Ecuador

A million years ago when I wrote my last post, I did a wee bit of whining.

Thank you for your attention.

-I needed it.

Now I will repay you.

For you, I will attempt to do something.

…something I have attempted many times.-failing however-

I WILL BLOG FROM THE ROAD.

Blogging from the road is:

-Mosquito filled internet cafes

-Battling small electronic devices

-Camera-cord mishaps and

-A nail biting test of will

But considering my recent state of employment, it’s time to channel my inner international correspondent.

Saturday I will land in Quito, Ecuador. I have plans to: trek into the jungle, climb an active volcano, and ride IV and V class whitewater rapids.

I now pledge to capture these in the internet-jar for your examination and enjoyment.

There will be food and drinks, and knowing that you will be stopping by will make me keep my promise.

Talk soon,

Devon

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Freaking Out

“Due to a department re-org, your position has been eliminated.”

HappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSad HappyorSadHappyorSad- This is what was going through my mind as the Monique from HR, handed me my severance package.

For almost two years I have been working as a part-time freelance writer- my total profits couldn’t buy me a Kindle, but I digress.

Coach pays my bills.

Three days of every week I work as product developer for Coach’s Wearbles department- that is until April 1^st.

On April 1^st, I will be free of the corporate bindings that have prevented me from becoming a money-in-the-bag freelance writer.

Here’s where the freaking out comes in: Was Coach really holding me back or do I lack the drive? How can I tell my friends and family that there will be no more discount bags? Coach is a big part of my NYC identity; who am I now? What’s for dinner? How can I be even more frugal without wanting to poke my own eyes out? How long will my savings last? What’s Dr. Oz talking about? Am I at risk for a heart attack? What am I gonna do about Health insurance? How can I make $100,000 a year and like what I do? If my future household income exceeds $250,000, will I become a republican? Just kidding.

Ultimately I have always been madly in love with change, but I get the jitters, and these questions rule my brain these days, which is why, despite baking two different kinds of cookies this weekend (desperate times), I cannot muster a post about food.

Thanks for providing an ear-or should I say a content scanning set of eyes?

Watch me gasp like a fish on dry land as I try to flop my way back into the sea. Click here to have Traveling Taste Buds delivered to your email for free.

Not So Pissed Off-Cold Sesame Noodles

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After a weekend of eggs, cheese and cake, my vegan-month bitterness has subsided enough for me to realize that some good things can come from soy-controlled confinement.

Cold Sesame Noodles is a New York City Chinese take-out standard; it’s accidently vegan and easy to make. These noodles provide the comfort of mac and cheese with some Asian flair.

During vegan month, this dish was my post-work, pre-dinner, binge-snack because it’s good cold and satisfying.

Chinese Take-Out Cold Noodles

1 pound Chinese yellow noodles (or thin pasta)
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)
1 tbs hot chili oil
1 tbs sesame oil
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tbs vegetable oil
2 tbs rice wine vinegar
2 green onion stalks (sliced)
white sesame seeds (optional)

Boil noodles according to packaging.
Rinse cooked noodles in cold water to stop cooking. Drain well.
In a bowl, blend all remaining ingredients except: vinegar, onion and sesame seeds.
Once mixture is smooth, add vinegar. (Be sure to add vinegar after mixing other ingredients or mixture will separate.)

Toss noodles and dressing in a large bowl.
Serve topped with green onions and sesame noodles.

Cold sesame noodle recipe. How to make cold sesame noodles.  The best cold sesame noodles.

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