WishList Command Performance

[cyrano]

The idea is pretty simple. You post a wishlist of ten things. Doesn't matter what size or how expensive they are; the point is that they're each something that you really, truly want. Then encourage your friends to do the same.

Step two is to read your friends' posts (your friends did post, right?) and see if there are any wishes that you feel inspired to fulfill. There's no obligation to do so; however, sometimes you might be surprised at what your friends want that you can provide. Maybe your friend wants some new clothes and you've got a bunch that you don't wear anymore. Maybe you're broke but your friend just needs someone to come cook them a good dinner and let them have a night off. The point isn't to put people out, it's to give everyone a chance to be somebody's holiday elf. If someone gives you something on your list, cross it off.

Disclaimer: There are no rules with this project, no guarantees, and no strings attached. Just...wish, and it might come true. Give, and you might receive. And you'll have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special.

For me this is kind of tricky. A year ago I went through a 'de-stuff'ing of my life, and I confess that I'm not that eager to make another pile of things that I like having but never use. Also tricky in that I don't ask for things. However.

1. Clothes.
I'm of a size that it's hard to just stumble across stuff that fits. Also, if I'd been thinking, I would have taken some measurements so that I could include them. I think my waist is 44", my neck is 17 or 18", my shoe size is 10 1/2 or 11, and my hat size is... 7 1/2, maybe?
Anyway. I am set for basics, but I'm always on the lookout for cool men's clothes (I know, oxymoron), and especially 18th century men's clothes.

2. Hardware.
I just realized that my current desktop can't run a video from YouTube without stuttering. And part of that is because FireFox is a resource hog, but part of it is because my computer was fashioned by Charles Babbage. I'd like to replace it, but that's kind of down my priority line.

3. Airline miles.
I have a lot of friends that I want to visit, and many of them happen to live out of town. Flying SouthWest has certainly made flying more feasible, but it's still problematic. Courtesy tickets, or those 'we are really sorry we threw you off your flight' tickets, miles, your own personal jet, whatever.

4. 26 Hours in a Day.
Really, this should be #1, because my big thing is that I don't have the time to do all the things I want to do. So if you have a graviton beam that can slow the rotation of the earth, or a Time Machine, or something like that, then that would be ideal.

5. A Cook.
Firstly, I'd like to do some more professional 'learning how to cook' than the weird patchwork knowledge I've picked up. Secondly, the household wants to eat better, eat out less, and maybe lose some weight in the process. This involves time and energy. So if somebody wants to jump in on that, that'd be great. (Be warned, one of us is a fussy eater.)

6. Donations.
There are a *whole lot* of people out there worse off than I am. There are a whole lot of organisations looking to balance the scales just a little. Can you give time? Money? Stuff they need? Then that's what I want for Solstice this year.

And so now you should play along too. I'm told it's fun. (:

Comments

[reluctantgenius.livejournal.com]

So what are 7,8,9,&10?

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Repeat 6 until you reach the appropriate conclusion. There are far more than five charities. (:

Cook?

[simonepdx.livejournal.com]

I can't come out there and be a cook, but I did nutrition program training for the University of Chicago, and I am a good home chef. If I can give tips, or talk you or someone there through a couple of cooking ideas, I can give the time :-)

Hugs, and good luck with your list!

Re: Cook?

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

That would be awesome. (: The easier we can make this, the less likely we are to just chuck it and say "Arby's". Once we organise our thoughts and know what we need, I'll let you know.

Some Curries

[satyrlovesong.livejournal.com]

Last year, in January, I raised some money for our local food bank by serving an Indian food dinner. Here are a few of the easier recipies. You'll need to cut them down to an appropriate size.


Kutchhi bhindi recipe, adapted for mixed vegetables
This recipe is quadrupled

64 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
4 heaping tablespoons garlic paste
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
12 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons ground corriander seeds
2 teaspoons tumeric
16 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons sugar
12 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup water (more may be needed to prevent burning)



In a small bowl, mix garlic, chili powerder, cumin, coriander and tumeric. Set aside.

In a large satuee pan, heat oil until hot. Add spices and fry for 1-2 minutes. Add vegetables, sugar, salt, lemon juice and water. Cover and cook until vegetables are hot and tender.

Re: Some Curries

[satyrlovesong.livejournal.com]

Phool gobi aur aloo ki bhaji (Cauliflower with potatoes)
This is a double batch.


4 potatoes, previously cooked, peeled and cubed
2 heads cauliflower (broken into flowerettes, soaked in water)
10 tablespoons oil
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground corriander seeds
1 teaspoon tumeric
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 finely chopped jalepeno (omit seeds)
2 teaspoons salt
Fresh ground pepper to taste (1/2 teaspoon?)

Mix cumin, corriander, tumeric, cayenne, jalepeno, pepper and salt in small bowl. Set aside.

Heat oil in heavy, non-stick frying pan. When hot, add cauliflower. Let cauliflower cook on medium/high heat until it browns in spots.

Cover and cook until tender-crisp (5-7 minutes).

Add cubed potatoes and spice mixture. Cook on low heat until potatoes are warm.

Re: Some Curries

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Aloo Gobi! Yay!
We'll see if we can adapt this to the more fussy palate in the household. (:

Re: Some Curries

[satyrlovesong.livejournal.com]

Enjoy.

[satyrlovesong.livejournal.com]

I'm also wrapping presents at Borders for tips 12 days in December, with the money donated to charity. So far, after four days, we've raised about $200.

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Yay! Is there one charity, or do patrons choose from a variety?y

[satyrlovesong.livejournal.com]

http://www.kristies.org/

Children's end of life care facility.

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's wonderful.