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Post by kiyoat on Mar 26, 2020 7:31:31 GMT -6
I know that sports can be seen as a trivial thing to worry about with all of the things happening in the country right now, .....
but for many of us, sports has been an important part of our identity, and a diversion from the negatives we see in our lives and in the news. Yes, diversions can also be a negative way to "escape from reality" so we don't have to deal with life, but they can also provide some refuge from the constant barrage of negative news that we could get caught up in, and drive us insane. In today's world we get a constant feed of news from multiple sources, and it can be a little much.
So now that it is gone, what have you all been doing to fill the void, and create some happy diversions in your life? Or have you been swallowed up by the news cycle, slowly making you insane?
(As always, lets try to keep politics out of the discussion, please)
PS, I'd also just like to hear from folks as a check-in of sorts. Feel free to share the negatives as well as positives. How have you all been?
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Post by kiyoat on Mar 26, 2020 8:16:42 GMT -6
As for me:
1. Cooking at home more (thinking of ways to save costs and use less perishable healthy ingredients).
1B. Utilizing carry-outs and drive-through more.
2. Helping kids with homework, as they struggle to finish remotely assigned projects with minimal teacher feedback. (I have enjoyed helping, though)
3. Catching up on some Netflix/Hulu
A. American Idol
B. The Voice
C. Tiger King documentary (really good)
D. random crap my wife likes (Texas 9.1.1., many medical drama series, A million little things, etc.)
4. Board Games - this has actually been a hobby for me anyway. I've been play-testing some games for others, developing my own, and just playing with the family. Got a few new ones recently. It's actually been a perfect way to stay sane, and spend time with my fam.
5. Playing piano - never seemed to find the time before.
6. Drinking - I won't endorse this for others, but it's definitely something I've been doing as a diversion. Probably should cut back.
7. (still) working - my office is still open, but we have some sanitizing protocols, the front door is locked, etc. I am preparing for the inevitable work-from-home scenario by setting up an office at home, making sure I can remotely access the server, etc.
8. Phone games - I don't play video games, so my phone app-based games are now getting some mileage.
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Post by kiyoat on Mar 26, 2020 10:55:07 GMT -6
Almost forgot,
9. making online polls.
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Post by elcoyote on Mar 26, 2020 13:52:44 GMT -6
I'm retired, live alone and basically all my social activities, sports related or otherwise, have either been cancelled or are a no go. The highlight of my day is watching back to back reruns of Adam 12 on MeTV. I worry most about my daughter who works as a nurse. Sad, but we'll get through this.
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olifer
Sophomore Member
Posts: 184 
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Post by olifer on Mar 26, 2020 16:26:56 GMT -6
Since we didn't like the wall colors on the main floor of our home, I am beginning to re-paint the house when I'm not at my office or working from home. It's a nice distraction and I get a sense of accomplishment by seeing the progress. Turn on some good 70's rock to keep me going, and all is good.
Be safe everybody!
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Post by Yotes on Mar 26, 2020 21:03:08 GMT -6
I live in Minnesota. Things have been pretty restricted for close to two weeks now, and further restricted starting Saturday.
I've been walking a lot more. Revisiting an old hobby in playing the guitar. Playing my favorite video games and trying some new ones. Then, of course, doing some drinking since the liquor stores are considered an essential service here.
I'm just glad my job is considered an essential service (banking) and I still go into the office everyday. I think I'd go insane otherwise.
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Post by kiyoat on Mar 26, 2020 21:11:37 GMT -6
...Revisiting an old hobby in playing the guitar.... See? I knew you were a "fun guy" after all... |
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Post by kiyoat on Mar 26, 2020 21:27:20 GMT -6
Just made some "Kjottkaker" [pronounced "hyot-cocker", meaning "meat-cake" or Norwegian meatballs with home-made gravy and flake mashed potatoes tonight. My wife does most of the cooking, but I've taken more turns more recently to help out. I have a handful of go-to's and Kjottkaker is one of them.
Nutmeg, Paprika and ginger, along with salt and pepper, corn starch, flour and milk mixed into the meat (beef only). The meatballs are larger than Swedish, and slightly flattened in the pan with the spatula. Browned on both sides in a little olive oil (or butter).
Flour, butter and onion powder makes the gravy "rue". I actually didn't burn it this time! brown, then add beef broth (or bouillon cubes), water, milk. boil then simmer to thicken. Add grease from meatballs. (so good, and so bad).
Make mashed potatoes from flakes. Use garlic salt to taste.
Put meatballs in gravy and serve.
You're welcome.
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Post by elcoyote on Mar 26, 2020 21:40:26 GMT -6
Sounds good. Where can I find this in the frozen food section ready to microwave?
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Post by kiyoat on Mar 26, 2020 21:57:26 GMT -6
Since I'm throwing out my secret dad recipes, here's another one: Spicy mustard dip for fried chicken strips (or any meat).
In the past, I have usually cut chicken strips from large breasts, dipped in batter, then breading, and fried in the pan (pepper is a must in the batter, use white pepper if you don't want to see it). A few days ago I made it, but my wife convinced me to do a baked version. It was fine, and likely more healthy, but I prefer frying. I have done the batter and breading many different ways, so I'll leave that to your own design. The sauce is my own invention, though.
The dip:
equal parts Mayo (not miracle whip) and Sour Cream as the base.
Yellow mustard in an amount that you prefer. I like to use a lot, so it tastes like a mustard sauce, but not completely overpowers it. Maybe 1 part Mustard, 2 parts Mayo, 2 parts Sour Cream? Experiment.
A little Worcester sauce and BBQ sauce for the salt and sweet. maybe a teaspoon of each. Spicy BBQ is fine if you prefer. Could sub Soy sauce for Worcester.
Lots of black pepper, some salt and cayenne pepper to taste. This is the key to the whole thing. The heat adds so much to the flavor, but you have to balance it. go slow.
Let me know if you give it a try. I have made this for many years.
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Post by kiyoat on Mar 26, 2020 22:04:42 GMT -6
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Post by elcoyote on Mar 27, 2020 6:23:28 GMT -6
Damn! That does look mighty tasty.
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Post by Yotes on Mar 28, 2020 8:31:28 GMT -6
...Revisiting an old hobby in playing the guitar.... See? I knew you were a "fun guy" after all... I will be once I look up those chords to Party in the USA. |
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Post by kiyoat on Mar 28, 2020 8:35:47 GMT -6
See? I knew you were a "fun guy" after all... I will be once I look up those chords to Party in the USA. 😅 |
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Post by azsod73 on Mar 28, 2020 12:48:05 GMT -6
Even during this very serious time, there's usually someone coming up with a chuckle, per twitter:
"I used to spin the toilet paper dispenser like it was the Wheel of Fortune, now it's like cracking a safe."
Today's dating scene has changed. New pick up line, "if the corona doesn't take you out, can I?"
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