Peas and Carrots

Here is the rainbow I've been praying for...

2012-02-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

My "Fake it 'til You Make it" song. And since this song is always running through my mind I thought I'd share it.

I don't want to cry or complain or pout, and I know that Valentine's day is just a huge day of commercial opportunities for the business industry, but... where is my sign of appreciation and love? Umm, oh ya, you forgot it (or totally disregarded the idea because YOU think that it's a wasteful "holiday") but what about me and my feelings? At least say "Happy Valentine's Day" back to me and say thanks for the USEFUL gifts I got you to show my appreciation and love.

I think what bothers me the most is that you're supposed to show your love and appreciation year-round, not just on "the" required day. But if you don't bother going out of your way to do something nice even on the required day, it sure won't happen on a random day throughout the year. Whatever, I'm just annoyed. I guess generosity and a giving heart is something that still needs to be learned.

Take these sunken eyes and learn to see...

2012-02-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

I recently stumbled upon the creation story of the Nez Perce tribe. My sister and I were discussing the history of the nation and she started telling me a little about the Nez Perce legend. It caught my attention, but I quickly forgot about the story until I opened a textbook and turned to a page describing the history of evolution, where I was reintroduced to the story.

According to Ella E. Clark, the Nez Perce tribe accounts the creation legend to Coyote, the hero of the tale that lived on earth before humans. Coyote chased the giant beaver monster Wishpoosh over the earth, leaving a trail to form the Columbia River. When Coyote caught Wishpoosh, he killed him, dragged his body to the riverbank, and cut it into pieces, each body part transforming into one of the various peoples of this region. The Nez Perce were made from Wishpoosh’s head, thus conferring on them great intelligence and horsemanship (174).

Chief Joseph

There are different accounts of Coyote and the monster. A few that I found online follow the same story as the one in the following link. It describes a similar story as the one above, but some components are a little different. I thoroughly enjoyed both accounts, and I hope you take the time to read through this version. The Nez Perce Story of Creation.

Clark, E. E. (1966). Indian legends of the Pacific Northwest (p. 174). Berkeley: University of California Press

I'll be the harmony to every lonely song that you learn to play...

2011-08-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

Every flower has to go through a lot of dirt – Lauren Bond

I believe that certain people come into our lives (especially at critical points in time) to teach and encourage. I’ve learned so much from my own experiences, while also hoping that my success and failures could be of some value to others facing the same obstacles.

This last week has been one of the most challenging of my young life. I was feeling so overwhelmed and at my breaking point when a friend helped me gain some clarity. I felt as if I had dug myself in a hole in which there was no way out, and it was only a matter of time before the walls would collapse in on me. I was losing myself, putting my needs on the backburner to avoid confrontation and to appease others… Regardless of what had happened, I’m so grateful for this newfound freedom of ambiguity and the support of my friends. It’s like a long awaited breath of fresh air!

Who are you when I'm not looking...

2011-07-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

I’ve been neglecting this blog, for good reason though. Now that I’m not swamped with my online summer classes I can spend some quality time writing. With football camp right around the corner I’m enjoying my last free days of summer arranging my new apartment and spending the afternoons with my favorite doggy friends.

So here are some pictures of the new place… I’ve been meaning to post them for a while and since the apartment is kind of tidy I figured I’d go ahead and take some photos even though it’s not completely arranged yet.

Our front door

View from the living room

View from the potty area - looking south towards Lewiston

Potty area

Living room - it's actually fairly large but it's cut in half by the seating. To the left is Larry's room. Straight ahead and to the left is the kitchen, to the right is the closet, and to the far right is the bathroom and my room.

Built in desk - to the left is the kitchen, to the right is some open space and a closet

Galley kitchen, nothing special! But it works!

View from the window

My favorite kitchen appliance, my Grandma Lee's KitchenAid mixer.

My apron - Made by Lydia Cook :)

The closet.... with grossey carpet.

Our bathroom with the new toilet!

My bedroom

Layla's Bed

She loves her bed

The kids

My princess

The devil's child

Polka Dots and Moonbeams

2011-06-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

If I know what love is, it is because of you. -Herman Hesse

This post is for my father, because even though he is a crazy nut, he will always be the best man in the entire world. Well let’s just say one of the three best men in the world (because my grandpas are also exceptional men!)

When I talk about my dad I always get teary-eyed. Even now as I’m writing about him I have to choke back some of tears. He has always been there for me, he’s always been supportive, and he’s always tried his best to support our family. Working two jobs trying to make ends meet - he never gets a break, but you’ll never hear him complain about it.

When I was just a kid, my dad would take me and my sister to sporting events with him… and since he’s a sports writer we would always follow him around, listening to him interview basketball players that we admired and coaches that intimidated us. My sister and I would decide who should win the game based on their uniform, school colors, and all-star athletes (such as Matt Dlouhy, Aubree and Desiree Johnson, Katie Hawn, Jenna Griffitts, and so on…)

I could go on about him, telling you stories about how he used to put one of those electric fart-noise makers underneath cushions and try to prank people, how he would always take us to Davis Donuts on Sunday mornings before church, how he’d punish me by making me do my time out watching golf or Days of Our Lives, or how he always says “If I was any better I’d be twins.” Lately it’s been triplets, whatever that means.

Anyway, he’s the best dad ever and I just felt like bragging!

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Peanut Butter Cookies (My dad's favorite!)

Yield: 3½ Dozen

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/4 cups brown sugar, firmly

packed

1 1/4 cups white sugar

1 cup salted butter, softened

3 large eggs

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 300° F. In a medium bowl combine flour, soda and salt. Mix well and set aside. Blend sugars at medium speed in a mixer. Add butter and mix to form a grainy paste, scraping the sides of the bowl. Add eggs, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the flour mixture and mix at low speed until just mixed. Drop dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, 1 1/2 in. apart. With a wet fork gently press a crisscross pattern on top of cookies. Bake for 18-22 minutes until cookies are slightly brown along edges. Transfer to a cool surface. As a variation, add 2 cups semisweet choc. chips to the flour mixture then bake as directed.

In restless dreams I walked alone narrow streets of cobblestone...

2011-06-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Here’s what you’ll need:

Vodka (any type will do – I used Skyy)
1 vanilla bean per 1/3 cup vodka
Lidded glass bottles (any glass bottle will do, just make sure it has a lid or a cork.)

Directions:

· Split each vanilla bean lengthwise with a knife or with scissors.

· Drop the vanilla beans into the bottles. For a bottle that holds about a cup of liquid add 3 or more vanilla beans. Fill up the bottles with the vodka. And, that’s it! Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for 2-3 months before using, making sure to give them a shake every once in a while!

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I’ve been thinking lately that I’d like to expand my baking skills by taking a cake decorating course at Michael’s. I saw a few signs inside the store and I went to sign up for the class. The manager told me to come back and register on the first day of the class (which was yesterday.) So I walked in and told the cashier that I wanted to register for the class and he grabs the information booklet and then informs me that the last spot was filled the day before. I was mad because I came in a week before the class was supposed to start and I would’ve had a spot. But maybe I’m not supposed to take it now, maybe I’ll just wait until the next course begins. Anyway, I was really disappointed so instead of heading back home I decided to treat myself to a mani/pedi at the new nail salon, Ispa, here in Moscow. And that was definitely worth it! I just love the way my nails look after they’ve been professionally painted.

Today I went to some thrift stores to pick up some blankets for Janel’s new pup. I swear, thrift stores are the way to go. Not only am I saving money, but I feel good that I’m buying something recycled – makes me think that I’m keeping more things out of the landfill, but mostly I just like buying things on sale or marked down. Also, I got my nose re-pierced today! AND I LOVE IT! I was worried that it was gonna kill, because last time it was pretty painful, but it was nothing! I seriously love Untamed Art Studio, if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo or piercing I would recommend this parlor!

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."

Albert Schweitzer

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives

2011-06-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

I’m hooked on Days of Our Lives. Not because I like the show, I can honestly say that most days I laugh at how ridiculous the plot is, but because my life is fairly calm (and who doesn’t like a little bit of drama?) This week has been a little tense so far, so here’s to hoping that the next few days are less of a struggle!

I quit my job. A situation with a few coworkers, well mainly one, had gone from uncomfortable to alarming. I was planning on leaving in a few weeks anyway because I was accepted into a few summer classes and I wanted to spend my time working on school, but I felt that I couldn’t stay any longer than what was necessary. What’s funny is that when I went to my boss to tell her I was leaving she knew why. She said she had sensed that this particular worker had been acting different around me; A 40+ year old man taking advantage of his job to get close to a young, vulnerable, college student. Gross. Just another reminder to not be so trusting of people.

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No Bake Cookies

3 1/2 cups dry quick-cooking oats, divided

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, cut into pieces

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

4 tablespoons cocoa

Place several sheets of wax paper on your counter or kitchen table. Measure 3 cups of oats and place into a large heatproof bowl along with the peanut butter and the vanilla. Set aside.

Place the butter, sugar, milk and cocoa in a small saucepan. Give them a quick stir. Turn the heat on high, and leave the mixture alone. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil, and let it boil for exactly 1 minute. Remove immediately from the heat, and pour the chocolate mixture over the oats and peanut butter.

Use a large wooden spoon to quickly stir the ingredients together. Working with two spoons or a small ice cream scoop, drop the mixture by onto the wax paper. Let the cookies cool until set.

You're just too good to be true. Can't take my eyes off you.

2011-05-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be (possibly your roommate, neighbor, co-worker, friend, lover, or even a complete stranger) but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some people move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom.
Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.
They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints in our hearts,
and We are never, ever the same.

And sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart. Everything happens for a reason, nothing happens by chance or by means of luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience help to create who you become.

Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

Make every day count! Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself; it will be hard for others to believe in you.

You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

I stumbled upon that article one day. For someone like me, who believes that the majority of things said are undeniably cliche, I found this passage worthwhile. Maybe I'm a little naive, but I hope that everybody will find something of value in this post.

Creamy Whipped Fruit Dip

1 jar of marshmallow creme

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese

Blend marshmallow creme and cream cheese in an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Serve with fresh fruit.

Take Me Home Country Road

2011-05-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

I hate moving. Last weekend I drove home to help my parents move into a new house, not because we wanted to, but because some unfortunate things had happened. To say it was tough was an understatement – my house, MY HOUSE that I grew up in, was not mine anymore. Some people might think that it’s a little silly, but for my family it’s a little bit of a heart break. It was uniquely ours, and I doubt I’ll ever enter another home that even remotely reminds me of my time growing up. There was a certain charm to that house, especially around the holidays, but when I saw it empty it was as if it was a stranger’s home.

My mother is a pack rat… all in all we had 5 loads in the biggest size u-haul available to rent, and a dozen trips in smaller trucks and cars. My parents were worn out, so I was happy to be there, even if I showed up late because of work. I bought some Davis Donuts for breakfast the next morning (I got the last 2 pink frosted donuts left in the store!!!! Those are my favorite) and when my mom saw them she almost started to cry. Maybe she was still exhausted and overwhelmed by all the work there was left to do, but I think she was happy to see a familiar face after her first night in a new home. That Saturday night was my brother’s senior ball. It was funny and strange seeing him getting all spiffed up, and his date was GORGEOUS! Apparently she spent $800 on her dress, but she looked like a million bucks! I saw pictures of the dance, and not to be mean, but the class of 2008 had a much prettier ball!

Anyway, I will miss that old house and hold all my precious memories of it close to my heart.

the rickety old fence

harvesting potatoes

field of barley

lake pamela - the snow would melt and flood our yard during the spring

bleeding hearts over our dog's grave

pony boy curtis under the snowball bushes

my sister watching over the yard

the sisters together

graduation day

First Post

2011-05-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

I’ve had this blog for some time now, but I’ve never felt that I had much to share (or anything interesting enough that would entice people to actually read my posts.) I’ve never been much of a diary keeper, and I don’t intend for this blog to act as such, but I would like to share my thoughts, my enjoyments, my errors, and my experience (as little as that may be) to those of you who would like to follow along.

Since this is my first post I’ll keep it short and leave you with a baking tip. I’ve always had a passion for baking, it’s just something I’m good at. The most popular item I bake are my chocolate chip cookies, although I do get requests for pies quite often. I could make any batch of cookies and they’d all turn out great because of one thing: underbaking! Seriously, hard cookies are no good. Just by taking your cookies out of the oven by a minute or two you can improve the quality of your baked goods. The cookies will look doughy and not thoroughly cooked, but it will keep baking after it’s been pulled from the oven. I prefer to bake the night before I serve my cookies to allow plenty of time to cool and set.

Here is my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe:

Blue Ribbon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yield: 3 ½ Dozen

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/2 white sugar

1 cup salted butter, softened

2 large eggs

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 cups (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300° F.

In medium bowl combine flour, soda and salt. Mix well and set aside.

Blend sugars at medium speed in mixer. Add butter and mix to form a grainy paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add eggs and vanilla, mix at medium speed until light and fluffy.

Add the flour mixture and chocolate chips. Blend at low speed until just mixed. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart.

Bake 22-24 minutes (remember to undercook them!) Transfer cookies immediately to a cool surface with a spatula.