300

So, I went to go watch this comic made movie. I read the comic before since it is Frank Miller's creation. The comic and the movie are a bit different in the sense that there is no romance involved in the comic, but wow..they did an awesome job of re-creating the whole thing.
I haven't waited in line (early) to get to a movie since college (i think). I kept telling myself while I was in line that I would never watch a movie on it's opening weekend..(I still agree to that..I don't have the patience). But, this movie was bomb. Gerard Butler = WOW. A good handful of those guys in the movie were ripped like crazy. I heard Butler trained w/the rest of the group and also had a personal trainer to work out with after his group training sessions. That's some dedication! SPARTA!!!! HOY! HOY! HOY!

Anthony Bourdain is a fuckin genius! i love him! Check out his show "No Reservations" on travel channel.
He's not a typical chef. I used to watch him before, but I have come to really appreciate his eloquence, vocabulary, cynicism, and irony. He's a lover of good and authentic dishes and is extremely honest about his opinions. If I was a chef, I'd be really scared to cook anything for him, but he's so adventurous (in the food that he tastes, the places he goes, and his openness to new cultures, surroundings, and traditions) and welcomes and adores the new cultures and tastes of Africa, Asia, India..etc..i love him! He bags on Rachel Ray..which is hilarious on this chef's website..http://blog.ruhlman.com/2007/02/guest_blogging_.html it's hilarious!!

Sickness

I've come to the realization that I don't deal w/death or sickness/illness very well. I'm sure it's common because it's not something that happens to us often (like birthdays, births, anniversaries..etc). I'm sure it's common also because it's not something you are happy about, like the other occasions.
My dad went into the ER earlier this week because he had high fever, unconsciousness, low blood pressure, and diarrhea. After a whole day of testings and such, they still couldn't figure out what was wrong. We later found out that it's a colon viral disease. His blood pressure was about 55/67..(I'm not a big science/bio or health person, so this doesn't mean too much, but it's pretty damn low). But just seeing my dad lying on the hospital bed, in pain, completely broke my heart but at the same time, it's something I can't deal with well. He's better now, but is still hospitalized. We're hoping he'll be able to come home tomorrow.

A few other things I've realized:

1) If I was a nurse, I would be really skinny because I'd lose my appetite working at the hospital. Doctors, yeah, they get all the glory, prestige, and money, but it's the nurses that really count because they are there. Doctors only come maybe, if at all once a day to check up.
I understand why most nurses are women. They are caregivers, it's in their female instinct to take care of something, someone and be motherly. It's hard to come across males that are that way naturally, unless it's caretaking for someone they love.

2) My dad is really getting old. He will be 67 this year (my mom had me when she was 40, so I'm sort of like a one-time miracle child for them). I'm very much like my dad..in terms of appearance (everyone says I look like my dad, not my mom), behavior, and health-wise (I can't think of the word). I don't have diabetes, but I normally have low blood pressure, bruise easily..etc.

3) My mom is a trooper. She is old too but being the wife, she stays by his side. Although she nags a LOT, it's because she only wants the best for us. (It's hard to remember this when she's nagging at you though, it's totally retrospect).

These things bring me to some conclusions, thoughts, questions.

1) I can never be a nurse. I don't have the patience.
2) I understand why my parents want me to hurry up and get married. They are old (and a lot of times physically weak). I know they want to be present to see my wedding, my marriage, and my kids.
3) After watching my mom be such a trooper, I wonder, can I possibly be able to do that too? I know, the whole wedding vows of "in sickness and in health," but do people actually understand the gravity of that phrase? Don't think so. It takes so much out of a person when caring for a beloved. (Now it makes sense when I see Korean dramas and the parents are completely against marrying a dying person, or sharing a life with one w/a disability. It's so hard).

I'll comment on some other thoughts of marriage/weddings next time..since I'm bombarded with the whole marriage issue so often by my familia and friends.
I'm hoping to pick up my dad from the hospital tomorrow. Crossing fingers.

Huh?!

These days, I'm just in a state of confusion..I guess more so because I have the time to be confused. I'm researching and looking into different options, but I'm finally coming to the conclusion that I have no idea what to do w/my career. Going back to school (other than culinary) is far from enticing. Sometimes, I just wish I can ben an apprentice to some hot-shot expert in some field and learn the know-hows & figure things out. There are way too many occupations in this world and it's appalling that I can't seem to figure out where I fit in. Sure, I don't know all of the occupations in this world, only the general and popular. So far, I've been researching on:

1) Pharmaceutical sales - sales, are not a big "YES" in my book. I hate kissing up to people for their business and such. Plus having a dewey on my record isn't so appealing to these companys which lend out their cars for much driving.
2) Culinary school - I talked to my cousin (corporate lawyer in NY over the weekend) and he completely shot it down saying I wouldn't make even close to 6 figures on this unless I'm some super duper celebrity chef. Now I'm starting to wonder, how far can I go into this industry?
3) Mortage - still an option. I can still be a processor..just at a better company I hope.
4) Entertainment - okay, I haven't done too much researching in this industry (other than watching movies and reading reviews..etc). But I would really want to get involved in this industry (for the most part acting), but yet that requires having connections in the industry & moolah which I don't particularly have to spare.

So what to do?! Arghh...up and down, up and down..

Food for thought

I love food. There's no doubt about it. I love to make it, heat it, and of course, EAT IT! I watch food network like it's my life..hahha..which leads me into thinking, WHY DON'T I WORK IN THE INDUSTRY?
I've been contemplating different lines of work these days. I've been thinking about culinary school & how I so want to go. But, culinary school ain't cheap. I don't think my goal is to be some ultimate chef like Morimoto or the Naked Chef, and much more. But, finding something related will bring a smile to my face every day that I wake up to go to work. My friend wants to go to culinary school (not for it to lead into a career, but for fun). He wants me to wait until he can go (he says when I'm a housewife & have more time on my hands), since he's still in grad..

Since I do watch Food Network so much, I thought I'd comment on some of the shows/chefs for those of you who don't watch the channel all that much.

Everyday Italian, Behind the Bash
Giada De Laurentis, is like the beautiful cousin in the family. She's the prettiest one on the network, which is probably why she hosts Behind the Bash..although she does have a rather large head in proportion to her tiny body. I like the dishes she makes..although it's all practically Italian, it's simple, yet sophisticated, and pretty. (For some reason, I can't seem to get sick of pasta as easily as others..maybe it's the cheese. ) I've tried some of her recipes, which turned out fairly well.
One pet peeve: the way she emphasizes certain Italian words (ex: pan-chet-tah), as if that's going to confirm her Italian roots..it might be just me that thinks this way though.

Good Eats, Feasting on Asphalt
Alton Brown, is the nerdy uncle. He's such a kid at heart, with lots of creative juices flowing. His corny skits, hand puppets, and props are what makes the show more interesting. (I used to be annoyed w/it initially). I like how he breaks it down for you..for example: when he explained the different cuts of beef. I like the tidbits of info you learn about different ingredients and products. I honestly haven't tried making any of his recipes, although some day when I have a lot of time, I will attempt brewing my beer, like he did.

Paula's Home Cooking
Paula Deen. She's the big momma. Cooks up mostly southern-style dishes..which means, loads of butter on everything! If she were my mom, I think I'd die early of clogged arteries. But, it's probably why her dishes are so tasty & appealing. She just seems very warm and welcoming, which is the probaby why so many people like her. (Other than the fact that there are so many southerners). Dishes I've tried: shepherd's pie, some casserole, and her ooey-gooey peanut butter/banana bar thingy.

Boy Meets Grill, BBQ w/Bobby Flay, Throwdown
Bobby Flay, the cocky older brother. His style leans more towards chile vinegretty-type, Latin flavors. His dishes mouth-watering good. It helps that he has a different sauce for every little thing. I like him, but I don't like him too. He just seems cocky..I guess if he's that good, then he should have the right to, but nah..(I don't care if you're Kobe Bryant either). I do want to try his Mesa Grill in Vegas though..

Emeril Live, Essence of Emeril
Emeril Lagasse, the poppa of the bunch. He's the guy that made food network well-known in the beginning, I suppose. I like his eclectic style. He knows how to cook everything..kind of like Wolfgang Puck (I hate Puck's accent). I'm not a big fan of his show though, because he's not very entertaining. He may be if you're sitting on the counter during a taping of his studio. But his signature "BAM!" has been played out for way too long. I do want to make his dishes, but a lot of the dishes I want to make include pricey ingredients..think duck.

30 Minute Meals, Tasty Travles, $40-a-Day, Inside Dish
Rachael Ray, the lovable sister. I think she has the most shows on this channel. She's cute, bubbly (although way too cheerful at times), and normal. She didn't go to culinary school, but people feel like they can relate to her and most of her dishes are real down-to-earth & easy to make. She's building her empire though..she's got her own magazine now and Oprah is helping her start her own talk show..which is why I think she's getting a little big-headed. I used to like her a lot, but not so much anymore. I've tried many of her dishes, but don't care to try her dessert recipes..not too interesting. Her signature "Yum-O!" and "EVOO" are slowly getting annoying. On her $40-a-Day show, isn't so realistic. She doesn't tip! That ain't cool, since I used to be a waitress for some time.

Barefoot Contessa
Ina Garten, the aunt-that-you-visit-just-to-eat. She's surprisingly beautiful when she was younger (oh yeah, I checked out her chefography). Her house in the Hamptons is humongous! She has her own garden of herbs & veggies..unless it's just a set (like most of the time) and she uses someone else's house, but still. Her style is more French-American in my mind. She cooks everything and anything on her show too. She makes her own chicken broth, for goodness sakes!! I would like to be invited to one of her dinners!

Good Deal w/Dave Lieberman
Dave Lieberman, the cute younger brother, the one you just want to pinch his cheeks..ha ha..Erwin always says "damn you Dave.." w/his fist shaking in the air..cuz he knows I like him and his show.. Anyways, he's like the college guy that can whip up cheap & simple dishes. Generally, his recipes are for people throwing a dinner on a budget. Erwin got me one of his cookbooks!

Ham on the Street
George Duran, the quirky, inquisitive, sometimes annoying cousin. He's funny..he experiments a lot w/everything..like using the microwave to cook different things..I really want to try the thai curry thing made from a microwave recipe..He gets people involved, asks street people their opinions. Just really fun and entertaining.

Molto Mario
Mario Batali, the Scottish-looking uncle you thought you never had. He resembles fat bastard from Austin Powers. He's seems more fun on other shows but on his. On his show, he just seems too instructional..he goes on and on about where this grain is from..etc, etc. His dishes seem far too complicated and tedious for me though..like freshly made pastas and stuff. But he's a good iron chef!

Tyler's Ultimate, Food 911, How to Boil Water
Tyler Florence, the average looking cousin that can cook up a storm. Food 911, is aiight, kind of boring. How to Boil Water is not interesting, especially w/that chick as his sidekick. BUT Tyler's Ultimate is the bomb!! I love his dishes, it looks so good and scrumptious. I know he knows how to cook everything..just from watching Food 911, he helps people make such a variety of dishes they can't make well. 
I just made meatloaf w/tomato relish last week & boy was it good..

Semi-Homemade w/Sandra Lee, Easy Entertaining w/Michael Chiarello
These are shows I watch sometimes. Sometimes, it's just bleh. Sandra Lee is like the trophy wife, who "cheats" because she uses a lot of pre-made items..but she's quite creative. Michael Chiarello seems the fruitiest out of all the guys on the network. His dishes are interesting but I'm not too interested in the show.

Party Line Boys vs. Guy Fiery
I don't like the party line boys..reminds me of the ambiguously gay duo..I like Guy, he kind of resembles Colin Farrell, no? But his style is more refreshing.

Shows that should not be on: Quick Fix Meals & Healthy Appetite. They suck.
Shows that should be on: Naked Chef and Oliver's Twist. I miss them.

Okay, I've gone on and on for way too long..this just shows how bored I am work. I'm trying to figure out what I can do in this industry..we'll see. I'm open to different things.