Cast Iron and Pancakes

I got a cast iron skillet awhile ago when the xgf took everything when she moved out. I've always wanted a cast iron skillet. But I didn't season it quite correctly and because I refuse to get microwavables and don't want to get another pan, I've been using it to cook. Yes, the food does stick and I can usually scrape it off pretty well. But this morning I made some sour-cream pancakes on it and thankfully they didn't stick.

And they are so good in my belly.

BUT! I wanted to share this article on seasoning your very own cast iron skillet/pan/awesomeness:

http://sherylcanter.com/wordpress/2010/01/a-science-based-technique-for-seasoning-cast-iron/

- P

3,2,1...GO!

In light of my current situation, I am taking charge of my life. Because somewhere along the line I had lost motivation and inspiration to do anything.

だから。。。

I spoiled myself and bought a Moleskin planner (高かったですよ) It came with little sticker sheets for events and plans too though I doubt I'll use them.

<-- Here's an inside look-see,

+ stickers!! :D -->





My goal is to be proactive. I just started a new position at my job which requires so much more brain power than before. ちょ難しいです and super challenging too but the "pace" is perfect! I have also started to work out again and it feels awesome! There is a cross-fit gym near work that I was looking into yesterday... but no price listing because I have to go in for a free consult. Perhaps in the next few weeks I'll go take a look-see. I'm aiming to eat more substantially healthy meals. I know I tend to dabble here and there without ever eating more than one full meal. This is mostly because the nature of my work doesn't allow for a "30-min sit down for lunch time" kind of thing だから、I only end up eating snacks all day. That being said, a rough plan は：

4:45 / 5:00 - おはいよ--> shower
5:30 - 朝ご飯の時間＋coffee --> watch news, check mail, feed fur babies
6:30/45 - Goal: bike to work without getting run over. じゃ、いってきます！
7:30 - 18:00 - 仕事

And here after work is where I need to find the right time for a full dinner and nice workout. *Don't forget to feed the babies...though they really won't let me anyways. 笑い*
Options: cross-fit || rock climbing/bouldering || running+workout session

そうして、last thing I need to figure out is my housing. Currently rent is a whopping $1225 which when split between two people is a deal だけど。。。this will not be the case in 10 days. The current place is awesome. I have a bedroom with a skylight, and a cute kitchen. There is even a section of the backyard that is mine to do what I wish! The landlords are equally awesome as well. So awesome as to reduce my rent a bit? That is the question ね~ Plus I still have four months on this lease so I need to ask my landlords soooooon. I have actually found a place super near where I work too, but it is definitely not quiet nor tucked away from the city life which I'm not a fan of. It is indeed cheaper and the reduction of transportation money being flushed away is ちょ enticing. I think it'll come down to how much the landlords would be willing to lower the current rent if at all. I really don't want to move =~=

As for my backpacking trip, I really need to save up money first. しょじきI need to pay some things down and figure rent out first. Then save money for gear and have a solid plan in place. So, sad to say that I must put that off for a while. *sigh*

Well there you go! This is a push for myself for go get what I want out of my life あからみんなよろしくお願いします~！！

３、２、１。。。GO!

"I wish to speak a word for nature..."

This is the beginning of Henry David Thoreau's "Walking" which I am currently reading on my way to and back from work amidst the cloistered metro seats of DC. Ironic I should think, but no I'd rather not walk home from Navy Yards to Glen Echo. Rather there is an emphasis on the fading ability to find such things as small deer paths to follow and bubbling creeks to jump across.

As of late I have done nothing but my job. Don't get me wrong I love my job as a veterinary technician for the humane society. It is hard work and some days it is more difficult to bear than others as we see all colours of humanity. My coworkers are manageable [i joke..i joke..] and for the most part the patient as well. My work days are ten hour days and though I only work 4 days of a 7 week, I need the three days to rest, clean, and cook. Cut to the chase...I NEED A HOBBY!!

My days of rugby I think are at a very long pause. I just don't think my knee can take the action any more though my heart rips to type the thought. There are a lot of other hobbies and activities that I used to do, I can go on and on! I have thought of taking a silver smithing class at the Glen Echo Park. Very expensive and I missed the deadline for the series of classes. I also though of joining Capitol Katori which is a local dojo in Silver Spring practicing Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu. In English, many traditional Japanese martial arts fall under this discipline; kenjutsu, iaijutsu, ryotojutsu, bojutsu, naginatajutsu, sojutsu, shurikenjutsu, and jujutsu. The one that interests me most is iaijutsu or the art of drawing the sword. The elegance and philosophy behind iaijutsu seems almost otherworldly, a perfect match to my undying interest in fantasy and science fiction. Geeks unite!

Alas that is quite expensive, as is the silver smithing class. As much as I love my job, it doesn't earn me the amount needed for such hobbies. So, these ideas are stowed away on some poor little boat tied at the end of the dock waiting for the day someone sets her sails. Well...what now? So after a huge chitter chatter type type I come back to the title of this post. I think that it is about time that I re-immerse myself in the great outdoors. I used to take the family dog out for such long walks in the woods. Just walking one may say but really it was an entirely different world! Nothing was as present and intimate as those times. But I need something more than just an extra long walk with the dog. I need to hike. To go backpacking. And perhaps eventually, a thru-hike.

Mostly associated with the Appalachian Trail, a thru-hike is a long distance hike from trail head to trail head, or trail end to trail end. [hmm...] To complete the AT takes about 6-7 months I believe, weather and gear permitting, with a whopping 2,184.2 miles start to end. Doing a thru-hike is definitely not something for me to accomplish in this moment. It is a well practiced, thoroughly planned, time permitting endeavor. What I need to start with is a weekend trip, just a couple days in and out. I've got the boots and some gear, which is not a lot a heck more of a start than anything of those eagerly waiting dock-bound ideas.

And I must give thanks to those who have inspired me as I believe that it rightfully is theirs to receive. A veterinarian I used to work with, who had gone on a month long break trekking the AT. She just finished another AT trek I believe as of last month and I just finished reading her blog entries about her trip. Awesome. My sister and her fiance who have gone on several backpacking trips and introduced me to the beautiful Colorado hiking trails. And of course dear Henry, thank you!

I am pleased with this plan and must do my research! So for now I shall take my leave and update next with what my first step will be for this journey!

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For those who wish to read "Walking" here is a copy online. Enjoy! http://thoreau.eserver.org/walking1.html