Online Adventuring

Trees, dirt, rivers, spiders, snakes...nature at its finest. Backpacking is my newest hobby and I'm really excited about it. I took the biggest step when I ordered hiking boots online. I've never been much of an online shopper except for books and movies, but it was really the only option for finding the "perfect" boot. I surfed the web for about 2 weeks, made numerous calls to my brother (who is well-versed in hiking boots), and thought about it a lot before actually making a move. But, finally, I took the plunge, clicked "Buy", and waited, and waited. It seems like when you're expecting a package that time moves at an extremely slow pace. Every day I would eagerly run out to the mailbox in high hopes, only to come back with dissappointment on my face. After what felt like forever, I got a knock on my door...my boots!! Oh, thank you wonderful UPS man, deliverer of smiles to millions! I ripped open the packaging like it were Christmas morning and there they were, just as beautiful as I imagined - Keen Genoa Peak Mid Boots in Shitake/Orange Ochre!!Aren't they beautiful?? Don't be jealous.

"My Skillet Runneth Over"

No, don't be confused, I don't mean this in a spiritual sense, but in the sense that cooking HATES ME! I don't know what it is, but over the past week or so I just cannot do anything right. Even the fallback Hamburger Helper has turned its back on me :( Let's not even get into asparagus...but through this time of testing I have learned several lessons. Let me enlighten you:

Cooking Tip #1: Never oversteam asparagus or let all the water evaporate from the pan. The garlic and onion flakes leftover WILL burn and the asparagus WILL shrivel.

Cooking Tip #2: When pouring barbeque sauce, don't neglect to let the chicken have a little breathing room. Straight-up barbeque flavor is a little overwhelming.

Cooking Tip #3: If all else fails, douse your sweet potatoes in brown sugar. You can always lick any extra from the plate.

Cooking Tip #4: Brownies do mold.

Cooking Tip #5: When simmering Hamburger Helper, be sure to keep the temperature low. It loves to overflow and make a lovely mess on the burner.

Cooking Tip #6: Soggy asparagus does NOT crisp when pan fried. (sorry mom)

Cooking Tip #7: Frozen Dinners ROCK!!

Hope this sheds some light on the whole "cooking" matter which I am attempting to master...or just survive!