Braised pork and tofu, using a recipe I improvised. S loved it.
Combed Dozer’s and Sam’s fur to catch loose hair, and cleaned Sam’s litter box. I noticed as Sam gets older, he becomes more particular about cleanliness and comfort. I bought him calming treats in the hope that they would help him be less fussy after meals.
Sat, 9/2/2023
– traded for a nicer car
– took hours to get the payment and paperwork done
– had no time for a sit-down meal; got swiss burgers from a local burger and seafood to-go restaurant on the way home. Cost 40$ excluding tips for 2 portions. Everything was not cheap anymore. While waiting for the food, I took a photo of an abandoned shopping mall nearby, a sharp reminder of the profound changes overtime when nowadays online shopping reigns supreme, pushing shops and stores into vulnerable positions. I wondered if, one day, in-person shopping would become a luxury, with a hefty price tag attached, to savor the hustle and bustle of human life that these places offer, an experience that can’t be replicated through online shopping.
– would pick up the car on Monday, hopefully would have more time to explore NOLA.
Mon, 9/4/2023
Made a brief stop in NOLA but couldn’t explore the city much as it rained dogs and cats. By the way, visited HEX, a witch shop, where we had a 30-min tarrot and palm reading for a couple, which cost $90. It was fun! The shop also had an eclectic mix of spiritual products but the prices weren’t friendly.
On the way home, I took some photos that look cinematic. They reminded me of supernatural troops from Hollywood superhero flicks, rescuing the Earth.
Thurs, 9/7/2023
Traffic lights, electric lines and poles are something very special to me in this country:
Sun, 9/10/2023 – Making a painting frame
S finally finished the painting frame though it took several months since he hadn’t worked on it continuously. Making it was a PITA. At first, the size of the trims was small, disproportionate compared to the large painting. S had to make another frame to attach to the original one, but, for some reason, it left part of the unpainted canvas exposed. He continued making a smaller frame to attach to the current one, yet, again, it somehow didn’t entirely cover the unpainted canvas. At this point, I decided to “fill in” the remaining blank space. I had never tried oil-painting before, though I used to paint. It had been decades since my last attempt, but I gave it a try. Fortunately, the areas to be filled didn’t require any detailed painting. All I had to do was mix colors to match the right shade of blue and black with the existing ones. I was a bit nervous, but I managed to do it successfully. The colors blended seamlessly.
The painting was about Arroyo Hondo’s nature on a moonlit night. The image was captured by S from our yard and we hired an artist from China to “transform” it into a painting. What captivates me in the artwork is the tranquility and authenticity of the scenery, evoking a sense of peace every time I look at.
Fri, 9/15/2023
Pain
Sun, 9/24/2023
Purchased a flight ticket to VN. S would be flying separately in the second half of November.
Dined at a Chinese buffet.
Tue, 9/26/2023 – Busy day with a sweet surprise by the end
Cooked crawfish in gravy from scratch. It was my first time trying this dish on a whim. The process involved sautéing onions and garlic until they were perfectly brown, then adding crawfish and frying for four minutes. Then, I transferred this into a bowl. Using the same pan, I made roux, combining beer batter flour, olive oil, and butter in equal parts, stirring over low-medium heat for about 12 minutes (not sure about the amount of time as I forgot to track). When the roux turned brown hue and blended perfectly, I added square pieces of sauteed bell peppers and 1.5 cups of water, and cooked it over low-medium temperature. The food was surprisingly delicious, being another dish in S’s favorite list.
Later, I visited the IVF clinic to return borrowed medication when the pharmacy’s delivery was delayed. I also signed a form requesting my complete medical records for my upcoming treatment in VN. It would take at least a week for the documents to arrive as they needed to be reviewed and signed by doctors before mailing them out. After that, I reviewed medical receipts from 2021 for the tax audit purpose.
Next, I contacted medical service providers for missing receipts and completed a visa application. After failures to get any support from Vietnamese consulates, regardless of numerous attempts to call, email, and messages, I stumbled upon this website, which allowed for e-visa applications. I was hesitant to use the website at first but felt more secure after reading Reddit comments indicating the site was legitimate. The website was strange somehow as it kept automatically changing the dates I input whenever I reviewed the application. However, I finally managed it and the single-use visa fee was 25$.
Then I headed to Rouses for groceries. When I got back in the car, somebody knocked on the window. I turned to see a bouquet of flowers against the glass and a man holding it. The view was limited so I couldn’t make out who that gentleman was. A flash thought ran in my mind, “Is there someone so taken by the woman in her unglam house outfit that he’s ready to pull off a grand romantic gesture? But such a cinematic moment swiftly ended when I realized it was S. Don’t get me wrong. He generously buys me flowers and gifts every now and then, but the romantic moment he knocked on the window with the flowers in his hand surely wasn’t his plan but purely a coincidence because it wasn’t typical of his usual behavior. I know my man. But that surprise made the gifts even sweeter.
Wed, 09/27/2023
– Tended to neglected plants. 2 heucheras died.
– cleaned Sam’s litter box
– contacted a license commission office but it was closed
– stopped by a dental office to pick up the payment history
– suffered a low back pain, specifically around the sacrum spine area. It had been bothering me since the morning, but I couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause. I used a hot pad and massage devices to alleviate the discomfort. The pain eased temporarily but still persisted.
Fri, 09/29/2023
Love it
Sat, 9/30/2023
Took care of various tasks: cooked breakfast for S, made pots of tea and coffee, put away dishes, ran the dishwasher, did the laundry, took supplements, and went shopping at Walmart. The large number of items left me a bit overwhelmed but I was happy to have found some Persian blue throw pillows that perfectly matched my home decor. I also found cute gifts for my nieces and nephew for my upcoming trip. One piece of good news was S successfully obtained an e-visa in just 4 days, which was surprisingly quick. Considering past experiences with administrative procedures, there has been a significant improvement in the Vietnamese government’s handling of such services.
I had a really fun English class today with B, B and H. I had B play the role of a customer and H act as a waiter. H’s job was to take B’s order and ask, “Is there anything else?”. The game started and it turned into a hilarious pattern where every time H asked the question, B ordered more, and it went on and on without a signal to stop. The funny thing was that B had no clue how to indicate she’d had enough. So instead of saying “No, thanks!”, she kept ordering more, because all she knew was names of food. How cute she was!
After the class, I did some yard work. I pruned a compact Japanese holly, deadheaded blanket flowers, sprayed fungicide on azaleas, cleared away dead leaves around ornamental grass bushes, and watered plants. Then I cooked tahi-mahi. I wasn’t really in the cooking mood, but the fish had already thawed, so I quickly seasoned it and popped it in an air-fryer. Done! Later, I helped S a little bit with his main door installation project and then cleaned a small patio. It had been completely untouched for years. The patio was a mess, littered with broken ceramic pieces, leaves, twigs, and layers of accumulated dirt. Some wooden planks have bent and warped, leading to an uneven and unstable surface. First, I removed the broken ceramic pieces, leaves and twigs; then I used an electric vacuum to suck up dirt and a flat screwdriver to remove stubborn dirt from the edges between planks, and again continued sucking until the patio looked decent. S would transform it into a yoga spot or a peaceful retreat to unwind, or simply a place for some “me” time. It’s sweet to envision that way but the reality would probably be not fun as mosquitos definitely would not let me alone. Anyway, it’s still early to think about this since S already has a long list of projects, and renovating the patio isn’t his priority.
…
Had mixed thoughts about our marriage and the parenthood-seeking journey.
Sat, 08/05/2023 – Chores
Loaded the dishwasher and put away the dishes; did the laundry for clothes, bedding and throw blankets and ran the dryer multiple times; fixed the stair carpet by knotting and securing the loose loops caused by Sam’s and Dozer’s claws. The knots blend seamlessly with the carpet’s 3D diamond texture.
Boiled water for a drink.
Refilled the sugar dispenser and Sam and Dozer’s water bowl.
Tidied up the living-dining area.
Reorganized the pantry.
Pulled the weeds; the soft soil after the rain made the work easier. Despite the overwhelming sight of numerous weeds, I tried to be patient and distracted myself by looking at the bags of pulled weeds to remind me of what I have accomplished instead of focusing on the parts I haven’t touched. This helped my task be less burdened.
Sun, 08/13/2023 – New bed
Bought a new bed frame with a headboard and storage footboard on a bit of a whim. The store was about to close for good, and the discounted price was very tempting, but the high total cost made me feel like the original price had seemed inflated before the generous discount was applied. The bed set looks ok though quite formal while I prefer a touch of rustic charm. S agreed to build floating nightstands to add a more casual element to the room. Not sure how they would turn out but hope that their matte brown stain would create a warm, cozy and more natural look to balance out the shiny, almost black color of the bed set.
Also, the headboard’s height of 67.5″ blocked the view of the window while an ideal height I need should be 55″. S said he couldn’t lower it to that height because it would make the bed uneven due to the attached non adjustable footboard. However, he could craft new legs to bring the headboard to a more manageable level. A new pair was quickly made and installed; the original pair was put away for potential future use.
Another issue was that the new bed required a box spring, so instead of paying extra for a real one, we used our metal bed frame as a box spring. It perfectly fits inside the bed frame. S’s wonderful idea has saved us from the hassle of selling it and purchasing a separate box spring.
Sat,08/19/2023 – Daily life
My morning began with a trip to Lowe’s with S. We needed to buy trims for the new door, sandpapers, and a sponge. Since we took Dozer with us, we went to the park after that. It was a sunny day, great for spending time outdoors. The park had swings, slides, and other recreational equipment.
A swirling slide looked fun but I was hesitant to try at first, primarily due to my fear of height. S encouraged me, assuring me that it was a simple ride down. I decided to give it a try. It wasn’t scary at all like I imagined. It slid a bit but very slowly and the slide was actually short. Felt ashamed a bit but to be honest, it was for kids.
On our way back from the park, we stopped by Subway to grab some sandwiches. As we arrived home, I remembered that I had some thawed meat in the fridge, so I decided to cook it to avoid any waste. I started with chicken and braising seemed like an easy option. I cooked chicken in coconut juice and chicken broth, seasoning it with sautéed onion, turmeric, cayenne, and crushed bay leaves. I added garlic salt, nuoc mam (fish sauce), and mushroom seasoning to enhance the flavors. After simmering for about 30 minutes, I squeezed in a touch of lemon juice, which added a bit of tanginess to the dish.
At the same time, I cooked catfish nuggets by simply braising them in a mixture of turmeric, crushed ginger, nuoc mam, and garlic salt for half an hour. Yummy! Braised catfish is my all-time favorite.
Then I continued by steaming shrimp and frying shrimp heads – my favorite part of the shrimp. I particularly enjoyed their crunchy and juicy texture, and also the moment of taking a photo of shrimp heads and sent it to MK to see her “ewe” reaction. Another Vietnamese dish that I teased her with a photo of is sweet and sour chicken feet. Haha! She said she might consider trying it only when she is really starving.
After cooking, I tried to open a dried coconut which had a hard shell as its fibrous outer layers had been removed. I had never done it before. In my memory, my mom got juice out of this kind of coconut by placing a chopstick on a soft spot at the top and hammering it down to make a hole. I did the same but unfortunately, the chopstick broke, and I was left with the coconut with a broken piece stuck in the hole. S showed up and easily opened the coconut with just a drill.
How clever of me!
In the afternoon, text messages from a lady who was interested in getting free catnip from me were so confusing. She seemed unsure about my address and mentioned something about following a guy at a gas station to find her way to my house. I initially didn’t question her purpose when I first shared her my address until receiving her subsequent messages on both my phone and the app. Why didn’t she just send a text from either one?!? I started to feel uneasy about meeting her. But when she arrived, I realized my previous suspicions had been a bit overly cautious. She was nice and we had a pleasant conversation.
Sun, 08/20/2023 – Enjoyable Sunday
The lady I had given catnip and the playhouse to sent me a nice text to thank me for the wonderful gifts and shared a sweet story about how much her cat loved the toy. I was glad that my gifts were useful.
The heat in August was still scorching. I watered plants and pulled out weeds; noticed one heuchera was looking particularly sick.
Before noon, S & I went to a nearby casino. We wanted to have lunch at the steak restaurant inside the casino that we missed once, but it was closed. How disappointing! We chose buffet instead, which was quite a unique experience. Instead of the typical self-serve style, the buffet had staff members serving the food.
The food there was quite diverse. I chose gumbo, fried clam strips, and steamed shrimp for my first round, while S went for a massive meatball sandwich loaded with cheese. For the second round, I had sushi rolls, fried rice, green beans, and a delightful tiramisu for dessert. The shrimp and tiramisu were especially delicious.
After our meal, I tried my luck on a slot machine inserting a couple of $20 bills. The sounds, lights, and images on the screen were enjoyable, even though Ididn’t win.
When we were back home, I looked at S’s recent blood test results. He has pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and triglycerides. I worry about his health, especially knowing his habits of indulging in sugary and fatty snacks, smoking, and consuming energy drinks. We discussed his plans to go to the gym and find an indoor tennis court in a nearby state. It’s nice to see his intentions to make positive changes for his health.
Mon, 08/21/2023 – Lessoningrained
Today, I had a minor burn on my left hand. I handled a hot pan from the oven with a mitt, then took it off. In a hurry to continue cooking, I placed the pan back on the stove, forgetting that it was still scorching. Right at the moment I grasped the pan, a searing pain shot through my hand. I instinctively pulled it away, cradling it in shock. S quickly stepped up, submerged my hand in a pack of ice water for 15 minutes, then dried it off and applied cream, typically used for soothing the pain caused by cosmetic industry acid injections. It may have seemed like an unusual remedy, but it worked wonders. This is a hard-learned lesson for me which I would likely never forget: always use a mitt when handling a hot pan.
My forgetfulness continued. I kept boiling water and let it cool, only to realize I hadn’t put tea in. And it wasn’t just once; it happened four times. Can you believe it? I did it so many times that I became frustrated with myself.
In the evening, I pondered the meaning of life, the choices I’ve made, the paths I’ve taken, and the impact I’m making. There’s a feeling of being trapped in my comfort zone and a sense of urge telling me it’s time to take action. Sometimes, finding myself caught between the awareness of the need for change and the stressful anxiety of not feeling ready is extremely hard to bear.
Wed, 8/23/2023 – Colonoscopy
S had a colonoscopy and the operation went well. We headed straight to Golden Corral after leaving the hospital for his first meal after almost 2 days of no food. Of course, his plate was full of carbs, meat, and cheese.
Fri, 8/25/2023 – Chores
Watered plants and grass, did the laundry (clothes and bathroom rugs), cleaning Dozer’s bed covers, vacuumed the downstairs, and folded clothes. Next, cooked instant noodles for S with eggs, beef and mixed greens, boiled sweet potato for myself, put the dishes away, cleaned the kitchen, and wiped off a stain from the stair carpet. Then, went to Walmart for groceries and coffee filters (8-12 cups). Later, went out for dinner at a Greek restaurant, which I chose quite randomly with the belief that Mediterranean food rarely disappoints. The place has a unique “factory” design, offering a buffet-style service where you could customize your own meal from an array of options. Despite my initial hesitation, I had a culinary adventure with a bowl of mixed lamb, grilled chicken, green beans, rice, feta cheese, yogurt ranch, salsa, and assorted nuts. It was flavorful but I believe if I order next time, my choice would be better. S, on the other hand, enjoyed a steak sandwich with his characteristic quick-eating style.
Sun, 8/27/2023 – Fun at Buc-cees
We picked up an assortment of goodies at Buc-ees. S’s selection was filled with bold flavors – ghost pepper jerky, various sandwiches, cheese cakes, and more. Meanwhile, I opted for a burrito, dried beef and kolaches. They were all delicious.
Returning home, I stained painting frames. The original honey teak shade turned out to be a far cry from what I had envisioned, so intolerable that I decided to fix it. I applied a coat of Province 211 to tone down the color, which definitely looks much better. Making a frame is a painful task as it requires a lot of patience, details, and precision. There are so many steps involved and usually you have to wait between steps, including staining, sealing, gluing, clamping, etc. I really admire S for the enormous effort he put into this project.
Wed, 8/30/2023
Did yoga, took supplements and wore a hydrating facial mask. The mask was infused with hyaluronic acid, known for its skin-nourishing properties. It was a natural product that contained pear extract and plant squalane oil, promising to intensely hydrate and boost skin’s moisture levels.
Went to the clinic for baseline and blood tests. Thankfully, the results were positive, showing a count of 10 on the left and 6 on the right. This meant I was given the green light to begin the stimulation drugs starting tomorrow. I also asked the nurse if it was safe to use Lupron as I noticed small bubbles in the jar, which I was afraid was due to the heat during transportation caused by my broken car air conditioning. She assured me it was fine to use.
Back home, taught BBH English and then made stuffed burgers. I flavored lean ground beef with steak seasoning. Using a press, I created a patty with a hollow center to place Colby jack cheese and olives. Then, added another layer of beef and pressed them down using the lid of the press.
Next, I stewed beef with nutmegs and dried mushrooms; the kitchen was filled with delicious aromas.
After cooking, I moved on to some chores including checking the list of IVF drugs to order, folding the clothes, doing the laundry, spraying pesticides and fungicides on sick heucheras, and cleaning Sam’s litter box.
Thurs, 8/31/2023
Whipped up lunch with fried potatoes as an improvisation since I was out of milk to make mashed potatoes. Partially cooked in the microwave, heated oil, tossed them in, sprinkled beer batter and fried them to crispy perfection. Then, added some garlic salt and melted a generous layer of Colby jack cheese on top. It turned out S’s favorite dish. But actually any food loaded with cheese and butter would automatically be his go-to choice.
Nothing else to write down for today. Just a regular day of doing chores.
July was a stressful month for me. It went by crazily fast.
Fri, 7/7/2023 – Chores
Loaded and ran the dishwasher; vacuumed the couch and wiped it with a warm soaped cloth; tidied up and vacuumed the downstairs; organized and decluttered the MF room; and cleaned Sam’s litter box. Ended the day with dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant.
Mon, 7/10/2023 – A day began with troubles but ended with flowers.
Fri, 7/14/2023 – Errands
Went to Lowe’s to buy two more stepping stones for the small pathway project we were working on in the backyard. Then stopped by Walmart next to it for groceries including jalapeno drumsticks, chicken wings and a whole roasted chicken. Couldn’t help but grab two sugar-topped donuts as well. When I’m hungry, I tend to crave foods loaded with carbs, sugar and fat but my eyes are usually bigger than my stomach. Back home, booked wellness blood work appointments for the following Monday afternoon. Remembered fasting was required, then rescheduled them to the morning. I’m not the kind of person who can go without eating for too long. I usually have light or early dinner, so breakfast or brunch is what I’m always looking forward after I wake up. Anyway, unable to access wellness forms online. Would ask S to take a look at it.
Sat, 7/15/2023 – Poor baby coneflower
My newly-planted baby coneflower died due to excessive rain, which was ironic because I had been so worried it wouldn’t make it through the extreme heat. It had nearly gone previously, but with my daily watering, fertilizing, and protection from snails, it started to revive with thriving buds. I also covered it with pine needles for some shade to protect it from the intense summer heat. Then we had rain for a few days, and I got busy, which made me neglect it. Found out later that the flower had completely gone. All that was left were just the tiny short stems decaying into mud. I felt upset and guilty for my negligence causing its death, but at the same time, couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of returning “this mud” to Lowe’s for a refund, saying, “Look! It’s your plant. Give my money back.”
Mon, 7/17/2023 – Grocery shopping at Vietnamese store
Got my blood work done in the morning and then headed to the Vietnamese store. The fasting had left me so hungry that I couldn’t resist grabbing a bunch of fried carb and sugar-loaded treats. Also, it had been months since my last visit to the store, which was long enough for me to start missing the unique Vietnamese flavors. I ended up getting a variety of things from fruit, snacks to sweet and savory foods.
I grabbed jackfruit, yellow mango, mochi, coconut durian candy and durian cakes. I went on with two cups of sweet soup. One is a combination of sweet potato and cassava chunks with macadamia in coconut milk. The other, called “Chè bánh trôi”, consists of steamed sticky rice balls filled with mashed mung beans, swimming in a fresh ginger sweet syrup. I also couldn’t pass by “Bánh Cam” and “Bánh Giò”. “Bánh Cam” is a deep-fried sticky rice balls, covered with sesame seeds and filled with mashed mung beans and shredded coconut. “Bánh Giò” is a steamed pyramid-shaped rice dumpling wrapped in a banana leaf and stuffed with ground pork, egg, wood ear mushrooms, and chopped onions. The fillings of the sweet soup and savory treats can vary, but they are typically Vietnamese traditional street foods. Sorry, no photos of those as I couldn’t wait to binge on them. The other items I bought were Chinese eggplants and bitter melons. And I didn’t forget to get S coconut soda and his favorite type of bananas, which are thicker and shorter than regular bananas sold at American markets. They have pleasant sweetness and taste smooth and velvety. They don’t get mushy when overripe.
Tue, 7/18/2023-Quick, easy and delicious home-made beef
Didn’t get enough sleep, so felt sluggish throughout the day. Did yoga though. My blood work results showed everything was normal, including the LDL, though it was on the higher side.
In the evening, cooked chuck tender. While this cut of beef is called “tender”, some people find it less so compared to other cuts, which is why they often recommend slow cooking or roasting. However, from my own experience, sauteeing with the right slicing and cooking method works perfectly for this cut of beef. If you ever try Vietnamese legendary beef – which S playfully named for typical tough Vietnamese beef when he first tried it – you will likely agree with me that any part of American beef is tender. Anyway, here is how I prepared and stir-fried beef: First, sliced beef thinly. This process usually involves marinating with crushed ginger for 15 minutes but I skipped it. Next, sautéed crushed onions and garlic, then threw in the thin sliced beef, seasoned it with garlic salt and oyster sauce and cooked over medium-high heat for just 2 minutes. One thing, I cooked the beef in small portions to avoid too much juice coming out, which would otherwise reduce the taste of stir-fry. Then transferred it to a bowl and used the same pan to stir-fry bell peppers with the same ingredients. Once the peppers were done, mixed them in with the beef, tossed in some fresh basil leaves and hot peppers. Voila, ready to eat!
Wed, 7/19/2023– Chores
Tired and sluggish due to restless sleep. watered the plants and pulled weeds. Loaded and ran the dishwasher, did the laundry, hand-washed the mopping cloth. Made a shopping list for online orders, including cat litter and wet food for Sam. Next, checked leftover supplements to prepare for a refill. Grilled salmon for S but it was too fishy for him. S is a meat and cheese lover, and all kinds of fish, except cod aren’t his friends. Also, he was working and once he gets into it, it’s so difficult to get him to take a break.
Thur, 7/20/2023 – Daily life
Again didn’t get enough sleep. My right knee was hurting. Used the green oil, an oriental remedy, which gave me some comfort. Then, patiently untangled my long frizzy permed hair. Felt good once I finished. Moved on to watching some YouTube videos to learn how to trim gaura plants and style compact Japanese hollies into round bushes. Headed to Rouses to buy oysters, but then I got carried away and bought 10 cans of coconut since they were on sale, $1 each. They had preservatives, which I wasn’t thrilled about, but it was whatever. Back home, reordered my supplements. The lady on the phone took the order with a tired voice, and she didn’t sound interested or engaged. Maybe she wasn’t having a good day. Continued ordering online from the Walmart website and almost ignored changing the shipping address which would otherwise be delivered to MK. In the evening, cooked oyster soup for S, his all-time favorite, hopefully to make him feel better after a sleepless night. Finally, treated myself to steamed blue crabs. There wasn’t much meat and it took ages to finish.
Fri, 7/21/2023 – Chores
Booked an IVF appointment for 9/26. Unfortunately, no earlier appointment available. Then, trimmed azaleas and gauras, fertilized and watered plants. Noticed the bottom part of one bush of ornamental grass was turning yellow, which made me worry it might not survive. Back inside, vacuumed and mopped the downstairs, and ran the dishwasher.
Sat, 7/22 – Daily life
Did yoga, had pork rib noodles for breakfast. Later in the day, went to SSH with S to buy a new main door. The door we wanted in our desired color wasn’t available at the moment, so we got the only one left, which has a vibrant red hue. It’s S’s favorite color. We also picked a glass door, a part of the main door.
Back home, R, our caring neighbor helped us carry the doors to the inside the garage. He’s always there whenever we are in need, even without asking. So grateful to be a neighbor of his and his sweet wife. After a short break, I cut S’s hair, fed Dozer and Sam, then headed to Walmart to pick up stuff. Had a little bump there but handled it well. Back home again, headed to a Chinese buffet restaurant for dinner. I love crawfish, sauteed green beans, shrimp and fried rice there. They have tasty deserts too. I especially like their sponge cake which is pleasantly sweet, soft and flavorful. Unfortunately, S isn’t a fan of a Chinese buffet but he still goes with me, sometimes involuntarily.
Mon, 7/24/2023 – Daily life
Slept restlessly, woke up feeling achy. I used the massage chair for a full 40 minutes, even though the manufacturer recommended only a 15 min session. I even flattened the chair to lie on my chest. Felt so good that I even dozed off while on it.
When I woke up, I felt I was like a whole new person – refreshed and blissful. My muscles had loosened up, and I felt light and at ease. Then I did yoga, focusing on stretching poses and taking deep breaths. It felt amazing – I could sense the blood flowing smoothly throughout my body, and every cell felt invigorated with each move and breath. I finished the session with prayers.
After that, S and I went to Publix to find catnip for Sam. He is very picky on the aroma. It’s been a struggle finding the right one since Walmart stopped selling the one he likes. I had tried a type of catnip mixed with silvervine, which was advertised to attract even the pickiest cat. But he didn’t like it at all. Then S ordered a different brand on Amazon and that didn’t work either. So we went to Public with high hopes that we would be able to find one there. And yes, we finally found SmartyKat Organic Catnip, but we were still nervous about how Sam would react. When we got back home, we attentively watched Sam’s reaction and felt so much relieved when he seemed to like it and became playful again.
At Publix, we also got coffee and kimchi on sale, buy one get one free. It is great because we are running low on coffee and kimchi happens to be my favorite, which isn’t on sale every time I go. We grabbed two bags of New England coffee for $9.99. The names “Darkest before dawn” and “Eyeopener blend” caught my attention. However, I was slightly concerned about “Darkest before dawn” because of the text on the bag which reads “Notes of soft molasses and dark chocolate raisins.” I have no idea how it would taste but I don’t mind trying it. Honestly, though I like coffee, it’s mainly because of the comforting feeling it gives me when I sip it, instead of how sophisticated its flavor might be. S prefers simple, pure dark roast coffee, so this flavor might not be his cup of tea.
In the afternoon, we walked over to R’s garage to take a look at a desk and chair that he said we could take them for free. After considering our space and needs, we decided to pass on them. I don’t know how about you but I always feel uncomfortable when I have to say no to a kind and sincere gesture.
In the evening, I planned to make spaghetti for dinner but found out we were out of spaghetti noodles. The only thing left was lasagna. I decided to use it to make spaghetti. I boiled it and then rolled it up and cut into long strings, resembling spaghetti. I had warned S about this because I didn’t want him to get disappointed when he ate. To my surprise, he enjoyed my improvised spaghetti. He even playfully remarked, “I want lasagna pasta for spaghetti from now on.”
Tue, 7/25/2023 – Chores
Watered the plants, picked dead leaves from the ornamental grass, sprayed fungicide and threw in fertilizer to encourage their growth. It was gratifying to see one bush of ornamental grass showing signs of recovery after I had given it some extra attention. Back inside, thoroughly cleaned bathrooms, using Comet powder, Clorox wipes and paper towels. Then, did two loads of laundry, folded towels, put the dishes away, and cleaned the kitchen.
Taking a break, I treated myself to a delightful glass of milk tea with glass jelly, savoring the refreshing taste. I brewed cold sweet black tea, added milk and condensed milk and dropped in glass jelly. The taste was divine – the cooling flavorful tea blended in the milk with refreshing silky jelly quenched my thirst.
In the evening, made broccoli salad and jalapeno burger for S’s dinner. The salad was a mix of broccoli, carrots, olives, pickled cucumber, jalapenos and onions, all topped with pumpkin seeds and shredded cheddar cheese. The sauce I made for it was a simple blend of crushed fresh garlic, hot peppers, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt and sugar. Well, honey would be much better but I was out of it. The burger was stuffed with crushed jalapenos and cheddar cheese with the steak seasoning.
Fri, 7/28/2023 – Small mishap
Did yoga, cleaned Sam’s box before he would be mad at me as he doesn’t like a stinky box. Then watered grass but forgot to turn off the valve. Thought the water had been running for almost one hour. The water bill this month would not be fun. I usually set the alarm, but this time forgot to do that. Sometimes my memory isn’t good.
Headed to Dollar General to buy clippers, notebooks, and pens. Back home, pulled weeds in the front flower bed, cleaned the half bathroom, completed the laundry, and ran the dryer. Had a conversation with myself and the universe to clear my mind and feel the spiritual support.
Sun, 6/4: Chores
Watered plants, did yoga, cleaned the kitchen, put away the dishes, and loaded the dishwasher. Then, refilled the jars of salt, changed the kitchen towel, and organized the pantry. Next, ironed clothes, changed the bedsheets and hand/face cloths.
Mon, 6/5: Gardening
We renovated our flower bed in the front yard a year after we moved in, and I had never touched it since then. The majority of flowers and ground cover plants died, while the remaining ones grew slowly and lacked luster.
The bed was full of weeds and the thorny blackberry vines had vigorously crawled all over. There was a period of time when it took a lot of effort just to take care of myself. I felt restless and overwhelmed most of the time, so it’s no surprise the flower bed was completely neglected.
We pulled up weeds, removed stubborn vines, old mulch and dead leaves. The prickling thorns of blackberry vines were so annoying; I had to wear thick gloves and carefully removed them. Then S added more soil, raked it and pressed it firmly to raise the ground of the bed. To prevent future weed growth, we placed a fabric liner over the bed. Since the bed has existing plants already, laying the liner wasn’t easy. It required patience and attention to put down the liner so that it could cover the ground neatly and was still in one piece. With some sewing experience, I felt like I was tailoring a robe for the bed, securing the edges and joints with long nails.
Mixed top soil with Black Kow
Tue, 6/13:
Read “The World: A Brief History” by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto.
Thur, 6/15:He couldn’t pronounce “Buổi sáng” right
Taught S a new Vietnamese word, “Buổi sáng,” which means “Morning.” However, S hilariously mispronounced the first word, which turned out to be a vulgar word in Vietnamese. I burst into laughter at this unexpected twist.
To avoid that embarrassing situation, I told him to always say two words together, almost as if they were one word. This way the first word would be deemphasized and there was almost no pause between two words. He did much better after following my trick.
Fri, 6/16: Chores
Made lard and cooked chicken gizzards with five herbal spices. Since the aroma and taste were so good, plus I hadn’t had them for a long time, I ended up eating a lot and feeling overly full and uncomfortable afterwards. I took a short break before deep cleaning a fan, washing bathroom mats and curtains.
Tue, 6/20: Chores
Took morning supplements, deep cleaned the fridge including tossing away old food and expired items, cleaned kitchen cabinets and ran the dishwasher.
Tidied up the living room, took out the trash, made a pot of black tea, burned Auroshikha natural gum benzoin incense, and cooked dinner which included spicy stewed beef, sauteed mixed greens with olive oil butter, and 2 sunny-side-up eggs. Then, fed Sam and Dozer.
5/3: Overwhelmed about contacting Vietnamese consulate for visa renewal
Went to the IVF clinic though I didn’t really want to. Felt lazy and unmotivated. Forgot to take a.m. supplements. Came home, did some household tasks, like emptying the dish rack, tidying up the living room, and folding clothes. Made a roast beef sandwich for S’s dinner together with blackberries and blueberries for dessert. Felt stressed just thinking about calling a Vietnamese consulate tomorrow for visa renewal as I hate dealing with paperwork with the Vietnamese authority. After reading numerous negative reviews about Vietnamese consulates and their services, it even stressed me out more. I totally don’t possess the necessary skills to navigate through this unsupported and confusing process.
5/8: Chores
Did yoga, took daily supplements, cooked dinner, fed Sam and Dozer, loaded and ran the dishwasher, cleaned the kitchen, cleaned Sam’s litter box and ironed shirts.
5/9: Chores
Went to Publix and got one whole ultimate multigrain sub and one whole meatball sub together with pepper jack and white cheddar cheese. I also got French bread which looked and smelled too good to pass up. It is great for a beef sub or dipping in condensed milk.
5/10: Chores
Took morning supplements, made a pot of black tea, read “Description and Setting”. The book provides some excellent tips and insights into crafting vivid descriptions and settings in writing. Then did yoga, cleaned the shared bathroom and changed the hand and face cloths. Also changed Dozer’s bed sheets, vacuumed and mopped the downstairs, did the laundry and ran the dryer. Continued to unload and load the dishwasher, boiled water and cooked steak, sauteed mix green and microwaved corn for dinner. Finally cleaned the kitchen, studied Math and took p.m. supplements.
5/13: Chores
Went grocery shopping, bought Nexxus shampoo and conditioner – I love them so much, their smell is so soothing and pleasant. Went home, put groceries away, changed bed sheets, fed Dozer and Sam, loaded the dishwasher and ran the dryer. Later made meatballs for dinner using ground beef, egg, milk, parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices.
5/14: Chores
Made tomato sauce and spring rolls. I hate a messy countertop, so I always make sure this space is clear and has plenty of room for me to conveniently and comfortably prep food. Then I cleaned Sam’s litter box.
5/18: Read “Deadly Emotions”. The book delved into the intricate connection between our emotions and our overall well-being. Then booked a doggy hotel for Dozer. Took a hot shower which always makes me feel so relaxed and I’m grateful for those moments of pure enjoyment.
5/20: Trimmed S’s hair and packed things for our upcoming short trip – actually S traveled for work and I would accompany him. Then I pampered myself by applying Uncle Bud’s hemp seed oil to revitalize, hydrate, and tighten my skin. Yesterday, I worked a few hours in the yard in the hot weather, so I gave my skin a little extra care.
5/26: Tired of listening to superfluous, flowy flirts
We haven’t talked to each other recently. I thought she knew I wasn’t interested in her sharing about her dates with every man she met online or in person. They weren’t actually dates yet; she barely knew those men but they flirted with her. It was too early to mind those dates and men since they were too new. She didn’t have much information about them and neither did they. What she felt “their love” were just merely words or actions, if any, that showed their interest in meeting her. I know any committed relationship has to have such first steps. But the way she talked about their dates (including those that have only been happening online for a few weeks) was like they were really into her. At our age, I see that thought as shallow. I wasn’t interested in listening to superfluous, showy flirts those men said to her, especially when she didn’t take them seriously either. Why waste our time? I love to hear about her relationship if she shows me her seriousness or interest in that guy, instead of updating the guys who she thinks are “chasing” her, which may be not true in reality, or too early to question if they are serious or not.
5/28: Mixed emotions
Woke up feeling down due to the uncertainty surrounding my period and fertility journey. Had oatmeal with banana paste for breakfast. Made S his favorite drink, lemon juice with ginger and a pinch of salt to celebrate S’s exam success. Then I went to Burlington and bought a bunch of Asian snacks including coffee candy, latte candy, chewy ginger, tiramisu waffles, and jelly marshmallows. Was happy to have found a beautiful decorative tray there at a clearance price of just $5.
Still felt low though. Forgot to put the washed clothes into the dryer, mistook Saturday for Sunday, and almost forgot my sister’s birthday. I missed my city life in VN where I had a few good friends to hang out with. We talked over tea and coffee, we explored aesthetic coffee shops in SG, we went shopping and visited theaters; we had meals, attended weekend public events and celebrated national festivals together. Those times were so wonderful and memorable. I also missed my alone time at a book coffee shop or a serene piano coffee shop where I sit to work instead of going to the office. I missed the taste of rum coffee or Vietnamese bold viscous coffee with condensed milk, brewed in a small metal filter. I found solace in those moments of solitude, accompanied with nostalgic music and the bittersweet flavors of coffee. In the midst of unknown directions, these solitary moments provided me with a sense of peace.
Throughout the day, sadness and even a tinge of misery loomed over me until I came across an article about a destitute elderly man battling three types of cancers for over a decade. The perpetual treatment has immensely drained him physically, emotionally and financially. His plight was a wake-up call that reminded me how fortunate my life is despite challenges and difficulties. I felt better because I understood how much luckier I am than so many others who are less unfortunate.
5/29: Chores
Took Dozer to a park near home. Later, I folded clothes, put away the dishes, cleaned the kitchen, and went to Walmart for groceries. My lower back hurt after hours of pulling weeds. Felt better after using a heat pad, one of our must-haves in the medicine cabinet.
5/30: Gardening
Was happy my blanket flowers looked fresher and more revived. Two days ago, they didn’t look great. Their leaves drooped and dehydrated and some roots were exposed. I watered the flowers, added more soil so that the ground level wasn’t too low compared to the level of soil around the flowers, then pressed it down firmly. I also added some fertilizer, hoping it would help them recover. At first, I was worried that maybe I hadn’t planted them right as I had never done that alone before. But then I felt hopeful when I googled why newly-planted flowers looked wilted and found out that it’s not unusual for them to go through a bit of shock when transitioning from a pot to a flower bed.
Cleaned the shared bathroom, the half bathroom and Sam’s litter box.
Did the laundry, washed a shower curtain and bathroom mats, changed hand and face cloths.
Mopped the bathrooms and the MF room.
Cooked chili, put the dishes away and refilled the soap dispenser.
4/10: Choresand abdomen ultrasound
Went to Walmart, got groceries, put them in the fridge & the pantry.
Put rice into containers for storage.
Cooked rice soup with the leftover rice stuck to the cooker’s bottom. Cleaned the kitchen and put away the dishes.
Took supplements, went to the IVF clinic to get a specimen cup.
4/11: Chores
Filled out a passport application.
Did the laundry and dried it.
Ironed shirts.
Cooked oysters and chili soup for dinner.
Fed pets.
Put away the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.
4/12: Chores and passport application appointment schedule
Woke up feeling anxious about submitting the passport application, took a shower and got dressed to head out to take passport photos and go to a passport agent. Disliked paperwork stuff like this, but knew had to get it done. At the post office, a staff member told that I had to make an appointment online. Made an appointment for the next day at another location. Booked a photo service slot too, felt relieved. Went back home, unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, vacuumed the master room and changed bed sheets.
4/13: Chores, passport application submission and bonus letter
Checked the leftover IVF medications and informed the nurse for prescription.
Cleaned the dirty vacuum cleaner by removing debris and dust from the compartments and washing the filter.
Hung up new bedroom curtains and did the laundry.
Unloaded and loaded dishwasher and cleaned kitchen.
Cooked dinner including soup made from chili, rice, stewed potatoes and carrots, fresh tomatoes, green beans, sausages, crawfish, milk, and cheese with cayenne pepper to spice it up; fried noodles with milk, parmesan cheese, onion, and green mix topped with stewed chicken.
Got the passport photo taken and submitted the application. Paid $130 application fee by check to the US Dept. of State & $35 execution fee by credit card to the post office. The application process will take longer than expected, bout 10-13 wks instead of 4-6 wks. The submission time was quick and straightforward anyway, only ~15 mins. Felt relieved to have it done.
S forwarded me a letter from the manager, granting him a bonus for outstanding performance. The letter was filled with generous compliments. I teased S that the letter seemed to have been dipped in sugar, honey, syrup, fruit jelly, milk and banana smoothie. Could tell how happy he was.
4/14: Chores and definition of “fresh”
Cleaned Sam’s litter box.
Made meatloaf with a side dish of butter-fried green mix and pan-fried potatoes for S’s dinner and cut oranges for dessert.
Put the dishes away and loaded the dishwasher.
Fed Dozer and Sam.
Steamed fresh shrimp bought from a local store and boiled the shrimp heads to use later. Interesting to see how Americans define “fresh” in seafood which means “never previously frozen”, whereas in Vietnam, it means “alive and swimming”. I had never bought dead shrimp when I lived there. But wild-caught shrimp is very common in the US, which is probably why it’s harder to keep it alive at the time of sale.
4/16: Painting “Lover”, Canh and Theralogix order
I took a shower, dressed up in a favorite black loose silk-like dress shirt, tied a 2-inch red belt around the waist, paired it with cream black snake print block heel sandals and accessorized with a casual red bag.
We went to a museum and saw an oil painting called “Lover”. The painting depicted a scrawny man lying on his right side on the ground, the feet together, the right elbow above his head, the left hand resting on the right hand. His face was buried in his right arm. Told S that I didn’t see a relation between the painting & the “Lover” subject. No love, intimacy, bonding, or happiness. Then, he said, “He has a broken heart.” Such an A-ha moment! Yes, it could be a lover going through a breakup or in a distressed relationship or suffering a tragic loss of his beloved.
We went home and I cooked “Canh”, a traditional Vietnamese soup, using shrimp broth. The broth was simply water used to steam shrimp and the juice from the shrimp blended into the water, giving the broth a naturally sweet and appealing red-orange color. Added mixed greens and sprinkled some garlic salt for flavor. Voila, it was ready to eat. “Canh” is a staple in daily meals of Vietnamese people. It’s not thick or creamy, but rather has a great amount of liquid. It can be made by simply using water after boiling vegetables with a few grains of salt. Lemon juice can be added after Canh is cooked to make it more appetizing. It can also be a complicated dish that is time-consuming and has a lot of ingredients. We eat “Canh” together with rice and other foods because its fluid and flavor balanced out the dryness of other dishes, making them easier to eat. For the type of “Canh” that’s simply water that has been used to boil vegetables, it serves not only as a dish but traditionally as a light and refreshing drink throughout our meals.
My supplement order was declined last week because my health debit card didn’t have enough money. The lady taking care of my order didn’t tell me the payment didn’t go through. Successfully updated the order with a different cardbut the waiting time would be longer, instead of 7-10 business days as usual. I have replacement prenatal vitamins and fish oil while waiting for the order to be delivered. But honestly, the quantity of vitamins and minerals in one dose of Theralogix supplements is much better than that in the similar over-the-counter ones. I should’ve ordered them, especially Ovasitol, over a month ago. However, at that time, I just went through a failed treatment and was taking a break before doing the next round. I just didn’t want to think of IVF or anything else related. I was kind of in a “let it go, let it be” attitude. Plus, I was somehow disappointed and lost hope that expensive quality medications would help. But now, with my next round coming up soon, my mind was reminded to get back to the journey with attention and focus.
S rarely sleeps straight through the night. He goes to bed ~9 PM, wakes up ~11 PM, eats cookies, ice cream, or chips to fall back asleep. Then sleeps for few hours until 4:20 AM when he wakes up for work. It’s been going on for months, and it really worries me about his health. I suggested he read a book because he doesn’t enjoy it, which I thought might help him fall asleep quickly. However, he insisted nacks help him fall back asleep, but it never works. The same pattern leads to the same result – His sleep is still on and off but his belly is rounder and higher.
4/16: Cut S’s hair and dinner at Carrabba
I had never thought I would be the one cutting S’s hair one day. It all started when we moved to a mesa at a high altitude of 7000 feet, and it was difficult for S to find a salon that had appointments that fits his work schedule. So, he asked me to cut his hair. I purchased a haircut kit from Walmart for a few dollars and started watching instructional videos on YouTube. At first, his haircuts were not too bad, but it would take me forever to finish. S encouraged me to use an electric shaver to make the work easier, but I was too lazy to learn how to use it, and still am. So, I still use the same scissors and combs I purchased at Walmart, and they work perfectly. Since I started cutting S’s hair before the COVID lockdowns began, our routine was not impacted when salons had to close due to the pandemic. S is always pleased with his new haircut, and he never intends to visit a salon again.
Later, we went to Carrabba, our favorite Italian restaurant for dinner and on the way, I saw a hand-written message on an equipment box that said “I’m fucking hungry”, which made me feel sorry for the person who wrote it. It made me feel grateful for the blessings that I have in my life. Back home, listened to acid jazz. The melody and beats were so captivating and sexy. Felt unwind and relaxed.
4/17: How to wear a car key avoid looking like you’re showing off
Made coffee and prepared lunch for S with Italian leftovers.
Had a morning checkup with a specialist doctor.
Returned a plastic garden edging roll at Home Depot.
Headed Publix for clam chowder soup and baby tomatoes.
Did the laundry and cooked oyster soup, butter-sauteed kale, and shrimp for S’s dinner and oranges as dessert.
Ironed shirts and did personal care.
Unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, ran it and cleaned the kitchen.
While I was browsing Vietnamese news, I came across an amusing title that caught my attention. It was about how to wear a car key so that people don’t think you’re showing off. Although I didn’t read the article, I found the comments interesting, particularly one that said people who wear car keys to belts aren’t rich but rather taxi drivers, shippers, or truck drivers who use cars to earn money. Another comment mentioned how placing car keys on the table during a business meeting or a date indirectly tells people about your wealth because you don’t drive a motorbike.
4/18: Chores
Forgot to wear a mask when I dropped off the specimen collection cup at the clinic as I was nervous and in a hurry to be on time due to the limited amount of time for specimen delivery. Hoped that the allergies wouldn’t bother me too much tonight. I’m tired of sneezing, having a runny nose, and taking pills for it. Did some chores after taking supplements including cutting pineapples up to store in the fridge. I bought them on sale for only 99 cents each. Bananas were overripe, didn’t want to throw them away, so I mashed them in a pan with some butter until they turned into a paste. Banana paste is delicious either on its own or when it is mixed with other ingredients. The best combinations for it are with milk and yogurt or with oatmeal and nuts. Yum!.
4/19: Chores and black tea
Sleepy, procrastinated to do chores, drank coffee, had breakfast: ultimate sub, banana paste smoothie with milk and yogurt and took morning supplements.
Loaded the dishwasher.
Cleaned the living room, vacuumed the couch and dining chairs.
Wiped down the kitchen cabinets and appliances.
Ran the dryer, and took trash out.
Changed hand and face cloths.
Made black tea: boiled 1200ml water to 212F, added 3 tbsp loose leaf tea, brewed for 5 mins, put 3 tbsp sugar in a glass bottle, poured the tea water in, let it cool, then refrigerated.
Served S dinner with chilli soup, green beans, meatloaf sub, leftover BBQ pork and ppineapple.
Took PM supplements, unloaded and loaded the dishwasher and cleaned Sam’s litter box.
Found an empty container of peanut butter cookies on the coffee table, surprised that S had found it though I had put it in the freezer, instead of the pantry to prevent S from snacking late at night.
4/20: Chores and Theralogix supplement temperature tolerance
Drank coffee, had breakfast & took morning supplements.
Unloaded & loaded the dishwasher.
Swept & washed the porches.
Cleaned Sam’s litter box.
Made black tea.
Ate French bread w/ condensed milk. It used to be a luxurious, fancy breakfast that I was always excited to have when I was a kid. I still love this treat as much as I did back then.
Cooked steak, green beans & red potatoes for S’s dinner.
My Theralogix supplements were delivered at the front porch but I didn’t know while the temperature outside was quite hot. Checked its website and was relieved to know the products were tested and guaranteed stable at the temperatures of 104°F (40°C) +/- 35°F (2°C) and relative humidity of 75% +/- 5%.
4/21: Choresand vegetable soup
Cleaned the double side door using glass cleaner and all-purpose spray.
Cleaned big carpets with foam spray and vacuumed them.
Swept, sucked, and blew leaves and debris off the driveway and the pathway, wore a mask to reduce exposure to dust and allergies.
Made vegetable soup using frozen veggies, fresh celery, tomatoes, and chili. I boiled it for 30 minutes on low heat with 2.5 cups of water and 0.5 cups of milk. Before finishing, added kale to prevent it from being overcooked. If you like cheese, you could add some mozzarella, or if you’re craving carbs, serving it with elbow noodles is also a great option.
4/22: Tired of chores, Love culture
Fried rice with lard and fish sauce – a childhood favorite food of mine.
Ran the dishwasher.
Ran the dryer and the washing machine.
Folded another load of clothes, felt tired of household chores.
Went to Rouses.
Stopped by Walgreens for Excedrin and prescription.
Decluttered MF room by sorting papers and putting them in proper places, throwing away paper trash, and organizing personal things.
Still had a lot of things to do, and it felt like the endless cycle of chores was never-ending. As soon as I finish cleaning one task, it promptly finds its way back onto my to-do list.
I had a thought about a cultural difference in a romantic relationship. In my culture, it’s common for a man to offer or insist on helping his girlfriend, e.g. carrying stuff for her or going to her house even when it is raining and she already refuses. It’s seen as a sign of gallantry and decisiveness. However, in a Western culture, respecting a person’s autonomy is important, and it could be seen annoying or offensive to push someone to accept help if they don’t want it.
4/23: Chores, grocery shopping and toy for Sam
Woke up feeling low, had coffee and breakfast with 2 fried eggs and sweet potatoes, and took supplements.
Went to Walmart and 2 Vietnamese stores to buy groceries.
Put away groceries and reorganized the pantry.
Did the laundry, ran the dishwasher, and made black tea.
The Vietnamese grocery store I frequently visit has expanded into a much larger area. The owner rented the space next to their store, which used to be a seafood restaurant. The expanded store is filled with all kinds of products, from fresh produce and dry goods to snacks, drinks, and kitchen accessories, placed neatly on the shelves. Next to it are a bubble tea store and a Vietnamese restaurant which I guess belong to the same owner. They must be doing really well because with the expanded space, the store is now the largest Vietnamese one in town, making it difficult for other similar stores to compete.
Since I bought Sam 2 replacement pads for his favorite toy today, they reminded me how lucky I am to have found the Morovilla Turbo Scratcher. Its design is so simple but so wonderful. It’s a plastic round base with a white ball which will spin in the channel when your cat shoves it with its paw. In the center, there’s a thick carton pad for scratching. The Turbo is everything to Sam. He rests on it, plays with the ball by shoving and catching it, and scratches it several times per day. I’ve been worry-free about him scratching the carpets or the couch since I bought him the first Turbo four years ago. One amazing thing about the toy is that the scratching pad is replaceable. When it wears out, I just flip it over and it looks new again. I only replace the pad when both sides are heavily scratched. Also, playing with the ball is like an exercise for Sam which helps him improve his reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
4/24: Dinner gathering
Cooked spring rolls, Bún Chả, Thịt Kho tàu, baby clam salad (Gỏi Hến xào) with Vietnamse crackers and banana flower and beef salad (Gỏi Hoa chuối) to welcome S’s co-worker coming over for dinner.
I made spring rolls by wrapping the mixture of ground pork, fresh needle mushroom, pounded shrimp, chopped onion, black fungi, carrot, glass noodles, salt and pepper in a rice paper, forming it into a small-rectangular shape. I really don’t understand why rice papers though they were made in Vietnam are very thick, hard and chewy, completely different from the ones sold in Vietnam which I remembered were thin and very crispy. I had to use a trick by brushing the outer side of the rice paper with water and the other side with beaten egg. It worked pretty well but still wasn’t crispy enough. Next time, I’ll try by brushing it with just egg.
Bún Chả was good. I chose pork shoulder as it had a proportionate ratio of fat and meat, perfect for grilling. I wished I could find boneless pork shoulder as the meat would be more tender but I was tired of driving between stores to look for perfect ingredients I needed. I cut it into 1/8 inch thick slices and marinated them with crushed garlic, onions, lemon grass, garlic salt and pepper, mushroom extract seasoning and a touch of Mam tom (fish paste). Left it overnight and then pan-fried for 7 minutes at different temperatures. In Vietnam, meat is cooked on a steel net rack placed over a small charcoal stove, giving it a more flavorful grilled aroma.
Baby clam salad was a disappointment. The clams had a strange texture and a strong, unpleasant smell. I think it was a mistake to mix them with pineapple, which made them mushy. Previously, I mixed clams with mango and mint and it was perfect. Actually, pineapple can go well with baby clams as long as you leave them separate and combine them only when you eat. But I know Americans don’t like food that requires them to do extra work, like putting a little bit of this and that together for each bite. That’s why I mixed everything together beforehand.
Banana flower and beef salad was good for my Asian taste but the sauce might have been too strong for S and his co-worker. The sauce was a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, lemon, red peppers, garlic and ginger and no water was added to preserve its bold flavor.
Thịt Kho tàu was the best. I stewed pork belly in coconut juice, soy sauce, sugar and caramel with pepper seeds and red peppers. Served with sticky rice.
I thought my salads were an unpleasant experience for both S and his co-worker. I would not take risks next time.
Begin life at forty 