1. I opened a bottle of wine last weekend when I was making stew, but never drank the rest of it. Can I freeze it now for later use in cooking? That seems like something I've heard of.

I think so -- I feel like I read something about cleverly freezing it in ice cube trays so you have small portions. But don't take my word on it, since I'm not sure.

2. If I'm going to make zucchini bread out of frozen shredded zukes in my freezer, do I thaw it first?

Not only thaw it, but then press it between paper towels to get the excess water out of it, or else you might have too much liquid in your batter and the bread might be funky. Learn from my tragic mistake.

Was there a tax thing that started this year that made people's paychecks increase somewhat? Because when I checked my direct deposit today, my paycheck was somewhat higher than it used to be.

Yep!

Woo!

I also got a random refund check from my dentist yesterday. The letter said something about how they "estimate their copays" (WTF?) because they deal with so many insurance companies, which I assume means "We charge you what sounds right and is most likely to not screw us financially, and then when we see what your insurance pays, you might get a refund."

So since I had so many goddamn fillings done in the fall, I apparently overpaid to the tune of $125. So I am going to squander it at Sock Dreams. Well, not all of it. But still. Socks, woo!

Was there a tax thing that started this year that made people's paychecks increase somewhat? Because when I checked my direct deposit today, my paycheck was somewhat higher than it used to be.

Oh wow, eight more dollars! Cool! That's a burrito!

Was there a tax thing that started this year that made people's paychecks increase somewhat? Because when I checked my direct deposit today, my paycheck was somewhat higher than it used to be.

It's a reduction in social security withholding.

Offset 100% in Illinois by an increase in state income tax, whoot! And people wonder why the stimulus hasn't been very stimulating.

Not just small businesses - it's because of the thing where The Guvernment hates America so much that they're raising everyone's taxes. By lowering them.

God damn the socialist Muslim not-really-American POTUS for wanting me to buy socks!!! t edit And wanting P-C to buy a burrito!

I think so -- I feel like I read something about cleverly freezing it in ice cube trays so you have small portions. But don't take my word on it, since I'm not sure.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking about. It can't be a bad idea, right?

Not only thaw it, but then press it between paper towels to get the excess water out of it, or else you might have too much liquid in your batter and the bread might be funky. Learn from my tragic mistake.

Ah, excellent call. But isn't that just the moisture that was supposed to go into the bread anyway? Science is hard.

Offset 100% in Illinois by an increase in state income tax, whoot!

But that doesn't kick in until 1/1/2012, right?

God damn the socialist Muslim not-really-American POTUS for wanting me to buy socks!!!

I think tonight I shall buy socks. That'll show those tea-partiers!

I upgraded my iTouch so I can get games on it now. YAY!

I also watched some tv.

I am supposed to be applying for jobs and then doing yardwork. don't wanna.

These would've really pissed off the Tea Partiers [link] Alas, we dirty fucking hippies bought them all.

I'm sad. I'm listening to Al Jazeera's English streaming news about Egypt. *sigh*