Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
8 days a week
On Sunday I cooked Moroccan spiced chicken with lemons and green olives.
Today I made Zinfandel braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and parsnips.
Tonight I am making homemade marshmallows for my parents small group.
Now seriously... can anyone tell me why I am single?
Haha welp, I was asked to start a youth ministry at my new church and I'm going to take it on. Which, while I am excited, means a third job and officially no days off. So I am praying that God will grant me some reprieve from job stuff... whatever that may entail.
Clay sent me and Hannah his "missions statement" for what he wants our potential community house to look like. It was so great, and encouraging... it was so much of what I want too. Just tell me if you want to read it, I was going to post it but it's so long. Ok here's part of it...
1. We’d have a home full of love. Our home would be a place that people would want to spend time in whether that is an afterschool activity, a supper or a bible study. This home would be open to friends, family and sojourners alike always heeding the scripture that says “some have accommodated angels without knowing it” (paraphrase). It would be a safe house for those who need a place of refuge (Num. 25), may that be from others, the busyness of life, the thundering rain or a place to simply be held by someone. I envision a place where children can flourish through our ability to show them love through listening to them, applauding them, assisting them, teaching them and letting them teach us. I imagine a home where people would stop by and upon viewing our lifestyle, they would not marvel at our lifestyle but that they see faith in action: true “phileo” love being actualized because of our response to/from “agape” love.
2. I envision each of us bringing our own talents, gifts, vision, passions and desires to love those in our community. I see us not spending all of our time working for a company but rather we’d work full-time as ambassadors of Christ’s love and work part-time to sustain ourselves in a culture that flows because of money.
3. I see all of us participating in an afterschool tutoring program that not only teaches neighborhood children how to read or the molecular structure of organism but that they also have worth in the eyes of God and the eyes of us as their friends. I see Carly with a chef hat whizzing around a kitchen singing and teaching kids how to turn on the oven, how to sauté and how to pound chicken for chicken cordon bleu. I see Hannah leading the neighborhood women in a morning yoga class imploring her students to find, acknowledge and live Zen amongst the turmoil of their lives in the inner-city. I see myself giving massages to those who feel the corresponding physical stress that comes from inner-city pressures and casting and fulfilling vision to have fresh fruits and veggies to our neighborhood, may that be bringing produce in from our rural Mennonite friends or dispersing the goods from our community garden. Eventually, I see us getting another building where we can localize our efforts filled with more yoga classes on a bamboo floor, more cooking classes with larger stoves and counter space, more desk space for little ones to draw maps of the Americas and a coffee stand clad with fresh vegan goodies.
4. I see us tending to a (or more) community garden(s) where children can get dirt underneath their fingernails and take home some lettuce, carrots and rhubarb, that they helped grow, to their family at home. I envision us planting dozens of trees and flowers on our street not only for beautification reasons but to raise the property value and self-worth and self-appreciation of those in the neighborhood.
5. I envision us having parties with kids dancing to music and playing in opened fire hydrants with shaved ice in hand. I envision bible studies, movie viewings, community meetings, rousing discussions and long suppers over wine. I see us playing with our dogs, playing stickball in the street and greeting our neighbors not only by name but with a hug.
6. I see us as a team dedicated to one another in accountability, to sharing joy, to weeping and mourning with each other, to assisting each other, to pushing each other and being vulnerable, real and open with each other. I see us carving out a little slice of shalom sprinkled with times of uncertainty, pain and doubt in some neck of the woods in N. Philly..
Come on, tell me that doesn't sound amaaaaaaazing.
Today I made Zinfandel braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and parsnips.
Tonight I am making homemade marshmallows for my parents small group.
Now seriously... can anyone tell me why I am single?
Haha welp, I was asked to start a youth ministry at my new church and I'm going to take it on. Which, while I am excited, means a third job and officially no days off. So I am praying that God will grant me some reprieve from job stuff... whatever that may entail.
Clay sent me and Hannah his "missions statement" for what he wants our potential community house to look like. It was so great, and encouraging... it was so much of what I want too. Just tell me if you want to read it, I was going to post it but it's so long. Ok here's part of it...
1. We’d have a home full of love. Our home would be a place that people would want to spend time in whether that is an afterschool activity, a supper or a bible study. This home would be open to friends, family and sojourners alike always heeding the scripture that says “some have accommodated angels without knowing it” (paraphrase). It would be a safe house for those who need a place of refuge (Num. 25), may that be from others, the busyness of life, the thundering rain or a place to simply be held by someone. I envision a place where children can flourish through our ability to show them love through listening to them, applauding them, assisting them, teaching them and letting them teach us. I imagine a home where people would stop by and upon viewing our lifestyle, they would not marvel at our lifestyle but that they see faith in action: true “phileo” love being actualized because of our response to/from “agape” love.
2. I envision each of us bringing our own talents, gifts, vision, passions and desires to love those in our community. I see us not spending all of our time working for a company but rather we’d work full-time as ambassadors of Christ’s love and work part-time to sustain ourselves in a culture that flows because of money.
3. I see all of us participating in an afterschool tutoring program that not only teaches neighborhood children how to read or the molecular structure of organism but that they also have worth in the eyes of God and the eyes of us as their friends. I see Carly with a chef hat whizzing around a kitchen singing and teaching kids how to turn on the oven, how to sauté and how to pound chicken for chicken cordon bleu. I see Hannah leading the neighborhood women in a morning yoga class imploring her students to find, acknowledge and live Zen amongst the turmoil of their lives in the inner-city. I see myself giving massages to those who feel the corresponding physical stress that comes from inner-city pressures and casting and fulfilling vision to have fresh fruits and veggies to our neighborhood, may that be bringing produce in from our rural Mennonite friends or dispersing the goods from our community garden. Eventually, I see us getting another building where we can localize our efforts filled with more yoga classes on a bamboo floor, more cooking classes with larger stoves and counter space, more desk space for little ones to draw maps of the Americas and a coffee stand clad with fresh vegan goodies.
4. I see us tending to a (or more) community garden(s) where children can get dirt underneath their fingernails and take home some lettuce, carrots and rhubarb, that they helped grow, to their family at home. I envision us planting dozens of trees and flowers on our street not only for beautification reasons but to raise the property value and self-worth and self-appreciation of those in the neighborhood.
5. I envision us having parties with kids dancing to music and playing in opened fire hydrants with shaved ice in hand. I envision bible studies, movie viewings, community meetings, rousing discussions and long suppers over wine. I see us playing with our dogs, playing stickball in the street and greeting our neighbors not only by name but with a hug.
6. I see us as a team dedicated to one another in accountability, to sharing joy, to weeping and mourning with each other, to assisting each other, to pushing each other and being vulnerable, real and open with each other. I see us carving out a little slice of shalom sprinkled with times of uncertainty, pain and doubt in some neck of the woods in N. Philly..
Come on, tell me that doesn't sound amaaaaaaazing.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Here Comes the Sun (Finally!)
I love how sunshine and a cool breeze can change your day.
It's weird, but being in fresh air and sunshine reminds me that life is good, the future is bright, my life is full of love, I am blessed and highly favored, and I have nothing to worry about because I worship a God of love and peace and hope and I'm perfectly safe and content in His hands. I also worship a God who created the sunshine and I swear He smiles every time I get giddy about spring coming.
I get like this every spring, when I realize that winter is facing its last days. Completely renewed, refreshed and ready for what's ahead. Of course, what's ahead is summer so there isn't much to complain about. Summer means a tan, crazy insane curly hair, swimming, sandals, driving with the windows down, LBI, Chad coming!, weddings, family, and... figuring out what to do in the fall but I'm pretending that's further away than it is.
So Jesus thanks for the beautiful sun. Amen amen amen.
It's weird, but being in fresh air and sunshine reminds me that life is good, the future is bright, my life is full of love, I am blessed and highly favored, and I have nothing to worry about because I worship a God of love and peace and hope and I'm perfectly safe and content in His hands. I also worship a God who created the sunshine and I swear He smiles every time I get giddy about spring coming.
I get like this every spring, when I realize that winter is facing its last days. Completely renewed, refreshed and ready for what's ahead. Of course, what's ahead is summer so there isn't much to complain about. Summer means a tan, crazy insane curly hair, swimming, sandals, driving with the windows down, LBI, Chad coming!, weddings, family, and... figuring out what to do in the fall but I'm pretending that's further away than it is.
So Jesus thanks for the beautiful sun. Amen amen amen.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Hands Hands Everywhere, but Not Like THAT
So I have realized that I can tell so much about how two people feel about each other by how they place their hands during a picture, especially guys. Fists, not touching, open palm, spread fingers, tight grip... they all say different things and I basically have it down to a science.
So yes this means I have way too much time on my hands (hahahaha four hours later I realized the pun) while I'm at work. Thanks Facebook.
So yes this means I have way too much time on my hands (hahahaha four hours later I realized the pun) while I'm at work. Thanks Facebook.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Tam Slam
Right now, Tam and I are planning a delicious meal of beef tenderloin with roasted red peppers, aioli, herb and cheese polenta, roasted vegetables, and a dark chocolate cake with vanilla bean and coconut frosting. yeeeeah.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
I'm Pregnant...
Nah, April Fools. I actually kinda hate April Fools cuz well, I feel like a fool. I remember the gym teacher in first grade told me my shoelaces were untied and then when I looked down he said "April fools" and all the kids laughed at me. I cried and my mom told me to toughen up. Good advice, yet also a good example of why I hide my sensitivities haha.
I had been talking with a good friend about maternal instinct, which is a very strange, mystical concept. While marriage and motherhood is not on my horizon right now, I still have this desire to care for and cuddle and hold and well... mother. My friend seemed to think it was unfair to have that instinct but then have to wait to use it. And that struck a chord with me because I was like, why shouldn't I be using it? I don't have to be a wife and mother to learn how to comfort and care for and love unselfishly. I think it is a mistake to believe that what God has placed within me must be stifled until if/when I get married... Because what if I don't? I think I have already stifled it enough as it is. As I ponder these things and read books that challenge my thinking and my situation right now, I can see my thoughts and prayers changing. Things I thought I wanted... no, needed (I still want them) don't seem as important as finding out how God wants to use me on this earth... Ok, I'll get off the soapbox.
I had been talking with a good friend about maternal instinct, which is a very strange, mystical concept. While marriage and motherhood is not on my horizon right now, I still have this desire to care for and cuddle and hold and well... mother. My friend seemed to think it was unfair to have that instinct but then have to wait to use it. And that struck a chord with me because I was like, why shouldn't I be using it? I don't have to be a wife and mother to learn how to comfort and care for and love unselfishly. I think it is a mistake to believe that what God has placed within me must be stifled until if/when I get married... Because what if I don't? I think I have already stifled it enough as it is. As I ponder these things and read books that challenge my thinking and my situation right now, I can see my thoughts and prayers changing. Things I thought I wanted... no, needed (I still want them) don't seem as important as finding out how God wants to use me on this earth... Ok, I'll get off the soapbox.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Round the Corner
I just have this feeling that amazing things are around the corner. I have been praying fervently about the decision to move to Philadelphia. I can't say I know for sure it will happen, but I get so excited about it. When I lived in Philly and worked at Montgomery, I really felt like I wasn't just professing my faith, but I was living it. And I think for the past two-ish years, I've been struggling with what it means for me to follow Christ. What does it mean to love my neighbor? What does it mean to live as Jesus lived? How can I interpret His example into the world I live in? When I sit in my office surrounded by some of the wealthiest people, and go to church and listen to studies of the fruits of the spirit I can't help but be like, Is this all there is? Is this the rest of my life?
I feel like right now, or very soon, I have huge life decisions to make. I will either do exactly what my parents hope I will do (get a "good" job, benefits, my own place, a car, get married, and live in the suburbs) or something different... learn to live by lower standards no matter how difficult it may be at first, make no money teaching kids how to cook, live with my best friend and others in community, and find joy in serving those around me and not in gaining material objects... Again, huge decisions. Ones that will affect the rest of my life. I don't think I felt that way when I graduated college- that the next step was HUGE. This time around, I'm feeling the pressure.
I feel like right now, or very soon, I have huge life decisions to make. I will either do exactly what my parents hope I will do (get a "good" job, benefits, my own place, a car, get married, and live in the suburbs) or something different... learn to live by lower standards no matter how difficult it may be at first, make no money teaching kids how to cook, live with my best friend and others in community, and find joy in serving those around me and not in gaining material objects... Again, huge decisions. Ones that will affect the rest of my life. I don't think I felt that way when I graduated college- that the next step was HUGE. This time around, I'm feeling the pressure.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
So uncomfortable...
So apparently when you turn 23 you are immediately ushered into the world of being set up by your parents friends. Perhaps sneak attacked... ambushed... those are better words.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Saddle
Well I am back at work, but just had some of the best days of my life. I got back Tuesday night from Seattle. I'll do a quick rundown of my adventures. There were a lot.
-toured Theo's, a fair trade organic chocolate factory. Ate many chocolates.
-took multiple buses by myself to get to Hannah's work, which I was given the wrong directions to because Hannah doesn't know her left from her right. I still found it.
-several trips to Pike's Place Market. I could live there I think.
-the day long winery-brewery adventure. Hannah and I took 3 buses totaling about 2 hours long, til we were dropped off in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully there's always a Starbucks in the middle of nowhere. I ran in to ask someone if they could tell us where the winery was. The first lady I asked offered to drive us there. Against all advice I've ever heard, I accepted and ran to get Hannah. LeeAnn (bless her little heart) drove us right to the front door and we thanked her profusely. After delicious wine tastings we headed out to lunch, only to get lost several times and start getting cranky with each other in frustration. I'll be fair, I was the cranky one. We finally got into the brewery and had lunch, only to find that there was a beer tour in about 5 minutes. So off we go like little alcoholics to another tour with free booze. Patrick was our guide and he liked me because all his jokes were totally lame but I laughed at them anyways. I'm not afraid to be kind of lame. Then some frat boys came up to flirt with us (15 of them, 2 of us. I can deal but Hannah was ready to peace). They offered to drive us but we drew the line there... but little did we know about the walk that was ahead of us. We walked for what felt like hours on this country highway, cars whizzing past us and laughing at the poor little girls. Finally we found an express bus back to Seattle. And ALL I spend that day was $18 for food, bus, wine, etc. Awesome.
-Clay got us into the Space Needle for free! He knows someone who works in the coffee shop so she let us go up for free. I'm really glad I didn't pay for that. Then we went to Thai Tom's and Ten thousand Villages. A bird pooped on my scarf and then peed on my head. While my best friend laughed at me, her boyfriend ran in to get napkins. It was horrible. Disgusting and I was freaking out while they were just laughing at me. But then it was ok and now it's all I hear about.
-Hannah and I made pasta with homemade pesto, sundried tomatoes and fresh mozzerella, and this was the best one out of the times I've made it. We also made a trifle for my bday with lemon pound cake, homemade blackberry-strawberry jam, fresh whipped cream and toasted almonds. Her roommates devoured it.
-My last day Hannah and I went to the aquarium and back to the market. We took funny pictures and dreamed about owning sea otters and seals. Then Hannah said I look like a sea otter when I laugh cuz I clap my hands. I still don't see it. We had Indian food with Clay for dinner and it was so good. We talked about our dreams for living in intentional community and wished I didn't have to go back to CT. Alas, Tuesday came and home I went, Hannah and I crying at the airport and me all the way down to security. It's okay I wasn't embarrassed.
So back to life as I know it right now. I am in constant prayer for the future, that God would grant everyone discernment and wise judgment, but a renewed sense of hope and optimism in His plans for us.
Such a good week.
-toured Theo's, a fair trade organic chocolate factory. Ate many chocolates.
-took multiple buses by myself to get to Hannah's work, which I was given the wrong directions to because Hannah doesn't know her left from her right. I still found it.
-several trips to Pike's Place Market. I could live there I think.
-the day long winery-brewery adventure. Hannah and I took 3 buses totaling about 2 hours long, til we were dropped off in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully there's always a Starbucks in the middle of nowhere. I ran in to ask someone if they could tell us where the winery was. The first lady I asked offered to drive us there. Against all advice I've ever heard, I accepted and ran to get Hannah. LeeAnn (bless her little heart) drove us right to the front door and we thanked her profusely. After delicious wine tastings we headed out to lunch, only to get lost several times and start getting cranky with each other in frustration. I'll be fair, I was the cranky one. We finally got into the brewery and had lunch, only to find that there was a beer tour in about 5 minutes. So off we go like little alcoholics to another tour with free booze. Patrick was our guide and he liked me because all his jokes were totally lame but I laughed at them anyways. I'm not afraid to be kind of lame. Then some frat boys came up to flirt with us (15 of them, 2 of us. I can deal but Hannah was ready to peace). They offered to drive us but we drew the line there... but little did we know about the walk that was ahead of us. We walked for what felt like hours on this country highway, cars whizzing past us and laughing at the poor little girls. Finally we found an express bus back to Seattle. And ALL I spend that day was $18 for food, bus, wine, etc. Awesome.
-Clay got us into the Space Needle for free! He knows someone who works in the coffee shop so she let us go up for free. I'm really glad I didn't pay for that. Then we went to Thai Tom's and Ten thousand Villages. A bird pooped on my scarf and then peed on my head. While my best friend laughed at me, her boyfriend ran in to get napkins. It was horrible. Disgusting and I was freaking out while they were just laughing at me. But then it was ok and now it's all I hear about.
-Hannah and I made pasta with homemade pesto, sundried tomatoes and fresh mozzerella, and this was the best one out of the times I've made it. We also made a trifle for my bday with lemon pound cake, homemade blackberry-strawberry jam, fresh whipped cream and toasted almonds. Her roommates devoured it.
-My last day Hannah and I went to the aquarium and back to the market. We took funny pictures and dreamed about owning sea otters and seals. Then Hannah said I look like a sea otter when I laugh cuz I clap my hands. I still don't see it. We had Indian food with Clay for dinner and it was so good. We talked about our dreams for living in intentional community and wished I didn't have to go back to CT. Alas, Tuesday came and home I went, Hannah and I crying at the airport and me all the way down to security. It's okay I wasn't embarrassed.
So back to life as I know it right now. I am in constant prayer for the future, that God would grant everyone discernment and wise judgment, but a renewed sense of hope and optimism in His plans for us.
Such a good week.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Good NRG
Yes that is me, running around in heels following my boss, burning sage in one hand with the Buddha clasped in the other... ridding the office of negative energy so that the apartments will sell.
Does burning sage fix the economy...?
Does burning sage fix the economy...?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
hummmmm
Well, I'm having a bit of a crisis of identity. My boss here at Highgrove talked to me yesterday about hiring me full time and having me start to sell apartments. Which sounds awesome except for a few things.
First... she told me that I look too young and she doesn't think anyone will take me seriously. Now if you know me at all you know I hate being told I look young, especially because with it comes all other sorts of things. Like not being taken seriously. She told me to wear more makeup and basically get a new wardrobe. Which, this in and of itself was embarrassing. It was like being on "What Not to Wear" but nobody gave me any money.
Secondly... they asked me during my interview if I gossip. It's always been a personal thing of mine to not gossip at work, because it's always disastrous. It finds its way back around and causes completely unnecessary drama. So imagine my surprise when I come to work here and all my boss does is gossip. Sigh.
Finally... I took this job as a very temporary way to make money. I have no intentions of becoming a rich and powerful business person. It's fine for other people but it has never been what I desired for my own life. I want to work in social services. I don't want to work here full-time. But how can I say that given this economy with thousands of people losing their jobs every day? I feel so dumb even saying that I wouldn't take the well-paying sales job because I want to make dirt money helping people, learn to adjust my standards and live simply, and be happy.
But I DO want to make dirt money helping people, learn to adjust my standards and live simply, and be happy.
First... she told me that I look too young and she doesn't think anyone will take me seriously. Now if you know me at all you know I hate being told I look young, especially because with it comes all other sorts of things. Like not being taken seriously. She told me to wear more makeup and basically get a new wardrobe. Which, this in and of itself was embarrassing. It was like being on "What Not to Wear" but nobody gave me any money.
Secondly... they asked me during my interview if I gossip. It's always been a personal thing of mine to not gossip at work, because it's always disastrous. It finds its way back around and causes completely unnecessary drama. So imagine my surprise when I come to work here and all my boss does is gossip. Sigh.
Finally... I took this job as a very temporary way to make money. I have no intentions of becoming a rich and powerful business person. It's fine for other people but it has never been what I desired for my own life. I want to work in social services. I don't want to work here full-time. But how can I say that given this economy with thousands of people losing their jobs every day? I feel so dumb even saying that I wouldn't take the well-paying sales job because I want to make dirt money helping people, learn to adjust my standards and live simply, and be happy.
But I DO want to make dirt money helping people, learn to adjust my standards and live simply, and be happy.
To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to be sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket - it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell.
- CS Lewis, "The Four Loves"
- CS Lewis, "The Four Loves"
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
This is Why I Don't Go to Movies
Tracy and I just went to the movie theater and watched "He's Just Not That Into You." And what was the moral of the story?
No boy in my life has ever been into me.
Hahaaaaa I love the cinema.
No boy in my life has ever been into me.
Hahaaaaa I love the cinema.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Work clothes. Boo.
So Saturday is like my Thursday because I work Wednesday through Sunday at Highgrove. Which makes Saturdays sound much less exciting. Plus my boss leaves nothing for me for the weekends, so I have nothing to do for the day (sounds fun but it's not). And while everyone else is dreading Monday, I can't wait to sleep in and do nothing. Except for this week when I have to find a tailor and get almost all of my pants hemmed because I am a shrimp.
I have been slightly scolded for my work wardrobe. I found this surprising at first because I have always thought I was a very creative dresser. I can't draw or paint, but I can dress. Haha. So anyways... I was told to wear a blazer. But I don't want to. I got a really cute one that isn't very blazer-y at all but my boss loved it. She also loves it when I wear dresses. But sometimes it is very cold and I want to wear pants. I get the feeling she wants me to buy really expensive name brand stuff when my favorite store is New York and Company and their $40 off coupons... and I want to say, please give me a raise if you are going to require me to wear expensive clothes. I have too many other bills right now. My mom keeps telling me it's an "investment." Ugh. What a grown-up comment.
I cannot WAIT to go to Seattle. I'm about to burrrrrrrst.
I have been slightly scolded for my work wardrobe. I found this surprising at first because I have always thought I was a very creative dresser. I can't draw or paint, but I can dress. Haha. So anyways... I was told to wear a blazer. But I don't want to. I got a really cute one that isn't very blazer-y at all but my boss loved it. She also loves it when I wear dresses. But sometimes it is very cold and I want to wear pants. I get the feeling she wants me to buy really expensive name brand stuff when my favorite store is New York and Company and their $40 off coupons... and I want to say, please give me a raise if you are going to require me to wear expensive clothes. I have too many other bills right now. My mom keeps telling me it's an "investment." Ugh. What a grown-up comment.
I cannot WAIT to go to Seattle. I'm about to burrrrrrrst.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Ch ch changes
I start my new job tomorrow at High Grove. I am nervous and excited but mostly just ready to get to work. I started my training at Cocoa Michelle today and can already make a mean latte. My mom is really sick with either the flu or some kind of food poisoning, so I have been the mom for the past few days. And since my family will not know what to do once I start work 11 hour days, I made a weeks worth of food for them today. This included:
Shredded chicken with bacon, onions, shallots, pepper, smoked spiced and agave nectar.
Pork carnitas with cranberries and thyme.
Fajitas.
Hamburgers stuffed with chives and Havarti cheese.
Golden raspberry and blueberry jam.
Baked potato and ginger ale for my sick mama.
This all occurred in the past... three hours. Minus the jam, which I haven't made yet. Again, I'm a busy girl these days. I am so so so excited for what is ahead. I feel like I've got my groove back, now that my days are full of things to do. It feels good.
Shredded chicken with bacon, onions, shallots, pepper, smoked spiced and agave nectar.
Pork carnitas with cranberries and thyme.
Fajitas.
Hamburgers stuffed with chives and Havarti cheese.
Golden raspberry and blueberry jam.
Baked potato and ginger ale for my sick mama.
This all occurred in the past... three hours. Minus the jam, which I haven't made yet. Again, I'm a busy girl these days. I am so so so excited for what is ahead. I feel like I've got my groove back, now that my days are full of things to do. It feels good.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Babygirl got a Grown up job!
I'm officially employed. Office assistant at a real estate development company. I have my own office and I get to go to a cocktail party on Thursday.
Needless to say I'm freakin excited right now.
Needless to say I'm freakin excited right now.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Cooking Frenzy
I dedicate this post to my favorite, Chad Blank, who always appreciates the food I've made.
Tonight: Chicken with fig sauce, and braised vegetables (zucchini, squash, artichokes, garlic, shallots, carrots, and asparagus)
Tomorrow: Seared Magret duck breasts and a balsamic cherry reduction, pan-roasted fingerling potatoes, and haricots verts
Saturday night: Roasted pork tenderloin with pears, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and spinach salad with homemade apricot salad dressing
Sometimes I just loooooooove to be home... where I can cook and not pay.
Tonight: Chicken with fig sauce, and braised vegetables (zucchini, squash, artichokes, garlic, shallots, carrots, and asparagus)
Tomorrow: Seared Magret duck breasts and a balsamic cherry reduction, pan-roasted fingerling potatoes, and haricots verts
Saturday night: Roasted pork tenderloin with pears, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and spinach salad with homemade apricot salad dressing
Sometimes I just loooooooove to be home... where I can cook and not pay.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Living the Moment to the Fullest
"Patience is a hard discipline. It is not just waiting until something happens over which we have no control: the arrival of the bus, the end of the rain, the return of a friend, the resolution of a conflict. Patience is not a waiting passivity until someone else does something. Patience asks us to live the moment to the fullest, to be completely present to the moment, to taste the here and now, to be where we are. When we are impatient we try to get away from where we are. We behave as if the real thing will happen tomorrow, later and somewhere else. Let's be patient and trust that the treasure we look for is hidden in the ground on which we stand."
-Henri Nouwen-
My lovely best friend sent me this quote by one of our favorite authors. It is good to be reminded that patience (for the right job, right city, right man, right time, etc) includes finding joy in present circumstances. I guess, as may be clear from other posts, that I'm at a point where really nothing in my life this year is going the way I had hoped or planned. A trait I inherited from my father, I am always looking forward to the next thing. I hope and plan and excite myself over things that are maybes and uncertainties. Often I am disappointed but I don't stay down for long, as I am soon looking for the next adventure. I'm not sure if I do this to keep myself motivated or if it means I am discontented. I think I have labeled this time in my life as a "phase" to get through and a bridge that will lead me to a place that I want to be. Perhaps I need to stop thinking forward for a moment and find the beauty in my life as it is this very second.
Some of you know my life might be changing again pretty soon. Depending on how a certain situation goes I will be heading in one of two very different directions. I could really use your prayers. God is good and I know He will provide no matter what the circumstance.
-Henri Nouwen-
My lovely best friend sent me this quote by one of our favorite authors. It is good to be reminded that patience (for the right job, right city, right man, right time, etc) includes finding joy in present circumstances. I guess, as may be clear from other posts, that I'm at a point where really nothing in my life this year is going the way I had hoped or planned. A trait I inherited from my father, I am always looking forward to the next thing. I hope and plan and excite myself over things that are maybes and uncertainties. Often I am disappointed but I don't stay down for long, as I am soon looking for the next adventure. I'm not sure if I do this to keep myself motivated or if it means I am discontented. I think I have labeled this time in my life as a "phase" to get through and a bridge that will lead me to a place that I want to be. Perhaps I need to stop thinking forward for a moment and find the beauty in my life as it is this very second.
Some of you know my life might be changing again pretty soon. Depending on how a certain situation goes I will be heading in one of two very different directions. I could really use your prayers. God is good and I know He will provide no matter what the circumstance.
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