Dealing with my in-laws is always enlightening in some way. Sometimes it's enlightening to know just how long I can bite my tongue before I have to get away from the situation or say something insulting. Sometimes it's enlightening to know just how different my upbringing was to Ace's. Sometimes it's enlightening to know just how little faith they have in their son to do something with his life.
Easter dinner, which was a new thing for me to experience with my in-laws (I'm pretty sure in years past they've just gone out to eat). The meal itself went fairly smoothly. My sister-in-law dominated the conversation about the relatives of celebrities, which was interesting and kept the conversation light (something I was thankful for, I love my sister-in-law). The food was fairly good, although I still find the idea of adding melted Red Hots to the rub for the ham odd (it didn't taste particularly cinnamon like, so it seemed kind of wasted).
Then came my mother-in-law reading out stuff about her family's history to my niece. Weird, but fitting with the ancestor theme from lunch and not something she was forcing Ace and I to participate in. When we went out to get some pie (key lime and some other flavor, both good partially because they were store bought), things got a little weirder.
My mother-in-law's ancestor owed some money to a John Smith. We don't know which John Smith, and it's not like the name immediately points to someone specific (there is no more of a generic name). I have no clue why it was important enough to be written down, but I feel that way about how many cattle, bed warmers, and acres of land her ancestors had too (also all written down). It was interesting to ponder that maybe it was the John Smith that knew Pocahontas, but given that I don't know what years this ancestor lived, it's hard to say either way.
Then my father-in-law pipped up that Darrell wouldn't be in the record books because he doesn't owe money to anyone famous. That's true, we don't owe money to anyone with any kind of name, but that's not really important. My father-in-law has decided that his 31 year old son will never do anything important enough to make history because he hasn't yet. It's not like Ace's life expectancy is 40 (in which case, he could make history but he'd have to hurry up to do so), so it's kind of silly to declare him past the point of potentially making history.
I'm not saying that I think Ace will be well known in the history books. I don't know. I don't really care. But I hate that my father-in-law thinks it was an appropriate thing to say. If Ace and I took him seriously, we might as well lay down and not move for the rest of our lives (which would be considerably shorter if we did lay down and not move) because we obviously are going to be stuck in the same position we are in (or only slightly better than where we are now) for the rest of our lives. At least, that's the implication we are getting off of what he is saying.
And you know what? My father-in-law is unlikely to make history. He hasn't so far, and is much closer to the end of his life than Ace and I are to the end of ours at this point. Maybe he's just jealous that we have more time to make history. But most likely, he just doesn't believe in his son. And that is sad.
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
There's a First Time for Everything
Not too long ago, I entered a contest to win a cookbook. It was on Aiming Low and I was hoping that I might win. I've never won anything I've entered online before, but I figured the worst that would happen is that I entered and didn't win again.
Well, turns out I've won. Soon, I will be getting a cookbook in the mail from Ree Drummond, A.K.A. The Pioneer Woman. It'll be exciting to go through and make notes on what dishes to try for New Recipe Thursday in the future.
Ree Drummond lives not too far from Tulsa. She'll be doing a signing in Tulsa for this cookbook later this month. I'm slightly hoping Ace and I will have a chance to go meet her in person then. I have not specific expectations that it will happen, but you never know.
I won something and it's something that has me really excited. I love cookbooks. I purposefully don't look at cookbooks at bookstores because I'd be as likely to stock up on too many cookbooks that I will never get through as I would in the fiction section (not that it stops me from looking at the fiction section).
So, I'll be trying to not obsessively check Ace's e-mail address for when I have a package to pick up. Yay for me and my new cookbook!
Well, turns out I've won. Soon, I will be getting a cookbook in the mail from Ree Drummond, A.K.A. The Pioneer Woman. It'll be exciting to go through and make notes on what dishes to try for New Recipe Thursday in the future.
Ree Drummond lives not too far from Tulsa. She'll be doing a signing in Tulsa for this cookbook later this month. I'm slightly hoping Ace and I will have a chance to go meet her in person then. I have not specific expectations that it will happen, but you never know.
I won something and it's something that has me really excited. I love cookbooks. I purposefully don't look at cookbooks at bookstores because I'd be as likely to stock up on too many cookbooks that I will never get through as I would in the fiction section (not that it stops me from looking at the fiction section).
So, I'll be trying to not obsessively check Ace's e-mail address for when I have a package to pick up. Yay for me and my new cookbook!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thoughts about Food
Lately, I've been slightly obsessed with food. Ace and I have been stuck in a rut food wise, and my mind seems to think that planning out stuff for when we are on our own is a good way to over come it's objections to whatever we're having for dinner.
So, we've been talking about setting up a few specific things for some days. We're going to give up meat one day a week to eat less fat. This probably sounds bigger than it really is, we often end up not eating meat for several meals and this is just us being intentional about doing so. We're calling it Meatless Monday, although we haven't pinned down what day we'll actually be meatless (Ace says if Douglas Adams can have a trilogy with 5 books in it, we can have Meatless Monday on a Tuesday. I love this man.).
We are also talking about having New Recipe Thursday. I've got a cookbook with recipes already marked for things we should like. We're going to start trying some of those recipes. I figure it's important to try some new things (to expand our food options) and if we end up not liking something, we can always eat something else after we try the new recipe (this is my way of pushing myself to try some new things and to actually use that cookbook for something besides meatloaf).
Hopefully we'll find plenty of new options for the other 5 days of the week. And if nothing else, it'll get us thinking of new things and get me cooking more regularly.
So, any suggestions for recipes to try?
So, we've been talking about setting up a few specific things for some days. We're going to give up meat one day a week to eat less fat. This probably sounds bigger than it really is, we often end up not eating meat for several meals and this is just us being intentional about doing so. We're calling it Meatless Monday, although we haven't pinned down what day we'll actually be meatless (Ace says if Douglas Adams can have a trilogy with 5 books in it, we can have Meatless Monday on a Tuesday. I love this man.).
We are also talking about having New Recipe Thursday. I've got a cookbook with recipes already marked for things we should like. We're going to start trying some of those recipes. I figure it's important to try some new things (to expand our food options) and if we end up not liking something, we can always eat something else after we try the new recipe (this is my way of pushing myself to try some new things and to actually use that cookbook for something besides meatloaf).
Hopefully we'll find plenty of new options for the other 5 days of the week. And if nothing else, it'll get us thinking of new things and get me cooking more regularly.
So, any suggestions for recipes to try?
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas
It hit me, as I sit here trying to mentally unwind from the day, that I should probably post again. I'm doing better. I'm not focusing on the current financial stuff that had me so upset a few days ago. I don't like not having Christmas gifts for people, and between that and the hormones I was not in a good place mentally. I was obviously having a bad day.
Today, while long and full of people for longer than I wanted it to be, was much better. My in-laws surprised me in good ways today. And if I hadn't been fighting off something, I would probably have enjoyed the day a lot more (I spent most of it wanting to lay down and not move much).
Tomorrow I get to see my dad and step-mom (and my siblings, I believe). I get to enjoy some yummy smoked turkey and ham. I get to spend time with people I don't get to see nearly often enough.
I'm trying to focus on the good things that are coming in this next year. Things like having my own cell phone again (that will be my late Christmas gift from Ace). And my date weekend away from the craziness that is life in my in-law's house (really late birthday celebration). Giving the Christmas gifts we wanted to be giving out today and tomorrow.
Today, while long and full of people for longer than I wanted it to be, was much better. My in-laws surprised me in good ways today. And if I hadn't been fighting off something, I would probably have enjoyed the day a lot more (I spent most of it wanting to lay down and not move much).
Tomorrow I get to see my dad and step-mom (and my siblings, I believe). I get to enjoy some yummy smoked turkey and ham. I get to spend time with people I don't get to see nearly often enough.
I'm trying to focus on the good things that are coming in this next year. Things like having my own cell phone again (that will be my late Christmas gift from Ace). And my date weekend away from the craziness that is life in my in-law's house (really late birthday celebration). Giving the Christmas gifts we wanted to be giving out today and tomorrow.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Catfish and Sleep
This past weekend, Ace and I went to visit my dad and step-mom. It was wonderful and relaxing and just what I needed. We ate wonderful food. We watched movies on their hi-def TV. We adjusted our sleep schedule to being up during the day and asleep at night.
The best meal we had, of all the wonderful meals we had, was when we went to have soul food at this hole-in-the-wall diner. The place was tiny, the food was filling, the plates were full. They served our drinks in mason jars. I ate fried catfish (oh my word, it was good), green beans (so yummy), and mac' n' cheese (homemade!). I ate my banana pudding dessert several hours later, because I had no room for it while we were still there.
After we finished eating, I swore I needed to go lay down, not because I was sleepy but because it would be disrespectful to the food not to. I spent most of the afternoon laying on the couch with my eyes closed, listening to some movie or other, and feeling content with how yummy my lunch had been. I probably dozed off a time or two, but I mostly just rested my eyes. It was totally a lazy Saturday.
That night, I went to bed at 9:30 p.m. Within 5 minutes, I was asleep. And I slept well.
I can hardly wait to get another chance to see my dad and step-mom again.
The best meal we had, of all the wonderful meals we had, was when we went to have soul food at this hole-in-the-wall diner. The place was tiny, the food was filling, the plates were full. They served our drinks in mason jars. I ate fried catfish (oh my word, it was good), green beans (so yummy), and mac' n' cheese (homemade!). I ate my banana pudding dessert several hours later, because I had no room for it while we were still there.
After we finished eating, I swore I needed to go lay down, not because I was sleepy but because it would be disrespectful to the food not to. I spent most of the afternoon laying on the couch with my eyes closed, listening to some movie or other, and feeling content with how yummy my lunch had been. I probably dozed off a time or two, but I mostly just rested my eyes. It was totally a lazy Saturday.
That night, I went to bed at 9:30 p.m. Within 5 minutes, I was asleep. And I slept well.
I can hardly wait to get another chance to see my dad and step-mom again.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
An Open Letter to Rachael Ray
Dear Rachael Ray,
I'm sure you are a lovely woman. The little I've seen of any of your shows you've seemed sweet. Personally, I have no ill will towards you or your shows.
However, I do have a bone to pick with you. My mother-in-law loves your talk show. She loves talking about your talk show, so I get to hear WAY more about it than I'd care to. I am not a big fan of talk shows, so I don't watch your (or any one else's) talk show.
My mother-in-law thinks she can do what you can do in your kitchen, Ms. Ray. The real problem is that she cannot. She doesn't have the capability to stand long enough to cook food like you do. She also has a family that would be content to eat much simpler and easier to prepare food. It's not that we would hate your style of cooking, we just are used to more meat and potatoes kinds of dishes.
My husband, Ace, and I are both ready to never hear your name again. It's nothing personal, it's just that my mother-in-law has made a habit of saying it several times a week. I'm fairly certain my father-in-law is tired of hearing about your show too.
Rachael Ray, if I never hear your name again that would be fine with me. I hope you do well in your hosting/cooking careers. I hope you gain satisfaction from your jobs. I hope you get all the wealth and fame you desire. I hope your products sell tons (I won't be buying any, but it's more the principle of the thing). I just hope that my mother-in-law stops watching your show, or at least stops talking about it so often.
I'm fairly certain that I'm not the only person in the house to feel the same way. And when I have a place of my own again, your shows will be banned from viewing (the only other show banned is Barney, so you join some illustrious company for annoying me). I make no guarantees that you'll stay banned forever (Barney will be, he's gives me the creeps), but I doubt I'll ever truly be interested in your shows.
So, Rachael Ray, I bid you a good life. I'll not miss you when you are gone from mine.
Sincerely,
M.A. Smith
P.S.: Despite my mother-in-law's thoughts, I don't need my meatloaf to last more than one meal. And if it does, it doesn't need to be put between two slices of bread in order for me to enjoy it.
P.P.S.: Sorry, my mother-in-law got to me at dinner, talking about leftover meatloaf and Rachael Ray. Thank goodness my father-in-law steered the conversation a different direction!
I'm sure you are a lovely woman. The little I've seen of any of your shows you've seemed sweet. Personally, I have no ill will towards you or your shows.
However, I do have a bone to pick with you. My mother-in-law loves your talk show. She loves talking about your talk show, so I get to hear WAY more about it than I'd care to. I am not a big fan of talk shows, so I don't watch your (or any one else's) talk show.
My mother-in-law thinks she can do what you can do in your kitchen, Ms. Ray. The real problem is that she cannot. She doesn't have the capability to stand long enough to cook food like you do. She also has a family that would be content to eat much simpler and easier to prepare food. It's not that we would hate your style of cooking, we just are used to more meat and potatoes kinds of dishes.
My husband, Ace, and I are both ready to never hear your name again. It's nothing personal, it's just that my mother-in-law has made a habit of saying it several times a week. I'm fairly certain my father-in-law is tired of hearing about your show too.
Rachael Ray, if I never hear your name again that would be fine with me. I hope you do well in your hosting/cooking careers. I hope you gain satisfaction from your jobs. I hope you get all the wealth and fame you desire. I hope your products sell tons (I won't be buying any, but it's more the principle of the thing). I just hope that my mother-in-law stops watching your show, or at least stops talking about it so often.
I'm fairly certain that I'm not the only person in the house to feel the same way. And when I have a place of my own again, your shows will be banned from viewing (the only other show banned is Barney, so you join some illustrious company for annoying me). I make no guarantees that you'll stay banned forever (Barney will be, he's gives me the creeps), but I doubt I'll ever truly be interested in your shows.
So, Rachael Ray, I bid you a good life. I'll not miss you when you are gone from mine.
Sincerely,
M.A. Smith
P.S.: Despite my mother-in-law's thoughts, I don't need my meatloaf to last more than one meal. And if it does, it doesn't need to be put between two slices of bread in order for me to enjoy it.
P.P.S.: Sorry, my mother-in-law got to me at dinner, talking about leftover meatloaf and Rachael Ray. Thank goodness my father-in-law steered the conversation a different direction!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Cabin Fever Averted
Today, my father-in-law proved why he and I can get along decently when my mother-in-law isn't involved.
It all started when he asked Ace if he wanted to go to the store with him. Ace said yes, and I perked up from laying on the bed, wishing that my mother-in-law wasn't assaulting my nauseous stomach with smells of peppers and onion. I quickly shut our door and started changing pants, because there was no way I was staying here, even if my body wasn't sure it WANTED to go anywhere, because I NEEDED to get out of the house for a while to keep my brain sane.
So, we went grocery shopping (Ace's father recognizes that we have different eating habits and that the two of us might want to eat stuff we've chosen). I had originally asked for peppermints and Sprite to be bought for me when my father-in-law went shopping yesterday (he remembered the Sprite, forgot the peppermints), so today I got the peppermints as soon as I went into the store. I also grabbed some saltines and pudding because they were on sale (I was totally willing for us to buy the saltine and pudding, but my father-in-law bought them for me!).
He also got ice cream for everyone (some sugar free/diabetic ice cream for my mother-in-law, and two flavors of ice cream for Ace and I to enjoy), and the ice cream was his idea. On the way home, we stopped to pick up some pizzas and my stomach was nicely soothed the entire trip home by the smell of the pizzas. It was especially nice on the snow covered streets in the neighborhood.
So, I'm no longer feeling cabin fever. I'm just trying to avoid feeling nauseous/exhausted all the time.
It all started when he asked Ace if he wanted to go to the store with him. Ace said yes, and I perked up from laying on the bed, wishing that my mother-in-law wasn't assaulting my nauseous stomach with smells of peppers and onion. I quickly shut our door and started changing pants, because there was no way I was staying here, even if my body wasn't sure it WANTED to go anywhere, because I NEEDED to get out of the house for a while to keep my brain sane.
So, we went grocery shopping (Ace's father recognizes that we have different eating habits and that the two of us might want to eat stuff we've chosen). I had originally asked for peppermints and Sprite to be bought for me when my father-in-law went shopping yesterday (he remembered the Sprite, forgot the peppermints), so today I got the peppermints as soon as I went into the store. I also grabbed some saltines and pudding because they were on sale (I was totally willing for us to buy the saltine and pudding, but my father-in-law bought them for me!).
He also got ice cream for everyone (some sugar free/diabetic ice cream for my mother-in-law, and two flavors of ice cream for Ace and I to enjoy), and the ice cream was his idea. On the way home, we stopped to pick up some pizzas and my stomach was nicely soothed the entire trip home by the smell of the pizzas. It was especially nice on the snow covered streets in the neighborhood.
So, I'm no longer feeling cabin fever. I'm just trying to avoid feeling nauseous/exhausted all the time.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Send Food
My mother-in-law is trying to starve me, or at least she doesn't believe me when I've said I don't like greasy food. The last two meals offered by my in-laws: KFC (extra crispy and original fried chicken, potato wedges, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob) and fish filets (fried fish, baked french fries, pork and beans, and fruit salad).
I would love a bag of salad (lettuce, carrot, and cabbage) and some salad dressing (Hidden Valley Ranch, preferably, but Italian will do too). I'm craving a red delicious apple. I dream of eating yogurt on a regular basis again. I spend half my days living on animal crackers, pudding, and goldfish crackers.
Please, somebody, send some healthy food STAT!
I would love a bag of salad (lettuce, carrot, and cabbage) and some salad dressing (Hidden Valley Ranch, preferably, but Italian will do too). I'm craving a red delicious apple. I dream of eating yogurt on a regular basis again. I spend half my days living on animal crackers, pudding, and goldfish crackers.
Please, somebody, send some healthy food STAT!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Day 28
Today, I am thankful for Anthony Bourdain.
I have already professed my admiration for Mr. Bourdain. I've expressed how he makes me want to be more adventurous with my eating. Right now, I am thankful for his book about his show No Reservations.
After reading a book full of words and comparisons on meanings of words, I'm thankful for his book. There are a lot of pictures from his travels around the globe. The pictures are wonderful, and I would love to buy this book just to look at the pictures and dream of seeing these places in person.
But after a wordy book (I will confess, I chose the other book and greatly enjoyed it), it's nice to read a book that gives Tony's thoughts on a country and then shows me lots of pictures (with explanations). There are just the right amount of words to help cleanse my mental palate before delving back into the library for more books sometime later in the week.
Tony, or Mr. Bourdain (whichever you prefer), you've done such a great job writing this that I can hear you narrating it in my head as I read. I only wish that it covered more than just the first 3 years of your show. I can only hope that sometime, in the future, you will put out another similar book about more of the world. But if not, I'll be content with what you have shared.
And now I must go to bed, as it is late (roughly 2:30 in the morning) and my body has been demanding more sleep since I got up.
I have already professed my admiration for Mr. Bourdain. I've expressed how he makes me want to be more adventurous with my eating. Right now, I am thankful for his book about his show No Reservations.
After reading a book full of words and comparisons on meanings of words, I'm thankful for his book. There are a lot of pictures from his travels around the globe. The pictures are wonderful, and I would love to buy this book just to look at the pictures and dream of seeing these places in person.
But after a wordy book (I will confess, I chose the other book and greatly enjoyed it), it's nice to read a book that gives Tony's thoughts on a country and then shows me lots of pictures (with explanations). There are just the right amount of words to help cleanse my mental palate before delving back into the library for more books sometime later in the week.
Tony, or Mr. Bourdain (whichever you prefer), you've done such a great job writing this that I can hear you narrating it in my head as I read. I only wish that it covered more than just the first 3 years of your show. I can only hope that sometime, in the future, you will put out another similar book about more of the world. But if not, I'll be content with what you have shared.
And now I must go to bed, as it is late (roughly 2:30 in the morning) and my body has been demanding more sleep since I got up.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 25
Happy Thanksgiving!
Today, I am thankful for smoked turkey.
Today, I am making a day trip to see my dad and step-mother. My dad smokes a turkey for Thanksgiving (he smokes a turkey and a ham for Christmas, but that's not for a month). It's wonderful.
And now, I must go to bed, so that way I'll be closer to eating smoked turkey. Enjoy your holiday!
Today, I am thankful for smoked turkey.
Today, I am making a day trip to see my dad and step-mother. My dad smokes a turkey for Thanksgiving (he smokes a turkey and a ham for Christmas, but that's not for a month). It's wonderful.
And now, I must go to bed, so that way I'll be closer to eating smoked turkey. Enjoy your holiday!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Strained
Dinner, which I have finished eating, but no one else has, has been strained tonight. Ace is frustrated because he cooked the main dish, but his mother didn't trust him enough to make sides to go with it. Ace is also frustrated because cooking dinner was sprang on him this afternoon with no time to mentally prep for it. Plus, his mother wasn't exactly tactful on how she started fixing side dishes.
My mother-in-law is upset because she assumes that Ace was only planning on putting some green beans as a side dish for steak and her blood sugar would dip too low throughout the night if that's the case (she's diabetic, so this is a concern, but she's not going to bed for several hours so she would have plenty of time to eat more food). Also, her blood sugar was low before we started eating (but didn't think about having some of the orange juice she's got in the fridge for these occasions).
I ate quickly and am now hiding in the bedroom to avoid the stress of any arguing going on out there. I'm also trying not to take it personally that the only person I see on a daily basis who seems to remember that my birthday is coming up is Ace. After all, it's only the same day as my in-laws only grandchild.
I don't think there is enough chocolate in this house to make this evening seem better right now. If only there were someone else we could be temporarily living with.
My mother-in-law is upset because she assumes that Ace was only planning on putting some green beans as a side dish for steak and her blood sugar would dip too low throughout the night if that's the case (she's diabetic, so this is a concern, but she's not going to bed for several hours so she would have plenty of time to eat more food). Also, her blood sugar was low before we started eating (but didn't think about having some of the orange juice she's got in the fridge for these occasions).
I ate quickly and am now hiding in the bedroom to avoid the stress of any arguing going on out there. I'm also trying not to take it personally that the only person I see on a daily basis who seems to remember that my birthday is coming up is Ace. After all, it's only the same day as my in-laws only grandchild.
I don't think there is enough chocolate in this house to make this evening seem better right now. If only there were someone else we could be temporarily living with.
Monday, July 5, 2010
It's July, Of Course It's Hot!
Today, we had the cookout. Technically, it's not over yet, as there are still people here who came for the cookout, but all the social aspects have pretty much petered out.
Because this was all about my mother-in-law, we had to eat outside. When I get hot, I stop eating (because my stomach tells me it's full, even when it's not, to avoid emptying itself). My father-in-law has a heart condition that gets aggravated by the heat, but he was in charge of grilling outside before we all ate outside (which was probably a bit much, but he seems to be doing fairly well).
Not surprisingly, before I was finished with the food on my plate (a hamburger and 3 deviled eggs, so not much), I was done. Before Ace was finished with his food, I was ready to come back inside (he had a bite of his hamburger left, I let him finish before making him move to let me out). I then stretched out for a little bit on the couch (with fans on) before realizing that I should move to the bed to be more out of the way (instead of taking up the whole couch when there is limited seating in the living room).
Nicely I've cooled off. I finished my hamburger. The only one besides Ace to show concern that I wasn't feeling well was our niece (although, my father-in-law did ask after I got up this morning how I was doing, which was nice of him).
My mother-in-law thought that one fan would cool everybody off enough to eat outside in July. The air from it never felt particularly cool, just less hot. And while the heat alone would not have been bad, the humidity added to the heat was more than my body could handle. If I had been fine yesterday, I would probably had done better today. Probably.
Basically, no one (but my mother-in-law, and maybe my niece) really wanted to eat outside, but we did anyway (to please my mother-in-law). And now I'd like to torch her tea house (but I won't) to keep this from ever happening again (which it probably will, adding to the list of reasons why I don't like celebrating anything with my in-laws).
And now I'm off to do something elsewhere that will hopefully lead to less whining on my part.
Because this was all about my mother-in-law, we had to eat outside. When I get hot, I stop eating (because my stomach tells me it's full, even when it's not, to avoid emptying itself). My father-in-law has a heart condition that gets aggravated by the heat, but he was in charge of grilling outside before we all ate outside (which was probably a bit much, but he seems to be doing fairly well).
Not surprisingly, before I was finished with the food on my plate (a hamburger and 3 deviled eggs, so not much), I was done. Before Ace was finished with his food, I was ready to come back inside (he had a bite of his hamburger left, I let him finish before making him move to let me out). I then stretched out for a little bit on the couch (with fans on) before realizing that I should move to the bed to be more out of the way (instead of taking up the whole couch when there is limited seating in the living room).
Nicely I've cooled off. I finished my hamburger. The only one besides Ace to show concern that I wasn't feeling well was our niece (although, my father-in-law did ask after I got up this morning how I was doing, which was nice of him).
My mother-in-law thought that one fan would cool everybody off enough to eat outside in July. The air from it never felt particularly cool, just less hot. And while the heat alone would not have been bad, the humidity added to the heat was more than my body could handle. If I had been fine yesterday, I would probably had done better today. Probably.
Basically, no one (but my mother-in-law, and maybe my niece) really wanted to eat outside, but we did anyway (to please my mother-in-law). And now I'd like to torch her tea house (but I won't) to keep this from ever happening again (which it probably will, adding to the list of reasons why I don't like celebrating anything with my in-laws).
And now I'm off to do something elsewhere that will hopefully lead to less whining on my part.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
I Guess They Were Distracted
Tonight, Ace and I got some Taco Bell. We pull up, order, and everything seems to be okay. We pull around to the window, pay and get handed our food.
The first problem we had was that we ordered a drink too. They forgot to give us our drink, so Ace asked about it. Then, I look in the bag and mention that they didn't give us any napkins or a spork (I ordered something that needed a utensil, we had none). So when they give us our drink, he asks for some napkins and a spoon or spork.
We got 3 napkins and a fork. Now, the three napkins were fine, that was no big deal (other than we had to ask for them), but they obviously weren't paying attention to what Ace said when they gave us a fork instead of a spoon or a spork. Since I ordered something that would work better with a spoon, I waited to eat it until we got back (which took a little while since we drove around some first).
I don't think they were intentionally trying to give us bad service, but the only other explanation we can think of is that they were completely distracted.
At least the food tasted good and only one of us needed any napkins.
The first problem we had was that we ordered a drink too. They forgot to give us our drink, so Ace asked about it. Then, I look in the bag and mention that they didn't give us any napkins or a spork (I ordered something that needed a utensil, we had none). So when they give us our drink, he asks for some napkins and a spoon or spork.
We got 3 napkins and a fork. Now, the three napkins were fine, that was no big deal (other than we had to ask for them), but they obviously weren't paying attention to what Ace said when they gave us a fork instead of a spoon or a spork. Since I ordered something that would work better with a spoon, I waited to eat it until we got back (which took a little while since we drove around some first).
I don't think they were intentionally trying to give us bad service, but the only other explanation we can think of is that they were completely distracted.
At least the food tasted good and only one of us needed any napkins.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Anthony Bourdain
In the 2 and a half weeks we stayed with my dad and step-mother, Ace and I got to see several episodes of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. We had two reactions to the show. 1. It was great. All the food and culture being explored was fascinating. 2. If we kept watching it, we'd get fat because when Tony talked about food he made us want to eat. Of course, that wasn't helped by the travel channel showing 3 or 4 (or more) episodes of No Reservations in a row.
I like food. I enjoy food. I have problems with spices sometimes, but food is wonderful. My only real problem with spices is that my palate is too sensitive to them. I taste more of the individual flavors than most people do. Something that has lead to me not liking BBQ sauce, which is a sin to most Texans (my dad and I were both born in Texas, so it's important). For most foods, it's no big deal. But the stuff that Tony eats looks amazing and I want to try it. Except I'm not sure if I would enjoy myself. And I like enjoying food. There's also this irrational fear of wasting food that bubbles up (I dislike wasting food, but I'm not going to force myself to eat something I don't like), something I blame on our culture's insistence on reminding children about starving kids in China as a rational as to why we should clean our plates (the idea makes no sense when you think about it).
I'll admit, the food is not the only reason I enjoyed the show. Tony sees the world and he's no angel. He uses big words and isn't afraid to curse. He appeals to my intellectual side. I'm fairly certain that if I were with him in person, I'd either love him dearly or find him somewhat annoying (and it'd probably lean toward the later). But the idea of getting to see the world appeals to me. I want to travel and experience and grow richer for it. I want to visit somewhere I don't really know the language. I want to do something that seems crazy to people I don't know and will never see again.
And then I remember that for the most part, I prefer to be nice and safe inside my home. With food I know my stomach and tongue can both agree on. With my internet connection and my books and a world of potential places to visit right inside my own head. I remember that I like being able to talk to people and be understood (for the most part).
So, when I can, I'll probably watch more Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. I might see if I can check his books out of the library and explore the world through him. And I'll try, again, to work on myself to try something new and exciting, reminding myself that if I don't like the new food the experience, and the food, wasn't wasted and that I grew just from trying. It may be small, but it's a start.
I like food. I enjoy food. I have problems with spices sometimes, but food is wonderful. My only real problem with spices is that my palate is too sensitive to them. I taste more of the individual flavors than most people do. Something that has lead to me not liking BBQ sauce, which is a sin to most Texans (my dad and I were both born in Texas, so it's important). For most foods, it's no big deal. But the stuff that Tony eats looks amazing and I want to try it. Except I'm not sure if I would enjoy myself. And I like enjoying food. There's also this irrational fear of wasting food that bubbles up (I dislike wasting food, but I'm not going to force myself to eat something I don't like), something I blame on our culture's insistence on reminding children about starving kids in China as a rational as to why we should clean our plates (the idea makes no sense when you think about it).
I'll admit, the food is not the only reason I enjoyed the show. Tony sees the world and he's no angel. He uses big words and isn't afraid to curse. He appeals to my intellectual side. I'm fairly certain that if I were with him in person, I'd either love him dearly or find him somewhat annoying (and it'd probably lean toward the later). But the idea of getting to see the world appeals to me. I want to travel and experience and grow richer for it. I want to visit somewhere I don't really know the language. I want to do something that seems crazy to people I don't know and will never see again.
And then I remember that for the most part, I prefer to be nice and safe inside my home. With food I know my stomach and tongue can both agree on. With my internet connection and my books and a world of potential places to visit right inside my own head. I remember that I like being able to talk to people and be understood (for the most part).
So, when I can, I'll probably watch more Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. I might see if I can check his books out of the library and explore the world through him. And I'll try, again, to work on myself to try something new and exciting, reminding myself that if I don't like the new food the experience, and the food, wasn't wasted and that I grew just from trying. It may be small, but it's a start.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A Short List
Or The Latest News from Me in Convenient List Format
1. Not pregnant. Hate hormones. Hate cramps. Chocolate bars seem to help.
2. Our financial stuff makes me want to hide in my bed. Not a good thing.
3. Between the Coke I drank around dinner time and the temperature, I had a couple of problems falling asleep. I'm going back to refusing caffeine in all it's forms (except chocolate and Midol, when needed) again.
4. I'm ready for some cooler days, which will hopefully be happening soon. Weather.com is promising cooler weather, I just hope they are right.
5. We have to have plumbers come out and deal with our pipes, as the lack of water drainage in the kitchen is ridiculous. Hopefully, we can do that soon.
6. Had dinner with Karen and her fiance and all their kids (4, all under the age of 8). Guillermo went with us and was a hit. Wanted to bring the youngest home with us as he was cute and sweet and adorable. Plus, he had blond eyelashes and big blue eyes. Resisted temptation.
7. Enjoyed the chicken fried steak (without gravy) that was made though.
8. The Cokes they had were made in Mexico with real sugar, and it reminded me of going down to Mexico on mission trips (we did construction to churches, it was hard work and lots of fun). The only real breaking point on the memory is that their bottles weren't scratched up any from being washed and re-used.
9. We had banana pudding for dessert. Now Ace and I need to go buy some banana pudding ice cream.
10. You don't pronounce the g in banana pudding. If you really want to go for it, you call it Nana Puddin'.
So, now you know what's been going on (and mostly about dinner last night).
1. Not pregnant. Hate hormones. Hate cramps. Chocolate bars seem to help.
2. Our financial stuff makes me want to hide in my bed. Not a good thing.
3. Between the Coke I drank around dinner time and the temperature, I had a couple of problems falling asleep. I'm going back to refusing caffeine in all it's forms (except chocolate and Midol, when needed) again.
4. I'm ready for some cooler days, which will hopefully be happening soon. Weather.com is promising cooler weather, I just hope they are right.
5. We have to have plumbers come out and deal with our pipes, as the lack of water drainage in the kitchen is ridiculous. Hopefully, we can do that soon.
6. Had dinner with Karen and her fiance and all their kids (4, all under the age of 8). Guillermo went with us and was a hit. Wanted to bring the youngest home with us as he was cute and sweet and adorable. Plus, he had blond eyelashes and big blue eyes. Resisted temptation.
7. Enjoyed the chicken fried steak (without gravy) that was made though.
8. The Cokes they had were made in Mexico with real sugar, and it reminded me of going down to Mexico on mission trips (we did construction to churches, it was hard work and lots of fun). The only real breaking point on the memory is that their bottles weren't scratched up any from being washed and re-used.
9. We had banana pudding for dessert. Now Ace and I need to go buy some banana pudding ice cream.
10. You don't pronounce the g in banana pudding. If you really want to go for it, you call it Nana Puddin'.
So, now you know what's been going on (and mostly about dinner last night).
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Excitement in Cooking
Today Ace did some cooking, but unfortunately for him, he made a few mistakes.
He made us a cake, but he forgot to grease the cake pan. So, when he went to take the cake out of the pan, some of it stuck.
Then he went to bake the ham we bought, but he was off on his math (which I didn't notice, because I was just wanting to go sit back down as my back has been sore most of the day). So, when we ate dinner, we had cool ham. Which wasn't really a problem since the meat was already cooked, but made for a great thing to tease Ace about.
Then he asked if I was going to write about it, which was a silly question. I countered with question if he was going to write about it, another silly question. So, here I am writing about his cooking mistakes and he's on his laptop playing World of Warcraft. He did try to claim that he's a guy, so he doesn't do much cooking, but that doesn't play because he does most of the cooking in this house.
TTFN!
He made us a cake, but he forgot to grease the cake pan. So, when he went to take the cake out of the pan, some of it stuck.
Then he went to bake the ham we bought, but he was off on his math (which I didn't notice, because I was just wanting to go sit back down as my back has been sore most of the day). So, when we ate dinner, we had cool ham. Which wasn't really a problem since the meat was already cooked, but made for a great thing to tease Ace about.
Then he asked if I was going to write about it, which was a silly question. I countered with question if he was going to write about it, another silly question. So, here I am writing about his cooking mistakes and he's on his laptop playing World of Warcraft. He did try to claim that he's a guy, so he doesn't do much cooking, but that doesn't play because he does most of the cooking in this house.
TTFN!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Beware the Snow of March
In Tulsa, we had a mild winter. Mild enough that I felt kind of bad reading about people who lived elsewhere who had bad snow and cold and it was icky outside. This winter was mild and it stayed in the 50s for most of the winter.
Then, out of nowhere, it snows shortly after spring begins. We were having lovely 70 degree weather, not expecting much change from that, and then snow hits us.
It did snow, I believe, once this winter, and it was a light snow. But this was inches (I don't know how many, but it was several) in less than a day.
The weather is supposed to warm up right away (high in the 50s), so this snow won't last long. But it came upon us randomly and I'm not sure what to make of it.
On the plus side, Ace got to come home early because of the weather. Then, he took Guillermo and I to get dinner out, because neither of us wanted to cook.
So, be careful if you're driving in OK before the snow leaves. It'll probably be slick. Hopefully it will melt quickly and things will get back to normal (meaning thunderstorms and tornadoes, not that any tornadoes seem to come to Tulsa).
TTFN!
Then, out of nowhere, it snows shortly after spring begins. We were having lovely 70 degree weather, not expecting much change from that, and then snow hits us.
It did snow, I believe, once this winter, and it was a light snow. But this was inches (I don't know how many, but it was several) in less than a day.
The weather is supposed to warm up right away (high in the 50s), so this snow won't last long. But it came upon us randomly and I'm not sure what to make of it.
On the plus side, Ace got to come home early because of the weather. Then, he took Guillermo and I to get dinner out, because neither of us wanted to cook.
So, be careful if you're driving in OK before the snow leaves. It'll probably be slick. Hopefully it will melt quickly and things will get back to normal (meaning thunderstorms and tornadoes, not that any tornadoes seem to come to Tulsa).
TTFN!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
On Oranges
Right now, I am eating an orange a day. I didn't set out to start eating an orange everyday, but it's been working out that I have been. And for now, it works.
Ace is happy with my current fruit of choice, as oranges are not that expensive. I'm happy because they taste good, are good for me, and are satisfying an craving for oranges (which I never expected to have).
(I'm trying hard right now to focus on things like my enjoying oranges and not me starting my period today. It doesn't quite seem to be working.)
I've gotten pretty good at peeling the oranges quickly and then spend my time on enjoying the orange itself. It's become my own little pre-bed ritual. Sometime near my bed time, I eat an orange. Not a long ritual, granted, but it's mine.
(Is all this talk about oranges working for you?)
(Me either.)
(I'm going to go now.)
Well, I've got things to do. Plus, I think this post has lost it's point.
Later!
Ace is happy with my current fruit of choice, as oranges are not that expensive. I'm happy because they taste good, are good for me, and are satisfying an craving for oranges (which I never expected to have).
(I'm trying hard right now to focus on things like my enjoying oranges and not me starting my period today. It doesn't quite seem to be working.)
I've gotten pretty good at peeling the oranges quickly and then spend my time on enjoying the orange itself. It's become my own little pre-bed ritual. Sometime near my bed time, I eat an orange. Not a long ritual, granted, but it's mine.
(Is all this talk about oranges working for you?)
(Me either.)
(I'm going to go now.)
Well, I've got things to do. Plus, I think this post has lost it's point.
Later!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
And the Wackiness Continues
People, it's been wacky over here for me.
Last night, I was up until 4 am. You would think that I'd be exhausted today, dragging myself out of bed and forcing myself to stay up until tonight so I start sleeping like a normal person. You would be wrong. I don't know if it's the extremely warm weather (It's in the 70s with a high in the 80s. It's fantastic for me, but really wacky too.) or if it was the movie last night or what is going on, but I'm feeling wide awake and wonderful and like I've finally gotten enough sleep.
I'm still not interested in even coming near chicken, but my stomach seems happy again. And while I totally enjoyed my movie last night, I only teared up a little at the scene where the shop is closed for good.
So, after a few days of really odd behavior, I'm still experiencing odd behavior (but it's positive odd behavior, so I'll take it).
Just so long as nobody tries to make me feel bad for putting soap in my dishwasher a while before planning on running it, we'll all be good (weird dream).
TTFN!
Last night, I was up until 4 am. You would think that I'd be exhausted today, dragging myself out of bed and forcing myself to stay up until tonight so I start sleeping like a normal person. You would be wrong. I don't know if it's the extremely warm weather (It's in the 70s with a high in the 80s. It's fantastic for me, but really wacky too.) or if it was the movie last night or what is going on, but I'm feeling wide awake and wonderful and like I've finally gotten enough sleep.
I'm still not interested in even coming near chicken, but my stomach seems happy again. And while I totally enjoyed my movie last night, I only teared up a little at the scene where the shop is closed for good.
So, after a few days of really odd behavior, I'm still experiencing odd behavior (but it's positive odd behavior, so I'll take it).
Just so long as nobody tries to make me feel bad for putting soap in my dishwasher a while before planning on running it, we'll all be good (weird dream).
TTFN!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Confusion
My body and I are on different wave lengths right now. It wants to sleep, can't stand the thought of chicken, and oddly would like me to watch You've Got Mail and cry.
I would like to stop feeling so tired, usually love chicken, and actually wouldn't mind crying at You've Got Mail (okay, we agree on one thing). Except that I really want to skip some of the movie, because I think it's entirely too embarrassing (I get embarrassed on behalf of a fictional character. It's ridiculous!).
On the plus side, egg rolls seem to be fine.
And the longer I wait, the more I think I know what may be the cause. And the more that happens, the more I'm slightly nervous, because I'm not sure I'm ready for my dreams to start coming true (I'm not 28 yet, right? I'm 23 and a newlywed, right? What do you mean the wedding was 5 and 1/2 years ago?). And while that would make me extremely happy, the idea is freaking me out some right now (it's the unknown aspects that have me freaking, I can promise you that).
So, tonight I focus on egg rolls and movies and potentially crying. And tomorrow, I deal with what comes then. And the same for every day after.
TTFN!
I would like to stop feeling so tired, usually love chicken, and actually wouldn't mind crying at You've Got Mail (okay, we agree on one thing). Except that I really want to skip some of the movie, because I think it's entirely too embarrassing (I get embarrassed on behalf of a fictional character. It's ridiculous!).
On the plus side, egg rolls seem to be fine.
And the longer I wait, the more I think I know what may be the cause. And the more that happens, the more I'm slightly nervous, because I'm not sure I'm ready for my dreams to start coming true (I'm not 28 yet, right? I'm 23 and a newlywed, right? What do you mean the wedding was 5 and 1/2 years ago?). And while that would make me extremely happy, the idea is freaking me out some right now (it's the unknown aspects that have me freaking, I can promise you that).
So, tonight I focus on egg rolls and movies and potentially crying. And tomorrow, I deal with what comes then. And the same for every day after.
TTFN!
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