I ain't got much

The man in front of me on the El today smelled of coconuts. And it wasn't that sweet, airy, tropical aroma that conjures up imagery of sandy beaches or palm trees or even a frosty Pina Colada. No, it was the car air freshener, cheap cologne variety of coconut. I didn't mind so much, however, because the train I had just transferred from smelled of urine.

I haven't been taking pictures lately because I had to use one of my camera batteries in my MP3 player last week when the weather was a little more decent for jogging. I have yet to replace the battery to its home in the camera despite the fact that I haven't used my MP3 player in about five days. I am lazy. I've pretty well established that here. Just wanted to share.

Yesterday, I visited Sierra Trading Post with the explicit purpose of buying new running shoes and a new backpack - I'd previously seen a very cute pink and black pack that I liked. I ended up with the shoes, which was good, a new pair of workout pants, and a new "workout" hoodie. I completely forgot about ordering the backpack until the next day when I received the Sierra Trading Post order confirmation.

Another recent spastic shopping activity involved a visit to Marshall Fields downtown to make use of a gift card. This was my first time to venture into the epic catacombs of this famed department store. My only other encounter with Marshall Fields was aggressive dodging of and weaving through the window gawkers at Christmas. I was alone. This was not a good idea. Anxiety attack was fast approaching - the store, it was just too big. Sensory overload. Overheated. Too many people eerily milling about. I had to think fast. The lingerie section seemed safe. Empty. I ended up buying three pair of Calvin Klein panties. What you should know, however, is that the gift card with which I bought the panties was a given to me by Mike's dad. Dear God. I hope he never asks what I got with it. I'm a terrible liar. Luckily I found the exit quickly and retreated to the nearest Starbucks.

Lula, the cat, we've found does not enjoy cat nip. Or at least, she does not enjoy her rat stuffed with cat nip. Nor does she like her fluffy pink feather teaser thing. I think she thinks Mike and I are idiots. I can just see her using a voice similar to Stewie from The Family Guy if she ever decided to speak English. *Sigh* "You humans are complete imbeciles."

Fucking Delicious

Mike and I are hopeless when it comes to dining out/ordering delivery, so my New Year's resolution is to cook more. The truth is, I do enjoy cooking - but only if it's simple. That's why I like Rachael Ray so much. My goal is to prepare one "homemade" meal - meaning something not out of a box - at least one night a week. The first attempt was chicken & dumplings, recipe courtesy of my new RR cookbook. Phenomenal. Last night, we wanted stay in, watch movies, and have our "real" dinner night. I was tired from work, and didn't really feel like following a recipe. So, I decided to wing it - a potentially disasterous decision. But ladies and gentlemen, it was not a disaster at all. In fact, it was one of the most delicious dinners I've probably ever made on my own. And the best part - freaking easy as hell. Here it is, Pork Tacos a la Lou:

Get a Hormel Lean Pork Tenderloin, pre-marinated in Teriyaki, and place it in foil in a shallow baking pan. Cut some slits all over it. Shove garlic cloves in the slits, about 6-8 cloves. Squeeze lime over tenderloin, followed by a drizzle of olive oil and a drizzle of Worcestershire. Sprinkle on some ground cumin, chili powder and then add a little hot sauce. Fold up the foil and throw the tenderloin in oven at 425 degrees for about 35-45 minutes. Heat up some tortillas - I used corn - in a skillet. Thinly slice tenderloin and put into tortillas, then add toppings. I used tomatoes, onions, lettuce, fat free sour cream, avocado and some low fat shredded Mexican cheese.

Morning

Gottawakeupgottawakeupgottawakeup...

Groan. Sigh. Grunt. Roll Over. Face planted into pillow. I read somewhere that pushing your face into your pillow could cause - what was it - wrinkles? facial deformity? Oh well, something like that. Where's the kitty? Kitty? Kitty!? 'Meow.' There's the kitty! 'Rawrrrr.' Hey girl. My back hurts. I think I will drive to work today. Ahh it's time to get up. I really need to get up. Maybe I will stop at Starbucks. Yes, Grande Soy Latte sounds nice. I hope the shower's hot. Kitty I've got to move. 'Rawr!' Oof. Cold floor. Ow. Dammit. Why do I always run into things? Arg that freaking zit is still there. I wonder if it's raining. Clank. Swoosh. BrushBrushBrush. Spit. We really need to clean our bathroom.

Hmm.. I can't see. Freaking misty rain. I hate misty rain. My windshield wipers suck. Whoa there buddy! In your lane. YOUR lane. Thank you. Geezus. The back tire feels low. Is the back tire low? Why would the back tire be low I have new tires. Maybe I ran over a nail. Dude Caddy you are going slow. What's up with your license plate? MXKXYXM? Is that still ice in the water over there? Whoa, that's a big pot hole. Outta the way bus. I need to get to Starbucks.

Buzz. It's me. StompStompStomp. Why do these stairs always make me feel out of breath? And who put those stupid fake yellow flowers in the hall window? Hello. Sigh. Badunk. That backpack is freaking heavy. Hello. How are you? Still sick? Cover artist confirmed? That's awesome. Clank. Rip. Pour. Clank. Beep. Mmm. Oatmeal. Healthy. I need to workout tonight. Dammit, that lady has still not emailed me back.

Happy New Year!

I am so hungover.