Well, I am not doing so good with my "29 days" experiment. As shameful as it is to admit, I have missed a few days. I hope it's not because I am THAT self absorbed. I feel there just isnt always a moment to do something noticeable for someone else. Although, maybe the issue is finding ways to be sneaky about giving to others, not finding ways to be acknowledged for good or kind deeds. Maybe it's in the extra time taken to hold open a door for someone, go to lunch with a friend even when you really dont have the time, or offering to drive using YOUR gas. Maybe it's being excited for your friend's good news - even if you're not crazy about the news. Maybe it's going to a planned event even if you're not totally psyched for it - just going because someone planned it. I can't let myself think that the only way to do something for someone costs money or is tangible. I really believe that just listening to them rant about the same issues with the same boy or sending a nice text message can make the biggest difference in someone's day.
Yesterday my roommate Carrie had her first published story in the Tech paper. She loves writing and having a story published is a huge deal for her. So, as one of my 29 things (I guess this is number 3 that I have tracked?), I cut the article out and put it on the fridge. Maybe just seeing it up there will make her smile on a regular basis - there's a kind deed that carries on day after day.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
a RIDICULOUS invention.
I came across what I truly believe to be the STUPIDEST invention yet. It is nothing necessary, nothing that really even makes sense to me. I have yet to experience this new creation while it was actually WORKING.
Today I went in to the lovely Texas Tech Library and needed to go to the restroom. I went into the shiny, brand-new Ladies Room and was surprised to see that everything is now automatic. By everything, I mean EVERYTHING...even the toilet paper dispenser! And this brings me to my least favorite invention thus far. The automatic toilet paper dispenser. I do NOT understand the need for such a creation. I mean, to get toilet paper, the biggest effort is leaning over to rip it from the roll. That's it! You dont have to touch anything making it an unsanitary experience. There's no knob or pull that will become germ-infested as more people use it. I suppose the only reason for such a tool is so as not to waste toilet paper. I, personally, just dont think that's a good enough reason to choose to enforce such ridiculousness upon the restroom users of today. Both times I used the forementioned restroom, I had to use the manual crank to get toilet paper. THAT IS NASTY! I had to sit there, realize that the automatic factor would not be working at that moment, figure out how to get the needed TP, then personally crank a few squares out. What a hassle! So again, I ask: WHAT IS THE POINT IN THIS CREATION???
Today I went in to the lovely Texas Tech Library and needed to go to the restroom. I went into the shiny, brand-new Ladies Room and was surprised to see that everything is now automatic. By everything, I mean EVERYTHING...even the toilet paper dispenser! And this brings me to my least favorite invention thus far. The automatic toilet paper dispenser. I do NOT understand the need for such a creation. I mean, to get toilet paper, the biggest effort is leaning over to rip it from the roll. That's it! You dont have to touch anything making it an unsanitary experience. There's no knob or pull that will become germ-infested as more people use it. I suppose the only reason for such a tool is so as not to waste toilet paper. I, personally, just dont think that's a good enough reason to choose to enforce such ridiculousness upon the restroom users of today. Both times I used the forementioned restroom, I had to use the manual crank to get toilet paper. THAT IS NASTY! I had to sit there, realize that the automatic factor would not be working at that moment, figure out how to get the needed TP, then personally crank a few squares out. What a hassle! So again, I ask: WHAT IS THE POINT IN THIS CREATION???
Sunday, January 18, 2009
29days:day2 (saturday)
Well today started off as a good day. It began, however, with plans to be very selfish with my time and schedule. I woke up at 10am (VERY late for me) and planned to lay in bed watching tv for a bit then head off to the REC for a workout before starting the day. It's much easier and better for me when I make my workout be the first thing I do - then I actually GO. Anyways, I had my early afternoon well planned out until Carrie, my only roommate home this weekend, came knocking at my door. She peeked in and asked if I wanted to watch this week's Grey's Anatomy and eat homemade pancakes. This, of course, had not been in the day's plan, only moments before.
But sometimes you just know what people need, even if it's just a bit of time to watch a movie. So, I put on my robe, made a big pot of coffee, and proceeded to assist with the pancakes. Two hours, a big pot of coffee, and many pancakes later, I made it to the gym. But, before doing so, I got some lovely roommie time in. That's the greatest gift of all, but that's just my opinion.
But sometimes you just know what people need, even if it's just a bit of time to watch a movie. So, I put on my robe, made a big pot of coffee, and proceeded to assist with the pancakes. Two hours, a big pot of coffee, and many pancakes later, I made it to the gym. But, before doing so, I got some lovely roommie time in. That's the greatest gift of all, but that's just my opinion.
Friday, January 16, 2009
29days:day1
Today was my first day for my "29 Days" experience. I bought Alysha's Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic. She's a bride-to-be and we all know what that means...EVERY PENNY COUNTS. The beverages supplied the caffeine needed to make it to, through, and from David's Bridal (a place I hope I never have to return to) and quenched my extreme thirst. Thank goodness for Sonic's ever consistent beverage making...thank goodness for friends to share the beverages with!
perhaps i found a new passion.
Today I partook in an essential activity to any girl's life. I saw yards of tulle, thousands of sparkly beads, dozens of dresses in even more colors, and multiple brides-to-be. Yes, that's right: I went bridal gown shopping with my precious friend Alysha. Alysha gave me a gift that I hope everyone has at least once in their life. I get to be her maid of honor in December as she weds a guy who is perfect for her in many ways. As Alysha and I started discussing flowers, cakes, locations, dresses, who to invite (and more importantly, who NOT to invite), and so many more details, I realized the truth that I have always kind of known: I LOVE WEDDINGS. Not just love as in I enjoy going to weddings, looking at magazines, dreaming about my own. Don't get me wrong, I love all those things. But I love looking at the bride hold her hand out to show off that lond-desired ring. I love the emotion women emit when talking about wedding ideas, past weddings, and what happens after the wedding. I love to dream about my own special day - a day that while I cant wait to partake in, I equally don't want to wish for it because then it's over. And that is sad.
Weddings equal excitement for a life of companionship and love, sadness at acknowledging the young ones have grown up, desire knowing the night to come, and faith that no one could love you more than the person next to you at the altar. So much peace and passion and love comes from one day. Some ceremonies last less than half an hour (such a travesty to me!) but even just those thirty minutes bring so much to the table. I'm the girl who cries at EVERY wedding. I have even been known to cry at weddings when I know neither the bride nor the groom. It's too big of a moment, an experience, a story to me to NOT recognize with the purity of tears.
For example, I recently saw the new bridal comedy, "Bride Wars". This movie is a must see. It has a fabulous cast and is truly funny. Like the funny that makes you smile after you stop laughing because it's just that good. Anyways, it was at the wedding part of the movie when it hit me. One of the brides has no father to walk her down the aisle and no mother to help her button up the gown. Her best friend is not speaking to her (more like disposing of artillery on her) and her other friends are stuck between having to choose friends. She doesn't even have her fiancé because he's at the other end of the church WAITING for her. She's alone! ON HER WEDDING DAY. That realization, triggered by a slightly humorous moment, brought the water works! I mean, not only did I cry, I SOBBED. The kind of cry where even just thinking about it the next day makes you start crying all over again. Well after the movie had ended, I continued to have tears dripping from my face. It wasn't a pretty sight. But the thing that gets me, in retrospect, wasn't that I was hit by some depressing story and there was no hope. I was hit with the spirit of thanksgiving that I still have all those important relationships in my life. I was hit with the acknowledgment that, even with the most expensive and beautiful wedding, without the people who love you and have made your life complete, you're wedding is nothing more than frivolity and dress-up.
As I watched my dear friend and many strangers imagine themselves in satin and lace on the day we all look forward to, I remembered the need for relationships. The need we have to experience life WITH people. The big times in life are nothing when you have no one to share them with.
Back to the title of this post, I know now what I love. I love weddings. Not for the money put into them or the beautiful dresses or the mushy love songs. My passion comes from knowing the past - the story of how the couple met; the present - what this wedding and marriage mean to them; and the future - understanding the need to share life with your special someone. It's so much more than the dress and the cake (blasphemy, I know!). But then again, those are pretty good perks :)
Weddings equal excitement for a life of companionship and love, sadness at acknowledging the young ones have grown up, desire knowing the night to come, and faith that no one could love you more than the person next to you at the altar. So much peace and passion and love comes from one day. Some ceremonies last less than half an hour (such a travesty to me!) but even just those thirty minutes bring so much to the table. I'm the girl who cries at EVERY wedding. I have even been known to cry at weddings when I know neither the bride nor the groom. It's too big of a moment, an experience, a story to me to NOT recognize with the purity of tears.
For example, I recently saw the new bridal comedy, "Bride Wars". This movie is a must see. It has a fabulous cast and is truly funny. Like the funny that makes you smile after you stop laughing because it's just that good. Anyways, it was at the wedding part of the movie when it hit me. One of the brides has no father to walk her down the aisle and no mother to help her button up the gown. Her best friend is not speaking to her (more like disposing of artillery on her) and her other friends are stuck between having to choose friends. She doesn't even have her fiancé because he's at the other end of the church WAITING for her. She's alone! ON HER WEDDING DAY. That realization, triggered by a slightly humorous moment, brought the water works! I mean, not only did I cry, I SOBBED. The kind of cry where even just thinking about it the next day makes you start crying all over again. Well after the movie had ended, I continued to have tears dripping from my face. It wasn't a pretty sight. But the thing that gets me, in retrospect, wasn't that I was hit by some depressing story and there was no hope. I was hit with the spirit of thanksgiving that I still have all those important relationships in my life. I was hit with the acknowledgment that, even with the most expensive and beautiful wedding, without the people who love you and have made your life complete, you're wedding is nothing more than frivolity and dress-up.
As I watched my dear friend and many strangers imagine themselves in satin and lace on the day we all look forward to, I remembered the need for relationships. The need we have to experience life WITH people. The big times in life are nothing when you have no one to share them with.
Back to the title of this post, I know now what I love. I love weddings. Not for the money put into them or the beautiful dresses or the mushy love songs. My passion comes from knowing the past - the story of how the couple met; the present - what this wedding and marriage mean to them; and the future - understanding the need to share life with your special someone. It's so much more than the dress and the cake (blasphemy, I know!). But then again, those are pretty good perks :)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
29 days.
So today I was reading the ever present "Daily Toreador" during one of my breaks. I came across an short story about a woman who, after being diagnose with MS, decided to give away 1 thing a day for 29 days. After completing the experiment, she no longer found herself wallowing in her sadness and illness. Rather, she found herself excited about life, about giving something to someone else rather than just taking all the time. I have decided that I am going to start this experiment and journal about it here. It doesnt have to be a monetary gift. A sweet note, folding my roommates' laundry instead of throwing it on her bed, making extra coffee in the morning for my roommate Carrie - these things won't cost me a dime but, in reality, they will bring the rewards that not even lots of money can bring.
For the next 29 days, I will give away something. Whether it's a bit of my time, making a friend supper, buying someone a cup of coffee, or just leaving a note in a fellow ADPI's box at the lodge, I will give something of myself to make the day better for another person. Who knows what might be in store for me?! In 29 days, a lot can happen. That's 696 hours to potentially STOP thinking about myself and focus on another. That's 41,760 minutes of brainstorming and plotting how I can better serve a neighbor. We shall see. Maybe it has a minor effect on my life - maybe it will just be an act of self-glory. But, then again, it could be one of the most important actions I could take because not only will I give myself a feeling of "good samaritanitis", but I might, just MIGHT, make the day a bit better for someone else.
Stay posted.
Stay warm.
And eat something yummy today :)
For the next 29 days, I will give away something. Whether it's a bit of my time, making a friend supper, buying someone a cup of coffee, or just leaving a note in a fellow ADPI's box at the lodge, I will give something of myself to make the day better for another person. Who knows what might be in store for me?! In 29 days, a lot can happen. That's 696 hours to potentially STOP thinking about myself and focus on another. That's 41,760 minutes of brainstorming and plotting how I can better serve a neighbor. We shall see. Maybe it has a minor effect on my life - maybe it will just be an act of self-glory. But, then again, it could be one of the most important actions I could take because not only will I give myself a feeling of "good samaritanitis", but I might, just MIGHT, make the day a bit better for someone else.
Stay posted.
Stay warm.
And eat something yummy today :)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
the first post.
In lieu of my first post for "something to munch on", I have decided to start out my blog using my first "fun-writing" essay. Since the theme is "soul snacking", here's a short essay I feel will appropriately introduce myself to my few buy, hopefully, loyal readers. Bon appetite!
Smooth. Rich. Delectable. Sweet. Savory. Every individual finds a different and unique meaning from these words. For me, these words paint a picture of cakes, cookies, brownies, and chocolate. Not the packaged sweets or ready made cookies, I love to bake my own desserts and try other homemade delectables. As the French might say, I am a true gourmande. In other words, or just plain English, I love to eat and to eat well. I’m not one to give up an order of fast food fries, pizza, or even a few Oreos with milk but if I had to choose between picking up Wendy’s or making my own meal, especially my own dessert, I would choose the latter.
I cannot remember the first time I was in the kitchen, developing my love for baking while feeding my tummy. I do remember, however, school nights when my parents would leave us kids with Mrs. Owen while they went out. After homework, dance, piano, and swim team, Mrs. Owen and I would preheat the oven to 325 degrees, set out the butter, roll up our sleeves, and get to work. Every time she was over, without fail, Mrs. Owen and I could be found working away in the kitchen. It was with her that I learned about packing down the brown sugar, adding an extra drop of vanilla for that surge of sweetness, and to set out the butter well in advance so that it was soft enough for the dough. Though we never ventured far from the traditional, yet always favored, chocolate chip cookie, this experience harvested within me a passion: baking.
Mrs. Owen sparked a flame which has continued to grow into a love for making, and most importantly for eating, desserts of any kind. My love for being in the kitchen continues. Among family and friends, I am known as “chef” or the one who brings food for any occasion- everything from parties to studying to just an opportunity to eat. There is a unique and special bond among those who love to cook, love to eat, and love to be around food. My good friend Lindy and I share in our love for creating goodies. We often talk about opening a bakery together so that we can dive daily into sugar, share our creations with our neighbors, and earn a living doing what we love. Holidays with the family offer the ideal time in the kitchen- cooking with my grandmothers, aunts, and mother. I love exploring old family favorites with my grandmother, Sita. Every time I visit her, we try a new recipe, cook homemade meals, and go out of our way to make fabulous foods. Sometimes it is as simple as chicken noodle soup made from scratch and other times as unique as cherry cheesecake or homemade jam.
In the kitchen, I am comfortable, safe, in control. Maybe I like to bake so much because I do have control there. With my spatula in hand and the oven set, I know things will turn out how I want them. If not, I am at fault and must be the one to fix it. Nobody but myself can change what I bake or tell me how to make it. Whether I am measuring out my dry ingredients or stirring my melting chocolate, I am able to control what goes on while anticipating the final product. From Italian Cream Cake to double chocolate cookies, baking is my gift to society: from my hands but, most importantly, from my heart.
A True Fatty
I cannot remember the first time I was in the kitchen, developing my love for baking while feeding my tummy. I do remember, however, school nights when my parents would leave us kids with Mrs. Owen while they went out. After homework, dance, piano, and swim team, Mrs. Owen and I would preheat the oven to 325 degrees, set out the butter, roll up our sleeves, and get to work. Every time she was over, without fail, Mrs. Owen and I could be found working away in the kitchen. It was with her that I learned about packing down the brown sugar, adding an extra drop of vanilla for that surge of sweetness, and to set out the butter well in advance so that it was soft enough for the dough. Though we never ventured far from the traditional, yet always favored, chocolate chip cookie, this experience harvested within me a passion: baking.
Mrs. Owen sparked a flame which has continued to grow into a love for making, and most importantly for eating, desserts of any kind. My love for being in the kitchen continues. Among family and friends, I am known as “chef” or the one who brings food for any occasion- everything from parties to studying to just an opportunity to eat. There is a unique and special bond among those who love to cook, love to eat, and love to be around food. My good friend Lindy and I share in our love for creating goodies. We often talk about opening a bakery together so that we can dive daily into sugar, share our creations with our neighbors, and earn a living doing what we love. Holidays with the family offer the ideal time in the kitchen- cooking with my grandmothers, aunts, and mother. I love exploring old family favorites with my grandmother, Sita. Every time I visit her, we try a new recipe, cook homemade meals, and go out of our way to make fabulous foods. Sometimes it is as simple as chicken noodle soup made from scratch and other times as unique as cherry cheesecake or homemade jam.
In the kitchen, I am comfortable, safe, in control. Maybe I like to bake so much because I do have control there. With my spatula in hand and the oven set, I know things will turn out how I want them. If not, I am at fault and must be the one to fix it. Nobody but myself can change what I bake or tell me how to make it. Whether I am measuring out my dry ingredients or stirring my melting chocolate, I am able to control what goes on while anticipating the final product. From Italian Cream Cake to double chocolate cookies, baking is my gift to society: from my hands but, most importantly, from my heart.
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