Every once in a while, I do little experiments for a number of reasons. Sometimes I want to see if my palate has changed, so I'll try a new food. Sometimes I'll try a new genre of book or music to see if my tastes in that department have changed. Sometimes, I like to see if my allergies have changed. I eat foods that I know will give me the itchies or hives or make my heart hurt or my stomach turn inside-out.
A couple of days ago I went to a Chinese buffet. I love these restaurants because you can find the most random delectable dishes. Plus, I like rice, soy sauce, and vegetables. Well, friends, what could be wrong with this situation? The only problem I have with Chinese food is that almost every Chinese restaurant cooks its food in peanut oil. I'm allerg (short for allergic) to any form of nuts. This poses quite the problem.
I didn't have an instantaneous reaction, like usual, instead it was delayed by several hours and I didn't notice until I woke up the next morning. it messes up, what feels like, my internal organs. Things that I don't even know the name of start hurting and feeling disgusting. My words are not conveying what I would like them to. All this is to say...no more Chinese food. This was my last ditch effort for a genre of cuisine that I hadn't tried until six years ago. Though our time together was short, I think we had something great going on.
Farewell, Chinese food. I will miss you. And though I can make my own similar dishes with olive oil, I shall miss the buffets and the craving quick-fixes.
30 January 2007
27 January 2007
I save up funny things from work to post, and then always forget to post them.
I'll try to do better as I get into a routine with my job. It's J-term break, right now, and I'm off of work for 4 days. Lovely to behold! I'm sure I'll get very used to working by the academic calendar, as I have been living by it as a student my whole life.
One of my recent projects has been to go through every document in the enormous pamphlet file and assess its value. There is very little of value in a pamphlet file, no matter where you are. They are inevitably out of date and most of the items weren't worth the effort it took to save them in the first place. A few years back, whoever was picking out the subject of documents by which to categorize and label them had a problem with spelling. Here is the heading from one such document:
"Alchohol + Alchoholism in pregnancy"
The pamphlet spelled the word correctly. It was simply a matter of copy-the-letters that went awry.
Another pamphlet on Reminiscence had section titles including "How can I help someone reminisce?" and "Skills and tools for reminiscing". It was in the Adults, Elderly section.
Yet another gem.
In the "Know your America" booklet published in 1985 I found a few fun facts:
"Is it correct to use the Flag for a merely decorative purpose in any printed, painted or embroidered design?"
Answer: No
"Should the Flag be worn as a part of any costume?"
Answer: No
Wish Americans actually knew that. I'd never heard that before. And I thought of American Idol last week when 2 people showed up in strange American flag costumes.
And finally, what is a good week at work without some self-discovery.
I love sharp pencils. Real pencils, not mechanical ones. Although, I have a different respect for mechanical pencils.
I'll try to do better as I get into a routine with my job. It's J-term break, right now, and I'm off of work for 4 days. Lovely to behold! I'm sure I'll get very used to working by the academic calendar, as I have been living by it as a student my whole life.
One of my recent projects has been to go through every document in the enormous pamphlet file and assess its value. There is very little of value in a pamphlet file, no matter where you are. They are inevitably out of date and most of the items weren't worth the effort it took to save them in the first place. A few years back, whoever was picking out the subject of documents by which to categorize and label them had a problem with spelling. Here is the heading from one such document:
"Alchohol + Alchoholism in pregnancy"
The pamphlet spelled the word correctly. It was simply a matter of copy-the-letters that went awry.
Another pamphlet on Reminiscence had section titles including "How can I help someone reminisce?" and "Skills and tools for reminiscing". It was in the Adults, Elderly section.
Yet another gem.
In the "Know your America" booklet published in 1985 I found a few fun facts:
"Is it correct to use the Flag for a merely decorative purpose in any printed, painted or embroidered design?"
Answer: No
"Should the Flag be worn as a part of any costume?"
Answer: No
Wish Americans actually knew that. I'd never heard that before. And I thought of American Idol last week when 2 people showed up in strange American flag costumes.
And finally, what is a good week at work without some self-discovery.
I love sharp pencils. Real pencils, not mechanical ones. Although, I have a different respect for mechanical pencils.
21 January 2007
REMINISCING IN THE SNOW
Driving past an empty church today, I saw a crazy high schooler doing donuts in the snowy parking lot. Instantly, I was taken back to my own high school days, when I was dating an edgy, thrill-seeker. He loved anything that would make your body pump high octane adrenaline. He had a hot, fast red car and every time I was inside it, I felt like I was going to die. Whether it was gunning it from a stoplight or driving over 100 mph down deserted country roads or parking lot donuts (with or without the snow), if I was along for the ride, I knew that was going to be the last day of my life. I got into the habit of saying, "I don't want to die today. So could you be a little bit more careful?" Usually, he'd laugh at that, and continue with the blood-boiling feat.
The particular time I recalled today, though, was a snowy day. As the 3-Gs of donutting kept me glued to the passenger-side door, I yelled, "I don't want to die!" When the car regained its composure and skidded to a stop, he looked at me and said with total earnestness, "Lana, why would I want to harm you? You are the most precious thing in my life. I'm not going to do anything that would put your life in danger."
He was not given to such sweet speech all of the time. In fact, at that moment, I'm not sure I'd ever heard anything quite like that out of his mouth, and I'd known him for years.
The only response I could muster was, "Oh." As if the thought had never occurred to me. It's possible that it had not ever occurred to me before.
I smiled as I passed the empty lot this afternoon. That brief memory, that blip on the screen of my life, reminded me of other times. Good times. Pleasant memories.
It was a good day to reminisce.
Driving past an empty church today, I saw a crazy high schooler doing donuts in the snowy parking lot. Instantly, I was taken back to my own high school days, when I was dating an edgy, thrill-seeker. He loved anything that would make your body pump high octane adrenaline. He had a hot, fast red car and every time I was inside it, I felt like I was going to die. Whether it was gunning it from a stoplight or driving over 100 mph down deserted country roads or parking lot donuts (with or without the snow), if I was along for the ride, I knew that was going to be the last day of my life. I got into the habit of saying, "I don't want to die today. So could you be a little bit more careful?" Usually, he'd laugh at that, and continue with the blood-boiling feat.
The particular time I recalled today, though, was a snowy day. As the 3-Gs of donutting kept me glued to the passenger-side door, I yelled, "I don't want to die!" When the car regained its composure and skidded to a stop, he looked at me and said with total earnestness, "Lana, why would I want to harm you? You are the most precious thing in my life. I'm not going to do anything that would put your life in danger."
He was not given to such sweet speech all of the time. In fact, at that moment, I'm not sure I'd ever heard anything quite like that out of his mouth, and I'd known him for years.
The only response I could muster was, "Oh." As if the thought had never occurred to me. It's possible that it had not ever occurred to me before.
I smiled as I passed the empty lot this afternoon. That brief memory, that blip on the screen of my life, reminded me of other times. Good times. Pleasant memories.
It was a good day to reminisce.
20 January 2007
MAJOR PURCHASE
I made quite the purchase today. First, a little background info. In order to finish my latest favorite project, I had to acquire a piece of equipment. Thanks to a generous gift from my grandparents and some money from Xmas, I was able to make this purchase without thinking twice.
Here she is in all of her glory!
I had to do some research - contacting friends and family who I thought might be able to give me some advice, checking out product reviews online, and actually visiting the store to make the final decision.
I'm happy with my choice - although I think a Singer or Brother would probably also have been just fine. However, I could find less online about Brother machines, and have heard some not-so-great personal accounts of their machines. I have nothing against them, but I heard more good things about Kenmore and Singer. As my aunt told me, "Not all brands and not all machines are created equal."
A major reason for choosing Kenmore was the incredible sale that was going on this weekend. I saved $150...so to me, that was worth it.
I'm excited to move on to the next stage in the making of my quilt--actually sewing. I just remembered, however, that I don't have any thread. Dang! A girl can't remember everything, now can she!
I made quite the purchase today. First, a little background info. In order to finish my latest favorite project, I had to acquire a piece of equipment. Thanks to a generous gift from my grandparents and some money from Xmas, I was able to make this purchase without thinking twice.
Here she is in all of her glory!
I had to do some research - contacting friends and family who I thought might be able to give me some advice, checking out product reviews online, and actually visiting the store to make the final decision.
I'm happy with my choice - although I think a Singer or Brother would probably also have been just fine. However, I could find less online about Brother machines, and have heard some not-so-great personal accounts of their machines. I have nothing against them, but I heard more good things about Kenmore and Singer. As my aunt told me, "Not all brands and not all machines are created equal."
A major reason for choosing Kenmore was the incredible sale that was going on this weekend. I saved $150...so to me, that was worth it.
I'm excited to move on to the next stage in the making of my quilt--actually sewing. I just remembered, however, that I don't have any thread. Dang! A girl can't remember everything, now can she!
18 January 2007
O, GLORIOUS DAY!
I have Internet access at home! Amazing.
I apologize for the undue delay in posting. After arriving back in Indiana from a 15 day hiatus in Arizona, I plunged head-long into setting up house. Although, if you've read any of the previous month's posts, you might think I'd already done so. But alas, I found a room full of random things waiting for me at my parents' home and decided to bring a great deal of it with me. Books and whatnot, posters, bookends, scrapbooking supplies (getting ready for the class I'm taking!), etc.
Today finds me employed (oh happy day!), 4th day on the job and elated to finally have Internet access at home. What was I ever thinking that I could live without. I should never have entertained that thought!
I'd love visitors - provided you give me enough advanced notice to clean up.
Oh, and I love my job. Granted, there isn't much for one to do in the first week except clean up and arrange the office, set up the computer with all sorts of personal preferences, and think about the many things I will do eventually.
I'm back, and feeling good!
I have Internet access at home! Amazing.
I apologize for the undue delay in posting. After arriving back in Indiana from a 15 day hiatus in Arizona, I plunged head-long into setting up house. Although, if you've read any of the previous month's posts, you might think I'd already done so. But alas, I found a room full of random things waiting for me at my parents' home and decided to bring a great deal of it with me. Books and whatnot, posters, bookends, scrapbooking supplies (getting ready for the class I'm taking!), etc.
Today finds me employed (oh happy day!), 4th day on the job and elated to finally have Internet access at home. What was I ever thinking that I could live without. I should never have entertained that thought!
I'd love visitors - provided you give me enough advanced notice to clean up.
Oh, and I love my job. Granted, there isn't much for one to do in the first week except clean up and arrange the office, set up the computer with all sorts of personal preferences, and think about the many things I will do eventually.
I'm back, and feeling good!
10 January 2007
I'M HOME
Now it's time to reenter the world of the living. Not sure if I'm ready for that.
It's 1:52 in Indiana, where I am currently bouncing around the house. I'm still on Arizona time (11:52, then) and we've been staying up until the wee morning hours there.
I spent several hours tonight sitting on my former bedroom floor in my parents' house, going through stacks and stacks of folders, papers, and notepads. I've found poetry, journal entries on loose leaf paper, and quotations galore. I had forgotten I was once quite prolific, even if the quality of writing was indefinably horrendous.
I gawked at the depth of my passion back then, and wonder where it went. Is that something that simply dissipates with age? The toll of the years is sapped energy and strength for plunging head-long into life's big questions and dramas, and reeling from it's assaults?
I also came across mounds of college papers and stories and poetry by me and my classmates. I think I'll have it bound into readable booklets and set them out in my home. It would be fun to pick one up every now and then and remember the people with whom I shared these creative classes.
Here's to the end of an era. I start a real job on Monday!
Now it's time to reenter the world of the living. Not sure if I'm ready for that.
It's 1:52 in Indiana, where I am currently bouncing around the house. I'm still on Arizona time (11:52, then) and we've been staying up until the wee morning hours there.
I spent several hours tonight sitting on my former bedroom floor in my parents' house, going through stacks and stacks of folders, papers, and notepads. I've found poetry, journal entries on loose leaf paper, and quotations galore. I had forgotten I was once quite prolific, even if the quality of writing was indefinably horrendous.
I gawked at the depth of my passion back then, and wonder where it went. Is that something that simply dissipates with age? The toll of the years is sapped energy and strength for plunging head-long into life's big questions and dramas, and reeling from it's assaults?
I also came across mounds of college papers and stories and poetry by me and my classmates. I think I'll have it bound into readable booklets and set them out in my home. It would be fun to pick one up every now and then and remember the people with whom I shared these creative classes.
Here's to the end of an era. I start a real job on Monday!
07 January 2007
WIN SOME, LOSE SOME
I love watching movies. I also love hanging out with friends. I've done quite a bit of the first in the past 2 weeks, and very little of the second.
Last night I was able to meet several friends of a friend, and contrary to my usual reactions to such meetings, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. In fact, it made me want to move to Arizona even more than I thought possible. Since it's my dream deferred, I've been laboring to repress that longing, but I can do that only for so long. Andrea is a good, old friend. And the people she lives with and those she is friends with are amazing. This gives me hope that when I do make it out here, I may find some normal, fun friends, too.
Because I love watching movies, I also love sharing my favorites with other people. Sometimes I try to stretch the minds and limits of my family by introducing them to my favs. Tonight I attempted this with my mom and sister and the movie Where the Heart Is. Leslie did not enjoy the movie. Several times she commented, "This is the most ridiculous storyline ever. I can't believe I'm watching this." Mom kept the negative comments to herself, but her sighing, which I can interpret better than most (being a sigher myself), spoke volumes. Too much immorality, too much destruction. Luckily, these days I am less swayed by their opinions, in that, if I share a favorite song or movie or book, and they dismiss it according to their values, I am still secure in my adoration of said item. I'm sad they can't enjoy all of the things that bring color and vibrance to my life, but we each have our own things. Thank God I can appreciate that now.
Today, so close to the new year, I feel like I have won in that I enjoyed myself when in my previous existence I would have been too anxious, too scared to open up to new people. I won in sharing some of the things I love with those closest to me, and in thus separating their reactions from my own personal opinions. I may have lost a few things, but it's worth it to be self-assured, secure, and happy. To embrace those around me, first, and question later. To step out in faith and to find goodness waiting. This is why I have won.
I love watching movies. I also love hanging out with friends. I've done quite a bit of the first in the past 2 weeks, and very little of the second.
Last night I was able to meet several friends of a friend, and contrary to my usual reactions to such meetings, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. In fact, it made me want to move to Arizona even more than I thought possible. Since it's my dream deferred, I've been laboring to repress that longing, but I can do that only for so long. Andrea is a good, old friend. And the people she lives with and those she is friends with are amazing. This gives me hope that when I do make it out here, I may find some normal, fun friends, too.
Because I love watching movies, I also love sharing my favorites with other people. Sometimes I try to stretch the minds and limits of my family by introducing them to my favs. Tonight I attempted this with my mom and sister and the movie Where the Heart Is. Leslie did not enjoy the movie. Several times she commented, "This is the most ridiculous storyline ever. I can't believe I'm watching this." Mom kept the negative comments to herself, but her sighing, which I can interpret better than most (being a sigher myself), spoke volumes. Too much immorality, too much destruction. Luckily, these days I am less swayed by their opinions, in that, if I share a favorite song or movie or book, and they dismiss it according to their values, I am still secure in my adoration of said item. I'm sad they can't enjoy all of the things that bring color and vibrance to my life, but we each have our own things. Thank God I can appreciate that now.
Today, so close to the new year, I feel like I have won in that I enjoyed myself when in my previous existence I would have been too anxious, too scared to open up to new people. I won in sharing some of the things I love with those closest to me, and in thus separating their reactions from my own personal opinions. I may have lost a few things, but it's worth it to be self-assured, secure, and happy. To embrace those around me, first, and question later. To step out in faith and to find goodness waiting. This is why I have won.
02 January 2007
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