I wasn’t paying much attention. Not that my full attention was necessary, it’s just that my idle time has become riddled with things I missed. Things that for the most part is unnecessary.
I waited for a couple of weeks before I decided to finish this post hoping I could share anything that might be significant to someone out there. So far, nothing. So I’m sharing something that is significant to me.
Last June, I had scheduled to meet with my doctor for a routine check up. I wasn’t feeling well, my chest hurts for no apparent reason and that doesn’t happen often. That day, I learned about the sudden death of James Gandolfini. It suddenly dawned to me that I had that sick feeling because an actor whom I respect and really love has passed.
He will always be remembered.
***
Last Thursday I had the pleasure of babysitting youngest friend (he’s 2 and a quarter) Shem. He’s a handful mind you but as it turned out he only wanted to stay with me while his mom is at work. The store’s not that busy so I obliged. It was fun all right. I taught him things like, asking for more in Spanish, saying please in French and apologizing for being rude. That boy learned A LOT OF RUDE things via television.
I was never a fan of animated shows even as a child so I couldn’t relate. Not exactly, I do watch a few episodes here and there everytime my brother’s home but that’s about it. My brother’s old enough to understand that it is not a good idea to knock someone’s teeth off using pans and grills. I was proud that in that few hours I was with Shem, I made him apologize sincerely (melted my heart in an instant) with a distinct “I’m sorry” forlorn and all then his mom came to pick him up and he’s all back to his old ways.
His mom tries so hard reform his ways but I guess that’s a part of growing up. I was told he “prefers” to show off in front of crowds.
Here’s what we did:
1. Watched the first 2 minutes of El Dorado. He got annoyed that the horse wasn’t IN EVERY SCENE.
2. Chased Anna and Colin while I carried him. He goes stiff everytime the dog is within breathing distance.
3. Had Yogurt and muffin and fried sweet potato for mid-day snack. Him only.
4. Had an argument about a picture. It was a lion he insisted it was a tiger. It went on and on. Then he got bored and asked about the snake instead (I showed him an old CD copy of The Wild)
The best thing about that half day was all the hugs, kisses and smiles that I got. Nothing beats that especially since he’s not that affectionate at all.
Recipe: Sweet Chilli Sauce
Ingredients
• 7 bird’s eye chillies (see notes after the recipe for an explanation about the amount)
• 3 cloves of garlic
• a thumb-sized knob of ginger
• 1 c. of white sugar
• 2 tsps. of salt
• 1 tbsp. of lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. of lemon zest
1. Peel the ginger and garlic. Cut off the tops and ends of the chillies. Chop the ginger, garlic and chillies.
2. Place the sugar in a thick bottomed pot. Add in the chopped ginger, garlic and the salt.
3. Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest.
4. Add in the cup of water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and salt.
5. Set over medium heat, bring to the boil then lower the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered for 12 minutes.
6. Do not cook the sauce more than 12 minutes to keep it on a syrupy state. As the sauce cools the sauce will get thicker and pourable.
7. Pour and store in a jar. Cover and keep in the fridge.
Notes:
Please vary the amount of chillies according to your preference. I picked a different variety of chilli from what I usually use so it wasn’t as spicy as I wanted it to be.
