What a whirlwind!
Crazy to think that the past three months, and everyone and everything involved are now just a memory. In one way that's a good thing, I now have "memory" of everything I learned ;) On the other hand, I'm going to miss this section of my life. God is good to me, His blessings were manifold on this academic journey.
Other memories? Like Mary I'll store them in my heart and ponder them. And perhaps they will not all just be memories, I hope to maintain some lasting friendships from this trip. The likelyhood that I'll see these people again are slim...but God has done some crazy things in my life that I never guessed would of happened a year ago (like becoming a midwife...where did that idea come from?!) so who knows? I have a promise that if I don't see them again in this land I will see them in the heavenly kingdom. No worries.
But the whirlwind is still blowing, the next two weeks involve an interview for an apprenticeship with a midwife (that's today!) Thanksgiving with friends, then hurrying home for my brother's rehearsal dinner, soon to be SIL's bachorellete party, and wedding. Then not even a week later is another rehearsal dinner/wedding for a good friend. Maybe after that things will slow down, but the Holidays are upon us so I'm not expecting to much. It's even possible I might be moving, if this interview goes well.
Crazy...crazy defines my life in general, but especially right now. A good crazy.
Praise God for His tender mercies are new every morning.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Tolerance Bomb - Sermon Notes 10-21-12
The sermon today at church was about being ever ready to have an answer for those who ask (I Peter 3:15). Second Corinthians 10:4-5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ) was the text for the day, additional texts included Ephesians 6:10-19 and Jeremiah 1.
God tells us over again in scripture that we He is the only way to heaven, and that He will judge everyone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, John 5:22). We are His tools to spread the word, God tells us through Peter that we need to be ready to give an answer to people who ask about the hope that lies within us. He does not expect us to be black belt theologians and debaters (although he does expect us to practice these skills so we can continue to grow better and more accomplished) but He does require us to know the scripture and to stand up for His word.
When we debate we are not arguing with only the opponent in front of us, it is spiritual warfare. We do not have the capability to change their hearts, they do not have the capability to do so. They have the opportunity, the truth is there for them but they cannot embrace it unless God opens there heart. The devil sits and whispers in their ears to close them to what we have to say, we must speak Christ as ambassadors and pray God will open their ears. Bringing thoughts captive is part of evangelism including bringing other people's thoughts captive. In today's culture there is a thought cloud that at best thinks Christianity is a harmful delusion. We don't witness to blank canvass, everyone has strongholds in their minds already, they are protected, fortified thoughts and ideas, and the people that hold these ideas are held highly by culture.We need to make them see that they are not high and might and their arguments are not impenetrable in order to conduct an argument.
Our culture has been catechized well to say that Christianity is intolerant. They may not recognize this catechism, but they know their catechism they say "that's intolerant" to anything brought up in Christianity. It is a cover word for "Bigoted, proud, arrogant close minded". We cannot let this accusation lay us flat on our backs or we have no argument.
The truth as it is is exposed to that charge of intolerance. It *is* exclusive arrogant, intolerant & bigoted. A lie is always tolerant because any falsehood will do, but for truth no falsehood will do. The falsehood however is equally intolerant, because it says the truth will never do, it is intolerant of the truth. The question becomes one of "intolerant to what?"
Satan has always been intolerant of God. The devil is prideful and desiring to reject truth. He tries to get Eve to see the same way, he tells her "God can't tell you what to do, you choose, He's (God) is arrogant, bigoted, and intolerant" A lie does not change reality, but the perception of reality. It creates tunnel vision and excludes the truth to focus on one thing. Eve knows God loves her, yet in line with Stan's lies she excludes this truth and focuses in on what she see's as her inability to choose, to choose freedom.
People equate humility and tolerance as the same thing. We need to rob them of this cloak, not by taking it ourselves but by exposing them as arrogant and intolerant themselves. Jesus was not accepting of every one, He was exclusive. Christianity draws this exclusivity doctrine from Christ and the scriptures. We must disabuse culture on the effeminate view of Christ (which is hard to do as other Christian propagate such a view.)
True tolerance wants debates, if you want to know who is truly intolerant ask who is trying to shut the debate down. Who is intolerant, the one who wants to engage in respectful free speech, or the one who wants to shut it down? Trying to silence someone by labeling them intolerant is the very definition of intolerance.
The debate of intolerance is truly one of what is right and what is wrong, not of whether or not you are being tolerant. Now hang in here through this next sentence...intolerant people have no problem telling you you are intolerant and that intolerance is wrong, and that being intolerant of intolerance is not wrong because being intolerant is wrong. So then you have to ask, so it's not wrong to call something intolerant as long as it's wrong?
Some people may not be that hostile to what you have to say, they are just repeating their catechisms, others may be completely rabid about it.
Remember the point of the debate isn't neccesarily to change to mind of the person you are debating, it may be a silent listener whose mind is changed, another Christian may be encouraged by what s/he hear, even if you feel like you got ran over by a Mac truck. The debate may simply be for your own encouragement and chance to learn. Regardless we are told to stand, and having done all, to stand, so stand we must.
God tells us over again in scripture that we He is the only way to heaven, and that He will judge everyone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, John 5:22). We are His tools to spread the word, God tells us through Peter that we need to be ready to give an answer to people who ask about the hope that lies within us. He does not expect us to be black belt theologians and debaters (although he does expect us to practice these skills so we can continue to grow better and more accomplished) but He does require us to know the scripture and to stand up for His word.
When we debate we are not arguing with only the opponent in front of us, it is spiritual warfare. We do not have the capability to change their hearts, they do not have the capability to do so. They have the opportunity, the truth is there for them but they cannot embrace it unless God opens there heart. The devil sits and whispers in their ears to close them to what we have to say, we must speak Christ as ambassadors and pray God will open their ears. Bringing thoughts captive is part of evangelism including bringing other people's thoughts captive. In today's culture there is a thought cloud that at best thinks Christianity is a harmful delusion. We don't witness to blank canvass, everyone has strongholds in their minds already, they are protected, fortified thoughts and ideas, and the people that hold these ideas are held highly by culture.We need to make them see that they are not high and might and their arguments are not impenetrable in order to conduct an argument.
Our culture has been catechized well to say that Christianity is intolerant. They may not recognize this catechism, but they know their catechism they say "that's intolerant" to anything brought up in Christianity. It is a cover word for "Bigoted, proud, arrogant close minded". We cannot let this accusation lay us flat on our backs or we have no argument.
The truth as it is is exposed to that charge of intolerance. It *is* exclusive arrogant, intolerant & bigoted. A lie is always tolerant because any falsehood will do, but for truth no falsehood will do. The falsehood however is equally intolerant, because it says the truth will never do, it is intolerant of the truth. The question becomes one of "intolerant to what?"
Satan has always been intolerant of God. The devil is prideful and desiring to reject truth. He tries to get Eve to see the same way, he tells her "God can't tell you what to do, you choose, He's (God) is arrogant, bigoted, and intolerant" A lie does not change reality, but the perception of reality. It creates tunnel vision and excludes the truth to focus on one thing. Eve knows God loves her, yet in line with Stan's lies she excludes this truth and focuses in on what she see's as her inability to choose, to choose freedom.
People equate humility and tolerance as the same thing. We need to rob them of this cloak, not by taking it ourselves but by exposing them as arrogant and intolerant themselves. Jesus was not accepting of every one, He was exclusive. Christianity draws this exclusivity doctrine from Christ and the scriptures. We must disabuse culture on the effeminate view of Christ (which is hard to do as other Christian propagate such a view.)
True tolerance wants debates, if you want to know who is truly intolerant ask who is trying to shut the debate down. Who is intolerant, the one who wants to engage in respectful free speech, or the one who wants to shut it down? Trying to silence someone by labeling them intolerant is the very definition of intolerance.
The debate of intolerance is truly one of what is right and what is wrong, not of whether or not you are being tolerant. Now hang in here through this next sentence...intolerant people have no problem telling you you are intolerant and that intolerance is wrong, and that being intolerant of intolerance is not wrong because being intolerant is wrong. So then you have to ask, so it's not wrong to call something intolerant as long as it's wrong?
Some people may not be that hostile to what you have to say, they are just repeating their catechisms, others may be completely rabid about it.
Remember the point of the debate isn't neccesarily to change to mind of the person you are debating, it may be a silent listener whose mind is changed, another Christian may be encouraged by what s/he hear, even if you feel like you got ran over by a Mac truck. The debate may simply be for your own encouragement and chance to learn. Regardless we are told to stand, and having done all, to stand, so stand we must.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Idaho, supposedly the land of potato's. I've yet to see a potato farm, and have only had potatoes twice for supper in the time I've been here.
However, Idaho is the land of refurbished bugs, bicyclers and bicycle lanes, fruit trees or grape vines in every other yard, and a general feel of artsy hippy-ness.
I like it.
I have seen Cherry trees, peach trees, apple trees, pear trees and grapes growing in the yards as I take walks or run in the neighborhood, even driving back and forth from classes. And so many more people have little gardens here than in Michigan, it is odd to think that our garden draws so much attraction where I come from.
This Saturday I had the opportunity and time to attend the Boise Farmers market,
It was so BIG compared to our little tiny one. Such lovely sites, smells, sounds, and people. I bought some apples (of course) and a loaf of artisan bread. As well as a little something for someone back home. I wish I had the time to go every week, it was relaxing, and I love knowing I'm supporting local farmers, and businesses even if I have to pay a little more to do so. Besides, the product tastes better anyway.
Tomorrow we are going to visit some hot springs...I feel guilty for not studying but I've rationalized myself into it being okay to go. Whenever I go out I always think that one day maybe some woman will suffer for the time that I didn't spend studying!
Friday we are back to our normal schedule, so I am glad to have had this week to do some fun things...despite it possible meaning that I'll miss a serious symptom in someones pregnancy and catastrophic result with occur because of it. :P
My church search continues. This week marked the third church I've attended in the five Sundays I've been here, I will be going back next week, and perhaps I'll stay. I used to think that being Reformed accounted for my overarching conspiratorial mindset, but I'm beginning to see that not even all Reformed people have allowed their Theology to be the pill that liberates them from the matrix.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Riding Along in My Automobile.
There was SO much I wanted to say about this trip (so far) it could not of possibly fit on a fbk status. So here I am, falling back to my neglected blog spot. Poor blog.
Firstly, driving was a fantastic idea. Absolutely amazing! Yes, it did end up being more money. But the experience!!! *Sigh* 100% worth it.
Normally I hate driving through large cities and the traffic associated with it. I would rather drive through a rainstorm than city traffic. However, I had to pass through Illinois, right through the Chicago area, and the four lane stop-and-go traffic didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, I got an adrenalin rush. Thanking God for small mercies :)
Driving through Wisconsin made me want to tear my hair out! The speed limit there is 65 MPH, and people go SIXTY-FIVE. And IF one of the natives happen to get adventurous and start going 66 MPH of course they get in the "fast" lane to do so. In Wisconsin there is no fast lane...they're "slow" and "slower" lanes. I felt like a rabbit, stuck behind a turtle passing a snail for the majority of my drive through the cheese head state. Oya ve.
Minnesota was much better, the speed limit went back up to 70 mph and people didn't sit in the fast lane. Plus there was a lot more to see, like windmill farms! Rows upon rows of wind turbines. So cool. But the most fabulous part of driving through Minnesota was driving over the Mississippi river. Of course I knew in my head I that I'd have to cross it, but it didn't really register until I see this bridge ahead spanning a beautiful wide river and the little green sign that said "Mississippi River" Cue another adrenalin rush. Of course I missed the rest station that was right beside the river, so I pulled off at the next exit because I was determined that there was no way I was going to be crossing that river unless I touched it. Oh the joys of being kinesthetic. At the next exit I pulled off and parked my care beside the road, there was this little gravel area so I thought it was kind of a public scenic park place. I realized pretty soon this was not the case, and was considering just driving away but NO, I was determined (I can hear you saying stubborn). Sure enough, there was a sign that said "Private property, no trespassing" and the stairs led down to a house with a giant yard. Buuuut it didn't look anyone was home, and I was determi...well never mind. Being the rebellious imp that I am, I broke the law, trespassed across that private property, took my flip flop off and stuck my foot in the Mississippi. Just so I could say I did it. Naturally I took a picture or two as well. Heck, if I was going to break the law I might as well make it worth while. No angry giants appeared to grind my bones.
Iooowaaa (Yes, the Music Man song does start playing in my head)
Best.
Stop.
Ever.
One of the reformed girl's(I'm sorry, young lady) we had met the internet had come to Michigan and visited with us, and offered to let me stay the night at her place. On her trip up here I didn't really get to know her that well, because there were tons of people who knew her from the internet and wanted to meet and converse with her. That being said, I was up for getting to know her better. It was fabulous. She comes from a family of 11 children all told and I got to meet five of her siblings and her mom. A couple of her younger sisters stayed and chatted with us and her brothers and it was a blast. After they had gone home and her brother she shares a house with had gone to bed we stayed up and talked until almost two in the morning. It was very encouraging to be able to converse with a lady close to my own age, with a better grip on our theology then I'll ever dream of having and is in roughly the area of walk in life as I am. That doesn't happen very often where I come from. In fact, I can't recall the last time that has happened. I was a little nervous staying with someone I didn't really know (awkward turtle swims by) but God knew what He was doing. As always. I left Iowa well fed, better informed, uplifted in spirit, weighed down with gifts of food, and feeling more homesick than I felt when I left home. I didn't feel homesick when I left home. But I think that's because I know home will be there but I don't know when I'll get to fellowship with those awesome people again. I have to remind myself to be thankful when these good times happen and not dwell on the fact that they might not occur again.
Minnesota was a good state to drive through, but the best state to drive through thus far? Hands down South Dakota. Rolling hills, wild gorgeous land, wind that whips your hair, and startling views that bedazzle your eyes. Everything about it made me feel compelled to stop, take a deep breath, and acknowledge that I'm alive. South Dakota doesn't want to be tamed. Not only is it eye candy for a long road trip, but there are so many fun places to stop. I stopped at a art sculpture park, a corn "palace" an Old West imitated drug store, and of course Mount Rushmoore. There were so many moments driving through South Dakota when I would take a bend, or crest a hill and think "God, truly Your handiwork is marvelous". Couldn't help it, maybe it's just because it's so different from flat Michigan but I kept pondering about what a masterful Creator He is, to put so much beauty in the land. Oh, and also the speed limit is 75 ;)
One thing is for sure, I don't like driving in the dark. Not only because of the low light/high glare problem, but also because I can't bear to think what I'm missing because I can't see the land I'm traveling. It also makes it feel like the trip is taking longer.
Trying to book my hotel was a chore. Poor mom, I'm so glad she wasn't with me, she would of had a heart attack. Not wanting to stop and take time to figure out where I'll be stopping for the night I did it on the road. Driving 80 plus down the highway,looking at my map, travel instructions, and guide book to hotels simultaneously while talking on the phone. All I've got to say about that is thank goodness for hands free phone technology and that I have mad multi-tasking skills. Annnd I'm grateful no one got hurt. I'm safe in my hotel for the night, freshly showered and have had my improvised supper of nachos; I should have been asleep a hour ago but I haven't had the internet for two days. :P
My heart if full of gratitude to God, His mercies great and small, and the many blessings He has showered down upon me on this trip thus far.
Firstly, driving was a fantastic idea. Absolutely amazing! Yes, it did end up being more money. But the experience!!! *Sigh* 100% worth it.
Normally I hate driving through large cities and the traffic associated with it. I would rather drive through a rainstorm than city traffic. However, I had to pass through Illinois, right through the Chicago area, and the four lane stop-and-go traffic didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, I got an adrenalin rush. Thanking God for small mercies :)
Driving through Wisconsin made me want to tear my hair out! The speed limit there is 65 MPH, and people go SIXTY-FIVE. And IF one of the natives happen to get adventurous and start going 66 MPH of course they get in the "fast" lane to do so. In Wisconsin there is no fast lane...they're "slow" and "slower" lanes. I felt like a rabbit, stuck behind a turtle passing a snail for the majority of my drive through the cheese head state. Oya ve.
Minnesota was much better, the speed limit went back up to 70 mph and people didn't sit in the fast lane. Plus there was a lot more to see, like windmill farms! Rows upon rows of wind turbines. So cool. But the most fabulous part of driving through Minnesota was driving over the Mississippi river. Of course I knew in my head I that I'd have to cross it, but it didn't really register until I see this bridge ahead spanning a beautiful wide river and the little green sign that said "Mississippi River" Cue another adrenalin rush. Of course I missed the rest station that was right beside the river, so I pulled off at the next exit because I was determined that there was no way I was going to be crossing that river unless I touched it. Oh the joys of being kinesthetic. At the next exit I pulled off and parked my care beside the road, there was this little gravel area so I thought it was kind of a public scenic park place. I realized pretty soon this was not the case, and was considering just driving away but NO, I was determined (I can hear you saying stubborn). Sure enough, there was a sign that said "Private property, no trespassing" and the stairs led down to a house with a giant yard. Buuuut it didn't look anyone was home, and I was determi...well never mind. Being the rebellious imp that I am, I broke the law, trespassed across that private property, took my flip flop off and stuck my foot in the Mississippi. Just so I could say I did it. Naturally I took a picture or two as well. Heck, if I was going to break the law I might as well make it worth while. No angry giants appeared to grind my bones.
Iooowaaa (Yes, the Music Man song does start playing in my head)
Best.
Stop.
Ever.
One of the reformed girl's(I'm sorry, young lady) we had met the internet had come to Michigan and visited with us, and offered to let me stay the night at her place. On her trip up here I didn't really get to know her that well, because there were tons of people who knew her from the internet and wanted to meet and converse with her. That being said, I was up for getting to know her better. It was fabulous. She comes from a family of 11 children all told and I got to meet five of her siblings and her mom. A couple of her younger sisters stayed and chatted with us and her brothers and it was a blast. After they had gone home and her brother she shares a house with had gone to bed we stayed up and talked until almost two in the morning. It was very encouraging to be able to converse with a lady close to my own age, with a better grip on our theology then I'll ever dream of having and is in roughly the area of walk in life as I am. That doesn't happen very often where I come from. In fact, I can't recall the last time that has happened. I was a little nervous staying with someone I didn't really know (awkward turtle swims by) but God knew what He was doing. As always. I left Iowa well fed, better informed, uplifted in spirit, weighed down with gifts of food, and feeling more homesick than I felt when I left home. I didn't feel homesick when I left home. But I think that's because I know home will be there but I don't know when I'll get to fellowship with those awesome people again. I have to remind myself to be thankful when these good times happen and not dwell on the fact that they might not occur again.
Minnesota was a good state to drive through, but the best state to drive through thus far? Hands down South Dakota. Rolling hills, wild gorgeous land, wind that whips your hair, and startling views that bedazzle your eyes. Everything about it made me feel compelled to stop, take a deep breath, and acknowledge that I'm alive. South Dakota doesn't want to be tamed. Not only is it eye candy for a long road trip, but there are so many fun places to stop. I stopped at a art sculpture park, a corn "palace" an Old West imitated drug store, and of course Mount Rushmoore. There were so many moments driving through South Dakota when I would take a bend, or crest a hill and think "God, truly Your handiwork is marvelous". Couldn't help it, maybe it's just because it's so different from flat Michigan but I kept pondering about what a masterful Creator He is, to put so much beauty in the land. Oh, and also the speed limit is 75 ;)
One thing is for sure, I don't like driving in the dark. Not only because of the low light/high glare problem, but also because I can't bear to think what I'm missing because I can't see the land I'm traveling. It also makes it feel like the trip is taking longer.
Trying to book my hotel was a chore. Poor mom, I'm so glad she wasn't with me, she would of had a heart attack. Not wanting to stop and take time to figure out where I'll be stopping for the night I did it on the road. Driving 80 plus down the highway,looking at my map, travel instructions, and guide book to hotels simultaneously while talking on the phone. All I've got to say about that is thank goodness for hands free phone technology and that I have mad multi-tasking skills. Annnd I'm grateful no one got hurt. I'm safe in my hotel for the night, freshly showered and have had my improvised supper of nachos; I should have been asleep a hour ago but I haven't had the internet for two days. :P
My heart if full of gratitude to God, His mercies great and small, and the many blessings He has showered down upon me on this trip thus far.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Warm Weather and Chilled Fruit Soup
If you don't feel like reading the whole blog entry, here's your spoiler. In a very brief synopsis, the weather was wonderful, the soup...not so much.
I got up early enough this morning to get the day started at a decent time, and late enough that I enjoyed sleeping in on my day off. But the real reason I got up early at all was because I heard the weather was supposed to be warm and I didn't want to miss it.
Good choice.
I knew that after I had done my morning routine I wanted to go to the library. At first I was going to bike ride, but then I decided I didn't want the hassle of dragging my bike out of the garage & making sure the tires were pumped, so I decided on an old favorite pastime. Rollerblading. That was definitely the right decision. It was a great approach to start enjoying what was already a gorgeous day. Straight from the library I went over to the church to clean it, so I could get that done and spend the rest of the day outside. Which is exactly what I did, after I got the church clean I picked up my books and went outside to study. I was outside studying for a good three hours and THAT is how I got a sunburn before the middle of March *sigh* it was wonderful :)
What drew me back inside was making supper. I decided I wanted to celebrate St. Patrick's day early since I'd be out of town the day of and told mother I'd help her get supper ready. With some help from a neighbor boy we got our boiled supper (homemade cornbeef included) in the pot to cook, and I went on to the next project.
I'd been meaning to try a fruit soup recipe I had for quiet sometime. While I had already tried making fruit soup before, it had not been at *all* similar in taste to what I'd had in Hungary and since this recipe was vastly different I thought I'd give it a whirl. This recipe had no cream at all, and no spices, like the other one I had tried did. The two main ingredients were blueberries and wine, and the wine wasn't even supposed to be cooked off. Predictably the recipe ended up tasting like sweetened blueberry wine. I'm going to try cooking the wine off at a later date and see what the results are, but I guess I'll have to keep looking for that mouth-watering taste I had in Hungary. Forget personal references (the first recipe) and cookbooks, google here I come.
I got up early enough this morning to get the day started at a decent time, and late enough that I enjoyed sleeping in on my day off. But the real reason I got up early at all was because I heard the weather was supposed to be warm and I didn't want to miss it.
Good choice.
I knew that after I had done my morning routine I wanted to go to the library. At first I was going to bike ride, but then I decided I didn't want the hassle of dragging my bike out of the garage & making sure the tires were pumped, so I decided on an old favorite pastime. Rollerblading. That was definitely the right decision. It was a great approach to start enjoying what was already a gorgeous day. Straight from the library I went over to the church to clean it, so I could get that done and spend the rest of the day outside. Which is exactly what I did, after I got the church clean I picked up my books and went outside to study. I was outside studying for a good three hours and THAT is how I got a sunburn before the middle of March *sigh* it was wonderful :)
What drew me back inside was making supper. I decided I wanted to celebrate St. Patrick's day early since I'd be out of town the day of and told mother I'd help her get supper ready. With some help from a neighbor boy we got our boiled supper (homemade cornbeef included) in the pot to cook, and I went on to the next project.
I'd been meaning to try a fruit soup recipe I had for quiet sometime. While I had already tried making fruit soup before, it had not been at *all* similar in taste to what I'd had in Hungary and since this recipe was vastly different I thought I'd give it a whirl. This recipe had no cream at all, and no spices, like the other one I had tried did. The two main ingredients were blueberries and wine, and the wine wasn't even supposed to be cooked off. Predictably the recipe ended up tasting like sweetened blueberry wine. I'm going to try cooking the wine off at a later date and see what the results are, but I guess I'll have to keep looking for that mouth-watering taste I had in Hungary. Forget personal references (the first recipe) and cookbooks, google here I come.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Squirrels and Moosetrack Memories.
How on earth do the two of those correlate?
Well I got a carton of Moose tracks out of the freezer and brought it over to the counter to eat it. No, eating out of the carton is not a childhood memory, as a child I would never have dared to act with such audacity. The ice cream itself is a childhood memory, it was my dad's favorite (and Heavenly Hash was my mom's :)) so if he bought ice cream that's what it would be. What we kids would do would pick through the ice cream while serving ourselves and try to get all the little peanut butter cups and chocolate sheets into our bowl.
So that's what I was doing, eating ice cream out of the carton (trying to get all the chocolate and peanut butter cups!) and looking out the window. Here's where the squirrel comes in, my mom has a birdfeeder and the squirrel was hanging upside down while eating out of the feeder. (Similar to this)
And the thought occurred to me, how on earth can squirrels eat like that? Apparently their bodies are wired to defy gravity.
Well I got a carton of Moose tracks out of the freezer and brought it over to the counter to eat it. No, eating out of the carton is not a childhood memory, as a child I would never have dared to act with such audacity. The ice cream itself is a childhood memory, it was my dad's favorite (and Heavenly Hash was my mom's :)) so if he bought ice cream that's what it would be. What we kids would do would pick through the ice cream while serving ourselves and try to get all the little peanut butter cups and chocolate sheets into our bowl.
So that's what I was doing, eating ice cream out of the carton (trying to get all the chocolate and peanut butter cups!) and looking out the window. Here's where the squirrel comes in, my mom has a birdfeeder and the squirrel was hanging upside down while eating out of the feeder. (Similar to this)
And the thought occurred to me, how on earth can squirrels eat like that? Apparently their bodies are wired to defy gravity.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Spoken Word Poetry
I might as well throw in a disclaimer here...I imagine a lot of my posts are going to either mention "Stumble", "Pintrest", or both. I've fallen in love with Stumble, it has proven to be a good way to provide me with knowledge of things I didn't know exist. And Pintrest helps me to organize that knowledge.
That being said, stumble has recently introduced me to a new form of poetry, Spoken Word poetry. I'd never heard of such a thing. However when it pulled up a video of Sarah Kay doing a performance of it on TED, I immediately got on youtube and started searching for as many spoken word poetry performances as I could find by her. I loved them. Ambiguous enough to read some of your own into it, yet with clear cut thoughts brought out in the beauty of descriptive simile's and metaphors.
Upon looking up Spoken Word poetry on wikepedia
(here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoken_word)
I do not know if most of it is as good and clean as what Sarah Kay presents, but I still am fascinated by it & wonder if I could present such a piece myself.
That being said, stumble has recently introduced me to a new form of poetry, Spoken Word poetry. I'd never heard of such a thing. However when it pulled up a video of Sarah Kay doing a performance of it on TED, I immediately got on youtube and started searching for as many spoken word poetry performances as I could find by her. I loved them. Ambiguous enough to read some of your own into it, yet with clear cut thoughts brought out in the beauty of descriptive simile's and metaphors.
Upon looking up Spoken Word poetry on wikepedia
(here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoken_word)
I do not know if most of it is as good and clean as what Sarah Kay presents, but I still am fascinated by it & wonder if I could present such a piece myself.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Panko crumbs and Chinese food
I have a love for Chinese food, but the more I learn about MSG and such like additives the less I feel inclined to go out to a restaurant to eat it. Although I have tried cooking Chinese food before with some fairly decent results, I have yet to produce something that tasted like the restaurant food, although granted I'm not adding MSG! Among the couple of Asian Items I have tried have been stir fry chicken, sweet and sour chicken, egg rolls and crab rangoon, and coconut chicken. However I hesitate to count the stir fry or sweet and sour chicken as legitimate achiements, as I used a pre-packaged mix either powder or liquid, to flavor it. The crab rangoon was enjoyable but it didn't taste like what I would buy! As for the coconut chicken, well lets say that if I ever make coconut chicken I'll be using a different recipe
Enter Panko bread crumbs.
I don't know why any other recipe I've ever tried has not involved this miraculous, and satisfying ingredient. One day while I was browsing stumble I came across a recipe for some orange chicken. Of course, being orange chicken, my attention was immediately garnered. However while I was browsing the ingredients it called for one I had never encountered before, "panko" crumbs. Since I had no idea about what Panko crumbs were I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make the recipe, and I was toying with the idea of using a substitute bread crumb mix.
While I was on my trip to Maine I discussed this mysterious item with my Uncle who I knew did some cooking. He told me that panko was Japanese lighter, fluffier breadcrumb and that it would stay crispier better than ordinary breadcrumbs. Still unsure of its texture he told me they used it in tempura. Having just had my first sushi experience, the shrimp tempura I had eaten and enjoyed was fresh in my mind. I became determined to find panko and try this recipe.
Off to the store I went once I got home. First I looked down the baking aisle, then I looked at the world food items, and then to the bread crumbs. I scanned the shelf several times but couldn't find any "Panko". As I was turning away discouraged, I finally spotted them, top shelf. Eureka!
So I bought the Panko, took it home, and decided to start cooking! It was quiet a process, took me the better part of two hours. Then again, I was preparing a whole meal, rice, broccoli, and an separate meal for my mother who has numerous allergies. Dipping the chicken in egg, then cornstarch, then egg, then the panko, was probably the most time consuming. Upon consideration I probably could of just used the old "shake it in a baggie" trick, and saved some time but as they say hind-site is 20/20 Although I started frying the chicken at to hot of a temperature I quickly discovered my mistake and turned the heat down. It can be cooked easily, same as if you were cooking chicken bits without the breading.
So you won't have to listen to my detailing, here's the link to the recipe for you
http://thenoshery.com/2010/03/19/better-than-takeout-orange-chicken/
End of story, the results were fantastic. That's not to say I won't ever go back to a Chinese restaurant, it's a lot of work! However, I do plan on using the Panko again in the very near future. I've found another recipe on stumble I want to try, it calls for "bread crumbs or flavored (Italian) Panko" Guess what I'll be using?
Enter Panko bread crumbs.
I don't know why any other recipe I've ever tried has not involved this miraculous, and satisfying ingredient. One day while I was browsing stumble I came across a recipe for some orange chicken. Of course, being orange chicken, my attention was immediately garnered. However while I was browsing the ingredients it called for one I had never encountered before, "panko" crumbs. Since I had no idea about what Panko crumbs were I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make the recipe, and I was toying with the idea of using a substitute bread crumb mix.
While I was on my trip to Maine I discussed this mysterious item with my Uncle who I knew did some cooking. He told me that panko was Japanese lighter, fluffier breadcrumb and that it would stay crispier better than ordinary breadcrumbs. Still unsure of its texture he told me they used it in tempura. Having just had my first sushi experience, the shrimp tempura I had eaten and enjoyed was fresh in my mind. I became determined to find panko and try this recipe.
Off to the store I went once I got home. First I looked down the baking aisle, then I looked at the world food items, and then to the bread crumbs. I scanned the shelf several times but couldn't find any "Panko". As I was turning away discouraged, I finally spotted them, top shelf. Eureka!
So I bought the Panko, took it home, and decided to start cooking! It was quiet a process, took me the better part of two hours. Then again, I was preparing a whole meal, rice, broccoli, and an separate meal for my mother who has numerous allergies. Dipping the chicken in egg, then cornstarch, then egg, then the panko, was probably the most time consuming. Upon consideration I probably could of just used the old "shake it in a baggie" trick, and saved some time but as they say hind-site is 20/20 Although I started frying the chicken at to hot of a temperature I quickly discovered my mistake and turned the heat down. It can be cooked easily, same as if you were cooking chicken bits without the breading.
So you won't have to listen to my detailing, here's the link to the recipe for you
http://thenoshery.com/2010/03/19/better-than-takeout-orange-chicken/
End of story, the results were fantastic. That's not to say I won't ever go back to a Chinese restaurant, it's a lot of work! However, I do plan on using the Panko again in the very near future. I've found another recipe on stumble I want to try, it calls for "bread crumbs or flavored (Italian) Panko" Guess what I'll be using?
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