Sometimes you just have to read the writing on the wall. It's been almost six years and I think it's time again. I won't say what I am referring to but most people would be able to guess what I am talking about. Actually, most people who know me will definitely know what I am talking about.

I wonder what it is for people like me. People who refuse to cope with bull. We often hear of folks who stay where they are for various reasons. None of those reasons have ever compelled me to stay. I can never think of a reason not to move. I especially don't think you should stay if you are compromising your integrity. Or if you do not believe in the direction it is all going in.

It's sad. But not really. What it is is time. Time for them to stop lying. The truth eventually comes out. In retrospect, we probably should have listened better. I envy those who figured out before I did. But such is life. All one can do is get started on this part of the journey. Move on.

And, oh, I am not talking about blogging. I still will. It's cathartic for me. Later.  ¶ 6:26 PM 2 comments

  There are many things I don't understand about mankind. But today, I am going to focus on one thing. How does one grow up and never learn how to cook anything? But first let me clarify some things.

Following directions on the back of a box of instant food does not constitute cooking to me. It just means that you know how to follow directions. Bringing home food from the Prepared Foods counter and heating it up in the microwave does not count either.

Please note that I don't think one has to heat up the stove to cook. Creating salads from raw ingredients is an art in itself. So, let's go back to cooking something. To me cooking is taking some raw ingredients and putting them together to create a composed & complete meal that satisfies someone hungry.

As someone who works in a food store, I am often baffled by people who's carts are filled with instant frozen meals. Or boxes of instant food. Or basically, no raw ingredients. How do you get to adulthood without even knowing how to properly cook some pasta and tossing it with some veggies, maybe a protein of some sort, and some sauce? How can you not take some raw chicken, season it, and bake it in an oven?

It scares me that people like this exist. Cooking is a basic life skill. At least to me. I still remember cooking my first meal. I was the first person home and decided to cook for my family. I took some chicken legs, seasoned them with salt & pepper, put them in a bag with some bread crumbs, shaked, then baked until crisp and done. I also cooked some white rice. And steamed some broccoli. I even created a lemon dressing for the broccoli. AND set the table before my mom and sister got home.

I was 13.

It's sad that at that age, I created a more elaborate meal than some of the people I see shopping at my store. I'll just never understand why they won't even try. Later.  ¶ 10:58 PM 2 comments

  I got back from New Zealand this past Saturday. I didn't want to come back. I am going to return. Especially since I left two t-shirts, 2 pairs of socks, and 4 briefs in the last hotel we stayed in. I sent them an email asking them if they found them. :)

I suggest everyone visit New Zealand before they die. It's just wonderfully gorgeous. We had a blast and came home so relaxed.

We met some wonderful people who we will go back to visit. We even spent a day with someone I met via this blog. Kevin (and his partner, Jason). I am always amazed at how something like a blog can connect people from halfway around the world. Not that everyone I have met via this blog are sparklingly wonderful. But Kevin is no longer just a blog friend. He's just a friend.

So, the highlights were:

• the Marlborough wine region
• the Tree House we stayed in at the Hapuku Lodge in Kaikoura
• the two-room Antria Lodge in Blenheim (and Phillip & Katherine, owners)
• meeting life-partners Richard & Jim and staying at their Te Puna Wai lodge in Nelson
• meeting relocated-American-boyfriends Shaun & Carter (at Te Puna Wai)
• jet boating down the Dart River
• hiking up Queenstown Hill to some stunning views
• sailing the Abel Tasman National Park
• the lamb and rock lobster (aka crayfish)
• spending two wonderful weeks with the love of my life

I am really sad to be back. I wish I were still there. I'd do it again. And will. Later.  ¶ 11:46 PM 0 comments