Sunday, August 21, 2011

Burning Questions–Answered!

I know I’ve left some loose ends hanging out there recently. I can imagine that the most pressing question is: “what was in that package from the ever-elusive Shenandoah Vegan?” Next could be, am I moving? Did I get the job? Was a giveaway an empty promise? Read on, friends.

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Do you know what this is? I received two packages of Hard Times Chili. Evidently Hard Times serves up Cincinnati chili in the DC metro area. I’m actually really glad I got two, because I kinda messed up the directions on the first one. Still turned out yummy, though.

See, I tossed in all my veggies at the beginning rather than at the end. I added jalapeno, mushrooms, zucchini, red bell pepper, and onion. No matter, though I did wonder why I was putting dry roasted peanuts in to simmer with the chili mix, which is TVP with seasonings.

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I really was trying to follow the instructions. I served this over spaghetti, as instructed, with Daiya and separately-cooked kidney beans. I used green onions instead of raw yellow onions, just trying to use what I had in the fridge. This is some tasty chili mix! Thanks again, Shen!

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In personal news, it is official – I got the job! Although we were considering leaving Cincinnati since last March, to be closer to family, Alex wasn’t actually sold on the idea of going back to Philly until I locked down the job. Now, he’s telling everyone we’re doing it for my sake. Y’all know better, right? We visited earlier this week and got a place in the ‘burbs. We’ll see how it goes.

Just to refresh your memory, or to let you know, Alex is from Philly. I am not. We met there and came out the Cincy together 3.5 years ago. I have been telecommuting to my job back in the area, and with this new job, it will be a help to be back near the office and go in every once in a while. (Same company, so I can keep the shirts, mugs, pens, tote bags…) Truth is, we both have sort-of reasons for going back. Time will tell whether those sort-of reasons turn into enough reason to stay.

Okay, personal interlude over. Did someone say giveaway? Alex has volunteered his time. He says that anything that happens is “between two consenting adults.” His enthusiasm for this is a little disturbing to me. So, sorry gals, you’ll have to contact him directly for that prize. Instead, I’m going with the Cincy locals package. The lucky winner will receive a goodie box of vegan treats straight from the Porkopolis.

If you’d like to win, just let me know in the comments. Sorry, no bonus points for Tweeting, facebooking, blah blah blah… let’s keep this low-key. My sparse posting might disappoint new readers. BUT---anyone who will help with the move will get their own box, plus the traditional pizza and beer. Message me for details. I’ll let random choose the winner next Sunday night. Good luck!

14 comments:

  1. Congratulations!

    That pasta dish looks delicious too! :)

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  2. Congratulations on the job! From what I hear Philly is a great place to be. (Not to dis on Cincinnati!)
    The chili looks great..and I have eerily similar plates.

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  3. Congratulations on the job!

    So, that's what Shen sent you. Looks good piled up on that pasta...I love the inclusion of ground peanuts...must be so yummy with that.

    I wish I could, but I don't think I can help you move, but I'll enter the giveaway. :D

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  4. Congratulations on the job! I hope it's a really positive transition for you. And good luck finding moving help. There's a special place for friends who are willing to help schlep your stuff! :)

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  5. I like being a winner :)
    Congrats on the new gig. Philly is super vegan friendly from what I hear!

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  6. Congrats on the job & good luck with the move! I'm a big fan of Philly myself :) And that chili mix looks amazing--I'll have to find it sometime!

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  7. Congratulations on the job and good luck with the move.

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  8. Looks like Shen hooked you up...Your dish looks great and sounds delish!

    Congratulations on getting the job, but I have to admit that I'm a little bummed that you are going to be gone from Cincinnati when I'll be there. Tony's sister and her family are moving there as soon as they get their house sold here. I was in hopes that I would get to meet you when we went to visit them. :( Seriously though....I am so happy for you guys! :o)

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  9. Congrats on the job! The chili looks great.

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  10. Winner! Winner! Chili Dinner!!!

    So am I the only one that wonders why you can telecommute from Cincinnati but you have to change jobs to telecommute from Philly?

    Anyhoo, glad some of my burning has subsided.

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  11. Yes, I was wondering the same thing Shen was. I'm a bit confused. But, we would so help you pack if California wasn't over 1,000 miles away. Bummer! Put me in for the contest of goodies, too! So, I think I missed the earlier post where Alex was volunteering his time. Yard work? Babysitting? Manicure and facial? What, what? By the way, I saw part of American Ninja Warriors in Japan last night on TV and thought of him. Is he going to try and do something like that?

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  12. Hey guys! Thanks for all the congrats. I lived in Philly for almost 5 years, and I'm okay with going back.

    Michelle - too bad it looks like we will miss each other! You might really enjoy Cincinnati. Be sure to make it to Park + Vine.

    The new job requires me to be in the office from time to time... my current job is so low-level they never need to see me.

    Blessed Mama, Ninja Warrior is indeed what Alex wants to do. He was one of the 300 finalists, but not one of the final 10 who were on TV last night. I would trust him to babysit your kids - I know they wouldn't scare him away from fatherhood!

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  13. Have enjoyed following your food and appreciated the Cincy vegan ideas when I visited last year. Glad your mom recommended I check out Veggie Cookie (I work with her at Methodist).

    -Karen

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  14. Congrats on the job! It'll be a nice change for you guys. Plus he knows the area right?

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