To the market I went...

The new people for this year seem nice. Yay.

I went crazy cleaning today. I rearranged furniture. I am even considering organizing things under my bed! I threw out things I no longer need. This feels good.

What doesn't feel so good is that the speakers for my computer died. Really died. Like you press the button to turn them on and the light doesn't go on, and no sound comes out. Which just really sucks. So any recommendation of relatively inexpensive but decent quality speakers would be more than welcome (oh, B, how little I knew that I would NEED new speakers...)

I also finally got up early enough to check out the weekly open air market here. Yes, I've lived here for a year, and this is the first time I actually went. I'll admit I was quite disappointed. The produce wasn't as good as everyone led me to believe, and neither were the prices. The other shoppers, however, were for me the most annoying part. Yes, bring your toddler who shrieks anytime someone walks by her! Then have BOTH parents bend over to soothe her from opposite sides of the stroller and in the process entirely block traffic. I mean, I like kids. But you have to know your child and know where it would appropriate to bring him or her. That, and the older women who would stop to chat and even though they obviously could hear just fine, wouldn't respond to a polite "excuse me" to move their conversation somewhere where they weren't blocking the walking area.

Not to mention all of the people who would look around themselves and preen, as if to say, "Look at me! I come to the market! I support local growers! Aren't I a good person!" Ugh. Stop trying to make sure people acknowledge you as a "good person" and just get on with being a person who lives a life of conscience, if that is what you want. And move out of the way, too.

Perhaps this was just a bad day, or I was missing something. So I'll try going back another week, but if it is as unpleasant an experience as the one I had this morning, no more. The only thing worthwhile buying there rather than at the supermarket (of the things I would purchase, anyways. I don't buy watermelons for a household of one.) is red peppers. I did buy one of those. So there.

I love my faux-ethnic food

This is very random but my teleserie (Descarado, not Machos) has made me cry the last two times I have watched yet. Yesterday it was because the older, emotionally cold woman told the story of how the man she loved was killed by a drunk driver on the way to the church for their wedding. I am terrified something like that would happen. And today it was because there is a relationship falling apart and it's sad to watch. Puf. Machos is a nice foil because I already know what is going to happen and it's sort of silly in some ways, though not so silly in others, but Machos never made me cry.

I made a very interesting chicken dish today inspired by something I read about cold meals in the Times. I call it faux-Indian food, though I believe the original recipe was called "Tandoori-style." It is delicious. Maybe I'm just new at cooking (relatively), but I had never used a yogurt marinade before, which was exciting. This is what I ended up using for the marinade (and let me warn you I am horrible about exact amounts of spices and such, I like my food salty and the taste strong but I do NOT like spicy food.)

½ cup plain yogurt - I used a full cup. And it was a generous cup.
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves - I didn't have cilantro. So this got left out.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - I used lemon.
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander - I put in a tablespoon. I like coriander.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom - I substituted nutmeg.
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Also don't have so instead I added indiscriminate amounts of chili pepper as well as paprika. I love paprika. And evidenced by my use of chili pepper, I also am quite fond of cumin.
1 small onion, peeled and cut into chunks - I left this part out. Too much work.
1 jalapeño, stemmed, and seeded if desired - Also left it out. Too spicy.
1 inch-long piece gingerroot, peeled and sliced into coins - I added a bit more.
2 garlic cloves, peeled - BIG garlic cloves. Very big.
4 pounds skinless chicken drumsticks and thighs, rinsed and patted dry - OK, I used thin sliced breasts... because that is what was in my freezer...
Vegetable oil, for brushing - I like olive oil better
Lime wedges, for garnish. - Mish. No lime for me. Or lemon, for that matter.

You mix everything except the last 3 ingredients in a food processor (or if you are me, you use your hand blender! waha!) and then set up the chicken and the marinade for hours (I left it for 6) in the fridge. Roast in the oven, and you are set. It's delicious hot and cold. The smell is marvelous, and I'll admit I like the taste. So if you are interested in non-spicy faux-Indian food, try this out. A part of me is thinking that it would be really good on a pork tenderloin... though another part of me wants to cook THAT with just rosemary and garlic. I love garlic. And rosemary. And lots of other spices, herbs, seasonings, etc. He, he.

Also - any suggestions for recipes using fresh dill (that isn't bread, because I already made that) or fresh thyme? I know hardly anyone reads this anymore, and that no one ever leaves comments, but... well...???

An Inconvenient Truth.

I have so much respect for Al Gore.

I went with a friend to see An Inconvenient Truth today. I've been meaning to see it, but no one else I knew was really into seeing it and S and I had other things to take care of. Man. Everyone should see An Inconvenient Truth. Especially the people (though if I know any of them they have hidden this belief from me, probably knowing I would mock them) who don't think that global warming exists, or that if it exists, humankind has nothing to do with it. Oh, and it was great to hear gender neutral language! Humanity! Humankind! But that is another topic entirely.

I have very strong political beliefs, most of which are quite a bit out of sync with the current administration. This movie definitely made me want to get back into politics in a more active role. I was actually quite involved up until the past year, when I just despaired. I think I need to get back to writing to Mr. (yes it's a mister) Congressman to complain and make suggestions. Not that he ever paid attention, but you never know.

In the meantime - I don't have a car! I use public transportation! I turn off lights when I'm not using them, etc. What else can I do? I refuse to let the earth melt itself away without at least trying to do something about it.

Unfortunately, part of why I saw the movie was because I knew I generally agreed with it's premises. I'm not one of the people who thought (ever, in my memory) that global warming wasn't real. There's got to be a way to help people see the damage we are doing. I especially enjoyed Gore's response to the idea that one has to choose between the environment and the economy...

I'm not being particularly articulate, especially after seeing Al Gore be so articulate about it, so I'll just repeat: everyone should see this movie. It is a moral issue! And I'm trying hard not to despair. But it's difficult.

The legend

For a smart person, I can be very stupid.

I am not one of those people who is always forgetting things, late to meetings, etc. However, in the past year, I managed to 1. bring the wrong chapter quiz to class for my students and not realize it until a student pointed it out to me, 2. leave my wallet in my house as I travel internationally (evidentally practice for the new rules - I had no money, only my passport!), and while today's wasn't as bad as #2, I 3. left my keys in my apartment as I went to church.

I closed the door and realized the keys were inside. I had left my bedroom window open, but I couldn't get the screen off so I gave up and resolved to just go to church and let God take care of it. So I did. After church (where I got to be the chalice bearer! cool!) I mentioned to the pastor/priest (I use the terms interchangeably... but the story is funnier if I use priest, so I will) that I had locked myself out of my apartment. He kindly allowed me to use his office to try to contact the people to come open it up, but no luck. So I resolved to knock on my neighbor's doors until I found someone who had the phone number that worked. My priest drives me home (everyone is strangely surprised when I tell them I don't have a car and I do, indeed, walk to church 30 minutes one way because there is no free public transportation on Sundays...) and I thank him for the ride, he gets out of the car and comes to help me persuade my neighbors to help. Well - he's tall and I pointed out that the window was still open but that I had tried and failed to get the screen off before to climb back in.

So what does he do? He gets the screen off, helps me climb up into the window, and voila! I broke into my own apartment. And my priest helped me.

On later thought, this incident is hilarious. As my sister said, "thats legendary, you realize, right?" My priest also suggested that I leave a spare set of keys at the church office, because that way if I get locked out again I can just get the key rather than climbing through a window. Considering that my spare set of keys is in Chile, and if it weren't in Chile it would ALSO be inside my apartment, I may have to take his advice. On even later thought - it is disturbing that I, who has no delincuent skills, could break into my own apartment. I'll never leave the windows open when I'm not home again. Just in case.

Terrour Plot

Laugh, all, laugh. Is custard a liquid?

Herbs, books, seasons, etc

My reading goes relatively well. I'm still a bit behind where I would like to be (which is still ahead of where I might otherwise have been) but I feel under control. That is to say, I will be caught up to where I would like to be tomorrow. Having days to dedicate exclusively to reading is actually quite nice. Not to say that I didn't enjoy my teaching this summer, but I like being able to be more selfish with my time.

I bought dill at the supermarket and I forgot to get sour cream. So I am making a foray into the world of bread-making - I'm attempting a Potato-Dill bread, since every other recipe calls for cottage or ricotta cheese, which I do not have. I will probably have dill left over after this, so next time I'm at the store I'll probably grab some cheese to try the other bread recipe. Yay for the suggestion from my bestest friend.

A requirement for my next residence (well perhaps requirement is too stringent... a preference?) is that I be able to grow herbs there. It would give me much more flexibility in my cooking. I'd like chives, thyme, dill, basil... one day I'd like a rosemary bush, even though S thinks it tastes funny. I really do enjoy cooking. Part of me wishes I had cable - so I could have Comedy Central as well as the Food Network. However, I think I am better off without it for now. I'm quite into pan-Asian cooking at the moment, though I find myself gravitating towards Thai food... even though I find myself with absolutely no desire to use fish sauce. Ew. But still. My insane cooking would be better if there were more people than just me to eat it - that is, if S were here. Or if I was at my parent's house. Because they have lots more kitchen toys than I do! I want a wok! A cuisinart! A kitchenaid! Bamboo steamer! Pizza bricks! etc etc. One day... at least that is what I tell myself.

On a completely (though not as much) different note - I am so ready for fall. It was nice to have summer this year - I have a bit of a tan, my hair got a little lighter, etc, etc, but I really like autumn best of all the seasons. Today's momentary (I'm not optimistic) cooling made me think of fall. I can't wait. Part of it is being ready for school to start. And part of it is just me loving autumn.

The Economist has an interesting article on Bachelet and women's situations in Chile. I don't usually agree with their estimations of Chile's situation, but their conclusions about gender bias are, in my opinion, straight on. I was reading an article in EMOL this morning about the new smoking law going into effect on Monday - the law limits where and to whom tabaco can be sold as well as public smoking (prohibited! YES!) and in restaurants etc - and the language itself in which people couch their opposition to the changes is quite sexist. They call the anti-smoking law discriminatory - as if using the language that women use to describe the incredible bias they face in daily life in Chile is at all appropriate to describe the men who want to be able to bring their younger sons to the "cafe con piernas" (coffee shops where women wear little clothing) with them. Those attitudes are a part of the many reasons that I wouldn't want to live in Chile permanently.

I should get back to work on that bread. And my reading. I want to finish one more book today - then I only have to get through 1757 pages in a week. A goal that is entirely possible, considering that they are all modern novels that have engaging plots - and several of which I have read before. Go me.

I'm so taking the train from now on.

So they foiled another terrorist plot. Good for them.

However, on the more personal side of things - what are they doing with our carry on luggage?? Liquids or beverages not allowed through? So this just means that I can't bring my own water bottle and must rather be price gouged within the terminal? And then I have to drink it all before I get on the plane. No toothpaste? Great. You can see the restrictions on travel within the US here. It's nice to know that a mother can still bring breast milk with her on the plane. But I honestly think this is a bit ridiculous. I know, i know, they are protecting us, hurrah, but if I can't bring my water bottle, I don't want to get on a plane. If I can't have my antibacterial lotion with me, I don't want to get on a plane. What, I have to give in and buy those incredibly expensive airline meals? No way. I'm taking the train. So there.

Too bad the train doesn't go to Chile. I guess I'm still stuck with planes for that. Uf. 9+ hour flights without water except the small small small amounts that the airline provides? Uf.

Two *hobbies*

I was absolutely thrilled to actually watch Machos today. Thrilled. It still makes me happy. Though it was definitely sort of weird to see the transition from Machos to Descarado (since Descarado is on right after Machos) considering that both series have a lot of actors in common. Let's go from seeing Hector Noguera as Angel Mercader with funny flappy hair to hard-ass Franco Miretti. Carolina Arregui from gentle Sonia to kick-butt (and more like the Beatriz character she played in Brujas) Amanda.

Mane Swett - she looks so different now! - from sweet Fernanda to kick-ass Silvina.
Jorge Zabaleta looks a lot older now. So does Pablo Diaz. And a lot of other people. Though it is much more dramatic when you see them on screen than in the photographs. Either way, it was 2 hours of great fun, though I may never get used to the switch. Especially when the actor who is in the closing scene of Machos is in the opening scene of Descarado. Luckily the stories are dramatically different and the aesthetic is, as well. Despite both series' affinity for water.

And for a change of pace - a fun book meme!

1. One book that changed your life: Only one? I don't remember the first book I read in a foreign language. But revealing my serious dorkiness, I definitely remember reading Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey, and that coupled with a few books given to me by an uncle began my long love affair with SF - interestingly, I tend to prefer female authors... it's never been conscious... but that is a post for another day.

2. One book that you've read more than once: Oh dear. All my SF/Fantasy novels. Seriously. But if I have to pick one, I'll extend out from those genres and pick Alberto Fuguet's Las peliculas de mi vida.

3. One book you’d want on a desert island: Can't I bring them all? I would say MZB's The Mists of Avalon, because once I get to the end I'm ready to get into the beginning again. So it would be good for long periods of time without other reading material.

4. One book that made you laugh: Mario Vargas Llosa, La tia Julia y el escribidor (Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter)

5. One book that made you cry: Even though I know lots of people criticize her - 2 books by Isabel Allende make me cry. Paula because it's just sad, and Mi pais inventada because it makes me miss Chile and S.

6. One book that you wish had been written: The next Harry Potter book? ;-) Besides wanting my most favorite authors to write more... most of them are still living, so that's not a big deal. I would, however, adore more Jane Austen.

7. One book that you wish had never been written: Garcilaso el Inca, Comentarios Reales. Or La Grandeza Mexicana by Bernardo de Balbuena. Or anything by Ilan Stavans.

8. One book you’re currently reading: Thomas Merton, Life and Holiness.

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Need I begin the list? Something not related to school that I've been meaning to read is Wuthering Heights.

Haha I have a lot of books in English on there. See, I read in English, too. PS I want to read this sometime... who knows when...

Canal 13 just cheered me up.

Oh. My. God.

They're bringing back Machos.

The best teleserie EVER. I watched it obsessively (well the second half, since it started in March and I arrived in late June) when I was living there. I am so happy.

This has made my, like, week. The only part that sucks is that it is on at 7. Which will make it difficult for me to follow once time starts changing. But still. AWESOME!

Waaa.

S left yesterday morning on his journey back to Chile. I miss him a lot. In some ways it gets easier every time but in others... well - it always sucks. I really miss him. So. Much.

However, to distract myself I am throwing myself into schoolwork. Which is good considering that school starts (relatively) soon and I want to be super prepared. This is going to be a good semester, at least I hope it will be.

Having S here was fantastic. I really enjoyed spending time with him and sharing summer in the US. Though the heat wave wasn't fun, but still it was a new experience for him - Chile's summer is pretty much just dry heat. So 98 degrees with 65% humidity was definitely a new experience for him. And I had forgotten just how miserable that feels. This month's electric bill isn't going to be pretty.

Have I mentioned that I miss him?