Last week I roasted a turkey for the first time for our dinner guests (I officially don't know what the fuss is over roasting a turkey. Just make sure it's defrosted, then follow the directions.) With it, I made a sweet whiskey-maple sauce and a pomegranate-cranberry sauce to go on the turkey. The pom-cran sauce didn't quite thicken how I wanted it to, but it was still yummy. (It was just Ocean Spray juice and the juices from the pan, essentially.) We had lots of leftovers, so I thought I'd whip up some soup. Earlier in the week I used the leftover pom-cran sauce and low-sodium chicken broth, added some chopped carrots and celery and some pasta, all heated together til the pasta was cooked and the veggies were just tender. It was really good. Today I thought I'd make soup again, as it would be a great way to use up turkey leftovers. I put water, a vegetable bouillon cube, and pomegranate-cranberry juice in a big pot, dumped in roasted turkey cut into bite size pieces, the remainder of a bag of baby carrots, and about 1/3 bag of barley, plus some garlic powder, chili powder, and a bay leaf (which William insists makes a difference but I don't think it does at all.) I let it all cook on medium low heat for 2 hours, added a smidge of salt at the end to bring the flavors together, and we enjoyed it for lunch along with some rye crackers. If you find yourself with lots of leftovers after Christmas, this is a fun, healthy and economical way to use them up. I think this recipe would work with traditional cranberry sauce in the soup, leftover green beans, spinach, etc.
Side note: I make my own stock usually but am currently out. The next best thing is College Inn brand, and the next best thing to that is vegetable bouillon cubes because it usually doesn't have added msg or high levels of sodium. Always read the ingredients though.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas poems
These are two of my favorite Christmas poems. I discovered them in a book my Grandma gave me years ago, a collection of poems, short stories, and excerpts of longer stories. Enjoy.
"Christmas and New Year Bells"
by Alfred Tennyson
The time draws near the birth of Christ;
The moon is hid; the night is still;
The Christmas bells from hill to hill
Answer each other in the mist.
Four voices of four hamlets round,
From far and near, on mead and moor,
Swell out and fail, as if a door
Were shut between me and the sound:
Each voice four changes on the wind,
That now dilate, and now decrease,
Peace and goodwill, goodwill and peace,
Peace and goodwill, to all mankind.
This year I slept and woke with pain,
I almost wish'd no more to wake,
And that my hold on life would break
Before I heard those bells again:
But they the troubled spirit rule,
For they controll'd me when a boy;
They bring me sorrow touch'd with joy,
The merry, merry bells of Yule.
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going; let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we seen no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
and
"The Sheep Herd"
by Sister Mariella (who, incidentally, was a champion of Flannery O'Conner.)
I am a shepherd-I have hated
The smell of damp sheep in the rain,
The pain
Of clouted shoes on weary feet,
The silly barking of watchdogs in the night,
The blinding light
Of summer suns on hillsides without shade.
Nor anything I did not wish was not
From hoar-frost on the meadow grass
To dizzy stars that blinked on stupidly and bright.
Last night
I went with other men who tended sheep
Over to Bethlehem to see-
We did not know just what we'd come to see
Who'd followed up a cloud of singing wings.
Until we came to where a young girl held
A little baby on her lap and smiled.
She made me think of flowers,
White flowers on long stems and blue night skies.
Nothing happened-
But today
I have been shaken with the joy
Of seeing hoar-frost wings
Atilt upon tall grasses; the sun
Upon the sheep, making their gray backs white
And silvery
Has hurt me with its beauty, and I heard
The sound of the barking watchdogs break
The tolling bells against the quiet hills.
"Christmas and New Year Bells"
by Alfred Tennyson
The time draws near the birth of Christ;
The moon is hid; the night is still;
The Christmas bells from hill to hill
Answer each other in the mist.
Four voices of four hamlets round,
From far and near, on mead and moor,
Swell out and fail, as if a door
Were shut between me and the sound:
Each voice four changes on the wind,
That now dilate, and now decrease,
Peace and goodwill, goodwill and peace,
Peace and goodwill, to all mankind.
This year I slept and woke with pain,
I almost wish'd no more to wake,
And that my hold on life would break
Before I heard those bells again:
But they the troubled spirit rule,
For they controll'd me when a boy;
They bring me sorrow touch'd with joy,
The merry, merry bells of Yule.
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going; let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we seen no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
and
"The Sheep Herd"
by Sister Mariella (who, incidentally, was a champion of Flannery O'Conner.)
I am a shepherd-I have hated
The smell of damp sheep in the rain,
The pain
Of clouted shoes on weary feet,
The silly barking of watchdogs in the night,
The blinding light
Of summer suns on hillsides without shade.
Nor anything I did not wish was not
From hoar-frost on the meadow grass
To dizzy stars that blinked on stupidly and bright.
Last night
I went with other men who tended sheep
Over to Bethlehem to see-
We did not know just what we'd come to see
Who'd followed up a cloud of singing wings.
Until we came to where a young girl held
A little baby on her lap and smiled.
She made me think of flowers,
White flowers on long stems and blue night skies.
Nothing happened-
But today
I have been shaken with the joy
Of seeing hoar-frost wings
Atilt upon tall grasses; the sun
Upon the sheep, making their gray backs white
And silvery
Has hurt me with its beauty, and I heard
The sound of the barking watchdogs break
The tolling bells against the quiet hills.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Giving thanks
The past year has given me many reasons to be grateful. Here are some of them, in no particular order.
As a teacher, my years are doubly divided by school years as well as the calendar year. Things that happened last school year but still in 2010 seem so far away. Included in last school year would be the fantastic child care from my trifecta of babysitters: my mom, Kathleen, and Christy. This school year I'm grateful that my mom was able to watch my boy all 3 of my workdays. I am grateful that when I drop him off, he happily waves bye to me (though I wouldn't object to SOME sadness that I'm leaving.)
I'm grateful for the most amazing workplace, bosses, co-workers, students, and families to be found anywhere.
I am grateful that when William had to go in for his emergency appendectomy, he was seen, diagnosed, and operated on in a matter of a few hours. I am grateful for all the people who volunteered to watch Edward, and I am grateful for my friends, who on hearing what happened, dropped everything to come visit and then took me to lunch so I didn't have to eat hospital food.
I am grateful for the miracle God has done in the life of baby Sophia and the bold faith of her parents, which is inspirational.
I am grateful that when William's decrepit Honda broke down, he was able to safely get his car out of the road, and when getting a new car seemed hopeless, God provided through unexpected help via the generosity of dear friends.
I am grateful for Dave Ramsey's book that my mom gave me for Christmas. We started the Total Money Makeover in January and have since paid off all our credit cards and mostly been able to pay cash for emergencies (mostly centered around car trouble.) We're not out of debt yet but the end is in sight.
I am grateful for the body of Christ. Specifically, the people at Pine Ridge PCA where I grew up, the people at Reformation OPC where I've been a member for 5 years now, and for Lake Sherwood OPC, which feels like a second home.
I am grateful for my women's prayer group at ROPC, where we cry, laugh, and eat together. These women have prayed me through so much.
I am grateful that after months of insomnia, the Lord answered the prayers of myself and many friends who were praying for me and granted me sleep.
I am grateful for the faithful preaching of the gospel of Christ that takes place every Sunday in my church.
I am grateful for the new friendships in my LSOPC study group.
I am grateful for facebook and the way it allows my out of town family and other people I don't get to see too often to participate in my family's life.
I am grateful that after looking for a 2nd job for a couple years now, William has finally been hired and will start tutoring soon.
I am grateful that Christ will one day restore all things to the way they ought to be.
I am grateful for my TSBTS and the DT Tuesdays, Netflix recommendations, and other assorted shenanigans.
I am grateful for coupons and Publix.
I am grateful that all the Eggs get to be together for Thanksgiving and in particular for my mom in law who gets to have all her grandkids in one place.
I am grateful that my little brother is having the time of his life at college.
I am grateful for my family and my friends. (That includes you.)
Have a blessed Thanksgiving :)
As a teacher, my years are doubly divided by school years as well as the calendar year. Things that happened last school year but still in 2010 seem so far away. Included in last school year would be the fantastic child care from my trifecta of babysitters: my mom, Kathleen, and Christy. This school year I'm grateful that my mom was able to watch my boy all 3 of my workdays. I am grateful that when I drop him off, he happily waves bye to me (though I wouldn't object to SOME sadness that I'm leaving.)
I'm grateful for the most amazing workplace, bosses, co-workers, students, and families to be found anywhere.
I am grateful that when William had to go in for his emergency appendectomy, he was seen, diagnosed, and operated on in a matter of a few hours. I am grateful for all the people who volunteered to watch Edward, and I am grateful for my friends, who on hearing what happened, dropped everything to come visit and then took me to lunch so I didn't have to eat hospital food.
I am grateful for the miracle God has done in the life of baby Sophia and the bold faith of her parents, which is inspirational.
I am grateful that when William's decrepit Honda broke down, he was able to safely get his car out of the road, and when getting a new car seemed hopeless, God provided through unexpected help via the generosity of dear friends.
I am grateful for Dave Ramsey's book that my mom gave me for Christmas. We started the Total Money Makeover in January and have since paid off all our credit cards and mostly been able to pay cash for emergencies (mostly centered around car trouble.) We're not out of debt yet but the end is in sight.
I am grateful for the body of Christ. Specifically, the people at Pine Ridge PCA where I grew up, the people at Reformation OPC where I've been a member for 5 years now, and for Lake Sherwood OPC, which feels like a second home.
I am grateful for my women's prayer group at ROPC, where we cry, laugh, and eat together. These women have prayed me through so much.
I am grateful that after months of insomnia, the Lord answered the prayers of myself and many friends who were praying for me and granted me sleep.
I am grateful for the faithful preaching of the gospel of Christ that takes place every Sunday in my church.
I am grateful for the new friendships in my LSOPC study group.
I am grateful for facebook and the way it allows my out of town family and other people I don't get to see too often to participate in my family's life.
I am grateful that after looking for a 2nd job for a couple years now, William has finally been hired and will start tutoring soon.
I am grateful that Christ will one day restore all things to the way they ought to be.
I am grateful for my TSBTS and the DT Tuesdays, Netflix recommendations, and other assorted shenanigans.
I am grateful for coupons and Publix.
I am grateful that all the Eggs get to be together for Thanksgiving and in particular for my mom in law who gets to have all her grandkids in one place.
I am grateful that my little brother is having the time of his life at college.
I am grateful for my family and my friends. (That includes you.)
Have a blessed Thanksgiving :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Awareness
Cancer is serious business. It can strike anyone at any time for pretty much no reason at all. Breast, colon, blood, ovarian, uterine, lung, prostate, skin, brain. There are words that strike unspeakable grief into those that hear them. Tumor, biopsy, metastatized, chemo, and God forbid, untreatable. I know many men and women who have had cancer and have had it successfully removed, treated, and beat into remission, and I know others who were not spared, and they wasted away and died.
According to the National Cancer Institute, U.S. women have a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetime. About 1 in 35 die from it, and it is second only to lung cancer in leading cause of cancer-caused deaths in women.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. (I'm not sure who isn't yet aware of breast cancer, but that's not the point of this entry.) People wear pink and remember those they love that have battled, or are currently battling, breast cancer, or because they themselves battled it. Stores sell their regular merchandise in pink and forward proceeds to cancer research. All this is great. Solidarity and money are two very practical responses and needs. Humor is often needed to deal with serious issues. I get that. But...
Last year, and here is where I might be pushing some buttons, there was a facebook phenomenon of women and girls posting what color bra they were wearing, all in the name of "Breast Cancer Awareness." It even made the news, which is kind of ridiculous. At best it was a silly inside joke, but at worst, the people who knew what it meant, especially the men who knew what it meant, were left with an unfortunate thought about the color of the participant's underwear. Harmless fun? Maybe.
This year, girls and women are posting statuses such as "I like it on the counter" or "I like it on the floor". Supposedly it's just where you put your purse when you get home, but it doesn't say that in the status. Again, this is in the name of "Breast Cancer Awareness." I'm not sure how making purposefully sexually suggestive statements is doing anything to help breast cancer victims or survivors, or encourage early detection, or educate those souls who may not actually know they should be doing self examinations at home or getting yearly check-ups. There is no follow up with stats about cancer, stories about survivors, links to cancer sites, ways to donate to the American Cancer Society. This does not empower anybody. For the young girls posting this, who are facebook friends with anybody male, think about what you are doing. You are putting the idea that you like sexual encounters in various places in your home out there for anyone to see. Adult women, do what you want, but do you really want people to be thinking of you in terms of where you like to have sex? Breast cancer has nothing to do with sex. At least the bra thing sort of made sense, in that it holds your breasts up. If you're going to follow this useless trend, at least consider giving it some value. Research cancer. Find somewhere to donate. Cut your hair and give it to a reputable charity that makes wigs for cancer patients. Send an encouraging note or take a meal to someone struggling with cancer.
Check it.
http://www.pantene.com/en-US/beautiful-lengths-cause/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=yahoo&utm_campaign=Pantene_CC_NF_1011&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Get+Inspired
http://www.cancer.org/
http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/
https://www.pinkribbonstore.com/gifts/site.do?siteId=343&origin=PRS_GOOGLE_ADGROUP-CompetitorKeywords&gclid=CJmqmue8v6QCFUxa7AodTGvkBw
According to the National Cancer Institute, U.S. women have a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetime. About 1 in 35 die from it, and it is second only to lung cancer in leading cause of cancer-caused deaths in women.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. (I'm not sure who isn't yet aware of breast cancer, but that's not the point of this entry.) People wear pink and remember those they love that have battled, or are currently battling, breast cancer, or because they themselves battled it. Stores sell their regular merchandise in pink and forward proceeds to cancer research. All this is great. Solidarity and money are two very practical responses and needs. Humor is often needed to deal with serious issues. I get that. But...
Last year, and here is where I might be pushing some buttons, there was a facebook phenomenon of women and girls posting what color bra they were wearing, all in the name of "Breast Cancer Awareness." It even made the news, which is kind of ridiculous. At best it was a silly inside joke, but at worst, the people who knew what it meant, especially the men who knew what it meant, were left with an unfortunate thought about the color of the participant's underwear. Harmless fun? Maybe.
This year, girls and women are posting statuses such as "I like it on the counter" or "I like it on the floor". Supposedly it's just where you put your purse when you get home, but it doesn't say that in the status. Again, this is in the name of "Breast Cancer Awareness." I'm not sure how making purposefully sexually suggestive statements is doing anything to help breast cancer victims or survivors, or encourage early detection, or educate those souls who may not actually know they should be doing self examinations at home or getting yearly check-ups. There is no follow up with stats about cancer, stories about survivors, links to cancer sites, ways to donate to the American Cancer Society. This does not empower anybody. For the young girls posting this, who are facebook friends with anybody male, think about what you are doing. You are putting the idea that you like sexual encounters in various places in your home out there for anyone to see. Adult women, do what you want, but do you really want people to be thinking of you in terms of where you like to have sex? Breast cancer has nothing to do with sex. At least the bra thing sort of made sense, in that it holds your breasts up. If you're going to follow this useless trend, at least consider giving it some value. Research cancer. Find somewhere to donate. Cut your hair and give it to a reputable charity that makes wigs for cancer patients. Send an encouraging note or take a meal to someone struggling with cancer.
Check it.
http://www.pantene.com/en-US/beautiful-lengths-cause/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=yahoo&utm_campaign=Pantene_CC_NF_1011&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Get+Inspired
http://www.cancer.org/
http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/
https://www.pinkribbonstore.com/gifts/site.do?siteId=343&origin=PRS_GOOGLE_ADGROUP-CompetitorKeywords&gclid=CJmqmue8v6QCFUxa7AodTGvkBw
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Takin' care of business...
I love food. I love to plan meals, find deals, and cook. I also love clothes and getting dressed up and being as age appropriately funky as I can be on my budget. My friend Benita loves the same, but probably in the reverse order. We've been talking for some time about starting a business that combines those things, and we have. Check out our site at
http://jandbshoppingandconsulting.shutterfly.com/
http://jandbshoppingandconsulting.shutterfly.com/
Sunday, September 19, 2010
And now for something completely different...
I am a crazy couponer. I have a filing system. I scour online sites, sign up for newsletters, and have my mom save the newspaper inserts for me to get coupons. It takes time, sure, but as they say time is money, and I almost always save as much as I spend by basing my meal plans on what is on sale combined with coupons. My favorite is when Publix has a bo/go sale on something I have individual purchase coupons for. Now the real reason I'm posting, I have some coupons I don't need but they're pretty valuable and if I just chucked them I'd feel like I might as well pull cash from my wallet and throw it in the trash. So, if any of you out there were thinking about getting a Swiffer, I have the following coupons I can give you:
Buy a Sweeper Starter Kit, get a free refill
Save $5 on any one Swiffer Sweepervac Starter Kit
Buy a Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit, get a free refill
We have a regular Swiffer and a Swiffer WetJet and they're awesome. Any of these coupons combined with a sale could make a great deal. They all expire April 30, 2011. If you want any or all of them, let me know.
Buy a Sweeper Starter Kit, get a free refill
Save $5 on any one Swiffer Sweepervac Starter Kit
Buy a Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit, get a free refill
We have a regular Swiffer and a Swiffer WetJet and they're awesome. Any of these coupons combined with a sale could make a great deal. They all expire April 30, 2011. If you want any or all of them, let me know.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Spare the rod, spoil an entire generation of children... or something like that.
I was perusing one of my free parenting magazines and I came across this gem on bullying behavior in children: "When you see your child acting in a hurtful way, tell him to stop, remove him from the situation, and then talk about what he can do instead next time. However, if your efforts don't make a dent in his behavior, ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate mental-health professional." What the (non-mom approved language redacted)? If you're raising a bully, he doesn't need a talking to and psychologist, he needs you the parent to act like a grown up and lay down the law. I can't believe people get paid for this garbage. I have never met a child who misbehaved like that who WASN'T crying out for discipline. Children thrive on limits. What shocked me was there is no mention of consequences. How about instituting rising levels of disciplinary action if your child doesn't respond to you saying, "Now Jimmy, that's not nice!" instead of skipping straight to therapy? Was this article sponsored by the National Association of Laughing All the Way to the Bank Child Psychologists? And of course the kid featured in the bullying picture, doing the bullying, was a red head. Nice stereotype...
I have, in my time, worked with students with varying disabilities that hampered their social awareness. There are always exceptions. I have also in my time worked with students that just needed their mom or dad to give them a spanking. I am not a children's mental health expert, though apparently that wouldn't be difficult, I just know what I've seen from working with teenagers, teaching 2nd grade functioning learning disabled children, babysitting, teaching middle school, etc. Even with my LD's, the parents worked to establish order within the limits of what their children were capable of understanding.
When children in my care exhibit disrespectful behavior toward me, another adult, or each other I am on that like ugly on a duck. And guess what? The students I have been the strictest to LOVE ME for it. (Well, except for that one kid...) The kids whose cases I get on know it's because I expect better, I love them, and want them to succeed, and that means consequences. And it works. No therapy necessary. (Though sometimes I feel like I need it!)
I also read in another article that kids don't really understand rules and limits until they are 3 years old. $#$#$*!Q2@!!!? Edward is 15 months. He knows not to touch Sirius's water and food bowl. He knows if he pitches a fit, he will not get his way, and if he persists, he will get a consequence. It takes time, energy, commitment, and the Holy Spirit, but Edward knows.
This is the mainstream advice for parents. Kids these days... deserve better.
I have, in my time, worked with students with varying disabilities that hampered their social awareness. There are always exceptions. I have also in my time worked with students that just needed their mom or dad to give them a spanking. I am not a children's mental health expert, though apparently that wouldn't be difficult, I just know what I've seen from working with teenagers, teaching 2nd grade functioning learning disabled children, babysitting, teaching middle school, etc. Even with my LD's, the parents worked to establish order within the limits of what their children were capable of understanding.
When children in my care exhibit disrespectful behavior toward me, another adult, or each other I am on that like ugly on a duck. And guess what? The students I have been the strictest to LOVE ME for it. (Well, except for that one kid...) The kids whose cases I get on know it's because I expect better, I love them, and want them to succeed, and that means consequences. And it works. No therapy necessary. (Though sometimes I feel like I need it!)
I also read in another article that kids don't really understand rules and limits until they are 3 years old. $#$#$*!Q2@!!!? Edward is 15 months. He knows not to touch Sirius's water and food bowl. He knows if he pitches a fit, he will not get his way, and if he persists, he will get a consequence. It takes time, energy, commitment, and the Holy Spirit, but Edward knows.
This is the mainstream advice for parents. Kids these days... deserve better.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Country music
I don't often listen to country music anymore. It's too poppy. Today, though, it seemed fitting, so I put on K92. Toby Keith "I Love This Bar" was on. I love Toby Keith. One of my most favorite memories ever was going to his concert in Orlando, sponsored by the NRA, that was part of Charlton Heston's final round of public appearances. Before the concert started, Mr. and Mrs. Heston came out on stage and Mr. Heston waved to the crowd before his wife helped him walk back. The standing ovation he received must have lasted for 20 minutes. No one wanted the moment to end. It was awesome.
After "I Love This Bar" ended, I heard a song I'd never heard before. I think I might have to turn K92 on more often. Here it is:
Artist: Thompson Josh
Song: Way Out Here
Album: Way Out Here
Our houses are protected by the good Lord and a gun
And you might meet 'em both if you show up here not welcome son
Our necks are burnt, our roads are dirt and our trucks ain't clean
The dogs run lose, we smoke, we chew and fry everything
Out here, way out here
(Chorus)
We won't take a dime if we ain't earned it
When it comes to weight brother we pull our own
If it's our backwoods way of livin' you're concerned with
You can leave us alone
We're about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere
Way out here
We got a fightin' side a mile wide but we pray for peace
'Cause it's mostly us that end up servin' overseas
If it was up to me I'd love to see this country run
Like it used to be, oughta be, just like it's done
Out here, way out here
(Chorus)
We won't take a dime if we ain't earned it
When it comes to weight brother we pull our own
If it's our backwoods way of livin' you're concerned with
You can leave us alone
We're about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere
Way out here
We won't take a dime if we ain't earned it
When it comes to weight brother we pull our own
If it's our backwoods way of livin' you're concerned with
You can leave us alone
We're about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere
Way out here, way out here
Our houses are protected by the good Lord and a gun
And you might meet 'em both if you show up here not welcome son
After "I Love This Bar" ended, I heard a song I'd never heard before. I think I might have to turn K92 on more often. Here it is:
Artist: Thompson Josh
Song: Way Out Here
Album: Way Out Here
Our houses are protected by the good Lord and a gun
And you might meet 'em both if you show up here not welcome son
Our necks are burnt, our roads are dirt and our trucks ain't clean
The dogs run lose, we smoke, we chew and fry everything
Out here, way out here
(Chorus)
We won't take a dime if we ain't earned it
When it comes to weight brother we pull our own
If it's our backwoods way of livin' you're concerned with
You can leave us alone
We're about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere
Way out here
We got a fightin' side a mile wide but we pray for peace
'Cause it's mostly us that end up servin' overseas
If it was up to me I'd love to see this country run
Like it used to be, oughta be, just like it's done
Out here, way out here
(Chorus)
We won't take a dime if we ain't earned it
When it comes to weight brother we pull our own
If it's our backwoods way of livin' you're concerned with
You can leave us alone
We're about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere
Way out here
We won't take a dime if we ain't earned it
When it comes to weight brother we pull our own
If it's our backwoods way of livin' you're concerned with
You can leave us alone
We're about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere
Way out here, way out here
Our houses are protected by the good Lord and a gun
And you might meet 'em both if you show up here not welcome son
Monday, September 6, 2010
Politics 2010
All information copied and pasted directly for the candidates' own websites,
rickscottforflorida.com and alexsink2010.com
Rick Scott
"We need a businessman who knows how to create jobs and has a record of balancing budgets and getting results.
* Rick will institute Accountability Budgeting. He will make each state agency set annual goals for every dollar they spend, then measure their performance against those goals and hold them accountable for their outcomes.
* Rick will force the bureaucrats to justify the way they spend our tax dollars. Holding them accountable will help eliminate waste, increase efficiencies and eliminate ineffective programs."
Alex Sink
"* Alex Sink will fight to stop the irresponsible Tallahassee budgeting gimmick of using one-time dollars to pay for multi-year expenses. Although the Florida Constitution allows this type of budgeting with limitations, Alex believes the practice has been abused and is tantamount to deficit spending. She also will oppose the use of trust funds that are designated for specific spending purposes - such as transportation projects - to cover general state budget operating expenses.
* Requiring all top state agency officials to sign performance contracts with benchmarks tailored to their department. As Governor, Alex Sink will create performance contracts for all her top appointees throughout state government. These "executive agreements" will provide a clear and measurable way to communicate citizen priorities and expectations to agency heads. Alex will personally evaluate each manager and each agency, holding her direct reports accountable for meeting specific goals and objectives.
* Creating an independent, nonpartisan accountability office on state spending. Alex will propose the creation of a non-partisan watchdog office - similar to the federal Government Accountability Office - that will advise the Governor, Cabinet and Legislature on how to make state government more efficient, effective, ethical, fair and responsive to citizens. The office also will work with local and federal agencies - including cities, counties and school boards -- to better leverage and coordinate the use of local, state and federal dollars for public programs and services."
Rick Scott
"Our government has failed to keep its promise to the American people to secure our borders and stop illegal immigration. By definition anyone who is here illegally has broken our laws and mocked our laws. As a nation that is based on the rule of law we must reject amnesty, send those who are here illegally home and secure our borders.
* Rick believes border security is an economic and national security issue.
* Rick is opposed to amnesty and will fight amnesty for lawbreakers.
* Rick supports measures like the Arizona law that allow enforcement of already existing law. It is commonsense; if you are breaking the law then law enforcement should be able to ask for identification that shows you are in the United States legally. The only people who have reason to fear the law are people who are here illegally. States like Arizona are in a crisis situation because the career politicians and the federal government have FAILED to secure our border.
* Rick believes those who immigrate to America must come here legally, play by the rules and respect our laws.
* Rick will require all Florida employers to use the free E-Verify system to ensure that their workers are legal."
Alex Sink
"States are passing tougher immigration laws because the Federal government has failed to secure our borders and crack down on illegal immigration. While it is the responsibility of our Federal Government to enforce immigration laws, it is clear that Washington has dropped the ball for decades. And in recent years, many states, like Arizona, have taken matters into their own hands to address a serious and growing problem. One thing, however, is clear: illegal immigrants that break our state's laws should be held accountable both by the state of Florida and by the federal government for being in this country illegally by being deported.
In Florida, we must crack down on those things that make it easy for illegal immigrants to break the rules in the first place: the fact that companies suffer little consequence for hiring illegal immigrants.
We should not be hamstrung by the federal government when it comes to shutting down the practice of employing illegal immigrants. It undermines our workers here at home, and it strains our public resources. And we certainly don't need permission from anyone to go after illegal immigrants who are involved in violent criminal elements and endanger our communities.
We all know Washington has failed to control illegal immigration, fix the system and secure our borders. So, as Governor of Florida, here's my plan::
1. Impose stiff state fines on private companies that knowingly hire undocumented workers. Businesses should not profit from knowingly employing illegal workers who are taking jobs away from citizens or legally established residents who are playing by the rules.
2. Require business owners to validate a worker's legal status. Businesses should not profit from deliberately and systematically breaking the law.
3. Require all state agencies to verify the legal status when hiring state employees. State government should lead by example and live by the same rules as private businesses when it comes to verifying the legal status of employees.
4. Require all companies doing business with the State of Florida to certify that the legal status of their employees has been verified before they can get any work from Florida. And if any company is found to have hired illegal workers after getting a state contract, they will immediately lose it, and repeat offenders will be barred from future State business. We should ensure that Florida taxpayers' dollars don't support companies that hire illegal workers.
5. Require state agencies to verify the legal status of any applicant for taxpayer-funded public assistance programs who claims to be a legal immigrant. This includes requiring agencies to use the federal Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) program to verify eligibility for public assistance benefits of anyone claiming to be a legal resident of Florida. I will fight to change any federal laws and policies that hamstring states from verifying if applicants for taxpayer-funded state services are in this country legally."
Rick Scott
"# Rick will create jobs by keeping taxes low and limiting job killing regulations.
# Rick will ensure that Florida has an educated workforce that will allow Florida to attract new business and good paying jobs."
Alex Sink
"Florida Should Do Everything Possible to Support our Businesses: Florida should be seen as a great place not just to vacation or retire but also to start and grow a business. Alex will work to maintain Florida’s position as a low tax state for businesses, and create an environment that is consistent and helpful, while removing unnecessary barriers to growth. It’s time for the politicians to take a back seat to some real business know-how. This will require a unique partnership with a Governor who works with business to grow our economy. Alex knows that economic growth doesn’t really come from government – it comes from business. But good government can help the private sector drive growth.
Streamlining, Expediting, and Cutting the Red Tape. Florida should be doing everything we can to keep jobs here and grow jobs quickly. That means bringing greater speed and certainty to permitting decisions without gutting environmental and public safety protections; accelerating the launch of already-approved economic development projects through the Florida Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development; streamlining regulations and the regulatory process; and creating an easier interface with state government."
Rick Scott
"Florida’s education system must prepare our children to get good paying jobs, so that they are able to support their families and fuel the economy. Each student who is not going to college must be equipped with the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century economy. Rick understands this well as he went to community college before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, then upon returning he finished the education that was the foundation of a successful career in business.
* Rick believes in accountability in education.
* Rick believes in school choice, including vouchers and charter schools.
* Rick supports merit pay.
* Rick supports eliminating teacher tenure for new teachers.
* Rick supports homeschooling for parents who feel this is the best option for their children.
* Rick supports a constitutional amendment to modify the state’s class-size law.
* Rick would have signed SB-6."
Alex Sink
"BUILDING A HIGH-QUALITY & ACCOUNTABLE EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE
As a proven business leader and the first Governor in 12 years whose own children graduated from Florida public schools, Alex Sink understands the vital link between a vibrant economy, high-paying jobs and a quality education system. Alex will implement a comprehensive education plan during her administration focused on child readiness for school, quality instruction, accountability that measures student performance, investment in our teachers and principals, and getting parents and communities more engaged in our schools. Florida needs a Governor who will lead on statewide education reform -- by inspiring more local innovation and supporting the spread of best practices to all school districts.
Support Career and Technical Academies in High Schools. Alex Sink will support specialized high school diplomas for students with technical skills and certifications for careers. Potential drop-out students must be encouraged to stay in school through alternative learning opportunities that will lead them to jobs after graduation. Alex will work with Florida's school districts, colleges and the industries within their communities to identify the specific programs needed to gain employment and advance in their careers.
Reform Teacher Compensation Around a Fair, Performance-based System. To attract and retain the best minds to the classroom, we must pay teachers like valued professionals. Higher salaries must come with increased expectations through a performance-based system that rewards excellence and recognizes additional demands placed on participating teachers. Alex Sink will support a fair compensation system built on local collaboration. She will require comprehensive accountability measures to ensure that teachers are fairly rated and that student performance outcomes are being achieved."
rickscottforflorida.com and alexsink2010.com
Rick Scott
"We need a businessman who knows how to create jobs and has a record of balancing budgets and getting results.
* Rick will institute Accountability Budgeting. He will make each state agency set annual goals for every dollar they spend, then measure their performance against those goals and hold them accountable for their outcomes.
* Rick will force the bureaucrats to justify the way they spend our tax dollars. Holding them accountable will help eliminate waste, increase efficiencies and eliminate ineffective programs."
Alex Sink
"* Alex Sink will fight to stop the irresponsible Tallahassee budgeting gimmick of using one-time dollars to pay for multi-year expenses. Although the Florida Constitution allows this type of budgeting with limitations, Alex believes the practice has been abused and is tantamount to deficit spending. She also will oppose the use of trust funds that are designated for specific spending purposes - such as transportation projects - to cover general state budget operating expenses.
* Requiring all top state agency officials to sign performance contracts with benchmarks tailored to their department. As Governor, Alex Sink will create performance contracts for all her top appointees throughout state government. These "executive agreements" will provide a clear and measurable way to communicate citizen priorities and expectations to agency heads. Alex will personally evaluate each manager and each agency, holding her direct reports accountable for meeting specific goals and objectives.
* Creating an independent, nonpartisan accountability office on state spending. Alex will propose the creation of a non-partisan watchdog office - similar to the federal Government Accountability Office - that will advise the Governor, Cabinet and Legislature on how to make state government more efficient, effective, ethical, fair and responsive to citizens. The office also will work with local and federal agencies - including cities, counties and school boards -- to better leverage and coordinate the use of local, state and federal dollars for public programs and services."
Rick Scott
"Our government has failed to keep its promise to the American people to secure our borders and stop illegal immigration. By definition anyone who is here illegally has broken our laws and mocked our laws. As a nation that is based on the rule of law we must reject amnesty, send those who are here illegally home and secure our borders.
* Rick believes border security is an economic and national security issue.
* Rick is opposed to amnesty and will fight amnesty for lawbreakers.
* Rick supports measures like the Arizona law that allow enforcement of already existing law. It is commonsense; if you are breaking the law then law enforcement should be able to ask for identification that shows you are in the United States legally. The only people who have reason to fear the law are people who are here illegally. States like Arizona are in a crisis situation because the career politicians and the federal government have FAILED to secure our border.
* Rick believes those who immigrate to America must come here legally, play by the rules and respect our laws.
* Rick will require all Florida employers to use the free E-Verify system to ensure that their workers are legal."
Alex Sink
"States are passing tougher immigration laws because the Federal government has failed to secure our borders and crack down on illegal immigration. While it is the responsibility of our Federal Government to enforce immigration laws, it is clear that Washington has dropped the ball for decades. And in recent years, many states, like Arizona, have taken matters into their own hands to address a serious and growing problem. One thing, however, is clear: illegal immigrants that break our state's laws should be held accountable both by the state of Florida and by the federal government for being in this country illegally by being deported.
In Florida, we must crack down on those things that make it easy for illegal immigrants to break the rules in the first place: the fact that companies suffer little consequence for hiring illegal immigrants.
We should not be hamstrung by the federal government when it comes to shutting down the practice of employing illegal immigrants. It undermines our workers here at home, and it strains our public resources. And we certainly don't need permission from anyone to go after illegal immigrants who are involved in violent criminal elements and endanger our communities.
We all know Washington has failed to control illegal immigration, fix the system and secure our borders. So, as Governor of Florida, here's my plan::
1. Impose stiff state fines on private companies that knowingly hire undocumented workers. Businesses should not profit from knowingly employing illegal workers who are taking jobs away from citizens or legally established residents who are playing by the rules.
2. Require business owners to validate a worker's legal status. Businesses should not profit from deliberately and systematically breaking the law.
3. Require all state agencies to verify the legal status when hiring state employees. State government should lead by example and live by the same rules as private businesses when it comes to verifying the legal status of employees.
4. Require all companies doing business with the State of Florida to certify that the legal status of their employees has been verified before they can get any work from Florida. And if any company is found to have hired illegal workers after getting a state contract, they will immediately lose it, and repeat offenders will be barred from future State business. We should ensure that Florida taxpayers' dollars don't support companies that hire illegal workers.
5. Require state agencies to verify the legal status of any applicant for taxpayer-funded public assistance programs who claims to be a legal immigrant. This includes requiring agencies to use the federal Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) program to verify eligibility for public assistance benefits of anyone claiming to be a legal resident of Florida. I will fight to change any federal laws and policies that hamstring states from verifying if applicants for taxpayer-funded state services are in this country legally."
Rick Scott
"# Rick will create jobs by keeping taxes low and limiting job killing regulations.
# Rick will ensure that Florida has an educated workforce that will allow Florida to attract new business and good paying jobs."
Alex Sink
"Florida Should Do Everything Possible to Support our Businesses: Florida should be seen as a great place not just to vacation or retire but also to start and grow a business. Alex will work to maintain Florida’s position as a low tax state for businesses, and create an environment that is consistent and helpful, while removing unnecessary barriers to growth. It’s time for the politicians to take a back seat to some real business know-how. This will require a unique partnership with a Governor who works with business to grow our economy. Alex knows that economic growth doesn’t really come from government – it comes from business. But good government can help the private sector drive growth.
Streamlining, Expediting, and Cutting the Red Tape. Florida should be doing everything we can to keep jobs here and grow jobs quickly. That means bringing greater speed and certainty to permitting decisions without gutting environmental and public safety protections; accelerating the launch of already-approved economic development projects through the Florida Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development; streamlining regulations and the regulatory process; and creating an easier interface with state government."
Rick Scott
"Florida’s education system must prepare our children to get good paying jobs, so that they are able to support their families and fuel the economy. Each student who is not going to college must be equipped with the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century economy. Rick understands this well as he went to community college before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, then upon returning he finished the education that was the foundation of a successful career in business.
* Rick believes in accountability in education.
* Rick believes in school choice, including vouchers and charter schools.
* Rick supports merit pay.
* Rick supports eliminating teacher tenure for new teachers.
* Rick supports homeschooling for parents who feel this is the best option for their children.
* Rick supports a constitutional amendment to modify the state’s class-size law.
* Rick would have signed SB-6."
Alex Sink
"BUILDING A HIGH-QUALITY & ACCOUNTABLE EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE
As a proven business leader and the first Governor in 12 years whose own children graduated from Florida public schools, Alex Sink understands the vital link between a vibrant economy, high-paying jobs and a quality education system. Alex will implement a comprehensive education plan during her administration focused on child readiness for school, quality instruction, accountability that measures student performance, investment in our teachers and principals, and getting parents and communities more engaged in our schools. Florida needs a Governor who will lead on statewide education reform -- by inspiring more local innovation and supporting the spread of best practices to all school districts.
Support Career and Technical Academies in High Schools. Alex Sink will support specialized high school diplomas for students with technical skills and certifications for careers. Potential drop-out students must be encouraged to stay in school through alternative learning opportunities that will lead them to jobs after graduation. Alex will work with Florida's school districts, colleges and the industries within their communities to identify the specific programs needed to gain employment and advance in their careers.
Reform Teacher Compensation Around a Fair, Performance-based System. To attract and retain the best minds to the classroom, we must pay teachers like valued professionals. Higher salaries must come with increased expectations through a performance-based system that rewards excellence and recognizes additional demands placed on participating teachers. Alex Sink will support a fair compensation system built on local collaboration. She will require comprehensive accountability measures to ensure that teachers are fairly rated and that student performance outcomes are being achieved."
Monday, August 23, 2010
Party recipes
This weekend I planned and cooked for my mom's surprise 60th birthday and helped plan and cook for my little brother's going-away-to-college party. Several people asked for various recipes, so here they are. Please keep in mind all measurements are approximate because I fling, mix, taste, and fling some more until I like it.
SPICY ASIAN BEEF
This was for close to 10 lbs. of steak, so if you're preparing for just your family, adjust accordingly.
1 bottle soy sauce
1 bottle burgundy cooking wine (I'm almost always opposed to using cooking wine instead of real wine as an ingredient, but for marinades it's ok to fudge. This would be great with a cup or so of a substantial red, like your favorite cab.)
1 small jar Thai chili sauce or 1/3 or half of a larger jar (I used about 3 and a half ounces in this recipe).
1/4 cup loosely scooped brown sugar
3 to 4 large cloves of garlic, minced
(I think I used a splash of sesame oil as well but I can't remember.)
Pour everything into a bowl and stir well. I really like bold spice, so if you don't, go easy on the Thai chili sauce, or just use a sprinkle of red pepper flake or a dash of siracha instead. Taste a bit to see if you like it, keeping in mind that as the meat marinates, the flavors will mellow. If it's slightly over the top in the bowl, it will be perfect for the final product. If it's too salty or bitter for your taste, add another tablespoon of brown sugar, stir, and re-taste. If it's too spicy, you can dilute it with more of any of the wet ingredients or a neutral oil. Put meat in a flat baking dish or a ziploc bag, pour marinade over the top, refrigerate for as long as you can (all day or overnight, preferably.) Bring meat to room temperature before grilling or you can cook it in a fry pan to the desired doneness. Slice thinly across the grain and enjoy.
CHICKEN SATAY
Again, this was for almost 10 pounds of chicken tenderloins. Take the concept and apply it to your cooking needs.
Marinade:
4 cans coconut milk
1 jar green curry paste (Thai Kitchens makes a great paste.)
Whisk paste into milk in a large bowl until well-mixed. Pour over chicken in ziploc bags or a baking dish, refrigerate for as long as you can.
Peanut-cilantro glaze/dipping sauce:
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
scant 1/4 lime juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 TB+ fish sauce
1 TB+ toasted sesame oil (the secret to amazing homemade Asian food)
1 TB+ brown sugar
Put all ingredients into a bowl, stir with a fork til smooth, taste to see if you like it. If the fish sauce is overpowering, add a little more PB and brown sugar. Just a word of warning, fish sauce smells awful in the bottle but it will make the food taste incredible. Cover finished peanut sauce or put in container with a lid, refrigerate until ready to cook the chicken. Bring chicken to room temperature before grilling (set out on counter while you're heating the coals; that's about enough time.) Set out the sauce as well and give it another stir.
Grill chicken until it's cooked through, remove from heat, then generously slather on the peanut sauce, or serve separately for dipping.
SPICY VEGETARIAN TACO FILLING
This was also made for the masses. I tried to shrink this recipe down, since for the others, the sauce can be saved for later use. This doesn't keep very well for very long.
2 cans black beans, or an equivalent made from dried beans.
(I always drain and rinse my canned beans.)
2 portabella mushroom caps (large), cut into small pieces
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
cumin
smoked paprika (the secret ingredient)
cocoa chili powder
regular chili powder
smattering of cilantro (optional)
sploosh of lime juice
Oil for cooking (I prefer olive oil.)
Pour oil in a pan over medium-high heat til bottom is just covered. Add minced garlic. As the oil and garlic heat together, the garlic flavor will permeate the oil. Once the oil and garlic starts to sizzle, toss in mushroom pieces and saute til browned. You may need to keep drizzling oil. Once the mushrooms start to brown, give a light sprinkling of cumin, a heavier sprinkling of smoked paprika (mushrooms should be coated), and a dusting of cocoa chili powder and regular chili powder. This recipe is fine with just regular chili powder, but the cocoa chili powder enhances the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. Stir it all together well, add black beans, stir, add sploosh of lime juice and cilantro if using, stir, turn to low heat and leave it alone. Every several minutes, give it a stir. The mushrooms will cook down a lot. The longer this sits over low heat, the better it gets. Taste occasionally and adjust spices as needed.
BBQ PORTABELLA SLIDERS
Baby portabella mushrooms
2 large cloves garlic minced.
1 large sweet onion, sliced as thin as possible.
Oil for cooking
mini-rolls (such as King's Hawaiian)
Bbq sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's is my favorite and is what I used on these.)
Allow 1 to 2 baby bellas and an equal amount of miniature rolls per person. I made 60 of these for the birthday party.
Brush dirt off mushrooms and trim stems so the bellas will sit flat on the rolls.
Halve and brush inside of each roll with bbq sauce.
In a large enough pan so that mushrooms will be in one layer, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add garlic, saute, add onions, saute til onions soften. Add a little more oil, add the baby bellas. Keep it all moving until mushrooms begin to brown/soften a little. With tongs, carefully place a bed of onion on the roll. Top with a bella, squeeze roll closed so the bella doesn't escape. Repeat til done.
SPICY ASIAN BEEF
This was for close to 10 lbs. of steak, so if you're preparing for just your family, adjust accordingly.
1 bottle soy sauce
1 bottle burgundy cooking wine (I'm almost always opposed to using cooking wine instead of real wine as an ingredient, but for marinades it's ok to fudge. This would be great with a cup or so of a substantial red, like your favorite cab.)
1 small jar Thai chili sauce or 1/3 or half of a larger jar (I used about 3 and a half ounces in this recipe).
1/4 cup loosely scooped brown sugar
3 to 4 large cloves of garlic, minced
(I think I used a splash of sesame oil as well but I can't remember.)
Pour everything into a bowl and stir well. I really like bold spice, so if you don't, go easy on the Thai chili sauce, or just use a sprinkle of red pepper flake or a dash of siracha instead. Taste a bit to see if you like it, keeping in mind that as the meat marinates, the flavors will mellow. If it's slightly over the top in the bowl, it will be perfect for the final product. If it's too salty or bitter for your taste, add another tablespoon of brown sugar, stir, and re-taste. If it's too spicy, you can dilute it with more of any of the wet ingredients or a neutral oil. Put meat in a flat baking dish or a ziploc bag, pour marinade over the top, refrigerate for as long as you can (all day or overnight, preferably.) Bring meat to room temperature before grilling or you can cook it in a fry pan to the desired doneness. Slice thinly across the grain and enjoy.
CHICKEN SATAY
Again, this was for almost 10 pounds of chicken tenderloins. Take the concept and apply it to your cooking needs.
Marinade:
4 cans coconut milk
1 jar green curry paste (Thai Kitchens makes a great paste.)
Whisk paste into milk in a large bowl until well-mixed. Pour over chicken in ziploc bags or a baking dish, refrigerate for as long as you can.
Peanut-cilantro glaze/dipping sauce:
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
scant 1/4 lime juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 TB+ fish sauce
1 TB+ toasted sesame oil (the secret to amazing homemade Asian food)
1 TB+ brown sugar
Put all ingredients into a bowl, stir with a fork til smooth, taste to see if you like it. If the fish sauce is overpowering, add a little more PB and brown sugar. Just a word of warning, fish sauce smells awful in the bottle but it will make the food taste incredible. Cover finished peanut sauce or put in container with a lid, refrigerate until ready to cook the chicken. Bring chicken to room temperature before grilling (set out on counter while you're heating the coals; that's about enough time.) Set out the sauce as well and give it another stir.
Grill chicken until it's cooked through, remove from heat, then generously slather on the peanut sauce, or serve separately for dipping.
SPICY VEGETARIAN TACO FILLING
This was also made for the masses. I tried to shrink this recipe down, since for the others, the sauce can be saved for later use. This doesn't keep very well for very long.
2 cans black beans, or an equivalent made from dried beans.
(I always drain and rinse my canned beans.)
2 portabella mushroom caps (large), cut into small pieces
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
cumin
smoked paprika (the secret ingredient)
cocoa chili powder
regular chili powder
smattering of cilantro (optional)
sploosh of lime juice
Oil for cooking (I prefer olive oil.)
Pour oil in a pan over medium-high heat til bottom is just covered. Add minced garlic. As the oil and garlic heat together, the garlic flavor will permeate the oil. Once the oil and garlic starts to sizzle, toss in mushroom pieces and saute til browned. You may need to keep drizzling oil. Once the mushrooms start to brown, give a light sprinkling of cumin, a heavier sprinkling of smoked paprika (mushrooms should be coated), and a dusting of cocoa chili powder and regular chili powder. This recipe is fine with just regular chili powder, but the cocoa chili powder enhances the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. Stir it all together well, add black beans, stir, add sploosh of lime juice and cilantro if using, stir, turn to low heat and leave it alone. Every several minutes, give it a stir. The mushrooms will cook down a lot. The longer this sits over low heat, the better it gets. Taste occasionally and adjust spices as needed.
BBQ PORTABELLA SLIDERS
Baby portabella mushrooms
2 large cloves garlic minced.
1 large sweet onion, sliced as thin as possible.
Oil for cooking
mini-rolls (such as King's Hawaiian)
Bbq sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's is my favorite and is what I used on these.)
Allow 1 to 2 baby bellas and an equal amount of miniature rolls per person. I made 60 of these for the birthday party.
Brush dirt off mushrooms and trim stems so the bellas will sit flat on the rolls.
Halve and brush inside of each roll with bbq sauce.
In a large enough pan so that mushrooms will be in one layer, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add garlic, saute, add onions, saute til onions soften. Add a little more oil, add the baby bellas. Keep it all moving until mushrooms begin to brown/soften a little. With tongs, carefully place a bed of onion on the roll. Top with a bella, squeeze roll closed so the bella doesn't escape. Repeat til done.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
story of the car: a mini diary
July 8: William called me to tell me he was on his way home from work. 10 minutes later he called me to come get him because his car had broken down in the outside turn lane on Maitland Blvd and Maitland Ave. After a few minutes of getting screamed and cursed at (because, you know, he broke down on purpose to inconvenience people) a nice man stopped and helped him push the car through the rest of the turn and into a parking lot. Edward and I rescued William and drove home, leaving the car overnight. We returned in the morning, hoping that it would miraculously turn on. It did not. The sad old Honda was towed to our trusty mechanic.
July 12: Diagnosis day. The timing belt went and took some things with it. Cost of repairs? $1800. Yeah, that wasn't going to happen. The car wasn't worth that. It stressed us both out. It would have been doable to go to being a one car family, but we would have been filling up my tank every 2 days with all the places we need to go separately. The search for a new car begins, leading to a cheap Volvo that the owner planned on charging US to repair... yeah no.
July 13: First day of having to be different places, but fortunately they were on the same side of town. The car hunt continues...
July 14: More Volvos. Craigslist. Ugh. William sells the Honda to one of those "we buy your junk car!!!" places, and our mechanic is surprised how much we got for it.
July 15: An unexpected financial gift, for which we are immensely grateful. The car search is widened from "clunker" to "functioning, with ac!"
July 16: More Volvos. Craigslist. Yay!
July 17-18: More Volvos. Decisions. Ugh/Yay!
July 19: We own a Volvo! It's in super-great condition, mechanically and aesthetically, and is quite literally the nicest car William has ever owned.
I am humbled by how quickly God provided in unexpected ways, and how much had to happen at just the right time for us to have found our new car. I am too quick to pray that God will provide and then act like I don't think He will. Next time I'm stressing out, maybe I will peek out the window at our pretty red Volvo and remember that God is bigger than me.
July 12: Diagnosis day. The timing belt went and took some things with it. Cost of repairs? $1800. Yeah, that wasn't going to happen. The car wasn't worth that. It stressed us both out. It would have been doable to go to being a one car family, but we would have been filling up my tank every 2 days with all the places we need to go separately. The search for a new car begins, leading to a cheap Volvo that the owner planned on charging US to repair... yeah no.
July 13: First day of having to be different places, but fortunately they were on the same side of town. The car hunt continues...
July 14: More Volvos. Craigslist. Ugh. William sells the Honda to one of those "we buy your junk car!!!" places, and our mechanic is surprised how much we got for it.
July 15: An unexpected financial gift, for which we are immensely grateful. The car search is widened from "clunker" to "functioning, with ac!"
July 16: More Volvos. Craigslist. Yay!
July 17-18: More Volvos. Decisions. Ugh/Yay!
July 19: We own a Volvo! It's in super-great condition, mechanically and aesthetically, and is quite literally the nicest car William has ever owned.
I am humbled by how quickly God provided in unexpected ways, and how much had to happen at just the right time for us to have found our new car. I am too quick to pray that God will provide and then act like I don't think He will. Next time I'm stressing out, maybe I will peek out the window at our pretty red Volvo and remember that God is bigger than me.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Books for people who love books
Over the past couple months, I’ve been making my way through the Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke. Although these are marketed as children’s books, I would venture to say they aren’t for children, but they are excellent. I haven’t finished the last book yet, entitled Inkdeath, but so far it’s the same quality as the others. The premise is that there are people in the world who can literally bring the written word to life with their voices. The catch is that when something or someone is brought into this world from a book, something or someone from this world becomes trapped in that book as a trade-off. The nightmarish turn bringing a book to life takes reminds me of a scene from another great book, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, where Caspian and crew come across one of the lost Lords on the island where dreams come true. Initially the crew thinks that’s awesome, but quickly realize the true horror of it.
An overarching theme of the series is the power of words to change lives, individually and across nations. There is also just the plot of the story, which I’d say is later Harry Potter novels levels of dark, but with American mild cursing and implied sex. There’s death, violence, and hurt, which mostly stems from the use and misuse of the power of words.
Something I think is brilliant stylistically is that the author uses quotes from literature and poetry at the opening of every chapter, which communicates her own respect for the power words can have. She’s also German, which doesn’t surprise me because these fairy tales are much more in the style of the Brothers Grimm than of Disney.
One of the most tragic scenes in the story involves book-burning. If you’ve never been friends with a book, you won’t understand why, but if books come alive when you read them, I guarantee this scene will haunt you. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter I think you will like these as well. If you love books, you will get even more out of these than if you just love an adventure story.
The movie version, btw, was terrible.
An overarching theme of the series is the power of words to change lives, individually and across nations. There is also just the plot of the story, which I’d say is later Harry Potter novels levels of dark, but with American mild cursing and implied sex. There’s death, violence, and hurt, which mostly stems from the use and misuse of the power of words.
Something I think is brilliant stylistically is that the author uses quotes from literature and poetry at the opening of every chapter, which communicates her own respect for the power words can have. She’s also German, which doesn’t surprise me because these fairy tales are much more in the style of the Brothers Grimm than of Disney.
One of the most tragic scenes in the story involves book-burning. If you’ve never been friends with a book, you won’t understand why, but if books come alive when you read them, I guarantee this scene will haunt you. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter I think you will like these as well. If you love books, you will get even more out of these than if you just love an adventure story.
The movie version, btw, was terrible.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
summer time, and the livin' is... easy?
Even though I've been technically done with school for 3 weeks, this past week has felt like the first real week of summer, mainly because I haven't had any meetings, evaluations to do, or appointments other than play dates and Edward's one year check-up. That means now I have time to blog (yay), clean, (boo!) and catch up on Doctor Who reruns (double yay!)
Yesterday felt downright decadent because I got to spend pretty much the entire day with my friend Benita, a fellow blogger (check her out at http://fashioncheese.blogspot.com/) and her baby girl. I got to BROWSE makeup aisles, rather than make a snap decision and run because I had to get to the next thing. I also got to bounce my mommy concerns off of another mom. At Edward's appointment, the doctor showed a little concern because he isn't addressing me and William as mama and dada yet. If he's not doing this by 15 months then there might be something wrong. No parent likes to hear their might be something wrong with their child, even in potentia. I'd say I'm not worried because otherwise he's perfectly healthy and developed, but that would be an outright lie. With the downtime of summer comes time for me to start second guessing myself and my parenting decisions. Have I not read to him enough? Have I not spent enough time repeating different words to him? Did I warp my child for life because I haven't been playing kiddie CD's for him in the car? Is this because I worked part time?
Having someone to talk me though this right away was so needed, especially someone who has dealt with much more serious issues than a possible speech delay. A little perspective goes a long way...
With summer comes a lot of silence, which people tend to say is where you meet God. I tend to meet my self-doubt. I would like to kick that squatter out but I don't always know how.
On a completely different and humorous note, at Benita's house I was flipping through a fashion magazine (if you know me or have read my posts, you know about my love/hate relationship with fashion mags.) This issue was devoted to hair and had "real life" tips for growing out a short hairstyle. Their tips boil down to the following: be Heidi Klum or get a weave. Going out on a crazy limb here but I don't think those are practical. It gave me something to chuckle about at least. I wonder what people who are rich enough for that to actually be practical advice worry about.
Yesterday felt downright decadent because I got to spend pretty much the entire day with my friend Benita, a fellow blogger (check her out at http://fashioncheese.blogspot.com/) and her baby girl. I got to BROWSE makeup aisles, rather than make a snap decision and run because I had to get to the next thing. I also got to bounce my mommy concerns off of another mom. At Edward's appointment, the doctor showed a little concern because he isn't addressing me and William as mama and dada yet. If he's not doing this by 15 months then there might be something wrong. No parent likes to hear their might be something wrong with their child, even in potentia. I'd say I'm not worried because otherwise he's perfectly healthy and developed, but that would be an outright lie. With the downtime of summer comes time for me to start second guessing myself and my parenting decisions. Have I not read to him enough? Have I not spent enough time repeating different words to him? Did I warp my child for life because I haven't been playing kiddie CD's for him in the car? Is this because I worked part time?
Having someone to talk me though this right away was so needed, especially someone who has dealt with much more serious issues than a possible speech delay. A little perspective goes a long way...
With summer comes a lot of silence, which people tend to say is where you meet God. I tend to meet my self-doubt. I would like to kick that squatter out but I don't always know how.
On a completely different and humorous note, at Benita's house I was flipping through a fashion magazine (if you know me or have read my posts, you know about my love/hate relationship with fashion mags.) This issue was devoted to hair and had "real life" tips for growing out a short hairstyle. Their tips boil down to the following: be Heidi Klum or get a weave. Going out on a crazy limb here but I don't think those are practical. It gave me something to chuckle about at least. I wonder what people who are rich enough for that to actually be practical advice worry about.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Cookin'
I'm planning on giving a cooking class this summer, (even if it is just you and me, Shelly!) and I am having trouble narrowing down what to do. A few of you out there have asked me before if I've ever thought about giving classes... and now I am. So what would you want to learn (even if you don't come to my class?)
My current plan is to offer single sessions one day a week, so anyone can come to any of them and learn a self-contained lesson on cooking methodology, like one day will be The Art of Eyeballing, one would be focused on learning how to anticipate how spices go together so you can make just about any culture's flavor profile, with application on some proteins, I could do a vegetarian-only day, etc.
Participants would need to bring a cutting board and chef's knife. I would provide everything else.
My current plan is to offer single sessions one day a week, so anyone can come to any of them and learn a self-contained lesson on cooking methodology, like one day will be The Art of Eyeballing, one would be focused on learning how to anticipate how spices go together so you can make just about any culture's flavor profile, with application on some proteins, I could do a vegetarian-only day, etc.
Participants would need to bring a cutting board and chef's knife. I would provide everything else.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Pita bread recipe
Ingredients:
Scant 4 cups white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
1 TB salt
1/4 cup superfine sugar (you can buy castor sugar, or just put regular sugar in the blender and pulse.)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/4 cup water
Put all ingredients in bowl and mix with hands. When dough has formed, tip onto lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Put back in bowl and let dough rest for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Put a lined baking sheet in oven to warm up. Tip dough out and divide into 3.5 ounce pieces. Roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then place on hot baking sheet in oven for 5 to 10 minutes. They will balloon up, but when brought out of the oven they will collapse, which is what forms the pockets.
(Note: not all ours turn out, but it's still good as a flatbread.)
This recipe is from 100 Great Breads by Paul Hollywood, Fall River Press, 2004.
Scant 4 cups white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
1 TB salt
1/4 cup superfine sugar (you can buy castor sugar, or just put regular sugar in the blender and pulse.)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/4 cup water
Put all ingredients in bowl and mix with hands. When dough has formed, tip onto lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Put back in bowl and let dough rest for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Put a lined baking sheet in oven to warm up. Tip dough out and divide into 3.5 ounce pieces. Roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then place on hot baking sheet in oven for 5 to 10 minutes. They will balloon up, but when brought out of the oven they will collapse, which is what forms the pockets.
(Note: not all ours turn out, but it's still good as a flatbread.)
This recipe is from 100 Great Breads by Paul Hollywood, Fall River Press, 2004.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Broken vision
I love to look at streetlights, traffic lights, and headlights at night… really any kind of light from a lamp when it's dark. When I look at them, lines of light come off from all directions and they look like stars. Recently William had his eyes checked and he has astigmatism, which I do as well. I knew that from when I used to be good about getting my vision checked, way back in the day. The eye doctor told William that astigmatism causes those lines coming off the lights. I was shocked to learn that I’ve been seeing lights incorrectly for all these years. They’re so beautiful, but I’m not seeing them right. It made me sad, actually. But then I got to thinking… what grace there is in that, but grief as well. My vision is broken but it made something so mundane as a streetlight beautiful. We see the world that way. Our vision has been broken since Adam and Eve fell in the garden, and none of us see the world as it ought to be seen. I wonder now how often God grieves over us… saying to us, “But you don’t see it right!” as we look around His creation. We see beauty but it’s skewed. One day we will get to see what the world really looks like.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Recipe, by demand
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts
Several garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon
White wine (one that you would drink)
Salt and pepper
Olive oil for the pan
Process:
Heat a sauté pan to medium. While that is heating, salt and pepper both sides of chicken. When pan is warm, toss in a tablespoon of olive oil and the garlic. Give it a quick sauté. Before the garlic browns, cover the pan with the chicken breasts. Squeeze half a lemon over the chicken. Pour white wine over the chicken til it’s about halfway up the chicken. Squeeze the rest of the lemon into the pan. Cover tightly and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Turn the breasts over and re-cover for another 20 minutes. Uncover and turn the heat up to medium high. The liquid will boil off. Keep turning chicken until it’s golden-brown and all the liquid is gone. (Be careful not to burn the garlic on the bottom of the pan. Scrape it up with the chicken… it’s amazing.) All told this takes about an hour but it is SO EASY and delicious.
I didn't put measurements because it's really however much chicken your family will eat, plus however much garlic you like. When I do this for me and William, I use 3 or 4 big cloves. When I made it for 18 people, I used close to 2 whole heads. I usually use Yellow Tail chardonnay. Any white that you like to drink will work. Also any size pan will be fine as long as it has a cover that fits and the chicken is flat in the pan.
Chicken breasts
Several garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon
White wine (one that you would drink)
Salt and pepper
Olive oil for the pan
Process:
Heat a sauté pan to medium. While that is heating, salt and pepper both sides of chicken. When pan is warm, toss in a tablespoon of olive oil and the garlic. Give it a quick sauté. Before the garlic browns, cover the pan with the chicken breasts. Squeeze half a lemon over the chicken. Pour white wine over the chicken til it’s about halfway up the chicken. Squeeze the rest of the lemon into the pan. Cover tightly and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Turn the breasts over and re-cover for another 20 minutes. Uncover and turn the heat up to medium high. The liquid will boil off. Keep turning chicken until it’s golden-brown and all the liquid is gone. (Be careful not to burn the garlic on the bottom of the pan. Scrape it up with the chicken… it’s amazing.) All told this takes about an hour but it is SO EASY and delicious.
I didn't put measurements because it's really however much chicken your family will eat, plus however much garlic you like. When I do this for me and William, I use 3 or 4 big cloves. When I made it for 18 people, I used close to 2 whole heads. I usually use Yellow Tail chardonnay. Any white that you like to drink will work. Also any size pan will be fine as long as it has a cover that fits and the chicken is flat in the pan.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Adventures on the Metro
After our 8th grade class trips to Washington, DC many of the students say their favorite part was riding the Metro. It's definitely a memorable part of the trip, and this time, even more so.
The first night of this trip is always a test run on the Metro to get to dinner and back. We have our groups, get them to the station, on a train, off the train, on to another train, to dinner, and back. I usually have William there with me to be the voice, but he wasn't with me this time. (He was helping someone else and had Edward with him too.) Trying to be heard above the din of the noise of the Metro is a challenge. I knew which way to go and was letting everyone know which train to wait for. After trying to explain the map to a few people I got everyone on, and then we successfully disembarked at our cross-station. The train we needed to get on was already there, so I hurried everyone on it, reminding them which station to exit on, because I wasn't sure I was going to make it on before the doors closed. I had to make sure no one was left behind without a guide. The doors closed, sure enough, leaving me and about 8 others from our group. No problem, until I heard yelling and realized there was a fist fight between a man and woman going on on the platform behind me. Other travelers started yelling at them to stop, and finally a man grabbed the man that was punching the woman and pulled him away. Apparently she started it. I don't know what exactly happened but it ended quickly. That's the scariest thing I've seen happen in a station.
Last night William, Joy and I and our respective babies were headed back to the hotel from Union Station after getting everyone set for their night tour of the monuments. We were about to head down the escalator when a woman approached me in broken English for help getting to the Metro Center. That was our line, so we had her go with us onto the train. She was from Tehran, Iran, and had been visiting family in Boston and was now visiting DC, and it was almost the end of her trip. She loved Edward; she asked if he was our first and kissed his hand and played with him. She said a few things about war and how she hoped it would stop now. Our station was one before hers, so I told her she needed to go one more stop to get to the Metro Center. We shook hands for a long time and I told her it was nice to meet her, and she said it was nice to meet us, and we parted ways. She seemed to have loved her time in America. I wonder what she thought of Americans before she came to visit. Maybe she will go back to her home country and tell them good things.
Today we are going to the zoo. It will be the first real sight seeing we have done; the first two days have been spent helping our families get to where they're going and I've been too exhausted to do anything else. I haven't slept well lately. Right now though, Edward is napping, I'm sipping coffee, William is reading, and all is quiet.
The first night of this trip is always a test run on the Metro to get to dinner and back. We have our groups, get them to the station, on a train, off the train, on to another train, to dinner, and back. I usually have William there with me to be the voice, but he wasn't with me this time. (He was helping someone else and had Edward with him too.) Trying to be heard above the din of the noise of the Metro is a challenge. I knew which way to go and was letting everyone know which train to wait for. After trying to explain the map to a few people I got everyone on, and then we successfully disembarked at our cross-station. The train we needed to get on was already there, so I hurried everyone on it, reminding them which station to exit on, because I wasn't sure I was going to make it on before the doors closed. I had to make sure no one was left behind without a guide. The doors closed, sure enough, leaving me and about 8 others from our group. No problem, until I heard yelling and realized there was a fist fight between a man and woman going on on the platform behind me. Other travelers started yelling at them to stop, and finally a man grabbed the man that was punching the woman and pulled him away. Apparently she started it. I don't know what exactly happened but it ended quickly. That's the scariest thing I've seen happen in a station.
Last night William, Joy and I and our respective babies were headed back to the hotel from Union Station after getting everyone set for their night tour of the monuments. We were about to head down the escalator when a woman approached me in broken English for help getting to the Metro Center. That was our line, so we had her go with us onto the train. She was from Tehran, Iran, and had been visiting family in Boston and was now visiting DC, and it was almost the end of her trip. She loved Edward; she asked if he was our first and kissed his hand and played with him. She said a few things about war and how she hoped it would stop now. Our station was one before hers, so I told her she needed to go one more stop to get to the Metro Center. We shook hands for a long time and I told her it was nice to meet her, and she said it was nice to meet us, and we parted ways. She seemed to have loved her time in America. I wonder what she thought of Americans before she came to visit. Maybe she will go back to her home country and tell them good things.
Today we are going to the zoo. It will be the first real sight seeing we have done; the first two days have been spent helping our families get to where they're going and I've been too exhausted to do anything else. I haven't slept well lately. Right now though, Edward is napping, I'm sipping coffee, William is reading, and all is quiet.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Hymn for Easter weekend
1. And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
2. 'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
3. He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
5. No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
-Charles Wesley
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
2. 'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
3. He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
5. No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
-Charles Wesley
tetelestai
From the most recent "New Horizons":
"Now what did Jesus mean when he said, 'It is finished'? In the Greek, 'It is finished' is expressed by a single word: tetelestai. This verb is in the perfect tense, conveying the sense that an action has concluded, with a lasting effect. On ancient invoices it meant 'paid in full.'"
"Putting Death to Death!" by Paul S. McDonald
Pondering God's payment of my debt on this Good Friday...
"Now what did Jesus mean when he said, 'It is finished'? In the Greek, 'It is finished' is expressed by a single word: tetelestai. This verb is in the perfect tense, conveying the sense that an action has concluded, with a lasting effect. On ancient invoices it meant 'paid in full.'"
"Putting Death to Death!" by Paul S. McDonald
Pondering God's payment of my debt on this Good Friday...
Thursday, April 1, 2010
How do you know if you're good friends?
Here is how. How do you get in to your friend's house?
Level 1: The knock and wait. You aren't comfortable just going in.
Level 2: The knock, wait, and open the door, with a "hello?" as you tiptoe in.
Level 3: The knock and barge with a loud "HELLO!"
Level 4: The barge, no knock.
Level 5: The "I have a key/know the alarm code so it doesn't matter; I'm getting in somehow."
Exceptions: You already know the door will be locked, which is the only reason you knock. That would be a level 4.5. Or you don't barge because there is a dog.
Another way of rating would be if you're thirsty. Do you wait to be asked for a drink? Do you ask the person if it would be ok to get a drink? Or do you know where everything is so you just do it yourself?
I bet you can name people for every category if you really think about it.
Level 1: The knock and wait. You aren't comfortable just going in.
Level 2: The knock, wait, and open the door, with a "hello?" as you tiptoe in.
Level 3: The knock and barge with a loud "HELLO!"
Level 4: The barge, no knock.
Level 5: The "I have a key/know the alarm code so it doesn't matter; I'm getting in somehow."
Exceptions: You already know the door will be locked, which is the only reason you knock. That would be a level 4.5. Or you don't barge because there is a dog.
Another way of rating would be if you're thirsty. Do you wait to be asked for a drink? Do you ask the person if it would be ok to get a drink? Or do you know where everything is so you just do it yourself?
I bet you can name people for every category if you really think about it.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I pretty much loathe the Gators, but...
As my title states, I'm not a Gator fan. I'm not a Tim Tebow-ite either. He's not the first, nor will he be the last, successful Christian in a public spotlight. Admiring someone because they're famous! and a Christian! Is still just admiring someone because they're famous. (I know I am opening myself up for criticism here. I am prepared to deal with it.)
BUT! If anything was going to make me a Gator fan, and has made me gain more respect for Tim Tebow as a person, it is the vitriolic, hate-filled attacks he has been the victim of because of his upcoming Super Bowl ad. If you haven't heard of this, you probably don't have electricity in your house and can't read my blog anyway, but the ad is going to recount his mother's tale of being pregnant with him and falling ill, and the doctors recommending that she abort her baby, and she didn't, and she had Tim Tebow. So-called "women's groups" are up in arms about how this ad is dangerous and will set women's rights back to the stone age and whathaveyou. I say, if they're that ticked, hurray for Tebow! I never thought I'd say this about a Gator, but God bless you, and I will be watching for your commercial.
BUT! If anything was going to make me a Gator fan, and has made me gain more respect for Tim Tebow as a person, it is the vitriolic, hate-filled attacks he has been the victim of because of his upcoming Super Bowl ad. If you haven't heard of this, you probably don't have electricity in your house and can't read my blog anyway, but the ad is going to recount his mother's tale of being pregnant with him and falling ill, and the doctors recommending that she abort her baby, and she didn't, and she had Tim Tebow. So-called "women's groups" are up in arms about how this ad is dangerous and will set women's rights back to the stone age and whathaveyou. I say, if they're that ticked, hurray for Tebow! I never thought I'd say this about a Gator, but God bless you, and I will be watching for your commercial.
Friday, January 1, 2010
sleeper sofa for sale
We are selling our green queen-sized sleeper sofa. We're also putting it on Craigslist but wanted to offer to people we know first. If you are interested or know someone who might be go ahead and email me or William. Asking $200/obo.
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