2019: We're all still learning how to live and work together. There are a lot of people in and out of this house and things are constantly moved or rearranged. I'm not used to that.
If I'm not left with a nightlight to guide my way to the bathroom at night, I have to light up the stair way. And since Hazel's room has been rearranged, she sees my shadow looming down the stairs each time I need the restroom which causes her to call me by name... sometimes relentlessly - all night long.
The lesson here is to keep the bathroom light on with the door ajar. I won't break any bones and Hazel won't know I'm on the first floor. Kind of simple. TY.
2019: If I listed the kitchen staples that I am out of (important things), you can start calling me the "kitchen magician". How many things can you make when ONLY vegetables are delivered. I got crafty today.
Lentil Veggie soup has cauliflower, onions, yellow peppers, garlic, white and sweet potatoes. I only had dried herbs to use (parsley, basil, onion powder) and no stock or bouillon so I stole seasoning from a package of ramen. A quart in the freezer, a quart in the fridge and she devoured a big bowl so I know it was a good choice.
I had potatoes and about 3 dozen boiled eggs (a donation), but, no mayo. So Potato/Egg/Veggie salad with peppers, cucumbers, red onion and tomato. I had no olive oil or enough dressing so I simmered canola oil with all my dry herbs and added some white wine vinegar. It's all I had. I used equal parts of potato, eggs and veggies. It's healthy for sure and she devoured that, too... although she didn't know what she was eating.
THANKFULLY, I bought scallions and had fresh ginger in the freezer so I was able to make a version of my famous chicken and broccoli. I missed having sesame oil on hand, but, I did what I could. Marinated the chicken with garlic, ginger, hot pepper seeds, a little soy (ran out), cornstarch and scallions. Cooked the chicken, removed. Cooked broccoli stems (fiber) with more garlic, ginger and scallions. Added florets and steamed until bright green. Added chicken back and doused with 1/2 flavor packet of Asian ramen and cornstarch slurry. I had a couple taste testers to let me know how that turned out... I didn't need to test it. And the house smells incredible.
The sweet potatoes will be roasted and a big salad will be made with some chicken strips and eggs for protein. It's nice to have some peace on weekends to accomplish this kind of healthy cooking. It's only 5:15 pm... I'm not done yet.
2019: Those eggs will be deviled now, Hazel. And you'll have some asparagus and even corned beef (and hash and eggs, maybe) this week, too. I've got some mighty fine friends that read my crap and have you in their hearts...
I was able to send some lentil soup and chicken and broc in return.. but, NOTHING... and I will reiterate, NOTHING can compare to the thought that went into this delivery. Sleep well you pretty in pink Queen of the house. Me and all my friends are in your corner....
2019: Last night I was typing to myself. This morning I woke to an email with the subject line, "An Ode to Michael". He was one of a kind, ya know. I don't know if anyone will ever really know him as much as I did. I was a lifelong mission for him.
The Kempo Karate post had me thinking...
"My body and mind is on chill tonight. That's a nice place to be. January-April is still a rough time for me. I was trying to find that post that I read that prompted me to find photos of Michael at George Pasare's studio. I couldn't find it.
But, the person who posted shared a story about learning from the masters in regard to what to do if being attacked by a dog. He was told to let the dog grab hold of his left arm, even though it would hurt like hell. It left his right arm open to drive his fingers into the dogs ear and end it all.
This is true and I was mentored in the same way. Sounds horrendous - especially as a young girl to hear. But, Michael came home from his years and years of training and taught me so much... a never ending lesson. I never had to use any of it... but, I always thought myself capable. I made it a point to keep myself (and family and friends) out of trouble so none of those teachings would come to fruition.
The fellow went on to add that it happened to him and it worked out in his favor in a way. His left arm took a beating (through a leather jacket), but, he scared off the dog and also got in a couple right shots to the dogs snide owner.
That may sound like abuse in this day and age, but, it wasn't. It was trained self defense. It's the way real men learn how to protect. Hands, feet and close combat.
One of the most valuable lessons Michael ever taught me was that not all people out there are like my brothers. They use guns and knives instead of hands and feet. He told me to run away from any exchange I might see happening. That was a very valuable lesson that saved me and my friends while out and about during the nightlife scene.
Sometimes I don't know if the stories that I remember so well should be shared. Other times I know in my heart that they need to be shared."
2020: Today marks 9 months smoke free. I've got some allergies going on but, I think I am Covid free. I feel like this day in 2019 was a million years ago. Once again I find myself in a position where I am forced to locate my next place to call "home for now" and begin meeting the people who are destined to be in my next chapter. This pandemic is making things difficult, but, difficult is something I have become used to.
