Friday, February 29, 2008

Veggie and Vegan HOT WINGS recipe!

I love the Spotted Dog.
If you haven't been there, they have a great selection of delicious vegetarian, vegan and meat-eater dishes. My favorite dish, by far, is their Veggie Hot Wings. After a few attempts, I can finally say that I have a Veggie Hot Wing recipe that rivals! And it's a lot cheaper!
Enjoy!

My Favorite Veggie Hot Wings Recipe
Serves 6

Ingredients:
2 Bags of Delight Soy Nuggets
1 cup Franks Red Hot Sauce
1/2 cut of *butter or margarine
1 Tsp Garlic powder
1 Tbsp Chili Powder
1.5 Tbsp *Honey (leave out Honey to make these Vegan)
Celery and *Bleu Cheese

In a large pot, combine Frank's Red Hot Sauce, butter, garlic powder, chili powder and honey. Heat until desired temperature.

At the same time, in a large skillet with a little bit of hot Olive Oil fry the Soy Nuggets until crispy, flipping as necessary. Dab excess Olive Oil from Soy Nuggets and toss into Hot Sauce pot. Mix until evenly coated and serve on a plate garnished with celery and bleu cheese!

*To make these Vegan: substitute butter with a non-dairy butter alternative, use half Tbsp of brown sugar, and try this Vegan Bleu Cheese recipe (I haven't tried it yet):

1/4 C extra firm or firm tofu crumbled, drained, patted dry
1 large garlic clove minced
1/4 C lemon juice
1/2 C vegan mayo (Vegenaise)
2 T tahini
2 tsp white miso
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 T fresh parsley
2 tsp fresh chives (dry is just fine)
pinch pepper and salt
soymilk if you like it thin

Crumble tofu, mix it all up, let it sit a bit, ENJOY
Also thrown it all in the blender to great success.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

mohwaks in the future

Matt asked me a very important question the other day... he said why is it that in movies, people in the future always have mohawks?
I think that is a very good question, especially when you think about how much work it takes to sculpt a really kick-ass mohawk. In the future, it appears that people are very busy fighting things... when do they find the time?

Not much happening here.... turns out I'm a bad driver, and I rear-ended someone Friday on the way home from work. Not much damage to the car. Scratches is all. I screwed my neck up some, and got some muscle relaxers that made me sleep the whole weekend.
I haven't taken them since.
Is your neck supposed to make crunching noises at the base of your skull? This is a serious question....... not sure if I should be alarmed.

I just got back from my ninja class. Thats all I can say about that.


Why is it when someone says "You did a bang-up job," it means something good? I did a bang-up job on my car, and my neck is crunchy. I don't think thats a good thing.

I had my annual physical Monday. Apparently I'm a big fattie bombalattie... and I have high cholesterol. I convinced my doc not to put me on cholesterol pills (I'm only 30 and I'm a freaking vegetarian... give me a break) if I met with a nutritionist. I'll be meeting one next Wednesday. I am not fond of her phone manners, but I suck on the phone anyway. So maybe she is not fond of my phone manners too. I hope she doesn't punch my face when I meet her.

As a gift you to for reading this much crap so far, I present to you your very own personalized ring tones! I made a ring tone of an snmnmnm song. Just follow the directions on the site.... and don't worry, it is free! www.myxertones.com

Sunday, February 24, 2008

The Politics of Politics

We have the right to vote. Every American has the right to vote thanks to the radical idea that all *people* are created equal. Women weren't able to vote until 1920. Blacks were finally given the right to vote in 1965. I find it amazing that my mother went to school during desegregation, and that my oldest sister was an infant when blacks were given the right to vote. This country has a long history of racism and sexism, and the dust of injustice has never actually settled.

Given the above facts, this election proves to be one of the most ground breaking elections of our lifetime.

Barack Obama is ahead in the polls, and people are coming out in record breaking numbers just to vote in the primaries. Obama has so many people supporting him that the term "Obamacans" has been created to identify Republicans for Obama.

The idealist in me cries almost every time I hear Obama speak. Critics accuse his words of hope and inspiration as being empty and without proper foundation. I guess some folks would be happier with "politics as usual" where the majority of us citizens feel like our vote doesn't count so we don't even bother to get to the polls. I am here to tell you that many, many people died and sacrificed everything they had so that we could all have an equal voice. Don't throw it away.

As promised, here is a general breakdown of all the candidates and where they stand on the issues. Information taken from www.ontheissues.org

Republican Party Candidates:
Mike Huckabee facts
John McCain facts
Ron Paul facts

Democratic Party Candidates:
Hillary Clinton facts
Barack Obama facts

Green Party Candidate:
Cynthia McKinney facts

Socialist Party Candidate:
Brian Moore facts

Saturday, February 16, 2008

dirty thirty

I am absolutely amazed that anyone reads this thing! You must be really bored!

I have the most wonderful friends, without a doubt! Last night was awesome (to be sung in falsetto). I was graced with the presence of Ro, Thom & Becky (who made the most fabulous birthday cake ever), Katy, Jet, Matt & Julie, Irene, Seamus, JJ & Sasha, and my sweetie. I had an unbelievably good time. The Federal proved to be one of my new favorite hangouts. The atmosphere is great, my only complaint is there isn't much on the menu for vegetarians unless you want to fill up on pasta. I spent $8 on a plate that had 3 pieces of cheese, a bit of salad, and a partial bagette.

After the Federal, the remaining folks went to Duke Coffee House to hear T. Rox and Snmnmnm. I only heard a little bit of T. Rox, but they sounded good. Snmnmnm borrowed T. Rox's drummer Gary for a few songs. Gary is unbelievably talented, but it still makes me sad when I look up there and don't see Matt V. Mark played drums for a little bit, and he was pretty darn good. I think all of those guys just have a natural knack with all instruments. I guess thats what happens when you go to Eastman.

I also became a huge fan of Irene's dancing, as it is like nothing I have ever seen before in my life! Becky and I cut the rug for a little bit, Thom had a break dance face-off with a cute girl, and Jet broke it down - James Brown. Matt did his interpretavive ROBOT dance (the reason I married him, by the way - I am not kidding about this), and the crowd loved it.

Afterwards, we hung around and talked politics with some awesome kids. I "bragged" about my socialist background to a kid who wrote "Workers of the world unite" on his arms in sharpie only to discover that he didn't write it there because he is a socialist. I forgot the reason he wrote it. For his sake, I hope it comes off soon. Messy handwriting.

After that, we ventured home.

This morning I realized I drank a little too much, but my hangover has pretty much subsided. I don't drink often these days. The medication I take for PCOS is supposed to help my body regulate my insulin levels, and when I do drink I seem to get drunk a lot easier and my body gets really angry at me. But, I figured it's my birthday, dammit. Bring on the rum and diet!

I am looking forward to seeing my family today. Not sure when they are getting in town, but I have a feeling I will be eating dinner at my mom's with everyone. I should probably get in the shower already, it's almost 2:00 pm. Matt is sleeping, and most likely Patches is somewhere near by snoring.

Last night I promised Ro that my next blog post would be a general breakdown of the presidential candidates. Unfortunately Ro is a disenfranchised voter. It's going to take some work to get him to go to the polls, but I'll do my best. Because I didn't get that post done today, I promise it will be my next one.

To all of you who came out last night, I really want to thank you for making my 30th birthday celebration a very happy one. I am unbelievably lucky to know you people, and even luckier that you talk to me in public, despite my horrendous odor problems. I love you all! Becky and Thom, thank you so much for planning this. Your cake was unbelievable and thanks to you, my birthday celebration was awesome!

- I promise to post pictures soon! I keep forgetting to bring the camera with me! Dammit!

paws for a second and take a look!

There are so many worthy furry companions at your local animal shelter.
Why not give one a good home?

Friday, February 15, 2008

No Country For Old Ladies

Ok, so I have the sweetest husband on the planet. Apparently, he has declared this week my Birthday week, and has been spoiling me all week. Last night I came home from getting my hair did to find the apartment cleaned and flowers and a card waiting for me! What a sweetie. Then we went to Ming Garden for dinner and saw No County For Old Men. Let me tell you, that movie was AWESOME! All the actors were incredible, and the lead bad guy was so freaking insane and brilliant. I think this is my new favorite movie!

I know what you're thinking, not a very romantic movie to watch on Valentine's Day. But hey, we saw Brokeback Mountain 2 years ago on Valentine's Day and that was DEPRESSING! It was good, but holy crap! Maybe next V-Day we'll see a hilarious documentary on child abuse or maybe something cheery and bright about the holocaust.

My hair cut leaves a lot to be desired. This is my second time with this stylist, and I think it will be my last. She has a hard time listening to what I want and just seems to give me whatever the hell she thinks is best. I'm not saying I hate it, but it's just not what I wanted. I brought in two photos, one of Tina Fey and one of some other chick. My hair looks nothing like either of them! Oh well. Live and learn, and get a new stylist. Maybe I'm just pissed because this is the first time I have had to professionally get my hair dyed to cover up gray. Freaking oldie-locks.
Today is the start of my 4 day weekend, woot woot! My company is pretty awesome and they give you your birthday off as a floating holiday. That coupled with President's Day on Monday and I have a looong weekend. I am especially excited because my two brothers and my brother's family are coming down from NY this weekend. The three of us have birthdays this month too. Today is Dave's birthday. SWEEEEET!

Have I mentioned how much I freaking love Becky? Let me tell you! Well, my husband doesn't have the best memory in the world. He tried to plan a birthday celebration for me on the same night he has to play a show. It's ok, what he lacks in planning, he makes up for with his good looks, sparkling personality and doing the dishes :) Becky saw this and reworked the plans and invited a bunch of folks to The Federal in Durham for dinner tonight, and then to the Snmnmnm show at Duke Coffee House. Thanks Becky! I am so excited to get to hang with my homies! And if you are reading this, you should come too!

Today I have to go to the DMV and get a new license. Then Matt and I are going to the Credit Union to ask them what we need to do to buy a house. We are hoping to be able to buy a house when our lease is up in August. Chapel Hill is too expensive so we're looking to move somewhere in Durham. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we are going to a workshop for first-time home buyers. It's free and they tell you everything you need to know about buying a house for the first time. At the advice of my ever -knowledgeable brother-in-law, I have become a receipt nazi and now track all expenses and budget everything.

If you are reading this and also want to buy a house, here are things I have learned so far:
  • Know your credit report. Challenge everything on there. Only pay creditors after the challenged item fails AND you have, IN WRITING, a statement from them that after they receive payment they will remove all information from your credit report. If you pay the amount you owe without this statement, they update the info that you were delinquent, and even though it is now paid off it stays on your credit report for another 7 years - or longer! And if you have credit cards, make sure that you have more than half of your balance paid off when you try to get a loan.
  • Create a budget. Save all of your receipts for a month - all of them! You need to know where you are spending money before you can know where to cut back and by how much. After a month of keeping receipts, create a budget. I found an awesome budget template at www.free-financial-advice.net.
And thats what I've got so far! We are still in the beginning stages of becoming first time home buyers. I am sure we will learn more at the workshop next week.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

dryer sheet for my head

11:04 am - sitting at my desk with my scarf wrapped around my neck and my pea coat draped over my shoulders. Why can't the planet decide what temperature NC is supposed to be in February??? It was so nice out a few days ago, t-shirt weather. This morning I wore a t-shirt thinking it would be t-shirt weather. It's not and I'm freezing.
To top it off, my head looks like a porcupine, the vampires at the doctors office stole more of my blood (5 viles - no kidding), and I think I'm getting a headache.

I listened to Mur's and Jason's podcast last week, Geek Fu Morning Show
and they mentioned that they were thinking about doing a This Day In Alternate History DVD. I am all for it! Oh, and because I love the Mur so much, I am demanding that you go to her site and download her totally FREE and totally AWESOME audio novel Playing For Keeps. The last episode airs this Thursday. Matt and I are HUGE fans. Don't miss out, start from the beginning and you'll be hooked.

11:32 Revelation. Atomic fireballs curb coughing.
11:35 New revelation. Atomic fireballs don't entirely curb coughing, but they are atomically delicious.

11:45 Revelation. People on forums whine a lot. They can also be very stupid and lazy.

11:48 Jeremy sent me this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl6hNj1uOkY
11:53 Video was disturbing. Reminded me of a student film I did, but mine was less fancy. I also realized that Jeremy is probably not working.

11:55 I'm now hot. I blame the atomic power of the fireball. Will remove my coat but not my scarf. There is no logic associated with keeping my scarf on.

12:03 I realize Jeremy is bored.

Jeremy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl6hNj1uOkY
Carol: disturbing
Jeremy: yeah, it's a cry against Arbonne sales people, and technology
Carol: hahahahahahaha
it's a cray for a plot
dammit I MEAN CRY!!!!!!!
Jeremy: not everything can be as straight forward as Grey's Anatomy
Carol: hey, that's your show. don't push it on me
you're so damn pushy
push push push
pushy push pushy push
Jeremy: I like Scrubs. Don't you EVER accuse me of liking Greay's Anatomy. I was insulting the sort of gay show you must watch in order to have such a dim view of indie 3D shorts about the beauty myth and our reach for technology!
Jeremy: It used to be my job at XXXX to read all the forums, everywhere.
Carol: oh dear god
Jeremy: yeah, and Linux users SUUUCK
Jeremy: they're to cranky what Shiite is to Muslim
Carol: no, i "oh dear god"ed the fact that you like scrubs
Jeremy: Don't.
Carol: i did!
Jeremy: I will kill you.
Carol: really??
could you do it soon, please
Jeremy: I like the music. You'd like it, it's full of corny and slapstick humor, and hardly anyone dies, and when they do, they often get a big send off, like this one chick had a whole musical number.
No. I will do it when you least expect it. Like on your death bed.
Carol: i remember that episode
Jeremy: I'll put a banana in your trache hole.
Carol: btw, thats the lamest time to kill someone
Jeremy: You'll SPLODE!
Carol: i'll shower you with banana sucka
Carol: no, but I take it you have a lot of experience in this area
Jeremy: I would actually just go four days without bruching my teeth, and then blow into the trach hole.
Carol: wow, i feel sick
Jeremy: CO2 and halitosis poisoning. Then I'd plug it with a rubber drain stopper. NO... with a tea kettle whistle, so I can hear it
Carol: wow, have you been planning this for a while?
Carol: i kinda feel special
Jeremy: Forum duty still sucks worse.
Dude... I spend allll day thinking about killing you.
Carol: hey, did you poison those fireballs? i don't feel so good. it has nothing to do with your daily threats on my life
Jeremy: I, Pirate. U, Ninja. It is our destiny.
Carol: saaaay what? no way
Jeremy: for realz? nope, those are legit. remember, I won;t make a play on your life until you're like 80
Carol: ninjas kill first.
Jeremy: bring it.
Carol: when I'm 80, you'll be too old to kill me
Jeremy: I have thwarted like 12 of your sneak attacks.
Jeremy: noisy bell bottoms and giggling always give you away
Carol: youre are 20 years older than me, sucka
Jeremy: I will be awakened from my criogenic slumber
Jeremy: 20? yeowch.
Jeremy: In that case, you're of normal height.
Carol: yeah, totally. i'm only 15
OW! that hurt
you know what? I like letting my feet dangle from the chair without hitting the floor.
don't be jealous
hey smellery, can i put this conversation in my blog?
LUNCH!!!!!!!!!!! see ya!

Jeremy never responded to tell me it *wasn't* ok to post this conversation. You snooze you lose, buddy.

At lunch, Katy was nice enough to give me one of her super-fancy-delicious yogurts with honey. It was super AWESOME.
I then ventured into the mens room to do my bidness. Was momentarily frightened by the spritz of air freshener. I think the name of this blog should be switched to The Misadventures Of Waffle Housel, or Awkward Turtle Moments.

My belly still hurts.

I think this blog is probably long enough. Amy's blog has a purpose. Who would do such a thing? That girl's crazy. Amy and I are friends IRL. Now Katy knows what that means. Sometimes, I think to myself that maybe Katy isn't nearly as geeky as the rest of the geek school kids. It's a little sad :( There is so much potential.
Anne-Marie, another IRL friend is full with knowledge on topics I never thought about. Do you know what an awkward turtle is? Do you know what the monetary value of a human life is? Go ask Anne-Marie.

I should really do some work, I guess.

Monday, February 11, 2008

sick day.

today is a sick day. it's also my first day on my new blog.
i'm turning 30 sunday, and just yesterday i spotted a billion gray hairs in one section on my head. i had a mini freak out. i've been going gray since i was 24, but i have never been 30 years old with gray hair. wtf?
not sure what else to write, so i'll make a list of things i want to do my in thirtieth year on this planet:
  • find someone to work with me to finish mwm documentary
  • submit mwm to full frame and sundance and other festivals
  • start online classes at ecu for my bs of communications
  • be a better, healthier, more granola vegetarian
  • buy a house
  • improve my credit
  • attend yoga classes at the gym
  • get a combination lock for my locker
  • be a better friend
  • stick to my budget
  • organize stuff
  • learn to cook stuff
  • have fun!