What's for breakfast

Berry-Banana Smoothie and corn muffins

Food Critic

I made a Dutch Apple pie for Thanksgiving dinner and to be honest I was not satisfied with the results. My mom ate it so it must have been good. Believe me if it had been an epic fail she would have made a face and said, "we can't give this to your father." It may have been the apples. I don't use granny smiths and I usually add a bit of agave nectar. I loved granny smiths however presently I find them just too tart and the texture far too crunchy. I'm sticking with Jonathan Golds, Braeburns or Gala's for my future pies.



I decided to make jelly filled oatbran muffins tonight. The recipie is easy peesy and each muffin has for grams of fiber.

Restaurant Rave: Teapot Vegetarian House

So my mum surprised me with a new find. Teapot Vegetarian House, named one of the best restaurants in Seattle, offers its diners a (ALL VEGAN) menu. They also have an extensive list of teas.

We ordered the Mandarin Crispy Tofu, Sweet and Spicy Eggplant, Udon noodles with "beef" and Green Curry. For dessert we shared mango "cheesecake". If you're ever in the Emerald City do visit.


*Note we ate at the Redmond location.

I come baring gifts

I made these for my dad.

Fall

Ok so my Vegan Harvest dinner party when off with out a hitch. I had to push somethings to the side planning wise however the menu did not suffer. I cooked up a storm. For dinner apple stuffing, pureed butternut squash and parsnips, red cabbage, mashed potatoes and a bean salad. I also made three desserts, a pear ginger cake, a cranberry pear tart and peanut butter cookies. I had to stop myself I almost made oatmeal cookies and cranberry relish but I couldn't get to the store to buy oranges. Folks started showing up around 4:30 and added more to the spread, 2 green salads, a pasta dish, squash, a pecan pie, and watermelon. Then at 5:30 with forks in hand we ate and ate some more, laughed and had an all around good time.

Only one regret I should have made more potatoes. I went back and damn there was only a teaspoon in the pot.

In Local News

According to the folks over at Lone Star Plate a new vegan bakery is coming to Austin. I'm trying to stay away from the sweets but its nice to know that they will have donuts. I haven't had a donut since my trip to Las Vegas last year. FYI Ronald's donuts are awesome and most are vegan. Austin is not exactly in my neck of the woods but it is closer than Nevada.

More than twigs

So far today I've eaten

A stawberry banana smoothie
Two acai jammed filled oat bran muffins
A sandwich with avocado,tomato,onion and vegan turkey slices
Two gala apples


Dinner plans

Lental Soup or tacos

Dining In

On tonight menu

Grilled polenta with mushroom sauce
Roasted sweet potato
Marinated broccolini
Stuffed tofu
fruit compote

Fitter,Happier, More Productive

I'm hungry. I'm hungry because I didn't feel like shopping last Sunday so I didn't pick up the necessary items that would have made planing the weeks lunches simplistic. I considered picking up some fries today but the smell of grease seemed unappealing. I opted for a granola bar and a pear. Nearly two weeks ago I started the diet outlined in Dr. Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes. (No I don't have diabetes but I am part of a high risk group due to my Lupus and current treatment) . It is not as difficult as one would image. Initially the very idea of "no added fat" freaked me out. While at gym yesterday I weighed myself. I thought I had lost some weight but I wasn't really sure. The verdict is in and the G has lost just over five pounds. I'm off the vegan junk food wagon and it feels fantastic.

Where are those Pearl Jam downloads?

Outside it is a wonderfully overcast day in North Texas. We need the rain. My car at least needs the rain. I don't remember the last time I tried to wash it. I have a valid excuse, I've been on the sick list for over a month. Dirty car aside I do need to come up with a better cleaning routine of some sort. I don't want a perfect house I just want to look around and be able to find clean jockey shorts in the drawer.

Just Breathe

It was about a month ago that a trip to the urgent care for what I thought was a cold ended in a diagnosis of pneumonia. I'm more mobile than I've been in a while due in part to my new medication however my lungs are still not a 100%. While walking from the parking lot to the movie theater Saturday night it became quiet apparent. I had to stop to rest half way up the staircase to the ticket booth. Its not an out of shape thing. I wasn't running a marathon. I was walking casually up a flight or two of stairs. My GP said that it would take 4-6 weeks for my lungs to clear up. I'm sure it will take longer because I don't have a "normal" immune system. I'm sure that the pleurisy that I have doesn't improve things. I'm tired. I'm really tired of being sick. I wish I lived a state that approved of medical marijuana. I'm not big on mj but it would a least be a consolation prize.

Oats and Soymilk

My alarm went off at 6:45 AM. I finally decided to get out of bed at 7:21. I was tired and a bit achy but not sick enough to call it in. It takes me about thirty minutes to shower,dress and get out the door. I made a poorkoz muesli and threw it in to my hemp shopping bag with the curry I made for lunch. I then hit the road. As soon as I entered the tollway I could hear this whistling sound in my car. I cracked the window on Saturday and didn't roll it up all the way. I thought about fixing it but I decided that taking my seat belt off and leaning across the car while going 75 mph was not the way to start the morning off right. Traffic was a breeze. I made fantastic time 15 miles in 17 minutes. Arriving early gave me plenty of time to eat my muesli and fix a cup of tea. Now I'm high on oats, bananas and strawberries.

Vegan today, Vegan tomorrow

Its not about the food.

Its not about the bag,

the shoes

or even the organic cruelty free pomegranate hand lotion.

For some people going vegan is all about the look, the scene. Those people don't seem to last very long. They tend to be vegan apologist. What is a vegan apologist? A vegan apologist is someone who is vegan unless the following occurs: they find dumpstered muffins, go to Morocco, have a bad day, and just about any bullsh*t excuse one can think of. There are a ton of reasons that people go vegan. I'm cool with most of those reasons but for fucksake man read some AR lit or something.

Find out why STAYING vegan is important.

Side Rant: I'm never been a big drinker but I could really go for some hard cider. I'm also hungry at the moment.

Paying bills and other adult duties

I've just posted payments for my student loans. Only 9 more years of payments and then I'm free. I keep telling myself that I'm lucky because had I gone to a California Uni I would be at least $40,000 more in the hole.

I really need to go to the store and buy toilet paper. I'm also out of hand soap so I've been using this lemon scented crap that the former resident left behind.

I also need to return some House DVD's.

Gas up my car because I've gone past the Seinfeld driving beyond E limits.

Take out the trash.

Wash and Iron my dress shirts.

I could do all this in half an hour but I'm lazy and I would much prefer to sit in my jockey shorts, drinking a fine cup of coffee and watching Sleeper Cell on Itunes.

New additions to the kitchen library

Double Chocolate Cookies may lead to world peace

Well maybe not world peace but almost.

I made these yesterday. I baked six large cookies and put the rest of the dough in the freezer. They are awesome and make my apartment smell absolutely fabulous. I think I'm going to make myself some chai tea, grab a cookie and watch Persepolis.

1 cup earth balance
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 egg replacer
2 tsp vanilla
2 cup unsifted flour
1/4 cup Dutch Coco
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 cup Vegan Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 375. Stir flour with baking soda and salt; set aside. In large mixer bowl, cream eb with sugar, brown sugar, egg replacer and vanilla. Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 9-11 minutes. Don't overcook!

Excuse me but do you have breast implants?

I've been sick with a flu bug or something since Friday. My bathroom and I have been like this :crosses fingers: ever since. I went to the doctor just to make sure I wasn't having an allergic reaction to my new medication. After my first round of chest X rays I returned to the examination room. The doctor enters and says, "The X rays didn't come out clear.Do you have breast implants?" Me: No, What? So after 2 hours of waiting around and another round of X rays I finally get my prescription for my inhaler.

Why must they have TV's in every room? I saw that movie with Rock and some little girl in its entirety. Its entirety damn it.


Note to self: Find GRE prep book and overpriced writing manual.

In Recent News:

Finished that novel Replay by Ken Grimwood. Not bad.

Currently reading For Her Own Good which is a Feminist analysis of women's health care from the 19th century to the present.


I think I let planning G have way too much fun today.

Fuck you PlanningG.

Thanks to PlanningG

Looking presently to change Insurance gigs
I'm taking the GRE in October (need to get at least above 55 percentile) and a 4 on the essay
2 additional Teacher Certification Exams in November / One in the spring
Taking Statistics and Accounting in the Spring
Applying to School Districts to teach Economics
Apply to MPH an MS programs/ ideally PG wants to be in a MPH/MBA program.

We could have gotten in to an Economics or Public Ad program ASAP but PlanningG wanted a more rigorous program.

Thanks PlanningG I didn't have anything to do. *go back in your cage*
KozmicG : " No we aren't going to learn fucking Serbian. That's so early nineties you don't even know."
PlanningG: "But we love Slavic languages and this one is free form I hear."
KozmicG: Get real
Planning G " How about a Grad Certificate in Risk Management while you wait.
KozmicG: " I will bury you"
PlanningG: "You know you love it."

Aside: PlanningG also wants to tutor teen mothers, get a library card and eat a Mitch.

Tolerance

I was babbling about something to my roommate last night when I stopped short and urgently asked, "Are you eating meat?" She was not eating meat. She was dining on a tofu bowl, however the strips of tofu resemble slices of chicken from a distance.

Please madam, don't forget the avocado

Once again evening approaches and what does a vegan want more than anything? A fantastic vegan burger, sweet potato fries and the thickest chocolate soy milkshake that money can buy. I don't think Dallas is hippiefied enough to support a all vegan burger hut but I know that somewhere there are some vegan mofos that would go for it.

Random happenings

I have been attempting to write an entry for the past few minutes however the Bee Gees song playing in the background is fucking with my concentration. I don't really have anything profound or insightful to blog about today. I'm pissed that I'm at the office today when its seems that half the world is out enjoying what's left of the summer. On days like today I really miss California.

Cupcakes, Tennis and Tyler

Pulling a Tyler is a termed coined by my high school circle. According to the CHS edition of definitions and shit like that to pull a Tyler: is to behave in a manner that is diva like and whole over the top and culminates in a full on pout. My mate Ty is a nice person but we all have our hang ups, his just happens to be a touch of Elton John Diva. Yesterday I was full on pulling a Tyler. I had skipped a day of work in order to get through the rest of the week nevertheless upon my arrival at my place of business a wave of dread. I spent most the the day in a full on pout. Fuck all I need to get over myself.

The weekend approaches

Tomorrow is Queer Game Night. I don't really want to go but its an excuse to make cupcakes. I'm between red velvet cakes with tofutti cream cheese frosting and chocolate cakes with cookies and cream frosting, yes frosting the sweet nectar of the sugar gods.

Hopefully they will turn on the tube so I can watch tennis. The US Open just started and I'm totally stoked. The pro that I have a major crush on is playing so double awesome. I watched Serena Williams break some poor girl's spirit last night. I seriously thought she was going to cry. The crowd totally gave her a pity clap when she FINALLY scored a point during the second game. If anyone at game night complains I totally have my argument ready. Tennis + girls in shorts or skirts= Awesome so fuck off. Its that simple.


In other news

So the Democratic Convention is in full swing. Why do I keep getting emails from people to come to Convention watch parties? I just ignored the invites because I don't think I could be civil if talk of the "issues" came up. PoliticalKoz is intense and I typically don't let her out in mixed company. That part of me, the part that my parents are convinced is meant to be an attorney, comes out in full force and will take any weak ass argument to the ground with a headlock of concise facts. This queer,feminist,atheist, vegan of color is not about to take some middle of the road, neo Christian, wanna be progressive at face value. Fuck your so called "family values."

InnerKoz: Why do you have to make everything political.
PolticalKoz: Whatever

Because I apparently have my own category

I'm an odd duck, one of those types who is with out comparison, a real weirdo. My true nature is to be shy but I've worked on being more open however the response has been mixed. I don't blend with lame asses. Some people think I'm arrogant which I'm totally not I just want people to be aware of why they are so very, very, misguided. My mother told me the other day she was trying to explain to her friend about my unique nature. I thought that was funny but true, so very true.

Stuff I've said to my mom lately

" I'm just a PhD away from dread locks and a full sleeve tattoo."

This was inspired because my parents find my current hair style, to put it nicely,is just too ethnic. Umm yeah way to be culturally sensitive. I'll shave it off and send it to them in a bag. Would that make them happy? I wore a dress last Friday I should have taken pictures and sent it to them. Fuck all why must I be the Neo-June Cleaver with a career.

" I don't really know what I want to do but I'd like to do something that takes more intelligence than what one might find in a TicTac."

Inspried by talk about my current profession. Somedays I just want to bake bread, other days I want to become a physican, on weekends I want to go to film school. I need to sort out things.

"I'm going to become a doctor just to spite you."

I've flirted with completing pre med course work. They,my parents, don't think I can manage my SLE and complete a medical internship. I think that with enough steroids and prescription narcotics I can do just about anything.

Reminder

Comb my hair in the shower. Sure its seems intuitive but I get pressed for time and just run my fingers through my curls. I shampoo once or twice a week and condition daily. Occasionally I grab the wide tooth comb and go through the coarser sections of my hair. No combing = dread locks and right now dreads are not the look I'm going for.

I tried a new conditioner this morning. While I do love what Aveda products do for my hair, I don't always find the scents as appealing so I've been looking for different options. Last month I tried BWC which was good but not great. This month during my trip to the market I grabbed a Shikai conditioner which was on sale. Score! I have used Shikai's leave in conditioning spray for about a year now and have been happy with the results so I thought I'd give it a go.

The results: Defined curls i.e. no frizz and a nice fragrance.


Morning Happinings

Breakfast: banana and peanut butter on whole wheat English Muffin with a small glass of OJ.

Grabbed coffee to wake up

Took Cold/Sinus meds allergies have been wigging out lately

I like to imagine my 60something boss is dancing in his office to Fantastic Voyage as it blast over the office sound system. (THANK G-D, Allah, FSM THEY CHANGED THE STATION)

The better to smell you with my dear

I like soap. Plain barsoap not body washes or butters. Its my one not diva attribute.

I spotted A Wild Soapbar at the market several weeks ago. I picked up the Cedarwood with read clay bar. It smells fantastic. Its labeled Biodegradable-Vegan-Cruelty Free. Its a Texas product so support your local soap maker.

OneVegan,Dos Empanadas y Tu mama

So I took a crack at making Empanadas for a shin dig on Saturday. I started on Friday night because if they turned in to an epic fail I'd need the time to make something else.

I used two different fillings the first, mushrooms and redpeppers and the second was more traditional potato and soyrizo.

The prep time is ridiculous. The more hands in the kitchen the better. I had fun and a glass of Cab while making the mushroom filling. I used several batches of dough. Five to be exact. Make each batch individually because the dough will develop moisture if it sits too long.


The dough

Is actually quite easy. The recipe is from Isa Chandra's Vegan with a Vengeance. Its the same dough she uses for the Potato Samosas.

The fillings

Mushrooms

2 medium onions, finely chopped
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds mushrooms, finely chopped
2 small red bell peppers, finely chopped
1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon
1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, washed, spun dry, and minced
3 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Empanada Dough

In a 12-inch heavy skillet set over moderately low heat, cook onions in oil, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in mushrooms and bell peppers and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until liquid mushrooms give off is evaporated and mixture begins to brown. Add wine and cook, stirring, until liquid is evaporated.
In a bowl stir together mushroom mixture, parsley, and bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cool, uncovered.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

On a lightly floured surface roll out dough to approx 1/8th inch thickness. Cut dough with 2 1/2 round cookie cutter. If you don't have that on hand use a water glass.
Brush edges of mushroom-topped pastry with some water and seal edges with a fork. Carefully transfer the empanadas to a large baking sheet, leaving room for second empanada, and brush with earth balance.Repeat.

Bake empanadas until golden, about 12-15 minutes. Empanadas may be made 1 day ahead, cooled completely on a rack, and chilled, and place in containers. Reheat empanadas, uncovered, on a baking sheet in a preheated 200 degree F oven until hot, about 10 minutes.

Potato and Soyrizo

3 to 4 waxy red or white potatoes medium/large
1 teaspoon salt
2 table oilive oil
1 pound chorizo sausage, casing removed (soyrizo)
1 Spanish onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, chopped
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 recipe empanada dough, recipe follows


Dice potatoes and then put the potatoes in a large pot of boiling water, cook uncovered until fork tender, about 6-8 minutes.
Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium flame. Heat oil and add onions and cook until translucent. Add the chorizo, and cook, stirring for 5 minutes then add the garlic; season with the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Drain the potatoes and fold them into the pan, using a wooden spoon, Add the olives and raisins and toss everything together; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Allow the filling to cool before filling the empanadas. Fill and cook in a 400 degree oven until golden brown. Serve with cilantro cream.



Cilantro Cream

1/4 cup cilantro minced
1 tsp lime juice
pepper
salt
Tofutti sour cream

Monday Morning Happenings

I woke up from a fitful sleep. I'm not sure but I may have had a dream staring Mr. T. I turned off my alarm and laid there checking my stats.

Legs slightly sore
Back tense
Hands stiff but mobile
Ego elevated
Chakras aligned
Optimism on board

I finally threw off the covers when my Mac woke up at 7 AM. Breakfast was Organic Cinnamon Autumn Wheat and strawberries. I ate on the corner of my bed while listing to NPR Morning edition.

Correction

I made a reference to Ann Miller staring in Anchors Aweigh (1945) and it was wrong. I always assumed that Anchors Aweigh and On the Town (1949) had the same cast. Both musicals are about three navy men on leave. Ann Miller was in the 1949 film On the Town.


Barbra Stanwyck was famous for her role in The Lady Eve(1941) were as Anne Baxter was in All About Eve (1950). I can't believe it Barb and Anne are like a over decade apart age wise there was no way she was playing the "hot young thing" Eve in 1950.

About Last Night

I had a good time. It was like the moment in countless films when a Motown hit plays loudly as actors dance around the apartment or walk down the street with attitude. It was just like that only with no dancing, tequila and electronica.

Some sort of Friday related snazzy title

I read a ton of blogs. On Fridays most have a recurrent theme, music, fashion or politics. I don't plan anything blogwise that far in advance. I could prep movie reviews for a Saturday post but to be honest I don't write for the NYTimes. I go to a film for an experience, to reflect not to prep critiques for the masses. I would enjoy sitting around my apartment discussing lighting techniques and music scoring with fellow film aficionados. So if you watch a film and then watch it with the DVD commentary you're my kind of people.

Now all I need is a drink cart.

Go Rooibos

My New Fave


Rooibos, (pronounced /ˈrɔɪbɒs/, like "roy-boss"), Afrikaans for "red bush"; scientific name Aspalathus linearis) is a broom-like member of the legume family of plants and is used to make a tisane (herbal tea).

How dare you put cheese on that.

I decided to made pizza last night for myself and my flatmate. I used the recipe out of Vegan Planet for the crust and just addded whatever toppings I happend to fancy. My pizza was topped with olive oil, salt, spinach, mushrooms and black olives. My flatmate was not satisfied by veggie toppings. She just had to buy fucking cheese for her pie. I topped both, shoved them in the oven and then had her come put the cheese on her pizza. KG doesn't touch the stuff. I should have let it burn.

Will someone please pass the mashed potatoes, already. Damn!

Friday as arrived. If believed in some Divine entity I would most assuredly be prostrating myself towards the heavens. I’m still in the interviewing process for “Super Nazi Insurance Co.” They are taking their sweet ass time with the process test this week, phone interview, then in person interview, but what alternative do I have? I drove out to the offices yesterday they are in West Grapevine. The drive isn’t that bad. Its mostly tollway which may get to be pricey but a couple years there and I can move to a closer company or get the fuck out of the insurance game. I still haven't figured out how to get another gig with out these *looks out office door* motherfuckers finding out. I've kept my office name and number office my documents so far. I don't have a ton of references for "real world gigs" so this shit has to stay tight. I wish Chris still worked in the office he would have written a recommendation for me.I should call him. He is a decent human being which is why he no longer works here.

Hush,Hush Sweet Kozmic

Today is a short day. I have a doctors :cough: prelimnary testing for a new gig this afternoon. I had a good breakfast but I'm not sure what type of snack I should pick up before my test.

Health report:

The inflammation is leveling off so I can get back to the gym and the to rest of my social scene.

School Update:

I can haz edujucation. Fuck if I know. I looked up the pre med requirements for Texas. I have at least 30 hours of chemistry,physics and biology if I want to even consider the applications. My GPA is off by a few tenths, ok exactly .15. I should have gone to that stupid Political Science class junior year but no. I may rethink it. I don't really want to work with patients directly I just want to stream line care for complex illness. Public Health would be way easier but who wants easy?
North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has a good program but. . .

Shout hallelujah, come on get happy

I'm no Judy Garland but I think I'm coming 'round. If everything goes well I will start training for a new job next month in a city far, far away. I probably shouldn't get to excited but honestly somethings gotta give. Its not the job of my dreams, just the job of my right now. Its all part of my ten point plan but first you get the job, then you get the money,then you get the women.

Holy Smokes, Batman

I've never had an overwhelming interest in collecting comics. I do recognize the cultural significance of comic characters. I could wax poetic about the Jewish subtext of Superman, thanks Professor Pollack, but I won't. I wish I had the time to make it to San Diego this weekend. For those of you in the area check it out.

Official Site

NY Times: Comic-Con

Product Review

Merry Hempsters lip balm

Being vegan isn't hard, however, finding vegan products can be trying. Several months back I finished my pregan(pre vegan) lip balm. I searched every natural hippie fuck store within in ten miles. I found two choices. Why? One day while I was picking up lunch at the local Whole Pay cheque I decided to peruse the cosmetics aisle. As my luck would have it I found Merry Hempsters. Merry Hempsters is vegan and says so right on the fucking label. I've tried other vegan lip balms and they have been gritty but this is not the case with Merry which is moisturizing and for $2.95 a stick totally affordable. There are other options out there but honestly I don't want to drop $20 bucks on one lip gloss.

The "N Word"

Thanks to yet another faux pas by a self proclaimed leader of the black community the debate over the use of the "n word" has once again risen to the forefront. I thought about this while driving home yesterday. Personally I've never been comfortable with reclaiming terms, its extremely problematic and leads to confusion namely, who has ownership over the term? No one has a monopoly on oppression. The legacy of apartide in this country is woven in to the fabric of our social institutions. To over come the errors of the past it is then only pertinent that we examine how our use of language reinforces racial hierarchy. I don't care how you slice it the "n word" is not a term of endearment. Sure we all yelled out "I'm a slut or your a dirty whore." while in the the throws of passion but it wouldn't be socially acceptable to refer to ones coworker as a dirty whore. This got me thinking. What about footnotes? If you want to use a term that is controversial and may be contrived as sexist,racist or homophobic it would benefit everyone if one were to hand out footnotes. I know what your thinking. Who reads footnotes? Its all I've got right now. So the next time you meet a friend you can say,

Koz: How is it going?
Billy: Not bad you know the man is always on my back
Koz: Word
Billy: Did you see this spiel about Jesse Jackson?
Koz: I did indeed.
Billy: All I could think was n word* please.
*** hands Koz footnote***
Koz: *reads footnote*
Billy: So do you want to go to the nearest coffeehouse to discuss the gender dynamics in Anna Karinina?
Koz: I don't know. You aren't going to throw out anymore terms of the opressor.
Billy: Damn I knew those fucking footnotes wouldn't work.

* The N word is a extremely contentious word. While I recognize that for centuries it was used to oppress an entire race of people I have decided to use it in everyday speech. This decision was not made lightly and is not an indication that I do not respect the contributions of black Americans and their struggle against institutionalized racism. If the "n word" offends thee I can replace it with a less polarized term such as fool. ***

***This is bullshit. Who reads footnotes? Save a goddamn tree and don't use the "n word." Fuck foodnotes.

"Why Mr. Allen aren't you the jokester."

I love film but I'm not exactly as open minded as I should be. For me film was dead in the 70's and the 80's because I wasn't alive in the 70's and the 80's was all about Prince and David Bowie. Those who were alive during the 70's witnessed a number of cultural and political changes in the US and world but guess what? I,the history major, could care less. I'm not sure why? It could be the fashion or all the commentary from my father regarding the decay of urban communities. Decay is just not appealing to a four year old. Despite my early criticism I am slowly coming out of my cultural cave to embrace the treasures of American cinema. This afternoon I watched Take the Money and Run written and directed by Woody Allen. It's funny but not in a "look at me I'm hilarious" way.

Product Review

Nana's Cookie Company Coconut Chip Cookie.

The Verdict: Its good and lower in sugar than most cookies. Nana's cookies are sweetened with fruit.

Rules to Live by

No reading books about genocide before bed.

Friday Night Koz

Its Friday and another work week has come and gone. I want to see the Dark Knight but I think people have lost it. Last night my flatmate said her bible study group went to Legacy Cinema to wait for tickets. This isn't Star Wars the first time round and I'm not waiting on queue to see a movie that I could buy tickets for quite easily Saturday or Sunday morning. So I'm going to have my flatmates mom buy them for us.

Sweet Baby Einstein Watching Baby Jesus

In Recent News:

My books are on the way! I guess the folks at B&N found them in the wearhouse.In the meantime I'm reading Lighthousekeeping by Jeanette Winterson. I'm pacing myself it's needs to last.

I watched Disturbia last night. It was adequate. Certain aspects of the story were totally unbelievable but Shia Lebeouf made it watchable.


I've gotten responses for my latest shin dig which is about a month away. I need to start a to do list. I think I'll take a look at the entertaining magazines while I'm at B&N this weekend.


The Dark Knight opens Friday. I'm not sure why I'm excited but I'm totally am. I need to pick up some Red Vines. Mini Rant: WTF is with Twizzlers? They taste horrible and are way too soft. Red Vines are the awesome. Red sugar love.

Summer Fruit

I love fruit and summer is a fantastic season to enjoy. Current fruits in my kitchen include, Raspberries, strawberries,nectarines, bananas,apples,grapes and watermelon. During my first year away at college I roomed with a girl who did not like fruit. I couldn't believe it. She didn't care for vegetables much either. Her diet consisted mostly of Jimmy John subs with no lettuce,cookies and Diet Coke. It is therefore no surprise that she complained of constant fatigue. I would always ask, "Have you had any water today? What about fruit?" The answer was typically the same that she had some diet Coke and a sandwich. Don't be like my old roommate folks. Go out to your local market and pick up some all natural energy.

Reading Rainbow

Back in the day when I was in my prime I could get through 2-3 books on a school day and 8 or more during the course of a weekend. I simply devoured books.I lived in the pages. Visiting fantastic lands and uncovering ancient cultures. Why? I've always felt that I want to know how "we" worked and books seemed to be the best avenue. I remember asking myself at nine if thoughts, what I now understand to be consciousness,are eternal? We are born, we live, we die but ideas seem to defy nature. The threads of human consciousness remain unbroken. The texts are but snap shops of what humans are capable of understanding. Our ancestors leave for us a trail to find who we are and all we need do is follow it.
New additions to my shelf

Replay by Ken Grimwoood. Replay is the account of 43-year-old radio journalist Jeff Winston, who dies of a heart attack in 1988 and awakens back in 1963 in his 18-year-old body as a student. Jeff then "replays" his life and dies again at 43. This pattern continues and each time Jeff returns a bit older and wiser than the last.
Lion's Honey: The Myth of Samson by David Grossman I was introduced to the work of Isreali novelest David Grossman last summer. Mr. Grossman appeared on Bill Moyers "Faith and Reason" series and made quite the impression on me. I headed over to the University library and checked out The Book of Intimate Grammar . I couldn't put it down. Today I added Lion's Honey to the shelf. My early years were spent at a Christian school. I lived for the Bible stories. Myth is king. Nothing was more passionate or exciting than the stories of Moses or King David at least based on my five year old perceptions. I liked it when God showed his wrath somehow it meant he was more like us or just maybe we were more like Gods.



edit: WTF I just got an email from B&N my books are going to ship on AUGUST FUCKING FIRST. Seriously this sucks ass. I'm going to check out a local library.

Product Review

Purely Decadent Pomegranate Chip

The Verdict: Its good

Group Think

"I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members. "

Groucho Marx

They like me. They really like me. I seem to get on with most people. Sometimes its a good thing and other times its annoying as fuck. Its hard when you see favoritism with in an organization. How does one combat preferential treatment when one may benefit from it? Another mans demon is the devil scratching my back. If the group fucks over Maxim and I don't voice my concern it is as if I condone it. I guess I'll stick with it and try to reform from within or watch the group crash and burn. I like the flames. That's probably Condilezza Rice's strategy and it seems to be working. At least I never joined a sorority.


"I felt like a Nazi but it had to be done."

Raoul Duke, Fear and Loathing in LasVegas

Likes and Dislikes

Likes

1. Coffee
2. Waking just before sunrise
3. CSPAN Book TV
4. The NYTimes Magazine

Dislikes

1. Doornobs
2. Antique furniture
3. Crooked rugs
4. Stonewashed jeans

Muppets, tofu and sunny days

This afternoon I headed out to Fort Worth to watch Avenue Q. I've always loved Muppets and musicals, so the idea of a Muppet musical seemed choice. I had a great time and I'm sort of a diva when it comes to new musicals.

Moving on up to the Eastside to the deluxe apartment in the sky

Ok
*dusts off a vague Eastern European accent* "I vant to be alone."

I've looked at apartments and honestly I can't find anything acceptable. When did I become such a diva? Thanks mum and dad. If I switch jobs next fall, *crosses fingers*, I can pay off a some bills and put the remaining towards a down payment on a condo. I've thought about just going for a house in the burbs but lifestyle wise I'm about 15 years from that type of groove. I don't know if I'll live in Dallas for the next year or the next decade but it makes financial sense to purchase property and build some equity. I can always lease it down the road if I need to mosey on to another Ville.


In other news

Let's welcome in the weekend. I have plans to party the night away. Here is a little video throwback.

You want to what?

I'm for animal rights,the environment and just about every social justice movement. Tactics should be discussed. The ends do not always justify the means. I will admit that there are limits to what I will do for the cause. When you advocate ethical treatment of animals shouldn't it be done ethically? There are those who believe that home demos are the way to go. Huh? Are you serious mate? Take a step back count to three. I've thought about how I want to structure my life. In the future I would love to work for GLBTQ civil rights. How would I feel if pro life, anti gay marriage groups showed up on my doorstep? Sure they have the right to disagree with my politics but to invade my home and accost my family? The very thought of it sends me in to a Samuel L. Jackson mode. Some motherfucker is going to go down. Home demos are not "for the animals" they are for people who are anti social fuckwits.

Exploration of Human Sexuality

Why is it that nearly all studies of sexuality seem fixated on male sexuality? I recently picked up the latest issue of Psychology today. Several times in the article the state that women are different, So that is what the medical community is giving to the populous. "We don't know much about women they are just different." What the fuck! Will it be possible to get a real study that attempts to challenge the current gender paradigm.

Epic Fail

So I rode the sofa all night not sure why but I got 2-3 hours of sleep. The only thing on at 2AM is Animal Cops which is a show that exposes some of the worst aspects of human cruelty. As I watched Animal Cops I felt like an complete ass. If I got my shit together I could give a dog or cat a good home. WTF is wrong with people and why do they feel the need to hurt other beings. I loved what one of the vets said as he was examining a pit bull puppy mix, “ How could you do this to a little person.” If the individuals who commited these atrocities had any compassion in their hearts they would not treat animals in such a dispicable manner.If you happen to inform them that you are for animal rights many people ask what are you doing for people? I always come back to the same idea. What does it say about us, so called civilized people, when we fail to protect and preserve the life of animals? How civilized are we really?

Longtime no Koz

I've been keeping busy lately so I haven't been posting. I go in emotional loops which I keep under control but it does cause a great deal of fatigue. I made several rough drafts for the blog but the content was just too emo even for my standards. I've been looking for a positive outlet for my stress but right now the only answer seems to keep busy.

So I attended a new meet up group this week. I was pleasantly surprised by the crowd. Having spent the majority of my University career depressed, isolated, and anxious I don't really have a ton of experience interacting with my peers. I exchanged numbers with a couple of the attendees. I think I'll text them next week to see if we can meet up for drinks or something.

So one of my goals for the year 25 is to work on just being me and not judging myself. On its face it would seem easy however it has been an incredibly daunting task. I've worried about everything for 22 1/2 years out of 25. My neurosi are part of me. Despite the negative impact that they may have I don't know how I would function without them. They comfort me.

To Austin and Back

Went down to Austin to meet with a veganfreakie. I'm not in much a a thinking mode right now so I'll will just start a list.

Stuff I learned in Austin





1. I need to bring a bike to get around and really see the sites.

2. Dhaba Joy has the BEST cookies that I've ever eaten at a bakery.

3. Vegan Mac N Cheese is fucking outstanding

4. This one non descript building on the UT campus was actually the Library

5. I so miss being at school. I wanted to go in the stacks and wander.

6. I will be back and soon. Fuck big D and its pretensions.

7. Its not too far away for me to have a girlfriend there.

8. It is my life goal to be draped in hemp and scented with patchouli.

9. I really, really miss trees.

10. Mothers Cafe really, really, burned the fuck down. It was totally different from what I remembered. The food however rocked.

EarthBalanceSmufFalance

This post was inspired by a photo message that I recieved from the one and only Tastebetter.



EB, Earth balance, it is a buttery-like vegan spread that has made its way into the hearts and thighs of vegans everywhere. Well they have decided to put out a mix of butter and EB. 100% of the cruelty with only half the fat.


WTF!

Go Vegan, Stay Vegan or Kiss Off

I'm typically a balanced person. Sure I get irritated by asshatery just like the next person. I don't know when I became "that vegan" it could have happened over night I suppose. When I refer to "that vegan" I mean the vegan that accepts nothing less than veganism. That vegan who will tell you to get lost if you start in on how much you "love, love, love cheese." That Vegan who will bitch you out if you think for a minute that I will bestow upon you compassionate absolution when you confess to eating something OT VEGAN. Go fuck yourself seriously. A Koz does not have time for that shit.

Finally, Foodstuffs

After several days of standing in my kitchen and having a choice between powdered sugar or corn meal for dinner, I forced myself to the grocery store. I picked up some of the staples for a vegan pantry, hummus,carrots, romaine lettuce,oats. I also picked up some PeanutButter Panda Puffs which is one of my fave cereals of late.

Falafel its what’s for dinner?

I took this picture last night before I dove in to the delight that is falafel.





Falafel how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

You . . .

1. have a crispy crunchy exterior
2. are flavorful
3. have a great iron content
4. Round, round food is awesome.

Burn, Baby, Burn Cupcake Inferno

Saturday, after a late lunch of Chinese at NorthPark, my roommate,her friend Kris and I went to the DMA to view the J.M.W. Turner exhibit. When I wasn't running away from the rambling voices of pseudo Art Historians I enjoyed most of the works. I really loved the "burning room" which was a collection of works exploring fire.

I avoided what could have been a shit storm. My mum called me while en route to our apartment. I must have mentioned Friday's incident with the pizza with the possible butter definite cheese. Kris said " butter doesn't hurt cows." and my roommate said, "where does butter come from?" I really was not in the mood. I tolerate Kris because she is my friend's friend but I know things would be very different if I didn't have to maintain a good disposition. I have almost nothing in common with this person she is religous and just purchased a dog for $1200. Ummm yeah no cupcake for you missy.

Afterwards I retired to my apartment for the evening and whipped up a batch of chocolate cupcakes with peanutbutter frosting in honor of my roommates 28th B-Day. I was in pure sugar heaven. The recipie is from Isa Chandra Moskowitz's Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World.

They were loved by my roommate and my friend R who I lured over to my digs for some sweet kozmic sugar.

Excuse me, yeah you might want to dust the chip off your shoulder

What is with people who feel the need to wage war against the BMI chart. While it is far from perfect it can be a useful tool. Simply because you are 5 lbs over the ideal on the chart does not mean you should feel bad about yourself or that you may have health problems in the future. I will say that those who are in excess of 30 BMI need to get a wake up call. I've struggled with my weight for years and I never had the ability to convince myself that being well over 300lbs was anywhere near healthy. So folks get the chip off your shoulder. No one said you were ugly or stupid that's what you inferred. What matters most is that you get down to a healthy body composition.

Sweet Stuff

I've dumped all my white flour and sugar in my pantry. The first week of withdrawals were hard. My sugar jones is getting better and I think I've lost a bit of weight. The sad thing is I have new pans that I could use to bake some fab sweets but I'm holding back for a while. I have a potluck on Saturday that I plan on attending. I think I'll make "spesto" with bow tie pasta and peas and a fruit salad. There is a camping trip in the works. When it happens I will make scones,oatmeal bars and cookies but I will stick to whole wheat flour and LG sweeteners like agave nectar. I do feel better with out the sugar roller coaster that I was on. I guess old habits die hard.

Movies Movies Movies

So I saw Penelope this weekend. I was not a love affirming film or groundbreaking in any way. It was cute. Sometimes cute is enough.

Cry Baby

Yeah its not just a John Waters film. A cry baby is someone who loves to constantly play the victim. I don't wish to dismiss those that have real issues to overcome. I'm not that much of a hard ass. But I am tired of people who wish to silence others simply because of their own insecurities about their abilities. I would like to teach a seminar on "How to tell Assholes to fuck off or the basic elements of argumentation." I have a ton of doubts about myself however I do not doubt my ability to engage in a cogent discourse.

Fit, Fitter, Fittest,

Ok so I'm going to the gym again tonight. Today's muscle group is back and chest. I feel pretty good about my routine. I really hope is sunny this weekend although I'm photosensitive I can get out in the late afternoon and early morning.

On track

Well I've back to a more balanced eating pattern and my workout clothes are in the car. I know that I shouldn't put pressure on myself to drop X amount of weight but its just so damm hard but fitness first.

Back in Shape

Well my goal for the next 6 weeks is to shape up. G:" Why 6 weeks ?" My 6 week routine will end with yet another round of labs at my specialist. I am also on steroids which can make you gain weight. I feel that I've really hit a wall in the weight loss department. I have lost weight despite my inability to workout regularly the past 3 1/2 months however my fitness level in horrid. I don't really care how thin I get at this point I really just want to increase my stamina. This is week one of Back in shape and I will try to keep it up to date. I've always felt that because of my SLE I need to be the absolute best example of someone living with it.

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

Fuck you. Yep that is to all those who just decided to give up on veganism. I recently read a post by someone who stopped being vegan once they got pregnant because the "couldn't eat beans." Fuck them. Vegans eat more than just beans. People have just been afraid to tell her to go fuck herself because she is pregnant. Well fuck her. If she was dying from cancer or incapable of obtaining her own food I'd give her a break but don't fucking tell me that of all the foods available eggs and milk were the only thing that you could stomach. Bull fucking shit. Oh and don't use the pregnant excuse with me. You choose to have a child and should be aware of the side effects of such an endeavor. If you can't eat what you used to get a fucking dietitian or something. I'm fucking livid. I hope you like drinking veal.

The Greeks, I think they invented Bi (sexuality)

I owe this title to my flat mate El. Bi sexuality seems to come up in pop culture quite often. I have my own idea about it which I attempt to align more with a conceptualization of sexuality that is pre 20th century. To make a long story short the rise of the 20th century lead to the static sexual categories that we now have. I think we need to move away from the shallow anti humanistic categories of hetero/homo sexuality. There are multiple components to sex/ love/relationships. If “we” were to expand our understanding of sexuality to be more inclusive grounded in humanism rather than misogyny, classim, racism or homophobia, we would all have the opportunity to express every aspect of ourselves. In other words you, I , us could begin to focus on people and not on social position.

Atonement still sucks but it made me think

So I saw Atonement the other day, I will refrain from bashing it too much. Its overrated. Really. But while watching it I couldn't help but think of the romantic entanglements that I have had or could potentially have. I want to enjoy all of it. Pleasure is what was lacking for me in all of my trist. How someone or why they liked me was irrelevant. I was alone even in their presence. So dispite myself I held back and came off cool and aloof. Who would want those qualities in a partner? So I'm working on not shutting down and running for the hills with emotions in tow.

Day One

I'm not a writer, a director or biochemical engineer. I'm a vegan and apparently a self righteous one. I woke up this morning with attitude and a goal in mind. While showering I thought about how much my life has evolved over the past 6 months. In a short time I've gone from student to working stiff. I undergone change and I hope to continue to grow and chronicle this is a manner befitting the kozmic one.