Food… the Beginning
by ploy on Apr.23, 2011, under Food
Ever since I was little, I remember the sensational feeling taking over me when the whole house filled with aromatics from my mother’s homemade stocks and sauces. It was a feeling that still lingers with me today – when I sink my teeth into a decadent piece of pastry or a savory bite of perfectly seared tuna. It’s this overflow of happiness that overcomes me and puts a smile on my face (and in my heart).
This is my obsession with food – I know, I know, many people would associate the word “obsession” as a bad thing (in some circumstances, it very well can be) but this so-called obsession of mine plays a great deal in my everyday life. It helps me connect with people – and in many times, keeps me sane!
I consider myself an absolute “foodie” but not a “foodie-snob” per say. I have a personal motto of trying everything at least three (3) times before I make a final decision (even so, I will eat it over and over again if it was served to me). Not that it isn’t obvious, but I would plan my whole vacation around food – even when my friends are visiting, my whole agenda is always packed with food in the forecast.
You can blame it on my upbringing if you need a reason – our families gathered to share meals, my elders bonded over sharing recipes, generations of knowledge sharing the same interest on which spice is best to be used in a curry sauce… However, there is something more to food than most people realize.
Food is reliable – that’s right folks, I’ll say it again… FOOD IS RELIABLE. What I mean is that food will never make you sad. When I’m down about something in my life – whether it be school, work, relationships, whatever life deals my way – the right food can always make me smile. Food doesn’t hurt your feelings, it doesn’t desert you in the middle of a conversation, it never puts you down or mocks you. Food doesn’t step on you when you’re already down and it sure doesn’t make you cry (at least intentionally).
In the last few years, I’ve also learned that cooking food (not only eating it) has given me an outlet for something more “productive” (for a lack of better words) than holding my feelings captive. The sensation of creating something extraordinary from a combination of natural miracles puts a grin on my face. The process of experimentation and self-development is almost therapeutic to the soul. It’s given me a whole new perspective on the term “soul food” and how much my life is impacted by what I put into my mouth.
Some people might think food is just a meal to keep us from starvation, others think food is a waste that humans take for granted… yet, food can be so much more than just a “tool” or “resource” for human consumption. It can heal in more ways than just the physical – for both those who create it and for those who receive it as a gift.
This world is made up of people
by mike on Apr.22, 2011, under Contemplative
Look outside, turn on the TV, open a book or look at magazines. Unless you’re a hermit and were raised by wolves, you probably know that this world is made up of people. They’re everywhere – your mom and dad, sister, brother, coworker, bus driver, and even the dude at 7-11.
And people are cool: The smile, they talk, and they have feelings. If someone falls down, someone else will ask if they’re ok. If someone gets hurt, we all grimace with empathy. We can come together to celebrate an occasion, and we can bond during a disaster – people are amazing.
So when did this world stop being about people? (continue reading…)
Of A Visceral Activity
by mike on Feb.10, 2011, under Contemplative
Note: I started writing this back in January, but now just published it.
This last weekend we embarked on a interesting journey: 50 miles south to Santa Clara Paintball (which, interesting is located in San Jose). There were supposed to be 20 of us, but we only ended up with 16. Over the next few hours, we engaged in a simple activity. Shooting small, Whopper-sized (the candy, not the burger), balls of paint at each other through a marker (or gun). Why is this so much fun? (continue reading…)
A Quickie
by mike on Jan.04, 2011, under Photography
It’s been a long time since a blog has been posted. Over 2 months to be exact.
Things have come and gone – Christmas, Advent – pictures! Family events.
However, just marking this link right now so I don’t forget. http://www.stuckincustoms.com
Those are the types of picture I would like to take someday. Our Canon S90 has the capabilities…i need a tripod though.
Food Funds
by mike on Nov.08, 2010, under Uncategorized
One of the first lessons I learned when moving away from home was how much food actually costs. Gone was the unlimited supply of frozen burritos and chimichangas that were always stocked in my parent’s fridge. No more stacked sandwiches with lunch meat and cheese. Piles of fruit were no more. Canned soups stayed canned on the shelves. Those things cost money! In came ramen, mac and cheese, and whatever was on sale. 10 for 10 deals were jumped on and chips were rationed. And going out to eat was a no-no.
Imagine my surprise with our go-to meal these days. Quick, what’s a word with two z’s in it? It’s a food… tomato sauce… cheese… and whatever toppings you want. Get it yet? …MMmmmmm… Pizza!
Self-Service and Society
by mike on Oct.21, 2010, under Contemplative
I took the trip to the post office today to mail back some bad ram (from the Mac story earlier). I was dreading the long line, but thankfully, not too many people were there at 9:45AM downtown during my lunch hour. Put my labels on and got ready to mail it, but then I noticed a curious machine in the corner. I had bought stamps before, but this one was different – it was a complete Self-Service machine: pay by credit card, check zip code, print and affix label. Woohoo! (continue reading…)
Because I can…
by mike on Oct.12, 2010, under For Fun
Probably no other good reason to do this. Wait, I got one. I’m both testing out the camera, and testing out the video capabilities of this blog. Yes – that’s it – definitely.
Worse things have happened…
by mike on Oct.12, 2010, under Contemplative
“You can’t change what happens to you, so change your perspective”
Think about it for a second – everything that happens to you is interpreted. True, you can state facts: “I ate a McDonald’s lunch at 12″, “I took a trip to the grocery store to buy eggs”, ”I worked for 8 hours on a project” – but no one talks like that. There’s always commentary thrown in: ”Nuggets are good!”, “The grocery store was crowded”, “I’m glad the project’s done”. Without commentary, facts would be boring. We have radio shows devoted to commentary and public opinion. Reality shows have that announcer that tries to add suspense to the situation. Even this blog has a comments section. Why is it so important? (continue reading…)
Viva Las Vegas
by mike on Oct.07, 2010, under Contemplative
Been away for awhile, but it’s not due to a lack of things to say. Regarding this post though, I only have one piece of advice: Do not drive to Las Vegas from San Francisco. It’s a freaking 10 hour drive. And you’re going to drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas, don’t stay there for just one day. (continue reading…)
“Say Hello to My Little Friend”
by mike on Sep.05, 2010, under Computers
Depending on when you were born, the title phrase will probably mean one of two things to you – or both. One is a classic movie that helped launch Al Pachino’s career. The other is a nod to something that’s beyond the age limit of this blog. Fortunately for me, Robin Williams already has both covered. (Warning: Language is typical Robin Williams)
However, I’m not talking about either. I’m talking about the newest member of the computer family: the Mac Mini. (continue reading…)
