Another Sick Day

Today is my first vacation day but it's not the way I would have wanted it. Since Friday I have had strep throat. Saturday I started sneezing. Sunday morning I had sinus pain.
This is not how I wanted to spend my staycation.
I had visions of me going to Y and exercising and taking advantage of the steam room and detoxing and praying.
Visions of me sitting at a local coffee shop and knitting and maybe walking around the mall doing some window shopping for inspiration before I head to the thrift store.
Unless there is some kind of turnaround, I'll be home knitting with some hot beverage nearby watching whatever craptv has going.
The positive thing since being sick is that I finished one book and started another. I also watched a few movies at home since I canceled our weekly trip to Girl Scouts and acting class.

Because Seriously, Sometimes You Have To Be Like, WTF?!?!

I wasn't going to write today.
Feeling really distracted by an event last night.
Last night I took my daughters to a pink carpet event we were invited to.  A few faces stood out besides the owner.  Several were kids/moms we have come across in this year we have been auditioning and filming.
But one gave me a sour taste.
She is a mom who I believe thinks she is a competition.  I guess it is if you have that mindset.  She gives me dirty looks when we walk into the audition waiting room.  I always greet her with a smile and say hi to her and her kid (and her husband if he's there).  They usually just like at me like I'm an alien.  Blank stares like they have no sense.  My kids were dancers in one particular project where we first had contact with them.  The kid kept grabbing my kid's iPod Touch.  At one point I had to take it because this kid did not understand the word no and they adults did nothing!  What kind of shit is that?  How are you going to witness your kid grabbing other people's property and not say anything?  Oh wait, one of the adults did.  She said, "oh she always does that".  My response was that maybe she should buy her one to keep her entertained.  I was a bit irritable at that point but what the fuck?
The last time we were in contact with this family, one of my kids played her sister.  She was a bit snippy with me but I just ignored her.  One other mom there didn't like her much since the kid kept grabbing her iPad and did not understand no.  At one point the director had a good talking to the adult (I'm not sure if she was the mom or the grandmom since she looked old and decrepit). While the camera was rolling, the kid decided to go on a rant about "how fucking tired and stupid this film was".
.....

I started writing this Sunday morning.  Still reeling on what happened the night before.
We went on a Disneyland staycation and I certainly feel more calm and zen-like.

So now, I am just waiting on my coffee and so I can get into my zone.

Vegan Thanksgiving Countdown

 

The only thing I buy already made is the Tofurkey and the yummy mushroom gravy but everything else is from scratch.  One thing I discovered several years ago was this mofongo stuffing or green plantain stuffing.  It was a huge hit for us at home.  I hope you like it.  This is my own vegan version.

6 green plantains

Vegetable oil for frying

1 lb. tempeh bacon (chopped into small pieces)

6 cloves garlic (chopped)

3 sweet chili peppers (seeded and finely chopped)

1 small onion (finely chopped)

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup vegetable broth

Preparation:

1. Heat the oil for frying to 375 degrees.

2. While the oil is heating up, peel the green plantains and then cut them into 3/4 inch slices.

3. Fry the slices in the hot oil for 3 minutes. They should be a light golden color and semi-soft.

4. Remove the plantain slices with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Tip: Maintain the oil’s temperature.

5. When the plantain slices are cool enough to handle (about 1 minute), smash them into flat rounds.

6. Fry the rounds in the hot oil for 3 minutes. They will turn crisp and golden brown.

7. Remove the slices with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

8. In a mortar and pestle, mash together the bacon, garlic, peppers, onion and olive oil a little at a time until everything is incorporated.

9. Add the broth. If the stuffing is not moist enough, add more broth until you get the consistency you prefer.

Serves: 12 people (if you can control yourself)

Enjoy!