12.18 - Kindred Spirits

My giving, earth-loving coworker just walked over to me right now, holding a lone Popeye's drumstick wrapped up in a thin napkin, and shoved it in my face. Please keep in mind that I am at my desk, surrounded by a computer, office supplies, and important papers. I am not at a kitchen table, cafeteria counter, or picnic bench.

I gave her a crazy look and said, "No thank you, I'm not hungry." She then proceeded to give me an even crazier look back, told me she got it from the mailroom downstairs, and said, "Take it!" *sigh*

So I took the drumstick, imagined her taking a piece of chicken from one of our mailroom coworkers, walking all around the office with it and even on the elevator just to bring it over to me . . . and I proceeded to eat it quickly at my desk before anyone else could see me. :\ This is what I get for becoming kindred food-loving spirits with someone at work.

12.09 - Popcorn Points

First, I love specialty popcorn places-- particularly Garrett or Nuts on Clark in Chicago. I especially love them at Christmastime.

Second, the older women at work like to take advantage of the fact that I'm "young and energetic" by asking me to go on popcorn runs for them when it's freezing outside. *sigh* They know I'll do it in a heartbeat.

Third, someone openly called the (ahem) office popcorn fairy "anal" for putting out designated scoops. What up? It's all about flavor protection and sanitation, thank you very much.

Fourth, cheese popcorn is so absolutely delicious it's almost frightening. Caramel ain't a bad runner-up either.

12.02 - Big Problem

I can't watch the Food Network without wanting whatever is on.

Last night they were featuring plain, old-fashioned potato chips. I don't even like potato chips. But just moments ago, I ate a bag. Now I want to buy a 5 lb. bag of spuds and fry up my own potato chips at home. :\

The image below doesn't help. When I click on it and the image is all up in my face, I secretly wish I was in a giant vat of potato chips. *sigh*

11.30 - Gobble, Gobble

This Thanksgiving went quite well. I decided to make only a few simple sides and the father decided to deep fry the turkey. Though it wasn’t as flavorful as I would have liked, the turkey was quite tender. In case you think the picture below looks weird, it's because there's a chicken thrown in there. My dad is all about abundance. Ha.

Anyway, the turkey was great because it also made for some really delicious (and absolutely unhealthy) after-Thanskgiving turkey sandwiches the next day. ;) The grilled sammies below include: mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cheddar cheese, turkey, and chihuahua cheese. Ha.















Speaking of unhealthy, this past four-day eating fest has only added to my very sad physical status. I have gained nearly ten pounds from the time I gave up on the South Beach Diet (around the end of August) till now. *heavy sigh* I have exceeded my max weight ever (!!!), and now it’s time to sound the alarms. I’m not sure where the weight gain is coming from—possibly due to the colder weather, age, stress/comfort eating, the late-night munchies, or a combination of all of the above—but it really has to stop. No more excessive gobble gobbling for me. :\

11.10 - The Walking Sandwich

There is a sandwich walking the streets of downtown, passing out flyers in hopes that people will visit its fine employer, Subway.

I can't look at the walking sandwich without wanting to laugh. I can't believe Subway is seriously making a sandwich walk around. Will that really make people want to eat there? I have my doubts.

I can't even look the thing in the eye. Weirdly, the sandwich has huge eyes and a big smiley face mouth, a thick accent, and a red cape . . .

11.09 - Chipotle: In Two Parts

Part One
Last night, I got hit with a sick craving for some Chipotle. I don’t know why, but the lime rice + cheese + grilled chicken combination always gets me. Anyway, it was late on a Sunday night so, obviously, there weren’t any Chipotles open anywhere. Unfortunately, it was one of those cravings that takes hold of you and will not let go. So, I did the only thing I could do: I imagined myself up a Chipotle chicken burrito with extra cheese and mild salsa, and I proceeded to dig in. I (not me, but the other I) was a witness to this all and he was really amused by me at first, especially when I ripped off some of the "tortilla" and fed it to him (like I would do in real life). After watching me take a few too many bites, though, I’s eyes started getting wider and growing more concerned. He finally said, “It’s OK if you’re joking, but . . . if you’re being serious . . . then I'd be scared, and I might have to take you to a psychiatrist.” He said he wouldn’t know what he'd do if I started getting really skinny but insisted that I ate a lot of Chipotle. Haha. I was quite amused. And a bit insulted by the psychiatrist thing. :\


exactly what I had in my head . . .

Part Two
I had to have Chipotle for lunch today. It was imperative. The only problem, though, is that I work right in the Loop, and lunch time is absolute chaos—especially when it comes to yummy places that business men in button-up shirts frequent (e.g. Chipotle, Subway, Cosi, Panera, etc.). So I started racking my brain. How could I eat my desired burrito at my desired lunch time without having to wait in a line that goes out the door? After much contemplation, I went onto the Chipotle website and found out that you can order in advance! So I did. I clicked here, I clicked there. Then at lunchtime, I walked over to Chipotle, walked triumphantly past the 30+ people in line, and went right up to the cash register. Within minutes, I had my burritos in hand and was out the door. Brilliant. I love Chipotle carryout. It makes me happy, and they even personalize your food for you (which was a pleasant surprise). Super brilliant. ;) I really hope this online ordering thing doesn't get out . . .


our burritos have name tags (aww)

11.05 - Angel Wings

Who would even think about stuffing a chicken wing?! Genius Thai people, that's who.

I thought the delightful little chicken wing, fried in a large vat of oil, was good enough on its own . . . but imagine it stuffed with noodles, mushrooms, and ground pork/shrimp/chicken! Yeah, it doesn't even sound possible, but it is.

No wonder they're called "angel wings." I have no other words.

Eatery Info: My Thai, 555 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60661