Thai Sunday

Sunday I decided it was time to clean up my apartment, and off I went. Almost as soon as I was done I kept eyeing my nice, clean kitchen. There is just something about a clean kitchen that makes me want to cook. I had all but two ingredients for Thai noodles, and I figured that coriander and fish sauce aside, I could make it. It does make me mad to know that I JUST threw out my fish sauce b/c it spilled during the move and made all my spices smell like a sweaty, fishy mess. Showed that fish sauce who was boss, didn't I?! And now I am without. Anyway, I started by chopping the veggies:

Starting with carrots and going clockwise we have chopped garlic, limes, chopped chili pepper, shallots, and green bell pepper in the middle.

Next I chopped up some chicken tenderloins and peeled & deveined some shrimp, like so:

Thirdly I boiled some water and cooked the noodles. Immediately after taking them off the stove, I rinsed with cold water so that the cooking process would stop. Once I forgot to do this and they got all gloopy and gross before I could toss them in the wok.

Lastly, I gathered the spices I would need to make this the best damn Thai dish I could muster (without fish sauce and coriander). From left to right we have white wine vinegar, garlic chili sauce, ginger, and basil.

I will admit that there is one thing I forgot to take pics of: the chopped peanuts. I only had peanuts that were in their shells and was quite surprised by the mess peanuts make when you're not enjoying them the "regular" way, and by that I mean sucking off the salt, cracking the nut, and eating the peanut, shell and all (and washing them down with beer). Despite the fact that I'm the only one partaking of this dish, the cook in me could not bring myself to tongue the nuts (huh huh huh huh huh) beforehand. As a result, my newly vacuumed floor now has bits of peanut skins and shells scattered around my desk. Hey, I already vacuumed once this weekend, thus I have hit my quota. I then had to chop them all up because my fancy schmancy kitchen stuff is in storage. It wasn't so bad though. It made me remember the time Dad needed 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and the stores were closed, so we made some from scratch. A'yup, eggs, lemon, and vegetable oil- whisk until you collapse. From that perspective, chopping peanuts wasn't such a big deal.

Confession no. 2: I got all my stuff ready and decided that I'd have it for "linner" (lunch/dinner) after I had gotten some sun by the pool. As I have relayed in earlier posts, the easiest way for me to tan is to bring my best bud, Bud Light, to the pool with me. So I drank some beer, caught some rays, and once inside my apartment I didn't much care to continue my pictorial. But, here's how I cooked it:

1) Coated my wok with sesame oil and cooked the chicken. When the outside of the chicken was white, but it was not quite done yet, I then added the shrimp (b/c if you add the shrimp too soon you'll either get not-quite-cooked chicken, or gummy, tough shrimp). I also seasoned w/salt, basil, and pepper. The recipe called for chicken broth, but instead I just added some water to the wok so that the drippings could mix and make it's own broth. I took out the meat and placed it to the side.

2) To the broth I added the garlic, shallots, and chili pepper. Once softened, I dumped in the carrots b/c they will take longer to soften. I covered to "sweat" the veggies a bit. I also added some white wine vinegar, more basil, some ginger powder (I would've liked to have used real ginger root, but I didn't have any), and salt.

3) Next I uncovered the wok and added the green peppers. For the remainder of the cook-time I would cook uncovered b/c I needed the broth to evaporate. Once softened a bit (not too much! The veggies have to be firm enough for you to toss into the noodles later), I took the veggies out of the wok and placed aside.

4) Once again coated the wok with oil. Sometimes I'll fry an egg into the oil, but usually only if I'm using rice, not noodles (I dunno why). Since these were noodles I skipped that step. Once the wok was hot I added the noodles and mixed them up (they had clumped a little bit, but the heat and oil made them seperate), and made sure they were heated through. Next I added the veggies and tossed them in with the noodles. I also squeezed the lime into the veggie/noodle mix and I also added the chopped peanuts.

5) Once everything is heated, I added the meat last. I do this because I don't want to overcook the shrimp. Also note that while you can cook all this in stages, but I try to make sure the meat doesn't completely cool down, otherwise you'll have the same problem I listed above: either warm-ish chicken pieces or overdone shrimp. I guess you could also keep the chicken and shrimp seperate, but I just find it easier to cook it all at once and keep the meat the warm.

6) Once it's all mixed and heated through I save the best for last; the garlic chili sauce. It's already got some heat to it b/c of the chopped chili pepper, but if you're like me, the more spice the better. And that's it! Thai noodles for dinner! (And lots of leftovers for lunch the next day!)

Messy plate; I was using it to store the veggies/meat in order to avoid making too many dishes to wash later on. :-)

Back on Track?

My friend Eric finally got me on the right track. I had given up on my Halloween costume this year b/c of the 6 month budget I’ve recently committed to (will attempt to commit to), which will have me in fairly good financial shape for the coming uncertainties which lie ahead. SO, I figured that since I’m going to the Renfest (which IS budgeted), that I’d forgo plans for Halloween. Until I was made to realize just how I could make my own costume. In the past I have indulged in the lamest form of costume known to man: the novelty ears. I think the whole thing started in childhood when my mom would always make me wear either the ballet costume from my previous year’s recital, or even worse, my ballet tights and leotard so that I could paint my face white and be a mime. Though I can’t blame my mom too terribly much, after all times were tight and I should be thankful that she made it a point to spend the time and money to have me involved in ballet for those 8 years, but I do wish I had one of those mom’s who was a bit more creative. Years later here I am, so quick to give up when my unimaginativeness declares that without $70-$100 to purchase a costume outright, I’m out of luck. Thank goodness Eric gave me some great ideas and put me right.

As I briefly mentioned before, I budgeted my prospective earnings, as estimation from the stipend I’ll be getting to being a puppet for the next few months (Acting Assistant Director in the house ya’ll!), and by the time Feb. comes around I should be in a good spot to make my next move, whether it be back to Seguin or in for another lease in San Marcos. I just found a place called Sanctuary Lofts which I really wish I had found before I signed the lease for this joint. Not that it’s so horrible to live here, just that I cannot imagine myself asking anyone to visit my humble abode as I live in a frat closet. I won’t sacrifice much of my objective, which is to bring my living expenses down so that I can pay off more of my debt, but for an extra $40 per month, I could stand to live in a nicer place.

And in other news, while I have committed myself to a costume, I have yet to find a shindig in which to wear it, though I have been out much more than usual. Tuesday I went to a free Reckless Kelly concert and discovered that I quite liked their band, and Friday night I went out w/my coworker Dina and her husband to drink waaaaay too much beer. The only regret I have about that night is that I was originally slated to go to a birthday party in Austin, the same hostess at the party in which I met Ray, the 24 and nine-tenths comedian who gave me tonsillitis (so says I-that could have been a coincidence). In any event, I had to give two presentation at college day Saturday morning, so I had to decline the offer in order to do the responsible thing and NOT show up hungover to the event, yet the seemingly innocuous invite that came at 4:50 to go have one drink led to just that. We drank until 1am, had a great time, but I arrived at the presentation bleary-eyed and lost, did a sub-par job, and spent a hell of a lot more money than I would’ve if I’d just gone to the party! And that’s WITH Dina and her hubby buying me dinner at Valentinos! Sheesh!

But I’m getting out and about, have a good handle on my future finances (whether or not I actually do the thing I know I’m supposed to do is still in question), and I’m coming to terms w/my needs more and more. I’ve never been one to lament about my lack o’ chilluns, but I will admit that it’s come back. That feeling I used to have when I was 20-22 when every time I saw a baby my line of vision would get frozen, my chest would tighten and my lower tummy would ache. Yes, I’ve been able to stave it off for nearly a decade but my baby fever is back. Just today I saw a man shopping at Wal Mart, and his tiny little offspring had me dazed for a good 10 minutes. And that only means that knowing my financial constraints could potentially be lifted in the next 2 years or so, I sometimes dream of the notion of getting preggers regardless of my relationship situation. I know, I KNOW, it’s so selfish to think that my own need to procreate would trump a child’s need to have a father. Sighhh….just a thought folks.

Feeling Guilty, But Not Really

So read this and tell me if I should be in trouble:

1. Do you have a tattoo?
No

2. How old are you?
31 and three-quarters

3. Are you single or taken?
Single as the day I was born.

4. Eat with your hands or utensils?
I prefer utensils. I hate it when my hands are sticky/dirty.

5. Do you dream at night?
And sometimes during the day.

6. Ever seen a corpse?
At funerals.

7.George Strait or Jay Z?
The first answer that comes to mind is “neither”, however I’d guess that I’m more familiar w/the works of Mr. Strait.

8. How did we meet?
On the benches in front of Moore Hall.

HERE COMES THE EQUALLY INTERESTING PART...
9. Whats your philosophy on life and death?
My philosophy on those subjects changes depending on how much beer I’ve had.

10. If you could do anything with me, and have no one know, what would it be?
I’d braid your lustrous, long locks a la Willie Nelson. Oh wait…then I’d take pics and make sure that EVERYONE knew, so I guess that doesn’t count.

11. Do you trust the police?
Not even a little.

12. Do you like Country music?
Not really. Old country is OK.

13. What is your fondest memory of me?
That’s a toughie…..I’ll get back to you. HA HA! Drinkin’ at Duddley’s and spankin’ you at TV Trivia.

14. If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
I’d be two inches taller.

15. Would you cheat ?
Never have, don’t expect I ever would.

16. What do you wear to sleep?
Chones and lotion.

17. Have you ever peed in a pool?
Yes.

18. Would you hide evidence for me if I asked you to?
Only up to and including misdemeanor charges.

19. If I only had one day to live, what would we do together?
Drive to Dudley’s so that I could once again spank you at TV Trivia.

20. Which do you prefer - Short or long hair?
I like my long hair. I’m attracted to men w/short hair. (Don’t want to compete for hair products/mirror-time)

21. Do you sing in the shower?
Yes

22. What's your favorite color?
Probably red

23. If you could bring back anyone that has passed, who would it be?
My Papo. I miss him. Things just aren’t the same.

24. Tell me one interesting/odd fact about you?
I masturbated on your couch last I visited. HA HA! Kidding! (Or am I….?)

25. What was your first impression of me?
You don’t want to know. Wellll, you DID ask…. You affirmed my belief that guys are always only going to look out for themselves. Of course that was, what, 9 yrs ago? Nowadays my impression of you is…oh. HEY, check it out, there’s another question coming up!! :-)

26. Will you post this so I can fill it out for you?
Yes. I expect this on my desk (top) by Monday. :-)

27. Who are you?
I believe the larger question here is “What are you?” and to that I must admit: Once a cardinal-fuck, always a mother fuckin’ cardinal-fuck.

I will admit that I am a little upset at the Juanster. I'm just sick of people making glib statements like "I know I'm flaky! Oh well!" That a really shitty way of saying that you only have a friend when it suits them. I have been accused of being "dramatic" about this issue, but I don't think I am at all. When I say I'm going to do something, I do it, even when I get a better offer, or I'm feeling a little down, or if it's raining and I don't want to get wet-whatever the case may be. There are few good excuses (though there are some!), for bailing on plans that you've made with other people.

Upon making plans w/my friend Juan to attend the Renfest, I did make this known to him. I was clear about the fact that I am not like his other friends who just joke about him being one to cancel, I'm going to attend the Renfest regardless of his presence, call him out like the jerk-ass he'd be if he did back out on me, then cease our correspondence, as there are millions of people I can't count on, friends and family should get my attention and respect b/c they are the few that I can count on. (See where the case for drama comes in?)

Juan and I have had a spotty past. I believe we just made the year mark after not having spoken for the previous 8. Again, not in an aggressive or petty way, I just don't have the energy to expend on people who dick me over. He then states that if he agrees to attend Renfest by the following Wednesday, we will then be going to the event. Wednesday came and went. No, I didn't remind him, he's an adult. Friday I get home and fill out the meme posted above. Haven't heard from him since. I'm not writing this one off, but methinks I may have touched a nerve. I know it's unfair b/c check out some of HIS responses:
3. Are you single or taken?
I am happily single...hey, when you know that are selfish why bother with commitments.

14. If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
I'd change my issues with commitments.

15. Would you cheat ?
Since I am never committed, I guess there is no cheating here, eh?

So he's admitting he's a cad but then gets all upset when I concur. Sighhhh...OK, I know. It's like one of those things where you can say "Damn these thunder thighs" about yourself, but you'd be hard pressed to find it acceptable to shoot back "Yeah wow, those are some thunder thighs of yours!". Oh well. He knew I was blunt when he met me. HA HA!!! (Joking!) I already called and apologized to him, in the instance where he was upset by my responses. Not that I take them back, just that I'm not trying to publicly call him to task on things he admits he could improve about himself. I'm still in his top 4, so he couldn't that mad, right? ;-)

Weary From the Weekend

I don't remember exactly when I noticed, but I'd say Thursday or so I started seeing "tracers" in my apartment. Realizing I've never done acid, I investigated further to find that there were fruit flys/gnats flying around the joint. I recognized them immediately from a previous run-in w/them, after my ex had "cleaned" the house at my provocation. He thought it would be a good idea to take two potatoes from the counter and tuck them away in a largely ignored kitchen cupboard. 8 weeks later, after we had both given up trying to locate how all those tiny little critters were getting into the house, and after I had finally stopped cleaning and re-cleaning the fridge due to catching putrid whiffs emanating from what I thought was the fridge, (By then I had waved my white flag by just getting some Glade plug-ins), I finally discovered the mess. Luckily my ex was there so that immediately after his sheepish response of "Oooooohhh yeahhhhhhhh……", he was the one retching and trying to clean up rotten potatoes while gnats swarmed his head; the kamikaze ones starting to dive-bomb his nose and eyes.

Anyway, since I'm the most culpable suspect, I try to think back to anything I could have left out. Sure, I needed to do the dishes, but it had not yet reached the level of "biohazard". I take the trash out about every 3 days or so, and the fridge hasn't held much more than beer and condiments since most of my cookware is in storage. Sunday I finally figured it out…my garbage disposal is…gunked, I guess. I mean, I don't think I've used it more than a few times, but I may have once come home a bit tipsy last week and figured shrimp would be fastest to cook, and maybe instead of throwing out the shrimp legs/shells/poo veins I stuffed them in the disposal. How was I supposed to know it was broken?!?! And no, surprisingly it wasn't as stinky was one might imagine, unless you're hovering over the sink, a position I do not often find myself in. But I'm still seeing the li'l critters that were born, and will die in my tiny apartment. Kinda sad, until I realized that I too might be in the same boat. Ha ha!

The weekend wasn't awful, but it didn't go according to plan. My friend Adalai ended up not coming to town after all, and my weekly attempt at tanning was almost thwarted by clouds. I did end going out w/a coworker named Dina on Thursday night, and that was fun enough, but you can't really cut loose when work is looming over your head the next morning. Friday I went out to dinner w/a former co-worker and was back by 10pm, and though I had kept mum about this, b/c it's pretty pathetic of me, I really wanted some company Saturday night b/c it was my ex's b-day. Why? Weellll, last year on my b-day he texted me, so I was going back and forth about whether or not I was going to reciprocate. When we were together I used to tease him about not knowing exactly when his b-day was (he was in the "Everyone shall bow down and know it's my b-day" camp; I'm on the other side of the spectrum), so I was going to send him something like "NOW I remember your b-day" kind of thing.

But then another part of me, the really stubborn and still hurting over the betrayal of someone I once trusted so much part, really really REALLY thought it was a bad idea. I don't need to set any expectation, and that's exactly what reciprocating would do. Now we text each other on our respective b-days, next we wish each other well on Christmas, and before you know it we're sharing jokes, getting along, and dammit, judge me if you will, but I am NOT going to let that happen! I know, I know, that just gives someone more power over me, and how can I expect to find someone else if I can't let go of my hurt feelings for my ex, blah blah blah. (That "blah blah blah" part was the advice/counsel I was craving this weekend, which never came to pass.)

So Saturday was rough. Not only was I sad about being single, but I was also sad about not having any friends to share that night with. I could've gone to Austin to a party, but last time I stayed in Austin I felt awful about leaving Rootie by herself overnight (I leave her alone for 9 hrs each weekday, so why not 9 hrs during a weekend evening? I dunno, it just feels wrong), but also, I didn't want to get drunk and start texting. I needed to stay sober that night and make clear-headed decisions if I was to be alone. Ideally I would go out with someone I could talk to about the situation, so that we could face the night together. As we know, the latter did not occur, soooo what did I decide? Sighhhh…I did it. And he replied "Thank u. Hope ur doing well.", or something like that. So I watched a sappy movie and ended up crying so much that I freaked out when I looked in the mirror the next morning; I thought my old friend "pink eye" had caught up w/me again, but I just hadn't cried that hard in so long that I forgot the havoc sobbing wreaks on your eyes.

But, on the brighter side of things I did learn a few lessons.
1) I can't expect support if I don't ask for it.
2) I need to learn how to ask for support.
3) Guuurrrlll, I've got to get out in the mix. I'm not so unfortunate looking that I can't get a dating life going, I just need to try harder. OK, Oh-Kay: I just need to try.
4) I did get to drink Natty Light by the pool Sunday, and this morning I tried to wipe away dust from the tops of my feet. (They're not dusty, they're just tan!)

And this week I'm off to Corpus for the TASFAA Conference w/two of my coworkers. Can't wait to sleep on a real mattress, not the torture device my apartment complex calls a bed. You'd think that the THREE foam mattresses and TWO mattress pads would make it bearable, but we'd both be wrong in that assumption. This coming week I'm expecting to learn a lot, do some networking, and enjoy the time away from work. Yeah…get ready for some madcap hinjinks upon my return. :-)