My first meal using proper tools

So I got to try out my first meal and it was not bad for the first attempt.

I made rigatoni with a tuna-tomato-red onion-chili sauce tossed with basil and Parmesan cheese. Note to self: if you leave the sauce to simmer and boil without a cover (I don't have one for the pan), all the saucy goodness may evaporate away and leave you with tomato-flavoured tuna rather than an actual sauce.

I also made potato rosti with garlic and rosemary. I have now confirmed that I do not like rosemary. Note to self: do not overdo it with the rosemary. I lost about half my meal when I used damp waxed paper to compress the rosti. I guess it wasn't "damp" enough. Note to self: there is a difference between "wetted" and "damp".

When I was moving around the stove, I forgot that the handle of the pan was still really hot from cooking the rosti in the oven. I didn't make enough room when reaching over the handle and burned my inner arm. It still hurts. Note to self: push hot things to the side and avoid touching them.

The food was half-decent and the lessons were plentiful. Not bad for the first attempt.

Retail therapy...it felt really good

I bought a LOT of goodies from Kitchen Stuff Plus. As I was telling Mel, it felt better than buying a fierce pair of shoes, a cute purse, or a flattering top. I think it's because you can't feel guilty buying a pot...a really GOOD pot.

So here is a list of what I got:
Henckels Classic chef's knife
Henckels Twinsharp knife sharpener
Non-stick oven-safe stock pot with a twist-and-lock cover that has a glass window and holes for straining pasta (if that weren't enough, it's non-stick on the outside too so it's easier to wash!!)
Salad spinner with a brake button (the outer bowl doubles as a salad bowl)
Silicone whisk, spatula, thongs, and ladle
Dual pepper and sea salt grinder
Meat thermometer
Oven thermometer
Wooden cutting board
Set of collapsible measuring spoons

I haven't cooked anything yet but I'm excited to use the stuff. I bought the new Cook with Jamie cookbook yesterday and had already gone through it cover to cover. I know what my first meal is going to be!

Political apathy

Political groups have specific messages geared toward young adults (i.e. Don't Let Others Speak For You). One of their advertisements even popped up on my Facebook home page! Is no place sacred for my apathy?

Up to now, I voted at every opportunity. I was proud not to be one of what the media portrayed as irresponsible young adults who avoided their civic duty. When McGuinty took office, I felt very optimistic. He was a younger/fresher guy who seemed honest and able to serve his province. I can't remember now what issue it was, but I do remember him breaking his voters' (more importantly, MY) trust within days of being the Ontario premiere. Nowadays, it seems like you don't choose the candidate you want. You just choose the candidate you depise or distrust least. That makes me sad.