HC has her concerns
I'm really liking the idea of taking some driving courses and doing the Autocross thing. I don't have to take courses to participate. But I think the courses will explain to me some of the strategies and techniques.
HC's concern? She's not as worried about me getting hurt as much as me being even more vocal/angry/aggressive when we're on the road and stupid drivers do stupid things.
I'm going to have to think about what she said before I move ahead with Autocross:
- The driving courses will teach me skills that mostly won't apply to driving on the street.
- Buuuttt I can see them elevating my confidence and as a result making me more annoyed when stupid people do stupid/inconsiderate things behind the wheel.
Why do/would I get annoyed? This harkens back to 1 of my major pet peeves: Stupid/inconsiderate/self-centered people. My annoyance with Stupid/inconsiderate/self-centered people is magnified while driving because they are moving around several thousand pounds of metal AND being Stupid/inconsiderate/self-centered at the same time. It adds to the danger factor. Not only can they harm themselves, but now they have the opportunity to hurt someone else. Not good. not good at all.
I know I should let it go because I have no control over them and their ways but it just really gets under my skin when these people do as they please with no regard for others.
Labels: Autocross, clueless, frustrations, Random things.., riddle me this, stupid people, stupidity
Fair market value
We've been using that phrase a lot lately whenever HRH starts getting on our nerves.I heard it on a news cast as they were discussing pet owners suing the pet food companies and the retailers. The reporter interviewed a lawyer who wanted to set the record straight about how much you could possibly get from the lawsuit.The phrase "Fair market value" at time of death plus medical expenses was used to describe the amount. So now whenever HRH is making 1 or both of us crazy we envoke the "Fair market value" phrase.Of course HRH looks at us and does his blink, blink, head tilt, blink, blink....Labels: HRH, Random things..
Random item update
Jim is right. Once the turkey is thawed, you should roast it within a few days. My friend called back and said she cooked the bird and got sick from eating it. So now we know...Once turkey is thawed you must cook it within a few days or it will turn into a vengeful mass of poison.Labels: food, Random things.., riddle me this
Random item
I had a friend e-mail me the following question....How long will a turkey keep in the fridge?
Story follows...
I took it out to thaw on Wednesday night last week with the idea that it would be thawed to cook over the weekend. I wound up not really having time and when I put a hand on it on Saturday - I thought it felt still sort of frozen, so I figured I'd get to it on Monday night. I really didn't have time on Monday either but when I checked it in the same spot and it felt still frozen. I checked the other side and it was thawed. Turns out I must have been putting my hand on the spot where the giblets bag was (duh.)
Anyway, in your safest opinion, should I pitch it, cook it tonight regardless, or can I wait until tomorrow?
I told her as long as it has been kept refrigerated and the fridge has not lost power she should be OK. I told her to be on the lookout when she preps it for weird smells or colors. Also sliminess. I didn't mean to concern her but I usually roast turkeys within a few days of defrosting it. So I wanted her to be extra cautious.Labels: food, Random things.., riddle me this
Spreading the crap
Awesome weather last weekend. Now that Spring is finally here we’ve been itching to get outside and work on the lawn & garden.
Friday night I cut wood down to size for the chimnea. Chainsaw Good!!! Fire Good!!
Saturday morning I ran some errands. It was gorgeous but a little cooler than I wanted it to be for working outside. I was being picky. We’ve worked on the garden in the cold rain before. But I wanted to run around with HRH in the Miata. So any excuse will do.
We spent Saturday afternoon cleaning out flower beds & turning over the soil. FYI… Electric hedge trimmers make quick work of decorative grasses. (I learned this trick watching the people that maintain the gardens in town.) I used to cut the decorative grasses down by hand. It was time consuming and messy. Now it’s just a bit messy.
Saturday evening we ran out to Robinson Towne Center for dinner at Mad Mex and a little shopping.
Sunday morning we went to the North Park Pool parking lot to watch the car races. Yes. I said car races in the pool parking lot. I guess technically it’s not racing as much as autocross. But it was fun watching the different cars & drivers run through the obstacle course. I think I may take up autocrossing. All you need are a helmet and a valid driver’s license. I’ve got the 1 and need the other…
We had 2 yards of mushroom manure delivered Sunday morning so we came back from the races and started spreading the crap. It’s a lot of work but well worth the effort when it’s all said and done. The flower beds look nicer, moisture is retained better, and the plants grow better with the constant supply of food.It was nice being outside. It was nice distracting myself from my current work funk. It was nice NOT thinking. It was nice to work with my hands. Instant gratification. A few hours of work and POW!! The garden looks 10000% times better than before.Labels: house, Weekend Update
Scrap of Wisdom
Planning is the prelude to successful action.
Lucky numbers: 14, 18, 25, 28, 36, 48
This 1 describes me 1000%. I like to plan things. I like to be ready. To know what to expect. To be in control. To maximize the opportunity to succeed. To minimize the opportunity to fail.
That being said, I do enjoy surprises and being spontaneous. I find spontaneity can be fun & a challenge.
For me, it depends what we're planning/being spontaneous about.
Labels: Scrap of Wisdom
Random things...
| Your Hawaiian Name is: |
Mamo Bane |
OK. I can live with Mamo Bane. I've been called a lot worse.
| You Should Spend Your Summer in the City |
You're a trooper, and the summer heat doesn't really get to you.
So you rather stay in the city, where you can sip iced lattes and go to midnight movies.
Forget the beach! You rather be where the good restaurants and stores are. |
This 1 is right on the mark. I'd rather be in a city so I can hit all the good museums, galleries, clubs, and restaurants. And let's not forget the shopping. Retail therapy good!!! Not sure about iced lattes. Booze is always better.
| You Are 40% Abnormal |
You are at medium risk for being a psychopath. It is somewhat likely that you have no soul.
You are at medium risk for having a borderline personality. It is somewhat likely that you are a chaotic mess.
You are at medium risk for having a narcissistic personality. It is somewhat likely that you are in love with your own reflection.
You are at low risk for having a social phobia. It is unlikely that you feel most comfortable in your mom's basement.
You are at medium risk for obsessive compulsive disorder. It is somewhat likely that you are addicted to hand sanitizer. |
This 1 didn't surprise me. I'm Abby. Abby someone.... I've always wrestlled with the whole soul issue. So maybe I don't have 1?!? Who knows. I am a mess. I try to hide it with humor, activity, booze, food, over achieving. Nope. They missed on this 1. I could care less about my reflection. I hate having my picture taken. As long as I'm not walking out the door with a bad hair incident, my fly open OR a regrettable fashion choice I'm cool. Nothing wrong with the basement. I do have some social phobias but nothing to keep me from interacting with people. Oh yeah. I'm borderline OCD. Not about cleaning but everything has a system or list. There's a reason things are done a certain way and I'm always looking for the most efficient way to do things. And hey!!! 40% abnormal means 60% normal!!!! So there!!!!!!
| You Are 66% Burned Out |
You are very burned out.
You need a huge break from your responsibilities, starting as soon as possible.
And you need this time to reevaluate what you really want out of your life.
Because you're working hard and going no where... and that would burn anyone out! |
Nailed this 1 right on the head. I feel golden brown and crunchy on the outside. Moist & tender on the inside. BUT heading towards brown on the outside and dried out & tough on the inside. Things have gotten better at work but I know I still need a change. I'm not sure what it needs to be yet. I've got to get back to the parachute book.
Labels: Random things.., surveys
Weekend Update
It was a good weekend. I did a lot of errands & things around the house while HC had a painting job.Friday night I picked up the Miata, grocery shopped and poached Salmon with some herbs and wine. HC made cous cous. Dinner was really good. The Salmon was tender and flaky. And the Cous Cous was flavored wonderfully. HC is the Queen of Cous Cous. Saturday morning I took the Daddy-o out to shop, have lunch, and AAA. AAA provided some decent information about Costa Rica. I figured now that I've read a little more and have a better idea of what I want. They were able to pull some info & pricing for me.Saturday night we went over to 1 of HC's friend's homes for dessert. It was a small gathering (8 people). That was cool with me since I prefer to hang out and get a chance to talk to everyone. But the really cool thing was: They had a chocolate fountain. I've seen them in the stores but had never seen 1 in operation. I always wondered if they actually sold since I've never been to a party where 1 was fired up. Anyways, it was OK but not great because the chocolate needed to be thinned to flow properly through the fountain. That took away from the experience for me. If it's going to be a chocolate fountain I want a chocolate fountain!! Not a chocolate & vegetable oil fountain. I always imagined Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory when I think of a chocolate fountain. A pure river of chocolate. How yummy!! The company was so so. 2 of them were Yinzers so that detracted for me. The other 2 were more interesting. Politically active & vocal, travelled, some sense of taste. Sunday more household errands/chores. We had a belated Easter dinner since we were out of town last weekend. I made chicken cordon bleu and sauteed some bok choy. HC made another killer batch of cous cous. We had my Dad over along with J and AL. The company and food were good. And then it was time to clean up and go to sleep.Labels: food, Weekend Update
Riddle me this...Do you have reservations?
- HC and I wanted to go out to dinner Monday night to stretch our vacation out 1 more night.
- We decide to go to a place we've not been to in many years.
- They've got great food but we just keep forgetting to go. We're creatures of habit and they're not part of the habit.
Sooo..... We get to the place and the hostess asks if we have reservations. We say "No" and she says the only seats available will be on their protected outdoor patio. We both look around the dining room and there are maybe 4 tables occupied at 6:30 on a Monday night. HC wasn't into it so we went across the street to another of our favorite restaurants and had an awesome meal. What I don't understand is: Why do restaurants say they don't have any tables available when clearly they have tables available AND the wait staff is just standing around waiting for something to do? It's not like there were only 1 or 2 tables available. This place was empty save for 2 to 4 tables.Anymore, when I get the "Do you have reservations?" question and they give me a hard time, I go some place else. There are so many good choices in Pittsburgh anymore. There's no need to wait or be blown off like that. Sure there are many times when you need to plan a night out and it's wise to make reservations. But I wouldn't think they'd be needed on a Monday night when you have many tables available.This is 1 of my many pet peeves. I don't get it. I don't get it at all... maybe you can explain it to me...
Labels: food, Rant, riddle me this, things I don't understand
Lamb, Shrimp, Beef, Pasta, Venison
We ate very well this weekend.
The restaurant at the lodge was pretty good. We weren't sure what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised. The menu on their web site sounded good. But anyone can make a meal sound good. But does it taste good?
Friday night, I had Lamb Chops. HC had Stuffed Shrimp. Saturday night, I had Prime Rib. HC had Pasta Primavera. Both evening’s dinners were expertly prepared.
So where does the Venison come in?
Well funny you should ask....
On the way home, we stopped and went for a hike. When we got far enough from the road, we took HRH off his leash so he could let his inner beast out. HRH is out of sight for a few minutes. When he's coming back towards us:HC: What is that HRH has in his mouth?
CH: It's probably just a stick
HC: He never shows that much interest in a stick. I bet it's a deer leg.
She was right!!!! HRH had somehow gotten himself a deer leg. And as he was running towards us he was flipping it in the air and thrashing it back & forth. He was the happiest freakiest guy in Cooks Forest. The next thing was how to get it away from him. He knows to stay away from us when he's got something he thinks we'll take away from him. (poop, sweaty dead things, rotting things) Our latest strategy is to call him towards us and ignore the fact that something gross is hanging from his mouth. Depending on what it is we'll even treat it as a toy and toss it for him to fetch. After a little bit of fetching, we'll just take it away from him & give him a treat. This seems to be working for now. After a few times fetching the deer leg, he started eating/gnawing on it before bringing it back. Well before I was able to confiscate the deer leg, he was able to tear most of the fur & meat off of it. He was all proud of himself. Mighty hunter that he is. Killer. Tough Guy!!!He was kind of restless on the ride home. He kept wanting to be up front with us and in HC's lap. Later that night he threw up on the carpet. Yep. You guested it the mighty hunter, tough guy, killer had a tummy ache from eating that nasty, dead, funky, deer leg. That dog cracks me up. It took him a day to get back to his usual self. But he's back to 100% HRH. That's why I say "He's just smart enough..."Labels: food, HRH, travel, vacation
Weekend Update
Being out of town did HC and I wonders. I needed a change of scenery even if it was only for a few days.
Usually if we go away there are all sorts of activities planned. (Lots of running around to see this. Or to do that. Etc…) Or at least there are more options available to us. But where we stayed is near not much of anything so we were able to hang out & relax. I didn’t feel like we were missing out on something because there wasn’t much nearby.
We went on a couple of hikes, got spa treatments, hung out, drank beer & wine by the fire, read and talked. Away from the TV, computer, crowds, traffic, and noise. It was nice. I think I really needed a weekend like this. I may try to plan 1 of these quiet weekends every few months just to calm back down.
The food at the lodge was pretty good. Friday night, I had Lamb Chops. HC had Stuffed Shrimp. Saturday night, I had Prime Rib. HC had Pasta Primavera. Both evening’s dinners were done very well.
We were within a few miles of some hiking trails. They were pretty with a light covering of snow. HRH had a good time running, sniffing, and digging.
I got about 60% of the way through the Costa Rica for Dummies book. I’m not a reader and it’s amazing how much I was able to read when there we no distractions. So now HC and I need to discuss what we want to see in CR. I want to hike in the rainforest, see the cloud forest, and do a zip line above the forest. HC’s interested in the rainforest and the beaches. CR is a small country so we should be able to meet both of our requirements.Labels: Holiday, HRH, travel, vacation, Weekend Update
Going away...
We've needed a break for a while AND we're going to get one.We're going out of town for the weekend to the Clarion River Lodge. Originally the plan was to go for some hikes and spa treatments. We'd go for a hike and let HRH be the rampaging fool he is. Now with the weather being less than ideal we'll hang out, relax, and do the spa treatments. HRH will just have to be OK with treats and hanging out.We'll see what else there is to do up there but I'm going to take my Parachute book and Costa Rica book with me. We haven't gone on a big vacation in a few years so we talked and are thinking Costa Rica to see the Rainforests and beaches. I figured it'd be wise to get an idea of what there is to see instead of just showing up in a strange country with no idea what they have to offer.I'm also taking my CD player with some music and my Spanish tapes. I know I won't become fluent or even proficient in Spanish but I hope to understand a few words and make an attempt at speaking their language. One of the things I hate is us Americans assuming everyone speaks English and making NO attempts to learn the native language. The whole "If I say it loudly and slowly they'll understand what I want" mindset. I've found people are more willing to help and forgive you if you make even the slightest attempt to speak their language. Just show them a sign you think their language, culture, and values are as valid as your own and you'll be amazed how nice people can be. Case in point: We spent 2 weeks in France and the people were nice. No, I don't speak that much French but enough to be polite and to order from a menu and ask basic questions. They weren't my best friends but they were understanding and made every attempt to communicate and be nice.As far as Spanish is concerned: I'm comfortable ordering from a menu, saying thank you, pardon me, good morning, good evening. But I'd like to learn more. Labels: Holiday, vacation
A little reminder
Every now and again I get a little reminder of my limitations. When my ego gets too big, life provides a little reminder.Tonight the reminder was car work. Sure I can do some basic maintenance items (change the oil, change spark plugs & wires, fill the washer fluid, change the anti-freeze, change burnt out bulbs) BUT not much more complicated than this. What did I do tonight? I tried to adjust the catch point of the clutch on the Miata. Sure you can pull up articles on the Internet on how to adjust your clutch AND they have pictures AND step by step instructions. BUT they didn't provide a warning that some of us reading this article should not be attempting this task. Some of us end up making a mess of things, getting all aggravated, feeling like an incompetent idiot. I was able to get the car in good enough shape to drop off at the neighborhood garage conveniently down the hill. They'll get a good laugh when they read the "Describe the work that needs to be completed" section of the drop-off form. I feel like such a dumb ass for attempting something that was a bit out of my range. I guess the price for my arrogance will be the labor cost to fix my mess. It shouldn't take the mechanic more than an hour to get the shaft & the clutch pedal reconnected. HC tells me I was quite the sight all contorted & all hanging out the floor of the car. I feel a bit contorted from my efforts. Oh well, I've learned my lesson. No more messin' with the car. That's why there are professionals that do that kind of work for a living...
I am not a grease monkey!!!!
Chowdery Update
Mentally and emotionally I’m starting to feel better. Maybe it’s Spring. Maybe it’s more daylight. Maybe it’s because the work unpleasantness is staring to subside.
- The weather is starting to get nice.
- The Miata has been vacuumed out, dusted off, and Armour All’d. (I’ll wash & wax it the next week or 2.)
- The garden is starting to show signs of life again. (We’ll need to clean it out and prep the flower beds.)
- HC is getting back to her usual self.
- HRH has been very active protecting us from squirrels, birds, and cats.
We had a busy weekend.
Friday night we grabbed a quick bite and relaxed. It was a L-O-N-G week for both of us. Saturday HC had a painting job. I ran errands and did chores around the house. Saturday night we went over to M’s house for a small dinner party. It was nice to meet her friends and share a meal. Good food. Good company. What more do you need?!? Sunday I did more chores and we went to S’s Dad’s 60th birthday party. That was good time.
Now it's back to work.....
Labels: Weekend Update
