The defeat of Stench Monster and other kitchen tales

It all started on Thursday. Chris stopped by my place, thinking that I was working from home that day, and then promptly called me to tell me that a stench had overtaken my apartment. We both attributed it to trash that needed to be removed from the premises and left it at that. However, it soon became apparent that Stench Monster did not live in the garbage bag. After some rather extensive stench research, we came to the conclusion that Stench Monster resided in the refrigerator. I threw out everything that I could possibly attribute such a horrible odor to and wiped out the refrigerator. Stench Monster remained. At that point (already Saturday!), we decided that the stench was just lingering in the refrigerator and that if properly cleaned Stench Monster would leave us alone. So, while I was taking the GMAT yesterday, Chris got down and dirty with the fridge, cleaning it out with bleach and some good ol' elbow grease. And, yet, last night the stench remained. We even went out and bought two boxes of baking soda in hopes that they would soak up the lingering stench.
Now, at this point in the story, allow me to interject an important point. Throughout this War Against the Stench Monster, Chris kept asking me about the fresh-cut broccoli in a ziploc bag in the fridge. I was adamant that it could not possibly be the broccoli as I had just brought it back from my parents' garden and it seemed to just smell like broccoli through the bag.
Now, back to the story. So, this morning, I got something out of the fridge and when I did, the Stench Monster reared his ugly head again. And so, I threw out the very last thing that I could imagine to be the source of the smell -- the broccoli. I was still certain that it wasn't that and that somehow Stench Monster had imbedded himself in between the layers of my refrigerator door and would be a permanent resident. I then left for church, leaving the broccoli in the garbage can. When Chris and I came back a few hours later, the entire apartment, reeked of Stench. Indeed, it must have been the broccoli, whose horrible odor powers were released to permeate the entire apartment while we were off praising Jesus. So, now, the broccoli is removed, the apartment aired out, and it seems Stench Monster has retreated. So, fine. I guess Chris was right. (But, just this once!)

Also - I would like to know how there can be a metal rack in my microwave, but I'm not supposed to put anything metallic in it myself. Huh?! I don't get it. Any explanations?

Stars are good. Family is better.

It's good to be home. I was homesick. In fact, I was curled up in Chris' arms two nights ago with tears streaming down my face because I was just homesick. As I get older, the term homesick takes on some very different meanings, but I just missed family, MY family, my parents, the open space, the garden, my history. Coming out here every now and then helps to keep me centered. Just as I need some time alone every now and then, I also need a little time out here to help keep everything in balance.
Once again, I wish Chris was here with me. I know it will be culture shock for him, but I can't wait for him to see firsthand the surroundings that first shaped me into the Hyla I am today. Everytime I see something distinctively "smalltown", I keep thinking that I would love to see the expression on his face when he takes some of this stuff.... horse and buggy, clay targets for sale in the aisle at Wal-mart, a huge tractor driving down the road. I suppose those days will come soon enough. But, regardless, it's good to be here.
Mom helped me alter some clothing this morning. That was fabulous! Now a bunch of my clothing actually fits again. Yippity! It starts to make up for the 3 bags of clothes I had to get rid of (sad).
Tomorrow, church and then some sort of an event at an amusement park where my brother and his family will be, too. Monday, a quick stop at the county fair with Jan (she says they have a rabbit skills-a-thon!) and then back to my real life.
Well, I'm off... maybe I'll go out and stare at the stars.