If the world gives you a new year, take stock!
If the world gives you a chicken carcass, make stock!
If these things happen together, do both!
As I sit here, chicken slowly decomposing in my most gigantic pot amidst various herbs and spices earlier sprinkled at it, it becomes disturbingly metaphoric. Unemployment can be it’s own slow simmer, so I’ve a mind to assess the last year and plan for a better 2010. Neatly categorizing one’s subjective experiences is oddly satisfying, and when I’m done I have a “Good” and a “Bad” list for 2009 that force this narcissist to chuckle at her own simplicity. They are embarrassingly psychological transparent. I’d include them, but you’d definitely stop reading, so, to sum up; the bouillon of my life to date is apparently that I thrive on travel, being around supportive friends, writing, art things, and the eating and preparing of good food. Things I don’t enjoy include; feeling I’ve nothing to contribute, being taken for granted and wasting time. Nothing too earth shattering there, but for me, it’s a solid foundation.
Spice wise, there’s the new decade wall of self reflection to hit. Personally, the early thirties thus far can be summed up with a big old, “Holy shit, I’m a grownup! When did this happen, why wasn’t I told!?” Additionally there’s the aforementioned unemployment. Also, as the blog tittle suggests, the disability thing. Having lived with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since one and a half it mostly feels like the background noise of life, until it combines with job searching and my preference for a slackerish lifestyle. Physically, I’m the worst candidate for most slacker jobs. Barista, waitress, dishwasher, sales girl, line cook, sugar beet picker, delivery person and hobo all require more standing, carrying and general speed that I can muster. Historically I’ve been forced to look for and take jobs that are much more serious and much more dull than I’d like. I find myself with a skill set diametrically opposed to my actual personality. You want something collated, you need receipts checked against Quickbooks, ledgers balanced or phone calls made, I’m your lady!
So how to balance the flavors? This year I’m determined to live an experiment, to try as many things as I can and reflect on good adventures past. Ultimately moving towards a life more delicious. Today I declare myself Christine McMahon, Adventure Cripple.
Chicken Stock:
You will need:
1 Chicken Carcass
1 Onion
1 Shallot
3 Carrots
2 Sprigs of Sage
4 Tbs. Herbs de Provence
1 tsp. Ground Ginger
1/2 C. Brandy
1 Shot of Tequila (For Good Measure)
Salt and pepper to taste
A Big Old Pot
A Bunch of Water
Roughly chop the veggies. Put the chicken and veggies in the pot, add water until nearly full. Add all other ingredients. Simmer for at least 3 hours occasionally skimming and discarding fat. Add more water as needed. When you’ve achieved the desired flavor, strain out all of the odd bits and make whatever you want out of it.
