First Post of 2009

You would think that I'd have some super fantastic, world-changing thoughts for the first post of a new year.  But no, sorry, I don't.  Actually I'm kind of bored.  Work has slowed way down and I don't have much to do - although that will change soon as work is wont to do. 

I tried to read Perdido Street Station by China Mieville.  Couldn't do it.  I got to page 121 and had to give up.  I don't know if I was expecting something a bit more steampunk or if I just wasn't in the right mindset to take it on.  The language is beautiful but there was so much of it!  Major slog just to get through a few pages.  I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere and the story itself was kind of boring.  I haven't decided yet if I'm going to sell it or keep it for a while and try again later.  We'll see. 

I am currently reading a book on the Maya (prep for my trip in 18 days!) and a steampunk novel called Whitechapel Gods by S.M. Peters.  What a difference!  I started it last night at 9 pm and in an hour had read the first 50 pages and had a hard time putting it down.  It may not be as "literary" but it is definitely more my style!  I'll review when I'm done. 

Sleet and freezing rain this morning meant icy roads on the drive in.  The drunken monkeys were out as usual although there did seem to be fewer of them than normal.  Either they were sober or someone has been culling the herd. 

And I should get to work - if I can find something to do.  Wish me luck!

Soup Review #1

I've been eating soup lately.  I have no idea why since I normally don't really like soups.  But after a fateful trip to the mega mart with a hungry tummy and a sale I came home with 10 cans of soup! 

So I've decided to not only eat them but post what I think about each one as well. 

The first is Campbell's Harvest Select Italian Wedding Soup.  
The broth was greasy and the meatballs were dry and bland.  How do you have dry meat in a soup?  The spinach and the pasta were good though and plentiful, which helped save this rather boring culinary concoction from an even poorer showing. 
On a scale of 1 to 10 I give this one a 4.5.  I might get it again if the price is really good. 

The second one I tried is Progresso Light Italian Style Vegetable. 
The smell from the can when I opened it was not promising - an overly sweet tomato-basil smell.  Once warmed it smelled a little better but there was no mistaking the overabundance of spice used to make a "light" soup more palatable.  The veggies and penne were decent if a little sparse.  Overall I felt more like I was having tomato soup with some veggie garnish rather than a hearty vegetable soup.
On a scale of 1 to 10 I give this one a 3.  I don't think I'll be getting this one again. 

The third one I tried is the one I'm eating now for lunch - Campbell's Harvest Select Tequila Lime Chicken with  Rice. 
If my first taste of the Harvest Select soups was a disappointment this one has certainly redeemed the brand.  The chicken is a wee bit dry but the rice, corn, tomatoes and black beans are faboo!  There is a nice balance between soup and the chunky goodness of the veggies.  Not too much chicken, which is a plus for me.  And the spice on this one is just right - flavorful without being overpowering. Maybe because it's not a "light" soup? 
On a scale of 1 to 10 I give this one an 8.5.  I will definitely be getting this one again. 

Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to eat!