.Borrowed Thoughts.

I was casually browsing through Craigslist like I do almost everyday since leaving my old job (contact me if you know of anything!), and I stumbled across a posting for thisisby.us. It mentioned the opportunity to earn money but that isn’t what really interested me the most. I was curious to see the types of writings on the site, and liked the fact that it is a place that would offer you feedback on your posts, as well as providing your thoughts on other writers.

I browsed for 2.5 seconds and I was already hooked. I don’t know why I hadn’t found this place sooner, but so far–I’m addicted. There are tons of very talented writers on the site and I have enjoyed reading a lot of what I’ve come across. I think and hope it will force me to write more, and most importantly, become a better writer.

My username is Daniwrites on the site and you can find me here .

Let me know if you are on the site as well!

I have been waking up around 6-7am no matter what time I go to sleep as of late which is a bit odd for me but I do like it a hell of a lot better than sleeping the morning away. So as I was lying in bed wondering if I should go back to sleep or not –I remembered that we had one of these Bertolli Frozen Dinners in the freezer and I had always been curious to see how it would taste. So I did the only logical thing, and went downstairs to prepare it.

It may be a little strange to be making this meal at 8:30 in the morning but I’m not the most conventional of people. I’m a little annoyed at myself that I didn’t take pictures of the process but I will borrow some from other sources.

The Flavor: Grilled Chicken Alfredo

Contents: Fettuccine, Alfredo Sauce, Portobello Mushrooms, and Tomatoes.

Now, when I opened the bag things looked a little strange. Everything was frozen separately as the sauce came in blocks, the pasta was also in several bundles, and then the tomatoes and mushrooms also seemed to be separately frozen. From Top Chef, I learned this makes for a more even and cohesive reheating process. It just doesn’t look like it would taste that good.

(Photo Courtesy of smittenkitchen.com)
For someone who can’t cook (but I’m learning!), this is a dream process. All that is required is a non-stick skillet, something to turn the contents and 10 minutes of your time. It literally only took 10 minutes! Just pour everything in, cover and let it heat for 5 minutes, stir, cover for another 5–and viola! It’s ready.

(Photo Courtesy of smittenkitchen.com)

I was a little skeptical because I didn’t really like the smell of the food (a little too “garlicy” for my taste), and also–it was early in the morning so I kind of was not in the mood to eat pasta, but I had a taste and it was pretty decent. I am not that fond of mushrooms so I think the flavor of them ruined it a little bit for me, so I packaged up the rest of the pasta and put it in the fridge to cool (I hate steaming hot food as well).

10 minutes later–I took another bite and it was pretty tasty. I can see other people (who like garlic and mushrooms) to find it a lot better tasting than I did though. What was nice was that the pasta was perfectly al dente. These bags are supposed to serve two people, and well–I think it’s a little skimp but definitely enough if you offer up a side or at the least, some bread.

With all that being said–I am anxious to try some of the other offerings.

I’ll give it a 3.5 out of 5 for now.

Some others include:

• Chicken alla Vodka & Farfalle
• Chicken Parmigiana & Penne
• Roasted Chicken & Linguine
• Chicken Florentine & Farfalle

On a semi-related note. Tonight some friends will be cooking a nice home cooked dinner (I hear Chicken Cordon Bleu) so I am pretty darn excited about that! Perhaps I will review that dinner as well :)

Recently, a friend of mine told me about this book; Darskide Zodiac by Stella Hyde so naturally I had to impulsively order it online. It describes in a blunt non sugar coating type of way different aspects of each sign as well as giving you some insight on your moon, rising, venus, etc. Some parts are pretty accurate but I wouldn’t say it is as accurate as The Secret Language of Relationships which breaks down your sign by week.

I find that Aries get a pretty bad rap in most Astrology books and sites. Loud, stubborn, aggressive, cocky assholes basically and hey–we aren’t all like that! Especially us early Aries. While this book kind of puts us in that brute/thug category–I did find myself laughing at some of the things written as they were kind of true.

On Punctuality:

“You are either 30 minutes early, raring to go, and incandescent that everyone else is late, or you turn up four days later at a different venue and are outraged that the expedition went without you”

My friends can attest to that. On the RARE occasion I am early (or on time), I am extremely annoyed and impatient about anyone else who is late.

On Personality:

“Have you ever willingly finished anything in your life? You’re just one big booster rocket, all fired up for blastoff, and falling away as soon as your boredom threshold (usually around sea level) is reached”

One of my pet peeves about myself. I am very enthusiastic in starting up something, then lose interest quickly, and sometimes just never get around to finishing it.

On Love/Relationships:

“…what you like best about dating is the chase.” (true)

“This glittering prize must not criticize anything you do…”

Yes it’s stereotypical of my sign, but I hate certain kinds of criticism but can also make fun of myself with others and love self deprecating humor…’tis tricky–I know.

“You always need to be told that you are the first (and naturally, best) lover that your partner’s ever had…”

Semi true, don’t care so much about the first part.

On Friendships:

Rules: ” 1) Do everything you say; 2) admire your every action; 3) never ever criticize anything you do.”

“…you get ragingly jealous if any of your friends demonstrates the slightest ability to do anything a nanometer better than you (and that includes breathing), or wins a prize in a competition you didn’t enter”

Sadly, this is a little bit true but just not to this extreme. The amount of information, yet alone rage I keep to myself for even the smallest things would probably shock most people I know. Luckily, I truly get over it quickly.

I also like the one word sentences used to describe what life would be like living with another sign.

Some examples:

Virgo: “Constantly tut-tutting under their breath about something they call bleach.”

Aquarius: “It’s OK because they are from planet Zog; so believe all Earthlings live like this.”

Capricorn: “Will put things away in a logical place do that you can never find them.”

Scorpio: “They step over your muck into the pristine minimalist cube of their own room.”

While I mention again–VERY stereotypical, it is humorous and a good coffee table book at the least.

I’ll recommend, just don’t hold any of the information against me.

This is somewhat old news, but for people who never heard of the site, it ain’t so new to them, hmm!?

One of my favorite lazy ways to send witty sarcastic comments via myspace without having to think or be creative is through someecards.com.

I think I started using it last year but I can be seen leaving them on various friend’s pages as of late.

Some of my favorites include:

(“Birthday”)

(“Cry For Help”)

(“Apology”)

(“Confession”)

I noticed on some blogs that mentioned the site comments were left about coloringbookland. The argument made was basically that someecards ripped off their idea. I, being the investigative journalist that I am–checked the other site out, and I disagree. Somee is dry,sarcastic, and funny. ColoringBook is offensive and lame. It seems that they subscribe more to the idea of shocking and saying something scandalous for a laugh…and unless you are a true asshole, you won’t be chuckling. I almost don’t want to even post an example, especially after looking through the list and being horrified, but I’d like my faithful readers to see what I am referring to so here goes:

See? Not funny.

(“Baby”; Kinda funny!)

So, happy sending! Just make sure whoever you send these to has a sense of humor.