28 April 2003

 

I went to get my unemployment paperwork yesterday. First I had to sign up with the Louisiana Department of Labor. The guy who worked there led me over to a row of computers.

"First you put in your name, then your address..."

By this point I was five fields ahead of him, typing and tabbing and using the mouse and generally being computer-proficient.

He looked at me suspiciously, like I must be some sort of fraud if I knew how to use a computer that well. I wasn't wearing my computer-nerd clothes and glasses, I guess.

A few minutes later I walked up to his desk and told him I'd filled out everything and asked what I needed to do next. He gave a really funny look this time, like it was impossible for someone to fill out those forms so quickly. He checked and yes, I had done it. He sent me to the next window.


You know what I made tonight? Mashed potatoes! From scratch!

I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but I'd never done it before. I was very proud. Here's how it's done.

  1. Boil some potatoes.
  2. When they're boiled, mash 'em up with a fork and put butter on top of them while they're still hot. Mash the butter in, too.
  3. Add milk until they're creamy-fied.
  4. Add salt to taste.
  5. Devour.