Musings (my blog)

I don't write very often, but when I do write I try to make the words useful in some way ;) For 2011, my goal is to use this space to provide a lot of information about allergy friendly (specifically gluten-free) cooking. Please leave your comments, suggestions, questions, and enjoy!

Hemp Milk and Shrimp Scampi
posted by rain on Jun 25, 2008

I've been remiss in my commitment to use this blog to help others with insane food allergies like me.

More than two months later, I'm still finding my health and happiness levels increasing progressively with my new dietary "restrictions."  I'm still enjoying great food.  In fact, my meals have improved so dramatically that I'm not sure I would want to go back to what I ate before!

My favorite meal thus far, and perhaps my favorite meal ever: Quinoa Shrimp Scampi.  Jon's mom...

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Crossing LA on Venice
posted by rain on Jun 25, 2008

I admit it, I'm somewhat insane.  A 7.5 mile bike ride on Venice Blvd., across Los Angeles, is not exactly the ideal bike ride.

But I estimate a gas savings of $25/week (even as the proud driver of an efficient Honda Civic).  I get to stay in shape in spite of my busy schedule.  I have more energy.  It's a pleasurable way to start and end the day!

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Ten+Inches=Small Action (Blog SU2C)
posted by rain on Jun 25, 2008

I like my hair. Even as it begins to turn grey (early!), it remains un-damaged by dyes, presses, perms, regular blow-dryer use, excessive product. ... I don't remember how I got the idea, but I was a single-digit age when it first occurred to me to chop it all off and donate my precious braid to Locks of Love. Something about that act was so satisfying that I have been doing it every two or three years since. ...

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Becoming Gluten/Soy/Dairy Free
posted by rain on May 14, 2008

For the past three years I have been getting progressively more tired, my eczema more frustrating and inconvenient and, well, ugly, and my mood more generally irritable.  

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Washington Mutual should be ashamed
posted by rain on Feb 1, 2008
This morning I went into a Washington Mutual for a simple transaction.  This particular one had just been souped up with the new "design" that they are starting to put it.  I hadn't seen it before.

This simple transaction - changing a large bill into small ones - was possibly one of the most confusing banking experiences I'd ever had.

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Avoid 3rd Street
posted by rain on Jan 15, 2008
3rd St. is labeled as a bike route, but don't do it. At least, not west of Wilton.  Traffic isn't so much of a problem - there is actually plenty of room for you, your bike, and the plenty of stuff you'll pile onto your bike after visiting the various stores (such as Trader Joe's) on 3rd.

The unfortunate problem with 3rd St. is that, while the main part of the road itself is kept up quite nicely, the shoulders are very poorly maintained. Riding on a 3rd St. shoulder definitely requires a...

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Riding with traffic, spending a lot less
posted by rain on Jan 15, 2008
In just a few days of using my bike as my primary form of transportation, I've discovered the secret to getting around Los Angeles.  Bike riding removes the hassle of parking entirely, and, believe it or not, I usually finding myself keeping up with the traffic!  Sure, they pass me.  Moments later, I pass them.  Dislike riding behind a smog-spewing schoolbus?  No problem!  Peddle faster!<p> I'm also estimating that, when considering the cost of gas and parking in LA, I'm actually saving...
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Getting a Bike License
posted by rain on Jan 15, 2008
On Friday, 1/11/2008, I began my adventures as a Los Angeles bicyclist by abiding by the law and procuring a bike license.   (www.bicyclela.org/Law.htm)

When I arrived at the police station, the laugh-ability of my action became evident immediately. No one took me seriously.

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