do not defy me!

Happy Halloween, my peeps! I hope that you're all having a spooky good time. Send me pictures of you in costume. It makes my day! Don't you wanna make my day? Do not defy me!

Actually, the title of this post is dedicated to Hurd. A few months ago we learned that Ryan Adams was coming to town, and quickly made a plan to get tickets on the opening sales day, 'cause sitting up front is where it's at (like when we were in the fourth row to see Neko Case a couple months ago). So, on that day I went on the interweb to check on tickets, and evidently there'd been some jacked-up iTunes pre-sale, and all the set-of-two tickets up close were long gone. So, Hurd suggested we split up and each get our own tickets. Which didn't sound as fun to me, but still. So, I got mine, and then had to harass Hurd for two months to get her ticket while she repeatedly defied me. Guess what? She had a sucky seat. Moral of this story? Do not defy me. You got it, peeps?

The show was kinda 'eh'. Or rather, I was just not feelin' it, so I listened for about an hour and fifteen, then busted a move at the intermission. (Hurd had left way before this after texting me a bunch of times to say how sucky her seat was, how sucky the sound was and how much she hates Ryan Adams--see moral of story, above)*.


Before the show we went to Spice Island. (I cannot stop. I don't wanna).
This is what a Plateful O' Love (aka java fried rice, vegetarian with tofu, eggs okay) looks like:


A Hurd got the fried tofu with peanut-chili-lime sauce (this is what I got when I deviated from the JFR one day last week. It's tasty. I mean, it's no JFR, but still).


I thought JFR was the Love Of My Life. But, then yesterday everything changed. I'm pet-sitting the menagerie that I sat for a month or so ago, but last time one of the dogs went with the owner. I'd met him before, but hadn't had a chance to spend some quality time alone with him and/or show him off everywhere I go. All that has changed. He's in the pack I'm watching this time, and I'm in love--LOVE! His name is Emmett (actually named after Emmett Honeycutt from QAF!) He's a tiny chihuahua (he can stand on my hand!), he's cuter than a pile of buttons, has a winning personality, and the China-Bear (my cat) didn't even hate him! I think I have to keep him. I cannot let him go. I was actually late for work this morning because I couldn't bear to leave him. Look how tiny (my finger is there for scale)!


Here's a picture with Emm and some of the other kids:
Ripley (dog) and Macy (cat). You can't really tell in this picture, but Macy has the shiniest coat I've ever seen on a cat:


Cricket (I like to call her Crickers. She likes it.):


There's also an iguana, but I didn't take her picture (sorry, Drake).

In other news, I had lunch at Bangkok Balcony today. I used to go there a lot, but hadn't been in quite a while. But, I got the see-you noodles with tofu today, and it was spectacular. Like, perfect. Peppery, lots of broccoli, lots of tofu, and those glorious broad, flat noodles. Dang. So, so, so good.

Tonight I'm going to Spell--a Halloween party featuring RuPaul (!!) that's a benefit for Persad Center. Any of you going, too? Richard is making another appearance. Watch out!



*I know a Hurd is gonna lose her mind when she reads this. I'd just like to remind her, and you all: Nothing good can come from defying me. Just sayin'!

sweatin' to the oldies

Peeps, it was an action-packed weekend. I mean, I am a celebrity, after all. Speaking of, my celebrity status did not afford me a life of recognition and luxury as I'd hoped. In fact, it was pretty anticlimactic. But, I know you have it in you. Here's the plan, next time you see me, you should treat.me.like.a.queen and then all will be forgiven, k?

Saturday I hit two Halloween parties--one at the Haunted Cafe of my friends Sandra and Jessica, and one at Cattivo (where I was supposed to be a celebrity--judging the costume contest). I was, as promised, Richard Simmons. See?


and



and, check out these moves!



and, these!



and, these!



and, then later that evening when Richard was partied out:



and



Good times. That was a fun and comfortable costume. I like. I heard that Richard was me on Saturday (we celebrities like to do that). I hope there are pictures.

Last night I met a Hurd out for dinner and a movie. We got some food at The Library, then caught the PILGFF closing film, Itty Bitty Titty Committee.

First, the food. It was the first trip to The Library for both a Hurd and I. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, because even though there was a definite library theme, the actuality was more sports bar (complete with drunken Stillers fans, tvs and loud music). So, they get an 'eh' on atmosphere. The menu was pub-grub. There weren't a ton of vegetarian options, but I settled on the portobella sandwich. Even though I love mushrooms, I'm kinda tired of seeing the portobella sandwich on the menu as the token vegetarian offering. But, it was good. Like, really good. The mushrooms were really nice, tender, and subtly balsamic. The roasted red peppers were sweet. The boursin cheese was melty and plentiful. And, the cilantro sprouts were a nice touch. I got sweet potato fries on the side, and they were tastilicious, too. All-around, surprisingly yummy!


The movie was fantastic! Super-cute dykes, a womens' studies crash course, hot sex scenes, and very low on the cheese factor, but very high on the awesome factor. Plus, afterwards there was a cheesecake hangout thing (at, um, The Cheesecake Factory, which unlike the movie, is very high on the cheese factor). Our end of the table tried Pineapple Upside-Down, Vanilla Bean and Raspberry-Lemon. All incredibly delicious.

Tonight I have a date with a Hurd again. We're having dinner at Spice Island (okay, I practically live there. so?), then going to see Ryan Adams! That is the way to handle a Monday.

Woot!

now, that's good friday.

Okay, it's not actually Good Friday, but all Fridays are good in that they're the kick-off to the weekend. I'm so ready. Waking up this week has been really tough. I've snoozed for over an hour nearly every morning. It's just too hard to get up when it's dark outside, and kinda cool. That's perfect sleeping weather, and it's just sick and wrong to squander it. Of course, since I don't have to work tomorrow, I'm sure I'll be up at the cracka with no problem. That's how it works.

I just tracked down some spirit gum (necessary for affixing my chest hair for my Richard Simmons transformation), and I have the Bedazzler ready to do some serious bedazzlin' tonight/tomorrow. Now, I just need some pink tights. Actually, I wish I could find a whole-body pink leotard. That'd rock. Except when you have to pee, then it'd probably suck. Unless it came with an ass-flap like the old school longjohns. Anyone know any place in Pittsburgh that sells full-body leotards for chubby ladies at bargain basement prices?


I've also always secretly wanted to be Slim Goodbody for Halloween, and if I happened to find a full-body (with or without ass-flap) pink leotard this time, next year I could dress it up to be him. And, I could use the same wig as for Richard!


Just sayin'.

K. Thanks for the feedback yesterday on my quandary. I'm gonna let these go, and then next time I'll give up the goods about my meals out. I did have some good food yesterday. Mags and I went to lunch at Spice Island, and check it out--I actually got something other than java fried rice! I went for the fried tofu with chili-peanut sauce. Yum. And, at the farmers market I picked up some potato-n-cheese pierogies for dinner. Holy cow, those are so good! They're from Gosia's Pierogies in Latrobe. I signed up for their holiday list (they'll be taking holiday orders, and making a delivery to the 'Burgh some time in December). If you're interested in getting on their order list, check them here:

Gosia's Pierogies
Terry and Jan Smith-Rawecki
75 Pauline Drive
Latrobe, Pa 15650
724-205-9938
terrsmith@comcast.net

Or, just come to the Bloomfield farmers market on Thursdays. The farmers markets are going away soon! They end at Thanksgiving! And, so does my CSA! That's merely a few weeks away. It's so sad! It breaks my little heart! It makes me wish I were in Barbara Kingsolver's family, and I'd been farming and canning and storing all spring and summer so that I could reap the bounty of my labors with local foods all winter. Yinz guys should read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Such a fantastic book!

K, folks. Have a fantastic weekend!

a quandry (and some other stuff)

Folks, I'm having a quandary.

I've eaten out the last two days. One meal was 'eh', one meal was kinda grody. Normally I'd just spill the dirt, but a couple weeks ago I mentioned a dish I had at a local restaurant and got some immediate feedback from a member of the staff and the owner. Now, I don't want to trash anyone or their business or hurt anyone's feelings (and frankly, I've seen the stats on this-here blog, and while there seems to be a loyal following, it's definitely not reaching all of Pittsburgh or anything). So, how do I approach this? I really just want to relay my honest experiences about food--the good, the bad, the ugly. So, how do you navigate the public v. private? I can only imagine this won't be the first or last time this may come up since Pittsburgh's not so big, and I know a lot of peeps. I appreciate any feedback. Cripes.

In other news, I ended up skipping the film on Tuesday. It was so rainy and grey and I had some netflixes, and that made me just wanna hang out on the couch, watch, read, and cuddle pets. But, there are definitely more films I'd like to see this week. There are two womens' movies tonight, the local shorts tomorrow, Nina's Heavenly delights (the first line of the description is "Calling all foodies!") and Itty Bitty Titty Committee. And, in addition, a couple of friends have shows this weekend. And, there's the Halloween parties, too. Eek! And, all this is counterbalanced by my intense desire to hibernate as much as possible. What's a girl to do? I'm gonna have to make a list of the essentials vs. non-essentials. Shite.

Speaking of friends' shows, check 'er out!

Friday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.
Jen Lawton (ek's note: Jen Lawton = "Junior"!): Cities
Coca Café 6:30pm - ?
3811 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
Some booze will be provided by the artist-on-a-budget, but more always keeps the party going! Please feel free to bring a bottle to share.
Final Fridays on Butler Street

Shop. Drink. Eat.

Mark your calendar for "Final Fridays," the final Friday of each month, featuring festivities from 7 to 11 p.m. on four fabulous blocks of Butler Street in Lawrenceville.

"Final Fridays" is a great opportunity to make an exciting evening of Lawrenceville activities. Whether you're shopping for yourself, your home, or just looking for some great entertainment, there are plenty of choices. Visit cool Pittsburgh boutiques and galleries, including La Vie, T's Upholstery Studio, Pavement, Divertido, SUGAR, Accessorize, Elisco Advertising, O'Bannon Oriental Carpets and Elements.

and...

Sunday, Oct. 28, 8:30 p.m.

The Sunday Night Hayride
Howler's Coyote Cafe
4509 Liberty Ave. (Bloomfield)

FREE! No Cover!
FREE vegan buffet - 8:30
Beagle Brothers - 9
Jenn Gooch (ek's note: Jenn Gooch = "The Gooch") w/guest John Carson - 10

The after-work plan today is to hit up the Bloomfield Farmers Market. I'm on the hunt for brussels sprouts, figs, pierogies and a slice of blueberry pie. I also usually run into some lesbians there, too. That's not what I'm on the hunt for (pipe down, wiseacres!), but it adds a nice je ne sais quoi. You feel me?

I served with divas: I knew divas; divas were friends of mine. Ehrrin, you're no diva.

Okay. So, I tried with the Diva Cup. Twice. Sorta half-heartedly. Day 1 and EK is not the happiest girl, and even less so whilst trying to jam a little cup into her virginia. You feel me? So, strike 1, Diva Cup, strike 1. On the upside, my friends were spared the potential task of fishing 'er outta there for one more day.


In other news, I am a celebrity. For real. Believe it. Let me know where to send your 8x10 autographed glossies.

No, really! I got asked to be a "celebrity guest judge" for Cattivo's Halloween Witches and Warlocks Masquerade Party on the 27th! (beware, there is scary music on that last link). So, come out that night! Judging is at midnight, but I'll be there a littler earlier so's I can check out everyone in their fabulous get-ups!

I just finally signed up for a blog counter thingy. And, it's so much more than that! It tells me not only how many people have visited the ol' blog, but from what countries, and all kinds of other fascinating stats (don't worry; it doesn't identify you). It's so interesting! You may know that I love a spreadsheet. This is like the bestest spreadsheet ever--especially 'cause it's about me. I wish I'd done this when I first started this blog! For you peeps with blogs/sites, check out Google Analytics for the instructions for how to generate your own reports.

Okay, okay. To the eatin'.

I'm attending a potluck on Saturday evening, and it has a "harvest" theme. So, I'm going to make a brussels sprouts dish. I'm thinking of this one from Food & Wine magazine:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry Brown Butter

* Vegetarian

ACTIVE TIME: 40 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 1 HR
SERVES: 12
"This is where I like to use Thanksgiving cranberries," says Dean Fearing, who mixes them into the maple-butter sauce topping his brussels sprouts. He roasts the sprouts to bring out their nutty sweetness. "This dish turns a non-brussels sprouts lover over to the other side," he says.
ingredients

* 4 pounds brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
* 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
* 1/2 pound fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
* 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
* 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
* 2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter
* 1 large shallot, minced
* 1 teaspoon chopped thyme

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. On 2 large rimmed baking sheets, toss the brussels sprouts with the oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts are tender and browned in spots.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, ginger and orange zest. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until the cranberries break down and thicken, about 10 minutes.
3. In a medium skillet, cook the butter over moderately high heat until deep golden, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the shallot and thyme and stir into the cranberry sauce. Transfer the butter to a bowl, add the brussels sprouts and toss. Season with salt and serve.

MAKE AHEAD The cranberry brown butter can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Gently reheat the butter before tossing with the brussels sprouts.

Just need to remember to pick up some oranges and thyme. Actually...hmmm...I'm concerned that the butter will coagulate while sitting on a serving table. Hmmm... Okay, I might have to wait on that particular brussels sprouts recipe, and just do them up roasted, as is my usual custom and like I did them last week. Or, maybe I could also add some roasted garlic and toasted pinenuts? Or, some toasted sesame seed oil, toasted sesame seeds and lemon zest? Hmmm...so many varieties to choose from!

Oh brussels sprouts, how I love thee! I love their adorable tender tiny cabbage bodies! If I were going to make a doll out of a small fruit/vegetable (a la Nowlze), it would be a baby brussels sprout. And, while googling away, I found that you could also make a home for your brussels sprout with duct tape (and also use any leftover tape to get rid of your warts!


In other news, the Pittsburgh International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival starts today! E-dawg and I are going to hit up the VIP Opening Reception, but she's not going to stay for the film, and I may not either. [Dan mentioned getting together with some friends for a possible bonfire, but I'm also tuh-ired! My uterus demands regular naps (and lots of Java Fried Rice, but don't say that out loud or I won't get any rest until she gets some!)]. And, I'm going to the late film tomorrow night, One Night Stand. It's supposed to be a dirty, dykey, tranny, genderbendery delight! That is up this guy's alley. It's made by Good Dyke Porn (can't link to that right now, if you know what I'm sayin'), so that's a harbinger of good. And, afterwards there's a Girls' Night Out party at Cattivo. I like it.

Uh-oh. UPDATE: a co-worker just walked by and asked if I wanted to have lunch at Spice Island Tea House (home of Java Fried Rice). I think my uterus emailed him when I wasn't paying attention or something. Either way, hells yeah.

eat your vegetables.

Folks, I'm plumb-out of inspiration lately. I've got a case of the blahs. But, this helps:


I'm planning on being Richard Simmons for Halloween. Maybe. But not in the "outfit" above. And, if I can find some shorts (I hate shorts). But still. What are you going to be?