Farm Pizza!

Yesterday, Jessica and I joined up with other Bed-Stuy CSA members to visit the farm where Hector grows our food. The farm was much smaller than I imagined it was. I'm really impressed that Hector manages to grow so much on such a small space. Oh, Jason (the only person who reads this blog) was with us. I beat him at travel Connect-4 and then he made us play Boggle by the offical rules--which was great because he actually beat Jessica who has been undefeated in every house game she and I have ever played. Schweet!

While at the farm, we harvested part of our share. We picked about 300 Whole Foods dollars worth of heirloom tomatoes. This afternoon I went over to Jason's and we made a huge pot of tomato sauce, which neither The Cat nor I were a big fan of. Stll, it was fun to cook with someone else. I love cooking with friends. Plus, I didn't have to do any dishes.

I made two pizzas when I got home. Both have an herbal-nutritional yeasty crust. One pizza has an heirloom tomato basil sauce base and was topped with roasted garlic, red onion, black olives, and zucchini. It was great. The other has a pesto base, red onion, black olives, tomato, zucchini, and Mexican field roast sausage. It wasn't as good as the tomato based pizza--that's why there's so much left. I guess it's official, I really don't like pesto.



So yeah, that was today. Since I haven't written in here in a while I should brief you on the past six months. I had some funny times temping. I started feeling bad about my life. I wanted regular income, friends, a place to put my coffee mug. I got a permanent admin job. It was boring and made me feel bad about my life. I quit. I still feel bad about my life, but a little less hopeless though a little more broke. I've got to find a way to follow my dreams (except for the cocaine dreams) and make some paper. God, are you listening?

You can flush me down, but I'll still pop up!

It's been like forever since I've written on this bloggy blog blog. I feel like such a turd...a turd that has been flushed down and forgotten, only to resurface hours later when company needs to use the restroom. Rouge, intrusive, gross, and embarrassing.

So, what's happened since I last went down that dark path? Um. Okay. I had a job as an admin at a bank. (Snore.) I resigned. (Cheer.) I realized it's not my job that's making me depressed and bored. (Yikes.) I wish there was a way to kill yourself and be guaranteed to be reincarnated as someone who won't make you miserable. Perhaps I should enter the witness protection program. ("Yeah, I know things.") They might hook me up and I wouldn't have to go through that whole dramatic choose-your-own-adventure suicide bullshit. I'm a libra. I'd probably be 80 before I decided how I was going to do myself in.

This week, as best I remember it: Feb 26-Mar 4

Monday, February 26
I went to see Marcellus Hall at the Lakeside Lounge with Jess and Zman. Marcellus Hall was vocalist/ guitarist in the band Railroad Jerk, which I was obsessed with in high school and miss since they dissolved back in '96. Afterwards, Jess and I had dinner at Life cafe, then took a cab home. (Ballin'!)

Tuesday, February 27
I wasn't feeling emotionally or physically well again and I had like a million things to do. In the evening I baked these lemon coconut raisin scones and felt a little better. Mmm...Cooking as therapy!



Wednesday, February 28
The weather was so beautiful; I regret that I didn't make it out until 5:30! April came over for dinner. I had planned on making butternut squash risotto, but they didn't have any Arborio rice in the supermarket. I ended up making broccoli and tofu spicy peanut stir fry with couscous. Jessica came home early too, so it was so nice to hang out with them both and "girl talk." April is so funny and cute--and boy crazy, she couldn't stop talking about her crush!

Thursday, March 1
In an effort to do something with my life while I still have it, I sewed an apron this morning. I used my old bathrobe and a supercute bed sheet from Goodwill. Though it was intended to be a very simple and quick project, my sketchy "measure once, cut once" sewing ethic added at least two hours to the entire process. All in all, I'm pleased with the apron and next time I set out to make an apron I have a clear picture of how to construct it. I can't wait to get cookin'!





Friday, March 2
I passed the time while temping by reading about the "white devil," processed sugar. Apparently sugar is seriously bad for you. Not just in a playful "you'll get cavities and a fat ass" kind of way. I'm talkin' in a super evil, fuck up your immune system and life kinda way.

Here are a few choice facts about sugar that I discovered on LagustasLuscious.com under the essay How to Eat.

• It lessens germ-killing ability in the body for up to 5 hours because it reduces the production of antibodies.
• It interferes with the transport of vitamin c (don't eat sugar when you're sick!).
• In order to deal with the wreckage brought on by sugar, the body depletes its own store of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Without these the body cannot function property, for example, anemia can result from the body stripping itself of iron.

Lagusta explains the cause for sugar addiction:

First, a word on sugar cravings: if you are not getting enough protein, you can crave sugar because protein and sugar are on opposite ends of the food spectrum and therefore balance each other out (white sugar is 99.5% carbs, whereas proteins like meat are almost all protein and fats and water and no carbs. This is why 3- or 5-grain tempeh is a complete protein -- it has carbs and protein!). This is why everyone knows some schmuck who can eat lots of steak and lots of refined sugars and can sort of survive OK, until he has a heart attack and dies, of course. But for you, my little vegan love, sugar will wreck you, because most likely you're not getting a ton of protein (which, is better for you, as too much protein is not a good thing). Sugar addiction is stronger in low protein diets and in low calorie diets -- if you're not getting enough calories, your body craves something simple it can digest quickly -- refined sugar fits the bill perfectly. Ditto with not getting enough complex carbs. BUT the same is true if you're getting too much protein and not enough complex carbs -- you've swung over to the other side of the spectrum and will again crave the white devil. If you're dehydrated you might crave sugar, so drink some water before you go have a pint of rice dream ice cream. If you're eating really refined, fragmented foods you might crave sugar because you are not getting enough whole foods and your body is searching for fulfillment. If you're macrobiotic and are getting too many contractive foods (meat, salt, miso, grains, nuts, sea vegs) you might crave expansive things like drugs, alcohol, fruit, tea, coffee, and sugar and veggies. If you eat enough whole grains and quality protein sources you will not crave sugar as much.

Suddenly my life made sense! I'm sick all the time because of all the refined sugar flowing through my veins. Determined to turn over a new leaf, I decided to eschew sugar for good. Despite my minor setback of eating a handful of jelly beans a few hours later, I feel really empowered and am sure I can kiss sugar goodbye. I have to.

After work, Sabrina and I went over to Cassandra's place for a Taco Benefit Party to support the SHAC 7. Cass can cook! I enjoyed a very tasty chorizo taco, marvelous mexican rice, and some chocolate cake with maple and chocolate frosting. I probably shouldn't have had the cake given my recent commitment to my health, but there's always tomorrow and the day after.

Saturday, March 3
A mystery. I did make this fantastic dinner of black-eyed peas, ginger coconut rice, tostones, and a tasty garnish of sliced green peppers. I followed Madhur Jaffrey's recipe for Trinidadian Spiced Black-Eyed Peas from the World Vegetarian cookbook and Nava Atlas' recipe for Ginger Coconut Rice from The Vegetarian Five-Ingredient Gourmet.



Sunday, March 4
We held a SuperVegan potluck brunch/ board meeting at Jason and Susie's place. I made my fantastic Tropical (French) Toast. Laura made roasted root veggies. Susie made her classic meat wad (see Friday, Jan 26). Jason made his signature DaSalad and a tofu-herb scramble. Working is so delicious!


Tropical (French) Toast by me!


Tofu-Herb Scramble by Jason Das!


DaSalad by Jason Das!


Roasted Root Veggies by Laura!


Meat Wad by Susie!

This week, as best I remember it: Feb 19-Feb 25

Monday, February 19
President's Day! No work! Whoo Hoo! Wait, I don't have job. Holidays like this are such a rip off. You'd think they'd at least give you double unemployment benefits for Holidays or something.

Holiday or not, this was not the most exciting day ever. Jessica and I took Lucy to the Humane Society of NYC vet for her final booster shot. We then spent the remainder of the day recovering from the horrendously cold weather--Jessica studied and I did stuff on the 'puter.

Tuesday, February 20
Susie and I met up for dinner at Curly's. (Note to reader: Do not ever eat their Corn Chowder.) We then proceeded to Drop Off Service for a release party for the Third issue of Syncopated, which features a great essay and drawing by Susie. Jason joined us at some point too. There was free beer from Brooklyn's Sixpoint Craft Ales--and everyone knows how I love free beer--so I ended up getting buzzed (okay, drunk) after only two pints. That kinda sucked. Somehow, I managed to follow Jason (who met us at DOS later) to Mercury Lounge, where one of his Swedish friends performed with two bands, back-to-back. I don't remember much, but I think I enjoyed myself. I mean, April was there, so how could I not have had a good time. I have to say, I'm a fan of Jason's exes. It almost makes being friend with Jason worth it. (Heh heh.) Susie and April are tops!

Wednesday, February 21
Wednesday morning it became apparent that very painful headache I'd been dealing with for the past five days was not the result of my brain tumor--I had a cold. I'm sort of relieved about this especially since it means that it won't feel like my left eyeball is trying to annex from my skull forever, but I'm bummed that it also means no one will believe me when I say I have a tumor. I still have my doubts that the lump my doctor described as a benign bony growth is not something way more dangerous. I guess you'll have to keep reading this blog to find out what happens. It may be just a matter of months before I end up here.

Despite being sick, I made it out to Vegetarian Dim Sum for Jason's birthday dinner. I ate my weight in Chinese Food and homemade cupcakes (thanks Susie). It was a blast!

Thursday, February 22 & Friday, February 23
Nothing so rife with excess is horrible except for a cold. I spent these days doing lots of the following: blowing my nose, sleeping, sucking Cold Ease, drinking water, and peeing. The only fun excessive thing I did was watch disk 3 of Arrested Development Season 1 and eat about a pound of the world's best kettle corn on Friday.

At 11:40pm Jessica and I got a call from Philip who had taken Sophie the House Guest from Hell (see Friday, February 2) in a few weeks ago. Apparently, her behavior hasn't improved over at his place and he's asked her to leave the next day. He wants us to come over to his place when she leaves the next morning. This is impossible so I compromise by letting him know I'll talk to her. I call Sophie and make sure that she knows he wants her out before noon. She claims he's a raging drunkard, but it seems like she's willing to go.

Saturday, February 24
Life is great! I began to feel much better and my headache finally dissipated. I spent the morning studying for my Women's Studies quiz and rocking out to Seven Year Bitch's Sick 'Em album.

Things hit a low point when I learn there was some drama around Sophie's exit from Philip's home. I don't wanna get into it, but key phrases are: police, jail, $200 owed, not my problem.

The rest of my day was a blast. I continued the tough girl music theme of the day by dancing along to L7's Hungry for Stink. "Andres" is the best song in the world to dance The Robot to! I did some organizing. I ate hot dogs and beans for lunch and then had junk food from Curly's for dinner. (God, I love making wise food choices.) I even re-watched some episodes of Arrested Development. What a great day!

Sunday, February 25
We Core Members group for the Bed-Stuy CSA had our first meeting ever at Bread Stuy. I'm so psyched for this year. It's only the second year, and the first year with a Core Members group, so we don't have the restrains of precedents what we can do. Anything is possible and that's really exciting. As an extra bonus, a nice couple (Canek and Ren) that I met at Time's Up is in the group and lives in the 'hood. Yay!

After the meeting I stopped by Sabrina and Patrina's place and watched Daughters of the Dust with their film group. 'Trina cooked up some delicious South Carolina style gumbo to go with the theme of the movie, which is set in the Gulla Islands.

When I left their place the was a snow storm in progress and I could barely see. As a result, I lost track of the blocks I was walking and missed my bus stop. I figured it was just as well, since I don't live too far from the twins' place and I could use the exercise. Fast forward thirty minutes and I'm still walking and unsure if I am anywhere near home since every block looks the same when all the homes and my glasses are covered in snow. (The faulty directions I finally brought myself to ask from a driver didn't help either!) Finally I recognised Lexington Street and realised I was not only really far from home but in the heart of the ghetto. Yikes! Somehow I made it home alive.

This week, as best I remember it: Feb 12-Feb 18

I would like to sum up the week that's passed as boring and full of moments that could be judged as morbidly insignificant (even when using the standards of this blog). I'll just post the highlights and spare you the super boring stuff.

Monday, February 12
I returned to the financy place to work as a receptionist. As a temp, it's always nice to be back where I know everyone but there weren't any eccentric visitors or callers so things were kind of lame.

For dinner, I cooked up Indian-Spiced Sweet Potato Potpie from my favorite cookbook, The Vegetarian Meat and Potatoes Cookbook. I also prepared ginger snaps for dessert. I can't get enough of those cookies!




Tuesday, February 13, Wednesday, February 14, & Thursday, February 15
Temping. Eating. Sleeping. Chores. Boring. Boring. Boring.

Well, one fun thing happened on Wednesday: I caught Somethin' (of Flavor of Love fame) on MTV's Date My Mom. Good to know she's not letting a little rouge turd stop her from finding true love via the teen television circuit.

Friday, February 16
Susie, Josh, and I tagged along with April to a V-day party in Williamsburg. They had some a tasty variety of snacks including pink heart shaped popcorn balls, but (to April's lament) the boy population, though large, was not as delicious. How is it possible that someone could have so many guy friends and not a single cute one? I smell conspiracy.

Still, the evening wasn't a complete loss. The party picked up about 10 minutes before we left. The hostesses finally got a clue and turned off the radio that was tuned to Power 105 and put on some albums. I had the time of my life dancing to songs from Thriller in my coat and thermals. It was hot!

Saturday, February 17
Jazz and I met up for lunch and a blogging tutorial at Soy Luck Club, then I went shopping and bought these great shoes at Strawberry. I know they're sort of tacky, but I love, love, love leopard print and am thrilled to have found heels I can walk in.



Sunday, February 18
Jessica and I don't really spend that much waking time together because she works full time, goes to school three evenings out of the week, and spends Friday nights and Saturdays with her little sister. As a result, Sundays are pretty special in general and this Sunday in particular was one of the nicest days we've had together in a while. We "slept in" and then went to Caravan of Dreams for brunch. Afterwards, we got our eyebrows threaded and then we hung out at Bluestockings (where I met a raw chef who shared a very complicated French Toast recipe with me). Later we walked over to Angelika where we saw The Lives of Others in a very packed house. The movie was soooo good! Our final stop was a late dinner at Red Bamboo.

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This weekend, as best I remember it: Feb 9-Feb 11

Friday, February 9
My temp assignment at the bank copy shop of horrors continues. It's much better though, now that I know I won't be returning next week. I'll be going back to my sweet cushy receptionist spot at the financy place.

After work, I have dinner at Red Bamboo Brooklyn with Susie, Jason Das, Patrick, Benjamin, April, Debra, and Josh. Tons of fun! It was the best time that I've had in a long time. For some reason, Josh mistakenly thinks I'm drunk. That happens to me a lot. I know I'm not the driest person alive, but c'mon! I'm just naturally giggly and loud.

Saturday, February 10
Lucy is crazy about Chinese food leftovers!



Sabrina and I attend a double birthday party for a friend and her jokester husband. I have a great time until the husband makes a habit of kissing my head and announcing very loudly that he has a crush on me. I'm sure he thinks this is all very funny since he has enough alcohol in his system to fuel a Segue, but it's terribly embarrassing for me. I'm still recovering.

Sunday, February 11
Jessica and I have brunch at Caravan of Dreams and sit at the coveted lovers' bench. There are even more couples there than usual, and I find myself nauseated even though I am in a relationship. But it may have something to do with the Yuppie mother changing her baby's diaper on the bench just two seats away from me. I'm sure she thinks everything about her baby is wonderful, but I don't need to see the end result of soy formula and applesauce over brunch. Who let that baby in here anyway?!

The highlight of the day happens at 9:30 when Jessica unveils the Valentine's Day secret she's been keeping for 3 weeks--Kiki & Herb! That's right, we catch the dynamic duo at Joe's Pub! Best present ever!