Chimichurri Beef and Rice
Sep. 24th, 2025 04:44 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
nverland posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
creative_cooks
Chimichurri Beef and Rice
Servings: 4 Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Total Time 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped red or yellow onion
1 lb lean ground beef (85 - 90%)
1 cup chopped red bell pepper (1 medium)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 cups uncooked instant white rice
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp lime juice, plus wedges for serving
Instructions
Heat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté 2 minutes.
Crumble in beef and add bell pepper. Cook and let brown, tossing and breaking up occasionally, until cooked through, about 7 - 9 minutes, while adding in garlic during the last 2 minutes.
Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in chicken broth, paprika, oregano, cumin and red pepper flakes and bring mixture to a simmer.
Mix in rice, bring to a boil and let boil 1 minute. Remove from heat, cover skillet and let rest 8 minutes.
Toss in parsley, cilantro and lime. Serve with lime wedges for spritzing.
Check-In Journal #9
Sep. 22nd, 2025 03:57 pmsimonejesterSeptember 22, 2025, the day that... I shared my writing with someone who knows my legal name.
Things that made me happy today
The system being down for the first couple of hours at work today and getting to socialize!
Daily Smiley: ⊙﹏⊙
Quotes of the Day
"I'm just tastin' words!"
--Jordan Holmes, Knowledge Fight #1079
Dreams
None that I can remember. But yesterday and the day before, I slept in (I called in yesterday and stayed in bed for too long) and dozed in and out of sleep so I remembered a few dreams at the time but I don't remember them now.
Things I Bought
Nothing today, but yesterday I went to Dollar Tree to get cash and bought a bottle of alkaline water to take to the register.
Accomplishments
The socializing seemed to go well! JD even said it was nice talking to me! I shared my fanfic DW with C and Y and Y said she'd read some of it when she gets home. (I'm so nervous!)
Food
Morning: breakfast shake. Throughout the morning: iced coffee from home. Breaks: Cosco "Lunchables," 2 mozzarella string cheese, a Godiva truffle. Dinner: 2 corn dogs with ketchup, Seagram's Escapes
Today I wore:
Purple T-shirt and work pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Podcasts: Knowledge Fight; The Skepticrat (I totally missed it yesterday! Glad I had it at work!); Cognitive Dissonance. Tried to read some of Into the Void but got distracted by daydreaming.
Friends
JD, C, Y. W was on the call-out board so I won't see him again until next week.
Music I Loved Today
"Back in the High Life Again" by Steve Winwood was stuck in my head for most of the day because it's the song that was playing on The Bridge
What I Learned Today
Re-learned that sharing your writing with someone who knows your legal name is nerve-wracking! But I trust her not to be too harsh or to share it with anyone else (she promised).
===
Idea from here.
===
Things that made me happy today
The system being down for the first couple of hours at work today and getting to socialize!
Daily Smiley: ⊙﹏⊙
Quotes of the Day
"I'm just tastin' words!"
--Jordan Holmes, Knowledge Fight #1079
Dreams
None that I can remember. But yesterday and the day before, I slept in (I called in yesterday and stayed in bed for too long) and dozed in and out of sleep so I remembered a few dreams at the time but I don't remember them now.
Things I Bought
Nothing today, but yesterday I went to Dollar Tree to get cash and bought a bottle of alkaline water to take to the register.
Accomplishments
The socializing seemed to go well! JD even said it was nice talking to me! I shared my fanfic DW with C and Y and Y said she'd read some of it when she gets home. (I'm so nervous!)
Food
Morning: breakfast shake. Throughout the morning: iced coffee from home. Breaks: Cosco "Lunchables," 2 mozzarella string cheese, a Godiva truffle. Dinner: 2 corn dogs with ketchup, Seagram's Escapes
Today I wore:
Purple T-shirt and work pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Podcasts: Knowledge Fight; The Skepticrat (I totally missed it yesterday! Glad I had it at work!); Cognitive Dissonance. Tried to read some of Into the Void but got distracted by daydreaming.
Friends
JD, C, Y. W was on the call-out board so I won't see him again until next week.
Music I Loved Today
"Back in the High Life Again" by Steve Winwood was stuck in my head for most of the day because it's the song that was playing on The Bridge
What I Learned Today
Re-learned that sharing your writing with someone who knows your legal name is nerve-wracking! But I trust her not to be too harsh or to share it with anyone else (she promised).
===
Idea from here.
===
Iced Whiskey Coffees with Whiskey Syrup and Whipped Cream
Sep. 20th, 2025 07:41 amnverland posting in creative_cooks
Iced Whiskey Coffees with Whiskey Syrup and Whipped Cream
Yield: recipes makes 1, is easily multiplied total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
Crushed ice
8 ounces cold-brewed coffee
2 tablespoons whiskey syrup
1 tablespoon whiskey
3 tablespoons cream
Coconut whipped cream for topping
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Whiskey syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup whiskey
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coconut whipped cream
1 (14-ounce) can COLD full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Directions:
Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the coffee, syrup and whiskey, stirring well to mix. Stir in the cream, top with the whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. This is my favorite proportion for the coffee, but you can easily change it up!
Whiskey syrup
Combine the sugar, whiskey and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let cool completely. Stir in the vanilla extract and use!
Coconut whipped cream
Take the can of coconut milk out of the fridge. Open the cans and discard the liquid (save it for a smoothie!), then scoop the firm coconut meat into the bowl of your electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until completely whipped and thick. Beat in the sugar. Set the bowl in the fridge until ready to use.
Check-In Journal #8
Sep. 19th, 2025 08:06 pmsimonejesterSeptember 19, 2025, the day that... I actually got a lot done!
Things that made me happy today
A great roasted turkey and provolone sub at the Walmart Subway, and having the willpower to get chores done at home!
Daily Smiley: ＼(^o^)／
Quotes of the Day
"There are only two places in the world: over here and over there."
--George Carlin
Dreams
None that I know of.
Things I Bought
I finally went to Walmart, so let's see what I remember: body spray, Walmart brand "It's a 10" (first time I'd seen it, usually $23 in name brand was $10 so worth a try!), eggs, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, bathroom cleaner with bleach, Seagram's Escapes, store brand Q-Tips...I think that's it. Nope, two more things, milk and fruit punch. And brunch at Subway.
Accomplishments
More scanning--finished the full binders, and now I'm doing an an old work notebook.
Also, cleaned the bathtub and toilet. I sprayed the bleach cleaner along the edge of the bathtub and it smelled really strong so I'll clean the floor tomorrow.
Food
Brunch: Subway sub (turkey and provolone, mayo, oregano, toasted), 2 chocolate chip cookies, half-Pepsi/half-Pepsi Zero
Snack: Trader Joe's chai drink.
Dinner: Rice mixed into scrambled eggs with shredded cheddar.
Evening: European cookies from Costco and some Seagram's Escapes.
Today I wore:
Gray T-shirt, straight-leg yoga pants. (Most of my wardrobe is pretty boring--I buy clothes that are lightweight, comfortable, and work-appropriate.)
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Podcasts: Knowledge Fight, and the Dan Friesen interview on James Dobson's Bastard Kids. No book reading today, but I'll probably read some of my daydream fic in bed before going to sleep.
Friends
The Walmart employee who told the self-checkout that I was indeed over 21 (I'm in my early 40s) was pretty nice.
Music I Loved Today
"You Make Loving Fun" by Fleetwood Mac. It was on the radio while I was out and now it's a pleasant earworm.
What I Learned Today
To think more about the order in which I do things.
===
Idea from here.
===
Things that made me happy today
A great roasted turkey and provolone sub at the Walmart Subway, and having the willpower to get chores done at home!
Daily Smiley: ＼(^o^)／
Quotes of the Day
"There are only two places in the world: over here and over there."
--George Carlin
Dreams
None that I know of.
Things I Bought
I finally went to Walmart, so let's see what I remember: body spray, Walmart brand "It's a 10" (first time I'd seen it, usually $23 in name brand was $10 so worth a try!), eggs, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, bathroom cleaner with bleach, Seagram's Escapes, store brand Q-Tips...I think that's it. Nope, two more things, milk and fruit punch. And brunch at Subway.
Accomplishments
More scanning--finished the full binders, and now I'm doing an an old work notebook.
Also, cleaned the bathtub and toilet. I sprayed the bleach cleaner along the edge of the bathtub and it smelled really strong so I'll clean the floor tomorrow.
Food
Brunch: Subway sub (turkey and provolone, mayo, oregano, toasted), 2 chocolate chip cookies, half-Pepsi/half-Pepsi Zero
Snack: Trader Joe's chai drink.
Dinner: Rice mixed into scrambled eggs with shredded cheddar.
Evening: European cookies from Costco and some Seagram's Escapes.
Today I wore:
Gray T-shirt, straight-leg yoga pants. (Most of my wardrobe is pretty boring--I buy clothes that are lightweight, comfortable, and work-appropriate.)
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Podcasts: Knowledge Fight, and the Dan Friesen interview on James Dobson's Bastard Kids. No book reading today, but I'll probably read some of my daydream fic in bed before going to sleep.
Friends
The Walmart employee who told the self-checkout that I was indeed over 21 (I'm in my early 40s) was pretty nice.
Music I Loved Today
"You Make Loving Fun" by Fleetwood Mac. It was on the radio while I was out and now it's a pleasant earworm.
What I Learned Today
To think more about the order in which I do things.
===
Idea from here.
===
Recipe: "Three Sisters Succotash"
Sep. 18th, 2025 11:38 pmysabetwordsmith posting in creative_cooksI made this tonight. It's a summer favorite, so I wanted to write up our version.
"Three Sisters Succotash"
Ingredients:
2 ears of corn, kernels cut off (about 2 cups)
1 summer squash, diced (about 2 cups)
1/2 sweet onion, diced (about 3/4 cups)
9 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
1 cup water (or corncob broth)
1 can lima beans
pinch of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon sweet marjoram
1/4 teaspoon sweet basil
( Read more... )
"Three Sisters Succotash"
Ingredients:
2 ears of corn, kernels cut off (about 2 cups)
1 summer squash, diced (about 2 cups)
1/2 sweet onion, diced (about 3/4 cups)
9 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
1 cup water (or corncob broth)
1 can lima beans
pinch of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon sweet marjoram
1/4 teaspoon sweet basil
( Read more... )
Check-In Journal #7
Sep. 18th, 2025 07:32 pmsimonejesterSeptember 18, 2025, the day that... getting up at 8:00 am was still sleeping in.
Things that made me happy today
My printer/scanner still works!
Daily Smiley: ₍^. .^₎⟆
Quotes of the Day
"Sir, the best apology is changed behavior!"
From a Reads with Rachel video about the Shadow and Bone series, talking about the male lead.
Dreams
I know I had at least two dreams but I don't remember any details.
Things I Bought
Nothing. Stayed in my apartment all day.
Accomplishments
I reorganized the toiletries on the shelves next to the sink in my bathroom! (Still need to actually clean, and when I go to Walmart tomorrow I'll get more surface cleaner.)
Also I cleared my work table and set up my printer/scanner! And they still work, though I had to use the Windows Store scanner software. The original software had more features, but it also would scan and then multiple files of random squares from the same scanned page as if it was so proud that it had guessed that I only wanted those parts. Originally I had to tape a manilla folder to the underside of the top of the scanner so that it would scan the entire page, and I'd just crop out the manilla bits. The Windows Store software doesn't pretend to be "smart" and all it does is scan the entire rectangle every time, but considering the alternative I am so okay with that.
Anyhow, I scanned all of three binders of papers from grade school to close to the present and most of a fourth.
Food
Brunch: frozen pancakes with butter and syrup. Snack: Trader Joe's Spiced Chai prepared as directed. Also lots of half-alkaline/half-filtered water. Early dinner: Cheeseburger (yay for the Costco microwaveable hamburger patty!) and fries (the little 4-minute microwave box from Walmart). Evening: Some Seagram's Escapes.
Today I wore:
Gray T-shirt and black straight-leg yoga pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Books: Read a little bit of Into the Void. Podcasts: The Scathing Atheist (I'd been looking foward to the "Son of a Bitch-uary" for shmurshmur but the PIAT guys were right to not do one for a guy who was murdered, good call probably mostly Noah); Cognitive Dissonance. (Mostly watched YouTube videos while in front of the computer scanning stuff.)
Friends
Just my parasocial relationship with the Puzzle in a Thunderstorm folks. (I'm looking forward to seeing Noah at a CFFC event
Music I Loved Today
I just looked up the closest planetarium and tomorrow they're doing a Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon show so now that's in my head. Didn't actually listen to any music outside of some YouTube videos today.
What I Learned Today
To give up on Windows being consistent (I tried to have the folder the scans went into be sort by date added, descending but new stuff kept going to the bottom) and find another way to get stuff done.
===
Idea from here.
===
Things that made me happy today
My printer/scanner still works!
Daily Smiley: ₍^. .^₎⟆
Quotes of the Day
"Sir, the best apology is changed behavior!"
From a Reads with Rachel video about the Shadow and Bone series, talking about the male lead.
Dreams
I know I had at least two dreams but I don't remember any details.
Things I Bought
Nothing. Stayed in my apartment all day.
Accomplishments
I reorganized the toiletries on the shelves next to the sink in my bathroom! (Still need to actually clean, and when I go to Walmart tomorrow I'll get more surface cleaner.)
Also I cleared my work table and set up my printer/scanner! And they still work, though I had to use the Windows Store scanner software. The original software had more features, but it also would scan and then multiple files of random squares from the same scanned page as if it was so proud that it had guessed that I only wanted those parts. Originally I had to tape a manilla folder to the underside of the top of the scanner so that it would scan the entire page, and I'd just crop out the manilla bits. The Windows Store software doesn't pretend to be "smart" and all it does is scan the entire rectangle every time, but considering the alternative I am so okay with that.
Anyhow, I scanned all of three binders of papers from grade school to close to the present and most of a fourth.
Food
Brunch: frozen pancakes with butter and syrup. Snack: Trader Joe's Spiced Chai prepared as directed. Also lots of half-alkaline/half-filtered water. Early dinner: Cheeseburger (yay for the Costco microwaveable hamburger patty!) and fries (the little 4-minute microwave box from Walmart). Evening: Some Seagram's Escapes.
Today I wore:
Gray T-shirt and black straight-leg yoga pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Books: Read a little bit of Into the Void. Podcasts: The Scathing Atheist (I'd been looking foward to the "Son of a Bitch-uary" for shmurshmur but the PIAT guys were right to not do one for a guy who was murdered, good call probably mostly Noah); Cognitive Dissonance. (Mostly watched YouTube videos while in front of the computer scanning stuff.)
Friends
Just my parasocial relationship with the Puzzle in a Thunderstorm folks. (I'm looking forward to seeing Noah at a CFFC event
Music I Loved Today
I just looked up the closest planetarium and tomorrow they're doing a Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon show so now that's in my head. Didn't actually listen to any music outside of some YouTube videos today.
What I Learned Today
To give up on Windows being consistent (I tried to have the folder the scans went into be sort by date added, descending but new stuff kept going to the bottom) and find another way to get stuff done.
===
Idea from here.
===
Mount Shasta and Entering San Francisco
Sep. 18th, 2025 06:58 pmyourlibrarian posting in common_nature
In our final few days we left Oregon, though stayed the night just outside its border in Mount Shasta. The mountain is clearly seen looming over the city but we could see it for many miles as we headed south and finally passed into California.
( Read more... )
Check-In Journal #6
Sep. 17th, 2025 06:02 pmsimonejesterSeptember 17, 2025, the day that... I finally got my flu shot!
Things that made me happy today
Having mostly slappers to do at work (that's what my facility calls it when all you have to do is apply the label, no pills to count, and those are better for us because we're graded on fills per hour)--
And I got some writing done! And even concentrated on the daydream fic better than usual throughout the day!
Daily Smiley: ┏(-_-)┛┗(-_- )┓
Quotes of the Day
From the dear_white_staffers on Instagram, a meme of a quote from [some other social media platform] user bookboner:
"If you don't own a gun, you can't have an opinion on the second amendment."
Cool take! Now do uteruses.
Right on, bookboner!
Dreams
None.
Things I Bought
I cheated on my BDS diet and got two bean burritos and a Diet Pepsi from Taco Bell. (It's not a guilty pleasure unless you feel guilty about it.)
Accomplishments
Work stuff, and writing stuff!
Food
Same as yesterday, and I forgot to add that every work day has also included a homemade iced coffee (Stok cold coffee and hazelnut creamer), except dinner was Taco Bell instead of corn dogs.
Today I wore:
Dark gray T-shirt and work pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Book: Into the Void. Notable podcasts: Bad Hasbara; Knowledge Fight.
Friends
Didn't do any more than brief small talk today.
Music I Loved Today
I had a song stuck in my head that I liked, but it just disappeared because a fucking youtube ad played the song "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League, which is an okay song, but I really DON'T want it as an earworm this close to bedtime!
What I Learned Today
My brain can be such a jerk to me at times (even if it did let me do a bit of writing today).
===
Idea from here.
===
Things that made me happy today
Having mostly slappers to do at work (that's what my facility calls it when all you have to do is apply the label, no pills to count, and those are better for us because we're graded on fills per hour)--
And I got some writing done! And even concentrated on the daydream fic better than usual throughout the day!
Daily Smiley: ┏(-_-)┛┗(-_- )┓
Quotes of the Day
From the dear_white_staffers on Instagram, a meme of a quote from [some other social media platform] user bookboner:
"If you don't own a gun, you can't have an opinion on the second amendment."
Cool take! Now do uteruses.
Right on, bookboner!
Dreams
None.
Things I Bought
I cheated on my BDS diet and got two bean burritos and a Diet Pepsi from Taco Bell. (It's not a guilty pleasure unless you feel guilty about it.)
Accomplishments
Work stuff, and writing stuff!
Food
Same as yesterday, and I forgot to add that every work day has also included a homemade iced coffee (Stok cold coffee and hazelnut creamer), except dinner was Taco Bell instead of corn dogs.
Today I wore:
Dark gray T-shirt and work pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Book: Into the Void. Notable podcasts: Bad Hasbara; Knowledge Fight.
Friends
Didn't do any more than brief small talk today.
Music I Loved Today
I had a song stuck in my head that I liked, but it just disappeared because a fucking youtube ad played the song "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League, which is an okay song, but I really DON'T want it as an earworm this close to bedtime!
What I Learned Today
My brain can be such a jerk to me at times (even if it did let me do a bit of writing today).
===
Idea from here.
===
Cauliflower English Muffins (GF)
Sep. 17th, 2025 04:36 amnverland posting in creative_cooks
Cauliflower English Muffins (GF)
Ingredients
5 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 pound)
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
⅛ teaspoon salt
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cauliflower in a food processor. Process until finely grated. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and microwave on High for 3 minutes. Let cool slightly. Transfer the cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and wring out excess moisture. Return to the bowl and stir in Cheddar, egg and salt until thoroughly combined. Place a 3-inch biscuit cutter on the prepared baking sheet. Fill the cutter with about ¼ cup of the batter, patting down slightly in the mold. Repeat with the remaining batter, leaving about 1 inch between each one, until you have 8 "muffins." Bake until browned and crispy around the edges, about 25 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings or use to make a breakfast sandwich.
Check-In Journal #5
Sep. 16th, 2025 04:07 pmsimonejesterSeptember 16, 2025, the day that... eventually ended, thank FSM.
Things that made me happy today
Got a lot done while listening to some interesting/entertaining podcasts.
Daily Smiley: ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
Quotes of the Day
I saved one for just this purpose this morning!
"There's really no law but Poe's Law anymore."
--Aron Ra on God Awful Movies, 9/15/25
Dreams
None that I remember (or remember forgetting).
Things I Bought
Nothing today.
Accomplishments
...got a lot done at work, I guess. (Sorry, my life is boring.)
Food
Same as yesterday (I like my cheap same-foods; will have different foods on the weekends).
Today I wore:
Green T-shirt and work pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Book: Into the Void Podcasts of note: Citation Needed; I Don't Speak German; QAA
Friends
Didn't really talk to anyone today.
Music I Loved Today
Nothing in particular; bounced between The Bridge and Classic Vinyl on the way to and from work.
What I Learned Today
That much as I'm trying to make this a habit, there's not a whole hell of a lot that's unique to each day.
===
Idea from here.
===
Things that made me happy today
Got a lot done while listening to some interesting/entertaining podcasts.
Daily Smiley: ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
Quotes of the Day
I saved one for just this purpose this morning!
"There's really no law but Poe's Law anymore."
--Aron Ra on God Awful Movies, 9/15/25
Dreams
None that I remember (or remember forgetting).
Things I Bought
Nothing today.
Accomplishments
...got a lot done at work, I guess. (Sorry, my life is boring.)
Food
Same as yesterday (I like my cheap same-foods; will have different foods on the weekends).
Today I wore:
Green T-shirt and work pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Book: Into the Void Podcasts of note: Citation Needed; I Don't Speak German; QAA
Friends
Didn't really talk to anyone today.
Music I Loved Today
Nothing in particular; bounced between The Bridge and Classic Vinyl on the way to and from work.
What I Learned Today
That much as I'm trying to make this a habit, there's not a whole hell of a lot that's unique to each day.
===
Idea from here.
===
Cover Reveal
Sep. 16th, 2025 10:06 ammarthawellsBehold the cover of Platform Decay:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2025/09/16/murderbot-book-platform-decay-martha-wells/86165029007/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2025/09/16/murderbot-book-platform-decay-martha-wells/86165029007/
Check-In Journal #4
Sep. 15th, 2025 04:03 pmsimonejesterSeptember 15, 2025, the day that... had fewer tote issues than the past week.
Things that made me happy today
Getting to see my friend Wyatt. With our new schedules the only day we have in common is Monday.
Daily Smiley: （ ^_^）o自自o（^_^ ）
Quotes of the Day
Not from today, but I didn't want to leave anything blank:
"And if you trying to fuck with me, speak to my homie the statute of limitations."
--Miles Gray, The Daily Zeitgeist 4/1/25.
Dreams
I know I had one but as so often happens it deleted itself as I woke up.
Things I Bought
Actually made a purchase today: a gallon of alkaline water to mix half-and-half with filtered water (so I can drink as much as I want without getting a harmful amount of the alkaline part).
Accomplishments
Filled a lot of scripts, including all the fucking carbamazepine (countable hazmat that's annoying because it's so dusty) from today--and that didn't get done by night shift yesterday!
Food
Same as yesterday, but probably with a second Seagram's Escapes.
Today I wore:
Maroon T-shirt and work pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Various podcasts, and more of the book Into the Void.
Friends
Wyatt. We sat together during first break. Mostly companionable silence with a bit of conversation. He was elsewhere for second break so I guess he found someone more sociable to talk to.
Music I Loved Today
None in particular, but I listened to The Bridge on Sirius XM on the way to and from work.
What I Learned Today
No matter how fast I go, and whether I go one script at a time or just down the list, there's still going to be at least 200 left when I leave and night shift takes over (new scripts drop throughout the day and night). I wish the manual fill system would show how many scrips you'd filled in a corner of the screen like the data entry software had back in the day.
===
Idea from here.
===
Things that made me happy today
Getting to see my friend Wyatt. With our new schedules the only day we have in common is Monday.
Daily Smiley: （ ^_^）o自自o（^_^ ）
Quotes of the Day
Not from today, but I didn't want to leave anything blank:
"And if you trying to fuck with me, speak to my homie the statute of limitations."
--Miles Gray, The Daily Zeitgeist 4/1/25.
Dreams
I know I had one but as so often happens it deleted itself as I woke up.
Things I Bought
Actually made a purchase today: a gallon of alkaline water to mix half-and-half with filtered water (so I can drink as much as I want without getting a harmful amount of the alkaline part).
Accomplishments
Filled a lot of scripts, including all the fucking carbamazepine (countable hazmat that's annoying because it's so dusty) from today--and that didn't get done by night shift yesterday!
Food
Same as yesterday, but probably with a second Seagram's Escapes.
Today I wore:
Maroon T-shirt and work pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Various podcasts, and more of the book Into the Void.
Friends
Wyatt. We sat together during first break. Mostly companionable silence with a bit of conversation. He was elsewhere for second break so I guess he found someone more sociable to talk to.
Music I Loved Today
None in particular, but I listened to The Bridge on Sirius XM on the way to and from work.
What I Learned Today
No matter how fast I go, and whether I go one script at a time or just down the list, there's still going to be at least 200 left when I leave and night shift takes over (new scripts drop throughout the day and night). I wish the manual fill system would show how many scrips you'd filled in a corner of the screen like the data entry software had back in the day.
===
Idea from here.
===
"If you like Dark Souls, it's hard to shut up about Dark Souls"
Sep. 15th, 2025 08:33 amrydra_wongFor anyone who may be Dark Souls-curious, here is a very long video essay of which I've only watched part (because I'm trying to limit spoilers) and of which I mainly want to rec part -- the first 30 mins or so, where the essayist discusses something that the mythology about the game’s supposed uber-difficulty tends to obscure, namely the gorgeous, generous array of different tools and options that it gives you for engaging with its difficulties, and how it tries to teach you to use them:
I think this is some of the stuff that prompted me to declaim “Dark Souls loves me and wants me to be happy.”
The game is difficult, it is intended to be difficult (and I still don't know if, for me, it will at some point be insuperably difficult), and progressing and learning through difficulty and failure is the core gameplay loop. As mentioned, it took me a total of seven hours to beat the most recent boss, the Capra Demon. I am currently camped out in the Depths, where I intermittently fall through holes and get cursed by basilisks. I recently got invaded for the first time, by a player who watched as I ran directly under a slime and got enveloped, facepalmed*, and then waited politely while I extricated myself before murdering me**.
And yet my major feeling at this particular moment is of being spoiled (in the pampered sense, not the knowledge sense): I have too many good weapons to try (my beloved halberd, now upgraded to +7, a Balder Side Sword -- a rare and coveted drop -- and a Black Knight Sword)! I'm having to actively try not to over-level! I have so many upgrade materials! I have the world's largest stockpile of charcoal pine resin (purchased on my endless boss runs back to the Capra Demon, so I'd spend any souls I was carrying and not distract myself with losing or trying to retrieve them) so I can make my weapons burst into flame any time I want! I have opened the latest incredibly-convenient shortcut! There's a handy new merchant just before the next boss! I am holding an armful of presents and Dark Souls keeps trying to pile more on top!
{*I went off immediately afterwards to Google "dark souls how to facepalm”, but it looks like you have to join the Forest Hunter covenant to learn that emote and I have other plans. Still tempted, though.}
{**I had expected to loathe being invaded — and had initially planned to play offline mainly to avoid that, but did not for reasons which need to be a different post — but in the event, it was brief, non-inconveniencing, and actually pretty funny.}
I think this is some of the stuff that prompted me to declaim “Dark Souls loves me and wants me to be happy.”
The game is difficult, it is intended to be difficult (and I still don't know if, for me, it will at some point be insuperably difficult), and progressing and learning through difficulty and failure is the core gameplay loop. As mentioned, it took me a total of seven hours to beat the most recent boss, the Capra Demon. I am currently camped out in the Depths, where I intermittently fall through holes and get cursed by basilisks. I recently got invaded for the first time, by a player who watched as I ran directly under a slime and got enveloped, facepalmed*, and then waited politely while I extricated myself before murdering me**.
And yet my major feeling at this particular moment is of being spoiled (in the pampered sense, not the knowledge sense): I have too many good weapons to try (my beloved halberd, now upgraded to +7, a Balder Side Sword -- a rare and coveted drop -- and a Black Knight Sword)! I'm having to actively try not to over-level! I have so many upgrade materials! I have the world's largest stockpile of charcoal pine resin (purchased on my endless boss runs back to the Capra Demon, so I'd spend any souls I was carrying and not distract myself with losing or trying to retrieve them) so I can make my weapons burst into flame any time I want! I have opened the latest incredibly-convenient shortcut! There's a handy new merchant just before the next boss! I am holding an armful of presents and Dark Souls keeps trying to pile more on top!
{*I went off immediately afterwards to Google "dark souls how to facepalm”, but it looks like you have to join the Forest Hunter covenant to learn that emote and I have other plans. Still tempted, though.}
{**I had expected to loathe being invaded — and had initially planned to play offline mainly to avoid that, but did not for reasons which need to be a different post — but in the event, it was brief, non-inconveniencing, and actually pretty funny.}
Check-In Journal #3
Sep. 14th, 2025 03:21 pmsimonejesterSeptember 14, 2025, the day that... I remembered what I meant to do on Thursday.
Things that made me happy today
JD got me a Halloween themed diamond painting kit! (I gave her the Costco amount of Olay day cream that didn't work for me, and it could be reciprocal altruism, but likely it's just kindness.)
Daily Smiley: ^_^
Quotes of the Day
Rhos met his eyes with purple ones made more vibrant by the sheen of tears. He looked to Masters Elishe and Sol and bowed. “I’m so sorry.”
“There’s no need,” Master Sol said. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
He said it as an invitation to confess in case his words were inaccurate and Rhos knew something further. Yord was impressed with the subtlety he could sense but wasn’t sure if Rhos noticed.
But Rhos nodded slowly. “I want to help,” he said. “I know Lio better than anybody, and if this was all about them, I’m the one you should talk to.”
“All about them?” Yord asked. “Is that what you heard?”
“The War Council investigators are already speaking with Lio Graf’s family,” Master Elishe said.
Rhos shook his head hard enough the tiny jewelry tied in his hair jingled. “They don’t care about Lio, and neither does the council. But you do, don’t you, Jedi?”
Now Yord was impressed with Rhos’s subtle tone and wondered if everybody was simply better at politics than he was. Well—Jecki was definitely worse than him, so he needed her to stick around.
From Star Wars: The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown, which I finished at work because totes were super slow again.
Dreams
I don't remember.
Things I Bought
No purchases, but I made a car payment.
Accomplishments
Two sets of quick counts completed (*grumbles forever about doing Inventory's job for them; I'm not an Inventory tech on purpose!*), finished The Crystal Crown, and started Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void.
Food
Both breaks: off-brand Lunchables, 2 string cheeses, one or two Godiva truffles. Dinner: 2 corns dogs. And a Seagram's Escapes.
Today I wore:
Black T-shirt and work pants (black "capris" with pockets)
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Podcasts: Bad Hasbara; Knowledge Fight. Books: The Crystal Crown; Into the Void.
Friends
JD!
Music I Loved Today
Used "Cool Night" by Paul Davis to get various earworms out of my head. (I'm not all the way in control of my internal jukebox.)
What I Learned Today
Some recent Canadian political history from the most recent Bad Hasbara, and some random shit about Alex Jones and other "right-wing ding-dongs" from old Knowledge Fight episodes from early 2020.
===
Idea from here.
===
Things that made me happy today
JD got me a Halloween themed diamond painting kit! (I gave her the Costco amount of Olay day cream that didn't work for me, and it could be reciprocal altruism, but likely it's just kindness.)
Daily Smiley: ^_^
Quotes of the Day
Rhos met his eyes with purple ones made more vibrant by the sheen of tears. He looked to Masters Elishe and Sol and bowed. “I’m so sorry.”
“There’s no need,” Master Sol said. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
He said it as an invitation to confess in case his words were inaccurate and Rhos knew something further. Yord was impressed with the subtlety he could sense but wasn’t sure if Rhos noticed.
But Rhos nodded slowly. “I want to help,” he said. “I know Lio better than anybody, and if this was all about them, I’m the one you should talk to.”
“All about them?” Yord asked. “Is that what you heard?”
“The War Council investigators are already speaking with Lio Graf’s family,” Master Elishe said.
Rhos shook his head hard enough the tiny jewelry tied in his hair jingled. “They don’t care about Lio, and neither does the council. But you do, don’t you, Jedi?”
Now Yord was impressed with Rhos’s subtle tone and wondered if everybody was simply better at politics than he was. Well—Jecki was definitely worse than him, so he needed her to stick around.
From Star Wars: The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown, which I finished at work because totes were super slow again.
Dreams
I don't remember.
Things I Bought
No purchases, but I made a car payment.
Accomplishments
Two sets of quick counts completed (*grumbles forever about doing Inventory's job for them; I'm not an Inventory tech on purpose!*), finished The Crystal Crown, and started Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void.
Food
Both breaks: off-brand Lunchables, 2 string cheeses, one or two Godiva truffles. Dinner: 2 corns dogs. And a Seagram's Escapes.
Today I wore:
Black T-shirt and work pants (black "capris" with pockets)
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
Podcasts: Bad Hasbara; Knowledge Fight. Books: The Crystal Crown; Into the Void.
Friends
JD!
Music I Loved Today
Used "Cool Night" by Paul Davis to get various earworms out of my head. (I'm not all the way in control of my internal jukebox.)
What I Learned Today
Some recent Canadian political history from the most recent Bad Hasbara, and some random shit about Alex Jones and other "right-wing ding-dongs" from old Knowledge Fight episodes from early 2020.
===
Idea from here.
===
Check-In Journal #2
Sep. 13th, 2025 03:16 pmsimonejesterSeptember 13, 2025, the day that... stuff I intended to do for a long time got done.
Things that made me happy today
Being rid of that old plastic pitcher, reading more of The Crystal Crown, some entertaining YouTube videos.
Daily Smiley: (⌐▨_▨)
Quotes of the Day
"Open yourself fully to the Force, then, welcome it in a rush if you can. The Force can flow like an ancient slow river or crash like a waterfall, and sometimes we need the waterfall."
--Master Sol, SW: The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown
(73% finished, the show was disappointing but the book is so far so good.)
Dreams
Several, but none that I remember. (I wrote down the one I remembered from yesterday, it was of the driving-turns-scary type but it was on the less-scary scale.)
Things I Bought
Nothing today. (Yesterday I went to Costco and got basic stuff--breakfast drinks, lunch stuff, snacks, Stok cold coffee, wine)
Accomplishments
Also, got rid of that plastic pitcher (it had like an inch of chai mix/milk in it for awhile and plastic absorbs odors, and I avoided smelling it, it was out of the fridge and into the trash bag). Took out all the trash right after.
Cleaned my front door! No idea why it was so much dirtier than others' but I just used water and a washcloth and it made a difference. It looks like there are stains, but maybe a Magic Eraser can take care of those.
Put away the other part of Thursday's laundry, the washcloths, towels, underwear, and socks (I always procrastinate on that part because matching socks is boring).
Food
Cheese and crackers for brunch, leftover (still sealed) Powerade from a work pizza party months ago, 2 corn dogs for dinner and 4 Godiva truffles for dessert. Soon, a drink before bed.
Today I wore:
Olive green T-shirt, black straight-leg yoga pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
YouTube videos, book: Star Wars: The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown, podcast: Knowledge Fight
Friends
Only left my apartment to take out the trash today, so none.
Music I Loved Today
None listened to, but I woke up with "Sister Golden Hair" by America being played on a loop in my internal jukebox. It's one that comes up often on the Sirius XM channel "The Bridge."
What I Learned Today
I should've cleaned my front door sooner, then there wouldn't be what I hope are not permanent stains.
===
Idea from here.
====
Things that made me happy today
Being rid of that old plastic pitcher, reading more of The Crystal Crown, some entertaining YouTube videos.
Daily Smiley: (⌐▨_▨)
Quotes of the Day
"Open yourself fully to the Force, then, welcome it in a rush if you can. The Force can flow like an ancient slow river or crash like a waterfall, and sometimes we need the waterfall."
--Master Sol, SW: The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown
(73% finished, the show was disappointing but the book is so far so good.)
Dreams
Several, but none that I remember. (I wrote down the one I remembered from yesterday, it was of the driving-turns-scary type but it was on the less-scary scale.)
Things I Bought
Nothing today. (Yesterday I went to Costco and got basic stuff--breakfast drinks, lunch stuff, snacks, Stok cold coffee, wine)
Accomplishments
Also, got rid of that plastic pitcher (it had like an inch of chai mix/milk in it for awhile and plastic absorbs odors, and I avoided smelling it, it was out of the fridge and into the trash bag). Took out all the trash right after.
Cleaned my front door! No idea why it was so much dirtier than others' but I just used water and a washcloth and it made a difference. It looks like there are stains, but maybe a Magic Eraser can take care of those.
Put away the other part of Thursday's laundry, the washcloths, towels, underwear, and socks (I always procrastinate on that part because matching socks is boring).
Food
Cheese and crackers for brunch, leftover (still sealed) Powerade from a work pizza party months ago, 2 corn dogs for dinner and 4 Godiva truffles for dessert. Soon, a drink before bed.
Today I wore:
Olive green T-shirt, black straight-leg yoga pants.
Movies/TV Shows/Books/Podcasts
YouTube videos, book: Star Wars: The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown, podcast: Knowledge Fight
Friends
Only left my apartment to take out the trash today, so none.
Music I Loved Today
None listened to, but I woke up with "Sister Golden Hair" by America being played on a loop in my internal jukebox. It's one that comes up often on the Sirius XM channel "The Bridge."
What I Learned Today
I should've cleaned my front door sooner, then there wouldn't be what I hope are not permanent stains.
===
Idea from here.
====
Blackberry Gochujang Glazed Tofu
Sep. 13th, 2025 08:22 amnverland posting in creative_cooks
Blackberry Gochujang Glazed Tofu
Servings: 2
Ingredients
For the tofu:
7 ounces (198.45 g) firm or extra firm tofu pressed for at least 15 minutes then cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 - 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons oil
For the sauce:
3 tablespoons blackberry puree or 1/3 cup blackberry juice
1 tablespoon gochujang
2 cloves of garlic minced
1.5 tablespoon maple syrup, less or more to preference
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar or use soy sauce/tamari
To garnish:
Green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
Press and cube the tofu and add it to a bowl. Add salt, black pepper, and cornstarch and toss well to coat.
Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoon oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and cook until it is crisp. Flip the tofu after 3 minutes or so and continue to cook until is golden on most of the edges. This will take anywhere from 7-10 minutes depending on your pan.
Then add the blackberry puree or juice, gochujang, garlic, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar in the center of the skillet. Mix really well. The mixture will start to bubble immediately as the pan is very hot.
Make sure to mix the gochujang into the blackberry and maple syrup mixture very well.
Toss the tofu in the sauce to coat. Once the mixture has thickened, 1 minute or so, take the pan off the heat. If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, add 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed in 1 tbsp water and bring to a boil.
Serve this tofu over rice or some greens topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Or add to lettuce wraps!
Store refrigerated for upto 3 days.
Notes
This recipe is Nutfree. It is gluten-free with gluten-free Gochujang
To make black berry purée, blend ripe blackberries, then strain through a large mesh strainer and use.