Out & About #843 | Slow COVID Recovery + Perfecting Pecan Pie

Absence of reason constitutes the bane of my existence. Whether it be a lack of functionality, critical thinking, or loss of logic, the sheer act drives me to the point of absolute exasperation.

Throughout the week, I began to observe a drop in energy levels, likely a temporary side effect following COVID infection. My olfactory and gustatory senses had remained intact; the virus had not impacted my ability to taste Apple Dumplings and their buttery, brown sugar juices nor homemade meals with too-creamy Portuguese sauce, however, I soon discovered its unexpected impact to beer.

​Long anticipated swigs of Pumpkin Ale and Kronenbourg Blanc resulted in near-identical profiles of cherry cough syrup. Citrusy was not the Blanc, nor spicy was the Ale. These wallop woes led to disappointment: a natural reaction to the flavours of loved beverages removed or altered from one's inventory.

​I also began to develop red bumps on my legs, particularly at the front of the thighs. It first commenced with a few on the right thigh, then quickly spread to the left. Scratching only worsened the spread.
Thankfully, the rash subsided in a few days after intake of Reactine and application of a powerful steroid cream  (not recommended, as skin discolouration/lightening can occur).

​The work week saw return of my field equipment to the office, along with a rare AM trip to Costco.

Halloween Houses were an interesting addition to the typical array of trick-or-treat candies. I also managed to nab a jar of Pistachio Spread, whose uses shall be investigated for frappés, baked goods, or, simply, as a spread.

​The sleepy polar bear, having returned from a three-day vacation in Halifax, supplied a Roasted Milk Tea with Grass Jelly and Pudding to combat my Monday moping.

Souvenirs were also granted in the form of a purple beaded bracelet, salted bar of chocolate, and soft cotton t-shirt.

Appetite levels have resided at the low end of the spectrum, alongside reduced tolerance for cardiovascular activities.

Orders of congee, glutinous sticky rice, and rice noodle rolls from Yin Ji Chang Fen sufficed to provide up to four meals.

​Black Sesame Jelly with Coconut Milk was constructed around the midway point of the week, informing us of Aroy-D's formula adjustment: less aroma, greater creaminess (via stabilizers).

Maximizing freshly made pie dough, I immediately took to crafting the first Pecan Pie of autumn.

SK's recipe enabled a flawless nut-to-custard proportion, and further ensured a crisp, flaky bottom by blind baking the crust.
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​Having misplaced the slip I had taken to noting down conversions previously, I re-assembled the list, aiming to facilitate the process for next time.

​While I must admit that there are far fewer issues to be encountered with Pecan Pie than Apple, being strict with temperature was critical for crust success. Instead of attempting to roll out the dough straight from the fridge, I allowed it to come to just cold of room temperature before working it to a flat round. Being more pliable, the dough was receptive to rolling, almost overly willingly, for the sheet grew too thin too soon. Instead of trimming and ruffling the edges, I hastily pressed them into the pan before the dough became warm.

​The crust was impressively flaky, in spite of my initial concerns. Though, since it had been rolled thinly, the edges were more prone to breakage. Visuals were compromised slightly, yet palatableness kept consistent and superb.

Paris Toasts and pâté emerged as an afternoon snack. The combination had been a childhood favourite for many years, until Loblaws had discontinued our beloved garlicy liver spread. A quad of flavoured slabs had been located at Costco, but the resulting degree of satisfaction was notably minimal. Depth and complexity had been replaced with sturdiness and stabilizers.

By Friday, I was more than ready for a massage. Kaizen's newest outpost in Meadowvale remained my go-to.

The entirety of the work week had posed tremendous distress. My desire to provide comments of due diligence had been twisted and interpreted against my favour. Despite merely extending remarks to preserve my sanity and wellbeing, I immediately became a threat to the greedy bodies advocating corporate corruption. It was a dictatorship system with no room for individual development.
Leaving was not a financially viable option, but staying only meant further torment. I was, quite frankly, at my wit's end in terms of conjuring solutions and alternatives.

​Countless discussions ensued with managers, co-workers, friends, and family - each providing insight and information I had never anticipated. Known not as one to easily ask for help, I was taken back by the overwhelming support I had received, even without asking! Within 24 hours, the roadblock I had tragically shed tears over had chipped away bit by bit. I hadn't managed total triumph, but at least I was now empowered with knowledge and alternate paths (and mindsets) at resolving the recurring issue at hand.

​"You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don't Take."
You also assume responsibility for 100% of the decisions you make.

It's a work in progress to "care less", to relieve yourself of the stress that you have a lot at stake.