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 1st.

On April 1st, 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.


FOOD IS ONE OF THE MOST VISCERAL ASPECTS OF A CULTURE; IT CAN BE EXPERIENCED WITH NO LANGUAGE SKILLS, NO GUIDE, AND MOST TIMES WITH VERY LITTLE MONEY.