Happy 2011 Valentine

Since there will always be at least one reader who is into mushy commercial holidays :

To everyone else and especially the pining lover, who the horoscope of Flair predicts will tell me of his/her love: I have spent all the years that I might have cared for Valentines gifts single, the caring is over but I intend to be single for a little while longer so don't bother getting me something.

2011 updates -part I

Dear Reader,

To the right of your screen (formerly known as 'the other left') you will see a change in the way I have chosen to share with you my love of books. And may I once again urge you all to join Goodreads.

Thank you!

Quote #46

I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves.

August Strindberg

I'll it know that the above is no expression of my personal opinion though.

Poor Piglet

Another Swine Flue victim.

Jump Up Jump Up and...

... get down. But not so fast.

Another long overdue update on the view from our kitchen. Feel free to come over, put on your bouncing shoes and hop around.

Tea List - January 2011

Long overdue, but here it is.

Loose Tea

• Mattheus B -Black & Ginger
• Mattheus B -Nightpearls
• Mattheus B -Violets
• Mattheus B -Malsala Indian Chaï
• Uji no Tsuyu - Sencha
• Ikea - Vanilla and Rhubarb
• Ikea - Blueberry
• Javana - Jasmin
• Simon Lévelt - Summer Harvest
• Simon Lévelt - Honey-Caramel
• Anhui Famous tea - Oolong
• Sprouting - Jasmin & Hibiscus
• Delicious - China Gunpowder
• Wu Lung Cha - Oolong
• Jacob Hooy - Marigold
• Kwong Song - Raspberry
• Onan - Ballasord
• Hemp
• Shepperd's purse
• Oak
• Liquorice
• Lavender
• Cardemon
• St John's Worth
• Rooibos Fire Tea
• Homely Aladin Blend

Powdered

• Lezzo Apple
• Frothy Ginger Tea
• Marayama Nori Chazen
• Ricola Bonne Nuit
• Hawasu Oolong
• Pandan
• Lezzo Pommegranate

Bags

• Celestial Seasonings Indian Spice Chai
• Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice
• Celestial Seasonings Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea
• Celestial Seasonings Wild Berry Zinger
• Celestial Seasonings Organic Mango Darjeeling
• Celestial Seasonings Lemon Zinger
• Pukka Nighttime
• Pukka Three Mint
• Delhaize Citrus
• Delhaize Apple Rhubarb
• Delhaize Raspberry
• Delhaize Lind - honey
• Delhaize No Stress
• Clipper Dandelion
• Clipper Sleep Easy
• Lipton Mint
• Lipton Lind
• Lipton Lemon
• Lipton Green Tea Mint
• Lipton Verbena
• Lipton Kericho Estate Tea
• Rituals Emperors Dreams
• Dr. Stuart Skin Purify
• Kneipp Nettle
• Twinings Prince of Wales
• Yogi Tea Lotus
• Duchy Originals Organic Darjeeling
• Tazo wild Sweet Orange
• Jacksons Sencha
• Albert Heijn Morning Mix
• Albert Heijn Evening Mix
• Benediktus Wild Cherries
  

Soup for the soul

First of all; I may have stolen the title of this post from a famous movie script writer but I can't remember so if anyone feels like complaining about it. Just let me know I'll change it.

Secondly, I don't know if the soup currently brewing in my cauldron is actually good for the soul. I just had a lot of carrots and felt a little hungry.


Ingredients

• 3 parts carrots
• 1 part onions
• 2 parts dried green lentils
• 1 clove of garlic per 500 grams of vegetables
• 1 teaspoon of thai green curry paste per 500 grams of vegetables
  
• lump of butter

Way of the chef
Wash and dice your vegetables. Bronw butter on medium heat in a big enough pot. Chuck in all ingredients and about 1 litre of water for every kilogram of solids. Boil away.

Forget about mixing, season with grated parmezan.

Quote #45

I -totally- second this.

I always find it more difficult to say the things I mean than the things I don't.
W. Somerset Maugham

Phone-/Lifeless part two aka Rant VII

In case you had not noticed from my absence the past two weeks. I suck at communication. I have been without mobile phone for about three weeks now, and I daresay there has only been one instant so far that I actually missed it. I have also been without access to my google account (including e-mail) for about a week and again I barely missed it. True it was rather inconvenient for the people that have wanted to contact me but as far as I figured; I almost couldn't care less.

Except of course that it has been impossible for everyone to contact me. Everyone including him. Him being the one person I never declared myself in love with despite being hot wax in his warm loving hands. And it drives me crazy. Crazy that it takes me almost two years to realise that it doesn't feel like any crush before because they were in fact crushes and he isn't. It's different. Totally different. Completely different.

New Year's Resolutions

To that I will add one of my own. Say goodbye to self hate, self loathing, self pity and feeling miserable for no other reason than that I think too much.

You Should Make 1 Resolution

Reduce Stress Overall

What Should You Resolve to Change Next Year?

Blogthings: Waste Time at Work!

Merry Christmas

Love and warmth and joy and booze. Seasonal greetings everyone!

Phone-less/ Life-less

I've done it again, relocated my mobile phone to a place where I will only find it back after I bought a new one. I'm sorry to nconvenience everybody that wanted/ wants to contact me in the next week or so but you'll have to mail/ write/ telepathise your message.

Start People

The title of the post refers to the company that was unlike so many others succesful in getting me a temporary job. For those of you curious after my soon to be (temporary) employer. The picture should be a clue.

Troubled

I dare say it's all true, but I doubt that this is a trait nobody knew about.

The Part of You That No One Sees is Troubled

You are compassionate, caring, and soothing. You like other people to depend on you... In fact, you don't feel right unless you are helping someone out. Underneath it all, you feel the burden of everyone's problems. Without your guidance, you fear that many people's worlds would fall apart. You like to feel in charge, even if it brings you a lot of stress.

What's the Part of You That No One Sees?

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

Lip Balm - the 2010 list

Long overdue. And a mere shadow of the day the list lasted 50+ items.

1. Hema 1/7 pearly gold lip balm
2. Hema lipcare Raspberry
3. Hema lipcare Strawberry
4. Hema lipcare Cherry
5. Hema lipcare Parelroze
6. Hema lipcare lip rescue cream
   
7. Jelly Belly Very Cherry
8. Jelly Belly French Vanilla
9. Glossy & Shine Lipstick
10. Carmex click stick lip balm
    
11. Claire's Cherry Lip Balm
12. Lipsmacker Red Raspberry
13. Lipsmacker Marshmallow
14. Lipsmacker Party Berry
15. Lipsmacker Magical Melon
16. Lipsmacker Spun Sugar Shine
17. Lipsmacker Cool Raspberry Ice
18. Lipsmacker Berry Heavenly
19. Bellvita Peach Lipbalm
20. Bellvita Blackberry Lipbalm
21. Bellvita Strawberry Lipbalm
22. Bellvita Vanilla Lipbalm
23. Bellvita Apple Lipbalm
24. Bodyshop YES YES YES! Tantalising Lip Butter
25. Bodyshop Mint Lip Care Stick
26. Kruidvat Lippenbalsem Rose
27. Kruidvat Lippenbalsem Kamille & Echinacea
28. Labello SOS Lip Balm
29. Labello Vitamin-Power Lip Care
30. L' Occitane Pure Shea Butter
31. Biocur Lip Shine
32. Beeswax Mint Lip Balm
33. Casuelle CocoaButter
34. Marks & Spencer Lip Care
35. Dr. Hauschka Soin des Lèvres
    

Star Trek - The start of a new obsession.

Me like so me want.

Alas.

Funny though not entirely accurate. Apparently some men are aware of female lifeforms and have initialysed a primitive form of communication.

Let's have one then.

You Are A Martini

With a mere month to go before I can allow myself to be seen drinking, I thought it wouldn't hurt to find out what would be the sip of choice. You are the kind of drinker who appreciates a nice hard drink. And for you, only quality alcohol. You don't waste your time on the cheap stuff. Obviously, you're usually found with a martini in your hand. But sometimes you mix it up with a gin and tonic. And you'd never, ever consider one of those flavored martinis. They're hardly a drink!

What Alcoholic Drink Are You?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

Resolutions- part XII

• get a part-time job if need be
• love life more
• indulge
• learn proper sewing
• finish all those bright ideas for projects
• not go on shopping sprees
• wrap up all presents (in time)
• keep reading
• keep writing
  

Red Ribbon

I really shouldn't have to tell you what a Red Ribbon means.

100th post.

Well for this year at least. I daresay, they have been uninspired lately, I just don't want to bore you everlasting with how much I do or don't blame the men that I fall in love with (against all odds and anybody's better judgement) for how unhappy I am. And I am a little unhappy sometimes but not all the time, not very nearly all the time.

Through a child's eyes.

And don't you forget it.

All is (not) well

After the usual ups and weekly downs, the anticipated heartbreak and a fewnice meals. The thinking of (the wrong) him a little too frequently for my own good and resolving problems n the related heart department. Being told what and how to do once too often, being scolded (intentionally) misunderstood and not having had the chance to cook,...

Well it's a long list and despite it, I'm still reasonably stable and contented. It may not last, but this I know: neither will the bad times.

how to...2

Thank you, I'm already very good at all of those.

Pirate-like

No arguing this.

Quote #44

There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.

Mirabel Osler

Link Update

Please check out: Guerilla Gardening on the right left of your screen.

Gifts returned to sender

When in a bad bad mood a sure thing to revive my spirits is a randomly produced test to tell me how wonderfull I am. And I know I am, but it is ard to know also I'm hard to love back.

Your Love is Giving

Your love actively and generously. You like to make a difference in other people's lives. You give freely of your time and resources. You help without even being asked. You believe that love is a doing word. You rather express your love through actions than words. You are a truly kind and good person. You are both thoughtful and unselfish.

The Heart Tattoo Test

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Yes.

Yes, we have (all five of us) moved out succesfully with the help of many friends who can't be thanked enough.
Yes.
Yes you are all very welcome to come over and see for yourselves what a beautiful high maintenance house we've landed ourselves.
Yes.
Yes. I got two ovens for free, neither of which works as they should, or rather as I hoped.
Yes.
Yes, already all the great plans of making a better place for all of us, cleaner, healthier, cosier, lovelier have fallen to bits.
Yes.
And yes, I am in a bad, a very bad mood as I write this. Beware menfolk. The bitch may well be back.

Resolutions- part XI

• keep reading
• keep writing
• travel to Sicily
• find a job worth the while
• not complain
• take good care of the chickens
• love life more
  

A sunday morning ritual

Rather by surprised I was invited (read: dragged) to join some friends of mine to watch some other friends of mine play football (read: soccer). The weather being the inpredictable mix of cold bright sunshine and faint grey drizzle that is become the stereotype meteorological state in this part of Europe, the other supporters being mostly those former football players still shunning the family life, the tavern/cafeteria being no more no les than what may be expected; reasonably priced, average amount of choice in cheap alcoholic, warm and children friendly beverages, some salt and sweet munchies and after the match fried snacks. Life might get a lot better than this, but it is as pleasurable a way of spending time doing nothing than any other.

For a very special girl...

I know it's not your favourite artist but I daresay you appreciate the effort. Best wishes and all my love.

Quote #43

"You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."

Madeleine L'Engle

A season for socks

Not the first Augustian sub- 25°C warm day, not the first drizzle of September, not even the rougher than appreciated wind that welcomed October had me dress in what other people might call season-appropriate attire. But I can't hold out forever so today for the first time in what the squeemish among my friends and house mates already call winter I donned socks and shoes to venture outdoors. My pink and wriggly toes are having some difficulty adjusting to the dark but I feel confident that they prefer the blackness to cold (and pebbles)

This may or may not apply to several friends and acquaintances of mine. I fear my graph would say 'Panic' and only that.

Damn right there isn't!

I'm very happy to finally get some recognistion for what I have believed and have been saying for years.

Rituals- A cosmetics brand

When finally we three ( a well defined group of girls) got to meet again, we had a lovely pumpkin risotto, a good talk, some great laughs. And more in particular I got a belated birthday present. I do not want to overadvertise so you'll just have to click the link, but in fact I'd advice you don't because the website is hideous.



I adore the moisterising hand balm though.

Digital Libraries

Since monday and yesterday respectively I have two programs monituring my book collection. Feel free to check them out and join in, I love getting feedback.

Please be seated.

Although I was merely planning to check weither my now actal hair colour matches my inner hair colour. I do in fact also like to know which chair matches my personality.

You Are an Ornate Chair

You are sophisticated and well traveled. You have exotic tastes and interests. People find you to be entertaining and fascinating, even if they feel like they can't quite relate to you. You are as special and unique as you seem. Sometimes people think you're putting on airs, but you're really just being you. You like the finer things in life, and you don't mind showing off what you have. You're proud of your successes.

What Kind of Chair Are You?

Blogthings: If Quizzes Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Take Quizzes

World Animal Day

Though even long before the church scandals (both national and international) broke out, I was not so ardent (if at all) in the catholic belief that I was brought up in. However I feel that, though actual veneration of saints and idols is a bridge too far, certain icons and legends and myths may by the choises they made and their exemplary path of life have yet a lesson in store for us.

And humility and kindness to animals are not the least of them. I know I have yet a great many lessons to learn in those departments.

Second second-hand.

Here and here you find a definition and explanations of what me and the house mates that will move out with me within a month are trying to do today. I await the arrival of 2 strong and handsome men to move out various items of furniture and electronics for which I/ we have no longer any use.

Far from all that we will not move to our new home is ready to be taken awat though, should you have even the slightest hope of finding in our attic anything of value, you are very welcome to come browse.

Quote #42

The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.

Calvin Trillin (1935 - )

Gelukkige Verjaardag Mama!

Resolutions - Part X

• read more
• write more
• find a job, even if temporary
• purchase a new portable computer
• strive to be happy
• buy as many beauty and care products as I bloody well like
  
• clean my room and get organised to move out
• have a nice trip at the end of the month
• not feel remorse or guilt or anger
  

Project Alexandria

I haven't been much of a regular blog author in the year past (though I feel I am making amends the last few weeks), but I find it helps to have some projects running so I can complain about them not going well or share my enthousiasm when they come out as wonderful as anticipated.

One of the projects I plan on starting today is the one in the title. In short it means I will organise all my books, list them into categories file them digitally, stamp them with my name and put them in cardboard boxes waiting to be moved and re-organised in my future home.

Quote #41

Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good.

Alice May Brock

Come dine with me

As many of the quirkier activities I take part in, this activity/competition was an idea of house mate JTA. It was inspired by a television program and goes roughly as follows. In a group of people one cooks an entrée, a main course and dessert, while doing one's best to entertain the 'guests'.

I admit that though I may score little points in the categories 'atmosphere' and 'entertainment', I still thought it wasn't really a competition. Something that in spite of yesterdays utter dinnerfailure, I still think.

Odd number

Tell me somethingI, or anybody else for that matter don't/doesn't know. In other words; I concurr.

You Are Odd

You're wonderfully weird, and you refuse to conform to make others comfortable. You are a true individual. You are proud of your quirks, and at times you even flaunt them. You don't understand people who are normal and mainstream. There is so much more to the world than what's conventional and popular. You investigate everything that piques your interest. You think it's a tragedy to leave any stone unturned.

The Sporty Car Test

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

Pumpkin: carriage and soup-stuff

Fairy godmother though I may want to be; I am limited by the physical laws of the reality I ended up in to be a mere kitchen princess. In the spirit of mimicking house mates I present you with another PVW classic.

Orange soup

• 5 kg firm pumpkin
• 0.5 kg carrots
• 1 red bell pepper
• 0.5 kg onions
• 0.5 kg potatoes
• generous amounts of butter
• a large dash of olive oil
• 1 cube of vegetable stock

Melt butter in a large pot on medium heat. Dice your vegetables, add the stock and olive oil. Broil for half an hour, add water whenver neccessary. Leave to a soft broil for another hour. Mix thoroughly. Add salf, pepper, powdered ginger and cumin to taste.

Goes well with roasted chili croutons

The New House

Of all my worries one has disappeared over the weekend. I finally visited my future home, claimed a room and investigated the jungle that will be my garden very very soon. I can perfectly picture how happy my chickens are going to be. And even more how happy I will be eating fresh eggs.

Need I say I am thrilled? This will be the best possible place to live, in possibly the only more fantastic neighbourhood than the one I now populate. I propose an extravagant party november 30th. Be there or never ever dare show up again.

Happy Birthday - episode 26

A great advantage of blogging is that I may be certain to be the first to wish myself a happy birthday. In case you have not received the gazillion e-mails that I wrote upon the subject: you are eihter e-mailless or not invited.

Lapsus

It is better not to confuse a room mate with a mating room.

The Silent Treatment

Upon being rather rudely confronted with the decibels I myself produce when commenting on the news or venting an opinion I have snapped 'Good, I'll just say nothing then' at the oldest of my housemates. For myself I have added the extra clause 'for at least one full day'. So until tomorrow 10:34 am, though sounds may pass my vocal chords it shall not be known that I uttered actual words in the coming 24 hours.

Wish me luck!

Not keeping promises

It is something I am very good at, like when I promise myself to be happy or at least happier.

A few days ago I was most earnestly resolved to put a halt to my compulsive beauty and care product purchasing. A vow that held until yesterday. Of course I was thrilled with the product of which you see an image on the right. Of course I have now the most desirable lips I ever had. Of course I am unable to stop touching and rubbing and massaging them. Of course I annoy(ed) my fellow shoppers undurable lengths of time with 'how sweet the sensation' and 'how did I live without'.

But not 24h later I wonder why my lips need to be this soft and well taken care off? There's never anybody around to kiss them anyway.

With a side of clotted cream, please.

Since I find it time for a new psychology test about once every two weeks and I summoned my younger and baking-eager sister to whip up as many batches of scones as she can manage for my coming birthday party; I thought the test below appropriate. And I may be persuaded to almost entirely believe this new-found digitally concocted insight.

You Are a Raspberry Scone

The early part of your day is filled with energy and excitement. You always have a lot to do in the morning, so you get cracking as quickly as you can. You don't usually have the time to sit around for a couple hours with coffee and the paper. That comes later in the day, if at all. You're the type most likely to pick up a scone at a bakery for breakfast. You're too busy to breakfast for yourself.

What Kind of Scone Are You?

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

The Lazy Days

Whereas for most of the time in the now gone summer months I had excuses (pretty poor excues but still) and reasons as to why I did not get any work done or not even any books read; now the time has come to face the well-know fact whith which one is however not eagerly confronted that I spend most of my time indeed reading nothing of value and playing computergames. Making me thus so very tired of watching screens that I go to bed wishing I had done 'something'. On how to define that something I may have to devote another blogpost.

Resolutions-part IX

• read more
• write more
• not buy beauty products
• throw one hell of a birthday party
• take life lightly
• take work seriously
• love passionately
• hate moderately
• invite (girl)friends over for tea and pedicures
  

What I can't say face to face.

No amount of sorry may do.

I'm not even really certain any sort of sorry is in order. But for the umpthyfirst time I feel like having majorly screwed up. And I know that you know that I really didn't mean to hurt you, but ever complaining about the complete lack of respect for my disposition by others, it is all the worse for me to not show any consideration for your feelings.

If there is any apology I may offer,... ask.

Crush- part 7 billion

It seems to me a truth, universally acknowledged that all handsome men most be gay or long-term commited and very often both. Still can't help liking this guy though.

Birthday Wishlist

Since I prefer to avoid people asking me directly what I would or would not like for a birthday present, I annually publish a wishlist a month in advance. So here it goes:

• tea
• colour contacts
• books
• helping hands at moving out
• dieting tips
• a firm sturdy shoulder to cry on
• a new laptop
  

Hiding under my pillow

The loathable evil-doer struck again. As none can fail to know that I am bound by honor, a challenge and some consideration for my teeth to abstain from any such beverages as might be called soda pops, the rapscallioning malefactor has dealt a hard blow indeed by stuffing my beloved berth's bedlinen with a sample can of the brew of which you see a picture on the left.

Damned be the execrable miscreant.

What writing utensils may reveal...

It may well be true. In your face mister I-like-you-but-I'm-not-quite-ready-for-a-relationship-yet.

You Are a Green Pen

You are not just a little quirky, you're downright weird. And you're proud of being different! You go against the grain just so you won't fit in. You couldn't imagine being like everyone else. You are creative and a big wacky. You've got a big vision, and it's changing every week. You are surprisingly charming and popular. You may not be normal in any way, but that's part of your appeal.

What Color Pen Are You?

Quote #40

I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body. Then I realized who was telling me this.

Emo Phillips

The Crash

Just so you know: I depend solely on the internet connection of others as my very own portable computing device decided to walk out on me.

Wedding Night

As I write, mere hours before you read this I help out preparing the stage wedding of a friend's friends. Two people who are dear to each other and to me will be (fake-) wed.

I always thought I hated the fuss. Having recently seen one of my oldest college friends get married to a very handsome tall dark 'stranger' had -I thought- put me off quite a bit. I loved seeing him and her so happy and brave to simply say we'll face the world together from now on, but throughout the ceremony I felt that it would be impossible for me to vow love and fidelity eternally ( a leftover from having scarred my heart once too often). Combined with a great lack of interest for cake dresses, family festivities and fuss about my person, I concluded that I had better not marry.

However, even knowing that nothing of what will take place today is meant in earnest, I simply adore being involved. I have been wondering a full two weeks about what to wear. I will beam with joy and pride when I am complemented on the choice of corsage and bouquet. I think constantly of event-appropriate music. Had I time and an oven to spare I would without a doubt have volunteered to bake a wedding cake. Already I'm jealous thinking how they will look at each other and the children, with pride, love, warmth overflowing their hearts.

Now that I am well beyond the point of sentimentality I might as well mention that either one of my sort-of-single sisters must marry or the one man that may be mine (if there is such a man) will not escape nuptial frenzy. The official paperwork I can and could do without, but I'll have my damned party.

Mayonaise- The Revenge

I have previously notified my beloved readers (I mean you) how very good I am at cooking and other food related activities. For example hereabouts. Hence I was not impressed with the age old fable that menstruating women can't make mayonaise.

Pain though it causes me I am afraid I will have to admit that for me it holds true. With all the ingredients and the work method I have described before, I managed to concuct a soft creamy, delicately yellow cold sauce that taste exactly like nail paint remover. Just my luck.

Resolutions- part VIII

• let the butterflies wander free
• read more
• write more
• find a job I like
• not spend too much money on foot care products
• celebrate-enjoy-nurture and cherish being who I am
  

It bites.

The price one pays for a pleasurable evening in the fair company of my room's former occupant is a share in the bites of the mosqitos she attracts. As fot everything I turned to the internet for advice.

For the few sorry asses that just like me never have mosquito bites and are suddenly exposed to an exagerated amount of bug-itching; I found this useful advice.

Mayonaise

AS one might have read on this very page many many weeks ago, I once ventured to incorporate Bob's* recipe collection into mine. So today for the benefit of mankind; manufacturers of anti-cholesterolpills specifically I made mayonaise.

Morganaise

• 2 very fresh eggs
• 2 or 3 spoons of Dijon mustard
• a pint of sunflowerseed oil
• 2 spoons of vinegar
• 2 spoons of lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste

Put eggs and mustard in a somewhat higher bowl with a content of at least a litre. Mix thoroughly, use an electronic device if you're lazy, plain old smart or enjoy washing up.
Have an eight year old kid or your favourite housemate pour in the oil at a slow and steady pace.
When you have achieved a thick creamy fluid after all the oil has ben poured, stir in the other ingredients in whatever order you fancy.
Store in refrigerators for a week tops.
Enjoy with all your meals.


* not to be confused with B.O.B. meaning Battery Operated Boyfriend

You can tell everybody, this is our song.

Or maybe it's what I would like. It must be great to have a song that just sums up everything you feel, think, want and experience.

The Ghent Festival

For all official news: the official link.

For my personal comment on this year's edition so far: ...

The three dots should rightly have been replaced with the wellknown phrase 'see below'. But that would be as redundant as the entire explanation already is.

Despite the festival lasting for yet another 6 days, having been drunk in front of several of my friends, broke promises of not smoking; not drinking and not falling in love; barely having slept 4 hours every day and spending most of the monthly allowance I calculated for myself on alcoholic beverages I dare say it ust have been quite a long time in the past since I felt this great. I must be on the verge of being happy again.

Too much of a good thing can truly be bad.

Said the Raven*: " Never again." And for over two years it was true but last night, not even very far into that night the comsumption of such qualities of alcohol urged my intestines to redecorate one of Ghent's lesser (known) public squares.

Lest I learn moderation (soon), I find abstinence of all such foods, drinks and miscellaneous content described as a group under the name 'drugs' the one road left open for me. Feel free to disagree.

*Here meaning: me

Resolutions- Part VII

• not drink any alcohol
• read more
• quit smoking
• make it the best summer ever
• not brag about my Tokyo adventures (I just did, didn't I?)
• don't stop writing
• stop writing rubbish
• not moan about the lack of Starbucks in Ghent
• not show pictures unless they are asked for
• be polite to airway personel
• finish reading Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods'
• remind Dr. K he owes me dinner and icecream
  

Bones

Since I am uncertain about copyright and I am hugely in favour of this website, I link rather than steal the pictures to make my own blog all the more popular. But please, watch and in enjoy (as far as the horror allows).

Quote #39

Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. Give a fish a man, and he'll eat for weeks!

Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata

The Plain Colour Test

Your Vision is Peaceful

More than anything else, you'd like to see the world in total harmony. It's minds like yours that have gotten people to set their differences aside and live together in peace. You have always been compassionate and caring. You could never turn your back on those in need. You feel most alive when you are bringing others together. That's what life is all about for you.

Is it?

Yours truly has been wondering about a few things while far far away and no hopes of a prince in shining armour on the horizon. I'll try to list all of them, but don't kill me if I seem to have any more questions when I get back.

• how did 'Helihaven Nee!' do in the final quiz of the season?
• what happend on the 13th of June?
• any new couples? Just to make sure I don't accidentally disrupt budding romances
• have all the exams been properly checked and graded?
• will I find a new housemate ready to disrupt all my household routines?
• has everone received the postcard(s) he/she/they thought they were entitled to?
• has at least one of my three packages arrived yet?
• 
  

Naughty

That's how I feel. And naucious too but I don't think the feelings are related. And I don't neccesarily mean anything in the bedroom area when I say 'naughty' but I would not express this so strongly as to say that any willing man might not be stripped of his clothes rather quickly should aforementioned willing man find himself in my most immediate vicinity.

Why am I telling you this?

No real reason, just making sure that the home town lover I (would like to) have, knows whom he will answer to when I make it back. And also because everybody seems to expect sex talk from me all of a sudden. Since when have I been the expert?

The Voice of an Angel

Once an event occurs that you before that time thought to be impossible, people tend to be in shock for a while but once rationality kicks in, we make a decission, either to never let it happen again or preparing (if not in dread, in eager anticipation) for the event to take place once more.

Being familiar with the ticking of my own clock I thus knew it would be a mere matter of time before I would be on the brink of falling in love with a voice only. I have now however the advantage of knowing that her boyfriend isn't a complete asshole, that she looks like a '90 version of Twiggy (and in my book that's not a compliment) and experience. 

I shall not be miserable for long and should the previous proof to be too optimistic, I shall buy one of her records and cry myself to sleep listening to her rock sugar voice.

Dieting tips

• Be heartbroken
• Visit Japan, where only sugar isn`t completely sugarfree
• Travel: jetlag, the sudden activity and the time it takes to acquire a taste for weird foods will kill your appetite.
• Don`t snack.
• Only eat food, you have made from scratch yourself.
  

Abu Dhabi

The very first postcards are sent.
The first impressions absorbed and categorised.
Despite having slept but very little (sleep I chose over doing the enormous amount of washing up that was also on my to-do list),I feel very much awake.
I have seen so far (and in this order)"Nowhere Boy","Arthur and the Revenge of the Minimoys", "How to tame your dragon" and half an episode of "Friends" on the on board screen.
I have eaten a quite good chicken curry,photographed a stuffed camel and annoyed all the airport staff with my questions and cleavage (once again, in that order).
Stay tuned for more information like this.

FaceBook Adieu

Since my very first second on what the advertisements would have me believe to be the largest widest spread social network site, I have been hooked. Hardly going without a check-in for more than 24 hours. Today, after long long months of announcing and anticipation, I have today deleted my FB-account. 14 days from now the last of my activity will be deleted, for those that follow me hereabouts, you have been the grandest of audiences.

It had to happen sooner or later, though I am quite certain that I have warned you for this type of post. The heart of yours truely received another scratch. I am generously providing you with a soundtrack to my misery,but Iwouldhave it known and understood that I will NOT beg.

Resolutions - part VI

• not drink any alcohol
• cut down on chocolate (ab-)use
• keep up the PVW-cooking project
• get to Japan and back
• read more
• keep blogging
• write more
• start sketching and drawing

Watching Porn

I may as well admit that though I am no avid watcher, I've seen my share of on screen nudity in whatever form. I suppose this will not be a shock too many of my readers I dare to be bold enough that not all
viewings were entirely unpleasant or without effect, added bonus being that I may put any objections into words well-informed, detailed and original. And that's that.

Uncried tears

I used to curse myself for not being able to control the relative dryness/wetness of my eyes. Right now, I'd give anything to be able to cry, it would be mightily embarrasing considering the company I will find myself in for at least another day but it would relieve me a little too.

I may be in need of more tea.

Update from not the best weekend so far.

It is often when one resolves the least that a plan has more chance of succeeding. Hence another update live from Rue de Sangliers, Barvaux.

I have just taken a bath, done a pedicure, dressed up rather nice, skipped lunch and convinced myself that whatever happiness or joy I might find, or might have found is beyond my reach. To limit the damage for myself I simply draw back to solitude whenever possible.

Virgo: a horoscope

A little unimaginative, I dare admit, but the post count must get to par and how else am I going to o this, if I can't use the tricks of times long past. Persides it may actually be true.

Some good solid ideas are bouncing around in your head but you need to implement them pronto. Waiting too long could destroy the impact or the end results. The money is there so go after it - it will not fall into your lap this time. You need to act business-like and be somewhat conservative for the next few weeks or so. Your enthusiasm for the job will shine through brightly.

Children in time

I have no doubt that one day I must have kids, that no matter how much the minusses may outnumber the plusses; I'll regret not having them when I 'm past the procreative age. And yet, not 24 hours sharing a limited space with the type of humans that I would hypothetically spend twenty years of my life breeding, feeding, educating, caring, washing and clothing, I have concluded that I may not be the stuff mothers are made off.

Also I'm emotional anyday, around pre-school kids I am devoid of a reason. And I work hard enough too keep these two in balance, I must not strive to extremities, this will not improve the quality of my life.

Dear reader, I am aware that this is more a public letter to myself then a true blogpost, but it is merely public so that you may remind me of my own words. It shall be necessary soon enough.

Quote #38

I couldn't agree more.

FutureMe

Privacy Alert! The following message is in part a private letter fromt he author to herself. Such squeemish youths as have as yet to learn that I will post on my blog whatever I think acceptable had better learn to deal with it.

The following is a letter that I wrote myself, about a year ago. I daresay I had not forgotten the advice, in fact I have lived by it in the 365 days that have passed, and I am quite pleased with myself for it.

Dear FutureMe,

Not much is going on. Not at work anyway. But darling, have a care in your emotions. You can't let other people decide what you have to do.

For once do what you've never done before; go with the flow- however how out-dated that expression is.

Love will not necessarily follow, not even hapinees is something you can be certain of, but you will be you!

Love You,
M

Pepper with Meat

Since the unfortunate and tragic demise of a shared cooking blog, it was ever my intention to share a good recipe hereabouts, when I had the time and opportunity. Starting Saturday past, around noon until Wednesday next around noon I'm residing at my parental home with nothing on the 'to do'-list but the care of 5 chickens, one cat and one younger sibling. And pretty much nothing on the diversion agenda. * In conclusion I may state that I have no reason not to share the family recipe for a popular hot dish from Mexico and thereabouts.

Ingredients for 4 people

• 1 to 1,5 pounds of ground beef
• 1 large chopped onion
• 1 medium large chopped bell pepper ( any colour will do; red looks best, yellow tastes best)
• 1/2 pound of kidney beans
• 1/2 pound of sweet corn
• 1 fresh chili, minced extremely fine
• 1 pint of tomato sauce or 5 to 6 fresh diced tomatoes
• generous scoop of butter

Melt butter in a souppot. Fry onions and beef. When the meat is nearly done add in the bell peppers. When the bell peppers and onions are glazed add in the other ingredients and keep on a gentle fire fore another 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Season with chopped garlic, ground black pepper, powdered chili and salt to taste. Serve with grated cheese and cornbread or white rice.

* French knitting, 2 mile bicycle trek to the supermarket, watching the BBC-series of Pride & Prejudice for the umpth time

I leave for a mid-week trip and take with me...

• a Little Black Dress
• a manicure set
• a pedicure set
• a portable personal computer
• the barest sleep and dress-neccesities
• some attitude
• a sketchbook (possibly)
• the firm determination to become this weekends favourite cook

Julie and Julia Munichstyle

People who do not understand the title reference: please check here.

Being an enthousiastic foodie, culinary experimentalist, gourmet and gourmand; I have often wondered how a man that I suspect of as much refinement in the kitchen as the average starved polar bear with a bad toothache still manages to be a popular cook. Let it be understood that I am not envious, merely curious. I certainly have my objections towards the exessive use of salt, fats and spices but I would not turn down the offer of a free meal prepared under aforementioned persons' supervision.

There is only one conclusions: the recipe of his succes must be the simplicity and wholesomeness of the dishes. In all my megalomania I of course assume I can manage this even better. So I have decided to recreate every recipe in the imaginary book for my personal and the standard of Munich cooking's improvement.

So far I have succeeded in making edible chips (this is what US citizens call French fries, and which, were they in fact potatoes fried Frenchstyle would be quite IN-edible) from scratch. A feat I never pulled off before, managing merely fried potatoes that were either too chunky, too soggy or too fatty. Inspired by this success I have decide to tackle another PVW favourite today: Potatoe & Carrotmash.

Ingredients:

- 5 pounds of peeled and cubed potatoes
- 2 to 3 pounds of peeled and cubed carrots
- half a pound of lentils, soaked in cold water for two or more hours
- a pinch of salt
- a pinch of thyme
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- butter and pepper to taste

Boil the carrots, potatoes and lentils until soft. Mash thoroughly. Add spices, butter and milk. Mash, mix and stir until the desired texture is reached.

Serve with black pudding, fishsticks or a variety of fried meats.

Feel free to request your favourites, should you ever feel like dropping by for supper.

Resolutions -Part V

• not drink any alcohol
• seduce or learn how to
• leave soon
• read more
• write more
• love always

The Indefinite Delay

I don' really feel like telling the whole story AGAIN, as I have been whining on about it too long already. But it seems that the plans I so eagerly made in December and January are twarted and twarted and twarted. I will work my last day, Friday next, nearly a month later than I initially anticipated. Since this benefits me with an extra month of pay, I would hardly dare complain about this out loud.

One vulcanic ash-cloud, several delays in the official documents-department and a little panic around the health of my bank account later... I conclude that I might not leave until early June. Which leaves me plenty of time to find a temporary employment and clean my room- two projects my parents and housemates are strongly in favour off and which I, as you might guess, know to be neccesary yet do not look forward to all too exitingly.

On-line Sanity Theft

Beware!

Quote #??

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the fine line between sanity and
madness gotten finer? - George Price

Sounds like a great insult to throw in someones face at an intellectual party.

Resolutions -Part IV

• not drink any alcohol


• sleep more


• read more


• write that 100 page script


• meet up with the first woman and finish that children's book


• settle on a date for a weekend of City pleasure


• not fall in love


• flirt more


• start running


• not give up


• pack a suitcase

Keeping Pace

I've been letting my regular readers down, quite a bit I fear. It is not that I have little to say, in fact I believe I have more and more to say, but working overtime drains me of both the time and creativity I believe I need to pour it into meaningful or at least somewhat entertaining words. So : SORRY.

That said I believe I may safely promise you more regular updates once the countdown truly begins. I must rekindle the love for my digital camera though and put it on my agenda to invite some people for dinner, its been too long since I felt like the perfect hostess that I want to be.

But after I finish watching 'Heroes'. I mustn't put too much on my 'to do'-list either.