A case of buying the bottle for the shapeliness.
Tips for Finding Happiness in Your Daily Life
10 years ago
Monday, January 31, 2011
Lunch with Me Myself and I 3
魚皮餃米線 Fish dumplings and noodles in fish broth, with a side of jellyfish. Guess i was seriously craving fish. This particular kind of dumplings are new to me. I just made its acquaintance recently while lunching with Elsie. There was an instant spark. I thought, "Where have you been all my life?"
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Critical
Our mattress is starting to squeak.
Technically, it's RJ's mattress. But i've slept on it long enough to call it ours, i guess.
Reminds me of that famous scene in Delicatessen.
What a brilliant film! Possibly the weirdest, darkest i've seen. A far cry from the blatant ones of recent years such as Saw. The understated delivery of drudgery makes the unveiling of the nature of drudgery that much more impactful. You'll never forget the moment you make the connection. Because a lot of gruesome details are left to imagination.
And your mind makes the best movies.
Technically, it's RJ's mattress. But i've slept on it long enough to call it ours, i guess.
Reminds me of that famous scene in Delicatessen.
What a brilliant film! Possibly the weirdest, darkest i've seen. A far cry from the blatant ones of recent years such as Saw. The understated delivery of drudgery makes the unveiling of the nature of drudgery that much more impactful. You'll never forget the moment you make the connection. Because a lot of gruesome details are left to imagination.
And your mind makes the best movies.
Addendum 2
I spoke prematurely.
From a distance, Ashley has a support system. She has a dog. Parents who live close by. Roommates.
But, know what? She gets lonely. And who am i to say she is not to lament?
Loneliness is a ruthless bitch who does not discriminate.
From a distance, Ashley has a support system. She has a dog. Parents who live close by. Roommates.
But, know what? She gets lonely. And who am i to say she is not to lament?
Loneliness is a ruthless bitch who does not discriminate.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Alone Is Not Lonely, Ranger
Ashley, my very young ex-coworker, often vaguebooks. As is the trend with her generation.
Tonight:
In the end its ME, MYSELF, & I.
She gets sympathy, of course. That is the idea, isn't it?
First of all, this kind of vulnerability made rampant and condoned by social networking? Didn't see it comin'.
Second of all, we were born alone, stark naked, and we're gonna leave the world that way. Is that news to you?
Why are the young'uns so afraid to be alone, seemingly even more so than MY generation?
There, NOW i'm old.
I was tempted to comment, "Golden silence = Great time for introspection and soliloquy."
I may not be the wisest but i've learned to listen when there is nothing blatant to turn our ear to.
But apparently i'm amongst the few who enjoy their own company. Knowing there's something to be learned in that pardnership.
Tonight:
In the end its ME, MYSELF, & I.
She gets sympathy, of course. That is the idea, isn't it?
First of all, this kind of vulnerability made rampant and condoned by social networking? Didn't see it comin'.
Second of all, we were born alone, stark naked, and we're gonna leave the world that way. Is that news to you?
Why are the young'uns so afraid to be alone, seemingly even more so than MY generation?
There, NOW i'm old.
I was tempted to comment, "Golden silence = Great time for introspection and soliloquy."
I may not be the wisest but i've learned to listen when there is nothing blatant to turn our ear to.
But apparently i'm amongst the few who enjoy their own company. Knowing there's something to be learned in that pardnership.
Aimed
Had the most pleasant visit at Target today. I know, kind of an oxymoron. Now, Target is my favorite store of its kind, but usually a trip there is more of a chore. Today, i made a life-changing executive decision:
I grabbed a cart instead of my standard basket.
You have to understand. I HATE the cart. It renders you less mobile and subjects you to blockage by oblivious shoppers in a trance. Nothing is more irritating than oblivion even though everyone is guilty of it once in a while.
I've gone the extreme of carrying two baskets just to avoid the cart.
But there comes a time when i actually want to take my sweet time browsing. I've been meaning to do that ever since Target revolutionized their West Coast stores by expanding and enriching the food section, and has done a marvelous job at that. (Motion-sensored freezer lights? Nice! And green, too.) Nothing like Super Target back east, i've been told. But what i haven't experienced i won't miss. The West Coast counterparts are just fine, thank you very much.
When you have 20 lb. of goods on each arm, it's sort of hard to browse.
I was viewing some gift bags when my cart rolled over one that had fallen on the floor. I cringed as if i had run over and killed an animal. I picked it up and returned it to its brethren.
An employee down the aisle restocking witnessed, and thanked me. The unexpected attention was slightly uncomfortable.
"I don't like when things are out of place," i confessed. At clothing stores i put misplaced items back where they belong. I simply can't stand it. It's more my OCD at work than an altruistic act.
"You're the only guest who has done that!" Exclaimed the Target team-member.
"I'd like to think there are more people out there who would do the same," i said.
He insisted a few more times that such saintly behavior was unheard of, and thanked me again, several times. At the end, i thanked him.
As i checked out, the woman asked for my ID for the bottle of wine i was buying. She didn't look very thrilled from the first second.
As i handed my driver's license to her, i smiled and said, "Thank you for making my day!"
Caught off-guard, she burst into laughter. And not the fake kind.
"It's nice to still get carded," i went on. Yeah, i'm at that age.
She then took a moment to explain her position along the lines of "kids these days!"
These days, i find myself saying "kids these days!", too. It's the true sign of aging.
Upon scanning a couple of greeting cards, she observed and acknowledged with appreciation the fact that i had turned the cards so that not only does each barcode face outward, it was on the opposite end of the envelope flap, unobstructed and infrared ready.
Again, the unexpected attention was somewhat uncomfortable. I was reminded of my Hallmark days that bordered on religious. The Hallmark clerks would thank me for flipping, too.
"It's a bad habit," i told the woman.
I grabbed a cart instead of my standard basket.
You have to understand. I HATE the cart. It renders you less mobile and subjects you to blockage by oblivious shoppers in a trance. Nothing is more irritating than oblivion even though everyone is guilty of it once in a while.
I've gone the extreme of carrying two baskets just to avoid the cart.
But there comes a time when i actually want to take my sweet time browsing. I've been meaning to do that ever since Target revolutionized their West Coast stores by expanding and enriching the food section, and has done a marvelous job at that. (Motion-sensored freezer lights? Nice! And green, too.) Nothing like Super Target back east, i've been told. But what i haven't experienced i won't miss. The West Coast counterparts are just fine, thank you very much.
When you have 20 lb. of goods on each arm, it's sort of hard to browse.
I was viewing some gift bags when my cart rolled over one that had fallen on the floor. I cringed as if i had run over and killed an animal. I picked it up and returned it to its brethren.
An employee down the aisle restocking witnessed, and thanked me. The unexpected attention was slightly uncomfortable.
"I don't like when things are out of place," i confessed. At clothing stores i put misplaced items back where they belong. I simply can't stand it. It's more my OCD at work than an altruistic act.
"You're the only guest who has done that!" Exclaimed the Target team-member.
"I'd like to think there are more people out there who would do the same," i said.
He insisted a few more times that such saintly behavior was unheard of, and thanked me again, several times. At the end, i thanked him.
As i checked out, the woman asked for my ID for the bottle of wine i was buying. She didn't look very thrilled from the first second.
As i handed my driver's license to her, i smiled and said, "Thank you for making my day!"
Caught off-guard, she burst into laughter. And not the fake kind.
"It's nice to still get carded," i went on. Yeah, i'm at that age.
She then took a moment to explain her position along the lines of "kids these days!"
These days, i find myself saying "kids these days!", too. It's the true sign of aging.
Upon scanning a couple of greeting cards, she observed and acknowledged with appreciation the fact that i had turned the cards so that not only does each barcode face outward, it was on the opposite end of the envelope flap, unobstructed and infrared ready.
Again, the unexpected attention was somewhat uncomfortable. I was reminded of my Hallmark days that bordered on religious. The Hallmark clerks would thank me for flipping, too.
"It's a bad habit," i told the woman.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Zapp's
I'm generally not into potato chips, but the seasoning in this has got zing to it. And the heat is definitely above average. I'm officially a fan.
Asian Slaw with Miso Vinaigrette
A recipe in the February issue of Bon Appetit caught my eye. I made some modifications to suit my taste.
I think the only think Asian about this is the miso, and the only thing slaw about it is the cabbage.
But tasted pretty good! Plus my tub of miso had just been sitting in the fridge. Put that to good use!
I think the only think Asian about this is the miso, and the only thing slaw about it is the cabbage.
But tasted pretty good! Plus my tub of miso had just been sitting in the fridge. Put that to good use!
Nameless, with Rum and Liqueur de Fraises
I had this bright idea of getting some frozen berries and just letting them thaw in my cocktail. It worked! By the time i was done sipping, the berries were tender and ready to eat (not to mention booze-infused).
Home Version of McNuggets: Ritz-Crusted Chicken Fingers
Every now and then, i crave honey mustard dip, what i used to get at McDonald's when i'd order McNuggets. I'd ask for BBQ sauce too, so i could equally divide a 6-piece order and enjoy both loves. (Sauce comes first for me - the same reason I eat fries: so i can have ketchup.)
Well, i don't go the fast food route much anymore. Not when one can cook a better version at home.
This recipe of Nigella Lawson's (i adore her. I could listen to her speak all day! Plus that bosom - don't get me started) is allegedly approved by Jamie Oliver, the self-appointed toddler behaviorist himself.
I made my own honey mustard dip the night before. So proud whenever i create semi from scratch!
Only 20 minutes in the oven, and all done!
I could taste the chicken. Yay me!
Well, i don't go the fast food route much anymore. Not when one can cook a better version at home.
This recipe of Nigella Lawson's (i adore her. I could listen to her speak all day! Plus that bosom - don't get me started) is allegedly approved by Jamie Oliver, the self-appointed toddler behaviorist himself.
I made my own honey mustard dip the night before. So proud whenever i create semi from scratch!
Only 20 minutes in the oven, and all done!
I could taste the chicken. Yay me!
RJ Makes Dinner 20
RJ's famous burgers. The caramelized onion was amazing. The meat may seem charred but it is pink on the inside. Very much so. Trust me. *Wink*
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Snippet 196
V:
Why are you pausing?
RJ:
Cuz this may be cool, crazy and funny, and I don't want you to miss it. And if it's not, I'm sorry.
Why are you pausing?
RJ:
Cuz this may be cool, crazy and funny, and I don't want you to miss it. And if it's not, I'm sorry.
Live a Little
I just don't get people who get excited about Costco gasoline cuz it's 20¢ cheaper than others, and are willing to wait in line for 30 minutes for it. Let's say you have a 20-gallon tank. And that's being generous. You save $4. I can't recount off the top of my head what minimum wage is today, but are you telling me 30 minutes of your time is worth less than $4? Let's say you do make minimum wage, say, $7.75 per hour - that sounds about right the last time i paid attention - half an hour of your time is worth $3.88 (rounded up). So really you've come 12¢ on top. And that's 30 minutes of your LIFE you'll never get back. Put a price on that!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Quote 242
Harry Potter is about confronting fears, finding inner strength and doing what is right in the face of adversity. Twilight is about how important it is to have a boyfriend.
- Andrew Futral, The Age of Rockets
- Andrew Futral, The Age of Rockets
More Alimentary Adventures 13
I'm always in the market for different kinds of wings.
Another great find at the friendly neighborhood store! Superb value.
A little fattier than their Jamaican cousin, but fat is delicious! Heat level i'm sure would be considered above average but it's low on my scale albeit detectable so all is not lost. Flavorful and tender, no complaints!
Another great find at the friendly neighborhood store! Superb value.
A little fattier than their Jamaican cousin, but fat is delicious! Heat level i'm sure would be considered above average but it's low on my scale albeit detectable so all is not lost. Flavorful and tender, no complaints!
Homemade Marinara
Hot sausage
Tomatoes were harvested from the garden and jarred at the end of summer.
No better marinara!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Quote 240
I think you do a thing once, and then you run like a thief.
- Betty White (referring to SNL)
- Betty White (referring to SNL)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Snippet 195
RJ:
You wouldn't let me snuggle with you last night.
V:
Aaw... Why?
RJ:
Cuz my skin was cold.
V:
Well, i'm a selfish bitch.
RJ:
No, I'm not saying that. It was cold.
V:
But that's what you're inferring. And rightfully so.
You wouldn't let me snuggle with you last night.
V:
Aaw... Why?
RJ:
Cuz my skin was cold.
V:
Well, i'm a selfish bitch.
RJ:
No, I'm not saying that. It was cold.
V:
But that's what you're inferring. And rightfully so.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
How's This For OCD?
When i make my shopping list, i actually put items in the order i would encounter them following my usual route at the grocer. That way, chances of missing something are slim to none.
By Yours Truly 30
Pad Thai, another first!
For a long time i found this too intimidating to attempt. Turned out it's really simple. And quick! Still it took time to gear up to the effort because i still deemed wok mastery not in my grasp.
The most dramatic step was releasing the drained noodles in the oiled wok. And by dramatic i mean scary. The sizzle was LOUD! And the steam! Theatrical.
But it simmered down in no time and what was gained was confidence. And the comfort in having overcome fear.
I find it near impossible to work with a spatula. So i followed the footsteps of Asian chefs i'd read up on and wood-chopsticked it. It worked!
Another thing is that you have to work quickly. There was almost no time for photography! Almost. (LOL)
Timing was important and i think i did pretty well in that department. It tasted just like the real thing! There'll be more wokking in the future!
For a long time i found this too intimidating to attempt. Turned out it's really simple. And quick! Still it took time to gear up to the effort because i still deemed wok mastery not in my grasp.
The most dramatic step was releasing the drained noodles in the oiled wok. And by dramatic i mean scary. The sizzle was LOUD! And the steam! Theatrical.
But it simmered down in no time and what was gained was confidence. And the comfort in having overcome fear.I find it near impossible to work with a spatula. So i followed the footsteps of Asian chefs i'd read up on and wood-chopsticked it. It worked!
Another thing is that you have to work quickly. There was almost no time for photography! Almost. (LOL)
Timing was important and i think i did pretty well in that department. It tasted just like the real thing! There'll be more wokking in the future!
By Yours Truly 29
All my favorite ingredients are in this omelette. The colors are mesmerizing. It's my Italian take.
It's frigging perfect!!!I have not been able to achieve the classic crescent effect before. This brings a tear to my eye. :-)
I was gonna save half, but guess what, I ate it all. And proud of it.
Lunch with RJ 15
I was impressed the calamari came with three types of dipping sauce. The curious non-standard was Romaine aioli.
Veal Parmesan.
