January 2008 Archives
My heart flutters just thinking about going to what I've come to call The Steak Barn, although it is The Angus Barn. On the menu is chateaubriand. This is by far the best cut of beef to savor. That initially drew me under the Angus Spell, but then I noticed on the appetizer menu that there was an oddity: Ostrich Satay with Peanut Sauce. The description noted that it's Chef Royal's Iron Chef creation. What?!?!?
Then I did the research. Chef Royal was invited to challenge Iron Chef Cora and the secret ingredient was ostrich. He was the winner! Now this has me fallen into a culinary fantasy: Chef Royal will come to our table to ask us how the chateaubriand tastes, and what do we think of the ostrich satay? I'll swoon and then insist on having my picture taken with culinary greatness, and I'll profusely tremble as I hand him a pen and piece of paper, humbly requesting an autograph. The reality of my little dream is that more than likely, Chef Royal is ensconced in some location not at the restaurant. I'll settle for the privilege of photographing my meal for blogging. I can still dream, though, as they are entirely free of charge.
Other planned dining experiences include returning to NY Pizza, and I found a barbecue joint in Wilson that the Yahoo reviewers claim is "better than Bill's" so I'll have to check that out. It's called Parker's Barbecue. We plan on hitting Steak n' Shake in Raleigh, too. I may explore to find locally owned burger joints, as my quest for the perfect cheeseburger is always in progress.
Stay tuned for photos of food and tales of my upcoming adventures!
The Lady and The Lord
I've taken in two foster cats, both are about 7 months old. I've nicknamed them (their original owner said that I could give them nicknames) today. They are now Lady Aster and Lord Baltimore. Lord Baltimore is the black, Lady Aster is the orange.
Lady Aster is a purring machine! She purrs so loudly that I'm sure she can be heard in another room. She is also very affectionate. Lord Baltimore is very gassy. He has stinky farts! But he is a sweetie. He has an extra toe on each front paw so it looks like he has these huge thumbs!
There are six cats in the house--again. This is entirely too much cat to human ratio. My lap is not my own anymore. If I sit on the couch I am soon to be visited by something with four legs and fur. When I sleep at night I am hemmed in with cats all around. If it weren't for John calling me, on a daily basis my only conversations would be one-sided with the cats. At what point to I start adding to my name "Lori M. Carlson, Crazy Cat Lady"?
What has happened since I returned from North Carolinian adventures? Well, I haven't suffered horribly from Bojangle's French Fry Seasoning withdrawals since I purchased a 4-pack prior to my departure. This stuff is wonderful, though packed with MSG. I'm sure the MSG is what makes it so delicious.I've been mostly moping around and coming to terms with the marital woes John and I have been working through. Feeling broken-hearted, along with it being the depth of winter, has created a mood for me that is sometimes dark, dank, and difficult to slog through. It feels like I'm going through a purging process to do away with all of the old parts of me, like The Lizard parts of me.
Another thing that has been consuming me is the wonderful prospect that my days of being an intern are almost over. I will end everything on the 30th--close out my cases, say good-bye to colleagues, and ride off into the sunset. What happens next? is a "to be continued" adventure.
I'm going back out to North Carolina around the 1st of February through the 12th. During my visit I'll meet with a prospective supervisor. I have been working on completing my application for an Associate Designation License. I've updated my resume. I need to write a cover letter that can be tweaked depending on the job. The question that lingers in the back of my mind is, "Am I really ready for the next phase of being a therapist?" which means so much more than working and getting paid for that work. It looks like my next phase is doing more agency work to get my hours in for licensure. I'll still be a grunt, but a paid grunt. And I'll have to put in more hours each week. I have to confess that putting in just 5 hours or so per week is very nice.
The most important thing I've been doing since the New Year is spending quality time with Smee. Upon my return Smee has pasted himself to my chest and we have had long purring snuggle sessions in which we transcend feline-human barriers. There are times where I'm pretty sure I can read Smee's mind and most definitely he can read mine since it is a simple, human brain. His brain is far more complex and mysterious, much more challenge to discern and interpret.
This weekend I took on two foster kitties to tend to. They are making themselves at home with the gang. If the whole therapist career tanks I think I may have a lucrative future as a foster cat parent. I never tire of feline love, swooning and doting on them, catering to their needs and whims. On those days when I just stay in my pajamas and don't bother to brush my hair, it brings me one step closer to being that Crazy Cat Lady that lies not-so-dormant inside of me. Sometimes I do talk to the cats, but mostly I just sing songs of praise to them.
When I'm out in NC there will be more photos and more of everything. We'll be going to The Angus Steak Barn to see what kind of beefy goodness can be found to fill out tummies. Stay tuned for that!
Litmus Test
I'm afraid as much as I like the south I'll never quite be an adopted southerner. There is one barrier I will not breech: sweet tea. I love iced tea. I drink it constantly. Here in the great PNW iced tea means brewed tea over ice--no sugar or lemon. You add these embellishments yourself.
I learned quick in North Carolina to ask for "unsweet tea" or else I'd be given what I describe as "caffeinated hummingbird nectar".
One bright Sunday morning we stopped at the local Bojangles for a try of their lunch food since we liked their breakfast biscuit offerings. John got a refill of sweet tea because he didn't want to get the unsweet by going up to the counter. I thought I'd be brave and try a sip of it since people say that Bojangle's sweet tea is one of the best.
I choked. I sputtered. I proclaimed: This taste like a frosted flake with added sugar! Oh my god! It's liquid frosted flakes!
Much to my amazement John agreed! He did say there was a frosted flake quality to the tea.
It occurred to me at that moment as much as I might integrate into the south one day, perhaps even taking on a bit of a drawl, and maybe even acquiring a taste for other such local culinary favorites (everyone says frog's legs are delicious), I do not see in my future any ability to stomach sweet tea.
Local Landmark
I scoured the local reviews on Yahoo to find an eatery with high reviews that caters to my penchant for burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue. I came up with Dick's, a local Wilson institution since 1921. The walls were lined with sports celebrities and movie stars signed photos, and there was a man working the grill who has most likely been with the place since it opened. He might even be the Dick in Dick's.
All dogs are served with mustard, chili, and onions. There is the cheese option which I went for along with minus the mustard and chili. They also serve up burgers and sandwiches. The prices were very reasonable and the meal was filling. The only tick mark against the meal was that only sweet tea is available--no unsweet tea for those of who desire the full taste of tea. Also, the restaurant had a sit-down area that was easily filled up for the lunch crowd. Food service was fast and the waitresses made sure our drinks were refreshed. It's a cash only place, no credit or debit cards, which is typical of these little eateries.
It's not the best dog I've ever had, but it was agreeable. I can see this place being quite the hang-out in the summer. I do appreciate being able to get cheese on a hot dog without it being thought of as strange. I'd eventually like to try one of their burgers or sandwiches.
