This blog was my 2010 New Year’s Resolution: To write every day. I’m proud to say that it is the only New Year’s Resolution I’ve ever completely followed through on.
It has been a year since I started this blog and a lot has changed. For instance, I posted my goals for this blog to help me keep focused on household projects, but that was back when I thought we had a chance of keeping the house. While yes, some of those projects did get completed, such as the Half Bath Renovation, many of them found themselves in the land of Who-Gives-a-Shit. Eventually anything that needed fixed or replaced was rigged to just get us by.
But I have to say, this year has been an amazing self-exploration journey. I’ve discovered I’m handier than I thought, having been able to diagnose and repair both a television and water heater. I also found out that when I put my mind to something I really can accomplish it. My partner has also found that it is indeed possible to do our own repairs, such as when he worked on the roof and even when the furnace decided to act up rather than spend hundreds of dollars for a professional. Okay, so first he called the professional, researched the problem, fixed it in less than ten seconds, and then cancelled the appointment. Yes, this whole year has been one of discovery.
So what is up next for 2011? I can only ponder the possibilities. I’ve found a job that I absolutely love, working with amazing people in an environment where I don’t get so anxious I throw up just thinking about going in to work. Overshare? Sorry. You try being a telemarketer when you aren’t competitive and every day you go into work someone gets fired. It, sadly, reminds me of when I first started at The-Store-Which-Must-Not-Be-Named where I had an immediate connection with my coworkers. Then again, that was a big box store and this is a small veterinary clinic, so I doubt I will run up against the same bureaucratic pressures to ensure bonuses for people who’ve never even done my job. Bitter? Slightly. Perhaps I should make forgiveness my 2011 Resolution, as I am a fierce grudge holder. Seriously, my sister tore the legs off my He-Man action figure when she was one and I still haven’t forgiven her for it. She’s twenty-seven now.
Alas, this blog has been an incredible way for me to open up, share my ideas, and get some amazing feedback from people all over the world. I’m not sure why, but I’m huge in Australia. Seriously! I check my statistics every day and consistently almost a third of my daily readers are from there, a few scattered in various other countries, and the majority here in the United States. So I must thank you all for reading what I have to say, even though sometimes I can be quite pessimistic, sometimes inspirational, sometimes cocky, sometimes hilarious, sometimes sad, sometimes insightful, and sometimes bat-shit crazy.
So where will this blog fit into the New Year? That I’m uncertain of. I know that at times it has been an incredible challenge to write something new every day, but at the same time, doing so has enlivened my creativity, my urge to finish working on various books I’ve started or completed and now need some painful editing, and my need to express myself since I am, undoubtedly, a horrible vocal communicator. I guess it is why I prefer texting versus talking on the phone because, well, at least then I can see what the person on the other end is saying. Well, most of the time. It still irks me to no end when people speak TXT. Seriously, my text messages look like sentences from a novel, complete and grammatically correct with properly placed capital letters and punctuation. Of course, that is probably from the fascination I have with language. Perhaps, just perhaps I will take advantage of the New Year and new possibilities and wherever our new living arrangements will be and reenroll in school. It is both terrifying and exciting all at the same time, especially since majoring in English will certainly limit potential employment opportunities. Okay, now I’m getting off-topic, something my tangent-prone mind does quite often.
I don’t know where the New Year will take us, but I know that this last year has been the most challenging I can recall, not just for me but it seems nearly every one of my family and friends. My hope is that in 2011 we will be able to take all the lessons we learned in 2010 and use them to further enhance our lives and improve ourselves. Like a Phoenix, we too can rise from the ashes reborn, yet retaining the knowledge of the past. May your New Year’s Eve celebration be joyous, and may good fortune be upon all of you in the coming year.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Macho
No, this isn’t what you think it’s about. Alas, I’m blogging about Macho, a long-term boarder at the veterinary clinic I work.
Macho is a toy poodle. Actually he’s a teacup size and weighs about three pounds and shakes and whines constantly when not being held. Because he is a long-term boarder, we usually have him out in the reception area with us to keep him company and his whining to a minimum. Spoiled much? I don’t think this behavior was learned at the clinic, but at home where he was probably held and carried everywhere. Not very macho.
However, yesterday as I had him in my lap petting him constantly to keep him from whining, he decided to crawl up my shoulders and stand on my neck and head. I was afraid that he’d break himself if he fell so I had to hold onto his tiny little legs. Eventually I had to answer the phone, so I put him down, to which he immediately started to shake and shiver.
This got me thinking about dogs being pampered too much and how our dog is so incredibly low maintenance by comparison. She mostly sleeps, doesn’t pee everywhere (as Macho seems fond of climbing his kennel and peeing while at the very top), and while loves to have attention, doesn’t need it all the time. I can definitely tell that simply by working at this veterinary clinic it is going to change how I feel about my dog’s sometimes quirky attitude. Alas, now it is time to get ready for work… and give Macho a little more attention. However, I think I’m going to refrain from letting him climb onto my head today!
Macho is a toy poodle. Actually he’s a teacup size and weighs about three pounds and shakes and whines constantly when not being held. Because he is a long-term boarder, we usually have him out in the reception area with us to keep him company and his whining to a minimum. Spoiled much? I don’t think this behavior was learned at the clinic, but at home where he was probably held and carried everywhere. Not very macho.
However, yesterday as I had him in my lap petting him constantly to keep him from whining, he decided to crawl up my shoulders and stand on my neck and head. I was afraid that he’d break himself if he fell so I had to hold onto his tiny little legs. Eventually I had to answer the phone, so I put him down, to which he immediately started to shake and shiver.
This got me thinking about dogs being pampered too much and how our dog is so incredibly low maintenance by comparison. She mostly sleeps, doesn’t pee everywhere (as Macho seems fond of climbing his kennel and peeing while at the very top), and while loves to have attention, doesn’t need it all the time. I can definitely tell that simply by working at this veterinary clinic it is going to change how I feel about my dog’s sometimes quirky attitude. Alas, now it is time to get ready for work… and give Macho a little more attention. However, I think I’m going to refrain from letting him climb onto my head today!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Macaroni and Cheese
Due to a multitude of requests, I’ve decided to post my recipe for Macaroni and Cheese. However, I’ve given it out to so many people who still insist that I make it instead, so I doubt anything will change.
Years ago as I was figuring out various methods of cooking comfort foods, I came across recipes for macaroni and cheese that looked appealing as far as ease was concerned, but not so appetizing as far as taste or budget. I mean, this is macaroni and cheese so it shouldn’t cost an assload of money in various cheeses, nor should it resemble the boxed variety when it’s complete. After a few experimental dinners, this is pretty much the standard recipe I now use, as well as its low-fat cousin on occasion. I usually make this as a side dish, so having the extra fat in it doesn’t bother me so much, especially when serving alongside chicken or pork and veggies. This recipe makes enough for eight to twelve side servings or four to six as a main course, to which I would add a mixed baby green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
Cory’s Macaroni & Cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2½ cups half & half
1 medium onion, diced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
salt to taste
8 oz penne rigate pasta
1 lb Tillamook Vintage White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
½ cup buttered bread crumbs (or seasoned crouton crumbs)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large stock pot filled halfway with water, cover and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter then incorporate the flour thoroughly and allow to cook for a minute or two. Add the half & half and stir to combine. I used to whisk this part, but found that by simply stirring it and then bringing it to a slow boil accomplishes the same results of no lumpies. If it takes more than a few minutes to boil or you are simply impatient, turn the heat up to medium high until you see the center start to bubble. Stir in the onions, paprika, nutmeg, cayenne, salt and bay leaves and lower the heat to low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When the water has come to a boil in the stock pot, salt it liberally, add the pasta and cook to package directions, strain and set aside if the sauce isn’t ready yet. After about 15 minutes, the sauce should have thickened. Remove the bay leaves and set aside (I’m a dork, I’ll tell you why soon) and add about three-quarters of the cheese, slowly stirring in a circle eight motion into the white sauce. Once completely incorporated, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, add the pasta and stir to combine. Yes, this looks like a lot of sauce, but I guarantee it is the right amount. Transfer to a 2 ½ quart baking dish or, if you’re lazy like me and don’t wish to dirty another dish, simply leave it in the pan. Top with remaining cheese, bread crumbs and take the two bay leaves and artfully arrange them on top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs have turned a nice golden brown. Allow to rest for five minutes before serving.
Low-fat Version: Replace half & half with skim milk and toss 2 tablespoons cornstarch with the cheese before mixing into the sauce. I don’t know why, but this keeps the cheese from wanting to separate due to the lack of milk-fat in skim milk for the cheese to cling to. Again, an experiment that works. I’m sure you could always stir the cornstarch into the milk too, but I haven’t tried that one yet and now that I’m thinking about it don’t know why I haven’t. Hmmm…
Years ago as I was figuring out various methods of cooking comfort foods, I came across recipes for macaroni and cheese that looked appealing as far as ease was concerned, but not so appetizing as far as taste or budget. I mean, this is macaroni and cheese so it shouldn’t cost an assload of money in various cheeses, nor should it resemble the boxed variety when it’s complete. After a few experimental dinners, this is pretty much the standard recipe I now use, as well as its low-fat cousin on occasion. I usually make this as a side dish, so having the extra fat in it doesn’t bother me so much, especially when serving alongside chicken or pork and veggies. This recipe makes enough for eight to twelve side servings or four to six as a main course, to which I would add a mixed baby green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
Cory’s Macaroni & Cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2½ cups half & half
1 medium onion, diced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
salt to taste
8 oz penne rigate pasta
1 lb Tillamook Vintage White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
½ cup buttered bread crumbs (or seasoned crouton crumbs)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large stock pot filled halfway with water, cover and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter then incorporate the flour thoroughly and allow to cook for a minute or two. Add the half & half and stir to combine. I used to whisk this part, but found that by simply stirring it and then bringing it to a slow boil accomplishes the same results of no lumpies. If it takes more than a few minutes to boil or you are simply impatient, turn the heat up to medium high until you see the center start to bubble. Stir in the onions, paprika, nutmeg, cayenne, salt and bay leaves and lower the heat to low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When the water has come to a boil in the stock pot, salt it liberally, add the pasta and cook to package directions, strain and set aside if the sauce isn’t ready yet. After about 15 minutes, the sauce should have thickened. Remove the bay leaves and set aside (I’m a dork, I’ll tell you why soon) and add about three-quarters of the cheese, slowly stirring in a circle eight motion into the white sauce. Once completely incorporated, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, add the pasta and stir to combine. Yes, this looks like a lot of sauce, but I guarantee it is the right amount. Transfer to a 2 ½ quart baking dish or, if you’re lazy like me and don’t wish to dirty another dish, simply leave it in the pan. Top with remaining cheese, bread crumbs and take the two bay leaves and artfully arrange them on top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs have turned a nice golden brown. Allow to rest for five minutes before serving.
Low-fat Version: Replace half & half with skim milk and toss 2 tablespoons cornstarch with the cheese before mixing into the sauce. I don’t know why, but this keeps the cheese from wanting to separate due to the lack of milk-fat in skim milk for the cheese to cling to. Again, an experiment that works. I’m sure you could always stir the cornstarch into the milk too, but I haven’t tried that one yet and now that I’m thinking about it don’t know why I haven’t. Hmmm…
A note on Tillamook Vintage White Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese Aged Two Years: If you are unable to locate this particularly delicious (and relatively inexpensive cheese for us here in the Northwest as it is a local variety) that is sad and I mourn for your loss. But, any cheddar will work, so long as it is a sharp cheese. Personally I haven’t found a better cheese for this particular dish, even after trying some imports from Ireland, England and Canada. Alas, I do hold Tillamook Cheese in high regard, so my personal opinion may be slightly askew.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Scrubs
Nothing is more unattractive on a person than ill-fitting scrubs. Scrubs aren’t known for their sexy factor, but when they don’t fit it’s just awful.
I just started a job at a veterinary clinic last week and yes, the required uniform is scrubs. I was allowed to go through the assortment they kept at the clinic and take my pick, which for me was pretty slim. First of all, I’m a guy, and most of the scrubs were quite feminine. Second of all, I’m six feet tall and trying to squeeze into a medium sized scrub top was, shall we say, difficult, but getting out of it was rather entertaining.
However, there is something to be said about scrubs as opposed to dress clothes for work. I mean, you get dog crap on a tie and it’s goodbye tie, but the same thing happens to a pair of scrubs and you just toss them into the washer… perhaps with an extra scoop of Borax, because, well, poop. Of course, I don’t know how I’d feel about this when I start making some tops out of super fun animal themed fabric I’ve seen lately in the quilt shops and fabric stores. And of course I opened up my big mouth about not finding much in there and may end up making my own to which the office girls now all want me to make them some too.
But for now I’ve got a pair of bottoms and a few tops, only one of which I picked out. As one of the other receptionists was going through the communal scrubs for Keeps and Donations, she came across a couple that would fit me. One of them was just a simple burgundy with nothing else on it and the other was Lion King. So today I’m wearing the latter, even though it is only graced with images of Simba and Nala. However, one of the receptionists said she’d wear her Timon and Pumba one today so we could coordinate.
I just started a job at a veterinary clinic last week and yes, the required uniform is scrubs. I was allowed to go through the assortment they kept at the clinic and take my pick, which for me was pretty slim. First of all, I’m a guy, and most of the scrubs were quite feminine. Second of all, I’m six feet tall and trying to squeeze into a medium sized scrub top was, shall we say, difficult, but getting out of it was rather entertaining.
However, there is something to be said about scrubs as opposed to dress clothes for work. I mean, you get dog crap on a tie and it’s goodbye tie, but the same thing happens to a pair of scrubs and you just toss them into the washer… perhaps with an extra scoop of Borax, because, well, poop. Of course, I don’t know how I’d feel about this when I start making some tops out of super fun animal themed fabric I’ve seen lately in the quilt shops and fabric stores. And of course I opened up my big mouth about not finding much in there and may end up making my own to which the office girls now all want me to make them some too.
But for now I’ve got a pair of bottoms and a few tops, only one of which I picked out. As one of the other receptionists was going through the communal scrubs for Keeps and Donations, she came across a couple that would fit me. One of them was just a simple burgundy with nothing else on it and the other was Lion King. So today I’m wearing the latter, even though it is only graced with images of Simba and Nala. However, one of the receptionists said she’d wear her Timon and Pumba one today so we could coordinate.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas Season
Many people take down their Christmas decorations the day after the holiday. Personally we keep ours out until Epiphany.
I was shocked at how many people had already packed away Christmas by the morning of the 26th when I logged onto my Facebook account. Yes, Christmas Day is over, but the twelve days of Christmas are still in full swing until January 6th. Alas, many people are ready for the holiday to be over with and to get back to their regular lives.
Epiphany is the day we celebrate the Magi visiting the baby Jesus, and is usually seen as the end of the Nativity story, thusly, the end of Christmas. So, for those of you who haven’t yet put away all of your decorations or taken down the tree, why not leave them up for a little while longer? If for no other reason, it’s an excuse to procrastinate putting everything away.
I was shocked at how many people had already packed away Christmas by the morning of the 26th when I logged onto my Facebook account. Yes, Christmas Day is over, but the twelve days of Christmas are still in full swing until January 6th. Alas, many people are ready for the holiday to be over with and to get back to their regular lives.
Epiphany is the day we celebrate the Magi visiting the baby Jesus, and is usually seen as the end of the Nativity story, thusly, the end of Christmas. So, for those of you who haven’t yet put away all of your decorations or taken down the tree, why not leave them up for a little while longer? If for no other reason, it’s an excuse to procrastinate putting everything away.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Day After
With boxes and ribbons and bows and papers strewn across the living room, it is quite obviously the day after Christmas. Of course, we could’ve cleaned up right after opening, but where’s the fun in that?
After opening our presents and calling the out-of-town family who sent us stuff, we immediately got cleaned up for the day to prepare for Christmas with my partner’s dad, which also doubles as his birthday. My partner packed the traditional Pumpkin Cookies he made for his dad’s birthday, from his dad’s first wife’s recipe, which got passed down to his dad’s mom after they divorced and then my partner took over making them after she passed away. Without a doubt as to what I would be asked to bring for dinner, I started making my famous Macaroni and Cheese. It was delicious as usual, and there were even leftovers to take to my stepbrother’s girlfriend whom the day before we had had a forty-five minute conversation about macaroni and cheese.
But now, as I’m blogging in my new robe my partner’s mom and stepdad got me that is so incredibly comfortable and warm and I swear I’m not writing this for their benefit because they don’t even read this blog, I’m looking over the screen on the laptop at piles of trash that need to be separated and boxes we should start using to pack stuff away for the inevitable move. I guess it’ll have to wait until after church. Good thing garbage day is tomorrow, otherwise we may not be motivated to take it all out of the living room and into the trash can!
Ah, the day after Christmas, when all the festivities have died down and the radio station has switched back to its usual mix of soft rock (right at midnight, no less) and the world gets back to business as usual… except for retail, which today is the biggest returns day of the year. Thank gawd I’m not doing that anymore! Now it’s time to plan New Year’s Eve.
After opening our presents and calling the out-of-town family who sent us stuff, we immediately got cleaned up for the day to prepare for Christmas with my partner’s dad, which also doubles as his birthday. My partner packed the traditional Pumpkin Cookies he made for his dad’s birthday, from his dad’s first wife’s recipe, which got passed down to his dad’s mom after they divorced and then my partner took over making them after she passed away. Without a doubt as to what I would be asked to bring for dinner, I started making my famous Macaroni and Cheese. It was delicious as usual, and there were even leftovers to take to my stepbrother’s girlfriend whom the day before we had had a forty-five minute conversation about macaroni and cheese.
But now, as I’m blogging in my new robe my partner’s mom and stepdad got me that is so incredibly comfortable and warm and I swear I’m not writing this for their benefit because they don’t even read this blog, I’m looking over the screen on the laptop at piles of trash that need to be separated and boxes we should start using to pack stuff away for the inevitable move. I guess it’ll have to wait until after church. Good thing garbage day is tomorrow, otherwise we may not be motivated to take it all out of the living room and into the trash can!
Ah, the day after Christmas, when all the festivities have died down and the radio station has switched back to its usual mix of soft rock (right at midnight, no less) and the world gets back to business as usual… except for retail, which today is the biggest returns day of the year. Thank gawd I’m not doing that anymore! Now it’s time to plan New Year’s Eve.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Reflections
Just when it seemed that this year will end up being the worst Christmas we’ve ever had, due to multiple factors, things started looking up. In fact, this has already been one of my favorites.
With the tree decorated and presents beneath it, the North Pole Village out on display, stockings hung on the fire screen and cards galore gracing the poor excuse for a fireplace mantel while Brenda Lee sings Christmas songs, it certainly feels like Christmas Morning. As crappy as this year has been for our household, I’m glad we didn’t let it ruin Christmas. After all, there is more to life than owning a home, even if it is one that you’ve grown quite attached to over the years. Besides, it has so many problems that need to be addressed they probably won’t be able to sell it without having to put at least half of what the house is worth into fixing the issues, and that brings a smile to my face.
However, even though I tend to hold grudges for much longer than a regular person, take my unapologetic stance on The-Store-Which-Must-Not-Be-Named, I have a feeling that the lessons we’ve learned this year will help us for the better. We have an incredible support system of family and friends and are so thankful for all of them.
Alas, this is Christmas Morning. And while I sit here blogging, drinking a hot cup of Starbuck’s Christmas Blend coffee from beans I found in my stocking this morning, it is Christmas and there are presents to be unwrapped. So with that, I bid you and yours a Merry Christmas with a hope that it is filled with magic. Let Peace, Love and Hope be with you all!
With the tree decorated and presents beneath it, the North Pole Village out on display, stockings hung on the fire screen and cards galore gracing the poor excuse for a fireplace mantel while Brenda Lee sings Christmas songs, it certainly feels like Christmas Morning. As crappy as this year has been for our household, I’m glad we didn’t let it ruin Christmas. After all, there is more to life than owning a home, even if it is one that you’ve grown quite attached to over the years. Besides, it has so many problems that need to be addressed they probably won’t be able to sell it without having to put at least half of what the house is worth into fixing the issues, and that brings a smile to my face.
However, even though I tend to hold grudges for much longer than a regular person, take my unapologetic stance on The-Store-Which-Must-Not-Be-Named, I have a feeling that the lessons we’ve learned this year will help us for the better. We have an incredible support system of family and friends and are so thankful for all of them.
Alas, this is Christmas Morning. And while I sit here blogging, drinking a hot cup of Starbuck’s Christmas Blend coffee from beans I found in my stocking this morning, it is Christmas and there are presents to be unwrapped. So with that, I bid you and yours a Merry Christmas with a hope that it is filled with magic. Let Peace, Love and Hope be with you all!
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