Thankfully, no one was injured and little damage was
done."

21 January 2009

The devil is a loser and he's my bitch...

how much would I enjoy being able to say that... without the gendered derogatory.

enjoy some Lordi ... I've been watching these awesome theatrics for years

20 January 2009

Inaugural Poem

by: Elizabeth Alexander

Praise song for the day.

Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others' eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair.

Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice.

A woman and her son wait for the bus.

A farmer considers the changing sky; A teacher says, "Take out your pencils. Begin."

We encounter each other in words, words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed; words to consider, reconsider.

We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and then others who said, "I need to see what's on the other side; I know there's something better down the road."

We need to find a place where we are safe; We walk into that which we cannot yet see.

Say it plain, that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of.

Praise song for struggle; praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign; The figuring it out at kitchen tables.

Some live by "Love thy neighbor as thy self."

Others by first do no harm, or take no more than you need.

What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance.

In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun.

On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp -- praise song for walking forward in that light.