Rhode Island's Unofficial State Motto

Golf Weekend Booty
Originally uploaded by whatstepheats

I'm sure some of you believe this is not the case, and to you, I say congratulations on finding your happy place in this state.

I've thus far been a life-long resident, and have to say - I've never felt the love. Not as a child, not as a student, not as an adult woman.

I used to think it was me, but then I started to travel to different states, different countries, where people were actually kind, and not abrasive. Where the driving was perhaps aggressive, but not anencephalic. Where there was some semblance of concern for fairness and equity, and not just advancement based on who your friends and family know.

Now I know it's not me. Someday, when I am able to awaken in a place that feels right, that thought may bring me comfort.
For now, it just makes me angry that I 'wasted' so much time.

Rhode Island is a backwards mess filled with insular idiots who think they know it all - but never hold themselves up to any standard because they are so shut off from the rest of the world.

Rhode Island is not a meritocracy - it is an idiocracy. It's not about what you know or what you can do - only who you know and who owed your great uncle a favor 50 years ago, or who fears you because of whatever shitstorm you could set into motion in their lives.

When I tell people, in my travels, that I am from Rhode Island, I take it as a compliment when they say that I don't act like a Rhode Islander.

What a shame - such a gorgeous mass of land and historical landmarks is allowed to be ruined by its inhabitants.

Groudhog Day in September

Grilled Boneless Breasts, Loads of Veggies
Originally uploaded by whatstepheats

If my legion of loyal readers has noticed that I've not been posting pics of meals lately, here's the simple explanation: they all look the same.
I've fallen into a grilling rut. I'm bored with what I cook, enough so that I don't even take photos most of the time, because it all looks the same - protein with grill marks, veggies, salad. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Every now and again I'll make a red sauce with meatballs and sausages for pasta. Last week I even made a beef stew with smoked bacon and blood sausage. But by and large, it's been grilled salmon, grilled chicken, grilled steak, grilled pork chops.

So it's with great excitement and giddiness that I bring you this news! Today I trudged through the light mist to the downtown farmers' market and found a rack of goat from Simmons Farm. So excited to have my way with it next week.

But the man wants his pasta, so guess what I'll be doing tomorrow? Yup. Making meatballs.

Be happy in the face of the rain.