12.30.2009

Big Ideas!!!

So here is my big revelation: I am missing something exciting in my day-to-day life. In praying and trying to figure out what it is, I realized that I do not miss teaching in schools. I also desire something more complex and exciting than administrative work, even though it is something I do really well. Hind sight is always 20/20, and I'm not quite there yet, but I believe that God wants me to be doing more with teenagers on a day-to-day basis.

Ever since I left high school myself, I have gone back to work with my own youth group, I have volunteered at 3 other churches working with the youth programs on a regular basis, and I've worked a non-religious youth summer conference. Some of my very best memories from the last few years are from trips with teenagers and experiences in helping other people.

So, all that to say, I am praying and looking for the next step that will allow me to work more with teenagers in a very real way. I don't know if that even means a new job for me, yet, but I am open to the idea that I may have to be patient for a while. It may mean more intense volunteering commitments before I can even get a job. It may mean another non-profit environment like a tutoring program or a crisis center for teens. It may mean more involvement in church youth programs. It could even mean less 9-to-5 work and more private oboe lessons, which would be exciting. I don't really know. But I am willing to do whatever God has in store, and I hope I don't have to wait too long to know what that is.

Lots of my friends and family have been announcing big changes lately, and for some reason, in the midst of all that, I realized it was okay to be scared and jump into something major without knowing the direction or purpose!

Now my plan is to check out the job market in all kinds of cities and fields and wait for the right Next Step. Right. Sounds easy enough.

12.23.2009

ARGGHHH!

I'm only logging on out of pure frustration and anxiety! I'm so close to a small piece of understanding about my next steps, and yet I still have NO IDEA!

12.22.2009

Ready for Change

For the past several months, I have been wondering and praying about what the future will be like for me. When Chris and I first moved to Nashville, my big priority was to find a Job That Paid The Rent. I did that, but it wasn't what I expected. Through a bizarre and frustrating series of events, I could find no teaching job at a public school in the entire county. (I could go into more detail, but it makes you want to line up at the county's door and bat the school Superintendent in the head.) I found a job in the newspaper for a Parish Secretary at a church. I still HATE that job title to this day because it makes me sound like a white-haired old lady who still uses a typewriter, which I can assure you, I am not. I have now been there for 3 1/2 years and have learned a lot. I've loved working at a church and at a non-profit, because even on the bad days you know that the ultimate purpose for your being there is always worthy. But I can only be a secretary for so long before I crave something different.

So what's next? I feel like the timing is almost here. Not that change will happen on its own, but that I am almost in tune with what God has in store for the next chapter of my life. I can almost reach it with my fingertips . . .


12.16.2009

Christmas Spirit

I have to say that I am totally in the Christmas spirit this week - ready for the arrival of a special and beautiful day, ready for family to come in from out of town, ready for delicious food and big celebrations, and ready for this air of peace that seems to be settling over the office in the midst of our busiest season of the year. No, I don't work at Santa's workshop, I work at a church. Sometimes, it feels about the same!

Last year I never got into the Christmas spirit. Advent came and went without me ever having a moment to enjoy the season or the spirit of the holidays. I feel for people who work at other churches and temples, post offices, and shops. I can really appreciate what it's like to feel so pressured that all you want to do is make it to January.

I'm not sure what the difference is this year, but I know that it has helped me work harder, relax more after work, be more intentional in prayer and receiving God's peace, and celebrating small joys of the Christmas season. Yay God!

I hope everyone out there will remember to take small moments everyday to remember what the season of Advent is all about.

12.11.2009

Christmas Season Fasting

Just noticing how all the blogs I follow tend to slow down dramatically over the Christmas season. Not exactly a huge surprise. Myself, included.

Ciao, kids!

11.21.2009

Mmm...reading

On our trip last week to Disney World and Colorado (I know, they're not exactly on the way to each other...), I got to read two entire books!!! Which is super-exciting, if you're me.

Le Divorce, by Diane Johnson Yet another book-turned-movie, this novel was easy to read, although I cannot fathom how it would have made an enjoyable film. Maybe that's what I don't know anyone who's seen the movie. It is ultimately about the differences between French and American cultures about identity and family. This quote is about consumerism, which is why it caught my eye, and it is the kind of thing that just begs for conversation:

"I admire the French for their cheerful acquisitiveness, their respect for the creations of man's hand," said Ames Everett, who had come to tea.
"Yes, the French love things more for their beauty or their totemic significance than for their value," Roxie agreed.
"Whereas Americans affect disdain for material objects, as if it weren't quite nice to collect, or have," Ames Everett said. "Yet they are great consumers. The French are materialists without being consumers. I respect that."


Julia & Julia, by Julie Powell I have not seen this movie, but I can tell you that the book was easy to read and enjoyable. Certainly not life-changing, although the project that led to Julie Powell's blog and book was life-changing for her. There is one fabulous bit from the end that I wanted to share:

Julia taught me what it takes to find your way in the world. It's not what I thought it was. I thought it was about--I don't know, confidence or will or luck. Those are all some good things to have, no question. But there's something else, something that these things grow out of.

It's joy.

I am a person who easily finds inspiration in the written word, and I am also a person who is searching for a path. Not something so unreachable as a goal or purpose, the answer and solution to living life at its fullest. But something small that indicates I'm doing all the right things, and that I'm being receptive to what God has for me in the world. This excerpt from Julie & Julia inspires me in that way and reminds me that the biggest influences in a person's life are often directed from inside themselves - a place we often forget to look.

10.27.2009

Silent Films & Shel Silverstein

Last night, Chris and I were invited to attend a concert by Tom Trenney, an organist from Lincoln, Nebraska. He is very accomplished at improvisation, and the highlight of the program was the showing of two silent movies, accompanied by organ improvisation! The acting and music were truly funny, and the whole audience laughed through both films.

The other special part of the evening was an improvisation of Shel Silverstein poems. He is one of my all-time favorite poets, and I was so sad to hear that he had died a few years ago. Tom Trenney read three poems: Magic Carpet, Forgotten Language, and Dancing Pants, and did a short improvisation on each. As he said at the performance, his goal was to convey them like Silverstein would have if he were a musician instead of a poet. His creativity was fun and exciting, and I hope that he will publish and record a whole set of miniatures based on Silverstein's work!

Overall the concert was completely enjoyable in every way (except for some rude concert-goers), and I was thrilled to be able to witness such a large amount of integration of art forms. When music, film, and poetry are combined, each art form enhances the beauty and creativity of the other, creating a truly unique and wholesome experience. This is how art should always be!


PS-I highly recommend watching the silent movie, One Week, starring Buster Keaton. It is the story of a couple during their first week of marriage - and yes, it was a LONG week!

10.22.2009

Adults Don't Eat Veggies

This is an interesting article from The Tennessean (and USA Today) about some statistics of adults who don't eat enough veggies. Startling!

10.20.2009

Article on Canning

Thank you, Wall Street Journal, for putting a spotlight on canning and preserving with this article from October 15th.

10.19.2009

Indoor S'more Toasting


Chris and I house sit a lot. On one hand, this is an awesome, cushy job. We move in to huge house, cook in the fabulous kitchen with granite countertops, a gas range, stainless steel appliances, enjoy the big flat-screen TV with 100s (literally, several hundred) channels, play every gaming system known to man, log on to the wireless network, and run around with their two dogs. But don't be fooled, house sitting has it's unfortunate side, too. That is, you have to pack EVERYTHING you might need, even if your stay is only for a couple of days. That means not only your clothes, shoes, and toiletries galore—it also means dry food, cold food, milk, produce, sharp knives, and our dog and her many accessories (read: toys, food, food dish, treats and rawhides, leash, etc.). She has a ridiculous amount of accessories.After all of this, the car looks like one that is about to take a cross-country expedition for a whole month. And after packing and unpacking it all, we look like ruffians. At least they have comfortable chairs to fall into!

The highlight of the weekend was roasting marshmallows over an open fire pit - yum! Last night I recreated the magic in the comfort of our own living room (no joke). I spread out a huge towel with all the fixin's and lit 4 tea-lights! The outdoorsy smell was missing, but without a backyard, we had to improvise. At least we didn't smell like smoke afterward!

I can't say that Lucy enjoyed the indoor version as much as the real thing, but after a weekend with two other dogs in the house, she was exhausted! She slept through the afternoon and evening, and then all through the night!

10.08.2009

Things I Love About Fall

Autumn is my favorite season, and in celebration of the arrival of cool, crisp days, I am gracing you with a list of things that bring me smiles on days like today.

Hot Chocolate
Candles
Fuzzy Sweatpants
Slippers
Leaves crunching under my feet
Cool air through open windows
Cider and grog
Snuggling
Falling leaves
The smell of cold air
Thanksgiving - My favorite holiday!
Pumpkins


9.23.2009

iphone

I have iphone envy. I have done research to see how much money it will really cost me to purchase my very own hi-tech mobile tool that looks just like everyone else's. I find myself coming up with a variety of useful reasons to have an iphone, including: directions, weather, random wikipedia needs that come up throughout the day, and the all-purpose level app. (Let it be known that I have not hung a picture in 5 months. But when I do, I want to be prepared.) I want to be able to obsessively check facebook and twitter. I want to take pictures of stupid things and share them online.

I want an iphone.

And yes, I have tried the 12-step program, but it's useless - I am sucked into the void, and cannot come out again without my prize.

So, if you're feeling generous, you know what to do. ;)

9.22.2009

One Lost

Today: 1 Becca: 0

I GIVE UP! YOU WIN! No, seriously. Today has been insane. Working on endless projects at work that are made increasingly more and more complicated for no apparent reason just makes me crazy! My patience is wearing dangerously thin, and I may just go off the edge!

So to help ground my wild self today, here are things that I should remember to be thankful for:

Less rain than yesterday
Fun co-workers
Getting treated to lunch - thanks!
Getting to sub for NPO rehearsal
Earning a little extra cash
Chocolate

8.30.2009

Fall Musings

I do not always notice fall's sublte entrance onto the stage as much as I notice spring's. In spring, one day is warmer but looks just like every day in winter, and the next, trees are overwhelmed by young buds of leaves and flowers. The entire landscape changes in a heartbeat, and it is so beautiful. Autumn to me has always been more subtle, and I don't think I have ever give it much thought until this year.

I went on a short evening hike last week, and when my friend and I were not quite to the end of the trail, it was almost dark outside. It was only 8:00pm. Today I notice how cool and beautiful it is outside at 7:00pm. It is cool enough to take Lucy (our Miniature Schnauzer and self-proclaimed 3rd member of the family) out and let her off the leash for a run around the park. I can already feel the atmosphere making a gentle shift toward the fall, and I'm excited for it to be here.

Fall is my favorite time of year, as it hosts all of my family's birthdays (including my own), my favorite holiday of the year: Thanksgiving, my favorite vegetable: pumpkin, and a sprinkling of fallen leaves. Normally I dread the shortening days and oncoming cold weather, but this year I am relishing the change and anxious to make new memories.

8.20.2009

Mysterious Books



















I love reading. I love books. Even when I'm not going to take them home with me, I love to admire books and make mental "to-read" lists. I am always reading something new, and it is usually something unusual or thought-provoking.

On NPR's Morning Edition today, I heard this list of mystery novels that are under the radar, yet fascinating in their differences from the 10-cent mystery novel. I am particularly intrigued by The City & The City by China Mieville. If you love to read, check out this list on NPR.

8.16.2009

Furniture Salvage


Several months ago, my sister introduced me to a furniture/home goods salvage store in the area. Chris and I love to browse the finds and dream up things for the house we don't have. We did find a fabulous and clean-lined bedside table the day we visited. Unfortunately, there was only one in the store, and we were sadly dissappointed. I went another time and was able to scarf up the same table when only 2 were availble. Yay! I LOVE finding great deals on really great and well-made items.


Turkey Stock Day

Apparently, I have been taking a brief sabbatical from blogging. And it's not very encouraging to say that there really is nothing interesting to report since the last time I posted (yikes)!

BUT today, I am making stock. When I was checking the foreign reaches of our freezer yesterday, I found the turkey carcass from last Thanksgiving! I was saving it for soup, so today, I'm making turkey stock with the bones and plenty of meat, onion, celery, carrot, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. I think I actually have enough meat to get two batches out of it, so round 2 will begin shortly. I'm so excited about having these to make soup with later on, and the apartment smells so amazing, I'm not convinced I can wait for the fall!

Futue summer cooking projects:
  • Pickling banana peppers for sandwiches (the dill pickles were a huge success, btw)

7.13.2009

Lauren Winner

Chris and I went to hear Lauren Winner speak Sunday morning at St. George's (because apparently I don't seem to spend enough time there already). She was engaging, interesting, and hilarious. She is actually currently a professor at Duke, and I wish I could take her classes! This is the link to hear her 40 minute or so lecture to the class that I attended. As I write this, it's not actually up yet, but as soon as it's edited, I'll put it up on the St. G's website. So check back if it's not available yet!

7.05.2009

What I Don't Believe

Chris and I were on our way home from a shopping trip (the first one we've taken in about 6 months - it was fun to go and refreshing to realize that the act of buying things has lost some of its excitement) when we started up a conversation about religion. We get into deep discussions a lot, but not often are they about religion.

I have been a Christian since high school, when I really was first introduced to the faith by a great friend. Since then, while I have always known that I am Christian, I have been generally unable to name the beliefs that I have and whether they even align with any particular denomination.

What I took away from our conversation that night was that it is very easy for me to name things I do not believe in...for instance, I don't believe hell exists, and for very specific reasons. At the same time, I don't have a clear vision of what heaven is, or what heaven looks like. I know I don't believe in the infallibility of the literal transcription of the Bible. There are so many transcriptions and translations, I cannot believe that each of them (or one above all others) is literally true. Instead, I believe that through prayer and study, God can reveal the truth through any version of Scripture, and that truth may not be the same as the literal meaning the words represent.

But there are so many more things that I cannot say for certain! It is much easier to disagree with something than it is to articulate a belief, as least for me. I think I am in a place in life now where I am searching for these answers and for a little more clarity and certainty.

Homemade Pickles


Chris helped me make some homemade dill pickles yesterday with a recipe I snagged off of some website...if anyone's curious I could find it. They were extremely easy to make, with the exception of running out of the vinegar solution half way through and starting another batch. I have no idea how long these pickles will take to pickle, but I'm going to give them two weeks. So far, they look beautiful!

7.02.2009

Intellectual Preaching


I am reading a book by Lauren Winner called Girl Meets God. When I first saw the title I thought it was yet another book about single Christians and purity. Turns out the author grew up in the orthodox Jewish faith, and as a young adult she converted to Christianity and became a member of the Episcopal Church. This quote comes from her book, while she daydreams about what it would be like to be a priest:

"I picture myself clad in a long, flowing chasuble, instructing my flock on the finer points of biblical interpretation, filling in on fuzzy historical details they might not know, inspiring them to lead a more committed Christian life."

What a great description of clergy! Sadly, I can only think of 2 ministers over my long history of church-hopping who have ever fit that description. Normally, I find that most are busy telling cute anecdotes about life that barely scrape the surface of depth and meaning in scripture.

Do you think most preaching falls this short of the mark in other places?

6.29.2009

Food, Inc. Scratches the Surface of Food Production Issues

On Friday night I went to view the premier of Food, Inc. in Nashville at the only location daring enough to show it: The Belcourt Theater in Hillsboro Village. Not much of the film provided new insights to an industry I have already spent some time learning more about. It was structured in short chapters on:
  • the fast food industry and the economic benefits of eating fast, cheap food
  • illegal immigrants working in meat processing plants (yes, that's a euphemism for slaughterhouse)
  • industrial meet processing
  • industrial livestock raisers (esp. chicken)
  • corn farmers and genetically modified seed
  • public & legal policies
  • government influence
  • sustainable & local farming
  • call for action and change
I cannot remember all of the names and titles of the sections, but this list provides a fair overview of the major talking points of the film. I think the earlier NYTimes Review was accurate in saying "Time and again the movie stops short before it really gets started." With so many sub-topics, there is no way to do justice to any of them in a 93-minute film. It simply provides a nasty taste of the major issues surrounding food production in America.

Everyone who sees this film is guaranteed to learn something shocking enough to inspire the curiosity to learn more and to spark the momentum to change the system. Food, Inc. will be most influential in introducing newbies to the realities of food production in America and the possibilities that with each item scanned in the supermarket, we can slowly increase the demand for local, organic, and healthy food in our communities.

As was discussed in the post-viewing panel discussion at the Belcourt, people choose to eat local or organic foods for a variety of reasons: animal treatment, pesticide use, local agriculture, local economy, health, taste, etc. I think this is the kind of film that is outrageous enough, yet brief enough to start more serious conversations and change.

Check out the Food, Inc. website for more info, including reading lists.

6.15.2009

NYTimes Review of Food, Inc.

Meet Your New Farmer: Hungry Corporate Giant

Thanks, Emily, for passing on this NYTimes review of Food, Inc. The ultimate review is that the documentary opens up a world of potential questions but ultimately falls short of truly digging deep into the myriad of issues discussed. I can't wait to see it (already bought tix!) two weeks from now at the Belcourt, followed by a panel discussion with local members of the food industry. I CAN'T WAIT!

Everyone in Nashville should go!

6.10.2009

Food Inc.

Check out this trailer for a new movie coming out about the food we eat. I cannot believe this movie actually made it into production! I'll be curious to see how readily available it is for viewing. It looks like there is commentary throughout from farmers and authors like Michael Pollan (author of The Omnivore's Dilemna) and Eric Schlosser (author of Fast Food Nation).

I am so excited that there is finally room in our society to question the methods and the madness behind food. We do this with politics, immunizations, environmental concerns, faith and religion, etc. etc. We have finally seen the point where the actions of the tobacco industry are more transparent. Why not food? Why is the food industry not more transparent so that we can be aware of what goes on behind the scenes - good or bad? And why are some people so resistant to the idea that things may not be how they seem? In the name of exploration, I say Americans (including myself) need to learn more about this!

This is only the tip of the iceberg, but I'm still thankful for it.

6.01.2009

Imagine where we'd be...

Heard this interesting article on NPR this morning on my way to work. It's about the rise of organic farming in India, where 30 times more farmers use organic methods than in the United States. Unfortunately, there is little choice involved—now the soil there is so leeched of necessary minerals and nutrients that the amount of fertilizer required to grow any crops at all has grown exponentially. " 'Imagine how much organic farmers might be able to produce,' Sharma says, 'if India's government spent even a fraction of the billions of dollars it has spent promoting chemical farming.' "

5.27.2009

Happiness for Consumers

Interesting blog post from No-Impact Man about women's happiness in a consumer-based society: research that examines whether the ability to have and to make more choices than ever before provides greater happiness in women.

Worth the 5 minutes it takes to read and digest the thoughts. Probably also worth the number of times you will recall this article as you make choices over the next several days: "5 grain Italian loaf, or 7 grain wheat loaf? Milk dated June 3rd or June 5th? Would you like to super-size that? Should I buy the same exact sweater in red or blue?"

It is interesting to think how some people take consumerism so seriously by swearing by only one particular brand of such-and-such. . . Do they believe that the ability to make that choice provides greater control in their life? Is that just a red flag reminding us that sometimes we are out of control of the choices that really matter in our lives?

5.09.2009

Feminism, Schmeninism

So Chris and I were in the car last night, and he asks me what I think about "freezing my eggs." Keep in mind that this what not relevant in any way to any conversation we were already having. He had recently read an article where a woman said that freezing eggs is degrading to the cause of feminism. (If I find out which article, I'll post it.) That made me think of another issue I had read about recently, which is that in Turkish state goverments and universities, it is unlawful to wear a headscarf, even if a woman prefers to do so. A new generation of women in Turkey are now fighting to have that right again as a form of free speech and expression. Ironically, some women there think that only anti-feminists would ever want to "degrade" themselves in that way. This sparked a whole coversation about feminism.

To me, the whole purpose of feminism (historically and currently) is for women to have the same inherent rights as men (and therefore, as all humans). So why do people insist on labeling feminism as a task list in which doing or not doing certain tasks allows someone to be a feminist!? Who cares?

I think that by having the right to make that choice freely is what allows all women to be feminist. If a woman chooses to stay home and raise 20 children, then she has made a choice which shows her feminism in a very traditional way. If I woman chooses to not marry or have children, and becomes a major CEO for a bigshot company, that is her choice! She expresses feminism by stretching the parameters of how other people perceive the role and capacity of women to do tasks traditionally occupied by men.

Grr...It's just another thing that frustrates me about the world. Women and other minority groups will never entirely break out of their pre-conceived shells until they stop talking about the parameters of the label itself. It people want to be seen as "not women," then they need to stop talking about why they are such "forward-thinking women" and just go into the world the way they are. We'll never be equal until we forget that labels ever existed.

5.06.2009

Thoughts on Change

I have just finished reading Zaatar Days, Henna Nights, in which I read this simple yet powerful statement:

"He was not so much against change as against the changing of principles."

I can see the relevance to so many things: the environment, media-centered culture, even Facebook! I don't think people are against preserve the environment, reusing/recycling materials, etc., but I think many people are resistent to the idea that they are asked to change the way they shop, choose packaging, choose food, reuse items, and recycle more than the occasional plastic water bottle. In other words, I think all people are united toward the goal, but not all people are united to change their lives in ways to help the world meet that goal.

Another quote: "I was beginning to realize that places mattered less than the spirit and connections forged along the way."


Speaking of change in my own life, we have found an apartment to move to across the street (literally) from where we live now. This change is the right one for us to make at this point in our lives, although I will admit that I'm losing several things I have become used to: a bright, large kitchen, a fabulous balcony that gets plenty of sun, and a general "newness" in the whole place.

I am also trying to come up with an answer for an offer someone has recently made me...cryptic I know. Doing this is rewarding, but I have had some bad experiences with it in the past. I am trying to prayfully decide the right thing, but saying "yes" could lead to more decisions that I cannot make yet. Some people might say that being ready is not the point. They may be right.

4.20.2009

Quick Thoughts

1. I HATE it when people leave their car running while they sort their recycling!

2. Interesting quote about writing:

"She thought about the word 'capture,' how it put a writer on par with a fur trapper or big-game hunter, and how it implied that stories were whole and roaming around loose in the world, and a writer's job was to catch them. Except of course that a writer didn't kill what she caught, didn't stuff it and hang it on a wall; the point was to keep the stories alive."

-Love Walked In, Marisa de los Santos
(This quote was the only quality bit in the entire novel.)

4.19.2009

A Romantic Day at the Vineyard


Chris and I spent yesterday afternoon at Arrington Vineyards, where took a very yummy and simple picnic lunch to enjoy with a bottle of wine from the vineyard. We ate fresh mozzarella and garlic & herb goat cheese spread on crackers, pita and hummus, chilled apples, and some fabulous dark chocolate. We chose a wine called Desert Rose, which ended up going perfectly with our picnic lunch! It was a quiet day there, and the weather was warm but not overwhelming. It was so nice to relax and enjoy some quiet time together doing something special. It was also a great chance to stock up on more bottles of wine than we'd ever bought at once! Hopefully, we will make them last. :)

In other news, WE ARE MOVING! ::sigh:: Ten months after moving in, we decide to move out again. I am already collecting boxes for the big day sometime in June. We are actually moving across the street (quite literally - about 1/4 mile away) in the effort to protest the rising cost of rent and the ridiculous addendums being added to our lease next year. The good part is that we will have slightly more square footage and bigger closets. The bad part is that in addition to the actual moving process (of which I am a champion, I can assure you!), we will have to buy a washer and dryer for the first time. C'est la vie!

4.15.2009

Twitter and CSA countdown

This is a hysterical comedy sketch about Twitter! http://current.com/items/89891774/supernews_twouble_with_twitters.htm

In other news, I cannot stand the wait until May 3rd when we get to pick up our first crop share from Avalon Acres (our CSA). They are expecting strawberries, green onions, kale, radishes, beets, etc. in the first few weeks! I truly love the experience of going to get my box each Sunday, not knowing what surprises await. It's like a little piece of Christmas excitement when you open it up to see what amazingly fresh foods you get to cook with and enjoy during the week. Heaven!


17 Days Left

4.11.2009

Week in Review

Monday - Holy Week Madness.
Tuesday - Holy Week Madness.
Wednesday - Funeral AND Holy Week Madness (Why not throw in a couple of funerals? It's only The Busiest Week of the Year).
Thursday - Holy Week & Passover Seder Madness.
Friday - Holy Week Cramming Madness

Also visited a new apartment complex. It's not actually new, since it has been around since The Dawn of Time, but it will be new to us. Doing some number crunching to decide if we truly will save enough money to merit moving there and having to buy a W/D.

Avoided deadly tornado.

Friday Evening - AMAZING concert with the Nashville Symphony. I was literally on an emotional high after hearing James Ehnes perform Alban Berg's Concerto for Violin, composed in 1935 using Arnold Schoenberg's technique of 12-tone composition. The conductor was brilliant to give the cliff notes version of scales and tone rows before the performance, and he had individuals in the symphony play the original tone row and variations of it so we could digest it properly throughout the performance. The piece was originally created as a Requiem for Mahler's "step-daughter" (easiest way to describe it), but as the composition progressed, it became clear the the Requiem was also written to reflect milestones of the composer's life, as it was the last piece he would complete in his lifetime.

I am truly fascinated by composers who create their own requiems, and also at examining the final pieces completed by composers before what could only be their dramatic and untimely deaths. Composers are quite dramatic, after all. ;)

Saturday - Received junk mail from Furman Alumni Assn. offering me a credit card. Gasp and shock! Proceeded to write a sternly worded email to voice my complete outrage at receiving a credit card because of a connection with my alma mater. Ugh!

Rescued a co-worked from total isolation by picking him up at a bar - a convenient place for a car to break down - and earned myself a free beer!

It's been a busy week! I am so looking forward to cooking on the grill tonight, and celebrating Easter with another family tomorrow afternoon!

4.05.2009

Thoughtful Reading


"Important events - whether serious, happy or unfortunate - do not change a man's soul, they merely bring it into relief, just as a strong gust of wind reveals the true shape of a tree when it blows off all its leaves. Such events highlight what is hidden in the shadows; they nudge the spirit towards a place where it can flourish. " -Suite Francais, Irene Nemirovsky

This quote is from the book I am currently reading, which is actually comprised of two books. The author intended to write a 5-part series about WWII and its great effects on the lives of the French people. She herself was a Jew living in Paris during the war, and she died tragically at Auschwitz. (*The level of impact of the events at Auschwitz are apparent even in the computer age, since the name of that particular concentration camp is recorded the the Blogger spell-check.) After lying undiscovered for 46 years, the books have been translated and edited by Sandra Smith.

It is intense reading, but the novel is worth every minute of study. The quote above captures the essence of the author's writing style and purpose in delivering this pair of novellas. Words like this stand the test of time and are relevant in any age.

3.24.2009

Puppy!



This is a video of Lucy when she was a little pup - 8 or 9 weeks old, I think. She was ferocious even from the beginning! I'm actually posting this to test the waters of video-posting, but it doesn't hurt to try it with something adorable!

3.22.2009

The Wonderful World of Reading


So I am a huge patron of libraries. I adore the concept that something in this world is free. I love that with a library card, any person can walk in, pick something up, walk out, and be all the better for it. I think one of the added benefits of libraries is the ability to place people on an equal footing. Even if you have the money, why buy something when you could borrow it for free? All that said, there are few things I find more thrilling than picking out a handful of books to sit and admire on your bookshelf while you wait for the perfect moment and mood in which to read them.

Chris and I took took full boxes of textbooks to McKay's Used Books on Charlotte Ave, and this is the coolest used bookstore I have ever seen!! They had about 8 people in the back of the store looking up trade-ins on the computer, and it only took about 30 minutes for us to hear about the small fortune of store credit they would give us in exchange for our books. This was a huge operation! Not only will I go there even in search of bargains and gifts, but I will never set foot in another used bookstore if I can help it. I've been in several where the trade-in value was minimal and the re-sell value too high to be worthwhile.

If you love to read, check out goodreads.com. I have an account there to keep track of what I read (so I don't have to remember), and to check out reviews from other people. There is even a way to mark reviews with Spoilers so you don't find out anything important before you've read the book.

3.20.2009

Back in the Good Ol' Days


Chris and I were reminiscing on our way home tonight about the olden days when AIM was the thing to do. Not only was it the very first thing you do in the morning, but you spent hours during the day trying to remember inside jokes, compelling songs, interesting quotes, and funny things that happen throughout the day, in order to put them online for the friends who were there for the inside jokes, compelling songs, etc. In case you were in a coma 5 years ago, this is what most mornings looked like:

6:30 Snooze
6:40 Snooze
6:50 Snooze
7:00 Snooze
7:10 Snooze
7:20 Climb out of bed.
7:22 Turn computer on.
7:23 Check out who's already online (you didn't have to actually open AIM because it was set to open automatically, of course!).
7:24 Read away messages, most of which you read the night before for the final half hour before you went to bed.
7:40 Think up clever away message about being tired and late for class YET AGAIN.
7:53 Decide on the most clever away message and post it.
7:55 Throw on clothes, grab ponytail holder, and RUN to class.

This schedule was repeated in similar fashion throughout the day. You actually could not sit down at the computer again without posting a new away message, or adding to one (they get to be quite lengthy. You could probably use this blog post as an away message, come to think of it).

Those were the good times.

As much as I <3 Facebook, it really ruins the effect of the clever away message. Most Facebook Statuses are boring, unfulfilling, non-thought-provoking, and remarkably short.

What a shame.

3.09.2009

Lesson 101: How to Relax


If you know me, you know I love to organize and to be organized. This is both a blessing and a curse. For example, everyday when I get home from work, I immediately do one of two things: sit on the couch and then have no energy to do anything for the rest of the night (literally-I get exhausted from boredom) or start picking things up and straightening the apt. If I do the second, I then decide the floor looks gross and I need to vacuum. While vacuuming, I realize that I also need to dust, wash dishes, do laundry, scrub the floor, and on and on, all very much in the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" fashion. The last two weekends, I have spent all Saturday cleaning like mad, and then on Sunday, suddenly, I could relax in peace. I'm sure every other 24-year-old in the world innately understands this already.

But it was a revelation for me. I had no idea that after all that hard work, relaxing could be so sweet.

*This pic is not actually something I own, just a good example of things I drool over (apartmenttherapy.com).

2.28.2009

Boring Update

Round 1: Publix Wins!

Well, so far, Publix is winning my price comparison test at $6.29 cheaper overall than Kroger based on 24 items that I have managed to get prices for at both stores. I keep adding to my list as I buy new things (yes, I really have this much free time!), so it takes me about an hour to make a “quick” trip to the grocery store. Only 5 of the 24 items were priced higher at Publix. If you’re doing the math, that means 19 of the items are marked up – that’s almost 80%. There’s absolutely no order to the prices I am gathering. More to come!

Also, while I was running around the store with my pen in hand, I realized that I have been ripped off! I have been buying a giant 3-pack of tissues, because the smaller 3-pack I had been buying was cheaper. Lo and behold – the 3-pack is more expensive than buying 3 separate boxes! I feel personally assaulted. Not exaggerating.

Interesting fact from the video I’m watching called “Kilowatt Ours”: Apparently one in ten women have dangerous levels of mercury in their bodies as the result of burned coal. (yikes!)
Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a regular TV for about 3 hours!

Currently Reading:

Stolen Lives, by Malika Oufkir

Fascinating and sobering real-life account of the Oufkir family’s exile from Morocco after the father of the family died in a coup and was later accused of treason against the king. If you have the patience to get through a sad story (with a happy ending, since Malika has survived to tell the story), you will be shocked at the lengths that family went through while they were imprisoned, and the resilience people have to survive against all odds.

2.14.2009

Little Green Things


Our little vegetable seeds are growing!! I'm so excited. Of course, they'll grow if you give them water and dirt, but still, I am amazed. Can't wait to pot them and see what happens! Now we'll actually have to pay attention to the weather in case of a freeze or frost left in the season. We are growing spinach, rainbow chard, and mulit-colored sweet peppers. Life is good. :)

2.08.2009

Publix v. Kroger - The Never-Ending Question


I have gotten so tired of people always saying how Kroger is so much cheaper than Publix that I have decided to put it to the test myself. It seems like there is a very strong stereotype that may not be justified. In fact, I used to shop at Kroger once a week for almost two years, and I feel that we have spent approximately 1/3 less money on food since we moved to a new neighborhood and discovered our nearby Publix. For us, I think that shopping at Publix lets us spend less, and I suspect that many of the items we buy are cheaper there. We'll see if I'm right!

My goal is to identify the 25 or so items that we regularly buy (and items I would like to buy is the price is right) and to list the prices from both stores. Unfortunately, the stores in my neighborhood do not both have the same organic items, so sometimes they won't match up perfectly.

Kroger Prices
  • Kashi Autumn Wheat $5.29
  • Multi-Grain Cheerios (big box) $4.29
  • Barilla Plus pasta $2.45
  • Newman's Own Coffee $8.25
  • TLC Crackers - original $3.29
  • TLC Crackers - all others $3.98
  • Back to Nature Classic Creme Cookies $3.89
  • Natural Cheetos $3.99
  • Simply Orange juice $3.69
  • Simple Apple juice $3.19
  • Horizon Organic Milk (gallon) $5.69
  • California Pizza Kitchen pizza (large size) $7.29
  • Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream $3.99
  • Everyday Living Clean-up Wipes (75) $4.99
  • Everyday Living Clean-up Wipes (35) $2.59
  • Swiffer Refills (16) $4.69
  • Swiffer Refills (32) $8.99
  • 7th Generation Laundry Detergent (32 loads) $10.99
  • 7th Generation Fabric Softener (40 loads) $ 5.99
  • Nature's Gate Handsoap $5.29
  • Method Creamy Hand Wash $ 4.99
  • Method Hand Wash $3.79
  • Caress Body Wash $4.29
  • Reflexologie Shampoo & Conditioner $6.85
  • Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer $14.49
  • Playtex Sport $4.36

2.05.2009

Bumper Sticker FAIL


Yesterday when I was driving home from work, I saw this bumper sticker. If you can't read the picture, it says:

MY Pastor Says: GOD "BLESS" America.

What in the WORLD does that mean? God "bless" America? As in, we don't REALLY mean "bless"? Maybe it's being used in the same that we say things like, "Oh, bless her little heart!" when what we mean is "Oh, I can't stand her!"

I'm all for the right to think and speak freely, but at least be clear about it!

1.31.2009

My 25 Things (from Facebook)


I am the proud mom of an 8-month old Miniature Schnauzer named Lucy. She is one of the biggest highlights of my life, and I don't know how I ever lived without a dog!

I really miss being at school, although the absence of stress in my life is fabulous!

My deepest dream is to raise a full-scale vegetable garden to feed me (and Chris, of course), for an entire year. I love the idea of living off of the land and separating myself from commercial foods. They taste better, I feel healthier when I eat them, and there's something exciting about the process.

In the mean time, Chris and I take part in a CSA (Community Shared Agriculture), which means that we pay a farm community upfront and receive a box from them weekly with whatever has just been harvested. It costs us only $18.00 per week, but the equivalent at the grocery store would cost about $35-$50.

I am jealous of people who are good at speaking other languages.

I do yoga.

I love to learn, and my latest passion is learning about what the government has to done/said about the food we eat and all of the processes that go into it, from growing more corn than our nation could possibly eat, to spreading fertilizers that were originally created to use in gas chambers during World War II.

I have more hobbies than I know what do with.

I often create excuses because I am afraid of trying and being met with failure. I use these excuses to keep from developing areas of my life that truly have potential.

I miss having friends around who enjoy deep conversations about the world, and especially about music.

I am a sucker for reality TV, and since I don't have cable, there's not much else to watch.

I want to read every new book I see - I love memoirs, books about food, and unusual novels. I always have a recommendation!

I am extremely frugal, and I often feel guilty for spending money on even little things.

I prefer chocolate over just about anything else, and if it's mint, I'm in heaven!

I <3 recycling.

xxzx (<- that was from Lucy)

I want to live in another country for a couple of years.

I am very happy in my job, but I have enlisted a mentor to help me learn about my potential and how to identify the right time to change jobs/move up. I have no regrets about not working in the public school system.

I volunteer with the middle school youth group at my church, even though I am not very dedicated to other things the church has going on. I things those guys are fabulous - it is often the highlight of my day!

I'm a tea snob.

My limit is one cup of regular coffee. After two, I become CRAZY and really unproductive cause I'm too busy shaking!!

My favorite summer of all time was in Chicago. I would love to live there for a little while.

I think my parents are awesome, and I wish I got to see more of them.

I love having really close friends, but I'm not very good at opening up and developing that kind of friendship - it's slightly ironic.

The older I get, the more I envy teenagers, who are not jaded by the practicalities of life. They see possibilities in everything, and they're not ashamed to admit or pursue with everything they can muster.

1.25.2009

Catching up

Man, it's been a while since I've blogged. I meant to update on the surprise I put together for Helen, the woman who comes in to work for help sometimes. I ran over to where I've seen her ringing the Salvation Army bell several times, but to no avail! ::sigh:: Finally, after a few more attempts to meet up, we found each other at work, and gave her the gift. I haven't seen her since, and I don't know how well it was appreciated, but I think that being thought of in this way truly surprised her, and maybe even embarrassed her. I hope she didn't view it as charity, but until I see her again, I'll never know.

In other news, I am having a huge love affair with books. When I go to a bookstore, I literally want to take home one of almost every book they have. There are not enough hours in the day to spending reading and getting lost in ideas. I wish I could live in a bookstore. Or a library. Mmm.