Pour Me A Story, Vol. 7
feat. Aida Aguado, Maximum Overdrive and some Turkey Day reminiscing
greetings pals, and welcome back to another edition of Pour Me A Story. I hope this finds you all still in bed at 9:45am and not having to go to — or log in for — work today. it seems like “the day after” should be just as much of an official holiday as the holiday itself for a few of these occasions, but what would I know as a simple foreigner?
as I write this, it’s pushing 9:00pm Mountain Time on Thanksgiving night, still slightly uncomfortable in the stomach region despite finishing dinner around 3:30 this afternoon. I’ve got a glass of The Macallan 15 Years by me and the cat on my lap, and all things considered it’s been a pretty great Turkey Day. I prepared my own bird for the first time — pre-smoked, of course, so I cheated — and we had all the fixings. baby tried her first mashed potatoes and turkey, and wasn’t terribly fussed, but to be fair she did have a pile of guacamole for brunch so her palate will be just fine.
this year has been a rough one; this we know. in the grand scheme of things I’ve escaped relatively unscathed, and for that I’m very thankful. we have a healthy and happy baby, I’ve kept my job, and we have a roof over our heads, which all are blessings as far as 2020 is concerned. I’m also grateful for you fine folks for sharing a little of your pre-weekend morning with me and for supporting this venture when there are so many other things demanding of your time and attention. you’re the best.
Anyway, We Have Company
this week’s guest, for the second consecutive week, is someone I met first in real life rather than on Twitter. we’re joined by my coworker and pal Aida Aguado, who actually was the original catalyst behind me changing roles earlier this year which, in a roundabout way, got me back to writing again. so this rambling newsletter is all her fault?
AC: Aida! happy Thanksgiving! how’s your turkey day been?
AA: Heya! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well! It’s been great, can’t complain! I was able to see a handful of close family members for a brief period (responsibly done, of course!), which was wonderful. :) This year’s been getting lonely - and I can’t complain too much, I at least have a partner to spend quarantine with!
AC: it’s definitely been a rough one for that interpersonal connection, but being able to see some family is great! I’m glad for you. what was on the menu?
AA: Yes, it was so nice! We kept it pretty traditional - a smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, green bean casserole, and some greens in cream sauce. Had some pumpkin and pecan pies for dessert as well which was great! I’m definitely a bit overstuffed, but it was all delicious. Now sipping some wine and about to turn on some Dexter to call it a night! How was your guys’ dinner?
AC: damn, you guys did it right! we went traditional as well, which was an adventure because I’d never cooked turkey before, but it came out pretty well. and without stealing your Good News Thunder — how was your first Thanksgiving in the new place?
AA: Cooking’s always an adventure! I like to think that I’m a pretty good cook, so I always have fun in the kitchen. It was so nice - it’s been a great first week in our new place! Sometimes I still can’t believe we actually own a house, and are LIVING here. I know that sounds silly, but it’s all still so new to me. Also, silly sidebar, but we have a gas range in our new place - which I know is better for cooking, but I don’t know what it is about gas that makes me nervous (just kidding, I know what it is - I’m forgetful af), I’ve found myself checking it multiple times after cooking something just to make sure everything’s off. Today was my first time using the oven, so I checked it extra, haha!
AC: GAS RANGE. that is the dream haha. that’s so great though. is it like the scariest thing in the world to buy a house?
AA: I know, right?! Still can’t believe how much easier it is to cook on it - it’s definitely a dream! So, we’ve been looking for a while now - Colorado’s not the easiest market if you’re a buyer at the moment, so we had a lot of ups and downs in the process. It was a relief to find a spot we both loved and that we could afford - and when we actually got it it was like a dream come true. Definitely scary - especially as you’re basically signing your life away on a loan (so much paperwork haha!) - but it felt so good. It also worked out perfectly because our lease was up on December 1 so we had no overlap between lease and mortgage payments - not sure how we pulled that off, but we’re stoked about it!!
AC: okay well first off thank you — you made me feel better about it because that’s certainly the next Big Grown-Up Step in my life, I’d say. and that’s amazing, I’m thrilled for you guys. what a great ending to such a strange year. speaking of, I know you’ve been getting out there and running lately — what have your methods been to maintain some sanity Amid All This?
AA: Oh yeah, it’s definitely been A Journey to get here - somehow this year helped us do it though, as strange as that sounds. Since there’s not really much else to do, we’ve been able to save some money. It’s definitely the best ending to such a strange year! And much needed after both of us working from home the last 8 months - it’s nice to have a bit more space. Ah yes, running!! I’ve definitely been trying to get out when I can - we actually inherited a treadmill from my parents that I can’t wait to set up (but she’s heavy and I’m dreading taking her up the stairs haha). Sanity - oh man, I wish I had a wiser answer, but I’ve watch a LOT of television haha. I’ve discovered a few great shows that I probably wouldn’t have watched otherwise. And as cheesy as it sounds, a lot of Skype/House Party/WhatsApp video calls with friends and family abroad. I have a group of tight-knit friends from my school days in Venezuela that are kind of spread about around the world - I chat with them often, and I’ve probably seen their faces more this year than ever before. I’m also guilty of falling into the baking trend early on in quarantine - I’ve tried a lot of new recipes. But like I said early on, I love to cook so that’s my excuse haha.
AC: TV, baking, running, House Party — it’s been eerily similar here, so if you guys ever need roommates, we’re your people! okay one more and I’ll let you enjoy the remainder of your turkey day: is there anything you’d like to plug? Sky’s the limit, the floor is yours!
AA: Oh hell yeah!! We’d love that!! Oohh - yes! There’s a nonprofit that holds a special place in my heart - a bit selfishly, as I volunteered there for about 4 years when I first moved to the Denver metro area: PawsCo. It’s a foster-based animal rescue - they work alongside shelters and pull animals that have a hard time adapting to shelter life, putting them in foster homes instead. They have a very thorough adoption process as well, so they make sure animals are always going to the best possible home each time. They’re the most dedicated group of people I’ve ever met - all volunteers, and mind you this is basically like a job but they volunteer and just do it to help the animals. They also work a lot with shelters in rural Colorado that are often at capacity. They’re a wonderful org - if you’re ever looking to adopt another kitty, they’re your peeps - and you know the adoption fee is going towards something good!
AC: and they also have an irresistible Instagram feed full of all those sweet cat and dog faces, so I cannot blame you for supporting PawsCo. well thank you for sharing some of your post-turkey wind-down time with me! you’ve really gone above and beyond.
AA: Love me a serotonin-inducing Instagram follow these days!! Of course - thanks so much for asking me to chat! It’s an honor :) I hope you have an amazing rest of your evening!
Holidays Of Our Lives
this week got me thinking about all of the Thanksgivings I’ve been a part of since I moved out here in 2013. for those who are unaware, and forgive me if I’m insulting your intelligence because I’ve been asked before, Australia does not celebrate Turkey Day. shocking, perhaps, but the journey from Plymouth Rock to The Rocks was too far for the Pilgrims and the mac & cheese would’ve spoiled.
between 2008 and 2012 I spent around six months’ worth of vacation time in the U.S., but never around Thanksgiving time, so I’d never experienced the occasion. it was probably fitting, though, that my first Turkey Day came just a couple weeks after I was granted my green card, and mere days after I re-entered the country as an official permanent resident.
there’ve been a veritable pile of friendsgivings, and at least one solo dinner, over the seven years and three states I’ve lived in, but this year was the first with my own growing family, and that felt good despite the circumstances we’ve found ourselves in.
its brutal history notwithstanding, I think Thanksgiving is my favorite of the American holidays, not so much for the food but for the opportunity to outwardly share — and actively think about, and acknowledge — the things we’re grateful for.
oh and canned cranberry dressing. if your cranberry doesn’t have ridges, I don’t want it.
Worthy Consumables
if you intend to spend your Friday in a semi-conscious state and trying not to pay attention to too much, perhaps consider Yes Man on Netflix.
it’s not new (like 2008) and fairly formulaic as far as comedies go, but watching it this evening gave me a few genuine chuckles, and it’s tough not to love Jim Carrey. bonus points for the fact that it’s almost entirely mindless so you don’t have to focus on complex plot points or what just happened, and it’s kinda feel-good as well.
this week I also enjoyed reading Brandon Caldwell’s interview with Houston rapper Paul Wall for Pigeons and Planes. it’s the type of back-and-forth that’s informative, easygoing and makes you really feel like you’re in the room for the conversation.
lastly, by the time some of you read this I’ll have consumed my first ever (I believe?) Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. it shall be a melt, composed of:
La Boulangerie croissant toast, spread with mayonnaise on the outside
leftover cranberry dressing, spread on the insides
turkey breast, pre-warmed
whatever shredded cheese we have in the fridge, I think it’s cheddar jack
might have some mashed potatoes too. I’ll play it by ear.
Parting Note
this is apropos of absolutely nothing, but we put Maximum Overdrive (1986) on TV this afternoon and decided about halfway through that this might have to be a new Thanksgiving tradition. Emilio Estevez is the hero, self-operating machines (sure?) are the villains, and Stephen King wrote it, so it’s perfectly schlocky.
AC/DC did the soundtrack, and this is the song that kicked it off. please enjoy.
that’s it from me, pals. I’ve got a big hunk of apple pie to eat before I go to bed, which is certainly a sensible idea. stay well, keep your head up, and let’s do it again next week.
— adrian ✌🏻
my wife LOVES maximum overdrive