I just LOVE advent. It's much better than celebrating 'Christmas' which has been taken over by crazy consumers (all of which shop on State street right by the Farmstand). I've been enjoying this time of quiet anticipation, waiting and hoping- and it's been beautiful. The Book of Common Prayer has been taking me back- reminding me why I love the Episcopalian tradition and the long standing history of common prayers and daily readings.
'Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves.'
Wishing you all a beautiful advent. :)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Broke down...
Place: Bed, Bath and Beyond (parking lot)
Time: Late
Weather: Ridiculously cold and snowy
Me: Flailing my arms at Mr. Policeman
Policeman: Looking around and figuring out I'm waving at him
Me: Excuse me! I'm not sure if this is just in the movies, or if you can really help with this, but is there anyway you could break into my car?
Policeman: Talking into radio- Does anyone in block 18 have a slim jim? Roger that- girl will be standing on corner in blue coat, waving you down.
Me: Standing on nearest corner for half an hour- waving at every car that looks like it might be a cop. A few confusing interactions with taxis (that look EXACTLY the same as police cars here).
Policeman 2: After breaking in- Get yo keys. Get yo keys.
Me: Giving out hugs to policemen and anyone else who will take one. Over-freaking-joyed.
Lesson learned: More people need copies of my car keys.
Time: Late
Weather: Ridiculously cold and snowy
Me: Flailing my arms at Mr. Policeman
Policeman: Looking around and figuring out I'm waving at him
Me: Excuse me! I'm not sure if this is just in the movies, or if you can really help with this, but is there anyway you could break into my car?
Policeman: Talking into radio- Does anyone in block 18 have a slim jim? Roger that- girl will be standing on corner in blue coat, waving you down.
Me: Standing on nearest corner for half an hour- waving at every car that looks like it might be a cop. A few confusing interactions with taxis (that look EXACTLY the same as police cars here).
Policeman 2: After breaking in- Get yo keys. Get yo keys.
Me: Giving out hugs to policemen and anyone else who will take one. Over-freaking-joyed.
Lesson learned: More people need copies of my car keys.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday! Sunday!
Began the day with mimosas and ended it with this: Manhattan. Black and white, incredible Manhattan skylines and Woody Allen, Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep.
Woody Allen, you're so scandalous. But you make such good movies!
Woody Allen, you're so scandalous. But you make such good movies!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Who?
Oh personality tests. In high school, we used to take them for fun. In college, they had us take them when we first entered as freshman and again when we left. Later, we took them as we were deciding our careers. Some jobs require it, wanting you to learn how to interact with coworkers and their personalities.
I just like to take them in my spare time. For no reason. Because I find them just fascinating! If you're a nerd like me, take this sampler. So easy and fast. And FUN!
Of course, I'm a 'Type Two'. What are you?!
I just like to take them in my spare time. For no reason. Because I find them just fascinating! If you're a nerd like me, take this sampler. So easy and fast. And FUN!
Of course, I'm a 'Type Two'. What are you?!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Ahhhhh
This weekend, I went to Chicago's Bluegrass and Blues Festival for the 3rd year in a row! Bluegrass music just makes me so happy. And Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros knocked my socks off. Now I'm having a hard time not wanting to find a dozen people who play random instruments, rent a van, and go sing to people about love and good times. :) Anyone up for it?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Snow, snow, snow, SNOW!
This morning I woke up without the sound of jackhammering (so it was 9 instead of 6:45) and saw this out the window! I suppose I can't pretend it isn't Winter anymore...:)
Friday, December 3, 2010
Punkin!
I am pretending that it isn't December and that we didn't have our first day of snow this week. I'm still stuck in the fall and thinking of colorful leaves, crisp walks and squashes! SO, last night I made us a pumpkin lemongrass soup with cilantro and lime as a garnish. This morning I made pumpkin apple muffins and black breakfast tea. It's gonna be a good day.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Center for Green Technology
Oh yes. If you haven't heard of it, don't worry- we hadn't either. But it just might change your life. It's in Garfield Park and it was built on an abandoned/condemned site shut down by the city.
They have solar panels that provide about a quarter of the building's electricity.
Their green house has a back wall made from concrete blocks that absorbs and reheats the building, so that additional heating/electricity isn't needed.
So many things in the building are made from recycled materials. The bathroom stalls are made from old milk jugs and soda bottles. The ceiling tiles are made from newspaper. Different floors throughout the building are made from rubber tires, aviation glass, and wine corks.
They also have rain cisterns they use for watering all the plants in and around the building, greenhouse, garden, etc.
My favorite part was the photography exhibit they are featuring right now, called What We Worry About. It featured photographs that visually depicted big (mostly environmental) issues people are worried about. We were talking about how difficult it is to talk to people about big issues without overwhelming them into apathy. I think the photographs did a good job of showing those issues without throwing a bunch of numbers our way.
SOOOOO, if you haven't visited. DO IT. And if you can't, check out the website and the photography.
They have solar panels that provide about a quarter of the building's electricity.
Their green house has a back wall made from concrete blocks that absorbs and reheats the building, so that additional heating/electricity isn't needed.
So many things in the building are made from recycled materials. The bathroom stalls are made from old milk jugs and soda bottles. The ceiling tiles are made from newspaper. Different floors throughout the building are made from rubber tires, aviation glass, and wine corks.
They also have rain cisterns they use for watering all the plants in and around the building, greenhouse, garden, etc.
My favorite part was the photography exhibit they are featuring right now, called What We Worry About. It featured photographs that visually depicted big (mostly environmental) issues people are worried about. We were talking about how difficult it is to talk to people about big issues without overwhelming them into apathy. I think the photographs did a good job of showing those issues without throwing a bunch of numbers our way.
SOOOOO, if you haven't visited. DO IT. And if you can't, check out the website and the photography.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Excuse me, sir.
Yes, you. The 45-year-old running past me in those white, spandex short shorts. Why? WHY?
I'm just trying to enjoy my walk to work- taking in the fresh air and sunshine. Then here you come, jogging with your ipod and your tight ass shorts. Bikers are the only males that should be allowed to wear spandex like that....and even then, only if they are biking the race of a lifetime.
No one just goes for a friendly jog around the neighborhood in white spandex. You know I can see everything. And you like it.
Gross.
I'm just trying to enjoy my walk to work- taking in the fresh air and sunshine. Then here you come, jogging with your ipod and your tight ass shorts. Bikers are the only males that should be allowed to wear spandex like that....and even then, only if they are biking the race of a lifetime.
No one just goes for a friendly jog around the neighborhood in white spandex. You know I can see everything. And you like it.
Gross.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Look Out!
So much has happened in the little time that's passed since my last post.
This lovely lady came to visit me. We ate a lot of awesome food, she introduced me to my first Bollywood movie (which of course I loved) and I showed her what my life was like here. We didn't have enough time- I think we should all move back to the same place again. Yes?
I begin every morning with black tea, the sun on my face and...the sound of jackhammering in my ears. This is what they've done to my now non-existent porch. :( The poor thing was condemned, so they've torn down my favorite part of our apartment. BUT, they ARE rebuilding (or so they say). All I know is that I'm going to need a place to grill and put my plants and watch the sunset- by spring.
I read this beautiful book: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. If you speak a little Spanish, appreciate nerdiness and are interested in the Dominican Republic's culture and history, check it out. So freaking good.
AND, I've been cooking new things (which shouldn't be a surprise by now). Beets and their greens with goat cheese, balsamic and lemon on crostini - lentil, cauliflower, sweet potato curry - spaghetti squash with frizzled brussels sprout leaves - and lots of roasting. :)
This lovely lady came to visit me. We ate a lot of awesome food, she introduced me to my first Bollywood movie (which of course I loved) and I showed her what my life was like here. We didn't have enough time- I think we should all move back to the same place again. Yes?
I begin every morning with black tea, the sun on my face and...the sound of jackhammering in my ears. This is what they've done to my now non-existent porch. :( The poor thing was condemned, so they've torn down my favorite part of our apartment. BUT, they ARE rebuilding (or so they say). All I know is that I'm going to need a place to grill and put my plants and watch the sunset- by spring.
I read this beautiful book: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. If you speak a little Spanish, appreciate nerdiness and are interested in the Dominican Republic's culture and history, check it out. So freaking good.
AND, I've been cooking new things (which shouldn't be a surprise by now). Beets and their greens with goat cheese, balsamic and lemon on crostini - lentil, cauliflower, sweet potato curry - spaghetti squash with frizzled brussels sprout leaves - and lots of roasting. :)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Un-American?
Yesterday was election day. This was the first time I have been able to exercise my right to vote and didn't. It felt very un-American and, while usually I would take pride in that descriptor, it didn't feel good. People walking around with their 'I voted!' stickers on their shirts and the political chitter-chatter. Ugh. The Molly from 2 years ago would've slapped silly the Molly of yesterday.
Some might call it apathy- but I've simply lost faith in the political process. And most of the candidates/politicians of today. I honestly believe that everyone's just looking out for number one. Hmmm....but I'm still not convinced I made the right decision to not take part at all. Time will tell.
Excerpt from The Mad Farmer, Flying the Flag of Rough Branch, Secedes from the Union:
Come all ye conservatives and liberals
who want to conserve the good things and be free,
come away from the merchants of big answers,
whose hands are metalled with power;
from the union of anywhere and everywhere
by the purchase of everything from everybody at the lowest price
and the sale of anything to anybody at the highest price;
from the union of work and debt, work and despair;
from the wage-slavery of the helplessly well-employed.
From the union of self-gratification and self-annihilation,
secede into care for one another and for the good gifts of Heaven and Earth.
Come into the life of the body, the one body
granted to you in all the history of time.
Come into the body's economy, its daily work,
and its replenishment at mealtimes and at night.
Come into the body's thanksgiving, when it knows
and acknowledges itself a living soul.
Come into the dance of the community, joined
in a circle, hand in hand, the dance of the eternal
love of women and men for one another
and of neighbors and friends for one another.
Some might call it apathy- but I've simply lost faith in the political process. And most of the candidates/politicians of today. I honestly believe that everyone's just looking out for number one. Hmmm....but I'm still not convinced I made the right decision to not take part at all. Time will tell.
Excerpt from The Mad Farmer, Flying the Flag of Rough Branch, Secedes from the Union:
Come all ye conservatives and liberals
who want to conserve the good things and be free,
come away from the merchants of big answers,
whose hands are metalled with power;
from the union of anywhere and everywhere
by the purchase of everything from everybody at the lowest price
and the sale of anything to anybody at the highest price;
from the union of work and debt, work and despair;
from the wage-slavery of the helplessly well-employed.
From the union of self-gratification and self-annihilation,
secede into care for one another and for the good gifts of Heaven and Earth.
Come into the life of the body, the one body
granted to you in all the history of time.
Come into the body's economy, its daily work,
and its replenishment at mealtimes and at night.
Come into the body's thanksgiving, when it knows
and acknowledges itself a living soul.
Come into the dance of the community, joined
in a circle, hand in hand, the dance of the eternal
love of women and men for one another
and of neighbors and friends for one another.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Fall!
Fall is easily my favorite season- I think mostly because my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. It's the perfect time to bundle up in scarves and cardigans (my two favorite articles of clothing) and drink lots of hot tea.
In honor of fall, this weekend we carved pumpkins, roasted the seeds, caramelized cauliflower, baked stuffed squash, dressed up in crazy costumes and drank a lot of apple cider. Tonight I tried my first brussel sprout recipe and was pleasantly surprised. Beet salad is next! Oh the good life. (Full of food!)
A little Berry:
October 10
Now constantly there is the sound,
quieter than rain,
of the leaves falling.
Under their loosening bright
gold, the sycamore limbs
bleach whiter.
Now the only flowers are beeweed and aster, spray
of their white and lavender
over the brown leaves.
The calling of a crow sounds
loud- a landmark- now
that the life of summer falls
silent, and the nights grow.
In honor of fall, this weekend we carved pumpkins, roasted the seeds, caramelized cauliflower, baked stuffed squash, dressed up in crazy costumes and drank a lot of apple cider. Tonight I tried my first brussel sprout recipe and was pleasantly surprised. Beet salad is next! Oh the good life. (Full of food!)
A little Berry:
October 10
Now constantly there is the sound,
quieter than rain,
of the leaves falling.
Under their loosening bright
gold, the sycamore limbs
bleach whiter.
Now the only flowers are beeweed and aster, spray
of their white and lavender
over the brown leaves.
The calling of a crow sounds
loud- a landmark- now
that the life of summer falls
silent, and the nights grow.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
I have a JOB!!!
I figured it was probably time to publicly announce it.
I'm working at Chicago's Downtown Farmstand. And LOVING it.
We sell only local products- all from no more than 250 miles outside of Chicago. I get to stock shelves, taste-test sweets, meet farmers and local restaurant owners and cool customers, and tuck in the vegetables at night. And the staff are awesome. So is the food.
Oh, and I'm incredibly happy. :)
I'm working at Chicago's Downtown Farmstand. And LOVING it.
We sell only local products- all from no more than 250 miles outside of Chicago. I get to stock shelves, taste-test sweets, meet farmers and local restaurant owners and cool customers, and tuck in the vegetables at night. And the staff are awesome. So is the food.
Oh, and I'm incredibly happy. :)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Pirates and Robbers and Mothers and Lovers
Yesterday I spent the day with the 2 and 4 year-old again. They are absolutely adorable with their imaginations running wild and their endless energy. I can't even remember all the games we played...but I do remember that I was always the bad guy: the pirate escaping from the ship, the robber running from the cops and the mother disciplining the children (yes, they actually suggested playing mother and babies?). I love kids and I love this age. AND I love that I get to be the bad guy. When I was little, as you might guess, I was the brown-nosing teacher's pet that was always telling. Well no more!
To end the day, I went to a good friend's house for dinner. Oh.My.Goodness. She roasted an entire chicken with incredible spices, braised leeks, served farmer's market apple cider and topped it off with ice cream and the ginger cake we had made awhile back. I forget how much I LOVE meat. I mean LOVE it. Chicken anyway. That's right, I'm a chicken lover and I'm not afraid to say it. Most of my diet consists of yummy (and creative) veggie meals, but sometimes a bit of chicken just hits the spot.
Today I have my second interview of the week, and I'm hoping it goes better than Tuesday's. It was a nightmare. Who ARE these crazy people, and how do I attract their attention? Is it that I'll sit and listen for 1 1/2 hours, when I know I should've run for the door after the first 5 minutes? Ugh. Well, here's hoping today's goes well!
To end the day, I went to a good friend's house for dinner. Oh.My.Goodness. She roasted an entire chicken with incredible spices, braised leeks, served farmer's market apple cider and topped it off with ice cream and the ginger cake we had made awhile back. I forget how much I LOVE meat. I mean LOVE it. Chicken anyway. That's right, I'm a chicken lover and I'm not afraid to say it. Most of my diet consists of yummy (and creative) veggie meals, but sometimes a bit of chicken just hits the spot.
Today I have my second interview of the week, and I'm hoping it goes better than Tuesday's. It was a nightmare. Who ARE these crazy people, and how do I attract their attention? Is it that I'll sit and listen for 1 1/2 hours, when I know I should've run for the door after the first 5 minutes? Ugh. Well, here's hoping today's goes well!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Let Them Eat CAKE
Maggie lent me (via the library) Molly Wizenberg's book: A Homemade Life. It's full of stories and recipes that are just beautiful. Definitely my favorite so far has been her ginger cake. The combination of molasses, brown sugar and freshly grated ginger gives a taste you can't help but love.
To top it off, we made caramelized pears and glazed them over the hot cake.
Oh.My.Goodness.
ALSO, just as exciting as ginger cake is the prospect of the weekend. I'm hoping that even with babysitting and a 'real job' interview this week, I can somehow muster the time and funds to see a famous Mr. Wendell Berry speak. It would make my life, I'm sure of it. And I'd get to see some JBUers too...which would definitely make it worth the while. Here's hoping!
To top it off, we made caramelized pears and glazed them over the hot cake.
Oh.My.Goodness.
ALSO, just as exciting as ginger cake is the prospect of the weekend. I'm hoping that even with babysitting and a 'real job' interview this week, I can somehow muster the time and funds to see a famous Mr. Wendell Berry speak. It would make my life, I'm sure of it. And I'd get to see some JBUers too...which would definitely make it worth the while. Here's hoping!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Early Mornings
I woke up before my alarm today. It's gotta be one of the top 5 feelings in the universe. BUT, not if it's multiple hours before. That's right 5am. Ugh. Just up and ready for the day. Well, here I come.
Yesterday I spent my entire day with 2 little people- a 4 year old named Jack and a 2 year old named Ryan. They were awesome. Though, I'm completely worn out from hours of tag, race car crashing, stroller pushing, book reading and attempts at potty training. My goodness, how do moms do it? A woman at the park asked if I was the mom or the nanny. 'NANNY!!!!' She figured, since the only people that play tag anymore are the nannies. As a mother you have to pace yourself, she said, or you wouldn't even make it to bath time. I'll remember that next time...I'm embarrassingly sore today.
In other news, Graham Greene is knocking my socks of with his short stories!
"If it was a dream it was the only dream he remembered from those years, or, if it was a story which he had elaborated at night in bed, it must have been the final effort of a poetic imagination that afterwards had been rigidly controlled. In the various services which had over the years taken him from one part of the world to another, imagination was usually a quality to be suppressed. One's job was to provide facts, to a company (import and export), a newspaper, a government department. Speculation was discouraged. Now the dreaming child was dying of the same disease as the man. He was so different from the child that it was odd to think the child would not outlive him and go on to quite a different destiny."
Here's hoping I can find a job that encourages imagination.
Yesterday I spent my entire day with 2 little people- a 4 year old named Jack and a 2 year old named Ryan. They were awesome. Though, I'm completely worn out from hours of tag, race car crashing, stroller pushing, book reading and attempts at potty training. My goodness, how do moms do it? A woman at the park asked if I was the mom or the nanny. 'NANNY!!!!' She figured, since the only people that play tag anymore are the nannies. As a mother you have to pace yourself, she said, or you wouldn't even make it to bath time. I'll remember that next time...I'm embarrassingly sore today.
In other news, Graham Greene is knocking my socks of with his short stories!
"If it was a dream it was the only dream he remembered from those years, or, if it was a story which he had elaborated at night in bed, it must have been the final effort of a poetic imagination that afterwards had been rigidly controlled. In the various services which had over the years taken him from one part of the world to another, imagination was usually a quality to be suppressed. One's job was to provide facts, to a company (import and export), a newspaper, a government department. Speculation was discouraged. Now the dreaming child was dying of the same disease as the man. He was so different from the child that it was odd to think the child would not outlive him and go on to quite a different destiny."
Here's hoping I can find a job that encourages imagination.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Rainy Days
I love rainy Saturdays. They sort of give you permission to do things you wouldn't normally spend time doing.
Today I've:
Watched The Illusionist (which I had confused with that other magic movie?!)
Rediscovered M.Ward
Read too many blog posts (thanks Joshua)
Cleaned
Read
Drank lots of black tea
Laid in bed
Found this evening's dinner recipe for ratatouille
Talked with friends
And it's only early afternoon! Rain, maybe come every Saturday?
Today I've:
Watched The Illusionist (which I had confused with that other magic movie?!)
Rediscovered M.Ward
Read too many blog posts (thanks Joshua)
Cleaned
Read
Drank lots of black tea
Laid in bed
Found this evening's dinner recipe for ratatouille
Talked with friends
And it's only early afternoon! Rain, maybe come every Saturday?
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Oh Yes We Did
I went on a two and a half week road trip including trips to Kansas to see my family, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and back again. It was such a fun time to be with family and friends along the way. Here are a few pictures!
Kansas is easily one of my favorite places, and had a blast hanging out with my family. There was a lot of card playing, cooking, talking and laughing. I also got to babysit the newest addition to our family! Meet Emma, my nephew Chase's little one. Isn't she beautiful?
When we were little, my dad and grandpa built a one-bedroom cabin in the woods near Grand Lake in Oklahoma. I have so many of my favorite memories there, so it was perfect that I came on a weekend they were going down! We swam in the lake (it's much warmer than Lake Michigan!), went boating and tubing, ate incredible food cooked over the open fire and just spent fun times together. We also spent some quality time with quite a few bugs...like this one:
Amanda and I decided to take a road trip before she started school again. We thought Seattle initially, but I'm so glad that didn't work out now....we had more time to see such cool things going only half the distance! The drive through Colorado was one of the most exciting parts of our trip. I thought we both were going to fall over when we caught a glimpse of the first mountains. The sky was the bluest I had ever seen and the mountains were breathtaking!
We camped in Yellowstone for 4 days- and saw incredible places. There was too much beauty to even take in. I would definitely recommend going, if you've never been!
We ended the trip visiting our aunt and uncle in Billings, Montana. Our grandparents were visiting at the same time, so we spent most of the time talking, sharing recipes, hearing stories from the sheep-herding days and just enjoying each other's company over coffee (which Amanda and I had been missing like CRAZY!).
Missing being on the road, but also glad to be back. More pictures to come! :)
Kansas is easily one of my favorite places, and had a blast hanging out with my family. There was a lot of card playing, cooking, talking and laughing. I also got to babysit the newest addition to our family! Meet Emma, my nephew Chase's little one. Isn't she beautiful?
When we were little, my dad and grandpa built a one-bedroom cabin in the woods near Grand Lake in Oklahoma. I have so many of my favorite memories there, so it was perfect that I came on a weekend they were going down! We swam in the lake (it's much warmer than Lake Michigan!), went boating and tubing, ate incredible food cooked over the open fire and just spent fun times together. We also spent some quality time with quite a few bugs...like this one:
Amanda and I decided to take a road trip before she started school again. We thought Seattle initially, but I'm so glad that didn't work out now....we had more time to see such cool things going only half the distance! The drive through Colorado was one of the most exciting parts of our trip. I thought we both were going to fall over when we caught a glimpse of the first mountains. The sky was the bluest I had ever seen and the mountains were breathtaking!
We camped in Yellowstone for 4 days- and saw incredible places. There was too much beauty to even take in. I would definitely recommend going, if you've never been!
We ended the trip visiting our aunt and uncle in Billings, Montana. Our grandparents were visiting at the same time, so we spent most of the time talking, sharing recipes, hearing stories from the sheep-herding days and just enjoying each other's company over coffee (which Amanda and I had been missing like CRAZY!).
Missing being on the road, but also glad to be back. More pictures to come! :)
Friday, August 13, 2010
R&R
Heading to the lake this weekend with my family to fish, sleep, cook out, swim, boat and breathe deeply.
THEN, heading to Yellowstone with my favorite sister for a week! Ahhhh!!!!
Oh life, how good you are to me. :)
THEN, heading to Yellowstone with my favorite sister for a week! Ahhhh!!!!
Oh life, how good you are to me. :)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Happenings
Oh it's been SO long. A quick update on what I've been doing:
Watching tomatoes, peppers, basil, oregano, lemonbalm, arugula, sweet potatoes and flowers growing in pots on my porch.
Reading
Camping
Saying goodbye to World Relief staff, clients and friends.
Beach going
Sushi eating
Job searching
Cooking
Attempting to teach ESL to an incredibly entertaining family
Crying
Dreaming
Rediscovering my love for Kansas- yet again
Playing the guitar and learning a bit of banjo
AND, planning the road trip of a lifetime with my wonderful sister-friend. Can't wait to see some of my favorite people (and lots of trees!!) along the way!
This seems to wrap up my 'life season' over the past few years (and the last few months on a more recent note):
Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' James 4. 13-15
Watching tomatoes, peppers, basil, oregano, lemonbalm, arugula, sweet potatoes and flowers growing in pots on my porch.
Reading
Camping
Saying goodbye to World Relief staff, clients and friends.
Beach going
Sushi eating
Job searching
Cooking
Attempting to teach ESL to an incredibly entertaining family
Crying
Dreaming
Rediscovering my love for Kansas- yet again
Playing the guitar and learning a bit of banjo
AND, planning the road trip of a lifetime with my wonderful sister-friend. Can't wait to see some of my favorite people (and lots of trees!!) along the way!
This seems to wrap up my 'life season' over the past few years (and the last few months on a more recent note):
Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' James 4. 13-15
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Requiem
The crucified planet Earth,
should it find a voice
and a sense of irony,
might now well say
of our abuse of it,
"Forgive them, Father,
They know not what they do."
The irony would be
that we know what we are doing.
When the last living thing
has died on account of us,
how poetical it would be
if Earth could say,
in a voice floating up
perhaps
from the floor
of the Grand Canyon,
"It is done."
People did not like it here.
-Kurt Vonnegut
should it find a voice
and a sense of irony,
might now well say
of our abuse of it,
"Forgive them, Father,
They know not what they do."
The irony would be
that we know what we are doing.
When the last living thing
has died on account of us,
how poetical it would be
if Earth could say,
in a voice floating up
perhaps
from the floor
of the Grand Canyon,
"It is done."
People did not like it here.
-Kurt Vonnegut
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thanks A LOT College
Who thought it would be a good idea to bring people from all over the world, put them in a really intentional community for 4 years, have them grow, laugh, fight, cry, BE together...and then rip them apart, sending them all over the world again?
GREAT idea.
(Miss you JBU kids)
GREAT idea.
(Miss you JBU kids)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Please Don't Die.Please Don't Die.Please Don't Die.
Tomato on the left.
Arugula on the right.
Come on Chicago, work with me here.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Cooking 101
Reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and working with such cool people have inspired me to eat less processed food. While there are still times that I've thrown a frozen burrito into the microwave, I'm much more intentional about cooking the majority of what I eat...instead of buying processed food in boxes and jars (which mostly contain things I can't even pronounce).
While more time consuming than the 1 1/2 minutes the burrito takes in the microwave, this has been a fun journey- especially when others have been over helping. It's definitely a communal activity- and can be cheap evening entertainment!
So far, some fun, vegetarian, non-processed, extremely yummy dishes that my friends and I have made:
Empanadas- that's right, even the dough!
Lentil, Chickpea, Apple Curry
Vegetable Lime Orzo
Stuffed Peppers
With just one new recipe a week, I've already learned so many new ones! Knowing what's in my food has helped me enjoy eating even more than I already do!
While more time consuming than the 1 1/2 minutes the burrito takes in the microwave, this has been a fun journey- especially when others have been over helping. It's definitely a communal activity- and can be cheap evening entertainment!
So far, some fun, vegetarian, non-processed, extremely yummy dishes that my friends and I have made:
Empanadas- that's right, even the dough!
Lentil, Chickpea, Apple Curry
Vegetable Lime Orzo
Stuffed Peppers
With just one new recipe a week, I've already learned so many new ones! Knowing what's in my food has helped me enjoy eating even more than I already do!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
I started reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle this morning. After just the first chapter, I'm already blown away.
'We're consuming about 400 gallons of oil a year per citizen- about 17% of our nation's energy use- for agriculture, a close second to our vehicular use....Each food item in a typical U.S. meal has traveled an average of 1,500 miles. In addition to direct transport, other fuel-thirsty steps include processing (drying, milling, cutting, sorting, baking), packaging, warehousing, and refrigeration. Energy calories consumed by production, packaging, and shipping far outweigh the energy calories we receive from the food.
A quick way to improve food-related fuel economy would be to buy a quart of motor oil and drink it. More palatable options are available. If every U.S. citizen ate just one meal a week (any meal) composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country's oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week. That's not gallons, but barrels. Small changes in buying habits can make big differences. Becoming a less energy-dependent nation may just need to start with a good breakfast.'
'The multiple maladies caused by bad eating are taking a dire toll on our health- most tragically for our kids, who are predicted to be this country's first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. That alone is a stunning enough fact to give us pause. So is a government policy that advises us to eat more fruits and vegetables, while doling out subsidies not to fruit and vegetable farmers, but to commodity crops destined to become soda pop and cheap burgers.'
'At its heart, a genuine food culture is an affinity between people and the land that feeds them. Step one, probably is to live on the land that feeds them, or at least on the same continent, ideally the same region. Step two is to be able to countenance the ideas of "food" and "dirt" in the same sentence, and three is to start poking into one's supply chain to learn where things are coming from.'
'We're consuming about 400 gallons of oil a year per citizen- about 17% of our nation's energy use- for agriculture, a close second to our vehicular use....Each food item in a typical U.S. meal has traveled an average of 1,500 miles. In addition to direct transport, other fuel-thirsty steps include processing (drying, milling, cutting, sorting, baking), packaging, warehousing, and refrigeration. Energy calories consumed by production, packaging, and shipping far outweigh the energy calories we receive from the food.
A quick way to improve food-related fuel economy would be to buy a quart of motor oil and drink it. More palatable options are available. If every U.S. citizen ate just one meal a week (any meal) composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country's oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week. That's not gallons, but barrels. Small changes in buying habits can make big differences. Becoming a less energy-dependent nation may just need to start with a good breakfast.'
'The multiple maladies caused by bad eating are taking a dire toll on our health- most tragically for our kids, who are predicted to be this country's first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. That alone is a stunning enough fact to give us pause. So is a government policy that advises us to eat more fruits and vegetables, while doling out subsidies not to fruit and vegetable farmers, but to commodity crops destined to become soda pop and cheap burgers.'
'At its heart, a genuine food culture is an affinity between people and the land that feeds them. Step one, probably is to live on the land that feeds them, or at least on the same continent, ideally the same region. Step two is to be able to countenance the ideas of "food" and "dirt" in the same sentence, and three is to start poking into one's supply chain to learn where things are coming from.'
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Really?
I'm still mesmerized by the fact that I have been brushing my teeth incorrectly for the past 23 years. That's a long time to be doing something in the same way- and in the same wrong way at that. It's a hard thing to break...to learn a new way of doing something and undoing the old. Especially when it's something so elementary- something you didn't think you could do wrong.
But you can.
And this will happen if you do.
But you can.
And this will happen if you do.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Kanabalanza
Student: Teacher! Teacher! What is this Kanabalanza?
Teacher: Kanabal...huh?
Student: Oh teacher, it TERRIBLE. Imagine this: 3 people. One boat. No food stamps. The people, they must eat. So they eat...oh teacher, it TERRIBLE.
Teacher: Ooooohhh- cannibalism?!
Best.Lesson.Ever.
Teacher: Kanabal...huh?
Student: Oh teacher, it TERRIBLE. Imagine this: 3 people. One boat. No food stamps. The people, they must eat. So they eat...oh teacher, it TERRIBLE.
Teacher:
Best.Lesson.Ever.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
In the News
World Relief made it into the Seattle Times...I'm hoping Chicago newspapers do a write up soon! Read the article here.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Still Swooning
Last night I went and saw the Avett Brothers. They were better than I remembered- SUCH good performers. If you haven't seen them you should, and if you haven't heard of them, you need to. Check them out.
Also, the Low Anthem opened for them. I've never heard a band go from such extreme genre to extreme genre. They kept soothing me with their harmonies, then blowing me away with their unique instruments (that they would switch EVERY song) and then becoming a blues band and just singing from the bottom of their throats....it was incredible. AND they wore grungy t-shirts and all had long flowy hair. I sort of felt like they should've starred in Almost Famous.
I.Love.Concerts.
Also, the Low Anthem opened for them. I've never heard a band go from such extreme genre to extreme genre. They kept soothing me with their harmonies, then blowing me away with their unique instruments (that they would switch EVERY song) and then becoming a blues band and just singing from the bottom of their throats....it was incredible. AND they wore grungy t-shirts and all had long flowy hair. I sort of felt like they should've starred in Almost Famous.
I.Love.Concerts.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Extreme Reading
Today I was looking at the NY Times Best Sellers List. I was unpleasantly surprised by the fiction list. Almost all of them concern murder, rape, terrorists or kidnappings! I figure they're best sellers because they're in demand- so why do we like stories like this? Is it the sensationalism (which makes sense when looking at our media) or the high we get from thinking this could be real?
Why don't we like stories about normal people?
Edit: Ok, I just read the Paperback Trade Fiction list and it was a little better...And the Mass-Market Fiction list was more -interesting-. (meaning, many more vampire references)
Why don't we like stories about normal people?
Edit: Ok, I just read the Paperback Trade Fiction list and it was a little better...And the Mass-Market Fiction list was more -interesting-. (meaning, many more vampire references)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
I think so...
Last night, some of us from work went to a client's house and experienced this. Needless to say, I was terrified- especially because it involved my eye area (which generally causes a lot of unwanted nausea and anxiety *see previous post). BUT, I was pleasantly surprised by how painless and fast it was! I think the accompanying Afghani tea and good chats helped keep me calm...
Try it. You'll love it. :)
Try it. You'll love it. :)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Scaly Eyes
Today I had my first eye dilation exam- it was terrible. At some point during the 20 minutes my eyes took to dilate, I began to think too much about eyes and pupils and the scaly feeling I was experiencing....Needless to say, I began to get a little nauseous. As I was talking with the doctor, all the color drained from my face and I started to feel dizzy. They rushed me to a chair in front of the front door (so I could feel the breeze?), fanned me with eye doctor pamphlets, and gave me water to drink. My first eye doctor appointment without my mother = fail.
BUT- they did send me on my way with some cool sunglasses. Don't worry- I definitely had to stop at the store on the way home. These are what I was sporting in the produce section:
BUT- they did send me on my way with some cool sunglasses. Don't worry- I definitely had to stop at the store on the way home. These are what I was sporting in the produce section:
Thursday, February 25, 2010
February
Last year, February was by far the worst month of the year. February of 2010: pleasant surprise. I think it's helped that I had SO many -wonderful- visitors. And adventures. For example:
Just this past week I...
Almost decided to live with a real, live grandmother. Thankfully, this did not pan out.
Saw Jack's Mannequin on a whim at the House of Blues (which brought back very fond memories)
Got turned down even with health insurance at the eye doctor
Was stranded underground on the blue line- and discovered that being stuck in places with strangers really isn't as romantic as the movies make it seem
Beer and chips and laughs with the chicas
Dance, dance, dance (I think that's in every post)
And this evening one of my favorite people is making me dinner!
Thank you February for not sucking. Here's to March!
Just this past week I...
Almost decided to live with a real, live grandmother. Thankfully, this did not pan out.
Saw Jack's Mannequin on a whim at the House of Blues (which brought back very fond memories)
Got turned down even with health insurance at the eye doctor
Was stranded underground on the blue line- and discovered that being stuck in places with strangers really isn't as romantic as the movies make it seem
Beer and chips and laughs with the chicas
Dance, dance, dance (I think that's in every post)
And this evening one of my favorite people is making me dinner!
Thank you February for not sucking. Here's to March!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Old Soap
I think if I knew someone from World Relief headquarters was eating old soap I would feel better about our situation....
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Fast Food Rule #684
Don't purchase anything from the menu that falls outside of the restaurant's genre
Examples:
Flatbread sandwiches at Dunkin Donuts
Fried Chicken at Opie's Pizza
French Fries at Peking Mandarin Restaurant
Pizza at Subway
The latter is the mistake I made today. I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway. Not a good decision...
Examples:
Flatbread sandwiches at Dunkin Donuts
Fried Chicken at Opie's Pizza
French Fries at Peking Mandarin Restaurant
Pizza at Subway
The latter is the mistake I made today. I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway. Not a good decision...
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Winter is Here to Stay
Officially. It started snowing again last night and hasn't let up yet. :(
I could use some sunshine in my life. However, this week is looking up.
Tonight: Ethiopian with one of my favorite people
Tomorrow: Bible study chicas!
Thursday: Partaaaaaayyyyy...you know, you know.
Friday: First Chicago -House Show- EVER
AND- I'm reading Vonnegut again, which always makes my heart happy. Oh goodness, just please get me through February...
I could use some sunshine in my life. However, this week is looking up.
Tonight: Ethiopian with one of my favorite people
Tomorrow: Bible study chicas!
Thursday: Partaaaaaayyyyy...you know, you know.
Friday: First Chicago -House Show- EVER
AND- I'm reading Vonnegut again, which always makes my heart happy. Oh goodness, just please get me through February...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Visit #672
This kid just can't get enough of my couch....
Favorites:
Thai Food
New music (always my favorite part of Boone visits)
Pipe smoking on my porch
Lots of borrowed books
Dancing dancing dancing
Othello playing
Angry bartenders yelling 'this is AMERICA'
Chunky (!) soup cooking
And on our way to the airport the following conversation:
Me: It's 4am! Who are these people and where are they going?
Boone: Oh, they're all stranglers.
Me: Wait, do you mean strangers...or stragglers?
Boone: Nope, stranglers.
Me: ???
Boone: You know, stranglers- serial killers that commute from the city to the suburbs every morning around 4...
Oh Boone...move to Chicago?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Power Move...Really?
Yesterday two men flew in from HQ (Baltimore) and escorted our executive director from her office to her car. She was asked to pack up her things and leave the building unannounced and unexpectedly. You'd think she had committed a crime- but in reality, she simply refused to discriminate in our office. She was our voice when HQ didn't want to hear us, and she stood for what was just and fair and good. And now she's gone.
Thanks for all you've done for us C. We'll miss you!
Thanks for all you've done for us C. We'll miss you!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Hands Down: Best 30 Minutes of my World Relief Life
Well, after yesterday's *extremely frustrating* meeting our level of productivity in the office...well...dwindled.
To entertain ourselves Megan, Mohammad and I made use of a generous (and impractical) donation from a community member.
We may have taken part in a little singing and dancing around my desk. Listen here: you won't be able to help it either!
To entertain ourselves Megan, Mohammad and I made use of a generous (and impractical) donation from a community member.
We may have taken part in a little singing and dancing around my desk. Listen here: you won't be able to help it either!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Faith Policy 205
So, World Relief has decided to fire all the non-Christians in our office. Awesome.
To make matters worse, during our 'informational meeting' today they wouldn't take any questions. They simply showed us the following slide:
Worries, worries, worries
About losing staff
About losing funding
The legality of our decision
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
I don't know about you, but I know I feel much better knowing I shouldn't worry about our entire office going under. Thanks World Relief.
To make matters worse, during our 'informational meeting' today they wouldn't take any questions. They simply showed us the following slide:
Worries, worries, worries
About losing staff
About losing funding
The legality of our decision
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
I don't know about you, but I know I feel much better knowing I shouldn't worry about our entire office going under. Thanks World Relief.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Marginalizing the Marginalized?
I can't decide how I feel about this....
On the one hand, it's encouraging- not allowing women to be marginalized any longer by tradition, religion or culture.
On the other hand, it's removing the freedom to express your tradition, religion and culture.
I know many women who think of this practice as a way to honor God. I find it odd the government would begin to ban certain types of clothes...especially when it's such a secular government that is meddling in religious tradition.
Oh France.
On the one hand, it's encouraging- not allowing women to be marginalized any longer by tradition, religion or culture.
On the other hand, it's removing the freedom to express your tradition, religion and culture.
I know many women who think of this practice as a way to honor God. I find it odd the government would begin to ban certain types of clothes...especially when it's such a secular government that is meddling in religious tradition.
Oh France.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Oh Friends...
These cool cats came to visit..and I miss them REAL bad. I need more JBU people in my life. Anyone have an itch to move to Chicago?!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Yuck
I may have just dropped my phone in the toilet.
Who knew a bowl of rice could be so good in so many ways?
Who knew a bowl of rice could be so good in so many ways?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Happy 2010!
To celebrate, you get two very special children to spend time with in reception your first week back. The eldest of the two can't keep his pants on....why?! The youngest will climb under your desk, tear apart your trash can and pound on your keyboard. Together they will bounce from chair to chair screaming, throwing carefully placed pictures on the floor and crying because they don't wanna sit down.
I.Miss.Vacation.
I.Miss.Vacation.
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