Canon 5D

Day 17

Lately I've been contemplating buying a video camera, more specifically a Canon 5D. My family keeps pressuring me to put my degree to work and make some films and honestly I should. Unfortunately, in order to film you need a camera.

So me and my dad went to our local camera shop where a very knowledgable guy gave me all the info I needed, well except how to afford what I want. For a Canon 5D the body alone is $3,000. What's so special about this camera you might ask. Well since I've been educated let me tell you. The Canon 5D has become the standard for filmmakers. I mean Spielberg isn't using one, but the directors of the show House are. What's great about this SLR (single lens reflex) camera is that it not only takes pictures at 28 megapixels, but also HD video. With the add on lenses you also have control over your depth of field unlike a standard video camera.

However, there are 2 problems with this camera. One is that the internal microphone is useless. You have to buy an external mic to plug into it which aren't cheap either. Second problem is with the autofocus. It doesn't autofocus in record mode. So if you're recording and your subject moves out of focus you have to focus them manually. This can get really tricky if you are shooting wildlife, sports, or documentaries. It is rumored that Canon is coming out with a new camera in a month or two and possibly the focus problem will be fixed.

I guess I'll just wait for the new one that comes out the decade I can afford it. When I walked into the store I thought maybe $1,500 or the most $2,000 was what I had to save up for not $3,000 plus an extra $1,000 for some lenses and a microphone. Who is buying these? No wonder they are being used in the film industry because no average hobbiest could afford it. Including me.

This was a major blow to my potential savings and entrepreneurial efforts. I won't give up though. eBay here I come. If you know someone who is burdened by the pressure of producing award winning films with their expensive camera then I'll will carry their yoke. I'm also taking donation. Or if you want to hire me as a videographer I charge $3,100... in advance. Till then thank Jobs for iPhone.

PDA

Day 15

I hate public display of affection. Hand holding, hugs, and pecks are ok, in context. Full on making-out isn't ok anywhere, but behind closed doors. I care less about affection in places like beaches during sunset hours because that's expected. Waiting in line at the store, Disneyland, airport, ect. is not the place for ass grabbing. I actually saw this old fat rich guy stick his hand up his young trophy girlfriend's skirt while walking up the lift to an airplane. If it were me I'd have pushed him over the railing, then again I don't have a sugar daddy I depend on. I've seen the same thing in line at Disneyland! Disneyland! while in line for a ride, surrounded by kids and their parents. Who wears a skirt to Disneyland anyways? At least save your groping for the haunted house where it's dark and you have your own booth to contaminate. 

Also, it's not just out and about that PDA is inappropriate to me its also with friends and family. Even if we are friends or related I don't need to see you sucking face with your significant other. Everyone's hung out with a couple that made you feel like a third wheel. For some reason they can't be individuals, but a joined unit. One of the worst was a couple on my tennis team that would make-out at dinner, during the meal. In between bites they would lock lips and swap chewed food like a regurgitating bird. I wasn't the only one who found it rude so I felt justified to say something. When that didn't work I just had to be careful in choosing my seat. Another annoying couple would whisper to each other even when you were the only other person in the room. You would think they were high-schoolers in front of their mom. So rude. Couldn't even stand being in the same room. Maybe that is their plot to get alone time. Selfish bastards. 

Now I have no problem rejecting a kiss because it's in public, but when you have a choleric boyfriend he'll try to embarrass me with affection. Damn stubborn choleric. I understand there are those fleeting moments when you can't help yourself. Like on top of the Eiffel Tower or a dramatic proposal at a football game (whoever that appeals too). So every once in a while it's forgivable. However, those moments will never be in the classroom. Ahhh the spark of this blog. Today in my glass class as the teacher was giving a demonstration 3 of the 4 couples were hugging and kissing. First off why is half the class couples? I didn't know glass making was so romantic. I thought that was ceramics. Ghost anyone? No? Ok.

I guess that's what you get for taking an art class at a community college. If I was the teacher I would have poured hot glass on them. Doesn't anyone have any privacy or decency anymore? It's all that social media causing people to think that we want to be involved in every facet of their personal life. No one cares.

So couples keep your ass grabbing out of glass class and back in ceramics.

14th

Day February 14

Oh what a special day. Not because I've ever been the romantic type. Most my valentines have been spent with my family. While my family is the best valentines a girl could ask for we don't get romantic. That would be weird and illegal in most states. Damn freaky Midwesterners.

This family tradition is probably why I've never been the cute and cliche type either. I would never put paper flowers all over your cubicle (someone had that a work... poor guy) or write you a poem. I've always been good at buying presents. They are simple and take less time and preparation. I would always think of thoughtful things to do, but quickly make myself too busy to bother. I remember one guy I dated was a typical girls dream. He wrote songs about me, made me sweet videos, poems, mixed CDs, oh those artists. He hoped I would be more idk what the word is... girly? If he only waited 4 years to see me finally come around. Typically when I see something too cute my gag reflexes react. Not like kittens or puppies, but kissing picture on the beach at sunset. Bleh. I'm not an aweeee so sweet, but more like a if it's not an edible flower then keep it for yourself. Hey if I got flowers for any reason I wouldn't stomp on them, but I might wonder where the other present is. I'm not high maintenance just superficial. Kidding.

Now that I've tapped into my creative and poor side I'd love someone to write me a song or surprise me with a day calendar with each day saying something they loved about me (even though that relationship didn't last long enough to enjoy it). I realize how a present that took some effort can mean a lot and save you some money too. Yet something like flower petals and candles will still make me giggle more than swoon. You know how when something is too sweet and your teeth are too sensitive to handle it? That's what too cutesy does to me. It makes me squirm.

However, here's where I get cute and obnoxious. So don't read this if you've eaten recently. Last night after work after midnight I went by Dutch Bros (local coffee joint) and got a hot chocolate for my boy. I knew he was going to be up late doing homework so I thought he could use a boost. He loved it. He was thankful and wanted me to open his presents. It was a big bag. Now since we are both broke I said we should have a $20 cap on the presents. From the looks of it he went over. The first card was sweet with a silly poem and the second card was hilarious. My family never does nice cards only rude or funny ones. He's caught on quick. The first packaged I unwrapped was a box full of my favorite See's chocolate, scotchmellows. Damn hypoallergenic diet. Then cute fuzzy slippers because my feet are always freezing. Size 8 ice cubes. The last present is what sent him over on his budget, a new watch just like my current old broken watch. Omg. I hate it when someone does more for me in terms of gifts. My competitiveness comes out. I contemplated buying something else to bulk up my gifts. He said he was making up for getting me a gift card for Christmas while I was creative. I love gift cards though. So I guess he won that round even though he hasn't opened my gifts. He'll have to wait till tonight. I'll give you all a hint just in case he read this blog. 99% chance he won't, but all it takes is that 1 unlucky percent to ruin the surprise. Hint. I made it.

Valentines morning was just as amazing. I had a nice breakfast (well their breakfast was nice... oatmeal again) and gift exchange with my family. You would have thought it was Christmas from all the wrapped boxes. My mom always overdoes it, but I'll never complain.

Now I'm getting annoying again.

My present list: Dutch bro gift card, microwaveable mittens, microwaveable pillow for my feet (told you they were cold), book on how to be a food snob, and fingernail polish. I'm so lucky. Ok so now for the best part, what I gave.

Presents: iPad gift card (my mom is $50 away from getting one), baguette pan (my dad has started baking homemade bread), cat earrings (my sis is a cat lady), beanie I knitted, makeup art print I made . Aren't I creative. I love giving presents.

Yesterday I had tried to make heart shaped cookies to give everyone. It was a disaster. First off I guess you are supposed to refrigerate the dough for an hour before rolling it between 2 pieces of parchment paper. Ya that still didn't work. I got fart not heart cookies. Well they still tasted good. I put a couple cookies in everyone's presents. Aaaaand... before I went to class I found where my boy parked at school (I got lucky) and by using his spare key I was able to leave a card, chocolate chip fart shaped cookies, and a milk bottle chilled in a little cooler. He appreciated it even if you don't care to hear about it. I'm just wanted to let you know what a typical girlfriend I've become. Yay for me. Yay for him.

this is pre-bake

Next was well work (bleh), but then dinner with my beautiful sis. We grabbed pizza togo. It's my halfway mark so I get a diet break. Oh and was it glorious. Pizza I've missed you. Then we put on a romance classic... Twilight Breaking Dawn part 1. Classic.

isn't she the cutest

Next up give my last presents to my romantic valentine. I won't include those details. Wink. Gag reflex. Bleh. Sorry. Blame Cupid.

dad's card

mom's card

sister's card

Never lonely VD

Day 13

Valentine's Day. For me this day has never made me long for love or jealous of the cute romantic couples that seem to pop up all over on that certain day. I don't ever remember thinking I wish I had someone today. This is because my family made a tradition of spending the holiday together. We always got each other gifts and enjoyed a meal together. Even when I was in a relationship we would still exchange gifts... and most of time they were better than my boyfriend's. One boyfriend was shocked by my family's tradition and learned his lesson to put a little more effort in next year. Whatever girl ends up with those exes you're welcome.

Since I don't feel society's pressure to have a lover I feel free to enjoy Valentine's Day. The one thing I don't enjoy is running around doing last minute present planning. Even though I am slightly impressed with what I bought, made, baked... hopefully they are too. I'm relying on the chance that they hardly read my posts.

Unfortunately, I still have class and work  tomorrow, but I think my family is gonna squeeze in a breakfast. I do have a break from 7-10 which is enough time for a romantic dinner with my boyfriend, if we had made reservations a month ago and enjoyed being in a crowded room with other annoying couples. Rez also has lots of work to do so we decided to celebrate on the weekend. We could have enjoyed a homemade meal, but I asked if he didn't mind if I had dinner with my sister. Unfortunately, she senses the pressures of society and of course the non-single roommates having plans don't help. I think that Valentine's shouldn't just be for couples, but for everyone that loves someone. Single people shouldn't have to sit at home watching Sleepless in Seattle with Ben & is buddy cellulite. Go out with some friends, family, pets.

This family Valentine's Day is one tradition that I plan on passing down to my family. Finally we have one. Well this might all change when I'm 40 and single. Then I might join the others and boycott this stupid commercialized day. VD for everyone.

Recipe Restless

Day 12

The past 3 days I've been on the internet hunt for hypoallergenic recipes. I guess not a lot of people choose to torture themselves to find out if they are allergic to anything. Fools... darn lucky fools. It doesn't help that the diet only takes a month. I wouldn't create a recipe strictly for this diet if I wasn't on it. I also don't plan on using any of these recipes when I'm off this diet either. Bleh. Well I might use the base and add all the good stuff back in. Lack of interest is why I'm having a hard time finding recipes. There were plenty of websites that had recipes based on one or more allergies like a no-dairy, or no-eggs, but not all of the allergenic food eliminated in a single recipe. If I found out that I'm allergic to one thing I'll definitely come back to these. Luckily, the Google led me to a few blog of people who tried the same masochistic experiment. Most of them were re-posting the same recipes over and over again.  One blogger gave up a couple times before completing the hypoallergenic diet. She said she had a hard time turning down all the dinner invites from friends. Just another benefit from being a loner.

I did save her blog and some of her recipes. There is one I'm excited to try. Even though I tried her rice pudding recipe yesterday and it was a fail. Trust me I'm normally a very competent cook. I hardly ever make so many failures. Also I love to experiment with food and haven't had nearly as many blenders as this diet has caused. Yes it's the diet's fault not mine.

So I think instead of trying new recipes I'm just going to substitute the good stuff with the less tasty alternative. Tonight will be chicken curry with sweet potatoes instead of the good starchy kind. I'm hoping they cook them the same. Hoping does seem to lead to disappointment, but I'll give it a try anyways.

Curry adventure.  The curry was good, but I realize now that the starch in the potato is what gave it some thickness. It's a little on the runny side, but still tasty. Even the sweet potato was delish. I did run into a problem with the coconut milk. I popped open a can and it was complete curd. The expiration date said 5 months ago, but I think that is just a scare tactic to buy more. So I plopped it in then started to worry. I went online and checked and some said it was fine yet some scared me enough to rinse of the chicken and try again. The next can said it expired in 5 months and when I plopped it into my pan it was the same exact consistency. I'm staying on the optimistic side in thinking that both were fine instead of both being rotten. It's canned I should be able to bring it to a bunker for 5 years if needed. If I you don't see a post tomorrow send condolences to my parents.

This is starting to seem like a food blog so I might as well include the recipe.

Ingredients:

2 T olive oil
1 white onion
3 cloves garlic
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken shopped
1 small head cauliflower chopped
2 russet potatoes chopped (or 1 sweet potato)
2 carrots chopped
1 yellow bell pepper
1 can of chopped pineapple
1 t of ginger powder (or if you wanna be fancy 1 t of grated ginger)
1/2 T of cayenne pepper
3 T yellow curry powder (add more if you like it spicy)
l/2 lemon squeeze
1 t garlic salt
1 (14 ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
1/3 cup chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
handful of cashews

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and cook until tender. Mix in the chicken, and cook 10 minutes, or until juices run clear.
2. Mix the cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, lemon, cayenne pepper, curry powder and garlic salt into the skillet. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or longer till potatoes are the softness you desire. 
3. Sprinkle on a few cashews when serving. Do not add cashews to leftovers because they will become soggy. Trust me.  

Enjoy. If you have any recipes or food ideas let me know. 

Gluten-free bread hunt

I've been searching endlessly for a gluten free bread recipe. Every recipe is so different that it makes me worry there isn't a right one out there. I've bought all the different type of flour: almond, gf (gluten free) all purpose, gf wheat, tapioca, coconut, almond, and xamtham gum. But it always seems that every recipe always calls for that extra ingredient that I haven't thought of like, potato starch, soya flour, psyllium husks, corn flour, club soda, ect. I'm never going to eat bread.

I did stumble upon a pumpkin muffin recipe that I had the ingredients for and thought I'd give it a try. I half it in case I hated it. I should have done a fraction of that. I followed the directions exactly except for substituting the eggs with ground flax seed. It's a recommended substitute. Don't ask me how or why. Oh and I substituted the butter for a little margarine, applesauce, and olive oil. Eek and raw sugar for regular sugar. So maybe I didn't follow the recipe exactly, but it shouldn't have created the monster I pulled out the oven. The recipe said to bake for 25 minutes. I baked if for 50 minutes and it was still goo inside. It didn't burn it was just straight up pumpkin goo inside. What a disappointment.

But I'm not the type to give up. So I cut those muffin zombies in half and opened them up to bake again on the goo side. I will prevail. It's 2pm and I haven't had breakfast so I'll let you know how it goes.

Since I was worried about what happened with my muffins I asked the friend who recommended the diet if she substituted eggs when baking. She said and I quote, "When I did the diet, I did it strictly since I did not want to do it again (by not getting good results because I fudged). So I didn't use anything from a bag box or can except for rice cakes. So, no I didn't. Up to you though." Bitch. Seriously? I asked her about canned pumpkin and she said you can get them fresh at Safeway now. Well if I wasn't discouraged before. Even though she has helped me so much with my health I liked it better when I thought I was being strong and beating all odds even with my few slip ups. Guess not.

Forget about the pumpkin muffins and pumpkin chili I made. Back to brown rice and chicken. Back to bleak.

Oh and the muffins still didn't bake.

 

 

Hunger Pains

This diet is making me feel crazy. I seriously don't know how anyone has succeeded. They probably didn't and just killed all the witnesses because that's what I feel like doing. I feel totally unstable. Today was spent either in depression or anger. I didn't realize how much of my joy in life came from eating. Every time I see someone eating something delicious I want to send them to eternal damnation. Can't you see I'm no a diet you heathen?! No wonder I never went on diets growing up. Even though this one is supposed to help me in the long run I'm afraid I might die in the battle before the war is over. I feel weak, frail, and hungry. That reminds me, I've been meaning to send money to those Ethiopian children. I'm still eating and feel starving I can't imagine what starving without eating feels like. Oh no I'm not going to go into perspective I just want to complain. Damn starvation.

As you might have picked up from my bleakness today was a bad day. I hate it when a bad day lands on a day off. The worst part was turning down pizza with my family. I love pizza. Just the word makes my heart skip a beat. Pizza. Sounds epic. But I might just be a little delusional right now. So I turned down PIZZA and made another hypoallergenic meal... again. At least tonight I had something delicious in mind. No where near pizza, but... nothing, it was better than chicken and brown rice. Pumpkin turkey chili. Yum right? Actually it's not bad. Well it's not bad when you don't accidentally add kosher salt instead of sea salt and way too much. It was so salty. The internet savior said to put a peeled raw potato in to soak up the salt. Phew. It was bearable. Normally it's very tasty. Even better with cornbread, but it's off limits. 

Moral of the story is that I stuck to it. One day at a time. If I can turn down pizza I can do anything. I'm wrapping it up before I start comparing myself to African orphans again. 18 days.

Here is the recipe below for any adventurists. 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can corn
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 dash salt (it says dash, don't make my mistake)
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (I of course didn't get to add any cheese)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (luckily I hate sour cream)

(if you like more spice add a dash of paprika and cayenne powder)

(if you like it a little sweeter add a dash of sugar)

(if it's too thick for you then add some chicken broth or another can of tomato soup)

(if you still don't like it then eat pizza and go to hell!)

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and saute the onion, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and garlic until tender. Stir in the turkey, and cook until evenly brown. Drain, and mix in tomatoes, corns, beans, and pumpkin. Season with chili powder, other spices you like pepper, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Serve topped with Cheddar cheese and sour cream.

For those lucky enough to enjoy cornbread here is the recipe I usually use.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square pan.
2. Melt butter in large skillet. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

 Enjoy.... and by that I mean I hope you choke.

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