My Healthcare Reform Blaaaahg

You might need to put on your Snuggie, this is a long read. Hopefully you are aware, but in case you are not, the House passed the health reform bill around 11:15 pm last night. Now it will be sent to the Senate. There are 57 Democrats in the Senate and 40 Republicans. There are also two independents that caucus with the Democrats. In addition, there is one empty seat that was vacated on the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts. If this seat were filled, there would be a total of 100 Senators-two from each of the 50 states. It is my hope that because Democrats hold the majority that we will be able to pass healthcare reform in the Senate. Although, the bill would need 60 votes to pass. For those of you that are afraid that your coverage will change, you should know that the majority of people with employer-provided healthcare would not see changes. The main beneficiaries would be some 30 million people who have no coverage at work or have to buy it on their own. The legislation would create a federally regulated marketplace where they could shop for coverage. So now you want to know who will pay for it, right? Because like most people, I'm sure you don't want to pay more taxes. Well, during a three year transition, $5 billion dollars would come from federal dollars (that's way less than the bail out). The House would pay for coverage expansion by raising taxes on upper-income earners (if you are reading my Facebook or blog, chances are that there is no way in hell this would apply to you); the Senate uses a variety of taxes and fees, including a levy on high-cost insurance plans. The House plan costs about $1.2 trillion over 10 years; the Senate version is under $900 billion (chump change in the grand scheme of things). The decision is mostly out of our hands, but you can contact your Senator if you are inclined. But I personally would only want you to do that if you are in favor of reform.

Long time No post

I decided to dust off my blog today and see if I can entertain you with anything new. First of all, I'm considering a re-vamp of the blog. My desire to keep you up to date on my restaurant adventures is waning. I've been grocery shopping much more and Richard and I tend to do most of our meal prep at home. So I guess I'll be changing my "ATX Restaurant Blog" title. Any suggestions? I'm thinking something containing my name, but not too egocentric.

What I'm currently doing: same house, same car, living w/Richard Johnson now (love it!!), working at the Travis County District Magistrate court - the people who come in stink and I am grossly underpaid/constantly seeking higher wages.

I've been considering writing a short story about some shenanigans I once got into, but I don't know who, if anyone, would be interested in reading it. I have this idea that I want to create a playlist for my short story. It'll be a mix between a book on tape and a movie soundtrack. You'll still have to read, but somehow I'd like certain musics to play while you read certain parts of the story.

I made home made fiddle faddle from scratch the other day. If you are interested in the recipe, let me know.

Waffle House (Lumberton, TX)

Cigarettes and scrambled eggs...not on the menu, but a rarity you can indulge in at this 24-hour breakfast staple.

Given that it was the only option for a sit-down meal in Lumberton, Texas over the holidays, my friends and I stopped by this American favorite for a late night snack after leaving Squeezy's (a dirty little honky tonk on Tram Road).

I contemplated for a while whether or not I should give Squeezy's it's own entry, but after careful deliberation I have decided that it would be best for my reader's to stumble upon the information about this bar only by reading this quick blurb in this post. Squeezy's is the kind of place you run into very infrequently. Upon entering, you know that the only laws that are strictly enforced are the one's that the staff decides are of utmost importance. On this night particularly, I believe that it was required for all patrons to wear shoes and that you should have proof of your marriage if your underage spouse intended to drink with you. I was immediately approached by "Big Sassy", who was sauced and ready for some action. Before the night was over she had professed her love for me, chosen "our song", and inevitably licked my face during our photo op with Ryan. Good Times!

Anyways...back to Waffle House. Considering that the staff is underpaid and the general atmosphere of the town is,...how do I put this kindly...bleak, the staff here is considerably capable despite the late hour and the facility was refreshingly clean. None of your typical grease splatter on the ceiling tiles or anything too compromising.

I had the All-American breakfast or something like that. I can't remember what it was called. As you may have already guessed it came with a waffle. In addition my plate consisted of scrambled eggs, hash browns w/cheese, and "crispy" bacon, per my special request. The butter at Waffle House tastes real good for some reason. It was everything I needed to sop up the 3 Lone Stars I consumed during my sister's rendition of country karaoke at Squeezy's.

Overall, I give Waffle House at 3 out of 5...no matter what time of day.

Taco Shack (38th & N. Lamar)

Drive thru tacos!

I love hitting up the Shack on a weekend when the weather is good and I feel like going for a day trip. It's the perfect way to start a trip to some of my favorite spots like Krause Springs, Pale Face, Greele and Pedernales.

Although I didn't head west during this trip to the Shack, I still made it to a great outdoor spot. I enjoyed my potato/egg and bacon/egg tacos on my way to Town Lake. It was the first good weather day of 2009 and I took Dudley and Bookey for their first trip to the lake.

The lake was brimming with families and folks who were working on their fitness for the new year.

A Toast to the New Year

Here's a toast to my friends and family and a kiss to start the year off right.

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." ~Benjamin Franklin

More Deliciousness from Arpeggio Grill (Airport Blvd.)

I sat down at Arpeggio again recently and thought I'd share some pics with you. They've added new menu boards and a little chill spot by the fireplace and flat screen TV. They've added some decorations and done a little painting too. Not that any of that was necessary because their food kicks ass. They've got 3 different kinds of baklava. Did you hear that? Three kinds. Ahh, heaven.

URGENT UPDATE: Rafael's (Lumberton , TX)

After posting about Rafael's Mexican Restaurant in Lumberton, I have received numerous responses. As a caring citizen, I believe it is vital that you all know that recently my friend got food poisoning from Rafael's. She said and I quote, "Rafael's gave me food poisoning! It was horrible! Nearly killed me & my unborn child!"

Rafael's has since moved into the negative star status. How dare they kill an unborn child and it's mother!