Neti Pot and Other Reasons I Hate My Allergies

So for the last few weeks I've been getting sick.  I started to think I was becoming a hypochondriac because the symptoms were vague and went away after a couple of days.  They would come back again and again with just fever, loss of appetite, and general blahs.  After discussing it with my mother, (I don't have any  health insurance right now so Mom is what I can afford) we came to the conclusion that it might be a low grade sinus infection.

With my terrible allergies I really didn't take into account the fact that I couldn't breath through my nose.

So JP (fiance and all around awesome dude) went and got me a Neti Pot so that I could do the "sinus irrigation" thing and hopefully kick the sick.  I read the instructions carefully and used the pot properly.  Which brings me to the reason for this post.

Using the Neti Pot has got to be the most uncomfortable thing I have EVER done to myself on purpose.  Do you know how this thing works?  Basically it kind of looks like Aladdin's magic lamp and a teapot had a baby.  You fill it with lukewarm water and salt, then put your head over the sink and stick the spout into your nostril and pour the saltwater into your nose so it washes up into your sinuses then drains out of the other side.  Crazy right??  But it's suppose to help.

Remember when you were a kid and you'd go to the pool, and at some point get the pool water up your nose?  That's what it feels like.  So you have to fight the urge to stop and blow it all out of your nose immediately.  My sinuses are all clogged if you'll remember so this isn't a quick thing either.  It just dribbles out slowly.  The whole time I just have to keep breathing through my mouth so it doesn't go down my throat which it's constantly threatening to do in which case I'd probably gag and that might not be a good thing in that situation.

When the pot is empty the saline solution is still draining out of the other side of your nose so you have to stay in that awkward position for a while and when the solution is done draining then there's a few minutes of runny snot and snot bubbles that have never made me feel sexier.  So once I've finished making snot tea, then it's nose blowing and coughing for yet a few more minutes.  That's followed by coughing through the night and coughing when I wake up.

If this turns out not to be a sinus infection I'm going to run over that pot with my car.

The Best Way to Make Friends With Rikki

Hey all!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, new job, been busy, blah blah blah.

Guess who's my new best friend?  Nicole.

I got my stiched post card:

And she sent me buttons:

And fancy chocolate:

Which I promptly ate!

She also put in a lovely letter that made me feel special.  I then used that special letter to point out to JP (fiance and all around awesome dude) that I am so awesome that my awesomeness has now reached Australia and he should go get me a soda because getting it myself might somehow diminish my awesome.

I don't think this actually works by the reasoning I'm giving but he seems to like me.

Thanks Nicole and thanks to Beth as well.

Hey! Something About Pie!

There seems to be only one school of thought when it comes to pie crust: lard, butter, flour, water.

Well I'm going to shock you.  My pie crust has more ingredients.  Three more.

I'm sure every baker worth his salt would faint when I say this, but I rely on chemical reaction and not temperature.

Whoever wants to know about a pie crust that is easier to work with, flakier and tastier, just let me know and I send you the recipe.

It took me two years to get this right, but you can benefit from my effort.

Thanks Diana!

The great stitched postcard swap!  Do it!  Today!

http://aspecialjourneyofmyown.blogspot.com/2010/05/join-great-big-stitched-postcard-swap.html

I Rock a Stove so Hard it Should be Moshing

I made dinner tonight. 

I know most of you will think, "So?"

Seriously though, you should really know that this is a major event worthy of boundless celebration as I am quite accomplished at turning average food stuffs into delightful morsels. 

I roasted a lovely and tender "grass fed" shoulder roast with the obligatory carrots, onion and celery.  I added a bit of salt, paprika, ginger powder (for real, try it), black peppercorn and a dash of pineapple juice.  Pineapple juice helps to tenderize the meat and adds subtle sweetness.  I also wilted some beautiful spinach, with olive and garlic, that I picked up from the Decatur farmer's market.

But the crowd pleaser is always the roasted potatoes.  I roasted them in olive oil and a bit of salt and surrounded them in thick wedges of Vidalia onions.  As the potatoes came out of the oven I tossed them with finely chopped oregano and rosemary from my patio.

This was the pulled together, last minute dinner mind you.  Don't you just want to live with me?

Reasons Why I Love Atlanta #153

Awesomes Signs:

Misspelled Signs:

On the same block, on my way to and from the restaurant J.P. (fiance and all around awesome dude) and I went to tonight with dear and awesome friends.

A Layman's Guide to Retail Speak

Have you ever wondered if your salesperson means something different from what's he or she is saying?  Well the answer is most likely yes and here's a quick translation:

"That dress would be too voluminous on your small frame."
We do not have that dress in stock but I'm just going to blame it on your height.

"Those shoes are so cute on you!"
This is the hundredth time I have said that in the past two hours, I just need an in so I can tell you about our discount card program.  Oh, and I actually think those shoes are hideous.

"I understand, this is a big decision, why don't you go and have a coffee and talk about it?"
I am super tired of your indecisiveness and I really need to go pee/take my break/smoke/drink my coffee.

"We sure do have a lot of varieties of x-product, here's a catalog with full descriptions of each.  Why don't you peruse that and I'll be back with you."
There are people waiting behind you while you ply me with redundant questions.  They will spend more money than you and ask less questions.  Step aside.

"Excellent choice."
Thank God you finally made a choice.

"That looks fabulous on you!"
That has a price tag that makes me very happy.

"Oh isn't he/she adorable!"
Your child is tearing up my store.

"Of course he/she's not being any trouble at all.  I wish all the children in here where as well behaved."
Your child is tearing up my store.

"He/she is a real spitfire huh?"
Your child is tearing up my store and now annoying other customers.

"So adorable."
I hate you and your stupid child.

"Well, it's been super great working with you, hope to see you soon!"
Get out, you smell.