Cardamom-Scented Chicken Curry

Step 1.  Find a friend with a beautiful, mouth-watering food blog.  In my case, eat, little bird.  See her post on Cardamom-Scented Chicken Curry, drool a little, and determine to cook it on the weekend.  On the Saturday morning, prepare to go to the shops to buy those couple of ingredients you think you'll need, then do a little skip when you discover you're fully stocked.  Do some practice instead.

Step 2.  On the Sunday, do some gardening, bake some fruit bread, and eat some fruit bread at about 2pm.  Go for a 13 km run, starting at about 5:30.  Start feeling hungry at about the 8 km mark.  Once returned, have a shower.

Step 3.  Gather ingredients.  1 large tomato (or, you know, 2 tomatoes if they're smallish and you really like tomato), 5-6 cardamom pods (squished a bit in the mortar and pestle), 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 400g chicken breast, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cm ginger (peeled and grated), 4 cloves grated garlic (although, unable to find the garlic, substitute shallots and chop finely), 1 tablespoon cornflour.  Forget how long it takes to prepare all these ingredients.  By 7:30, everything is only just prepared and you're quite hungry.  You apologise to your brother who walks in about now, thinking dinner will be at the almost-cooked stage instead of the about-to-start-cooking stage.

Step 4.  Heat about 4 tablespoons oil in a non-stick pan (or, just estimate).  Add the chopped onion, shallots and ginger, and fry until everything is softened.  Finely dice the tomatoes, and wonder how this was all meant to be done while things were heating.  Employ your brother to stir the contents of the pan while you chop.  He sees the 'few good lugs of oil' and thinks it must be a Jamie Oliver recipe.  Add the tomatoes and spices, and wish you had chillies growing already.  Add some chilli flakes instead.  Have brother keep stirring.

Step 5.  Add a splash of water and cook on high heat until most of the liquid has evaporated.  Add the chicken and saute until it's cooked.  Add 400 mL water and simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes.  Well, that's the intention.  Put on an episode of NCIS to watch while waiting, and stir the curry occasionally. 

Step 6.  When it's all curry-like, about 20 minutes into the cooking time, you will be so hungry (and tempted - it smells delicious) that enough is enough, and you serve.  Add a bit of chopped parsley from the garden (in the absence of coriander) to the top.  Even though it's meant to serve 4, both of you are so hungry you serve the whole curry.  And it's still not enough.  Some dried apricots and chocolate help fill you up while watching the new episode of NCIS that is finally shown.  Contemplate possible additions to the curry for next time - surprisingly, cabbage springs to mind.  Or the lentil dahl used in the inspiring blog post.

Step 7.  Cleaning up, you find the cornflour that was meant to be added to thicken things up... oops...  Next time, if needed.  Start thinking about the next couple of weeks, and when you might give this another go.  Put chicken on the shopping list, and go to bed.

Today's photo:

The seedlings have sprouted.  I noticed 2 lettuce seedlings yesterday, but this morning there was a very small sprinkling of green in the spinach area.  So exciting!!!  I feel I have my gardening mojo back.

The New TV Series

Oh dear.  I have a new thing.  I've begun watching a popular TV series, and I've become hooked.

For several months, I've been seeing posts in my Facebook feed about Downton Abbey.  I had thought maybe it might be something I might possibly enjoy, but had taken it no further.  Maybe, if I ever made it back to the video store, I might try to find it...

On Saturday evening, while enjoying some pre-dinner nibbles at Robert and Aidan's, I turned around to find a fabulous DVD collection.  4 shelves!  In alphabetical order!  Drool.  A much better collection than mine, so I said to Aidan that the next time we had a girly DVD night we should go there.  He was thrilled.  The lower shelves were for series, including Downton Abbey.  Some talk of it ensued (mostly due to the fabulosity of Maggie Smith), and I mentioned I hadn't seen it.  Jaws dropped, I asked if I could borrow it, and season 1 ended up in my bag. 

I wasn't much good for anything on Sunday evening, and as my current viewing of the long-running obsession (NCIS, treated like the painting of the Sydney Harbour Bridge) was at the end of a season, I started Downton.  So far, I love it.  And I want to be the Dowager (Maggie Smith) when I grow up.

I enjoy having so many characters with interesting, individual lives and interests and parts to play.  And they have such great lines!  Some are really funny, some very insightful, and some just interesting as an indication of general thought at the time.  Plus the correlation of an entailment plot with Pride and Prejudice, but in a slightly more modern context, is always enticing.  The idea of everyone having a part to play, everyone has a place, can be so reassuring but also so suffocating.  You know what's expected of you, but you don't often have a choice as to what your role is to be.  On top of that, watching it from a vantage point of a hundred years you know what has just happened (the Boer war some years prior, and the sinking of the Titanic right before the first episode), and you know what's about to happen.  I'm still only a few episodes in but that question has been hanging around my brain.

Ooh, and great music.  And it's nicely shot, too.  Devouring under way.

Today's photo:

I had to bake a quiche today, using up the silverbeet.  The gardener said it smelt amazing.  My favourite bit about baking with pastry is the blind baking, for which I bought pastry weights specially.

Movie #18 - Frida

I watched Frida last week, over 2 nights, and very much enjoyed it.  It would have been very annoying for anyone watching this with me -  I take notes when watching movies now, and so a 2 hour movie can take substantially longer.  It has taken a bit to digest Frida though, a process I suspect will continue for some time.  Right now, it's still unfocused in my head so I'm hoping writing this will help it settle.  I wonder if watching this movie is totally different for non-creative types?  Well, it must be, as everyone sees things differently depending on their situation.  It would be interesting to be someone else though to see this movie from a different perspective. 

I like seeing things.  I've noticed that if there is a lot of dialogue, I notice less visually.  (Incidentally, I just watched the episode of NCIS which includes the line from my sub-heading; I've also been reading a Jasper Fforde book which includes descriptions of the RealWorld from a BookWorld perspective - the narrator is amazed at how much detail is in the backgrounds.  I was on high alert for backgrounds while watching the show).  While there was a lot to absorb aurally, the visuals were so well done in Frida.  Which is a good thing for a movie about artists.  The way in which Frida's artwork was incorporated into the movie was seamless and so clever, and the camera work - mwah.  Actually, the first thing I noticed was the setting.  One of my favourite authors is Isabel Allende, and the setting, particularly of the parents' house in Mexico City, was just like looking into my mental image of many of Allende's books. 

There were four things about the messages in the movie that stood out for me.  1 - relationships.  2 - why we do art.  3 - life isn't perfect, it's how we live it that matters.  4 - you can achieve as much as you think you can achieve.

1.  Seeing the way marriage is approached - from a Mexican, Communist, artistic, early 20th century viewpoint - was interesting.  Especially for someone who is artistic, single, and who plays at weddings.  Frequently.  I know that relationships can work - my parents are still together after more than 4 decades, and I have other couples in my circle who look like they'll be together forever.  But I'm single, and I have many couples in my circle who have not remained together forever.  And, playing at weddings, you can get very cynical.  Aside from the soppy vows and princess syndrome, if cracks are evident to outsiders on the wedding day, it doesn't bode well for a long and happy life together.  Not to mention the statistical likelihood of divorce.  There were a few lines in this movie that caused me to pause and write down the quote.  The first was at Frida and Diego's wedding, from a Communist Party guest: "Marriage is, at worst, a hostile political act, a way for small-minded men to keep women in the house and out of the way, wrapped in the guise of tradition and conservative religious nonsense.  At best, it is a happy delusion, these two people who truly love each other and have no idea how miserable they are about to make each other".  In this current climate, it's probably not quite so much the first option - although it's not out of the question - and I would hope it's not really too much the latter.  But I guess it depends on your choice of partner.

Frida entered into this marriage fully aware of her new husband's character.  She knew he was a womaniser.  Early on, she asked her father "What do you think is important for a good marriage?" "A short memory" is his reply.  But, after one of many 'indiscretions', which happen too often to be slipped under the rug of a short memory, she says she cannot love him for what he is not.  And, she loves him (sometimes, in that very passionate borderline love-hate way).  Women, of course, see love and fidelity differently.  We want to find a Leon Trotsky (maybe not with the affair-with-the-artist bit, but nobody's perfect), "someone who's willing to sacrifice a little of his own pleasure instead of hurting the woman who loves him".  The fact that Diego comes back to her late in life and is true to the end made me cry, to be honest.  How lovely - but how frustrating!  Maybe creative men can only be true when they've had all their (extensive) running-around time.  And what that means for me... it can be a little disheartening.  But, moving on.  I'm going to jump to numbers 3 and 4 here.

3.  Even though Frida had a challenging life - a traumatic accident, a life of physical pain, a philandering husband, being an artist - she really lived.  She really loved.  (4) - She set her own goals, based on her own ideas for her life.  Doctors telling her she would never walk again did not stop her from walking again.  Society saying young women should marry and reproduce did not stop her dancing a tango with another woman (and more...), marrying late and not having any children (except for one who died at birth).  She lived her life and endured much more than she thought she could.  There were some things that seem to be universal, though.  Infidelity hurts.  The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.  The kitchen is the best place to get to know someone, and cooking is a great way to bond, even if it's with your husband's ex-wife who is living upstairs and still cooking him breakfast.  Our hopes and expectations are two different things: we can hope to marry someone who will be faithful, but if we expect it we will be disappointed.

2 - I could really identify with Frida's drive for art.  My most productive practice sessions, and inspiring or passionate performances, all come from emotion.  As someone who has a generally ordinary life, this can be a bit of a drag.  But that need to turn to a creative outlet - a bit like the 'pensieve' that Dumbledore uses in Harry Potter - is such a huge part of life, a natural reaction.  How do non-creative types deal with heartbreak???  And not just as a way to deal with what life throws at you.  "If you're a real painter you'll paint because you can't live without painting, you'll paint til you die".  Of course, this also comes with the existential angst with which I am well-acquainted - "My little paintings can't mean anything to anyone but me".  On one level, there is little purpose in what we do - at least, in terms of furthering humanity (we're not curing cancer or anything) - but there is something to be said for creative expression which connects us and makes us feel.

Writing this has helped the digestive process, as hoped.  Accept others for who they are, with all their blessings and faults; live your own life the best way you can; live as much as you can; do what you are driven to do and you will have lived your life well; happiness and fulfillment are not the same thing.  And, perhaps, make sure you can cook.

Nearly forgot the photo for today:

Winter sunlight hitting the last pear and lemon in the bowl.

In Retrospect - First Quarter

Three months into my Living Less Predictably lifestyle change, I thought it would be a good idea to see how things have really changed.  I have noticed some big changes, a general attitude change, and some other smaller changes.

Food
The reason I brought back the 'new recipe each week' last year was, honestly, I was waking up some mornings dreaming about weird food combinations.  This year I haven't made a new recipe each week, but my brain hasn't started to rebel yet either.  This week I'm hoping for some more variety though!  I've enjoyed the recipes I have made, mostly, and silken tofu and quark make regular appearances in my diet now.  I'm also much more likely to try a new brand or new food, often purposely searching out a new variety.

Clothes
This has been a big change.  I've mentioned before why I needed to change this, and I've really noticed the difference recently.  Last year was really a matter of "What's in my wardrobe that doesn't need ironing?" but this year I actually think about what I'm wearing, if I've worn this combination before, if it's actually going to look good (and, let's face it, photograph well).  Planning outfits before the week begins has also helped immensely. 

The other clothing change has been my attitude towards clothes.  Most of the clothes I've bought in the last 6 months don't really fit anymore.  While this is sad, I'm much more content now with the idea of giving them away and getting myself some new clothes (from op shops).  Previously, I would have stared at a suspect item for a while (like, a year at least), then maybe had a probation wearing, and then if I don't like it, stare at it for a bit more, until deciding I need to give it away.  On Wednesday though, I just pulled 2 dresses out of my cupboard and gave them away - I knew they would look better on this friend than on me, and they'd only had 1 outing each this term.  Gone.

Exercise and Health
The exercise regime change has been a great change.  It's really easy to notice improvements - I'm running further and faster, I can go faster up hills, and I can run up the hill on which I live.  I don't think I take as many breaks in gym sessions (although that might be just me...), and I have much more variety in what I do. 

I'm a much trimmer version of me.  Last year, I started the Zone eating plan, and Trainer Dan recommended measuring, not just weighing.  I was rather sporadic in that last year, so this year I'm being organised (or OCD), and measuring every 4 weeks.  So far I've lost 3 cm from my waist.

Viewing
Although I still have nights where all I can do is curl up on the sofa and watch NCIS, I have watched so much more this year.  So many movies, nearly all of them good.  One horrendous movie that I wouldn't wish on anyone, but apart from that, a very interesting mix.  And I have so many more to see!  I'm also far less rigid in my viewing habits, which has to be a good thing.

Social Occasions
This has been the biggest change I've noticed so far.  I'm much more likely to say Yes to something, and am starting to be able to change my plans (like last week).  Fridays have turned into social occasions, and I worry far less if I will have enough sleep.  Mostly because I've hardly slept all term.  Although I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm comfortable socialising now, I am less uncomfortable socialising, and more likely to actually do something instead of just staying home. 

I have a few ideas for new things for the next quarter - let me know if you have any ideas for me to try!

Movie #10 - Crimson Tide

After last night's run (further than I've ever run along that path, btw), my brother fed me dinner and we watched, with his flatmate, Crimson Tide.  If you recognise the origin of my sub-heading, you might have worked out that I'm a big fan of NCIS.  You can imagine my delight, then, when Leon and SECNAV show up (in different roles, obviously), and not as the top dogs.  Gene, Viggo, and especially Denzel, are another 3 favourite actors I can always watch.

This was yet another movie that foreshadows world events.  So much so that I was wondering to myself today if maybe certain world leaders (or their speech writers, I guess), had this movie in mind...  Set in 1995, its events are similar to those of 2001 onwards.  Admittedly, there is a different enemy (Russia instead of a Middle Eastern country).  And I associate the Middle East and its US wars with desert, not submarines and water.  But we had the 'launch capability in an hour' threat, as well as the 'we need to make a preemptive strike' speech.  Ring any bells?

I found it an interesting snapshot into military reality.  There were things I hadn't considered, like how to exercise on a sub, and how to have a party (or, perhaps, that there still is that need to party).  More importantly, the significance of every job, no matter how seemingly inconsequential.  It looks like one of the characters (whose name I can't even remember) is rather low in the pecking order, has a mundane task regarding electricity.  But when the sub loses contact with command, they really need that radio working again, and the whole outcome of the mission (and the movie) relies on that one lowly sailor doing his job.

More than that, though, was the importance of following orders, the chain of command, and protocol.  There are reasons for everything and even though you might not like something, orders are orders.  But occasionally morals don't sit with what those orders are, and whether or not to obey something that goes against your moral compass is a dilemma I'm glad I don't have to face.  If you disobey, you can be court-martialled, and chaos is a potential threat.  Obey, though, and you have to live with your conscience and the repercussions of your actions. 

One of the great lines of the movie, spoken by Gene to Denzel fairly early on, is "We're here to preserve democracy, not to practice it".  Which is essentially the crux of the movie.  These very didactic power pyramids, where there is no room for discussion or debate, are sent out to bring (or force) democracy to other nations, so that these other nations can have the freedom to discuss and debate, to choose and choose again, and behave the way we see best.  Like fighting for peace. 

With 3 musicians watching, there was bound to be some discussion about the soundtrack.  "Hans Zimmer soundtrack, anyone?" was followed by "... Ooh, that's embarrassing.  John Williams".  "Are we sure...?"  A quick check on IMDb proved the first instinct to be correct, but there was a lot of Williams in this.  In my teenage years I loved Georgian music (especially that really deep bass sound), so the Russian Orthodox vibe to a lot of this was both fitting and nostalgic.  It really fit the scene so well, all that rich, deep sound to match the diving submarine off the Russian coast.  In the mutinous scenes, though, was something akin to a Mozart Requiem mash-up.  The same pitch order as the Lachrymosa, but with the attack and strength of the Dies Irae.  Very cool.