Wasabi Funyun Update!

The wretched Wasabi Funyun selling Walgreen's has been out of the tantalizing chip since I bought them. I've haunted them day and night---they're a 24 hour joint---to no avail. Pushers!! This morning I broke down and spoke with the assistant manager who, after enduring my pleading, begging and ultimately explaining that I'd come in to pick up my Xanax prescription, he divulged a smidge of very important information. The Frito Lay man stocks the place on Tuesdays & Fridays. Of course he didn't leave any this morning but the Ass Mgr swore he'd let the vendor know that the rings o'spicy goodness are in high demand. I smiled sweetly and said "see you Tuesday".

Summertime and the Livin' is Easy

Austin is so very austin. Yes, it should be an adjective meaning eclectic, vivacious, surprising and mysterious, among other things. Look at our weather situation. We go from coat wearing cold weather to a one day monsoon to summer. Tomorrow it may be springtime again, but today at 80º definitely qualifies as summer. Or at least early summer, since real summer is usually a temperature somewhere between OMG and your hands melting on the steering wheel of your car.

The weather today sparks an urge in me to be outside. It makes me want to take a blanket and a book to Zilker Park and lose myself for an hour or two. I'd end up a little sunburned since I take after my Anglo parent instead of the Hispanic one, but I'd have a happier heart. All it takes is a little sunshine and blue skies sometimes. I'm almost on the verge of digging through my clothes and dragging out my bathing suit but I think Barton Springs may still be too shockingly cold this early in the season. (Please no hate mail from you year 'rounders!).

At least we're fortunate enough in Austin to have the Town Lake trail, Lake Travis, the Veloway and the Greenbelt. Last week's trek around Town Lake was great, even though I only ran twice, and for shamefully short distances each time. I'm horribly out of shape after being completely lazy this winter along with that nasty respiratory virus last month. Luckily, I only had a few minor instances of tightness in the chest and no real asthma attacks during my leisurely 5k jaunt. I'll push myself more on Saturday just to see what happens. I have a triathlon relay to get ready for, so there's no more time to be a slug.

But the flowers are blooming (saw some Bluebonnets along Mopac yesterday) and the trees are greening up and it's stirring me to venture out and enjoy what our city has to offer. It makes me feel hopeful, like the Gershwin song. "Summertime and the livin' is easy...one of these mornings you're gonna rise up singin', then you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky".

Kay Needs...

I googled "Kay needs" just to see what would come up. Some of these were surprisingly accurate, others just surprising. Kind of like cyber tarot card reading. Here's the first ten of my "needs":

1. Kay needs a home (actually this was Kitty Kay, a special needs cat at Town Lake animal shelter).
2. Kay needs your vote.
3. Kay needs new man on keyboard.
4. Kay needs a break.
5. Kay needs help.
6. Kay needs to rely on specific instruments for downing certain adversaries. (Don't piss me off this week).
7. Kay needs to run against Hillary.
8. Kay needs to wake up!
9. Kay needs no introduction.
10. Kay needs a red hot kiss like you really mean it.

Google your name/needs and let me know what came up.

Wasabi Funyuns...my newest addiction

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And he better be bringing me Wasabi Funyuns for Christmas this year. I plan on being a very, very good girl. My epicurean delights run the gamut from tastes-like-the-sea oysters on the half shell to perfectly chargrilled steaks, cilantro jalapeño hummus, avocado gelato, to decadent and salty caviar on blinis with a dollop of rich crème fraîche and a flute of champagne. Now I've fallen from the heights into a sordid love affair with an onion and wasabi flavored corn ring.

Funyuns have always been a guilty pleasure. I love strong flavors and was instantly attracted to the crunchy oniony snack as a child. When I found that Frito-Lay added wasabi, I had to try them. They aren't quite wasabi enough for me, but then again, it's never enough wasabi unless my eyes are watering and my airways threatening to close. For those CenTexers unfamiliar with the spice, wasabi is a condiment made from Japanese horseradish and traditionally served with sushi. That green paste on your plate is not guacamole, Tex. Wasabi, like dry ground mustard has a heat that inflames the sinus cavity but doesn't burn your mouth. Mixing it with onion flavor and making a chip is pure genius.

Don't let the idea scare you off. Try a bag today. And if the Wasabi Funyuns aren't your thing, put a chip clip on that bag and bring it to me! Oh, and if anyone wants my hummus recipe, just e me. I'll share.