Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Thunderstruck

I finally baked in our kitchen, yesterday. It was not as successful as one would hope. The {gas} oven, doesn't really have gradual markings, and I'm pretty sure it jumps from 350 to 380, with those temperatures actually being 10 degrees warmer than they say. So, nevertheless, the first batch came out horribly burnt (sweet Ian said he would eat them and that they'd be "perfect for dunking,") and the second batch came out just under baked. Which wouldn't be horrible except for the fact that I obviously wasn't paying attention and bought regular sugar, with giant sized crystals.

Meaning, every time I take a bite of that batch of cookies, I can hear the crunching of the sugar crystals. The guilt haunts me. There is something so wrong with that.

I was making said cookies for a get together last night but my perfectionism insisted I bring something else. Luckily, I had just made my Great Aunt's Amish Salad, aka Orange Fluff. It is AWESOME. Even in the Middle East. Thanks Aunt Raeola and Grandma!

An amazing feature of living here in this desert, is how dry everything is. I know, I should have already realized that.

But really, listen.

The drawbacks may be the horribly dry skin, lips, and never ending quest for hydration.

But the positives? Oh the positives.

I can leave a plate of my newly made cookies on the counter. Overnight. And they won't be stale.

Amazing, right?

Yes, I was super pleased to realize that. Then I was pretty bummed when I realized my late night logic didn't follow through, when I put the uncovered cookie dough into the fridge.

Hard as a rock.

Boo.

And the cookie dough is the best part.

{Usually. Except when you can literally see the undissolved sugar crystals. Yesterday might have been my first time saying "no thanks," to that. My parents would be so proud. They are cookie dough haters.}

Can I just mention here, how much more sense the Customary System of measurement, read, the American system, makes to me? And how, even though I did all of that moving the decimal junk and +32 then multiply by 2, thing in school, and even taught it to my own schoolchildren, it still leaves me baffled most days. I've gotten to where several of my 'favorites,' are unit conversion pages. ha. If only I could say "I've got an app for that."

{On a note, I'm sure there is an app, I just don't have an app using device.}

And, as I sit here, typing this post, I am once again putting off the writing of that paper I told you I was writing.

A month ago.

No, seriously.

It's do in one week so I'm having to kick into gear.

I'm also daydreaming about the start of Fall television.

Grey's Anatomy.

The Office (eh. I have mixed feelings about a whole other season of this show continuing on.)

The Biggest LOSER!!!!!!

I think I am going to use my spending money to buy a seasons pass via iTunes. Then, the shows will automatically download when I turn on my computer and I won't have to see that horrible symbol of a cash sign, which means that that particular episode is only available for purchase. Ha. I will have given into the system but I'll have tv!!

Not that I'll have a horrible amount of time, considering our language school starts next Tuesday. YAY! I am so pumped to learn Arabic. More on that later.

And tonight? Tonight I get to skype into my girls night, which has been going strong for almost 4 years. Crazy. Wish I could be there in person but I'll take video chatting over nothing!

Oh, and thanks for all of your prayers. I'm feeling MUCH better. Still no appetite but I'm not too worried.

{Typed while listening to David Garrett's cover of Thunderstruck. Amazing. Please check him out on iTunes. His Smooth Criminal cover is amazing.}

8 comments:

Brittany said...

bummer about the cookies! I am sure you'll be a pro at your oven in no time!

I'm glad things are going well, and isn't skype the best?!

Thinking of you and wishing you well! :))))

Amanda said...

at least you got to enjoy some yummy cookie dough!!! :)

Callie said...

Oh, how sad about the cookies. Well, I'm sure they still taste good! And I'm sure you'll get the hang of the oven too.

Lauren said...

Oh bummer...but cookie dough is delicious raw anyway!

Anne @ Sincerely, Britches said...

So many adjustments for you! Sounds like you're taking it all in stride though. :)

MLD said...

Doesn't matter where you live - ovens are always problematic. I use my US measuring cups and spoons with US recipes and metric ones with metric recipes. Saves a lot of hassles.

Our Photographic Memory said...

I just started following your blog...so interesting! What exactly brought you to overseas country? I am just curious!

Jennifer said...

Really enjoying your blog!