Dinner

Night before last, I made stuffed poblano peppers and the chile corn custard that KMHD brought to Tofu Happening .  I totally destroyed the kitchen doing it, but it was well worth it.  Custard recipe linked above, here's how I made the peppers:

Needs:  

2 c rice

1 c black beans

1 c corn

1 med onion (chopped)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

6 poblano peppers

1 c shredded cheese (I did a mix of white cheddar and Monterey, but it's a personal choice)

1 t chili powder

1 T cumin

S & P

lime

cilantro

oil

Make rice in advance.  Like the day before or in the morning to be ready by evening.  Roast your peppers on the stove, blackening all sides.  It takes a few mins. per side, so you can do some prep work.  After blackening, put peppers in a paper bag to cool.   Preheat oven to 350.

In the meantime, saute onions in oil, adding garlic towards the end there to avoid burning/bitter.  Add the chili powder & cumin, mix well.  Stir in black beans and corn.  Add rice, lime juice to taste (a lot is good!), salt, cilantro -- M.I.X.  Make any season adjustments.  Filling is done.

Remove peppers from paper bag and rub off as much black as possible.  Whatever I can't get, I rinse away.  Cut the tops off, make one slit, and either use the knife to scrape away the seeds and membranes or rinse away with water.  Paper towel dry.  Laid flat, spoon heaping spoonfuls of filling on to pepper.  Sprinkle cheese.  You can either toothpick them closed or roll the pepper.  Top with more cheese.  Bake in oven until cheese melts.

Mine came undone, but here it is, plated w/ the custard:

 

Chile corn custard:

Blathering Heights

Maybe it wasn't the best idea to set Tofu Happening on Labor Day weekend because there was low attendance this go around -- and only after I bragged about it's growth!  BUT, we did have newcomers, which is always a goal of mine, and the food + company were terrific.  I laaaughed...

By my own admission, having a grilled cheese bar is cheating.  It is.  It's not a singular dish made with care, but an over-the-top crowd pleaser, that undermines everything.  (There's a DJ + song request analogy in here somewhere, but I digress.)  I wanted to pair it with Brittany's vegetable soup and you just can't beat a grilled cheese sandwich and soup.  Too, Leigh made the whole get up very classy by caramelizing onions, roasting poblanos, setting out homemade pesto...the works!  I would say that the worst part of the whole deal was the abundance of choice -- what combination of cheese, toppings, butter + bread would make my grilled cheese sandwich dreams come true?  All of the food was tops, but KMHD's dish was my favorite.  

ATM, Alan Disaster + Everett:

Photo by Brittany

Since our group was intimate, I'll name names.  From L to R:  Steven, KMHD, Brittany, ATM (bottom), Everett (top), Leigh, Ben, Amy (fore), Alan (back) & Robert.  Not shown: Clark



TC happened to be walking down the street, so there was no way he wasn't going to chow down with us:



You don't even need to be infected by toxoplasmosis to love Neighborhood Cat:

I am very grateful to Leigh + Robert for hosting.  They've got a rad house that is conducive to this kind of thing.  They've got THE best stoop.


So, I'm house sitting for my boss again.  He lives in a nice, but modest home in the Heights.  It's a different world, folks.  When I leave the confines of his home to take the dog on a walk or to run to the grocery store, I always have to answer the most asinine questions.  "What part of the Middle East are you from?" (That's a new one!)  "Are you the cook or the cleaner?"  "Are you for hire?"  In no way am I exaggerating.  It is impossible for me to conceal my annoyance and disdain.  In the Heights, I suppose it's fair to ask this kind of stupid shit?  In the mornings, you can see 'the help' getting off at the bus stop to work in these people's homes.  Anyway, yesterday I was at the grocer's digging through the bin of poblanos.  This woman taps me on the shoulder and says, "Ex-cuse me. How do you cook those?"  She said it really slow, first pointing to the pepper and then making hand gestures to imply cooking.  I told her that I was going to roast them, stuff them with rice, beans, other veg, cheese, and then bake them.  Did I actually detect disappointment from her?!!!  She simply replied "Oh" and eventually slithered away.  OR! People completely ignore me, which is fine.by.me.  So, that's that.  Another downside is that it's far from my own home and I actually get home sick.  BUT, it's not all bad.  I mean, Judge has a nice house.  There's a nice deck out back.  There's the big t.v. with a zillion channels, I'm welcome to everything and anything, I can have company over, and I get paid. 

An addendum: 

This video is so great and a perfect tie-in to the observations I've made about certain people in the Heights who choose to make comments at me.  KMHD and I have been talked to like this our whole lives.  It is tiresome and offensive, but no one seems to understand why that would be.  We chuckled at the video because everything in it has been said to us in real life.  Strangers, co-workers, acquaintances -- they don't see the harm.  In fact, if you rebuff any of their comments, you are a "bitch".  

Veggie laden pho from Pho Thahn My.  So colorful!



So, there's quite a few of us that own homes now.  And we all have projects that we'd like to undertake, with either time or money (or both) prohibiting progress.  Well, what if we did some sort of Amish barn raising system where we all go to each other's home and complete a project.  Is this even possible?  Obviously, you will have to pay for your own supplies and the project cannot be too ambitious.  For instance, we need help pulling some deep roots of these bushes that I'm certain are connected to the very depths of hell.  Or have a compost box built.  Or have our house and sidewalks power washed.  This sounds great in theory.  Yes?  


Need to sit down w a calendar and plan a camping trip.  It is officially time.

September 2011 Top Ten

1.  Yeah!  Labor Day weekend is here!  It's my favorite U.S. holiday.  Overworked + underpaid --  that's each and every one of us, innit?  I suppose I prefer to commemorate like anyone else -- by gathering with friends, drink union-made beer, and eat awesome food.  Also, Link Wray is the best music to listen to on Labuh Day.


Press 'play', listen while you read.  Keep up!






2.  Wild Flag is releasing their new album this month!  Stream here.  Pre-order here.  It's unstoppable!





3.  A quick jaunt to Dallax with ATM, KMHD & Everett is going to happen.  It will have been amazing.  We're going to see The Horrors!


4.  Here's a temporary I'm trying on for size.  I quite like it.  I think I'm getting a tiny one closer to the wrist.  (ATM, anybody, hand me a comb!)





5.  Speaking of tattoos, they say that imitation is a form of flattery -OR!- I've got the trendiest tattoo this side of the Mississippi.  KMHD & Brittany have teamed up to sell some temporary tattoos of our beloved state.  I've already ordered some for Saturday's game.  They're great to customize or decorate for whatever occasion!  2/$1  Contact FLEETING INK to order.  I'll be giving away a few on Saturday if you see me.








 
Model: Nicole Photos: Heather Canterbury


6.  The gift of time.  I'll have a little extra this month.  I really hope that I don't squander it, although doing nothing has it's merits, too.


7.  Okra poboys.   It's not on the menu @ Oyster Bar, but they will make it if you ask for it.  Heavens.


8.  New camera.   I needed to get one before our vacation and, well, I just needed one.  I am your friend that takes pictures of everything.  After Victor died, I remember thinking that I didn't have enough photos of our time together.  It won't happen again.


9.  TOFU HAPPENING.  I am the current curator of this event of yore.  It's not quite the same, but still maintains the basic tenets of eating well (maybe not healthy, but you do get stuffed) and communion.  This is the third one since it's been rebooted and it has grown a little every time.  People are awesome!  Am looking to start other projects, too.  Maybe an art night?  Where we paint and sip wine out of mugs?  An event where we publish a zine in one evening?  I am open to ideas.


10.  Revisiting Nouvelle Vague

one two three four I like the way you move around the floor I like the way you move around the room

What's up?

I had a really rad Saturday!  It was the kind of day that perhaps a 15 y.o. boy would also enjoy.  Had coffee with ATM + Collin (ask him about his John Mellencamp stories!) @ Boulevard.  THEN, I had lunch with Keiko @ Pho Thahn Mi.  We really didn't have a plan for the day, but ended up going to the brand new Apple store in WLR.  It wasn't as ridiculous as I imagined and we ran into Everett, who happens to be the manager. I was so close to buying an iPhone, but, the system was down (?!) and my sale couldn't go through.  I'm glad because, hey, I've got a birthday coming up.  Too, I've managed this long w/o that hifalutin' contraption, but will admit that the allure of carrying only one thing instead of a separate phone, camera, and mp3 player sounds...neater.  After that, we went to Game Stop to get accessories for this shoot-em-up zombie game I obtained for the Wii.  THEN, we got fro yo.  THEN, we played the kill all zombies game for a couple of hours.  THEN, I went home and was completely spent!

Later that  evening, things went southward.  While ATM and I were busy slaying Z's, I got a text from Judge asking if I could house sit while he tended to a family emergency (nothing to do with Hank & Collins, mind).  I'm already set to house sit for eight days in September, so what's an extra few days?  Here I am, a temporary Heights resident once again.  My duties are to care for Lucy (canine) + Omar Little (feline) and to water all the plants and lawn.  Tuesday is trash day.

It's actually not a bad gig, except that I'm far from home and I get a touch lonesome.  In order to not burn through my tank of gas so quickly, it's just best if I just stay put on this side of the river before/after work.  It's times like this that I wish we had better public transportation, though.  At least it's extra $$$ for vacation and other fun things.  I'll definitely be getting a lot of reading done as I am too intimidated by His Honor's huge television.

A reminder that TOFU HAPPENING is this weekend.  I still don't know what I'm going to make!  You are invited.  4 Sept 2011 @ 3:00 p.m., 111 Johnson St.  Bring your best vegetarian/vegan dish.

Same couch w new covers.  A fresh look! 

Possessed camera shot

Postpartum refreshin'

I know I can handle it* because I assisted in executing two baby showers this month whilst planning another Tofu Happening, a long housesitting stint, a trip to Dallax, and a vacation.

*it = you know

Yesterday, Andrew, KMHD & I rewarded ourselves with a quick float down the Caddo River.  It was simply perfect.  It's just an hour's drive SW of (N)LR and if you've got your own tube, it's inexpensive ($1 to inflate, $8 to shuttle your group).  We arrived at the outfitters about noon and were getting out of the river around three, so you don't even need a half-day to have a beer or two whilst floating in an idyllic setting.  Might have to try to have another run before it's too late.  Summer's almost over!

He tried.

The camera was in a plastic bag, thus the soft focus.

I love you

Jesus, people, learn how to use the Internet.
I love you.


Obstinate are the trammels, but my heart aches when I try to break them. 
Freedom is all I want, but to hope for it I feel ashamed. 
I am certain that priceless wealth is in thee, and that thou art my best friend, but I have not the heart to sweep away the tinsel that fills my room. 
The shroud that covers me is a shroud of dust and death; I hate it, yet hug it in love. 
My debts are large, my failures great, my shame secret and heavy; yet when I come to ask for my good, I quake in fear lest my prayer be granted. 

— Rabindranath Tagore 

Knock knock!

We paid big bucks to have a new back door installed.  That includes a new (energy efficient) door, parts, labor, and a wonderful fee of $120 for the removal of door frame bits with lead paint and the safe disposal of said door frame bits with lead paint.  

Anyway, look at our old door.  It's not even an exterior door, but maybe some closet or bathroom door.  It's ridiculous, you can see outside through the hole!  Frankly, I'm a little embarrassed we waited this long to replace it because it's obviously not very secure, but you know.  The funds.  Or a lack thereof.











And here is the sound replacement.  We need to paint the new trim and clean the smudges on the door and wall, but ok!  





Are we moving too fast with our home improvement? Ha.  Thanks for reading.

TOFU HAPPENING

Click to enlarge, sweetness

NEW AUGUST ('11 TOP 10)

Already halfway through the month, but here is my small list of the little things.





1.  The light outside looked different this morning and I keep smelling autumn on the air; it'll be here sooner than later and we have plans.  Pretty good ones, too.  While I appreciate summer, I am not the biggest fan.  No, it's terrible in Arkansas unless you've got a reliable lake connection.  You are driven inside because outdoor activity is unsafe.  And there are some things you can't do inside, like cook, which is bollocks because that's my deal.  I don't even miss summer whilst in the soul-killing icy grip of winter.  Autumn is the best and my favorite season.  I am looking forward to enjoying the dickens out of it.

2.  The Farmer's Market is one of the better things about summer, but it's actually a chore for me.  There is this Russian farmer who I find likable, though.  He's quiet, which I truly appreciate at that early hour, and gives he gives me free garlic. He has a terrible time saying "heirloom watermelon", which is precious.  I'm going to miss the okra, tomatoes, berries, figs, corn, melons, and that accent.


3.  The constant pull of Memphis, New Orleans, Perdido Key, Seattle, Colorado, and even California, one I haven't felt in a long time.  The vastness of this country and it's different environs is wondrous.  I think we'll be able to scratch the itch for a few of these in due time.


4.  I've got hostessing duties for two baby showers this month.  I'm happy to do it!  I really love planning things and I'm a great worker bee, but I really ought to make time for my own things, yes?   





5.  It's tough being a homeowner, no doubt.  But, what little we've done to the house as far as home improvement goes has made me love our little home that much more.  I totally understand the meaning of "labor of love".  I'm still trying to get a handle on patience.  We want to build, not maintain, but that's what we're having to do.  Maintenance and lots of it.


6.  I am going bananas over this recipe from Jen's blog ((( FOOD ORLEANS ))) featuring OKRA.  It's so simple, but clever.

  Photo from FOOD ORLEANS

7.  The Horrors  


Plans laid to see them in Sept/Dallax.





8.  Spending time with old friends.  No love lost.


9.  Tofu Happening, Back To School edition.  I am pleased to announce that Bellwood are hosting this time.  Sept. 4, Labor Day weekend.  Please mark your calendar!  Flyer soon.


10.  I'm just going to purge here ... lime/salt popcorn, coconut sparkling water, Obits, Disappears, The Soft Pack, Supergrass, Tame Impala, Rhodia pads, Spotify, Rani Kajal eyeliner, reading loads of books, naps.
 

It's made of herbs, so it's actually good for your eyes.  

Guys, break time's over!

The news makes me facepalm so much, I'm red in the face.  It's the loud, unhappy halfwits that bother me the most.  I've been assured by an older generation that this is not new thing, which is unfortunate.  Cyclical messes.





I had a row with a co-worker last week.  This is a really sad thing considering that we're a very small office & we're tight-knit.  She's been here for months and we've covered for her, so that she could ease into her responsibilities without stress and worry.  There are a couple of things that everyone is required to know how to do, no exceptions.  I gently reminded her that we needed to get her trained.  There was some passive-agressive this & that from her, which I ignored because I really hate that nonsense.  She started treating the others poorly,  for which I never heard the end of.  Anyway, in short, she fronted and  proclaimed that she wasn't going to do it, I couldn't make her, and it's not in her job description, which is all true.  I informed her that she could take that issue up with the boss and if she felt she had to go strictly by job description that maybe she'd take note that everyone goes above and beyond job description in this office because we are friends, we care for each other, and we do what it takes to TCB.  She can be a part of that if she chooses, but no one is going to make her do anything, but SHE WILL LEARN HOW TO DO WHAT IS REQUIRED OF HER.  That pretty much ended the argument.  She begged for forgiveness and that we never speak of it again, which I agreed to.  Still, despite my proceeding with "business as usual", I can tell that it is a struggle for her and that she hasn't actually let go.  It's tiresome.  I'm just glad that I didn't roll over and had the opportunity to say my piece at the very beginning.  For all intents and purposes, this case is closed.  Anything else will be deferred to the judge because I'm recusing from the matter.  However, I'm still trying to figure out how I got singled out as ringleader.  Very annoying stuff.  It bothered me very much.




It's hot out there!  100 days of the stuff!   I gave up on the geraniums and the petunias, but moved the sweet potato vine to the back.  Pray for it's recovery.  Also, drink lots of fluids and stay indoors, alright?  Don't forget to SPF.  And do the tighten' up!





We gave the dining room a new look with paint --  the green was lovely, but not suitable for a windowless room.









We left a strip of green for remembering:



Our sad liquor cart that needs to be stocked, but, hey, the corner looks nice!



I needed a break.

The end of the beginning.

I'm just taking a break.  Will post little bits & gristle HERE.  

IRL

It was funny when my stepfather came over to take a look at our decrepit air unit and said, "I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but this thing is OLD."  He's right.  Look at it. (It doesn't help that the landscape around it hasn't been looked after since before we moved in, but in due time.  Please focus!)  It really didn't inspire confidence:



And here is the replacement, keeping everything easy breezy:



Do me a favor and LOOK AT IT.  Because sometimes dropping that much money on a home-improvement project means you really don't have anything to show for it.  I suppose I *could* make visitors hang outdoors for 5 mins. or so before allowing them inside to really appreciate it, but, honestly, there's no way to actually commemorate it.  You WILL admire and appreciate it, damn it!  And we'll do the same when we get new insulation in our attic, too!


Other than A/C dramatics, there's not much to report around here.  Nothing that can't be handled by tw1tter and the new "+" anyway.  I've been shuffling and reorganizing plans, priorities, and desires.  It's not ideal, but it's all well and good.  Hopefully we can get a trip to Colorado in.  And a trip to either Dallax (That's Dallas, TX.  Keep up!), Chicago, or New Orleans.  We will see.


Things will pick up around here.


Treats from Nippon! (Thx, Peeks!)

melted

If you are having difficulty trying to imagine what it is like in our home, well, it's like a sauna. There's no comfortable anything about it. These days, nighttime brings very little relief. The thermometer, at 10:01 p.m. says it is 92 degrees (but feels like 102).


I don't feel like doing anything. No reading, no writing. Just lots of naps in front of a fan that blows warm air. With any luck, all impurities inside of me have been sweated out.


But, the end is in sight! Tomorrow, the installation process begins.


In other better news, our trying the Banana Leaf Indian food truck (It's ACE. It's amazing for food to be that cheap and so delicious!) made me want to learn to make my own mango lassi. Since cooking is absolutely out of the question, I may just have to do it. Should I do it on the day that it is supposed to be 100 degrees out or 102?

4

Technically, it' s not the 4th of July, but I can only get things accomplished when it is night time and the temperature is a breezy 90-something degrees in our house.  Periodically during the day, we'll get a little burst of energy and we try to get things done, but then it's back to laying around, which takes up a good 85% of our time.  And we can't lounge around together, because our arms might touch and ewwwwwwwwww it is TOO HOT/HUMID.  It didn't take much convincing that, yes, we need a new HVAC.  We're scheduled to get an estimate on Tuesday.  We will be getting our front/back door measured for new energy-efficient doors, too.  Things are happening around here as far as home-improvement goes, which, despite this evil heat, is keeping me in good spirits.   I've got good company with ATM and the cat critters, too.


OFF THE CHARTS HOT:



I did some quick research online to see if I was doing wrong by the cats because they are extremely lethargic.  Turns out it's a defense mechanism to overheating, similar to what we do.  Nobody move.



  





So, I had set this particular appointment with my hairdresser three months ago.  It was a standard wash & trim, but when I walked in yesterday, I asked her to cut it off, please.  "Are you sure?!!!" she asked repeatedly.  It wasn't long before everyone who worked at the beauty parlor was asking.  I guess they have to know for certain to avoid a crying, remorseful customer.  After I convinced her that I was serious, she grabbed my hair by the fistfuls and just chopped it off.  I'm pretty sure she enjoyed it.  And I'm pretty sure the heat made me do it.

The result, new look:






Not bad, eh?