The hacker

The hacker could also just be the name for the roaming nurse who took my blood last night and left me looking like I had a hot date with Dracula. In an effort to grow up and be more responsible and face the fact that I will not live forever (pfffft), I agreed to get life insurance.

Now you can insert here that it's the responsbile thing to do (I agree) so you don't leave people suffering if you happen to meet an untimely death. So they send someone to your house to do a random physical.

First the bugger puts a scale on the floor and looks at me expectantly. I defiantly look back at him like he's nuts. Everyone knows you weigh at least 5 pounds less without clothes. We agreed to make a concession for the clothes and all the water I had just drunk for a urine sample.

Then they ask a bunch of questions - and they don't like it when you argue with them about the answers. And then the toughest question....if you die (uh thanks) at the same time, who should get your money???

Wow.....see, we don't have kids and have no plans too. I commend everyone who is a parent because I think it's got to be the toughest job. And my mother scared the crap out of me by threatening "I hope you have a child who is just like you". So we opted not too. But I digress.....who gets the money???

So little brother....if you are reading this you will get some of it. And by no means is this an open invitation to plot my demise when we see each other at Easter. I will be sleeping with one eye open in that spare bedroom.... ;)

Then Dracula wants to take blood - yes sir. I'll look away (hate needles).....and holy cow....he must have been blind....not only do I have holes in my arm but I HAVE BLOOD BLISTERS from his freaking blood pressure cuff.

But I am now duly insured and responsible.....aren't you proud??

And all that meant needing a quick dinner before Dracula showed up. This was not bad...Shawn really liked the rice stick noodles and I had some cooked chicken from the night before that we used. On the table in pretty much the time it takes to boil the pot of water.


Spicy Asian Chicken Noodles - adapted from Cooking Light magazine

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 3/4 cups)

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dark sesame oil, divided
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons sambal oelek (ground fresh chile paste)
1 (6.75-ounce) package thin rice sticks (rice-flour noodles)
2 tablespoons chopped dry-roasted peanuts

Preparation

1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic to pan; cook 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Place in a large bowl. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon oil, chicken, and next 6 ingredients (through sambal).

2. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain. Cut noodles into smaller pieces. Add noodles to bowl; toss well to coat. Sprinkle with peanuts.