Patience may be a virtue, but it has never been one of my strong suits.
Given the fact that my girlfriend is coming up for a visit in just five more days, you’d think I’d be able to deal with that. After all, when we parted ways in Ely on September 11th, we had 38 days to go before seeing each other again. That seemed like an eternity. In comparison, 5 is nothing! It’s a skiff! A mere cosmic blink!
…so why am I bouncing off the walls, impatient as hell?
Probably because we’re going to have an awesome time. She’s flying into PDX Wednesday night, and after a leisurely morning here, we’re headed up to Seattle on Thursday (after a detour through Aberdeen to pay tribute to the late, great Kurt Cobain). We’re attending City Arts Fest, a three-night music festival chock full of some awesome indie rock bands, and staying with her mom. Can’t wait to finally meet you, Tracy! We’ve got a bunch of other fun things planned, too. I don’t want to divulge too much information at this point, but I’m sure I’ll have a really great blog entry to post afterwards. The whole trip will be a blast.
And also because when I left, I didn’t know what “we” were. I knew we’d had an amazing time together, but we weren’t officially a couple. One month ago today, we became one. So, yeah – I’m dying to see my girlfriend, and won’t have to stress over the whole what-are-we-and-where-is-this-going? thing. I can just relax and enjoy her company. And boy, will I.
Hurry up, already!!
See? Impatient as hell. In order to take my mind off Tara’s impending-but-still-five-damn-days-away arrival, I’m going to change the subject and write about a few random things that are on my mind right now.
Honey, I Shrunk The Shopping Carts
Like these miniature shopping carts that have popped up in Fred Meyer.
The first time I saw one, I was like, “Holy Honey, I Shrunk The Shopping Carts!! How cute is this little fella?!” Which was a tad embarrassing because I always shop alone, but whatever. I half expected to see Rick Moranis pushing one around. Adorable, aren’t they? Kind of look like the offspring of a couple of grownup shopping carts. What kind of weird business takes place in grocery stores after hours, anyway??
I have quickly grown to love these guys. Typically when I go shopping I’m there for a handful of items – no more than seven or eight, tops. And sometimes they’re heavy. I mean, check out that bag of mushrooms I’ve got in there. They weighed a ton!! Lugging a bunch of stuff around in a basket may be a good way of building up your biceps, but oww. Which is why these little shopping carts are the greatest invention since the last really good invention, whatever that was.
Plus, not only are they versatile – small, easy to maneuver, with three individual compartments for a variety of grocery items – but they are FUN to drive! I mean, push around. And they corner very well. Trust me.
I was at the store the other day, and asked the cashier what sort of feedback they were getting on these things. She said everybody loves ’em! I, for one, am not surprised. They’re always hard to find, as the store only has about a dozen at the moment. I’ve had to bum rush little old ladies to get my hot little hands on them.
Not really.
But I would.
Got A Whole Lotta Loaf
I’ve always wanted a bread maker.
Well, not always. I wasn’t yearning for one back when I was in diapers, for instance. Plus, they didn’t even exist until 1986, according to the link. Let’s just say I’ve thought it would be cool to own one for years now, Mr. Foodie that I am. A coworker brought one in to the office one time, and for hours tortured us with the smell of freshly baking bread. It was delicious, too. I’ve always remembered that.
I never bought one because I was suspicious. Bread machines are for sale at practically every garage sale you stumble upon – and they’re usually really cheap. I figured, they must not be worth the trouble…why else would everybody be so eager to get rid of them? And sure enough, any time I’d ask about their bread maker, they’d say something like “I only used it once or twice…seemed like too much work.”
Too much work?! On the contrary, bread makers couldn’t be easier to use! All you do is measure out a few ingredients, put them in the pan, and press start. Seriously, it’s that easy. You sit back and, three hours later, end up with a perfect loaf of bread. I know this, because I finally broke down and bought one last week. Off Craigslist. Cheap.
And it works like a charm! I grabbed a few ingredients from Freddy’s last week (flour, yeast, etc.), placed them in my baby cart, brought ’em home, and a few hours later had a loaf of hot cheddar chive bread to serve to my dinner guests. And then last night, I made banana macadamia nut bread, which I turned into probably the best French toast of my life this morning. I’d say this bread maker will pay for itself in no time!
Between “Breaking Bad” and “Dexter”…
The past two Sunday nights have been the best TV nights ever.
I love both shows. I’d have to give the edge to Breaking Bad, though. It’s the story of a former high school chemistry teacher who was diagnosed with cancer and ends up cooking meth to provide for his family. He was once a good and noble guy, but has since transformed into a truly heartless and just plain bad son of a bitch. It makes for riveting drama. Dexter centers on a serial killer who only victimizes other people who have committed murder. Great concept, especially watching him deal with his “Dark Passenger” while trying to raise a toddler on his own. Both Michael C. Hall and Bryan Cranston are phenomenal in their roles, and those two shows represent my ideal block of Must See TV.
Unfortunately, Breaking Bad‘s season just ended, and it won’t return until next summer. This does not bode well for me. Impatient as hell, remember?
Speaking of…is it Wednesday yet?!?!?!?!
Mark My Words 
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