BlaringSmelly

After last year’s success in growing basils, chives, cilantro, peppers, and several potted herbs, this year I wanted to try something different and a bit more challenging, like tomatoes. My green thumb friend Tab gave me three varieties of tomato plants to play around.

The pots I planted the plants were kind of small, I was concerned they might not provide enough nutrition for the plants to produce fruits. Also during springtime, the plants were nearly drowned by the heavy rain due to my ignorance to the plants’ water takes. All and all, I didn’t expect to get any tomato.

That’s why when I first discovered tiny green lumps hidden behind leaves, I didn’t immediately associate those were baby tomatoes. But look at them grow! This one is as big as the tomatoes they sell in the grocery store.

I wonder when it’s going to turn red. I can’t wait to eat my home grown tomatoes.

Mango and I were returning home from his noon walk as we approached the elevator. The elevator door opened and 2 unleashed dogs ran out, charging straight at Mango. We were advised until Mango receives all his vaccines, to keep Mango away from public grassy area and other dogs. I tried to put myself between Mango and the other dogs to prevent them from having any contact.

The owner called her dogs in her half-ass attempt to get them back to her. One retrieved but the other dog continued to circle around us, completely ignoring her calls. The dogs’ owner didn’t seem to realize how obnoxious her dog was acting. Out of frustration and also because she was so far away from the scene, I yelled at her “my dog doesn’t have all the shots yet!”

It felt like eternity until the unleashed dog left us alone. The entire incident happened so fast, I hardly had time to think. Afterward, I emailed Diane Rich of Spokes Dog for advice. She replied: “…if situation allows, try to get in front of the other dog and tell it to go home and try to back away without alarming my dog.”

I was right to get between the other dog and Mango. But in the midst of chaos, I think I was tugging Mangos’ leash pretty hard to get him away from the harasser. That might have alarmed Mango that something was wrong.

All these could have being avoided if the 2 dogs were on leash.

Have your dogs on leash you irresponsible pet owners out there! It’s the law so obey it. I was not surprised to find others that share the same bitterness toward irresponsible dog owners.

Unleashed dogs are disasters waiting to happen, not only to other people and animal, but also to the safety of the unleashed dogs themselves. After reading an online article “Path of leash resistance”, I’m considering getting a pepper spray or something equivalent to protect Mango and myself from unwelcome off-leash dogs and their owners if it comes down to that.

It’s a shame I’ve not been to Bite of Seattle all these years I reside in Seattle. This past Friday, I was told a lunch plan that involved drinking, eating, and iMax movie afterward. It was the ultimate Friday lunch plan that I had to tag alone.

First stop was the Whisky Bar. I had water as I was still recovering from yesterday’s quarterly meeting. We left after a pool game and couple shots of whisky.

On the way, Matt was telling us about alligator on a stick. We found New Orleans Cookery booth was selling alligator on a stick. For $7, we were handed a stick of chicken nugget-looking fried-to-perfection alligator. The portion was good for the money we paid. And boy, it was tasty!!!

I’ve never had alligator before. I was pleasantly surprised how much it tasted like Taiwanese style chicken nuggets (鹹酥雞）. It’s juicy, spicy, and simply delicious. I couldn’t shut up about how good it was.

Too bad New Orleans Cookery is not in my neighborhood. Or I’d be showing up to have that tasty alligator anytime I want. I had a bite of Crab Cake Narisa got also from the Cookery. It was pretty tasty too.

Last night ktula suggested Garlic Jim’s Famous Gourmet Pizza for dinner. Where I had the most terrible food in a very long time.

To be fair, I’m not a pizza fan. If I have to, I like my pizza thin crust. ktula mistakenly ordered the thick crust pizza. In addition to that, we ordered a 10-piece garlic wings. The wings looked like they were swimming in oil before sending to our table. Despite my cluttered up blood vessels, the taste was acceptable.

Moments later, the pizza was served. We ordered a garlic chicken pizza. However I couldn’t see traces or identify objects resemblance of chicken on the pizza. The crust was soggy from god knows what. A thick layer of what appeared to be cheese smothered on top. The only reason I guessed it was based on the substance’s unnatural yellow color. The smell of gourmet cooking was completely absent. This steamy pile of sadness made me wish I were having McDonald’s chicken nuggets or KFC’s fried chickens. They are bad for me but at least taste good.

No reason to describe the pizza’s taste as it was as bad as it looked. I chose to stick with grease dripping wings.

Most of my friends know I’m a bit of a picky eater. Now that I’m over the age to be able to binge like a garbage can, my philosophy at eating has become to eat only things I like and nothing else. People gave me craps about not eating this and that. But when I gave in like last night’s dinner. I broke my rules of thumb and now feeling gross and bloated even more than 12 hours later. I work hard to keep myself healthy. I regretted last night I didn’t stand firmly on my grounds.

It’s so sad to watch videos taken by ktula during our 2nd soccer game of this season. I suck!!

Record-breaking day in my short cycling history. Today we started from Seattle, Gas Work Park near Fremont to be exact. We started after a late lunch, I didn’t think we’d have enough time to reach Woodinville then with remaining strength still make it back before the day turned dark. But once we started, I was determined to make it all the way.

Getting there was fairly easy, today was no exception. Thinking I will probably stop for breaks in the returning journey, I asked to get a head start. Paddling and breathing took more efforts, the gear was adjusted so I can conserve energy. I was making progress surly and steadily. I didn’t make any stop to rest except one time I stop to wait for ktula. After a while I got tired of waiting so I hopped back on the road.

I got pretty hungry when I reached UW. Likely Ivar’s Salmon House was just off the trail. Fish and Chips were the kind of hearty grub I was looking for. Docked my bike at the rack, I joined group of hungry people in the chaotic scene of ordering and picking up food at the fish bar.

As I was enjoying my satisfying meal, I saw a mini van pulled into the parking lot, trying to squeeze into the space in front of the bicycle rack. Two people came out of the van to guide the van getting as close to our bikes as possible. Pardon my French, what were these fuckers thinking? By parking there, the van was blocking the bikes from getting out and other cyclists to use the rack.

That was clearly not a parking space for cars, still the mini van tenaciously inched its way in. I threw down a half-eaten fish piece to rescue my bike. I stopped the van before it physically about to touch my bike. I told them I’m moving my bike before they blocked me in. I didn’t hide my disapproval of what they were doing. I told them this is not a parking space.

The woman came out of the van agreed but sounded like there’s nothing she can do about it. I checked out the driver, an older man was behind the wheel. Probably stressed out from having to drive the family around unfamiliar city. Still, that was no excuse to be disregard of others. If you ever see this Oregon plate green van on the street, don’t forget to wave at it with your middle finger.

On a brighter note, my returning time was about the same as getting there. At first I thought I came back in a much shorter time. Turned out it was just a human error.

I’m bored.
Everyday is the same-old-thing.
Automatic…Repetitive…Predictable everything.

Is this just the weather talking? I hope.

(photo taken by Photo Booth)

The Allium Rosenbachianum bulbs I planted last fall are now in full bloom. I didn’t think they were going to do well when slugs chewed the leaves up just last month. Looks like they are going to be just fine.

This afternoon was sunny and warm, the kind of weather perfect for gardening. I planted the 3 tomato plants Tab gave me last week. Another new addition to ktula’s backyard is a good number of ants. They don’t seem to be harmful to plants. But their sheer gigantic size alone is quite an eye sore.

Thumbs up to the movie Iron Man, and here’s why it rocks my world (Spoiler Warning).

The ultimate dream garage

Our billionaire superhero’s garage has: half dozen race cars (including 1 hot rod that inspired Iron Man’s suit design), couple motorcycles, and state of the art workstation…

Granted he is a billionaire. He can geek up and money is no object to him, this dream garage is certainly inspirational. Imaging what kind of cool projects you can work on if your garage is this awesome. Your very own armor perhaps?

First fly test

Despite warnings from the suit’s built-in computer, Tony commanded his first outdoor pilot test. The take off was sketchy, but in seconds, he soared in the night sky in full speed. His face lit up and eyes wide-open. In the thrill of the moment, he went “Woooo-hoooo!”

That scene brings back memory. Watching Tony (played by Robert Downey Jr.) dashing through the sky, I had flash back of my first time riding my Buell at night, full speed on Alaskan Way Viaduct. At the time I just started riding, regardless that night I went fast. I felt I was so close to the street, and night, and downtown Seattle. The experience was exhilarating. In the thrill of it all, I also went “Wooooo-hooooo!”

Likable superhero personality

The usual character approach in superhero movies tends to produce superhero that’s too dark, too remorse, and too twisted. Also computer technology takes over character development; dehumanize the superhero into demos of Hollywood CG technology.

Robert Downey Jr. did an exceptional job portraying the playboy industrialist. He transforms this far from perfect Tony Stark to a personable human being. The movie didn’t play the technology card so blindly. Other supporting characters also had the chance to progress into personalities we can relate to.

It’s an A- movie

I love fantasy and sci-fi genres. Sadly most of these type movies failed so miserably I no longer look forward to their debut on the big screens. Then came Iron Man. Like any Hollywood blockbusters, glamour and excitement were rightly formulated in the movie plot. What’s more in Iron Man is the dialogs are actually enjoyable, and the superhero wears the suit, not the other way around.

Long story short, recently I discovered Marc Jacobs original Eau de Parfum and decided to get it for myself. I chose to get a gift set because in addition to the gift set, a “splash to go” kit was also included in the purchase. Inside the kit were a travel size perfume bottle and a funnel. The travel size bottle is perfect for my upcoming trip. Sounded like a good idea at the time.

It was when I attempted to open the large bottle the next day then I realized maybe this “splash to go” is not such a great idea.

The bottle was impossible to open. Screwdriver, plier…, I was operating on this delicate bottle with no mercy. When I finally pop the top cap, another metal cap and a thick plastic ring around it tightly sealed the bottle top.

Damn it, no matter how hard I pulled, nothing is coming out or loosen up. Ktula was summoned to help out with the perfume mission. He managed to destroy the plastic ring and pull it out but wasn’t making a dent on the metal seal.

Finally he gave up. He said maybe the bottle wasn’t meant to be open. I should just spray into the funnel until the bottle is filled.

Wholly cow, as stupid as it sound, I actually believed that’s what the perfume manufacturer intended us to do. Hundreds of sprays later, I did have a travel size bottle filled and a Marc Jacobs perfume scented bathroom.

I really ought to talk to the guys and gals working in the perfume department if they know something I don’t about how to open the perfume bottle. I am so not looking forward to the next time I have to fill the bottle again.