I mean, I should just give up.

Actually, I have thought about giving up blogging several times.  It takes a lot, A LOT, of time, energy, planning… all things that I have very little of.  And I don’t like to do things half-way; if I’m not automatically great at something, I like to quit while I’m ahead.  Or behind.

At any rate, I really don’t want to quit. I’d rather give excuses. I have a few good ones for my major blogging deficiencies that have been eating all of my time:

• I’ve been taking a dance class,
• I’ve been traveling for work,
• I started tutoring at this AMAZING volunteer after-school program, and
• I. MOVED. AGAIN.

Yes. I moved again. You know what? This was a record for me: I actually stayed in an apartment for longer than a one-year lease. I renewed my lease, people! I’ve NEVER done that!!!!! Every single time my lease has expired, I’ve peaced. No lie. So if one more person says, You moved again? I’m going to fall on the floor like a toddler. Yes. I moved.

BIGGER NEWS…….. I moved in with the S.O. Jenni has a roomie now. Queue the death march music.

Kidding. So far, so good. I was very apprehensive, given that I haven’t lived with another human since Nam. I mean, my only other roommate for the last several years has been this gal, and she’s the worst:

Sooooo, cooking. Not been happening. I’ve been eating a lot of salads, eggs, and take-out. Not blog-worthy. But now that I have a REAL KITCHEN, with an OVEN, I will (hopefully) get my butt back in gear. As soon as I finish unpacking, decorating, studying, working overtime….

Good thing this recipe takes less time than it does to gripe about not having any time. And is SO delicious 🙂 Do not be intimidated by the long list of ingredients… if you cook stir fry more than once, these should all be on hand. Speaking of stir fry, this would be an AWESOME side dish to go with your Chinese Beef with Broccoli! Enjoy!

Materials:

• large bowl
• small bowl
• mandolin or sharp knife
• measuring spoons

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers
• 1 stock of green onion (scallion)
• 3 T mirin (rice wine vinegar)
• 2 T soy sauce
• 1 T sesame oil
• 2 tsp honey (or sugar)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 T red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1 T minced (or powdered) garlic (or to taste)

Directions:

1. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, cut cucumbers and green onion into very thin slices. Place into mixing bowl.
2. In a small bowl, mix all other ingredients. This will be the “dressing” for the cucumbers.
3. Pour dressing over cucumbers and onion. Mix well.
4. Place into fridge for at least 10 minutes before serving.
5. Enjoy!