This might sound silly, but right now I am in the process of reading The Joy of Cooking: 75th Anniversary Edition. A jolly man in a red fur suit left it underneath the tree this year and I am never letting it go. Surprisingly, I'm super-pumped that I will now be preparing time-tested dishes such as "Mongolian Hot Pot" and "Burnt Sugar Cake." Not only is this book chock-full of recipes that I have never even heard of before, but its reference section is sick. The section on peppers was really interesting (and let me tell you that it was more informative than the websites I found explaining various kinds of peppers on the internet a few months ago). I didn't even know which area I wanted to start in; all last night I flipped though various areas just reading whatever I could.
This morning, after reading comic books in bed for a few hours (beginning at 5am), I settled back in at the kitchen table of my parents' house and started reading the The Joy beginning at the inside sleeve. After some deliberation, I've decided that I am going to read The Joy of Cooking from cover-to-cover so I don't miss a single thing. Reading cookbooks might sound like the hobby of a professional chef or a crazy person, but so be it. 9 times out of 10, cookbooks are more useful than half of the blogs I read and 6x less depressing than the news (reading the local Delaware newspaper today was such a bummer, I couldn't get past the first section.)
Also, The Joy of Cooking has a website run by on of the grandsons of Irma Raumbauer, the woman who wrote the original edition.
Reading this book also has me thinking about the movie Julie & Julia which I saw in theaters and plan to watch again this weekend.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Winter Weather
For those of you who don't live in Pittsburgh, it is snowing here today. I guess it started sometime last night but I wouldn't know that because I was in bed with a book by 8.30 pm. Winter weather sickness starts and never seems to end.
Of course, everyone on the internet is commenting on it. 8 million posts about topical subjects (football, hockey, weather, shows, etc) used to annoy me for some reason but as I get older and grow less invested in the role that technological connectivity plays in the social culture of the groups of people I actually spend time with, it doesn't bother me anymore. Actually, few things really bother me anymore: maybe because I'm growing apathetic or maybe because I am becoming more laid back with experience.
My wake up call came around 4.30am when the dude crawled into bed. Falling back asleep seemed like an impossible feat so I just got up. Even though he and I are both running on the same work schedule these days (for the most part), we can't break the pattern of moon chasing the sun. I am always waking up as he is going to bed and sometimes vice versa.
After roughly 12 hours on the couch, I tried to do some things I've been meaning to, such as finish my gingerbread house and wash all of the dishes from this week. I am trying to give my hands and wrists a rest because they are starting to hurt from over-use.
I decided to venture outdoors for provisions such as chocolate chips, duct tape, and a six pack. Even though I caved and took some cold medicine today, there is nothing as refreshing as a cold beer while doing chores indoors.
Here is a list of things I like about winter:
- Walking in the snow is so peaceful and quiet.
- Wearing layers is not only my favorite way to wear clothes, I also think that I have a great winter-time wardrobe.
- Friends enjoy drinking tea and staying indoors, a preferred activity for me.
- Pleasant interactions with strangers are more greatly appreciated during this time of year.
- I can wear a pair of socks and a pair of legwarmers and pretend that they are long socks. When I was in college, I would wear long cut-off jean shorts and legwarmers over long socks and pretend that they were pants (because I had none for one winter).
- The feel of the cold air on your face makes you feel really alive. You are forced to move around for fear that the water in your blood will form ice crystals and you will freeze to death. It is different from the sweltering humidity of summer that also reminds you that you are alive and that you also might die if you don't slow down. The heat of the hot months caution you against sweating all of the moisture out of your pores, allowing your blood to congeal until your body doesn't circulate oxygen anymore. The unforgiving chill of winter forces you to be aware of your body's limits.
- I only look good in knit hats and the only time to wear them is now.
- Ice skating outdoors instead of indoors.
- The instant gratification of completing a crocheting or knitting project and being able to put it to good use later that day.
- It is socially acceptable to hermit down for a while. Seeing your friends after weeks of everyone locked indoors makes that time even more enjoyable.
- The joy of winter sports: something which I intend to experience as much as possible this year. I am going to learn to snowboard and ski and am stashing away money to go as often as I can.
- Dogs wearing clothes. This time of year I find it cute and considerate of the pet owners instead of unnecessary and frivolous.
- Baking to make the house warmer is an added bonus to the baking fever I already have.
Even though talking about the weather is trite-- it's one of the few things everyone holds opinions on and can talk about with some level of authority. I don't begrudge other people for taking opportunity to talk about something that everyone can understand. My reclusive tendencies as of late have left me feeling somewhat isolated and I'm ready to try to reconnect in small ways with other people, even if I have to talk about the weather.
Of course, everyone on the internet is commenting on it. 8 million posts about topical subjects (football, hockey, weather, shows, etc) used to annoy me for some reason but as I get older and grow less invested in the role that technological connectivity plays in the social culture of the groups of people I actually spend time with, it doesn't bother me anymore. Actually, few things really bother me anymore: maybe because I'm growing apathetic or maybe because I am becoming more laid back with experience.
My wake up call came around 4.30am when the dude crawled into bed. Falling back asleep seemed like an impossible feat so I just got up. Even though he and I are both running on the same work schedule these days (for the most part), we can't break the pattern of moon chasing the sun. I am always waking up as he is going to bed and sometimes vice versa.
After roughly 12 hours on the couch, I tried to do some things I've been meaning to, such as finish my gingerbread house and wash all of the dishes from this week. I am trying to give my hands and wrists a rest because they are starting to hurt from over-use.
I decided to venture outdoors for provisions such as chocolate chips, duct tape, and a six pack. Even though I caved and took some cold medicine today, there is nothing as refreshing as a cold beer while doing chores indoors.
Here is a list of things I like about winter:
- Walking in the snow is so peaceful and quiet.
- Wearing layers is not only my favorite way to wear clothes, I also think that I have a great winter-time wardrobe.
- Friends enjoy drinking tea and staying indoors, a preferred activity for me.
- Pleasant interactions with strangers are more greatly appreciated during this time of year.
- I can wear a pair of socks and a pair of legwarmers and pretend that they are long socks. When I was in college, I would wear long cut-off jean shorts and legwarmers over long socks and pretend that they were pants (because I had none for one winter).
- The feel of the cold air on your face makes you feel really alive. You are forced to move around for fear that the water in your blood will form ice crystals and you will freeze to death. It is different from the sweltering humidity of summer that also reminds you that you are alive and that you also might die if you don't slow down. The heat of the hot months caution you against sweating all of the moisture out of your pores, allowing your blood to congeal until your body doesn't circulate oxygen anymore. The unforgiving chill of winter forces you to be aware of your body's limits.
- I only look good in knit hats and the only time to wear them is now.
- Ice skating outdoors instead of indoors.
- The instant gratification of completing a crocheting or knitting project and being able to put it to good use later that day.
- It is socially acceptable to hermit down for a while. Seeing your friends after weeks of everyone locked indoors makes that time even more enjoyable.
- The joy of winter sports: something which I intend to experience as much as possible this year. I am going to learn to snowboard and ski and am stashing away money to go as often as I can.
- Dogs wearing clothes. This time of year I find it cute and considerate of the pet owners instead of unnecessary and frivolous.
- Baking to make the house warmer is an added bonus to the baking fever I already have.
Even though talking about the weather is trite-- it's one of the few things everyone holds opinions on and can talk about with some level of authority. I don't begrudge other people for taking opportunity to talk about something that everyone can understand. My reclusive tendencies as of late have left me feeling somewhat isolated and I'm ready to try to reconnect in small ways with other people, even if I have to talk about the weather.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Homes and the Holidays
Last night I was at my friend's housewarming/holiday party. She recently purchased a lovely home in one of the neighborhoods local to where I live. Joining the league of Pittsburgh homeowners is a membership I seek to be a part of one day (if I can commit to staying here long enough) but for now I live in a general state of house-envy.
Not only was my friend's new house AMAZING on the inside, but it was cleverly structured with foyers, storage spaces, and TWO back decks. I have only ever been to one other owned-house in this neighborhood and my friends who live there bought what would be classified as a "fixer-upper". One of the awesome things about Pittsburgh is that almost anyone can buy a house if they really want to. Some of my friends live in houses that cost less than $20,000 (I think I might even have one or two friends whose houses cost less than $10,000). Of course, those houses need work, but for most people it seems to work out in the end.
The party last night had everything festivities this time of year require: a nice spread of treats and "holiday cheer", a video of a yule log on TV, ladies and gentlemen wearing fancy party outfits and/or holiday sweaters, a white Christmas tree, and other seasonal decorations. The house was so cozy for someone just settling in to her first home while also being minimalistic and full of potential.
This might sound creepy, but I love walking around other people's homes to see how they live. Any time I am invited over to a new place, I demand a tour and try to look at everything. It's fascinating to see how other people make their homes work for them and how they decorate their space. I know that I'm not alone in this because the popularity of design blogs like Apartment Therapy have proved that the market for "interior design porn" is not only vast but it is also profitable.
Any time someone's home is intentionally minimal and their design is well-executed, I can't help but feel overcome with the desire to get rid of all of my earthly belongings and start fresh. The concept of "editing one's home" is one that I'm trying hard to master (while also failing wildly). I own a lot of shit that I could readily part with right this second if I really had to but will instead slowly wade through for a few more months before growing disgusted and stashing it in a box in the basement.
A few months ago, the Dude and I started exploring what would be required for us to buy a house. Both of us are tired of seeing our money go to landlords but neither of us are in a place to make that large of a commitment to a house, a mortgage, a neighborhood, each other, or this city.
My friend, Mary, very eloquently pointed out several months ago that paying for rent allows you the freedom to change your mind. While this concept should be obvious, it's easy to let it get lost in my everyday rationale. I've been chewing on this idea for a few weeks now and it has brought a sense of resolve to my unnecessary restlessness.
That being said, when I do indulge in my fantasies of living in a house that I own, they always include a few requirements:
- A big ass kitchen with counter space and adequate storage(preferably an eat-in one)
- A yard that gets enough sun to garden
- Windows with good natural light
- A foyer (I hate walking right into the first room I live in, with no place for shoes, bikes, and other things that should be left at the doorway)
- Closets or room for me to build out closets-- the house I currently live in has no communal closets or storage in general, other than the basement. There is a reasonably sized closet in the Dude's room, but it's of no use to me)
- Enough bedrooms for me to have a craft/art/hangout/clubhouse room.
- A dishwasher or room for one to be installed (I think this is tops on the Dude's list)
- A basement that doesn't leak and can be used for storage/use of musical equipment, tools, and weights (right now our basement is primarily used for the Dude's puck-shooting practice).
- Some carpeting-- I know that hard-wood floors are preferable for someone like me with a million allergies, but I like being able to lay on the floor comfortably.
- Outlets. So many houses in Pittsburgh have rooms with only one outlet and sometimes those outlets are only two-pronged because they are so old.
...And if I am really doing some serious dreaming, I wish for a carport, driveway, or garage.
Not only was my friend's new house AMAZING on the inside, but it was cleverly structured with foyers, storage spaces, and TWO back decks. I have only ever been to one other owned-house in this neighborhood and my friends who live there bought what would be classified as a "fixer-upper". One of the awesome things about Pittsburgh is that almost anyone can buy a house if they really want to. Some of my friends live in houses that cost less than $20,000 (I think I might even have one or two friends whose houses cost less than $10,000). Of course, those houses need work, but for most people it seems to work out in the end.
The party last night had everything festivities this time of year require: a nice spread of treats and "holiday cheer", a video of a yule log on TV, ladies and gentlemen wearing fancy party outfits and/or holiday sweaters, a white Christmas tree, and other seasonal decorations. The house was so cozy for someone just settling in to her first home while also being minimalistic and full of potential.
This might sound creepy, but I love walking around other people's homes to see how they live. Any time I am invited over to a new place, I demand a tour and try to look at everything. It's fascinating to see how other people make their homes work for them and how they decorate their space. I know that I'm not alone in this because the popularity of design blogs like Apartment Therapy have proved that the market for "interior design porn" is not only vast but it is also profitable.
Any time someone's home is intentionally minimal and their design is well-executed, I can't help but feel overcome with the desire to get rid of all of my earthly belongings and start fresh. The concept of "editing one's home" is one that I'm trying hard to master (while also failing wildly). I own a lot of shit that I could readily part with right this second if I really had to but will instead slowly wade through for a few more months before growing disgusted and stashing it in a box in the basement.
A few months ago, the Dude and I started exploring what would be required for us to buy a house. Both of us are tired of seeing our money go to landlords but neither of us are in a place to make that large of a commitment to a house, a mortgage, a neighborhood, each other, or this city.
My friend, Mary, very eloquently pointed out several months ago that paying for rent allows you the freedom to change your mind. While this concept should be obvious, it's easy to let it get lost in my everyday rationale. I've been chewing on this idea for a few weeks now and it has brought a sense of resolve to my unnecessary restlessness.
That being said, when I do indulge in my fantasies of living in a house that I own, they always include a few requirements:
- A big ass kitchen with counter space and adequate storage(preferably an eat-in one)
- A yard that gets enough sun to garden
- Windows with good natural light
- A foyer (I hate walking right into the first room I live in, with no place for shoes, bikes, and other things that should be left at the doorway)
- Closets or room for me to build out closets-- the house I currently live in has no communal closets or storage in general, other than the basement. There is a reasonably sized closet in the Dude's room, but it's of no use to me)
- Enough bedrooms for me to have a craft/art/hangout/clubhouse room.
- A dishwasher or room for one to be installed (I think this is tops on the Dude's list)
- A basement that doesn't leak and can be used for storage/use of musical equipment, tools, and weights (right now our basement is primarily used for the Dude's puck-shooting practice).
- Some carpeting-- I know that hard-wood floors are preferable for someone like me with a million allergies, but I like being able to lay on the floor comfortably.
- Outlets. So many houses in Pittsburgh have rooms with only one outlet and sometimes those outlets are only two-pronged because they are so old.
...And if I am really doing some serious dreaming, I wish for a carport, driveway, or garage.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
November Zines and Comics 2009
Before I went home for Thanksgiving, I went to Copacetic Comics and The Big Idea Infoshop to get some light reading for my trip home.
I picked up:
- Cometbus zines #49, #51-53 by Aaron Cometbus
- Big Hands zine #7 by Aaron Lake Smith
- This is What Concerns Me comic by Susie Cagle
- Favorites comic by Susie Cagle
Big Hands #7 and Cometbus #52 were really aligned with some of my feelings about being back at my parents house and hanging out with my best friends from high school. I might re-read these at Christmas when I have more time to really think about them.
I haven't gotten to the other Cometbuses yet, but I expect they will be just as enjoyable as the previous zines I've read by him.
While I was home, I also had the opportunity to go to The Point Store in Chadds Ford, Pa. The father-daughter team who run The Point are awesome (I actually know the daughter, Girl-Sam, from going to the same shows as her in high school). I try to visit this place every time I am home because they have an awesome spread of handmade wares and vintage furniture AND they host potluck shows (that my friend Boy-Sam is usually involved in). If you get a chance to check this place out, please support them because there is nothing like this in that part of Pennsylvania. WHAT ELSE WILL I DO IF I CAN'T SHOP THERE WHILE I VISIT MY PARENTS?!
During one of my visits there (3 trips to The Point in 9 days) I picked up these two comics:
-"Girls Don't Make Passes at Boys with Moustaches" by Sally Bloodbath
-"I Am Often Mistaken for Miles Davis" by Sarah Louise Wahrhaftig
Both of these comics are awesome and really funny. I am awaiting an email confirmation that the two women are the same person because my internet research is inconclusive. The art and story elements in the two books are THE SAME.
Though my descriptions of "awesome" and "really great" don't do any of these zines or per-comics justice, that's the best I can offer for now. My eyeballs, body appendages, and brain cells are worn out from all of the projects I've done today it was important for me to share them with you RIGHT NOW instead of waiting another week to post about them.
I picked up:
- Cometbus zines #49, #51-53 by Aaron Cometbus
- Big Hands zine #7 by Aaron Lake Smith
- This is What Concerns Me comic by Susie Cagle
- Favorites comic by Susie Cagle
Big Hands #7 and Cometbus #52 were really aligned with some of my feelings about being back at my parents house and hanging out with my best friends from high school. I might re-read these at Christmas when I have more time to really think about them.
I haven't gotten to the other Cometbuses yet, but I expect they will be just as enjoyable as the previous zines I've read by him.
While I was home, I also had the opportunity to go to The Point Store in Chadds Ford, Pa. The father-daughter team who run The Point are awesome (I actually know the daughter, Girl-Sam, from going to the same shows as her in high school). I try to visit this place every time I am home because they have an awesome spread of handmade wares and vintage furniture AND they host potluck shows (that my friend Boy-Sam is usually involved in). If you get a chance to check this place out, please support them because there is nothing like this in that part of Pennsylvania. WHAT ELSE WILL I DO IF I CAN'T SHOP THERE WHILE I VISIT MY PARENTS?!
During one of my visits there (3 trips to The Point in 9 days) I picked up these two comics:
-"Girls Don't Make Passes at Boys with Moustaches" by Sally Bloodbath
-"I Am Often Mistaken for Miles Davis" by Sarah Louise Wahrhaftig
Both of these comics are awesome and really funny. I am awaiting an email confirmation that the two women are the same person because my internet research is inconclusive. The art and story elements in the two books are THE SAME.
Though my descriptions of "awesome" and "really great" don't do any of these zines or per-comics justice, that's the best I can offer for now. My eyeballs, body appendages, and brain cells are worn out from all of the projects I've done today it was important for me to share them with you RIGHT NOW instead of waiting another week to post about them.
Post-Thanksgiving Updates
It's not that I haven't wanted to blog; more than ever I am compelled to write about the projects I've been working on. What has been missing in my life is the desire to be on the internet when I'm not at work. Anyone who knows me is aware that I have a desk job that allows me to be near a computer during my 8-hour work day. After the grind I'm extremely worn out by the online-world and it causes me to avoid the activities I enjoy doing on the web.
Also, it's cold now. It was flurrying yesterday (I missed the snow last weekend when I was out of town) and there is nothing more comforting than drinking a pot of tea, under a warm blanket, while knitting.
It seems like all I've been doing lately is crafting, reading, writing, drawing, and drinking tea. My nine-day vacation and the Thanksgiving holiday was probably what I needed most to recharge my batteries and renew my creative gears. Interacting with my closest friends, now that we're all mostly-grown, really helped me get some perspective on my life.
Plans for this week include:
- Making my holiday card list and start writing them
- Find a place nearby that sells molding chocolates, buy more molds, and gather recipes
- Talk with mom about what kinds of cookies I should make for Christmas this year and get recipes
- Finish Amy's arm warmers
- Start other yarn presents
- Make Christmas shopping/to-make list and get organized with that
- Pay bills and figure out Christmas budget
- Get Christmas tree to trim for house (a small, live one!)
- Mail Rachel's birthday/Hannukah present
- Finish sewing curtains and lingering sewing projects
- Clean kitchen and winterize all windows in the house
- Get book for book club and read it
It sounds like a lot, because it is, but this to-do list makes me smile way more than the idea of going back to work tomorrow.
Also, it's cold now. It was flurrying yesterday (I missed the snow last weekend when I was out of town) and there is nothing more comforting than drinking a pot of tea, under a warm blanket, while knitting.
It seems like all I've been doing lately is crafting, reading, writing, drawing, and drinking tea. My nine-day vacation and the Thanksgiving holiday was probably what I needed most to recharge my batteries and renew my creative gears. Interacting with my closest friends, now that we're all mostly-grown, really helped me get some perspective on my life.
Plans for this week include:
- Making my holiday card list and start writing them
- Find a place nearby that sells molding chocolates, buy more molds, and gather recipes
- Talk with mom about what kinds of cookies I should make for Christmas this year and get recipes
- Finish Amy's arm warmers
- Start other yarn presents
- Make Christmas shopping/to-make list and get organized with that
- Pay bills and figure out Christmas budget
- Get Christmas tree to trim for house (a small, live one!)
- Mail Rachel's birthday/Hannukah present
- Finish sewing curtains and lingering sewing projects
- Clean kitchen and winterize all windows in the house
- Get book for book club and read it
It sounds like a lot, because it is, but this to-do list makes me smile way more than the idea of going back to work tomorrow.
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