Out on a WEEKNIGHT?

OK so it's not a big deal to most, but I went out with #1 Cuz last night to see our Uncle Play at Tula's Jazz Cafe. Kind of on a whim. He e-mailed me this weekend and said that they were playing, said a prodigal aunt might be there (she wasn't), and that I should come out. So I took the bait. And I went home after work, changed, napped briefly, then met Shawn down there. On a lark. On a breeze. On a whim. She got there before me and got a table, she shared her tatziki with me and bought me a beer (SO sweet), we watched the big brass be brassy and bold, and then we caught the slow boat to home at 10:06. It was a perfect evening, and I am so pleased that I got to do it. It's like, I am savoring, drinking up all this blessed free time because it's only for another 3 weeks or so before my evenings are occupied again. Oh blessed free time.

Afterward I learned the joy of buttermilk chicken. You see, I never realized that you actually soak the chicken in the buttermilk overnight; I thought it was a quick dip'n'dredge situation going on, so I never understood the significance of using buttermilk. But I learned that you are supposed to soak the chicken in b-milk and spices, so I did. THEN you shake it in flour mixed with MORE spices. Holy mother of cluckers, that was some DAMNED fine chicken! I definitely plan on doing it again. My only regret is that the gravy was bland. But some chili salt made it palatable.

I'm a little sleepy today, but Anne took me for a walk in the sunshine and it at least got my blood flowing. We went on a nice, winding little walk through campus, the sun shining down, a nice cool breeze blowing, just chatting and canoodling. Now this is one of the seven highly successful habits of thin people. They get up. They move. The DO stuff. And they feel bad when they don't!!!

This is a goal for my life. I would like to be the kind of person that when I feel like a snack, I reach for fruits and veggies more than I reach for chips and cheese. I want to be the kind of person who, when I'm feeling fatigued or cranky at work, decides to get up an MOVE instead of just sitting on my ass. I'm definitely closer than I used to be, but have a ways to go. Oh well, practice makes perfect. I'm getting better at the fruits and veggies; one thing at a time, I guess. I want to be HOT at 50. :)

Oh yeah, one last thing; after over a week of futile dialing, and being sad and lonely, I FINALLY GOT THROUGH TO BELARUS!!! :) :) :) The Object of My Affection (heretofore referred to as OMA) giggled when he heard my voice and exclaimed "FINALLY!!!!" :) :) :) So I about the happiest camper there is. Hooray for my side! He said gas station cards are crap. As is evidenced by the $20 I wasted this week. Time for a trip to Walgreens. :)