The beginning

It was the end of summer.

Everything was still green and growing and alive, but fall had begun to make inroads, had begun its attempted assault on the scenery. The leaves carried the slightest tinges of red, and the wind had a chilled note to it. But the sun felt ever just as warm as it had always been.

It had been a lazy afternoon. The field was golden in all directions. A line of trees was to the north; an equally lazy little river to the east; the house was south; and to the west– Oh, did the land stretch on forever.

She was lying on her back as near the centre of the field as she could manage. It was getting onto evening, and gentle breezes blew in from the west, brushing back the golden grasses and playing in her hair. The only clouds were clustered near the horizon, tinged purple and orange, and the land reflected back those same hues.

It was like so many evenings she had experienced over the course of her life, but something was different. Something in the air, perhaps. She sat up slowly and stretched. She was ready for a change. To the east ran the lazy little river, one she had never crossed. To the west ran the land, all the way to the horizon and beyond, somewhere she had never explored. Yes, something was different, but perhaps it was only in herself.

It was time for a change.

Pasta Fresca

As promised (on Twitter), here are some pictures of yesterday’s cooking adventures.

For this recipe, you’ll need fresh basil, spinach leaves, cherry or grape tomatoes, bacon, pasta and cheese. I’m not specific about the last three items because you can choose whatever kind of bacon you’d prefer (turkey, reduced salt, regular, whatevs), whatever kind of pasta you’d like (I chose fusilli), and whatever kind of cheese (the recipe called for Parmesan, but I chose Gruyère After not using it last time around, I decided I wanted to give it a try. Very good. I enjoyed it.)

You’ll want to chop 3 cups of spinach leaves, chiffonade 1/2 cup of basil leaves and cut in half 2 cups worth of tomatoes.

Set some water boiling for the pasta,

And cook the bacon. Once the bacon is cooked and the pasta water is boiling, you’ll want to throw the pasta in: 1 and 1/2 cups worth.

As the pasta is cooking, wilt the spinach. I’m not 100% sure how to do this, but I shifted as best I could. I put the chopped spinach in a different pot (yes, there are four on the elements. I only used three. But I’d like to cite this picture as the (hopefully) only reason my mom doesn’t like me taking over her kitchen. Oh wait, no, this

and the pots and pans are hopefully the only reasons.) Then I added just a splash of water (enough to keep the spinach from burning) and set the pot over very low heat. I left it there until the pasta was ready.

Drain the pasta and allow its pot to cool a little bit. Place the oil in the pot (I used canola oil and added garlic salt to taste; the friend from whom I got the recipe agrees on this step. Garlic-flavoured olive oil is expensive and smells strongly of garlic, but doesn’t taste of it as much.) Then add the pasta back in, along with the bacon (chopped into bits) and toss together.

Add in the spinach (if there is left over water in the bottom of the spinach pot, be sure it isn’t added to the pasta), the basil, the tomatoes, and if the pot/ingredients have cooled a lot, place it over low heat. The final step is adding the cheese and you want it to melt into the rest.

Ooh, looks so good! Just need to add the cheese.

Mm, finished product! Yummy!

We didn’t have any leftovers.

After cooking notes? I would just add more cheese. I thought the flavour of the Gruyère was delish, but wasn’t prominent enough. I wouldn’t add a lot more, but maybe 1/2 a cup instead of 1/3.

New Year’s Resolutions redux

On January 1st of this year, I posted a list of resolutions on my Blogger site. That post can be found here.

We are just under two months away from the new year and so I think it would be worthwhile to examine my resolutions and how (or even if) I have improved in the course of the year since making them. This is actually the first time I have gone back and looked over resolutions from the past. Other years I have made them, but they were usually on a looseleaf sheet of paper or buried in a journal or school notebook, and so I never found them again before the new year was upon us. Over the past month, I have stumbled across my New Year’s Resolutions post several times, and so I think it is important that I make some examination of it.

The reason I chose each resolution is listed in the original post. Here, I shall simply state the resolution and how I think I have or have not improved.

1. I will be more decisive.

Hmm. Well, as with anything else, it is a work in progress. But I have noticed that my conversation is moving in this direction. Rather than taking an “I don’t care, whatever” approach, I am more able to approve and forward a plan. I am also noticing a greater initiative taken in bringing plans to fruition. As well, I have become far more able to declare when I don’t approve a plan. In the past, it was often the case that I would shrug and say, “Well, whatever” if I really didn’t want to do something. And while that is sometimes the appropriate response, I am learning to be honest with my opinion and perspective, especially when the person I am talking with would genuinely like to know the truth behind where I am coming from. Unless I notice any serious changes that need to be made in the next two months, I think I can safely graduate this from the list. While it is something I need to keep working on, I think I can safely move my focus in the new year.

2. I will remember that physical activity helps with stress management.

I don’t think it has been a conscious decision, but I have adopted regular physical activity into my lifestyle. Let me modify that statement. I have adopted regular physical activity that I enjoy into my lifestyle. As you are probably completely aware, I have taken up swing dancing, something that I do at least twice a week. I attend a weekly dance and I have enrolled in weekly lessons. As I said, it wasn’t a purposeful move. My thought process wasn’t “I need physical activity to help with stress management”; it was more “I love dancing, how can I get more involved?”. As a result, I have noticed that my stress level is reduced. Granted, it probably helps that I have completed my undergrad degree, but there is more peace and more energy in my life now than before when the physical activity I chose was less purposeful and less enjoyable.

3. I will breathe Scripture.

I composed an email several nights ago and in the course of it, I did something I have not done in a very long time: I quoted Scripture. I unconsciously quoted Scripture. I mean, I knew it was from the Bible, but my thought process wasn’t, “Oh, I think a verse should go here, wait, let me find one.” No, it was something that had been on my mind and in my heart, and so it naturally came in the course of my writing.

This, however, is one area that I know I can continue improving on. I still do not spend enough time in Scripture. It is a lot more regular than it used to be, but I am not purposeful in it, and I do not dwell in it as I would like. I re-read emails, poetry and novels with a regularity that puts my Scripture reading to shame. I do not know it as I would like. This, I think, will be something I keep into the new year. But I would like to focus on it differently. I am not sure how, but I have two months to continue contemplating this.

4. I will find a stronger rein for my tongue.

Uh oh. Yea, FAIL. I haven’t been purposeful about this one at all. This I will keep on my list.

5. I will not be afraid to make mistakes.

Another fail.

It’s funny, I have a lot to say about the areas where I feel improvement, but not nearly as much in the areas where I haven’t improved as I would like to.

If anything, I have become more afraid of making mistakes. So, this will likely stay on the list.

6. I will choose to live joyfully and full of hope.

This is a hard-earned success, one that I think is still hesitant in its display. But I think it is very worth encouraging it to bloom. You can either choose to live clouded by despair and fear or you can choose to live guided by joy and hope. I am choosing the latter. This will probably stay on the list, but I am not sure in what form.

7. I will have fun.

Yay, big success. I have had a lot of fun this past year. I wrote in my original post,

There is much to be done, much to be excited for, much to plan and hope and dream.

And how right I was. This will probably stay on, not because I have failed, but because it is important to remember. It is easy to get caught up in all of the to-do’s and should-do’s, but it is really important to remember to have fun while doing them.

Stay tuned come January 2009 for a brand new list of resolutions, and I would encourage you to think of some yourself. I think there are always ways that we can improve and by writing them down, it does then beg an examination of them later on. If you choose to write them on a public forum, send me a link, and we can see how we all are doing in the months to come.

God bless!

Best meal EVER (hyperbole noted)

I promised a report of the meal I made after the super busy/fun weekend with my friends was done, so here it is. I made scalloped potatoes and chicken tenders for dinner Friday night. Sounds simple/boring, but seriously? De-lic-ous.

The recipe for scalloped potatoes was passed on to me and can be found here.

The chicken tenders I made based on a recipe I found on the same website, but I modified it for what we had in the pantry. Unfortunately, I didn’t take pictures of the process or the finished product, so that will have to be saved for next time! For now, I give you the recipe for the breading I used.

1 cup crushed soda crackers

2 tsp poultry seasoning

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Combine the above in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat two eggs.

I used three chicken breasts, but might recommend less. I found I was thin on breading by the end.

Using one strip at a time, coat in breading, dip in the eggs and then coat again.

In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of oil over medium heat. Place the coated chicken strips in the oil and cook for 5 or 6 minutes each side.

Things I would change for next time? Less cayenne pepper. They were quite spicy. Deliciously spicy, but a touch too spicy for the audience I made them for. Also, they ended up being too crisped. I would keep a better eye on the cooking process next time.

The scalloped potatoes turned out perfectly. The only change I made for that recipe was to use a mixture of Parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella instead of Gruyère, in part because that is what my recipe-sharer suggested, in part because it was cheaper that way. (Parmesan was cheaper than Gruyère, and when I brought it home, I discovered the cheddar and mozzarella we already had, so decided to mix them).

Despite the substitutions, the meal was delicious. The flavour and texture were incredible and it was just one of those very satisfying meals. It always feels like such an accomplishment to try making something you never have before and for it to end up tasting so good.

Voting

Today I went to my local polling station to vote.

We have just moved, so we lined up to register in our new town. My parents were ahead of me in line and Matthew was beside me, doing what little brothers do (ie, pestering their big sisters). I pulled out my driver’s license and proof of residence. Little did I suspect what was coming.

An official-looking older woman approached us, anxious to be of help, asking the general, “You folks all set?” type of questions.

Yes, thank you, we’re fine.

And then she turned to me, noticed my driver’s license in hand and asked me the question I should have been expecting, yet was entirely unprepared for:

“Are you old enough to vote?”

Mom: *choke*

Dad: *cough*

Me: *sigh*

I smiled pleasantly and assured her that, yes, I am old enough to vote. “I’m 22.”

“Oh!” she exclaimed, completely surprised. “I am so sorry! You look so much younger than that.”

“Yes, I know. It’s okay, I get that a lot.”

“Well, at least when you get to my age,” she continued, “you’ll be glad for it.”

Indeed.

Afterward, I turned to my mom. “So I guess I still look 13, eh?”

“No, she said you look 15.”

“Yea, no,” I said. “That was Matthew.”

The blessings of Fall

I spent part of the late afternoon wandering our property and taking some pictures. Everything you see here is on our property. How cool is that?

I cannot tell you how much I am in love with this property. It is absolutely gorgeous, do you not agree? It truly is a blessing.

Moving in…

After being away for a week (weddings galore!) I returned… to this:

Which is exactly what I asked for.

“Please don’t unpack anything in my room,” I told my parents, for a couple of reasons. First, I’m a little, how shall we say it? in possession of very specific personal preferences? At least when it comes to the set up of my room. Also, in a slightly more altruistic vein, I am perfectly aware of how much stuff I have and I didn’t want my folks to have to deal with it while I was gone.

So, even though I knew what I was going to be walking into, there was still some initial shock, mostly because, having been removed from the process for a very full week, I’d sort of forgotten what moving was like. It only took me a moment to recover and form a plan, which I have been working on since.

Phase I: unpack and put away books (can you tell I’m an English student?)

Phase II: unpack and put away clothes

Phase III: make bed (because sleep is good )

Phase IV: fix various storage boxes in their new homes

Phase V: rearrange small pieces of furniture

Phase VI: arrange knickknacks.

And then I should be done. Hopefully. I’m on phase III right now. We can’t seem to locate my sheets, which makes life interesting. But that’s okay. Just happy to see some order being restored.

Because things are busy

I don’t really have anything imaginative to write.

The movers are here, currently going through our house, looking at what goes and what stays. Even though I haven’t been really blogging, I have been Twittering something awful. So, for better updates on what’s going on in my life, check it out.

I had an amazing weekend, though. That is something worth blogging about. Hmm, well, perhaps not worth blogging. It’s like Steph said here. It was an exceptional weekend, not for any big event, but just a lot of small bits of lovely, all put together in a couple of days.

Went dancing Friday night in my University town. It definitely ended far earlier than a lot of us were ready for, but I suppose considering it’s summer it makes sense. There were a lot of enjoyable dances, especially one where my partner ended with several quick spins and a sudden dip I wasn’t expecting (one that cause me to squeal a little bit, much to my own chagrin). But despite that , on my way home the next day, I gave him a ride into Toronto. It was a good day. I was too focused on the road, but he managed to keep conversation going. Looking back, I think I may have been too tired to divide my attention. We’ll go with that theory . And then we went for lunch on the Danforth, an experience, which, believe it or not, I have never had before, despite living an easy drive from Toronto for the past nine or so years.

The “too tired” theory is further supported by the fact that I took a deep nap that afternoon after arriving home, to the point where I literally did not hear my family going in and out of the house, and calling for each other throughout the course of the afternoon. (Sorry, family, especially Josh…)

Then yesterday, I met with a good friend of mine. Our plan was to spend some time together before the move, but I also needed to do some shopping. “I love shopping,” she told me, and so the plan was set. We spent the afternoon shopping and chatting. And Saturday’s and yesterday’s evenings were spent at two different churches, saying goodbye to friends and people I would consider family from there, people who will be greatly missed.

Anyway, the movers are now laying down moving pads over banisters and carpets. More updates to follow, especially on Twitter .

Small things

You know, I’ve never just sat and watched the garage door opener work before. I mean, sure, I’ve seen the garage door open and close, countless times, hundreds of times, thousands of times, but always with impatient waiting. I never looked at it to see it; it was always because I was waiting to go in or out of the garage.

It’s actually quite amazing how it works. I’m not going to bother with explaining the logistics – I’m sure that most people understand how it works – but I was inside the garage, watching it open, and for those 30 seconds, or however long it took, I pictured myself manually opening the door, and compared that action with the slow, measured working of that little machine.

It’s actually pretty cool.

This, friends, is a well known truth about myself: I take pleasure in small things, and noticing the garage door opener, taking the time to really see how it worked, was a little bit of added cheer to my day today.

Morning Adventures (and it’s only just 10:00am!)

4am – Groggily press the snooze button

4:10am – Groggily press the snooze button

4:20am – Groggily press the snooze button

4:25am – Finally convince self that rising would be best; groggily shut off alarm

4:27am – Begin getting ready for work

4:45am – Head out the door

4:55am – Arrive at work

5:00am – Work

8:40am – Break

8:55am – Arrive back from break; store is completely packed with employees; observe yet another employee walk through the door; negotiate with supervisor: “Well, I’m off in an hour anyway, if you really don’t have anything for me to do, I can just head home.”

9:00am – Drive home

Total hours worked: slightly less than 4.

Yet strangely, it doesn’t feel like a waste of time. As I was driving home, I was crowing, “People are just waking up to get their morning coffee before heading off to work, and I, I am heading home having finished work!”

Got a new bathing suit the other day, wanted to “try it out”. Jumped in the pool.

Jeepers, it’s cold! I thought as I bolted back up the ladder. Once outside the water, I reasoned that it really wasn’t that bad, it was just my initial reaction to the shock of colder-than-usual water. Proceeded to swim for a few minutes. Mom stepped outside, smile on her face.

“Do you want me to tell you what temperature it is?”

“I dunno,” I said. “Do I want to know?”

“79*,” she said (yea, I don’t know what that means either; thus the footnote).

Then she strolled casually over to the skimmer (the little machine that collects floaties, like leaves and bugs that fall in the pool) to empty it. She lifted the lid and then gasped, dropping it with a clatter and hopping back several steps.

“What? What is it?” I cried.

For a moment she just stood there.

“What is it?” I repeated, hastily swimming to the ladder and climbing out of the pool. “I don’t want to know, do I?” I asked.

“It’s a skunk,” she said.

Poor thing!

I guess it must have fallen in the pool overnight. I guess skunks can’t swim…

And so first thing I did after scrambling out of the pool was to dash into the shower, bathing suit and all, to rinse everything out.

“How do I dispose of it?” Mom asked, on the phone with the city. She was instructed to put it in with a certain classification of garbage (being collected this morning, thankfully). Mom asked her to repeat that, I, in my mind saying, “Yes, I don’t think you understand us. It’s a skunk.”

After swimming, rinsing, changing, and observing the disposal operation (because I’m a wimp and really couldn’t do anything to help Mom), I am sitting in my room blogging about the poor skunk and my very full morning (despite the early hour), sipping tea and really hoping it doesn’t rain tomorrow.

*79 degrees Fahrenheit is 26 degrees Celsius