16.12.2001
it's been a slow weekend, all around. i made the mistake of having a caffeinated beverage around dinner time on Friday, which meant that my brain was ready to go to sleep, but my body wasn't - not until about 4:30 in the morning. sort of throws a monkey wrench in the works, that does.
so i slept away the day on Saturday, tried not to stay up too late that night (which was helped by the absence of decent shows on TV), and pushed myself to get up a little earlier today. of course, early is relative, and the first thing i wanted to do was take a nap. ;)
i did manage to do my dishes, so no Mutiny. it's the small things, really. and i hung out with my best friend a little this afternoon; it was nice to catch up with her, and check out her parents' Christmas tree.
but the cards aren't done yet. they really need to go out in the next day or two, so i have to get cracking on them. fortunately, the post office is right in front of my office.
caught up with bro and sis, figured out when i get to see them for the holiday, and got a few present ideas. it finally hit me that i've been fairly out of contact with people lately, and that's why it's been hard to pick out gifts. i don't really have a sense of where people are at these days. *sigh* but hibernating seemed like such an appealing idea...
and i heard good news from a friend tonight - he's going to be able to make the company party! you have no idea how much of a relief that is. the company thing ... i sort of feel obligated to go. and i don't really feel like going stag this year. and it's always a pain to... look, i don't mean to sound crabby or desperate (desperation is not a pretty dress to wear), but dating is a phenomenal pain in the ass. it's just not a lot of fun. and company functions are always just so much politics, even when they're social events. so being able to go with a friend is lovely, and the pleasure of his company will make it a nice night. and that's one less thing to stress about. which is good, because stress is a bit of an avocation for me. :)
one other thing i've crossed off my list for this year is baking. normally, i turn into a baking maniac. i make bread, stollen, fruitcake, tarts, and about 8 or 10 kinds of cookies. and candy, if i'm feeling ambitious.
this year, no ambition. more accurately, realistic ambitions. i don't have the time, energy or money to do all that.
what i will do, tho, is share one of my favorite recipes with you. these are dead simple to make, not too sweet, and tasty.
Gember Koekjes
Ginger Cookies1/2 cup butter (one stick)
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 1/8 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup finely chopped crystallized gingerCream the butter with the brown sugar until it is light and fluffy, add the flour, and beat the dough until it is well combined. If the dough seems a bit soft, add another tablespoon of flour (but keep in mind it should be a little soft, as you'll be chilling it). Stir in the ginger until the mixture is well combined.
On a lightly floured surface, form the dough into a 10 inch log. Press the log with a flat ruler or the flat side of a knife to make a traingular log. (i shape it with my hands first, and even it out with the ruler afterwards.) Chill the dough, wrapped loosely in waxed paper, for 30 minutes. Alternatively, shape the dough on a piece of plastic wrap, wrap closely, and chill overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350�. Cut the dough crosswise into 1/4 inch thick triangles, arrange the triangles 1 inch apart on a lightly buttered cookie sheet, and bake in the middle of the oven for 15 to 18 minutes until golden. Transfer to racks and let them cool.
Makes 40 cookies.
seriously, these are the easiest cookies to make - you just slice them up and bake. and people think you've done something complicated because of the shape. they make a good afternoon cookie, with a cup of tea.
so there you go - my Christmas cookies for you. :)