It's My Life and I'll Blog if I Want to

Career Update

2012-01-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

I spent two weeks learning Perl and I've written a decent program or two (on top of the studying programs). I hope to get Perl a little more cemented in my head and then, quickly, move on to Python. I went to a Personalized Medicine Conference recently and it was awesome! I'm really in the right field. Or, I'm really sure this is the field I want to be in, anyway! I'm so fascinated by this stuff.

New Favorite Recipe - Ratatouille

2012-01-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Lynn brought a recipe Gramma Holt had clipped out of a magazine, for ratatouille. It's not filling on its own, but it is tasty and easy to make, though time consuming. That is, unless you have a food processor, in which case it's tasty, easy, and quick!

I often put it over rice or pasta, but it's also great on its own! Here is the recipe. I've had success doubling it (and I usually do because it goes fast!).

Winter Ratatouille
Serves 6

Ingredients:
You want the "diced" ingredients diced to about the same size

2 Tb extra virgin olive oil (most oils work and probably veggie broth does, too)
1/2 medium red onion, diced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
1 medium orange bell pepper, diced

1 medium zucchini, diced
1 medium yellow squash, diced
1 medium Japanese eggplant (or 1/2 a medium round eggplant), diced

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large ripe tomato, diced

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

In a very large pan (something that can hold all of the above ingredients!), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook 2 minutes. Add zucchini, squash and eggplant and cook 2 minutes. Add garlic, tomato, salt and pepper and cook 1 more minute.

Nervous!

2012-01-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

I'm finally applying for programming jobs and got a "bite" on one! I'm excited about it, but nervous, too. Programming is tough but it keeps my interest and I seem to have a knack for it (being an OCD editing minor helps!). Currently, I'm learning Perl, which has always sounded like a really powerful and interesting language. Plus, there seem to be a fair number of jobs in it. Full steam ahead! :D

Wow -- Holidays!

2012-01-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

The holidays were awesome. We visited my family, first. I intended to help Mom with the garage, but that didn't happen. . . What did happen was a lot of family time in the kitchen cooking and a lot of Rockband! Some present sharing and sitting around visiting with some of my favorite people. Then, we got back home, had a day or so to get ready and had J's family over! It was so fun! Full house, lots of cooking, visiting, etc. We had a blast! Gramma B left this morning and J and Dave went to work. Hopefully I'll have a job to get to in the near future, too. In the meantime, I'm working on my programming skills. J's been really helpful with that.

Programming

2011-12-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

I've been helping Jason with some projects at his work. Mostly, just contributing to open source projects. It's been fun to get to work with him in the office so I have fewer distractions and to have him around for when I need help! Plus, the stuff I'm working on is really interesting. Apparently, his place of business has a need for someone with skills I got at my last job plus some programming skills (perfect!!). I'm learning a bit about the programming that would need to be done and am hopeful that I may have a contracting job soon! :D Wish me luck!

Written Dec 13, 2011

Holiday Travels

2011-12-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Part of me wishes I had just cancelled everything and gone down to see my side of the family (with J, of course) back in Thanksgiving. Looks like Dave's gonna stay here while we go visit them and it'd probably be nice for him to have people around.

But then, I would have missed John and Kayla for the holidays and that would be sad, too. I want time with my family more than I care about which holiday it is. I guess December gives us more time with more family members, so most of me is glad we're still going to visit in December.

Incidentally, Miss M is so creative! She gave me a great idea for Christmas presents and I've made a ton of them now. I'll show and tell you all about them (maybe after I present them to family, though. . .).

6 Years

2011-12-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

Can't believe we've been married that long now. I have lots of opinions about marriage (some that might surprise you) and I seriously considered never getting married but what doesn't work out for some has really worked out well for us and I'm so glad we did.

I love to think back on that day when he made me lunch and then we drove over to the courthouse. It was lovely and every day since I am even more certain I made the right choice.

Happy Tummy!

2011-12-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's funny, when I first started playing around with vegetarianism/veganism, I didn't notice a lot of change going from one way to another or going back to consuming meat. Then, slowly, I started to notice changes. For example, if I were worried about protein or iron or something (or was just being lazy!) and I got a burger from Mickey D's I'd get a terrible stomach ache. When I don't eat enough vegetables I don't hurt but my stomach isn't as happy as it could be. When I eat lots of veggies and fill up on few other things, I feel really good and healthy.

I didn't expect as much change as I've noticed! Also, it took a while to notice it. Now that I have no appetite for meat at all, I'm not tempted to stop by Mickey D's, so that's a moot point. Fortunately, when I'm being lazy or wanting more comfort food than usual, cheesey meals don't upset my stomach, so I can do that once in a while. Also, I found a vitamin that wasn't too expensive, doesn't make me sick, and has B12 in it! Win! Now, on those days when I'm not being as careful or not feeling as healthy, I have a handy helper. :)

Brain Drain

2011-12-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

When it gets late, my brain begins her shutdown procedure and it gets really hard to do brain-intensive stuff. Sometimes I can power through it. Tonight is one of those nights where I wish I could remember (or re-figure out) how to power through it. . . My brain keeps trying to make me to go to sleep. . .

Written Dec 1, 2011

Potato Kale Enchiladas and Baked "Ziti"

2011-12-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

They were pretty easy to make and they tasted great! Super spicy, too, which I hadn't anticipated. (I think it was all the garlic.) Didn't have time to make the enchilada sauce, though I did have the ingredients. It would have been vegan, even, but I can't not put cheese on top. We also had baked rigatoni with homemade sauce and a bunch of mozzarella. The sauce is easy to make and pretty dang tasty. It's the marinara sauce in the Veganomicon.

Written Nov. 27, 2011

A Day in the Park Making a Book!

2011-11-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

I wanted to cook/bake with M yesterday, but her group didn't have a chance to check out my house yet, so I can't bring her in. I don't want to break that rule—seems a fair one and I might be mad if I had a kid in this program and somebody else broke that rule with them. (Maybe?)

Anyway, I wasn't able to get anybody to come look at the house last week and a bunch of other stuff was going on so I didn't get a chance to cut the wood we will be using to make trivets with. I figured we'd read books to each other again and go see the huge park by my house. M had a better idea. She brought her crayons and suggested we make a book. I was skeptical that it would be very fun for me, but it seemed like a really cool idea.

Well, first the walk into the park was a lot bigger than I expected. I needed the exercise and she said she loved walking too, so it was good. Then, we sat down on a bench near the water and then talked about layout and plot for each page as we went. It was so fun! We wrote a story about The Man in the Moon and how he and his purple dinosaur saved the day! We both drew throughout the book and we took turns writing each page. Then, we had just enough time for a quick lunch before I had to take her home so I could finish cooking. Her family came over last night and we had another lovely dinner together. They're such a neat family!

Written Nov. 27, 2011

Lots to Do!

2011-11-25T15:25:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving was wonderful! Lots of yummy dishes, the dish I cooked went over well, and best of all: lots of fun with the family! My nephew was a hoot, as always. He has such a great personality and sense of humor.

Tonight, I'm cleaning the kitchen, then making potato-kale enchiladas and baked ziti for dinner tomorrow. J, Dave (if he doesn't have to work), my mentee and her family will all be there. Then, we have company tonight, so I'm going to clean up the dusty craft room and make sure the bedding is clean and ready.

I was feeling a little stressed about it all, but when I type it down, it doesn't look so bad. Except for the part where I didn't get started this morning like I meant to and I can't get started until after 6pm. . .

Microscopes and Pupusas

2011-11-19T19:46:00.001-08:00

I took Little Miss M (my "mentee") to a biology lab today. We extracted our DNA and then spent at least an hour just finding cool things to look at under a microscope. I forgot how fun it can be too look at things under a microscope!

Tonight, her mom taught me how to make pupusas. Then, our families sat down for dinner together. She's a great teacher and the food was amazing. It was a fun day!

Ice Skating!

2011-11-12T18:00:00.001-08:00

The group I mentor with is SO cool. They give the kids after school homework help, summer school to help them stay caught up, and they help the kids get into the best schools possible in the area (it's a really bad school district. . .). It does a lot for these kids—most of whom seem to have supportive families, which always helps. Plus, they get mentors.

Today, they had an outing and mentors were invited, so my mentee and I got to ice skate for a few hours. It was really fun! She got her balance quickly and really opened up to me! She's kind of a shy girl, but once you get to know her, she has a lot of fun stories to share!

When she was ready for a break, we had just enough time to take off our skates, grab some hot chocolate and watch the other skaters for a few minutes before it was time to go. Then, we tried a park in the area (not a terribly exciting one, unfortunately), then went to Mickey D's*. Then, we went to the library and read a few books to each other (some really cute ones, too, like How Santa Really Works: who knew?). We stayed until the library closed and then I brought her home and got to see her house, her family and meet her cousin! It was a really fun day! Now, I'm off to a Star Wars marathon. . . hehehe. Gettin' my geek on!

*No vegetarian options, which usually means I choose fish but I forgot today and had chicken. . . whatever.

More Gratitude!

2011-11-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

I'm glad that I have a mom who adored me and made me feel the world was a safe and good place. Also, that she made sure I know it isn't always. She taught me everything she could and, in many ways, is exactly the yin to my yang. I still look back on things she tried to teach me and wish I'd have learned them better and sooner.

I love having a dad that makes me feel loved and thinks enough like I do to help me make sense of things that are bothering me. Even when we don't think alike, we can always have a productive conversation about the way the world works. It's fun to "geek out" with him once in a while, now that I can just understand the tip of the iceberg in terms of what he works on. lol It's also fun to talk food and nutrition now that that's something we're both interested in.

I'm grateful for brothers who make me laugh and who are usually very caring to me—except when they're punks. But even then, they're pretty great. They're my best friends.

I feel so lucky to have such a great spouse. While some of my cohorts were dreaming of their future weddings, I thought of what I wanted my future marriage to be like. What I've got is pretty damn close! I didn't expect to get so close, actually. J is exactly what I need in a partner. I also didn't expect for him to help me feel so empowered. Like I really can change the world for the better. Sometimes I'm afraid it's too good and that I need to enjoy it while it lasts. . . I plan to! Even if I continue to be fortunate and it lasts a really long time (as I hope it does!). :)

Written Nov 1, 2011

Gratitude

2011-11-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

I love the whole Treat-November-Like-Gratitude-Month that I see every year now. Not all of my posts will be gratitude-related, but here's a start.

I'm thankful I don't have to worry where my next meal is coming from. That when I do miss a meal it's not a big deal and often just that I forgot. I'm more overweight than I can stand, but I'm glad I don't have to battle being more than about 2 sizes over what I want to be.

I'm grateful for friends who don't think like I do but can discuss things not only dispassionately but also logically with me. I'm also grateful when they are willing to try—even when it doesn't always go as well as I'd like. It's especially nice to be reminded that I have a few friends (lookin' at you Adele!) with fairly different opinions who I can have a productive and interesting conversation with. I'm sure I'm too easily drained by most "impolite" conversations (politics and religion, mostly), but it's so nice to have one that actually feels productive. I'm also glad to have friends who think like I do, because if we happen upon one of those topics it's so much easier that way! haha

Written November 1, 2011

"Sexy Phlegm"

2011-11-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

I've been getting over a head cold. Today, as I was driving, I caught Janis Joplin's "Bobby McGee" on the radio. As I started singing along, I realized I have just the right amount of scratchy voice to sing it right! So, I could sing the not-scratchy parts (because they were in just the right range) and then, I could sing scratchy! Don't get me wrong, I know I actually sounded like someone strangling a duck during the parts where I "sang" the scratchy bits, but it was fun to pretend I could do it! :D I love Janis Joplin.

Written Oct 28, 2011

2011-11-03T15:07:00.001-07:00

I meet my mentee in just under 2 hours! :D

Happy Dead People Day!

2011-11-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Whether you celebrate All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos, or nothing today: I hope it's a happy one!

Siiiick

2011-11-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm officially ready for this cold to go away! I wake up with dry hot eyes. I'm not sleeping well (or enough). I'm emptying the tissue boxes in the house. It's not the flu and it could be so much worse, so I really shouldn't complain. It's just so hard to get up and going in the morning when I feel like this. Blech.

Halloween

2011-10-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, everybody! I love this time of year when things are cooling down, people are starting to bake holiday treats, and everybody has the chance to pretend to be whoever they think it'd be fun to be for the day. Love it! I hope yours is fun!

Here's a shot I found of some impressive Jack-o-Lanterns!

Written Oct 28, 2011

Lovin' Life!

2011-10-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

Last, but not least: dancing! Mom and I watched Burlesque the other day and loved it! It reminded me how much fun it was to perform (and compete) in dance. Now, I'm craving it. It didn't take much looking to find a performing ballroom group in the area. Bonus: it's Latin Ballroom! Perfect!

I haven't auditioned yet, but if there were a type of dance I could audition well for* this would be it! I'm hopeful. If I don't make it, then I'm less likely to be totally overwhelmed with this schedule (especially since I hope to get a job and still keep this all up. . . maybe I'm crazy—we'll see!). If I do make it, then, holy crap: I will have auditioned well for dance! That'll be a first!!

*There might not be a kind of dance I can audition well for. I love to practice—I'll practice for hours—and I'll eventually be decent at it. However, I am the slowest dance-learner ever. So, when it comes to auditioning, where you learn a dance and then perform it, I tend to bomb out. I probably need to learn how to learn that type of dance first. . . Which is why I hope I stand a chance for this one. I should practice it first, though. . . it's been nearly 7 years!

Written Oct 17, 2011

Overcommitting?

2011-10-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

I sure hope not!

So, I've told you about my work-related stuff. Now for more-personal stuff. I had a mentor when I was in high school who started out as a church leader. We really clicked and ultimately, I probably wouldn't have gone to a university if not for her help. I've wanted to "pay it forward" since then. A few weeks ago, I found this group where you mentor kids with the intent of helping them get to college. Perfect! After I pass the background checks, I'll get to become friends with a fourth grade girl whose family speaks Spanish! :D Maybe she'll help me practice? I've already got a few cool ideas, like cooking/baking "dates," park visits, bicycle rides, etc. Of course, this will all be greatly influenced by her interests!

Then, I found an old email from 2005 about being a Court Appointed Special Advocate, which is something else I want to do. So, I signed up for that, too! You research a foster child's life: primarily by speaking with the adults who care for them. Then, you help a judge decide what's best for the child. I will have to do a LOT of research and even then I hope I make the best decisions. I'm sure those decisions are rarely easy to make. Worthy cause, though.

There's one more post coming up about what I'm up to lately! (Making up for lost time!)

Written Oct 17, 2011

Everything: Now!

2011-10-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

(I'm quoting a mutual friend of J and me.) Here's the work-type stuff.

Lately, I have been dying to get out and do EVERYthing!

As I mentioned earlier, I'm looking for work. In the meantime, I want to build up my technical skills and my network in the biotechnical field. Enter volunteer work and an internship. I volunteer at a citizen-scientist lab that's open to the public and SUPER cool. Got to go to a Mini Maker Faire for free recently, too! Sweet!

I'm also back at the internship I did last summer. I felt like I didn't contribute much last time—most of what I did felt like waiting for code to compile, researching, flashing hardware, and getting help from J. However, the guys who supervise the project said they were interested in having me back and I wanted to go back, so there I am. They've grown and improved the project a TON! I'm so impressed with this group!

Also, they're writing a how-to guide for a project I worked on and they're listing me as a co-author!! Primarily for the work I documented in my "Android Hacking" posts from this blog. I'm SO glad J helped me as much as he did (he put in a lot of hours) and I'm so glad he suggested I write it out to make it easier for the next folks and myself! I used my own how-to guide SO many times on that project! haha Also, today, I had somebody tell me that this group's whole department has a dire need for software folks. How encouraging! I have been needing an "excuse" to get better at my software skills. :D

And now, to keep this from getting too much longer, I'll tell you more about what I'm up to in the two next posts. (Three real paragraphs?? Holy crap!)

Words We Learn from Anime

2011-10-05T00:39:00.000-07:00

Some we already knew:
origato - thank you
moshi moshi - hello
sayonara - good bye

Newer words:
ohio - good morning
matay/matayo - wait
soka - I see
hi - yes/okay
so/suh - d@mn
nande - what/why
animashta - I'm sorry [sorta]
daijo - captain
ugh [grunt] - yes
gomenasai/gomena - sorry

Favorite New Dish

2011-09-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

I love to fry zucchini. The other day, I fried it in veggie stock instead of oil. Since I had eggplant and bok choy that needed to be eaten, I threw them in, too. It was surprisingly yummy! The last time I made it, I added leeks to the stock and then threw everything in. I guess that's not unlike the way to start a soup, so it's a great fall dish to lead me into colder weather and lots of soups! :D

I'm officially octo-lavo vegetarian now. I really don't want to inconvenience anyone and if I have to go without a meal or two sometimes (at parties and what-not), it's no big deal. I just can't consume meat anymore: I've lost all interest in it. Yes, that includes bacon and meat cheeseburgers! I never thought I'd want to give them up, but I was wrong. Ideally, I want to eat as many veggies as possible and lots of good whole grains. Realistically, I still eat lots of quesadillas and fast food (it's so convenient some times!).

It's pretty cool, though, how the more veggies you eat the more you enjoy them and the less you enjoy everything else. What a pleasant feedback loop!

Incidentally

2011-09-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

I've changed directions again. I gained a lot from going back to school: especially from my programming classes. I am glad I did it. And yet, I am not ready to spend another three years in school. I miss working and I hate to feel like I'm mooching off of J. I know, that's not how everybody feels about it and he's been so supportive about this. This just isn't want I want out of life. Not right now, at least.

I've been looking around and talking to people lately. I know that I can find a back way into some of the more technical jobs and now that I've got more training, I'm qualified to get started. I will continue learning and using my technical skills. I'm going to find a job doing something I'm good at and I'm going to take on as many of the more-technical tasks as possible. Also, my goal is to find a job in biotechnology so that, even if I can't take on many more-technical tasks, I can learn more about that field and how important a master's degree is to what I want.

P.S. My toe has mostly stopped being numb, but it's been nearly a month. . . it may be time to see the doc. . .

Written Sept 23, 2011

Curious?

2011-09-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

I've joined a DIY biology group. I'm going to their classes and now volunteering at the front desk and with staffing. I LOVE this group! They really want to make lab science available to people in the way that hackerspaces make technology available. The whole start-up-incubator effect is kind of cool, too.

Plus, maybe it'll help me find someone I can work for in the biotechnology/biomedical field? A gal can hope.

The Best Thing Ever!

2011-09-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, probably not, but it's awesome, anyway. I'd been hearing about how frozen bananas can be mashed up into the consistency and texture of ice cream for a while. Then, my cousin Tara posted about it on her blog and said she put chocolate chips and (wal?)nuts in it to make Chunky Monkey "Ice Cream." (Not because she's vegan, but because she's great at making fruits and veggies fun.) It's my favorite treat ever! Well. . . brownies are still my favorite, but this is a really close second!

Here's what I do:
1. Unpeel bananas (at least 3).
2. Put bananas in gallon-size freezer bag
3. After several hours (I usually wait over night), take out some bananas.
4. Put the bananas on a cutting board. If they're super frozen, you have to let them defrost a little, and then MASH THE HELL OUT OF THEM.
5. Put the mashed bananas in an ice cream bowl.
6. Put in chopped nuts and mashed up chocolate chips to your hearts desire.
7. Try not to die from how amazing this is.

OR, here's an alternative I've tried with a little success in my blender, and I hear a food processor works great for this.

Steps 1-3 are the same as above.
4. Stick bananas in the blender/food-processor.
5. Do whatever it takes to blend/process them correctly (still figuring this out. . . I'm getting close)
6. Either add the fixin's in and mix/blend them or just add them in afterward and don't blend.
7. SOFT SERVE BANANAS!

Oh. My. Heavens. (I know, that's punctuation's so 2005 but nothing else worked!) This is the coolest treat ever. It tastes like ice cream only better and it's way healthier. Plus, it's almost no effort! Win-win!

Written Sept 10, 2011

Car Work Again

2011-09-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Post number 650! W00t!

When we bought the car, the front bumper paint was chipped and the side mirror was weird and sitting wrong. The other day, I was doing some work for a friend and came home to find the car gone. J surprised me by repainting the front bumper and installing the new dome light and side mirror. Now, it looks awesome! Thanks, Sweetheart!

Written August 30, 2011

2011-08-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

Ken and Lynn came out for a visit last night and this morning. It was nice to visit with them and we got to go out for dinner, which was fun!

We're going to get a cousin of a cousin to do some cupcakes for Jake's birthday. Melissa's making an awesome cake for the kid's party Saturday and then we're bringing these for the more grown-up party on Sunday. I've been wanting to order from her for a really long time now: her stuff looks amazing! We're getting chocolate suede cupcakes with ermine frosting and pound-cupcakes with lemon curd filling and raspberry buttercream frosting. Doesn't it make your mouth water just thinking about them? Maybe that's just the foodie in me.

Another random piece of information: my toe has been numb for two days now. Mostly just the bottom. I couldn't figure out why until I was washing it and realize that it responds when I put pressure on a spot where someone accidentally stomped on me a few weeks ago. Why it would take *weeks* to start being numb is beyond me, but it isn't debilitating or anything. Just mildly annoying. Hopefully some massage will work it out a little.

Workin' on the Car

2011-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Our trusty sedan broke a little. Hard to complain given its age, mileage, and the fact that in the last six years we've had two not-big problems with it. I have always wanted to know how to work on cars and I always thought it'd be cool to have a husband who worked on cars too. Boy, did I luck out—I got both! My husband knows how to work on cars and he's helping me learn it!

Today, we did a lot of different things to the car. First, we replaced the cracked radiator. Easy enough job, but VERY messy. Then, we changed the transmission fluid. Then, we took the chipping paint off the bumper. Then, we replaced the housing for our headlights. Then, replaced the lug-nuts! We have spent about a third of the money on parts as we would have spent to have someone else do today's work and we still have two or three jobs to use the remaining parts! It's not just the saved money, though. We get time working on a project together, we improve our skills and we know we can trust the work that was done on the car. :D

Written August 28, 2011

Another Great Weekend

2011-08-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

I made a new type of cake this weekend. It's a white cake with ice cream and strawberry filling in the middle. The batter was awesome: so smooth and creamy. Super tasty, too. My baking book suggested something I'd never heard of, but it worked really well. You butter the cake pan as usual, then put wax paper in the bottom, cut to fit, and butter that, too. When it was time, the cake came right out!

After I baked the cake layers, I let them cool for the evening. Meanwhile, I melted strawberry ice cream and put it in the same shape cake pan—nice and flat on top. That went in the freezer overnight to re-harden. Then, I cut up frozen strawberries and followed this (excellent) recipe for strawberry filling. As soon as it was cool enough, that went into the fridge. It was the perfect consistency the next day.

Yesterday, I made a ganache from my Vegan Cupcakes book (they have a blog!) and let it cool in the fridge. Then, I put the cake parts together: layer of cake, ice cream, filling, then the top layer of cake. That sat in the freezer for a few hours, while the ganache chilled. Then, I spread the ganache over it and was done! I still can't get the ganache to stick to the sides, but overall this cake was a success. Tasted great and look decent, too. :)

Life Update

2011-08-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

Gramma's 80th birthday party was last weekend. Got to spend some time with Mom, Charlie, Gramma, Dad, and my brother who's moving in to Dad's house. Plus, everybody at Gram's party! It was awesome!

There was traffic on the way back. Then, we got stopped completely for an hour and a half while they cleaned up an accident that spilled gasoline on the road. My usual 6.5 hour drive turned into a 10 hour drive. The beginning to a lovely week. . .

I geared up for and did a mediocre job on my chem final, on Thursday. Around that time, I started getting this horrible headache. It bugged me on and off that first day, then it didn't go away again until this morning. The first day, water seemed to help, but after that nothing did. Except laying down.

So, I spent most of this weekend watching TV, napping, etc. It was pretty damn boring, to be honest. Last night, I noticed it starting to feel better and then today, when I woke up, it was gone. I'm still kind of taking it easy, but I feel fantastic so far. So good to feel better again! :D

School's Out

2011-08-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

. . . Forever? It's been interesting. I still don't like school, as I was afraid I wouldn't. I've enjoyed what I've learned and I don't regret taking time off to learn valuable things. Also, I raised my gpa AND my important gpa (math and sciences).

However, before I go on and spend several years getting a degree in something, it seems like a good idea to try working somewhere so I can get a better idea what it means to do that job. You know, what I wish I'd done last time around. haha I don't regret my English degree. I needed that and I wasn't ready for anything more technical back then, anyway.

Well, that's life so far. As for the summer chem class: I didn't ace the final, but he scaled the class enough that I got my A afterall (by the skin of my teeth!).

Good Idea. . . Mostly

2011-08-04T00:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I ran across this. I've seen it before, but not recently. I like the idea that women are comfortable with who they are and that they feel "beautiful" on the inside. I think that movement is a good idea.

However, it reminded me of something else that's hopefully not related. I wish people would just stop caring so much about looks. People get penalized or rewarded for their looks, which is not unlike being penalized or rewarded for your race. Not something most people have a lot of control over, you know? Sure, makeup can help some, but can't we just get past that as a species? Or at least move that direction?

I get that guys are "visually wired" and we all would like our spouses to be attracted to us, but that doesn't mean that every person has to be actually beautiful. Which is a good thing, because not everybody is! Some people are down-right ugly, but that doesn't make them any less worthwhile, capable, or interesting. I prefer the idea of living in a world where people just take you for who you are, what you're good at, and what you contribute to the world. (I know I've got a long way to go in that last regard, but I am working on it!)

Written July 30, 2011

Chemistry

2011-07-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I got 90% on each of the last two tests and the one I took today is probably in the neighborhood of 87%. . . not great, but this teacher is hard and the summer atmosphere is difficult, too. We learn each day what we would otherwise have had a week to "digest." It sounds like the teacher will scale the class such that I'll hopefully still get the grade I want, but it will be a difficult one to get.

Shorter Hair Economy

2011-07-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

Shorter hair cuts need more cut-maintenance. However, I have clippers, scissors, a little know how and a willing husband, so that makes it easier.

Also, I use 1/4 of the shampoo I used to and take 1/2 the time in the shower. . . so. . .I dunno, I think it evens out.

Life Today

2011-07-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

The stuff going on with Mom's family seems to be calming down. My brother moved in with us and is getting settled in here. He's making lots of friends, putting in applications, finding cheap ways to get into concerts at the big theater down the street, making use of the gym, etc. It's been nice to have him around, too.

I am SO tired. I can rarely fall asleep before 11pm (which is better than I was doing—2am ish) and I get up between 5:30 and 6am. The bike ride is great, the train ride is nice and I'm LOVING the chem class. The study sessions after class are very helpful. Now, if I could just manage to get to sleep at a decent hour. . . or catch a nap once in a while. . . or SOMEthing. lol

Written July 12, 2011

19 Inches

2011-07-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Aunt Coila, this is going to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths. Locks of Love has more hair than resources to make wigs, so they sometimes sell the hair. Either way you contribute to someone with cancer getting a free wig, but I want my hair to actually go into the wig.

Something I hadn't considered is that I get my hair cut at a place where lots of people get weaves and extensions. I was doing the opposite and it caused quite a stir! Everybody gathered around to watch (in one case, vidoetape) while my stylist cut the ponytail off. A few of them (including my stylist) were nervous on my behalf! LOL I told them "I've done this plenty of times. I won't cry or anything, I promise. I am totally ready for this!"

When she first cut the ponytail off, it was this ADORABLE bob and I was tempted to just have her clean it up and go like that, but I knew I'd be disappointed if I didn't leave with a pixie cut. As it is, I would have even liked it a bit shorter! haha

So far I love it. It's literally a weight off my shoulders, too (and head and neck). Plus, I have the weekend to play with it before school on Monday! :D

Hilarious Song!

2011-07-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

If you haven't played Portal 2 and you plan to play it, then maybe skip this post. Otherwise, this is pretty funny. Possibly not as funny if you don't know the story line, but it's still funny.

Should be safe for work. However, if you're watching Youtube videos at work, you don't get to blame me for getting in trouble over it!

Portal 2 End Credit Song (by Jonathan Coulton)

Written June 27, 2011

Hard Times

2011-07-04T23:15:00.000-07:00

My mom's side of my family is going through a lot right now. Mostly my mom and youngest brother. I don't know if there's a god or not, but I do think positive thoughts can help. I would appreciate any kind thoughts / positive energy you could send their way.

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T00:20:00.000-07:00

My old hometown gets together in the park for a huge party every 4th of July. It's a town of 100,000 or so and literally most of the people I know meet at this park. Dancing, drinking, fair food, etc. and then we all settle down and watch an amazing fireworks display. Sometimes, I really miss it.

My favorite 4th of July, though, was probably the summer I lived in London. We hung a HUGE American flag from our balcony, cooked cheeseburgers and just generally acted like "happy-to-be-free-of-you-dorks! :P"

(I may or may not have sung the words for "My Country Tis of Thee" quietly to my then-boyfriend a few days before at a sporting event to the tune of "God Save the Queen." I kind of enjoy being a brat sometimes. . . )

Anyway, happy fourth of July, everyone! Happy birthday to my motherland.

I Did it!

2011-07-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

Doin' the Dora dance! Okay, not really. I did really accomplish a goal, though! Those two hills on the way to and from the train station are a bit rough, so my goal was to get to the point where I could ride them the whole way without resorting to the easiest gear on my bike. I did it today! I never did more than second-to-easiest for either one! Maybe some day I can go all the way up both hills on a mid-range gear. . .

Written June 27, 2011

Banana Split Brownies

2011-06-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from Vegan with a Vengeance. They turned out pretty good! One my friends said it's like a brownie with a fried banana on top. I agree with that.

I know, I need to make lots of healthy dishes. I plan to get better at meals that don't have so much flour, oil, etc and more food that's closer to it's natural state, but it was more important to me to just get started being all the way vegan all the time. I do plan to try to be healthy more often than not and to keep cooking healthier foods as I go: one step at a time!

P.S. Why is it that soy ice cream totally sucks but soy yogurt rocks? I guess that extra bit of sour makes up for the taste of soy in place of dairy?

Written June 8, 2011

ZOMG--Chemistry!

2011-06-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today, I got into my summer chemistry class! The campus is beautiful and one of my best friends is in there with me! She used to be my boss, then we more or less reported to the same (awesome) VP. She and I work well together, so I'm excited to be study-buddies.

Also, I'm enjoying the commute! Google maps says it should take me 15 minutes (or fewer) to ride my bike to the train station, but there are two pretty crazy hills on the way there and it usually takes about twice that. . . good thing I way over-budgeted my time the first day. I prefer to get there good and early than to miss a bus or train and show up late.

The train ride has been really pleasant. Today I read up on calculus (preparing for integral calculus) and, as soon as I have my chemistry book, I'll have plenty of time to work on homework! Exercise, getting going early in the morning (which, surprisingly, I LOVE), time with Kristy, and CHEMISTRY! Have I mentioned how much I love it?! 'Cause I do.

Written June 21, 2011

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

2011-06-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

I made this one a few days ago. Of course, by the time I got around to making it most of the strawberries were eaten or bad, so I used frozen strawberries. They're supposed to get mushy anyway, right? It worked out really well. I didn't have enough rhubarb, so next time I'll grab more (and use it before any goes bad. . .). A few things to try differently next time (as always!), but overall a success. J even went back for seconds and has had a piece every day since! J has sweets so rarely that that's been really gratifying!

Written June 8, 2011

Fulfilling Day!

2011-06-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Got up at 5:15, had breakfast, got dressed, strapped a briefcase to my bike and rode to the train station. The weather was perfect: crisp but not cold. On the train ride, I got to read a new library book.

The instructor said I have no chance of getting in this class because I'm so low on the waiting list. The lab instructor also made sure I was aware of this. I'm gonna wait it out two days and see how many people drop. I won't be devastated if I don't get the class, but I'm not giving up yet!

After I got back to My Town's train station, I had a falafel sandwich, stopped at a bookstore, and then rode home. It was a hot, but breezy sort of ride and it felt really nice. The cold shower I took after I got home did, too! Now, I hope to get a few things done around here. Primarily things like: learning integral calculus, organic chemistry, or python programming. First, though, an episode of one of my favorite shows and an ice pack for my neck, which is being a major crybaby lately!

Conclusion of 30-Day-Trial #2

2011-06-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Going vegan is sometimes really easy (steam some broccoli, chop a carrot or two, eat lots of fruit and make rice once a week!). Sometimes, going vegan is really hard. Like the other day when I was in desperate and justifiable need of comfort food, which has continued to today when it's no longer so justifiable. . . I plan to keep mostly vegan most of the time, but a slip up once a month or two is acceptable. I'm working for the 80/20 rule. I'll be perfectly good 80% of the time and try not to slip up more than 20% of the time.

I still haven't made half the baked goods I want to try with my new egg replacers (ground flax seed, baking powder and a product specifically sold as an egg-replacing powder). If anything, I want to get better at not eating fats and most animal product foods are high in it. However, in a moment of weakness, it's been comforting to have some ice cream, pizza, and mac n cheese. Not much more comforting than my vegan alternatives, though, so hopefully that 80/20 rule won't be so bad!

Ancho Lentil Tacos

2011-06-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

I tried this yesterday. She says to use 2 tablespoons of hot sauce (preferably Cholula). I have no idea how hot Cholula is, but I suspect it doesn't hold a candle to my habanero sauce, 'cause I only used 1 tablespoon of that stuff and 1 tablespoon of a much milder sauce and it was still way too much. It tastes good and works out alright if I fill the tacos/burritos with lots of rice, beans, and salad and don't use too much of the taco filling.

Tonight, I try my hand at a strawberry rhubarb crumble pie. I really hope it tastes the way I think it will.

Written June 5, 2011

Brussels Sprouts and Thai Chili Soup

2011-06-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

If you're tired of food posts, you may want to skip this one. . . Food is kind of what I'm "into" right now. . .

I made tasty Brussels sprouts tonight! I wanted to make them for a while. I hear they're good in salad (and virtually undetectable!), so I figured that's how I'd do it. Until I read the Veganomicon's section about great ways to bake veggies. Easy-peasy!

Also, I made the Red Lentil Thai Chili (Soup) tonight. She didn't say to skin the sweet potatoes and the skins are supposed to be healthy, so I didn't. J didn't mind them, but I don't like them. Also, the garlic needed a few more minutes to cook. The lentils weren't as hearty as the rice in my other Thai soup, but it's still a tasty healthy soup! Especially if you pour it over rice!

Written June 5, 2011

Cravings

2011-06-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am jones-in' for some mac 'n' cheese pretty hard right now. Especially since I need to get groceries, so lots of my favorite fast-and-easy options aren't around.

I have been a little more lax since I learned that Dad doesn't really need the "help." I've had a sip of at least two milkshakes. I even totally cheated last night and put a slice of American cheese on a burrito! The latter was completely not worth it. Didn't taste like what I wanted and it made me feel bad for cheating. :(

One reason I'm doing this 30 day trial, is to find things that are as fast and easy as mac 'n' cheese, but that are healthier (and vegan). It's times like this that make it happen! So far, spaghetti works pretty well.

I've only got two more weeks. Plus, my stomach is deliriously happy as a vegan. That's a nice incentive.

Written June 3, 2011

Twilight

2011-06-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have more important things to do (and blog about!). However, you might find it interesting that my brother talked me into reading the first Twilight book. Yes, you read that right. He says it was not unlike a personal torture and yet it was worth having read in order to fully appreciate Nightlight, which he says is brilliant.

When people talk about Twilight, it sometimes feels like this. I reserve the right to change my mind, but I suspect this is how it's going to feel after I start reading it. . . Also, I know it makes me sound ancient, but I'm sure it's done untold amounts of damage to younger-generation readers.

Can you imagine why it's taken months and I still can't get around to looking for it in the library. . ? Twilight the movie was really disappointing. Even with expectations this low. . . Maybe I can get some Buffy manga to wash the bad taste out of my head after Twilight. . . Also, I should probably try to be more open-minded about it. . .

Written June 3, 2011

Painted the Bathroom

2011-06-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

Finally! Now, to paint the other bathroom and the kitchen so I can love all the walls in my house. The bathroom paint was this dingy beige, which wasn't so bad on its own, but it had finger prints and various (light) marks that I could never get rid of. Plus, this bathroom had white paint just over the shower/tub and dingy beige paint everywhere else. . . WHO DOES THAT?! Well, it doesn't matter anymore, because now it is all one color and the dirty-looking spots that wouldn't come clean are gone! Woohoo!

Written May 28, 2011

Why Israel?

2011-06-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking of blogging about our vacation. I want to share the pictures and stories! I have lots of things I'm working on, though.

A few days ago, I had some pictures ready and was about to post about Israel. Then, I realized that, to tell the story right, I have to share more details than I care to on this blog. So, if you want to know why an atheist and an agnostic took a trip to "The Holy Land," let me know and I'll send you an email that would have been this post.

Written May 25, 2011

Clarification

2011-05-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

I've given myself too much credit for Dad's new healthy lifestyle. He found my book interesting and then did his own research. He's not doing what I told him to, he's following a diet he found because there's scientific proof that it will reverse his heart disease.

I am happy it's happening and that he's healthier but it's important that people know this is all him. I gave him a direction, but he figured it out and is making it work.

Black Bean Brownies

2011-05-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Hannah, recommended these. Instead of oil and eggs, you puree black beans! Who'd have thought? I don't think I would have tried them if she hadn't recommended them, but they're great: thanks, Hannah!

She says they're good without the coffee and nuts and I think it'd be pretty low-fat if you leave out the hazelnuts (no oil or eggs. . . where else would the fat come from?). Next time I make them, I'll either leave the hazelnuts out completely or use half of what he calls for. They add a wonderful flavor, but there are just too many of them!

Written May 26, 2011

More Good News!

2011-05-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Dad is going strong with his diet and seems to like it fine. He says he absolutely will not fail at this because it is that important to him. He says he feels full all the time (in a good way), and not only has he been able to quit the diabetes meds (still checks his blood sugar levels, though), but he bought a fancy machine for measuring cholesterol levels and is usually around 100mg/dL! Cholesterol levels are supposed to be under 150mg/dL, so that's really cool! He may be able to lessen the amount of cholesterol-lowering medicines he takes, too!

This has all worked out so much better than I hoped. It wouldn't have if Dad didn't decide this was important to him and if he wasn't taking it seriously. He clearly is and that's so encouraging! I really want him to be around for another 20+ years.

Written May 26, 2011

Red Curry Soup with Rice and Purple Kale

2011-05-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

I tried this recipe tonight. It's strange, but in a good way. I think I'd have preferred either kale OR sweet potatoes but the two together are not my favorite. I just eat the sweet potatoes first and then the kale and it's pretty tasty! I won't make it again soon, but I will enjoy the left overs.

[The day after] It tastes about 100 times better today! Also, I like the potatoes with the kale now. I will definitely make this again. Won't eat it until the day after, though. haha

Best Flavor Combo EVER!

2011-05-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

My new cookbook has a recipe for banana brownies. I try not to eat a lot of foods with flour and oil, so I plan to make them for friends or something where I can try it but won't be tempted to eat it all on my own. . . They sound gooey and delicious!

Rookie Mistake

2011-05-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

I ate Dal Curry with butter in it today. Should have asked the ingredients before I just assumed it was vegan. . . I was going to start the 30 day clock over, but I'm just gonna keep going and be more careful next time. This diet is easiest if you just make *everything* you eat.

The Vegan Thing (Why I'm Doing it and other Cool News)

2011-05-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

The main reason I'm going 100% vegan this next month is that my dad is going vegan-and-then-some and I want to do this with him. At least for the first month, possibly longer.

I went to SoCal mainly to make food for my dad. I've read how much better it is for people with heart conditions (and diabetes) to go without animal-based foods, so I figured I could at least expose him to a few. Also, I brought the book that got me thinking about it. Dad read the book in 2 days and went on to read the criticisms on it as well as the studies done by doctors referenced in the book.

He found a study one doctor did with 18 people who had advanced heart disease. Even though the statistics say most of them would die in the first two years, they all have lived twenty years! Not only that, but with only a single heart attack in the bunch! The heart attack happened to a guy who'd fallen off the bandwagon (easy to do—it's a strict diet). He got back on and is fine again. Their hearts are all prove-ably healthier.

This really strict diet is plant-based whole-foods: vegan with no processed foods. Plus, no oils, nuts, or other sources of fats. Not easy, but do-able. Plus, Dad prefers most veggies raw, so that gives him lots of easy snacks.

It's been close to two weeks now and he's already doing so well blood-sugar-wise that he doesn't need his diabetes medicine anymore! I'm so excited to see him take this on the way he has! Go Dad!

Veganism

2011-05-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

So, I'm taking another big plunge! I'm normally 85% vegan at home (what can I say? Ice cream calls my name—and pronounces it correctly!). This month, however, I'm taking it to the next level. Until June 17th, I'll be 100% vegan 100% of the time. Then, I'll go back to what my friend calls "flexitarian." Vegan at home, octo-lavo vegetarian at restaurants and occasionally I'll have a burger or steak. (Occasionally, meaning once a month or so.)

A couple days ago, my dad and I made this vegan chili and it was SOO good! I've got that website, plus a couple of her books, and the whole interwebs. I'm excited to do more vegan cooking!

Wedding Pix Preview

2011-05-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

I do plan to post more eventually. Until then, our cousin took "3D" pictures with his Nintendo 3DS. Apparently, if you cross your eyes for a sec, you'll see the picture in 3D. . . I can't tell that it's 3D when I do that because the picture's too. . . .cross-eyed. . . Anyway, the outfits and lovely couple I blogged about previously.

Mazel Tov!

2011-05-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

Today, was J's brother's wedding. The bride is Jewish, so they had all the major elements of a traditional Jewish wedding. Huppah, marriage contract, witnesses, breaking of glass, and community involvement! Apparently breaking the glass is to symbolize an irreversible act. Have I mentioned that I really like Judaism? I do. Wedding pun!

The bride wore a gown like none I've ever seen. It was perfect. She was prettier today than I've ever seen her (and that's saying something!). The groom also wore an outfit created by the mother of the bride, which was very Aaron. It was not unlike something you might see at a Renaissance Faire, but fancier. . . I'm not describing it well. . . Anyway, it was a really cool suit.

The ceremony was in a beautiful park in the redwoods. After the ceremony and some delicious (vegetarian!) food, we went to a clearing and danced around a maypole! On May Day! I've always wanted to do that!!

Then, we went to the reception site and got to do a ton of dancing, walked around a Japanese garden, and ate more (and different) yummy foods. Several of the foods today were traditional for May Day, which was extra fun.

Then, we got to come back home and visit with Gramma B for a little while before we're now about to head off to sleep. What a day!

Extraordinary Machine

2011-04-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

I have this song in my head. I never watch the whole video. . . what I've seen is weird at worst and there aren't swear words. . . but there's a chance it may be objectionable on some level. You've been warned!

"I'm good at being uncomfortable, so I can't stop changing all the time."

More Progress

2011-04-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing.

Done:

Dropped off clothes.
Purchased groceries.
Dropped off Chegg book.
Hemmed tie-back for craft room curtain.
Measured closets for rod-holders (J's gonna try to make them before he comes home).
Measured my closet for curtains.

To Do:

Remove remaining door track in closet.
Purchase and hem curtain for closet in master bedroom.
Practice more veggie dishes for when I visit Dad.
Finish cleaning craft room.
Finish laundry (almost there!).
Clean kitchen.
Clean master bathroom.

Feeling Busy!

2011-04-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

While I was out of the country two big things happened. First, Dad had heart attack #2 and is now really committed to being better about his diet and lifestyle. Then, brother John's daughter (my first niece) was born!

As soon as I get a free minute, I'm going to stay with Dad for a week to help around the house while he's recovering. That weekend is my nephew's first birthday then Mothers' Day. I'm taking Mom to Disneyland!

Between then and now we have the wedding of a cousin, then the wedding of a sibling the weekend after that and house guests starting the 30th? Until shortly after Aaron and Miriam's wedding. Time to hit the ground running! Thank goodness for coffee. . . it really helps fight the jet lag!

Written April 21, 2011

The Best Princess Advice Video

2011-04-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

Probably a NSFW word or two. Or concept or two. Mostly SFW, though.

Advice from Disney's Belle/Beauty

Home Sweet Home

2011-04-21T18:59:00.001-07:00

We had an amazing trip and got a lot of pictures (at least of some parts of it. . .). I intend to post them but will be really busy for the next. . . well, for the foreseeable future, so no promises. At least no promises that it'll be soon!

On a More Cynical Note

2011-04-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Warning: Swear word or two. Probably makes reference to things that you wouldn't want a coworker hearing over your shoulder. Not really "NSFW," though.

Advice from Disney's Snow White*

*Also, quick side note: "fair" can mean "pretty" as well as "white" so they're a bit overly harsh on that. However, why does a word for "white" also mean "pretty?" Interesting question, I think.

Sassy Gay Friend - Great Expectations

2011-04-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

He has a commercial in this one, which is kind of weird, but you won't miss anything if you shut it off when the video gets to that point.

Warnings: Gay stereotype again. Swear word twice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cco8tQPdQsY&feature=relmfu

2011-04-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

First of all: Happy Birthday, Christopher!

Secondly, Sassy Gay Friend - Hamelt
Forewarnings: Playing up that gay stereotype again. I know not all gay guys are like this anymore than all guys like this are gay. I assume my readers know that, too. . . anyway, here's the link! Swear word twice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnvgq8STMGM&NR=1

2011-04-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

Sassy Gay Friend - Romeo and Juliet

2011-03-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

This plays up a gay stereotype, but that is not what I love about this video. This video represents what I wish I could do with literature (or movies) sometimes. It's fun to watch somebody go in and talk some sense into the characters. This one's my favorite. I won't go into my several-pages-long opinions about why Romeo and Juliet is NOT A ROMANCE STORY!! Not any more than the first part of Wuthering Heights is, but that's another issue for another day.

(Warning: NSFW word twice.)
If Juliet had a sassy gay friend.

Progress!

2011-03-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've been working all day and haven't gotten anything done. I need a list to remind myself that I really did make progress today.

Completed Trip Plans:

Put everyone's schedules on my calendar and invited everyone to see their events
Figured out all potential concerns for Charlie's trip
Walked Charlie through his trip (virtually, of course)
Walked myself through my own trip
Figured out remaining concern about tax stuff before we go (J did most of this)
Read up on how to travel where we're traveling

Remaining Trip "To do"s:

Figure out holes in my itinerary
Hotels. . . we do that or the company does. . .still working on that.
What to do while we're in each of these places (fortunately, we have help with this)
Figure out luggage (do we really need a new suitcase. . .? If so, where should I get it?)
Laundry
Pack -- keep it under 44 pounds
Download a few more phrasebook apps
Get house clean enough

Finals Week Completions:

Final 1 - Calculus -- could have gone better, but at least it's done! If I get 40% or better on that final, I get a C, so I'm not too worried.
Shell labs 1-6 -- now at the highest possible scores (redid a few of them)

Finals "To Do"s:

Final 2 - Physics (scary!)
Study for Final 2
Prepare "cheat sheet" for Final 2. (It's allowed by the teacher, but I don't know what else to call it. . .)
Shell final project

P.S. Blogger, did you really just correct my HTML code? I don't like the way it's displaying, so I did it differently on purpose. . . I prefer uglier code when it makes for a prettier blog post. You guys are dorks. Or I need to learn more about formatting. . . But not right now. . .

Japan

2011-03-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Last week, I worked with students from Japan and got a more personal insight into what the Japanese are suffering. Their country is devastated. One of the students gave me a heart-felt thanks afterward, and I was a little surprised because all I did was sit and take donations for a short while. This map keeps getting updated/changed with different areas. It's a great tool to comprehend what they're going through out there. You slide the bar to the right to see "before" and to the left to see "after."

If you're looking to donate, the Japanese Red Cross is the best place to get your money directly to where it's needed. I can't find a handy link, but here's the American Red Cross, which isn't a bad place to donate, by any means. If we were devastated like that, I hope people would be rushing to help us, too.

Allergies are Funny

2011-03-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well, the way I deal with mine kind of is.

"My eyes are driving me nuts! Oh, right, I have allergies. I should take a Claritin after I finish this."

Forget

20 min. later: "My eyes are really bothering me, what's going on? Oh yeah—I have allergies. I should probably take a Claritin."

Forget again

20 min. later: "Huh, I wonder why my eyes are. . . wait a minute. . . I think I've done this already. I'm gonna go take a Claritin for reals this time. . . as soon as I finish this one thing. . . "

Going Bananas with Strawberry Brownie Cake

2011-03-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

My modification of Kayla's brownie-in-cake concept. I used strawberry cake and different creamy insides as well as a different frosting. Most importantly, the cake and brownies aren't made from scratch. . . I bow to your domestic prowess, dear sister-in-law and carrier of my niece-baby.

Main Ingredients:

1 box strawberry cake mix

(plus a handful of pureed strawberries)

1 Ghirardelli brownie mix*

1 small box of heavy whipping cream

1 (ish) bunch of bananas

Chocolate chips and butter
I actually don't recommend this part

What I did:

Bake the cake and brownie in three identical cake pans. After the cake and brownie cooled (overnight), whipped the cream with a little sugar. Mashed the bananas and mixed them into the cream (with a few drips of coconut extract to bring out the banana flavor). Put one strawberry layer on a plate, put a layer of banana cream on top, then the brownie, more banana mix, then strawberry layer 2. The next part, I would not repeat as it's been a failure both times now. I melted chocolate chips with milk and butter in a small saucepan until liquid. Spread that over the cake. The problem with the chocolate shell (other than that it can be hard to cut) is that it doesn't spread nicely and it shows every flaw. Next time, I'm using the left over whipped cream instead of halving that part of the "recipe." Whipped cream tastes great, probably has less sugar, definitely less fat, and it even hides the flaws! Besides, this cake is probably a touch rich for a chocolate topping, anyway. . .

The finished product:

*My secret brownie ingredient is coconut butter in place of vegetable oil. I did it out of necessity once—the other option was olive oil which I've tried before and don't recommend. It tasted amazing! Beware, though: this stuff's high in saturated fats. They're supposed to be the good saturated fats, but I thought that was an oxymoron. . . in any case, coconut butter's great for you and tastes awesome, but only if you can afford some extra fat that day.

So Excited!

2011-03-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

Upcoming trip to Europe!
My first niece is gonna be here in the next month (or so)!
The quarter's over soon.
Charlie's almost definitely going to Europe with us
I'm making a strawberry/brownie cake again for a dinner party this Friday.

Correction

2011-03-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

I don't go around judging people's blogs and emails. Once in a while, I get an email with a ton of spaces in it and I notice, but mostly I don't judge. I was mostly teasing my husband for being behind the times.

An Editor's Pet Peeve

2011-03-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you who may not know this: unless you're on a typewriter, you should always use one (1) space after a period.

I have an editing minor. My information comes from editor guides and several grammar and usage English professors. The average English professor may get behind the times, but grammar and usage professors can't! Aside from the fact that real publishing houses all use one space after a period. Check it out for yourself!

Also, if you Google search "spaces after period"—"spaces" is plural, giving benefit of the doubt to the other side—it returns a Slate article and the MLA handbook among the top 4 results. All 4 of which say to use one space after a period. Now, quit putting those horrible holes in your paragraphs! Unless all you ever do type-wise is blog or Facebook, or something else that auto-corrects this for you, in which case, I'll ever notice. :)

Ok, enough of my pet peeves. . . they're going label me a prescriptivist and I don't want to be one of those guys. . . Speaking of being behind the times: I need to go change the clocks that don't have auto-updating capabilities. Happy Lose an Hour of Sleep day! . . . yay?

My Heart Goes out to Japan Today

2011-03-11T20:10:00.001-08:00

http://www.euronews.net/2011/03/11/japan-quake-is-probably-fifth-biggest-ever-recorded/

Random Musings. . . as usual!

2011-03-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

I just adore P!nk. She's creative, she's herself, she's funny, her voice is beautiful, and she makes fun of herself in more videos than she doesn't. Also, I wish I could pull off her hair styles. They look so good on her!

It's possible that I'm avoiding the last bits of studying for my physics exam today. . . I've studied for a few hours now, this really is just the last bits. . .but I should still do it. . .lol

Speaking of school, I got 100% on my first programming project of the quarter! Woohoo! I got 97% on my last calculus exam, too! So much for not doing well on the harder parts. Now, if I can just figure out how to ace physics, I'll be totally set! :D

2011-03-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

My muscles have been tense and sore for the last week. Tonight, I had two alcoholic beverages and magically they're all the way relaxed and I feel better. I know alcohol is not the healthiest substance out there and I don't drink it often, but once in a while it definitely has its place. (Also, once in a while, it can be kind of fun!)

I know that, after the buzz wears off, my muscles may tense up and get sore again, but it's a good start and when I take a hot bath in a few minutes, it'll have more effect. It's nice to be able to do that without a prescription for muscle relaxants. Back when I took those (only when things were at their worst), I had this fun side effect called isolated sleep paralysis. Yeah, I'll definitely take the booze over that one!

Written Mar 4, 2011

Life

2011-03-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

Vegetarianism is nice to my tummy when I actually eat mostly veggies (less dairy and less bread). That makes me happy.

Today's midterm was harder than I expected, but only half of it was. I think it'll be okay. . . Also, I wish my programming teacher would grade my first project already!!

I'm reading the Cliff Notes on Brave New World. I hope that if I understand the book better it will be easier to get through. . . his writing is so inaccessible!!

I can't find Spanish books on CD at the library, so I picked up some hard-copy books by Borges and Neruda and somebody I've never heard of. The topic looked interesting and it was a story-book (the others are poetry books), so I think I'll be more motivated to get through the parts that I don't understand 100%. . . If I can't practice hearing Spanish, at least I can get back into the habit of thinking in it once in a while, right?

2011-03-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, random pet peeve: I hate autoplay. Best scenario: It's only on one tab, it's music that I like and I'm only a little annoyed. Worst: music I dislike on 3 tabs and I have to turn off what I was trying to listen to so I can find the perpetrators. Not that I'm super-opinionated about unimportant stuff, though. . .

Not a pet-peeve: I really enjoy my programming class! I plan to do more programming in the near future.

Last, but not least: I'm going to share news with you. At the risk that this might not happen because I said something about it publicly and the risk of dying in a plane crash because I told people about it (I'm a little neurotic. . .). I might go to Spain in less than a month! And then, to Switzerland! Keep your fingers crossed that nothing falls through between now and then, because that's a real possibility.

Also, if Charlie gets his passport issued in time, he may go with us!! Woohoo! :D We would spend a whole week in each place and I'd get to use my Spanish in a setting where I actually need it! :D I am SO excited!!

Mellow Weekend

2011-02-27T14:01:00.000-08:00

It's been a nice weekend and we get to finish it off with a birthday party for cousin Michael! I can't believe he's 16. . . I still sort of feel like he should be 12. . . but then, he's too tall and looks more like a 16 year old than like a 12 year old, so I guess that doesn't work. haha

After all the excitement that's been going on, it's nice to have a break. Also, I know it's uber-geeky, but I just love this Harry Potter fanfic!! lol. It's more interesting if you've read at least one of the books or if you've seen one of the movies. Be careful, though. About halfway through, it gets super suspenseful and is hard to "put down" for several chapters! There are also other formats for kindles, nooks, etc, if you have that option, on this page. The PDF looks a lot like the Harry Potter books. I was really impressed!

Now and Then

2011-02-25T20:42:00.000-08:00

Just finished watching that movie. It's so fun! Makes me miss my old girl friends. Especially my college roommates, and my best friends from when I was growing up.

The part about Samantha's parents' divorce reminds me of a sort of pet peeve I have. I used to be close to someone who's view on this bugged me. People told him "this bad thing happened to you, so now you're more likely to do that." He acted accordingly, as if he was entitled (or doomed) to a life of crime, because bad things had happened to him.

Of the bad things that have happened in my life (and I know, I've been very fortunate), sometimes the most traumatic part was how people treated me because of it. Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate sympathy. For example, when Diana held me for a little while after one of the scarier experiences, that was a great comfort. She also helped with the other thing I needed, though, which was that she didn't treat me like I'd changed just because I'd been through something scary.

That's one thing I really value about J, too. Early on, he knew about the divorces in my family, but he didn't let that taint the way he viewed our relationship. He isn't worried about it, because he knows me and he deals with me as a person, not a collection of experiences or a walking statistic. I know it's hard to do that with people we don't know well, which is part of why I don't share my more personal experiences with people unless I feel extremely close to them. In the end, I'm still just me and that's all anyone needs to know.

Sunday

2011-02-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

I took a train up to The City. Had a pleasant trip where I got to read my book and then found my way to the Chinese New Year celebration*. One of my friends had a booth and I wanted to see it and help out. Here's a picture I took with my phone. (The picture is clearer and much bigger if you click on it). I should have gotten a picture of her booth, but I didn't think of it then. It was really well-done, though! Packed up quickly, too, which was nice.

Ten San Francisco blocks completely mobbed. On each block, there was a side street branching out with more vendors and people. SO FUN! Then, I got a ride from my friends and arrived home just as dinner was ready. I got to eat a lovely meal and visit with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew while they were here! Then, we enjoyed a movie and played with Jake. He is so awesome! I love playing with him. He apparently feels similarly, because he was sad to go. I guess that means we need to visit them soon!

* Yes, Chinese New Year was a couple weeks ago. . .

Best Weekend Ever!

2011-02-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, I arranged the guest room so that it makes the most efficient use of space. It's not fancy by any means, but I love it! :)

Thursday, I had dinner with a college buddy who finally got to meet J (and vice versa). It was lovely! I adore them both. :)

Friday, I finished my project just in time! It was much easier than I expected, too (mostly because J helped). My parents-in-law got here shortly after that, for a weekend visit. :D

Saturday, it was rainy, cold and horrible outside, but we had fun, anyway. We went to Chili's for dinner. I was surprised how well I enjoyed the food and it was fun to be a little "naughty" from my otherwise-good eating habits!

Sunday gets its own post!

Monday, had lunch with friends (including Eva, who I haven't seen in way too long). Finished my online quiz quicker than I expected*. J and Ken fixed the button on our amp, so now it stays on better. Yay! :)

Today, I had a good (but really hard) calculus lecture and ran two quick errands. When I got home, my parents-in-law were still here, so I got to say a proper goodbye, afterall! It was a lovely way to end the visit and I got to send them off with full tummies, which makes me happy. Now, to finish "surfing," and get started on the homework due tonight! :)

*That was a real assignment, not one of the "which Sex and the City character are you?" variety*.

Life in General

2011-02-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

I get to have dinner with one of my dearest friends, Cat, this Thursday while she's in town for business. My parents-in-law visit this weekend. We're taking our cousins out to celebrate his new job. Monday, I get to see Eva. I am so glad to have so many great people around to spend time with!

My cousin and his wife have wanted kids since they got married, a little over 4 years ago. They adopted a wonderful little girl nearly 2 years ago and today my cousin's wife gave birth to their son! Congrats to all four of you! :)

I'm reading a book called The China Study, about the most comprehensive study of human diet as it relates to health. The most interesting thing I've read so far is that it doesn't matter when you start eating well, if you eat well and keep it up, you can reverse some of the harm done by bad eating. That's actually a gross over generalization of what the study found, but it seems to hold true as far as tumor growth and probably high cholesterol are concerned, at least.

I was blown away by the study that sparked their interest in doing The China Study. Rodents were introduced to a substance believed to cause cancer*. They got cancer 100% percent of the time if they ate a diet as high in (dairy) protein as the average American's and 0% of the time if they didn't get quite enough protein. However, when they ate protein from plants instead**, they got cancer 0% of the time, even at the higher protein level.

This seems to suggest two things; First, toxins may be less significant than what your body chooses to do with them and Second, you can eat plenty of protein without encouraging tumor growth, but only if you get your protein from plant sources and not animal (dairy) sources.

* rats - liver cancer
* mice - breast cancer

** rats - soy protein
** mice - wheat protein

Written Feb 16, 2011

Exercise Update

2011-02-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

My hips and knees feel better. I think the way I sit when I'm at the computer at home or in class is a *huge* contributor to my pain. Also, I'm just generally trying to walk less stupidly. It seems to be helping, but I haven't tried jogging again yet.

I'm not up for exercising hardly ever lately. I don't know if I made that goal too public or if it's just that it's hard to get up and go, but I have had a really hard time getting back out there. Especially with this cold spell we're having (which is no excuse because I have a perfectly good exercise bike just a short walk away). I want to exercise because it's good for me, but it's so much easier to do when it's just for fun. Maybe I can look at my bike rides that way and even track them less? Or maybe I was overdoing it and I need to keep my heart rate down while I'm out there. It would help me make the trail last a little longer!

Written Feb 16, 2011

School Update

2011-02-16T20:23:00.000-08:00

It's a crazy week! A couple of plans fell through tonight. Instead of working on a big project due Friday, I watched Mean Girls. . . Smart. It's over, though. One quick post and it's back to the grindstone!

I think today's physics exam went better than the last one. Tomorrow I have a quiz in calculus. I feel like I've got a really solid understanding this time. That's helped me stop being bitter about taking it again. I love math! Last quarter didn't change that. This teacher gives us tons of opportunities to pad our grade so it's not literally 95% about the tests (unless we want it to be). I've taken all but one of those opportunities and I aced the last test. So far, so good!

I have a program due Friday and a quiz due Monday. Hurray for making the most of the long weekend, huh? Funny thing is, J and I love to program together and he's always happy to help when I need it, so this may help me make the most of the weekend afterall. :)

I love math, I like programming, and physics has been mostly interesting. Can't complain! Ooh, and that lab on Ohm's Law? Exactly as cool as I hoped it would be!

2011-02-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

Looks like my knee/hip pain may be partly related to my feet but is more related to my hips and the way they point my legs as I walk. I suspect I can change my gait and make it better. Here's hoping! :)

Written Feb 11, 2011

Minor Setback

2011-02-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

The lab that I thought might be looking for help apparently only needs help from people who can solve differential equations. I'm three math classes away from that. Another department I'm interested in just doesn't need free labor, although the second director seems interested in me, at least.

I came away feeling a little rejected. I only asked two people, so perhaps I haven't asked the right person or I didn't ask the right way. Or, perhaps I'm asking prematurely. At least getting caught up on math and science seems to be a step in the right direction.

It kinda makes me crush on that school less. I'm not giving up, of course! Even if I keep trying and don't get in, I'll be a better candidate for the other university nearby. I just think that if I don't get my first choice, I'll be less crushed than I used to expect. My second choice is a really good school with a wonderful library and it sounds like I shouldn't have too much trouble getting in there.

Tomorrow is Going to be Awesome

2011-02-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

Today and yesterday have been great because J's been working from home a little more and helping me with my shell programming class. This class has been easier and more fun than the C class. I suspect partly because I took the C class and partly because I already knew a little about some of this stuff. I love knowing how my computer works and why and then tweaking it to do cool stuff! :D

Tomorrow, I start with calculus—my favorite class. Then, lunch with a good friend. Then, I go to the school of my dreams for a Women in Engineering lecture. My lunch friend is an alumni there and gave me names of people to speak with, so I hope to visit a few people before the lecture and maybe get my foot in the door to a graduate research job (cross your fingers for me!).

Then, a group of former coworkers and good friends are coming over for Indian food, gossip, maybe a movie and this amazing drink made with coffee one of them bought in Hawaii! Of course, I round out the evening in my favorite way, which is to spend it with my sweetheart who's company I still can't get enough of, after going on 6 years! :)

2011-02-09T21:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not perfect, but I don't lie, cheat, or steal and I try to treat others with kindness and love (even when it's hard). Also, I'm working to get good at something that I hope will make the world a better place (though almost certainly not on a colossal scale). I live that way because I believe those things are worthwhile. Because I love people and life and because I want to look myself in the mirror and to sleep at night. I don't need a god for that.

That doesn't mean I believe there cannot possibly be a god, I'm just saying I don't need to believe in one in order to be a good person. I don't think anyone does, but I know, from personal experience, that I don't.

School Crush

2011-02-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

I kind of have the hots for the university nearby. It's a prestigious school and I will have a difficult time getting in—if I even stand a chance! And then, there's funding. . . but it's so wonderful!! I went there for a lecture series today and it's just perfect. Beautiful, huge, lots of people, research in areas that I'd love to explore. . . ahhh, a girl can dream. I can study there whenever I like, which is super cool. I think that will help me remember what I'm working toward on days when I don't want to study or do my homework.

Written Feb 3, 2011

A Moment of Frustration

2011-02-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Clothing Manufacturers,

Quit putting things in my clothes that are itchy* or painful**. I'll be happier with my purchases and that's better for all of us! Also, if you have to put things in there that make me miserable, the least you could do is make them easy to remove.

Sincerely,
Frustrated Consumer

* Tags? Who does that anymore, Spanx??
** You don't get to call it a "wireless" bra and then put those stupid pokey things in the sides!