These amazing simulations end up sounding even better than the real thing

[clevermanka]

I'm on an elimination diet for the next two weeks. Yesterday was Day One. We're not trying to ferret out any more allergens (sweet Jesus forbid), but Kva my wonderful acupuncturist says this is the best way to get my small intestine to stop freaking out, which will (we hope) allow us to get these inflammation issues under control. So for the next two weeks, the following items are off my menu: Alcohol (sob!), Balsamic vinegar, Citrus, Cocoa powder, Nuts, Okra, Parsnips, Pork, Red meat, Shellfish, Strawberries, Sweet Potato, and Yams. I was worried that I was going to have to cut out eggs, too, but upon consultation with Kiva and various websites, we decided that wasn't necessary, since I've repeatedly tested negative for egg allergies and eggs don't put a strain on one's small intestine. Small blessings.

Insurance refuses to fill the Adderall prescription, so I'm without any sort of stimulants since I gave up coffee a couple weeks ago and tea got nixed last year due to its high fluoride content. You can imagine my energy levels. Yesterday, mckitterick was reading his Oklahoma speech to me and I drowsed off a couple times while he was talking. This, from a girl who sleeps with earplugs because any noise is too much noise when she's trying to fall asleep.

Gearing up for our ConQuest masquerade entries, msmitti and I start watching the BCC Sherlock series this week. Eventually, and provided I can find a computer that will play DVDs (my computers that I use are woefully behind the times, although I'm told I'll be getting a new one at work during Spring Break), I hope to be able to get my own screen captures of the costumes. Can anyone recommend some software for that? I don't have a clue what I'm doing here, so any suggestions are appreciated.

I bought a lot of music this weekend (mostly on the clearance shelves at Half Price Books), but I ran by Lovegarden when Kelly told me he had this CD in stock. It's really good. I think it sounds like Sting and Peter Gabriel before they disappointed me (Sting waaaaaay before Peter Gabriel). Somebody That I Used To Know is certainly making the rounds in the blogosphere, but I think I like Eyes Wide Open the best so far. Or maybe State Of The Art. I dunno. It's all good.

Last night I made roasted asparagus for dinner and it was fucking awesome. I am dreading mckitterick's complaints about electric bills when I try to roast vegetables this summer. With the exception of leafy greens, there's not a single vegetable that, sautéed, can hold a candle to its roasted version.

Back at my desk after a blissful three-day-weekend of not sitting in front of my computer. By ten, my back was already starting to spasm a bit. Suxxor.

Comments

[msmitti.livejournal.com]

I love me some roasted veggies. Roasted squash and cauliflower. tasty!

What *can* you eat for the next couple of weeks? sad kitty.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I can eat chicken, fish, eggs, and most vegetables.

I have some sauerkraut fermenting in the wine cabinet, too. That should be ready by the weekend.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Farkin insurance!! Although, There are cheaper alternatives that aren't all that much out-of-pocket (http://drugs.about.com/od/faqsaboutyourdrugs/f/ADHD_generics.htm)

I'm about ready to drastically remedy my eating again as well. Commisation is all I can offer. MMM roasted veggies.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

At this point I'm ready to say Fuck It and give up on prescription meds for my fatigue. I'll treat tired like I treat pain: This is the New Normal.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Who are you and what have you done with my chernobylred, dammit?

[alryssa.livejournal.com]

I use VLC Media Player, as it's free and open source and doesn't come with any add-on toolbar shit. I've heard KMPlayer is good, too, but I've not used it.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Cool! Thanks!

[miischelle.livejournal.com]

...Insurance refuses to fill the Adderall prescription...

WHAT!?!?!?!?
Half the country is on Adderall....
I don't Understand.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I've stopped trying to make any sense of the insurance business. They're all fucking douchebags as far as I'm concerned.

[nottygypsy.livejournal.com]

I've actually heard Somebody that I used to know, and liked it, I thought it was Sting like too. I'd love to hear the others you linked to. Will get around to that. I'm just stoked I've HEARD music you mentioned.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'm just stoked I've HEARD music you mentioned.

Ha! Other music purchased this weekend:

Pet Shop Boys, Disco 2 and Disco 3
White Zombie, La Sexorcisto
Beastie Boys, To the 5 Boroughs
Basshunter, Now You're Gone
Enrique Iglesias, Escape

$2 clearance CDs FTW.

[anomali.livejournal.com]

I like Gotye as well. I've been guilty of thrusting the Somebody That I Used to Know video in everyone's eyes and ears. I like the other two songs you mentioned as well. I may need to just buy the damned album already.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's worth the money. I haven't skipped a song on it yet.

[stuology.livejournal.com]

For some veges--cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus-I use the broiler instead. It is faster.

Don't know, though, if it is more energy efficient, but the heat of my oven isn't on as long. It saves me in the summer when my kitchen is already 83 degrees before I even turn on the oven.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Ooooh! Good idea, thanks! I'll give that a try.

[tleex.livejournal.com]

Hmm, hadn't tried roasting asparagus before. Any variations on the old olive oil-salt-pepper-vegetable and heat combo that you'd recommend?

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

I'll sometimes sprinkle on balsamic vinegar, or add wine to the tossing mixture.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'm a fan of oil and Penzey's Shallot Pepper. I use that on broccoli, cauliflower, carrots...and yes, I used it on the asparagus. Delicious!

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

And I was just tacky in recommending balsamic vinegar for roasting veggies. My apologies.

I do hope the elimination experiment accomplishes what you need it to. You go balls to the wall with those tough choices; they should pay the fuck off. Hope the next few days have less suxxor in general for you.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

No apologies necessary! You were giving information! It's all good.

You go balls to the wall with those tough choices; they should pay the fuck off.

"Should" being the crucial word, here. =D

[siro-gravity.livejournal.com]

oh baby!! roasted asparagus. YUUUUUUM!!!!
when you say "roasted" do you just mean in the oven?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yep. Bake at 375 until everything is nice and toasty. I like things a little overdone, so I usually go for forty minutes, with a stir halfway through. Cauliflower sometimes gets left in longer because I love it when the tiny little pieces get burnt and crunchy.

[superdaintykate.livejournal.com]

Goddamn but I love some roasted vegetables. Brussels sprouts especially.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Roasted brussels sprouts are divine.