Comfort Food ... Howl ... and Revenge of the Sinus ... pas deux

Well, actually, my sinuses aren't so much getting "revenge" as just being their ordinary, evil selves. But, hey, it's not easy to learn to live with that "about to explode" feeling in your brain. I am pretty much back to feeling human again, though, after the plane ride from H-E-double toothpicks. So, that's a huge, huge plus. Right now, I'm mainlining decongestants in the hopes I can drain all this *ick* out of my head before it turns into a sinus infection. Because sinus infections are BAD(!) ... and, when you have a sinus infection, you have to go see the doctor ... and, that's BAD(!!), too. Either way, they're both things I'd much rather live without. So ... for now, Sudafed is my friend. Although it's not the "real" Sudafed, which would have had me all cleared out already. It's that new Sudafed PE. They say it's as good as the original Sudafed, but, really ... it's not. Bleh ... enough whining on that count, though.

On to ... let's see ... *checks blog title* ... Ah,  yes ... Comfort Food. (Yes, I am going totally out of order, but it's my blog, so ... oh well! *insert evil grin*) Tonight was the perfect night for one of my favorite comfort foods --- beef stew. I love it when the weather is just getting that first little smack of Autumn to it. The leaves are just starting to turn ... the wind is just getting to that kind of NIP where you need to run back inside for your coat ... and we have gray, rainy days that melt away for the odd, brilliantly-lit, sunshiney day here and there. Mind you, I'm not wild about this kind of weather, in and of itself ... because, well, yeah ... it brings out the worst in my sinuses. (I did mention my world revolves around the state of my sinuses from day-to-day, right? >_<) But, the best thing about the turning of the seasons from summer to fall is that it's time to drag out the stew pot and make a nice, big batch of beef stew. And, it's even better when someone else makes it. Which is what happened tonight. My parents are visiting at the moment, and my mom was kind enough to whip up a yummilicious pot of stew for dinner tonight. So ... tex-chan's tummy is full and happy. And, the best part is --- LEFTOVERS! *does happy dance*

And, on to the last little tidbit from my title ... HOWL. Ah,  yes ... the newest anime hunk I would love to tie up and toss into my bish closet --- if I didn't think he'd turn me into a toad or something. Hey ... he is a wizard, after all. I just fell head over heels for Howl's Moving Castle the very first time I saw the movie. And, after 5 viewings, I can say Howl has cemented himself in my heart as a "favorite bishie". So, a few months ago, I was surprised and delighted when a wonderful friend showed up on my doorstep with a Howl's Moving Castle lobby stand. Yes! A lobby stand!! From Howl's Moving Castle!!! For me!!!

I have to admit, though, as giddy as I was with fangirl delight, I was also a bit daunted. After all, this thing is HUGE! And, I mean ... H-U-G-E! I think it stands around 6.5 feet tall, and is something like 4 or 4.5 feet wide. So, for a while, it sat in my foyer as I debated over what I might do with it. And, no ... getting rid of it was not an option. If you can even consider such a thing in the same train of thought that encompasses the amazing wonderful-ness that is a Howl's Moving Castle lobby stand ... well, you've obviously not yet descended into the depths of true otaku-ness. So, I debated and debated and debated. Until, finally ... the lightbulb over my head went off, and I had a plan. I would frame it. Yes! Genius at work!

Remember, now ... this thing is H-U-G-E. So, framing --- a simple thing in words. Not so much in action. If you know what I mean.

Thankfully, my dad was more than up to tackling the framing task. And, he did it with only a modicum of mumbling and head-shaking over my "very odd" hobby.

And, after purchasing some very large pieces of molding at Home Depot, a chilly trip home with the molding ends sticking out of the sunroof of my fairly small car ... I'm happy to say the Howl's Moving Castle lobby stand is now framed and very proudly displayed on wall of my breakfast area. And, I love it!!! I just can't believe how perfect it looks there. And, I can't believe there were enough studs in the wall to support it. And, I can't believe the wall was big enough for the whole contraption, too. It has to be a miracle or something. At least. ^_^