The Coffeecake Incident
MGDub was kind enough to give me a ride home on Monday when she, unfortunately, got sucked into the coffeecake incident. I'd baked two delicious sour cream coffeecakes that very morning. I had used my new Baker's Joy baking spray with flour and I'd swirled a delicious coconut/pecan topping into the cake batter. The coffeecakes released from their bundt pans beautifully and I was feeling pretty darned good. I even stopped by Adam's work to drop off some warm coffeecake. When MGDub and I walked into the apartment Monday evening, we found a very perturbed Adam assessing the coffeecake situation. Simply, he was overwhelmed by the amount of coffeecake in our apartment [1.5 cakes]. The following is a reconstructed conversation where MGDub gets sucked into a battle of wills over the coffeecake.
Adam: We have too much coffeecake.
plasticann: I'm going to freeze it so we can have coffeecake anytime.
Adam: There's no room in the freezer and if we have coffeecake readily available, I'll eat it all.
plasticann: But, it's...so good.
Adam: It is really good, that's why we should give it away. MGDub, would you like to take a whole coffeecake to share with your neighbors?
plasticann: A whole coffeecake...there won't be any left to freeze.
Adam: Wouldn't you enjoy baking more coffeecake?
plasticann: Well, I like the idea of stockpiling coffeecake and other treats in the freezer, but our freezer is filled with frozen veggies so there's no room.
MGDub: I don't really want to be responsible for passing out coffeecake.
Adam: Is there anyone you'll see in the next day that would enjoy coffeecake?
MGDub: I'm just packing and I don't really want to be passing out coffeecake.
Adam: Would your landlord like coffeecake.
MGDub: I guess I could take a few slices for them.
plasticann: Would like like a slice for tomorrow?
MGDub: Alright, I guess I'll have a small slice for tomorrow.
We have one small sliver of coffeecake left in our house...we disposed the rest appropriately, namely not in our own tummies. The lesson here, I've got to stop baking for 20 because it's just the two of us and we should get a chest freezer to keep my baked goods.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Monday, July 18, 2005
Blueberry Festival
A bunch of us went down to Verrill Farms in Concord on Saturday for their Blueberry Festival for pancakes in the "country." The blueberries were fresh, the pancakes were piping hot, the bacon was ultra crisp and the maple syrup was real. There was even a blueberry pie eating contest to boot, basically kids/adults cramming their faces into pies with the goal of polishing off the entire pie first. We stopped by their little store where Adam found a banana split cake in their bakery. We admired the produce, but didn't end up buying anything. Our next event, the Taste of Cambridge this Wednesday in Kendall Square. $30 presale tickets at Whole Foods. Come early and eat more than your share of samples. Afterall, it's for charity.
A bunch of us went down to Verrill Farms in Concord on Saturday for their Blueberry Festival for pancakes in the "country." The blueberries were fresh, the pancakes were piping hot, the bacon was ultra crisp and the maple syrup was real. There was even a blueberry pie eating contest to boot, basically kids/adults cramming their faces into pies with the goal of polishing off the entire pie first. We stopped by their little store where Adam found a banana split cake in their bakery. We admired the produce, but didn't end up buying anything. Our next event, the Taste of Cambridge this Wednesday in Kendall Square. $30 presale tickets at Whole Foods. Come early and eat more than your share of samples. Afterall, it's for charity.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Gourmet Greatness
I started my internship this week at the Phantom Gourmet where I'll be rewarded with an enriching experience and with food. Steve hooked me up with this internship through his vast network of camp connections and his friend "Zan," one of the guys who run the operation. I also knew Steve had [un]helpfully passed along my blog to Zan, but I chose to ignore that tidbit of information. Turns out Zan did read my blog because he asked me if I was going to blog about today's taping. Unfortunately, that's a loaded question since Zan swore the entire set to secrecy about today's episode so no, I will not blog about it...my lips are sealed. On another related note, I made dinner tonight and in honor of my newest endeavor, I asked Adam to create a plasticann scorecard for our meal. We fudged with the categories and took the liberty of introducing "bonus points" to the accounting.
The Menu
Homemade Bagel Chips topped with Jarlsberg Cheese
Tomato, Basil, Avocado & Mozerella Salad with a Balsamic Vinagerette
Artichoke Mashed Potatoes
Cookie/Rice Krispie Dolci
Atmosphere: 6 [stacked empty boxes and scattered kitchen items detracted from hominess]
Menu: 8 [menu was preset by plasticann, no need to make choices]
Appetizers: 4 [bagel chips were badly charred and "tough"]
Entrees: 8 ["Fresh and Tasty" and the lime water was refreshing]
Dessert: 8 [pillaged by plasticann from Phantom Gourmet]
Portions: 7 [Adam ate plasticann's leftovers]
Service: 6 [dinner was promptly served, but Adam had to do his own dishes]
Cleanliness: 6 [Adam noticed pepper on the table, but plasticann insisted that the table had been "wiped down"]
Value: 8 ["gratuity and tax paid in kind"]
Location: 10 [Home Sweet Home]
Subtotal: 71
Presentation: 10 [Adam says, "Bonus Points"]
Grand Total: 81 [Gourmet Greatness...Zakun style]
I started my internship this week at the Phantom Gourmet where I'll be rewarded with an enriching experience and with food. Steve hooked me up with this internship through his vast network of camp connections and his friend "Zan," one of the guys who run the operation. I also knew Steve had [un]helpfully passed along my blog to Zan, but I chose to ignore that tidbit of information. Turns out Zan did read my blog because he asked me if I was going to blog about today's taping. Unfortunately, that's a loaded question since Zan swore the entire set to secrecy about today's episode so no, I will not blog about it...my lips are sealed. On another related note, I made dinner tonight and in honor of my newest endeavor, I asked Adam to create a plasticann scorecard for our meal. We fudged with the categories and took the liberty of introducing "bonus points" to the accounting.
The Menu
Homemade Bagel Chips topped with Jarlsberg Cheese
Tomato, Basil, Avocado & Mozerella Salad with a Balsamic Vinagerette
Artichoke Mashed Potatoes
Cookie/Rice Krispie Dolci
Atmosphere: 6 [stacked empty boxes and scattered kitchen items detracted from hominess]
Menu: 8 [menu was preset by plasticann, no need to make choices]
Appetizers: 4 [bagel chips were badly charred and "tough"]
Entrees: 8 ["Fresh and Tasty" and the lime water was refreshing]
Dessert: 8 [pillaged by plasticann from Phantom Gourmet]
Portions: 7 [Adam ate plasticann's leftovers]
Service: 6 [dinner was promptly served, but Adam had to do his own dishes]
Cleanliness: 6 [Adam noticed pepper on the table, but plasticann insisted that the table had been "wiped down"]
Value: 8 ["gratuity and tax paid in kind"]
Location: 10 [Home Sweet Home]
Subtotal: 71
Presentation: 10 [Adam says, "Bonus Points"]
Grand Total: 81 [Gourmet Greatness...Zakun style]
Boring
Steve called me on Wednesday because "unemployment is boring." He'd been unemployed all of two days, but he was finding it to be "boring" since all his other friends were still working. Since I'm temporarily a "housewife," Steve jogged over to our apartment and sat on our brand new couch. I was happy to make him a cup of coffee in our Chemex and chat about this and that while I putzed around the kitchen baking. I always appreciate an excuse to avoid errands/chores so Steve can stop by for a cup of joe anytime...almost anytime.
Steve called me on Wednesday because "unemployment is boring." He'd been unemployed all of two days, but he was finding it to be "boring" since all his other friends were still working. Since I'm temporarily a "housewife," Steve jogged over to our apartment and sat on our brand new couch. I was happy to make him a cup of coffee in our Chemex and chat about this and that while I putzed around the kitchen baking. I always appreciate an excuse to avoid errands/chores so Steve can stop by for a cup of joe anytime...almost anytime.
Monday, July 11, 2005
I [heart] Acapella
I admit it! I love acapella. Love the percussing, love the outfits, love the chipper attitude, love it all. My good friend Kellie is also a fan and I always knew I had someone to hit all the concerts with in college. We never actually made it to a Rockapella concert, but let me tell ya...we discussed the possibility. Adam and I were out to dinner with Aaron and Wheezy on Saturday when I discovered Wheezy's extreme hatred of all things acapella. I had called Wheezy earlier in the day to let her know that the ERS musical show was on the radio since she loves musicals. Later at dinner, I brought up an acapella song I'd heard on ERS. Wheezy gave me a horrified look and asked pointedly, "Is the musical show all acapella?" I quickly assured her that the musical radio show had nothing to do with acapella, but an acapella show followed the musical show. That's when Wheezy declared, "Oh good because I hate acapella...makes me want to murder people." At first I thought Wheezy was exaggerating her position to be "funny." After we discussed the finer points of why Wheezy hated acapella [goofy faces and pun based names], I finally realized she really does hate acapella. Fortunately, Wheezy does not seem to dislike acapella lovers. That's what I like about her, she's friends with meat eating acapella lovers even though she's a vegetarian acapella despiser. To better demonstrate Wheezy's point, I've used the actual name of my alma mater in the following reconstructed conversation rather than referring to it as a "college in Providence," or "Zrown."
plasticann: Why do you hate acapella so much?
Wheezy: I don't like the goofy faces they make during performances and I hate the pun based names.
plasticann: What, like the "Brown Derbies" or "Harmonic Motion" or "Brown'sTones?"
Wheezy: Exactly!
plasticann: But but the "Brown Derbies," they even wear brown derbie hats.
Aaron: [ringing in] The "Brown Derbies" are from Brown?
plasticann: Yeah! Have you heard of them?
Aaron: Yeah, my roommate had their CDs. I didn't know they were a college group. I guess I never made the connection.
plasticann: I think Rockapella was started by a bunch of Brown alums.
Wheezy: Ughh! Sounds awful.
Things Wheezy is also not fond of: Kevin Costner and rapping grannies.
I admit it! I love acapella. Love the percussing, love the outfits, love the chipper attitude, love it all. My good friend Kellie is also a fan and I always knew I had someone to hit all the concerts with in college. We never actually made it to a Rockapella concert, but let me tell ya...we discussed the possibility. Adam and I were out to dinner with Aaron and Wheezy on Saturday when I discovered Wheezy's extreme hatred of all things acapella. I had called Wheezy earlier in the day to let her know that the ERS musical show was on the radio since she loves musicals. Later at dinner, I brought up an acapella song I'd heard on ERS. Wheezy gave me a horrified look and asked pointedly, "Is the musical show all acapella?" I quickly assured her that the musical radio show had nothing to do with acapella, but an acapella show followed the musical show. That's when Wheezy declared, "Oh good because I hate acapella...makes me want to murder people." At first I thought Wheezy was exaggerating her position to be "funny." After we discussed the finer points of why Wheezy hated acapella [goofy faces and pun based names], I finally realized she really does hate acapella. Fortunately, Wheezy does not seem to dislike acapella lovers. That's what I like about her, she's friends with meat eating acapella lovers even though she's a vegetarian acapella despiser. To better demonstrate Wheezy's point, I've used the actual name of my alma mater in the following reconstructed conversation rather than referring to it as a "college in Providence," or "Zrown."
plasticann: Why do you hate acapella so much?
Wheezy: I don't like the goofy faces they make during performances and I hate the pun based names.
plasticann: What, like the "Brown Derbies" or "Harmonic Motion" or "Brown'sTones?"
Wheezy: Exactly!
plasticann: But but the "Brown Derbies," they even wear brown derbie hats.
Aaron: [ringing in] The "Brown Derbies" are from Brown?
plasticann: Yeah! Have you heard of them?
Aaron: Yeah, my roommate had their CDs. I didn't know they were a college group. I guess I never made the connection.
plasticann: I think Rockapella was started by a bunch of Brown alums.
Wheezy: Ughh! Sounds awful.
Things Wheezy is also not fond of: Kevin Costner and rapping grannies.
An Odd Habit
I've discovered an odd habit of mine. When I'm panicked, I start speaking in Taiwanese. It's happened a couple of times, but last night, Adam jumped up early in the morning because he had a leg cramp and I asked, "Are you OK?" in Taiwanese before I realized. Must be some sort of reflex. Sort of reminds me of Steve who has been known to respond to "Happy Birthday" with "you too." DOH!
I've discovered an odd habit of mine. When I'm panicked, I start speaking in Taiwanese. It's happened a couple of times, but last night, Adam jumped up early in the morning because he had a leg cramp and I asked, "Are you OK?" in Taiwanese before I realized. Must be some sort of reflex. Sort of reminds me of Steve who has been known to respond to "Happy Birthday" with "you too." DOH!
Friday, July 08, 2005
End of an era
Today is Steve's last day at work. It's the end of an era, but a start of something better. Steve, Leah, Amy and I went to McCormick & Schmicks by Fanuil Hall last night to catch up and enjoy their $1.95 happy hour menu. We each got a burger and we shared some mussels, artichoke dip and tasty buffalo wings. Not bad! The only downside, they wouldn't allow me to pack up my leftovers since it's a special.
Today is Steve's last day at work. It's the end of an era, but a start of something better. Steve, Leah, Amy and I went to McCormick & Schmicks by Fanuil Hall last night to catch up and enjoy their $1.95 happy hour menu. We each got a burger and we shared some mussels, artichoke dip and tasty buffalo wings. Not bad! The only downside, they wouldn't allow me to pack up my leftovers since it's a special.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Tonkatsu--Pork Cutlets
My apathy for packing and moving inspired me to cook dinner. I made Tonkatsu [Japanese pork cutlets] and Croquettes [Breaded potato patties] for dinner. plasticmom used to make Tonkatsu once a week and I would get to help her bread the pork and shrimp, but we've never made Croquettes before. I could tell my first solo Tonkatsu flight was a success because Adam cleaned his plate, but I think he was also famished.
Potato Croquettes
Note: You can pretty much use any souped up mashed potato to make the croquettes
Corn kernels from one corn approx 1/2 cup
5 small/med potatoes
butter
milk
salt & pepper
1. Make mashed potatoes
2. Use ice cream scoop to make little balls of mashed potatoes
3. Chill mashed potato balls
4. Flatten balls slightly to form a patty
Frying the Tonkatsu or Croquettes
Note: Use think pork cutlets, 1/4 or 1/2 inch thick
1. Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan. Higher rims are better to prevent splattering.
2. Find three shallow dishes with some depth such as a pie dish.
3. Start with 1 cup flour in the first dish, 3 beaten eggs in the second dish, 2 cups of Panko [Japanese bread crumbs] in the third. Add more of each ingredient as needed.
4. Dip and coat each pork cutlet/potato patty in the flour, then the egg, then the bread crumbs
5. Fry in hot oil and turn over when each side is golden brown.
Serve with rice, veggies, Tonkatsu sauce [similar to A1 steak sauce], ketchup. The cutlets are also tasty inside a sandwich...yum!
My apathy for packing and moving inspired me to cook dinner. I made Tonkatsu [Japanese pork cutlets] and Croquettes [Breaded potato patties] for dinner. plasticmom used to make Tonkatsu once a week and I would get to help her bread the pork and shrimp, but we've never made Croquettes before. I could tell my first solo Tonkatsu flight was a success because Adam cleaned his plate, but I think he was also famished.
Potato Croquettes
Note: You can pretty much use any souped up mashed potato to make the croquettes
Corn kernels from one corn approx 1/2 cup
5 small/med potatoes
butter
milk
salt & pepper
1. Make mashed potatoes
2. Use ice cream scoop to make little balls of mashed potatoes
3. Chill mashed potato balls
4. Flatten balls slightly to form a patty
Frying the Tonkatsu or Croquettes
Note: Use think pork cutlets, 1/4 or 1/2 inch thick
1. Heat 1 inch of oil in a pan. Higher rims are better to prevent splattering.
2. Find three shallow dishes with some depth such as a pie dish.
3. Start with 1 cup flour in the first dish, 3 beaten eggs in the second dish, 2 cups of Panko [Japanese bread crumbs] in the third. Add more of each ingredient as needed.
4. Dip and coat each pork cutlet/potato patty in the flour, then the egg, then the bread crumbs
5. Fry in hot oil and turn over when each side is golden brown.
Serve with rice, veggies, Tonkatsu sauce [similar to A1 steak sauce], ketchup. The cutlets are also tasty inside a sandwich...yum!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
The cereal aisle
We stopped by the market on Tuesday night for our first official joint grocery run since MGDub was kind enough to give us a ride. The cereal aisle was our first testing ground. I really wanted a box of lucky charms. This potentially boring reconstructed conversation preceded another in depth conversation in the bread aisle, but that's for next time.
plasticann: [watching Adam briefly duck away from the cereal aisle] MGDub, I really want these Lucky Charms. I had some at the Ramada Inn for breakfast after Kellie's wedding and they were so delicious. I hadn't had them since college.
MGDub: You know, Lucky Charms are the greatest marketing scheme..."for a limited time...purple horseshoes."
[enter Adam]
Adam: [holding a box of "Kashi Go Lean"] What do you have there?
plasticann: I really want a box of Lucky Charms.
Adam: They're pure sugar. Don't you like the Kashi Go Lean? It's really "good."
plasticann: They're alright. They taste like Honey Smacks without the honey, which is the best part. I do like the Raisin Bran Crunch, maybe I'll get that.
Adam: Doesn't Raisin Bran have a lot of sugar?
MGDub: It's probably still better than Lucky Charms.
plasticann: [looking at the nutrition panels] Actually, Raisin Bran Crunch has more sugar than Lucky Charms.
Adam: But, look at the serving size. Raisin Bran is 50 grams a serving versus 30 grams for the Lucky Charms.
plasticann: I guess puffed sugar cereal and freeze dried marshmallows don't weigh much. I'll get the Raisin Bran Crunch, but MDGub, you can buy me some Lucky Charms for my next birthday.
MGDub: You got it!
plasticann: [scanning the shelves] They don't have the granola I like.
Adam: Don't you like the Kashi Go Lean, it's really good.
plasticann: [restating her position more strongly] Ughhh. Tastes like Honey Smacks without the honey.
MGDub: You know what's the best granola ever? The Quaker Oatmeal granola.
Adam: [pointing to the box next to MGDub's favorite granola] Hey, they've even got a low fat version with raisins. Have you had that?
MGDub: No! You know me, if it's low fat, I think it'll taste bad.
plasticann: I'm only eating it as a topping for my yogurt.
Adam: But, it's got raisins.
plasticann: I guess I'll give it a whirl.
I think Adam secretly doesn't want Lucky Charms and fatty granola around the house because he doesn't want to end up eating my deliciously unhealthy cereals. He also didn't want me to buy the Hood ice cream that was on sale. Maybe I'll start labeling ice cream, lucky charms and granola with my name. I'm sure Adam will really appreciate that.
We stopped by the market on Tuesday night for our first official joint grocery run since MGDub was kind enough to give us a ride. The cereal aisle was our first testing ground. I really wanted a box of lucky charms. This potentially boring reconstructed conversation preceded another in depth conversation in the bread aisle, but that's for next time.
plasticann: [watching Adam briefly duck away from the cereal aisle] MGDub, I really want these Lucky Charms. I had some at the Ramada Inn for breakfast after Kellie's wedding and they were so delicious. I hadn't had them since college.
MGDub: You know, Lucky Charms are the greatest marketing scheme..."for a limited time...purple horseshoes."
[enter Adam]
Adam: [holding a box of "Kashi Go Lean"] What do you have there?
plasticann: I really want a box of Lucky Charms.
Adam: They're pure sugar. Don't you like the Kashi Go Lean? It's really "good."
plasticann: They're alright. They taste like Honey Smacks without the honey, which is the best part. I do like the Raisin Bran Crunch, maybe I'll get that.
Adam: Doesn't Raisin Bran have a lot of sugar?
MGDub: It's probably still better than Lucky Charms.
plasticann: [looking at the nutrition panels] Actually, Raisin Bran Crunch has more sugar than Lucky Charms.
Adam: But, look at the serving size. Raisin Bran is 50 grams a serving versus 30 grams for the Lucky Charms.
plasticann: I guess puffed sugar cereal and freeze dried marshmallows don't weigh much. I'll get the Raisin Bran Crunch, but MDGub, you can buy me some Lucky Charms for my next birthday.
MGDub: You got it!
plasticann: [scanning the shelves] They don't have the granola I like.
Adam: Don't you like the Kashi Go Lean, it's really good.
plasticann: [restating her position more strongly] Ughhh. Tastes like Honey Smacks without the honey.
MGDub: You know what's the best granola ever? The Quaker Oatmeal granola.
Adam: [pointing to the box next to MGDub's favorite granola] Hey, they've even got a low fat version with raisins. Have you had that?
MGDub: No! You know me, if it's low fat, I think it'll taste bad.
plasticann: I'm only eating it as a topping for my yogurt.
Adam: But, it's got raisins.
plasticann: I guess I'll give it a whirl.
I think Adam secretly doesn't want Lucky Charms and fatty granola around the house because he doesn't want to end up eating my deliciously unhealthy cereals. He also didn't want me to buy the Hood ice cream that was on sale. Maybe I'll start labeling ice cream, lucky charms and granola with my name. I'm sure Adam will really appreciate that.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
"It's what the 'people' want..."
Adam and I got back from our honeymoon on Monday and hung out with MGDub last night. We ended up at Cambridge Common for our tasty tasting menu style meal. We shared the cheeseburger sliders [mini hamburgers], hawaiian pizza and meatloaf. My favorite, the sliders. What's not to love about mini food, which is probably why I love hors d'oeuvres so much. Speaking of hor d'oeuvres, Adam and I decided to take Steve's advice via blog commenting seriously: we got married. Our awesome wedding reception was at Upstairs on the Square complete with hor d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert and even tasty cocktails. I'm happy to report that the wedding weekend extravaganza went smoothly and Adam and I even got to eat [alot] at our reception. More to come about our wedding, but for now, the following is a reconstructed conversation about blogs and weddings.
plasticann: I've been really bad about blogging with everything going on.
MGDub: Yeah, I know. I checked in periodically to see if you blogged from Canada.
plasticann: Now I have to pack and move so it might be a while before I'm blogging regularly.
MGDub: You should blog about the wedding with pictures of the programs and other projects.
plasticann: I can't find my digital camera cord so I'm not sure when I'll have pictures of the wedding craft projects up and running.
MGDub: How about wedding photos of you and Adam?
plasticann: I'm not really into that....having photos of actual people.
MGDub: Why not? LJC has lots of photos up...it's what "the people" want.
plasticann:...ummm...who are these "people?"
MGDub: Well, people like my mom [GJDubya].
plasticann: [secretly flattered, but simultaneously conflicted] Sorry, but I won't pander to "the people."
Adam and I got back from our honeymoon on Monday and hung out with MGDub last night. We ended up at Cambridge Common for our tasty tasting menu style meal. We shared the cheeseburger sliders [mini hamburgers], hawaiian pizza and meatloaf. My favorite, the sliders. What's not to love about mini food, which is probably why I love hors d'oeuvres so much. Speaking of hor d'oeuvres, Adam and I decided to take Steve's advice via blog commenting seriously: we got married. Our awesome wedding reception was at Upstairs on the Square complete with hor d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert and even tasty cocktails. I'm happy to report that the wedding weekend extravaganza went smoothly and Adam and I even got to eat [alot] at our reception. More to come about our wedding, but for now, the following is a reconstructed conversation about blogs and weddings.
plasticann: I've been really bad about blogging with everything going on.
MGDub: Yeah, I know. I checked in periodically to see if you blogged from Canada.
plasticann: Now I have to pack and move so it might be a while before I'm blogging regularly.
MGDub: You should blog about the wedding with pictures of the programs and other projects.
plasticann: I can't find my digital camera cord so I'm not sure when I'll have pictures of the wedding craft projects up and running.
MGDub: How about wedding photos of you and Adam?
plasticann: I'm not really into that....having photos of actual people.
MGDub: Why not? LJC has lots of photos up...it's what "the people" want.
plasticann:...ummm...who are these "people?"
MGDub: Well, people like my mom [GJDubya].
plasticann: [secretly flattered, but simultaneously conflicted] Sorry, but I won't pander to "the people."
Monday, June 13, 2005
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Not quite separate...not quite together...
Adam and I stopped by the supermarket tonight to pick up some groceries. As Adam diligently browsed the Rice-a-Roni/Pasta-Roni aisle with his coupon in hand, I realized that these boxes of Pasta-Roni Adam was purchasing would become my Pasta-Roni in just two weeks and I wasn't sure whether I even liked Pasta-Roni. Twenty minutes later, as we were checking out, I noticed that Adam had placed a conveyor belt divider seperating our purchases. The following is a reconstructed conversation:
plasticann: Why don't we just pay together?
Adam: Well, if we keep our groceries separate, we won't have to divide them later so it'll be easier....plus, I like seeing how much I've saved...the percent at the bottom of the receipt.
plasticann: So, you're concerned my purchases will drag down your "percentage saved" number?
Adam: Well yeah...none of your items are on sale and I even used coupons.
plasticann: [pointing to the grapes, yogurt and mix] This, this and that are on sale.
Adam: [reluctantly] I guess.
***a few minutes later as Adam kindly swipes his credit card through and pays for plasticann's groceries
Adam: [admiringly] Wow...those grapes are a lot off!
plasticann: [examining her receipt] Yeah, only 79 cents a pound. Where's the percentage saved?
Adam: [pointing] Here...you saved 33%.
plasticann: Not bad, how much did you save?
Adam: 32%
plasticann: Booyah! Ha Ha!
Note: I didn't even have to clip coupons. Thanks to my steeply discounted grapes, I still beat Adam despite my full priced butter and Coffeemate.
Adam and I stopped by the supermarket tonight to pick up some groceries. As Adam diligently browsed the Rice-a-Roni/Pasta-Roni aisle with his coupon in hand, I realized that these boxes of Pasta-Roni Adam was purchasing would become my Pasta-Roni in just two weeks and I wasn't sure whether I even liked Pasta-Roni. Twenty minutes later, as we were checking out, I noticed that Adam had placed a conveyor belt divider seperating our purchases. The following is a reconstructed conversation:
plasticann: Why don't we just pay together?
Adam: Well, if we keep our groceries separate, we won't have to divide them later so it'll be easier....plus, I like seeing how much I've saved...the percent at the bottom of the receipt.
plasticann: So, you're concerned my purchases will drag down your "percentage saved" number?
Adam: Well yeah...none of your items are on sale and I even used coupons.
plasticann: [pointing to the grapes, yogurt and mix] This, this and that are on sale.
Adam: [reluctantly] I guess.
***a few minutes later as Adam kindly swipes his credit card through and pays for plasticann's groceries
Adam: [admiringly] Wow...those grapes are a lot off!
plasticann: [examining her receipt] Yeah, only 79 cents a pound. Where's the percentage saved?
Adam: [pointing] Here...you saved 33%.
plasticann: Not bad, how much did you save?
Adam: 32%
plasticann: Booyah! Ha Ha!
Note: I didn't even have to clip coupons. Thanks to my steeply discounted grapes, I still beat Adam despite my full priced butter and Coffeemate.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
We are every true to Zrown...
Notable events from my 5th year reunion.
1. Steve was kind enough to give me a ride to [and from] our reunion. On our way across campus to pick up his dorm room key, we passed through the mail center where Steve demonstrated his Bourne like muscle memory. He successfully opened the combination lock on his old student mailbox. He's not sure how he does it, but I did witness the amazing feat. I should also note that Steve did not tamper with the mail. On the otherhand, the mailbox was empty so there was nothing to tamper with.
2. Corinna and I shared a Spike's Texas Ranger hotdog before heading over to Kellie's bridal shower...it was delicious.
3. Here's a shout out to my buddy Kellie who's getting married in two weeks. Turns out she still reads this blog every so often so "ahoy there matey."
4. I stopped by the coed fraternity I was a part of in college on Saturday night. Why was this ever a cool place to hang out? It's a basement with rooms and it smells funky. Maybe I have matured or maybe I've become high maintenance.
5. Providence now has it's own Cold Stone Creamery...Thayer Street is much improved.
6. Saturday night was "Ragin' at the Ratty." The Ratty [our cafeteria] has new tables and chairs and the juice machine look new too. Unfortunately the "rager" wasn't much of a culinary feast, university food services did not provide chicken fingers, frost your own cupcakes and all of our old favorites.
Notable events from my 5th year reunion.
1. Steve was kind enough to give me a ride to [and from] our reunion. On our way across campus to pick up his dorm room key, we passed through the mail center where Steve demonstrated his Bourne like muscle memory. He successfully opened the combination lock on his old student mailbox. He's not sure how he does it, but I did witness the amazing feat. I should also note that Steve did not tamper with the mail. On the otherhand, the mailbox was empty so there was nothing to tamper with.
2. Corinna and I shared a Spike's Texas Ranger hotdog before heading over to Kellie's bridal shower...it was delicious.
3. Here's a shout out to my buddy Kellie who's getting married in two weeks. Turns out she still reads this blog every so often so "ahoy there matey."
4. I stopped by the coed fraternity I was a part of in college on Saturday night. Why was this ever a cool place to hang out? It's a basement with rooms and it smells funky. Maybe I have matured or maybe I've become high maintenance.
5. Providence now has it's own Cold Stone Creamery...Thayer Street is much improved.
6. Saturday night was "Ragin' at the Ratty." The Ratty [our cafeteria] has new tables and chairs and the juice machine look new too. Unfortunately the "rager" wasn't much of a culinary feast, university food services did not provide chicken fingers, frost your own cupcakes and all of our old favorites.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Feeding Schedule
With the weather being miserable, I have no incentive to leave my house. In fact, I made it my goal today not to leave my house. I was so dedicated to my goal, I didn't even get my morning paper. When I did finally venture out my front door, it was just to the inner alcove for the pizza I ordered for "linner." That's the main problem I'm up against with my unemployed state, my eating schedule is way off. There's no Steve stopping by around noon to ask whether I need to get lunch so I end up eating pizza at 3pm and skipping dinner because I'm not hungry and waking up in the middle of the night...hungry. Not to worry, I have lunch plans with Wheezy tomorrow so I'll be up, showered and dressed like a normal person.
With the weather being miserable, I have no incentive to leave my house. In fact, I made it my goal today not to leave my house. I was so dedicated to my goal, I didn't even get my morning paper. When I did finally venture out my front door, it was just to the inner alcove for the pizza I ordered for "linner." That's the main problem I'm up against with my unemployed state, my eating schedule is way off. There's no Steve stopping by around noon to ask whether I need to get lunch so I end up eating pizza at 3pm and skipping dinner because I'm not hungry and waking up in the middle of the night...hungry. Not to worry, I have lunch plans with Wheezy tomorrow so I'll be up, showered and dressed like a normal person.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Unemployed Woman Attacked by Pestilent Styrofoam Packing Peanuts
On my first day of de facto unemployment, I spent two hours unpacking dishes from our Macy's registry. Styrofoam packing peanuts are the bane of my bridal existance and frankly, I find them enraging. What I despise more than packing peanuts are the lower quality packing peanuts Macy's uses, the ones that chip and splinter into infinately smaller styrofoam pieces. Possessing a strong will and empowered by static cling, these peanuts not only squirrel their way into all crevices, but they refuse to budge from any surface. Unable to efficiently contain the styrofoam peanut hades my living room had become, I had to methodically pick up each styrofoam chip from 2mm in size on up and forcefully fling it into my trash bag. I also had to periodically de-static my hands using a dusting cloth so the chips would not cling to my person. I'm thinking about writing a "Dear Macy's" missive detailing all my issues with their styrofoam packing peanuts. Other than that...love the dishes!
On my first day of de facto unemployment, I spent two hours unpacking dishes from our Macy's registry. Styrofoam packing peanuts are the bane of my bridal existance and frankly, I find them enraging. What I despise more than packing peanuts are the lower quality packing peanuts Macy's uses, the ones that chip and splinter into infinately smaller styrofoam pieces. Possessing a strong will and empowered by static cling, these peanuts not only squirrel their way into all crevices, but they refuse to budge from any surface. Unable to efficiently contain the styrofoam peanut hades my living room had become, I had to methodically pick up each styrofoam chip from 2mm in size on up and forcefully fling it into my trash bag. I also had to periodically de-static my hands using a dusting cloth so the chips would not cling to my person. I'm thinking about writing a "Dear Macy's" missive detailing all my issues with their styrofoam packing peanuts. Other than that...love the dishes!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Don't use Hot Water
I was hanging out with plasticfamily the other night when I started to wash egg residue off some dishes. plasticmom hollers, "don't use hot water because it'll cook the egg right onto the dishes." plasticaunt breaks out in hysterics and says, "like the time plasticmom put egg in her hair..."
plasticaunt: plasticmom was a freshman in college and she washed her hair with an egg. Unfortunately, she used hot water and it cooked the egg right into her hair.
plasticmom: I don't remember this?
plasticaunt: I remember, it took a really long time to get all the cooked egg out of your hair.
plasticann: How old were you? If plasticmom was in college, you must have been 14 or so. I bet you thought it was soooo hilarious. Did you just point and laugh and laugh and laugh?
plasticaunt: Of course...I still laugh whenever I think about it.
plasticmom: I really don't remember this.
I was hanging out with plasticfamily the other night when I started to wash egg residue off some dishes. plasticmom hollers, "don't use hot water because it'll cook the egg right onto the dishes." plasticaunt breaks out in hysterics and says, "like the time plasticmom put egg in her hair..."
plasticaunt: plasticmom was a freshman in college and she washed her hair with an egg. Unfortunately, she used hot water and it cooked the egg right into her hair.
plasticmom: I don't remember this?
plasticaunt: I remember, it took a really long time to get all the cooked egg out of your hair.
plasticann: How old were you? If plasticmom was in college, you must have been 14 or so. I bet you thought it was soooo hilarious. Did you just point and laugh and laugh and laugh?
plasticaunt: Of course...I still laugh whenever I think about it.
plasticmom: I really don't remember this.
Monday, May 16, 2005
In & Out...that's what a hamburger's all about
Ain't that the truth. g'ma and I both enjoyed a delicious lunch of cheeseburgers and french fries from In & Out. I even splurged and got a strawberry shake. In & Out is the only fast food chain Eric Schlosser recommends in Fast Food Nation. I just love how In & Out kicks it "old school" with a simple "official" menu of just eight items, evenly bifurcated between solids and liquids: the double double, cheeseburger, hamburger, fries, milkshakes, sodas, coffee and milk. At $1.85 for a cheeseburger and $1.09 for some freshly cut french fries, the prices are fabulous and the old timey circa fifties uniforms are splendid. plasticmom covets the massive safety pins used to pin the aprons for all In & Out "associates." For those in the know, they also have a "secret" menu of special "burgers" that include the "4 x 4" and the "protein style."
Ain't that the truth. g'ma and I both enjoyed a delicious lunch of cheeseburgers and french fries from In & Out. I even splurged and got a strawberry shake. In & Out is the only fast food chain Eric Schlosser recommends in Fast Food Nation. I just love how In & Out kicks it "old school" with a simple "official" menu of just eight items, evenly bifurcated between solids and liquids: the double double, cheeseburger, hamburger, fries, milkshakes, sodas, coffee and milk. At $1.85 for a cheeseburger and $1.09 for some freshly cut french fries, the prices are fabulous and the old timey circa fifties uniforms are splendid. plasticmom covets the massive safety pins used to pin the aprons for all In & Out "associates." For those in the know, they also have a "secret" menu of special "burgers" that include the "4 x 4" and the "protein style."
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Hangin' out in La La Land
I got in yesterday and I've been very productive food wise. Last night we enjoyed delicious Korean food and today I insisted we stop by "Won-Tin" after church for their super crispy chicken chow mein noodes and their fresh wonton soup. I hit the mall this afternoon and had a refreshing lemonade from Hot Dog on a Stick and a Auntie Anne's pretzel. I would have ordered a corn dog to go with my lemonade, but I'd just eaten lunch. Walking home from the mall, I bought a slice of Marie Callender's fresh strawberry pie. Heck, it's not even dinnertime...the possibilities are endless.
I got in yesterday and I've been very productive food wise. Last night we enjoyed delicious Korean food and today I insisted we stop by "Won-Tin" after church for their super crispy chicken chow mein noodes and their fresh wonton soup. I hit the mall this afternoon and had a refreshing lemonade from Hot Dog on a Stick and a Auntie Anne's pretzel. I would have ordered a corn dog to go with my lemonade, but I'd just eaten lunch. Walking home from the mall, I bought a slice of Marie Callender's fresh strawberry pie. Heck, it's not even dinnertime...the possibilities are endless.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Last Day
Well, after five years, tomorrow is my last day here at ZEI--Zexecon--ZMA. My coworkers surprised me with Thai and sorbet for lunch and they even got me a parting gift, a Kate Spade crystal bowl and some Godiva chocolates for my bowl. The bowl is very lovely, quite heavy and truly unexpected, but I seriously doubt the chocolates will actually make it into the bowl. Rachel suggested green apples and I'm feel compelled to buy a bag even though I'm not a fan of green apples. Finally, a classic Steve move, he signed my card, "Happy Birthday." I'm going to cut out his greeting and save it for October when my real birthday rolls around. I spent most of yesterday cleaning out my office. Chalk it up to having been privileged enough to have had my own office, but I had an obscene amount of personal stuff. Steve graciously helped me haul six plus boxes home from work, including a long forgotten sleeping bag. Everyone asked, "why do you have a sleeping bag at work?" I really don't have a good answer. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but then again I was probably sleep deprived.
Well, after five years, tomorrow is my last day here at ZEI--Zexecon--ZMA. My coworkers surprised me with Thai and sorbet for lunch and they even got me a parting gift, a Kate Spade crystal bowl and some Godiva chocolates for my bowl. The bowl is very lovely, quite heavy and truly unexpected, but I seriously doubt the chocolates will actually make it into the bowl. Rachel suggested green apples and I'm feel compelled to buy a bag even though I'm not a fan of green apples. Finally, a classic Steve move, he signed my card, "Happy Birthday." I'm going to cut out his greeting and save it for October when my real birthday rolls around. I spent most of yesterday cleaning out my office. Chalk it up to having been privileged enough to have had my own office, but I had an obscene amount of personal stuff. Steve graciously helped me haul six plus boxes home from work, including a long forgotten sleeping bag. Everyone asked, "why do you have a sleeping bag at work?" I really don't have a good answer. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but then again I was probably sleep deprived.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
"Distressed Rustic" [Free] Chairs
I stopped by Harvest Market in Central last night to pick up some old school CutRite Wax Paper Sandwich Bags when I noticed a sign that read, "Free Chairs & Tables Ask the Manager on Duty." There were stacks of small tables with heavy metal legs, schoolhouse style straight back chairs and these black wooden dining chairs with a curved back. I was incredulous, but the manager confirmed that the furniture was actually free and I could take whatever I wanted. They had just replaced all their chairs and tables in the cafe area and they were trashing the old stuff. Adam and I secured a ride with my roommate Carin, who has a station wagon, and headed back to Harvest to claim our seven black dining chairs. They're a bit dusty and some are a little rickety. Hopefully, they'll work out once we clean them up and tighten some screws. I tried to describe the paint job on our chairs as a "distressed rustic look," but Adam says my assessment is too generous.
I stopped by Harvest Market in Central last night to pick up some old school CutRite Wax Paper Sandwich Bags when I noticed a sign that read, "Free Chairs & Tables Ask the Manager on Duty." There were stacks of small tables with heavy metal legs, schoolhouse style straight back chairs and these black wooden dining chairs with a curved back. I was incredulous, but the manager confirmed that the furniture was actually free and I could take whatever I wanted. They had just replaced all their chairs and tables in the cafe area and they were trashing the old stuff. Adam and I secured a ride with my roommate Carin, who has a station wagon, and headed back to Harvest to claim our seven black dining chairs. They're a bit dusty and some are a little rickety. Hopefully, they'll work out once we clean them up and tighten some screws. I tried to describe the paint job on our chairs as a "distressed rustic look," but Adam says my assessment is too generous.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Rustic Kitchen
Adam and I celebrated Mother's Day yesterday with plasticmom in absentia. The only caveat...we had to eat something plasticmom would enjoy. Fortunately, plasticmom enjoys everything. Feeling famished, I insisted on eating MEAT for dinner last night so we wound up at Rustic Kitchen. Here's the lowdown:
Field Greens: Take it or leave it. Pile of greens lightly dressed with "too small" croutons.
Flank Steak with truffled fries and tomatoes: Hit the spot. Crunchy fries garnished with a head of roasted garlic. Steak was flavorful and delicious.
Macaroni & Cheese: Adam was disappointed that there was not crunchy topping on his Mac&Cheese. I enjoyed it, but it felt more appropriate as a side dish rather than a main course.
Overall Verdict: Tasty, but slightly overpriced. Pizzas looked good and the restaurant is nicely decorated. Fresh bread came with a delicious white bean/garlic/olive oil dip.
Adam and I celebrated Mother's Day yesterday with plasticmom in absentia. The only caveat...we had to eat something plasticmom would enjoy. Fortunately, plasticmom enjoys everything. Feeling famished, I insisted on eating MEAT for dinner last night so we wound up at Rustic Kitchen. Here's the lowdown:
Field Greens: Take it or leave it. Pile of greens lightly dressed with "too small" croutons.
Flank Steak with truffled fries and tomatoes: Hit the spot. Crunchy fries garnished with a head of roasted garlic. Steak was flavorful and delicious.
Macaroni & Cheese: Adam was disappointed that there was not crunchy topping on his Mac&Cheese. I enjoyed it, but it felt more appropriate as a side dish rather than a main course.
Overall Verdict: Tasty, but slightly overpriced. Pizzas looked good and the restaurant is nicely decorated. Fresh bread came with a delicious white bean/garlic/olive oil dip.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper
Adam's been hankering to try the new Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper so I picked up a bottle for him last week. I left it in the office fridge to chill and forgot about it until a certain Prof. Z, my boss who teaches a class every so often at a local business school I like to call BIT, reminded me. The following is a reconstructed conversation.
Prof. Z: Is that your Diet Dr. Pepper in the fridge? I've been in court all day and let's say I'll do you any favor, within reason, if I can have your Diet Dr. Pepper. Like a good grade in my class.
plasticann: Sure you can have it, but I thought you said last week that you would flunk Steve and me if we took your class.
Prof. Z: Not you...just Steve. How did I know it was your Diet Dr. Pepper?
plasticann: I was wondering the same thing.
[later that afternoon]
plasticann: Hey Steve, Prof. Z says he's not going to flunk me...just you. Ha Ha! I think he was just kidding about the whole flunking thing. Note to self...I've gotta get Adam another Diet Dr. Pepper.
Adam's been hankering to try the new Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper so I picked up a bottle for him last week. I left it in the office fridge to chill and forgot about it until a certain Prof. Z, my boss who teaches a class every so often at a local business school I like to call BIT, reminded me. The following is a reconstructed conversation.
Prof. Z: Is that your Diet Dr. Pepper in the fridge? I've been in court all day and let's say I'll do you any favor, within reason, if I can have your Diet Dr. Pepper. Like a good grade in my class.
plasticann: Sure you can have it, but I thought you said last week that you would flunk Steve and me if we took your class.
Prof. Z: Not you...just Steve. How did I know it was your Diet Dr. Pepper?
plasticann: I was wondering the same thing.
[later that afternoon]
plasticann: Hey Steve, Prof. Z says he's not going to flunk me...just you. Ha Ha! I think he was just kidding about the whole flunking thing. Note to self...I've gotta get Adam another Diet Dr. Pepper.
Monday, May 02, 2005
A 99 kinda day
Adam's roommate, Zaron went out to lunch with their friend Zayne to the 99 restaurant over by Alewife. Zaron had never been to the 99, but it turns out Zayne is a frequent customer since the waitress cheerfully greeted him "Good to see you again." Adam was slated to join Zayne for dinner that very evening and they hadn't decided where to go. I really wanted Adam to say to Zayne, "you know...I've never been to the 99...I've always wanted to go there," but Adam refused to play along.
Later that night, my Carin, Katie and I hopped into Nicole's Prius for our jaunt out to the Friendly's in Charlestown. Unfortunately, Friendly's had just closed for the night when we pulled in a little past nine. We didn't have a lot of snack options...Dunkin Donuts, Papa Ginos and a dismal looking Foodmasters. Lo and behold, like a beacon, across the strip mall parking lot stood a 99 restaurant. We were all hungry for dessert and I was looking forward to some greasy munchies so we hopped into the Prius and drove 200 yards across the parking lot and parked in front of the 99.
We ventured into the 99 and the unenergetic hostess lethargically led us to our table. Granted it was nine at night, but this place was empty...there were three people seated. We were greeted by a peppy server with an accent I could not place [Irish?/Scottish?/British?]. It was all very disorienting, but our tap waters were garnished with wedges of lemon. We perused the menu and debated what to order. Nicole had just walked 20 miles for the Walk for Hunger and was thus, very hungry. She wanted to order everything on the menu, but settled on the fried seafood dinner. I wanted to order the side of gravy for 29 cents just to see what it would be like, but ended up with a bowl of cream of broccoli soup since they were all out of iceberg wedge salads. We shared an order of potato skins and some massive desserts. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with my first ever 99 experience. Sure the place was initially odd and disconcerting, but the deliciously crispy potato skins won me over. My soup was quite nice and the mile high ice cream pie was... well heavenly. What's not to love about butterfinger and chocolate ice cream layered into a chocolate cookie pie crust?
Here's to Zayne and the 99. Zayne's boundless enthusiasm for and expertise in the subject of savory potato concoctions is truely impressive. Afterall, it was Zayne who taught us how to substitute our ho-hum side orders for those transcendent potato bakes at Pizzaria Unos. With a side of gravy for only 29 cents, anyone can afford to eat out at the 99 in Charlestown.
Adam's roommate, Zaron went out to lunch with their friend Zayne to the 99 restaurant over by Alewife. Zaron had never been to the 99, but it turns out Zayne is a frequent customer since the waitress cheerfully greeted him "Good to see you again." Adam was slated to join Zayne for dinner that very evening and they hadn't decided where to go. I really wanted Adam to say to Zayne, "you know...I've never been to the 99...I've always wanted to go there," but Adam refused to play along.
Later that night, my Carin, Katie and I hopped into Nicole's Prius for our jaunt out to the Friendly's in Charlestown. Unfortunately, Friendly's had just closed for the night when we pulled in a little past nine. We didn't have a lot of snack options...Dunkin Donuts, Papa Ginos and a dismal looking Foodmasters. Lo and behold, like a beacon, across the strip mall parking lot stood a 99 restaurant. We were all hungry for dessert and I was looking forward to some greasy munchies so we hopped into the Prius and drove 200 yards across the parking lot and parked in front of the 99.
We ventured into the 99 and the unenergetic hostess lethargically led us to our table. Granted it was nine at night, but this place was empty...there were three people seated. We were greeted by a peppy server with an accent I could not place [Irish?/Scottish?/British?]. It was all very disorienting, but our tap waters were garnished with wedges of lemon. We perused the menu and debated what to order. Nicole had just walked 20 miles for the Walk for Hunger and was thus, very hungry. She wanted to order everything on the menu, but settled on the fried seafood dinner. I wanted to order the side of gravy for 29 cents just to see what it would be like, but ended up with a bowl of cream of broccoli soup since they were all out of iceberg wedge salads. We shared an order of potato skins and some massive desserts. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with my first ever 99 experience. Sure the place was initially odd and disconcerting, but the deliciously crispy potato skins won me over. My soup was quite nice and the mile high ice cream pie was... well heavenly. What's not to love about butterfinger and chocolate ice cream layered into a chocolate cookie pie crust?
Here's to Zayne and the 99. Zayne's boundless enthusiasm for and expertise in the subject of savory potato concoctions is truely impressive. Afterall, it was Zayne who taught us how to substitute our ho-hum side orders for those transcendent potato bakes at Pizzaria Unos. With a side of gravy for only 29 cents, anyone can afford to eat out at the 99 in Charlestown.
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