I decided to celebrate my new job with a special dinner, so tonight I cooked a steak, baked potato and sauteed mushrooms. I am so proud of myself! Though I say it as shouldn't (to use my Irish grandmother's expression), I am turning into a terrific meat cook. I got the steak a flawless mid-rare and meltingly tender. And I got the potato and mushrooms absolutely delicious. I could proudly serve this steak to anybody.

Speaking of meat, I got my grocery order today. I could have sworn I only ordered one piece of brisket (for a wine braise with carrots and potatoes tomorrow), but I ended getting up two! Oh well, unless you're a vegetarian, an extra piece of brisket in the freezer is a good thing.

Tomorrow, after my Niners thump whoever they're playing, I need to go to the laundromat. Oh, goodie...