Christmas in Mississippi 2008

K.B.:

Xmas morning with K.B.:

ATM & Grandma Evelyn:

Xmas kickin' it:

Uncle ATM meeting his nephew for the very first time:


Grandma Evelyn opening gifts:

More baby!:

ATM, his nephew & his brother:

From K.B.'s view:

Karla, Daniel & K.B.:

ATM's momma:

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz:

ATM wouldn't get out of bed, so I sent in reinforcements:


Total cuteness:



We spent time @ ATM's father's, too. Here's Daniel, Cade & their dad/granddad:

Jerry, Shawn, Daniel, Cade, & ATM:

On the way home, Lake Providence, LA:



I made my first bread today. I went with challah. It is a thing of beauty and tastes as good as it looks. According to Bittman, leftover challah is ideal for French toast. Tomorrow's brunch will be great!

Before the oven:

The final product:


I made a lasagna, too. I invited Eclipse Glasses to have dinner before their show. They'll be here any minute!

MERRY XMAS!

I will be away for the next couple of days. Hope you guys have a peaceful, fun time away from work!

Countdown w/ AMD

I've got a pretty extensive to-do list.  I will be baking all day.  Thankfully, I can do things between loafs of banana bread.  I don't make loaves, I make loafs, it's just my style.  Anyway, I'm giving banana bread and oatmeal cookies to parents for Xmas, in addition to other gifts.  You have not had a perfect oatmeal cookie until you've had mine.  I do not lie!  Secret ingredient?  Orange zest!  Merry Xmas!

I just finished wrapping all of the gifts, furoshiki style.  I totally am kicking myself for not doing the reusable gift wrap thing sooner.  Aside from the obvious benefits, it's way stylish. They're so pretty!  No tape, man!

I put bird seed, a near rotting pear & old bread outside my window for the birds.  I can seriously listen to Perry Como's Xmas album, drink coffee & watch them all day.  So pretty!  The birds have poufed themselves out & look really fat!

This evening, we might be going to Vino's to see Trusty + Matt Bessar.  I'm hoping to see a lot of ex-pats milling around being cool and looking good.  The people I know, they're a good looking lot.  I know what you're thinking: "Photos, please."  I'll see what I can do.

From this past Friday @ Cool Shoes:
Zach:

Murphy Brothers

Hilary:

Keiko, Rebeccah, Colin, KMHD, Sam, Henry & Jeremy:

No discretion? No special effects photo! Boom.


Here's a picture of grandma!


This is the cuteness that I have to tolerate ALL OF THE TIME:

FRIDAY, 19 Dec 2008:

I'm feeling very Nation-of-Ulysses-bitchy today. Very Maniac Dragstrip. I figure I'll just let this run it's course, let this 'tude have it's way.

Anyway

I just got off the phone with Collin & he told me that the AR Times has my photo of Eclipse Glasses in it + a review. A GOOD review, I might add.  Of the band.  I ran downstairs to get a copy.  There it is!:

Last night, me & KMHD tested for our Muy Thai kickboxing yellow belts.  SUCCESS!  Testing is a bit of a hassle.  We also test with tiny kids, a.k.a. Little Dragons, taking Tae Kwon Do.  It's obvious that testing is basically a show for the parents.  It takes forever to get through it all, so after the cuteness wears off, you're really ready to get out of there.  ATM was there to dote & document.

We mistakenly had a celebratory supper with Master Lee, Instructor Davis, and two other students.  With the exception of Han (student) the others were wildly embarrassing to be associated with.  I've never seen people treat a waitress so badly.  They were so loud.  They were demanding.  Master Lee got the biggest margarita I have ever seen, drank it & proceeded to talk/yell at ATM for the entire duration.  Um, at some point, a guy from another table challenged anyone at our table to an arm-wrestling match.  Really.  Our guy did not win, but it really quieted him down from that point, which was a freaking relief.  At the first opportunity, we got the hell out of there.  I still don't really know how we even agreed to supper with them anyway.  You know, with these folks, I think we mutually tolerate each other.  They think we are nerds, serious & boring.  We think they are total assholes, stupid & boring.  I figure the best way to survive this class is to just have minimal contact with them.

For Wednesdate, I made a spicy curry noodle soup:

New favorite condiments:

SATURDAY, 20 Dec 2008:

We went to Cool Shoes last night.  It was a steamy, creepy, young-person event.  I totally tried to absorb all of their young-people energy.  I got a little dancing in.  It wasn't terrible, just o.k.  Got to see both Murphy Bros. at one time!  

I don't know what today has in store for us.  Need to go to the tobacco shop.  Need to buy toilet paper + some groceries.  Really dreading getting out there!

I love small spaces, especially when someone uses creativity to make them work. I cannot envision a kitchen smaller than the one I have, but I think it's because I have a stunted vision & can't see it for what it's truly worth. But, alas, it is a rental, so I'll just have to save my big dreaming for when I'm an owner. It's something I've been mulling over lately.

Anyway, ripped from Apt. Therapy, cute lil' kitchens:

This weather has been stupid. A little winter mix & everyone freaks out & gets to have the day off work/school. NOT ME. No, we've got too many men in positions of power who cannot agree on a single inclement weather policy, so I did not benefit. I feel I would've greatly appreciated a day off, too. I would've kept my home uniform on all day. I would've drank Irish Cream coffees & read decorating & cooking blogs. I'd probably nap a bit, cook something in the crock pot. I would've played with SOLO, too. Eh, maybe next time.

What's your Xmas list looking like? Me & ATM, we're gonna be real boring and spring for a new couch. That's our "big" gift this year. I don't even know where to begin looking. IK3A? It's gotta be 1) comfortable 2) stylish 3) not used & 4) not hellof expensive. Taking suggestions from persons of know-how.

Other gifts on my wishlist: 1) a bubble umbrella 2) Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything (Note to Santa: Used is o.k.!)

Vacation idea: Go somewhere where you can see the night sky. Go somewhere so dark that when you look up, it's almost terrifying. Where is the darkest sky in the U.S.? A little camping, a little star gazing.

Oh, man, what a weekend!  Nothing I can disclose here, hee.  GOOD TIMES!

I found a big leaf.  ATM found a bigger one:

Don't forget to feed the birds this time of year.  Especially days like this!

Egyptr, Velvet Kente & Eclipse Glasses Banda played @ Downtown Music on Saturday.

Egyptr:



Velvet Kente:



Eclipse Glasses Banda:



Fans! Me, Sulac & KMHD:

Collin's good lighting:

Collin's kitchen:

Dearest Zach, Lydia & Collin, winding down Sunday night:

I am real close to being ready to buy a house.  

Saturdays are the fucking best.

ECLIPSE GLASSES BANDA @ Downtown Music Hall, Live!

Tonight at that regular show time!

$5

Feeling better!

Yesterday, Judge asked me why do we settle for such shit coffee here at the office. I could only agree. Our current maker makes a weak brew and doesn't keep it very warm. I told him that we probably tolerate it because A) We're the only ones who drink coffee in our office of five. B) Everyone is being all budget-conscious, so I wasn't gonna ask him for a new coffeemaker anytime soon. Well, hating bad coffee trumps budget-crunch time; he gave me authority to find our office a new coffeemaker at his expense. Boom. Immediately, I start internet research & get worried. I've no knowledge or experience with modern coffeemakers. The one I use at home is as old as I am & just as simple. Sometimes we'll use our French press. Or we'll use the on-the-stove percolator. Researching new models got frustrating, so I just gave up. I figured that I could just go to the shops to look at them in person. When I get home from work, I told ATM my mission. Well, he happened to have the latest issue of Consumer Reports and they evaluated coffeemakers! I'm exclaimating because talk about good timing & luck! !!! !! !!!!!!! Anyway, their top rated maker was in a really safe price range ($40) and it was available at a nearby shop.

This morning, I set up our new coffeemaker & brewed some coffee and it was GOOD. I couldn't wait for Judge to get here to show him what I done did. Maybe he sensed my over-excitement because he totally humored me and said he was "proud" of my work & acted all stoked. He reimbursed the cost of the maker +$10 for research, gas, transport & set-up. And now we have really good coffee at work!

Allow me to digress:

Last night, with furrowed brow, I examined my kitchen. I have no real work space, there's no organization & I'm just not pleased with it. I think we're gonna give it a makeover.  It's exciting because we decided last night that we're going to try more foods and I was going to attempt expanding my cooking know-how. I'm gonna follow KMHD's suit and learn to make breads. It's time to try harder recipes & experiment more wildly. ATM suggested that I take a photo of my existing set up, study it & try to organize and remodel & come up with ideas that way. I thought it was a good idea, so here they are. [My kitchen is a little sloppy because I just don't care about it right now.]

Can't you just tell that I live in a rental?  I can't do any major modifications, but I think with creativity, this can be a more functional, beautiful kitchen.  I love to cook, it makes me excited to think that I could love it even more.  SUGGESTIONS, PLZ!

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Going to kickboxing for the first time in over a week.  SCARY!  Am coming home to crock pot of vegetable beef soup.  Tomorrow is Friday!  That was fast!

STILL ILL

I'm frustrated because I don't seem to be getting better. I still have hellof congestion, a dry cough, body ache, tiredness & this morning, I woke up with fluid in my left ear. It has since gone away, but wtf was that all about? I try not to overexert myself, so no kickboxing. I go to bed early & enjoy Nyquil dreams until it's time to go to work. We've got perpetual humidifier action with TWO humidifiers. Fluids. Lots of fluids. Breathe Easy tea, orange juice, water, water, water, and an occasional Emergen-C for a boost of energy. I suppose that if I don't see an improvement in the next couple of days, I'll call my doctor. I actually tried calling him three times today, but they put me on hold & then hung up after awhile. I guess it's that time of year, but....! Maybe they, too, want me to wait a couple of days and then call back? I shaketh the fist!

So, the Xmas cards are out. I sent my co-worker's here to the office because I didn't have his home address. I got to see his reaction; he did a piercing scream/laugh when he opened it. Success! As soon as I'm sure that everyone has received theirs, I will post some of the photos from our Xmas card photo shoot that didn't make the grade.

I'm looking forward to our trip to M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I for the holidays. The drive is five hours, but there are momentous bits of the trip that I look forward to every time. I LOVE driving through Lake Providence and Tallulah, LA. We have this (bad) habit of stopping in Vicksburg, MS at a casino to get a cup of coffee & blow through $20 in 3 minutes. I'm feelin' lucky this year. Anyway, ATM's family is really nice & I always have a good time. The big hurrah is that ATM's sister-in-law just had a baby (Cade), so all eyes will be on that tot for the next 10+ years. Also, ATM's mom has the cutest doggie that everyone loves, so that's another diversion off me. For gifts this year, we're opting for perishables. Food, olive oils, coffees, nuts, wines, etc. The stuff that makes life great. I would be so thrilled to get these kinds of gifts!

FYI: We've got a new baker on the scene. KMHD made her first bread the other eve & it is good! I'm hoping she's making them as Xmas gifts. I know mum & dad would love one and it would be a great accompaniment with my banana bread. Yes, this is a big ol hint hint!

So, who's throwing the holiday party this year? Please let it be someone besides me and ATM!

P.S.

Here's a recipe that I just know you'll like. Bonus: It's vegan.

Ingredients:
1/4 c natural (no sugar) peanut butter
2 t soy sauce
1 T light brown sugar
1 T lime juice
1/4 c coconut milk
red pepper flakes or chili sauce or whatever hot condiment you prefer, to taste

Mix everything, adding the coconut milk last & heat it gently over med-low heat in a saucepan until it is blended.

Serve it with noodles topped w/ tofu, shredded carrot & cucumber. It's also a very good dipping sauce.


From a window in Judge's chamber.

Transmissions from the sick bed.

The following was written last Thursday. It's short, but I think it's because the meds kicked in.

Well, I went & got sick. It's all sinus related. A little drip can make you feel like death. I'm waiting for the sleepytime medicine to kick in. In the meantime, ever the faithful blogger I am.

Monday was World AIDS Day. Me & ATM went to the Clinton Library to look at some of THE quilt -- it was really amazing & a sight to behold. No one was there, but probably because it was very cold & windy. How did I feel? How DID I feel? I felt more educated. It became more real to me because I could see the faces of victims. I have to admit, there's a disconnect between me & things like HIV/AIDS. I don't know anyone who has it. It's well removed from my own life. But, understand, it's not lost on me. I know the importance of AIDS education. It's part of the bigger picture. It's not just AIDS prevention, it's sex education. To have control, to not spread disease & to prevent unwanted pregnancies. In a roundabout way, being sexually educated is caring for yourself AND others.

Consider this a gift. Print this and highlight all of the ones you are going to make.

We are all v. busy & recipes of simple meals that are delicious are GOLD.

If you are considering telling someone off in front of a group of people, here are two things to consider:

1.  Make sure that you are right.

2.  Make sure that what you are saying isn't lost on the person you are yelling at.

This guy threw a total fit in kickboxing class tonight.  What a spectacle!  We were all lined up in a row, practicing our upper-cuts.  Master Lee approached the guy, who we will call Big Baby, or BB for short, next to me & tried to correct his form.  BB resisted & mouthed off.  After Master Lee kinda gave up on him & moved on to the next person, BB made whiny noises and stomped off to his seat.  

Can I give you a little background on this guy?  He is awful in this class.  I feel he hardly tries more than half the time & is whining about it the entire time.  I've dreaded his presence since I've met him, he's a real downer.  Too, he's just a goober.  The second day he showed for class, he did not have his "uniform" on.  Why?  Because he was having it altered.  Really.  

Anyway, there are rules in a dojo.  Even if you aren't 100% down or agreeable with Master Lee, you've got to respect him & his school; if not for him, then the others in class, who, by the way, are paying a lot of money, AHEM.  Anyway, leaving the mat w/o permission is totally disrespectful & rude.  Master Lee asked, "What is this?  What is wrong?"  ZOMG, BB just started yelling about how Master Lee didn't respect martial arts & that he probably didn't even know Tae Kwon Do (HE DOES).  He was all, "YOU'RE FROM KOREA!," as if that meant something.  He just went on & on about the lack of respect for martial arts & really just came off lookin' like an asshole.  This went on for like five minutes.  Master Lee kept saying, "Let's talk later, call me in the morning," but guy just wouldn't settle.  Even the senior student chimed in & was like, "Hey man, we're paying for class, if you'll just wait until later..."  He still wouldn't compromise, so finally Master Lee said, "Whatever" and we continued class while BB sat there fuming.  I mean, what was he going to do, right?  

I think BB has some wild, romantic view of what Asia & Asians are like.  I think he really thinks we -- ALL Asians -- revere martial arts as the Way.  I mean, because Master Lee is from Korea he should respect martial arts?  I wonder what else he believes.  I may be reading too much into it, but he just didn't sound like he knew what he was talking about.  Too, I don't think Master Lee really understood his complaints.  He probably just thought BB was a rude, disrespectful weenie.  He really came off looking like a real jerk.  If you want to yell at somebody, totally reconsider, because you will not look as cool as you think.  You will not get the slow-clap of approval from your classmates.  BELIEVE.

We continued our class & you could tell everyone had a little resolve in them to show this buster that our class is badass.  We worked hard & did well.  At the end of our class, BB totally apologized, but it is TOO LATE.  I already think he's a jerk-wad & I hope he finds another class.  This one is too hard for him!  Also, unbelievably, we are the same rank, so I will probably have to stand in line next to him always.  Please, NO!  GAG!