Hunting and Gathering

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Last night I stuffed myself with a very satisfying dinner of a pork chop, a heap of brussels sprouts, and salad. I hope that my body is all caught up now. From the time I got here, I've been starving, as if my esophagus had taken a detour and stopped delivering food to my stomach. My metabolism may have been ramped up due to the stress of the transition, or it may have been the psychological aspect of having so few culinary ingredients in the house and little money to buy more. It seems as if I was craving the "comfort" junk foods, too -- chips, soda, chocolate, baked goods -- so I'm guessing it was psychological.

Now that I've been paid, I can start buying more food. But also, I've discovered another source. I pay attention to when the guests check out, then go raid their kitchens before the housekeeper gets there. Since these are housekeeping apartments, they always buy food and condiments for their stay, and they can't take it with them when they go. I don't take everything; I leave some for the housekeeper. But so far I've gotten lettuce and tomato, salad dressing, mustard, tortillas, garlic, onion, and a bit of red wine. It's like I've become a sort of hunter-gatherer.