Friday, December 28, 2007

Nothing To See Here

Seriously... methinks I have just about nothing to write about. Not that that's ever stopped me.

I seem to recall playing in the Riverchasers last night. I slept in my chair through the first 15 minutes, only paid peripheral attention, and ended up going out 18th of 50-something. In fact, after about 10 minutes I just really wanted to be doing something else. It turns out that something else was playing more Guitar Hero III.

I have an embarrassment of games sitting around again that need finishing (or even startintg in many cases). GH3, Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, Zack & Wiki, Gears of War, Crysis, Bioshock, Sam & Max Season 1, Timeshift, Super Paper Mario, and oh so many more... I haven't even mentioned the DS games. But of course there's always the poker.

Not that I have time. I'm hosting a New Year's party, and need to spend the next 3 days getting everything ready for it. Anywhere from 20-30 people showing up... should be a decent time. Of course, that means filling in those alcohol holes (which are few in my collection. A couple staples, a liqueur or two, and one type of beer that I'm short in), cleaning, prepping background music and video, cleaning, buying snacks and making food, cleaning, decorating, and cleaning. Plus I need to get a few "Christmas" gifts for friends I have yet to see. These things take time.

Which means I'm missing a Tuckfards home game in Barrie tomorrow. Kat & K are heading up, I imagine BamBam and Pebbles, Carson, and whoever else falls into that group will be in attendance. Me? I'll be shopping and cleaning. That's okay, there's still Eh Vegas in February to see all my Canadian degenerate brethren. I would hope a few of you Yanks can make the trip up too. I understand if you pansies in the warmer climes don't have the sack to bear our crisp Canadian winter.

What else can I ramble about? How about Christmas? Pretty standard with one exception. My brothers and I pretty much asked for nothing. It wasn't some moment of selflessness; we just couldn't think of anything we wanted or needed. So we got a few items, with my youngest sibling making out the best. The strange thing? No complaints. Every year since my middle brother was old enough to actually appreciate what was going on, there has been complaints. Someone has had a tantrum about not getting something they really wanted or getting the wrong version of something. The past few Christmasses I've pulled it back to civility with surprise big-ticket purchases for the siblings. This year? All quiet on the western front. It's amazing what a lack of greed can accomplish. I'd go so far as to say it was the calmest holiday we've seen in over 20 years.

That best friend of mine went and got me a cornucopia (not literally) of kitchen stuff. A great cast-iron mortar and pestle (one kitchen implement I've been lacking), and a TON of spices and dried herbs. I'm not sure what I can use dehydrated lemons for, or some of the other more exotic choices, but I'm dying to find out.

Can I say how much I like a week split up into weekend-1 day of work-2 days off-2 days back-weekend? Yesterday felt like Monday, but today is Friday! Awesome. The 1-1-3 week coming up should be good too.

I'm looking forward to the end of the holidays though. Why? because I'll finally have some free time. Somewhat ironic, non? There's a pile of friends I haven't seen in a while that I should hook up with, and right now hasn't exactly been the time of relaxing.

8 comments:

BamBam said...

The only recipe other than baking that I've used the lemon in is an awesome rib-tickler found here.

http://www.thespicehouse.com/recipes/moroccan-beef-short-ribs

Easy to prepare and comes out looking like you worked at it all day. Unless you love cous-cous, serve it over a bed of egg noodles.

Sorry we'll miss you this weekend.

Unknown said...

Sometimes missing family strife is better than dealing with it.

I am so glad that everyone was happy, healthy and content.

As for dried lemons?

Damned if I know!

Stay safe my friend!

IT

Astin said...

bambam - not just dried lemon peel, whole dried lemons. I'm sure there's some recipe somewhere.

Unknown said...

http://www.coelmon.com/default.php?lng=2&showpage=6

Lemon away!

BamBam said...

Oooooh, OK... try this,

Lemon Refresher: 1 part dried sliced lemon (chopped), 2 parts dried mint. Add 1 to 2 whole allspice to each pot of tea. Drink hot or cold.

But that's boring old tea!
(that tastes amazing)

How 'bout you try............

Place 1 whole dry Lemon in 15/16 of a bottle of Polar Ice, (or equivelent Vodka) Top off bottle with lean Vermouth. Store in freezer for a minimum of 24 hrs.

Remove, shake and let sit for 15 mins. Strain into the appropriate glass and, enjoy one of the best Martini's going!

I think Kat would love this one!

MHG said...

Guitar Hero 3 is a black hole of fun-filled strumming, I can't get enough of that damn game!

Alan aka RecessRampage said...

What's eh vegas? Do you have to be canadian to attend? I need an excuse to go up to Canada.

Astin said...

Alan - go to Kat's blog

http://pokerkat.blogspot.com

In short - Blogger gathering here in Toronto. Feb 23rd-ish if I recall. No, you don't have to be Canadian.