It wasn't only that I was seriously
considering coming home from the multi-ethnic market with a shin bone
from a calf (complete with hoof) which made me realize I was becoming
a hardcore cook. There were some things I could make with one didn't
involve aspic.
That day, I wasn't in the mood for such high level, fancy
wrangling. And I worried about Jon's reaction upon coming home to a
hoof sticking out of a tall pot. It was also that Jon wasn't
surprised that I was considering such a purchase. When I wondered
why, he told me that I routinely bring home chicken feet (they make
awesome stock), and that I've been coming up with viable strategies
while watching Chopped. That is true, though I still think I would have reacted well to
canned haggis.
You know, there is vegetarian Haggis? It's made with beans, mushrooms
and oats that's baked in a pan. Jon thinks that is more of a
vegetarian scrapple.
I found that also. It's called Vrapple.
The internet is evil. But I digress.
I've entered a new level with cooking,
'tis true. However, I had fallen out of the kind of extensive meal prep I had
been doing prior to chemo. I do cook dinner almost every night, but I
have been doing them with less planning than even before I got sick.
I used to do a bi-montly mega preps, so we'd have meals with very
little thought for an entire two weeks. They would last longer,
because inspiration always strikes, and I'll want to try something
different from the plan at the spur of the moment. But it was really
good to have a nice selection of options in the freezer ready to go.
I'd just add a veg or salad or pasta, whatever. It is easier to eat
correctly when the foods are handy and easy to prepare. It also
leaves me with more free time during any given day. I'd forgotten how
soothing doing all that chopping and such can be. My mind is taken
out of everything focusing on that.
I needed to do errands and cook, so I
can free up that time during a busy upcoming week for post on the
videos. I have enough goofy distractions to keep me away from my
various difficult tasks without adding legitimate ones. On top of the
post editing, I'm proofing the manga pages, working on pilot and
there are some other bits of writing I need to get finished sooner
than later. Yes, I'm talking about Rik and Vincent. It all sounds
like a crazy pace when I look at it here, but somehow things get done
and I don't feel panicked over it. And no worries about me overdoing
it. My body is really good at demanding rest by going on strike if I
push too hard. That's when I get my reading done!
Before I forget again, I must announce
that we are only 8 days from the Month of Fun. This day also marks
the second anniversary of my MOAS (Mother Of All Surgery), giving me
more reasons to celebrate properly. For new readers, the Month of Fun
is when yours truly celebrates another year of life by taking the
time to appreciate all the things – big and small – that make
life special. I spend time with friends I don't usually get to see. I
take the time to have that special baked good and lovely coffee I
would usually skip during an errand. This year, I could even have a
mani/pedi. The black strips on my nails from chemo are finally gone!
The Month of Fun is not about spending money. It's about the sage
wisdom of Agent Cooper from Twin Peaks. Paraphrased, you should give
yourself a present every day. Over the years, I have found a present
a day is not possible. But I can do it for 30 days consistently. It
can be something big – like being in France. Or something as simple
as a 'damned fine cup of coffee.' There are some lovely spots I've
discovered since I last lunched with certain friends. I'd love to
share them. I may even take in a picture show. I haven't done that in
quite a while as I haven't seen anything worth the considerable
expense involved in going to the movies lately. However, Dark Shadows comes out on my birthday. That seems to be destiny. That was the
first soap I've ever loved. And Barnabas was the first vampire I
knew. And there was funk and disco in the trailer! Even the Avengers is looking appealing. It's woefully lacking in
giant robots, but I'll take giant robot dragon snakes. The Japanese
trailer is cooler and gets to the point faster. Look at it HERE.
What can you do to help me with the Month of Fun? If you are in the LA
area, let's have lunch already! Otherwise, I accept well wishes of
all kinds (including rain dances).
Meanwhile, I still have chicken stock
to make and boxes of things to edit.
Stay tuned.
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