![Meandering[s]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXGsZeQffhI/SduZS7FAVQI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/dmhiJaGn9uU/S1600-R/flower+7.png)
Hiking at Dark Hollow Falls last weekend:
Cheers!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
On a Lighter Note.
Here are a few pictures from the Music Festival:
Hiking at Dark Hollow Falls last weekend:
Cheers!
Hiking at Dark Hollow Falls last weekend:
Cheers!
"Optimism Area"
Sunday, my friend Kristen gave me a blog award for gratitude. As it fits nicely with the ideas spinning around in my head today, I saw it fitting to acknowledge and accept. :-) Here it goes (I am changing the rules because I don't have anyone to nominate to pass along the award, hehe):
Lately, I have been suppressing and expressing a abnormal amount of negative emotion: over-analyzing and critiquing Dave, being impatient with classmates, letting my brain tell myself mean/untrue things... It has even mildly encroached upon my ability & desire to do some of the things I love doing. So, I have been mulling over the potential causes. Today, I believe I have arrived at a philosophical answer, and I am so grateful.
After school, I went to the park, picked a lovely spot under a shade tree, and plopped my blanket down in the middle of a huge patch of tiny purple flowers. I really wish I had my camera.... I had not written in my journal since October 5, and in many ways I was dreading it. But I knew I needed to get things out on paper to clear my head and move past this patch of negativity. So, I wrote about my grandpa's heart attack, time in the ICU, and subsequent death. I recorded memories that soothe me when I am sad and missing him. I realized that the weather is gorgeous, the plantlife is budding and thriving, I am in love with the perfect man... AND I am less than 2 weeks away from finishing a semester of school that I almost didn't start and from moving out of an apartment with roommates that squelch me. What else could I possibly ask for?!? After writing that journal entry, I was left feeling magnificent. So I picked up the non-school book I've been reading to spend some more time relaxing: My Stroke of Insight, Jill Bolte Taylor.
At the end of the first paragraph I opened to, I read: "...and most remarkably, I learned that I had the power to choose whether to hook into a feeling and prolong its presence in my body, or just let it quickly flow right out of me." This is an amazing concept, which hit me with its stark simplicity: I have control over my emotions!!! I kept reading and I realize I desire what the author desires: to be surrounded by "beautiful people" who have "confidence in my ability." I have abilities, but right now I doubt them - I am learning so much but not practicing and reinforcing on real live people. I am not making the difference in people's lives, currently, that I desire and that I am training for... This is discouraging and I often lose sight of the end result among my daily studies. Then, because the author is recounting her recovery from a massive left hemisphere stroke, she includes several chapters about what she has learned about the personalities of each cerebral hemisphere. Having lost the function of the left for a prolonged period of time, she has experienced a rapid shift from a left-dominant perspective to right-dominant... I will briefly summarize each hemisphere:
Left - most of us use this one most. It is responsible for reasoning, logical thought, pattern recognition, language, mathematics, organization, sense of urgency, judgement, assigning the labels of "right" and "wrong", etc.
Right - This hemisphere is responsible for empathy, compassion, non-verbal communication, emotion, peace, creativity, etc.
SO, here are my thoughts/self-analysis. Day in and day out, at school I primarily exercise my left hemisphere - learning gobs of information regarding Physical Therapy and practicing the application of this information. Rarely do I have time to indulge my needy right hemisphere. It longs to display it's creativity, it's appreciation of the "chaos that is the first step in the creative process", it's empathy and compassion... I truly think this is the answer. I long to influence people's lives for the better because I care, and right now I am not treating patients regularly and satisfying this desire of mine. Also, I am generally a very creative person who enjoys expressing myself via a variety of crafty avenues. I do not take the time to let my right brain tendencies exercise themselves, so I am left with inner tension which spills out into my interactions with others. Now that I realize these things, I think I am good to go.
Here is another paragraph that I loved reading from the perspective of a neuroanatomist who recovered from a major stroke: "I define responsibility (response-ability) as the ability to choose how we respond to stimulation coming in through our sensory systems at any moment in time. Although there are certain limbic system (emotional) programs that can be triggered automatically, it takes less than 90 seconds for one of these programs to be triggered, surge through our body, and then be completely flushed out of our blood stream. My anger response, for example, is a programmed response that can be set off automatically. Once triggered, the chemical released by my brain surges through my body and I have a physiological experience. Within 90 seconds from the initial trigger, the chemical component of my anger has completely dissipated from my blood and my automatic response is over. It, however, I remain angry after those 90 seconds have passed, then it is because I have chosen to let that circuit continue to run." Very interesting and true. I am grateful for this control, my ability to acknowledge it, and my willingness to practice it.
AND to top it all off, as I was leaving the park, I noticed that a sign indicated the area I was in was called "Optimism Area" ... how cool is that?!?
The Rules of Accepting and Sharing this Award
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
3. Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude.
Lately, I have been suppressing and expressing a abnormal amount of negative emotion: over-analyzing and critiquing Dave, being impatient with classmates, letting my brain tell myself mean/untrue things... It has even mildly encroached upon my ability & desire to do some of the things I love doing. So, I have been mulling over the potential causes. Today, I believe I have arrived at a philosophical answer, and I am so grateful.
After school, I went to the park, picked a lovely spot under a shade tree, and plopped my blanket down in the middle of a huge patch of tiny purple flowers. I really wish I had my camera.... I had not written in my journal since October 5, and in many ways I was dreading it. But I knew I needed to get things out on paper to clear my head and move past this patch of negativity. So, I wrote about my grandpa's heart attack, time in the ICU, and subsequent death. I recorded memories that soothe me when I am sad and missing him. I realized that the weather is gorgeous, the plantlife is budding and thriving, I am in love with the perfect man... AND I am less than 2 weeks away from finishing a semester of school that I almost didn't start and from moving out of an apartment with roommates that squelch me. What else could I possibly ask for?!? After writing that journal entry, I was left feeling magnificent. So I picked up the non-school book I've been reading to spend some more time relaxing: My Stroke of Insight, Jill Bolte Taylor.
At the end of the first paragraph I opened to, I read: "...and most remarkably, I learned that I had the power to choose whether to hook into a feeling and prolong its presence in my body, or just let it quickly flow right out of me." This is an amazing concept, which hit me with its stark simplicity: I have control over my emotions!!! I kept reading and I realize I desire what the author desires: to be surrounded by "beautiful people" who have "confidence in my ability." I have abilities, but right now I doubt them - I am learning so much but not practicing and reinforcing on real live people. I am not making the difference in people's lives, currently, that I desire and that I am training for... This is discouraging and I often lose sight of the end result among my daily studies. Then, because the author is recounting her recovery from a massive left hemisphere stroke, she includes several chapters about what she has learned about the personalities of each cerebral hemisphere. Having lost the function of the left for a prolonged period of time, she has experienced a rapid shift from a left-dominant perspective to right-dominant... I will briefly summarize each hemisphere:
Left - most of us use this one most. It is responsible for reasoning, logical thought, pattern recognition, language, mathematics, organization, sense of urgency, judgement, assigning the labels of "right" and "wrong", etc.
Right - This hemisphere is responsible for empathy, compassion, non-verbal communication, emotion, peace, creativity, etc.
SO, here are my thoughts/self-analysis. Day in and day out, at school I primarily exercise my left hemisphere - learning gobs of information regarding Physical Therapy and practicing the application of this information. Rarely do I have time to indulge my needy right hemisphere. It longs to display it's creativity, it's appreciation of the "chaos that is the first step in the creative process", it's empathy and compassion... I truly think this is the answer. I long to influence people's lives for the better because I care, and right now I am not treating patients regularly and satisfying this desire of mine. Also, I am generally a very creative person who enjoys expressing myself via a variety of crafty avenues. I do not take the time to let my right brain tendencies exercise themselves, so I am left with inner tension which spills out into my interactions with others. Now that I realize these things, I think I am good to go.
Here is another paragraph that I loved reading from the perspective of a neuroanatomist who recovered from a major stroke: "I define responsibility (response-ability) as the ability to choose how we respond to stimulation coming in through our sensory systems at any moment in time. Although there are certain limbic system (emotional) programs that can be triggered automatically, it takes less than 90 seconds for one of these programs to be triggered, surge through our body, and then be completely flushed out of our blood stream. My anger response, for example, is a programmed response that can be set off automatically. Once triggered, the chemical released by my brain surges through my body and I have a physiological experience. Within 90 seconds from the initial trigger, the chemical component of my anger has completely dissipated from my blood and my automatic response is over. It, however, I remain angry after those 90 seconds have passed, then it is because I have chosen to let that circuit continue to run." Very interesting and true. I am grateful for this control, my ability to acknowledge it, and my willingness to practice it.
AND to top it all off, as I was leaving the park, I noticed that a sign indicated the area I was in was called "Optimism Area" ... how cool is that?!?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
My Creative Space
I decided to join in with Kootoyoo and her "my creative space" fun. Because I have been so bad about posting the last 2 weeks, I will just show you what my space looks like. I have finished up a bunch of projects, and I have promised pictures but have not yet provided... Here are the scraps of what is left. I feel like my apartment is shrinking as these things pile up with no hope of being stashed neatly away... Maybe I will figure out a way to clear the slate and start new next week. :-)
The farm was gorgeous at Easter. Here is a view from up in my magnificent tree:
Here is Dave + Me in the tree. Isn't it lovely? Amazing the things it would have seen if it had eyes.. And I can only imagine all of the generations of my family that climbed in it too. I love to think about it. :-)
Here's a closer view and Dave + Me. We look quite small compared the the branches.
That is all for now. This weekend I am heading out of town for a music festival. I'm excited about trying out some of our new camping gear and listening to lots of good music.
The farm was gorgeous at Easter. Here is a view from up in my magnificent tree:
Here is Dave + Me in the tree. Isn't it lovely? Amazing the things it would have seen if it had eyes.. And I can only imagine all of the generations of my family that climbed in it too. I love to think about it. :-)
Here's a closer view and Dave + Me. We look quite small compared the the branches.
That is all for now. This weekend I am heading out of town for a music festival. I'm excited about trying out some of our new camping gear and listening to lots of good music.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Brown Thursday.
You'd think I'd have more time to blog when I'm on break from school. But the past days have proven quite the contrary. Yesterday was eventful. I purchased new waterproof hiking shoes - this is a important because Dave can no longer splash in puddles and taunt me that his feet are still dry and because I just broke my old pair on last weekend's hike! I also was able to spend time with my two good friends from undergrad - we went out to dinner and spent some time playing games and chatting. AND I found out that I am not smarter than a 5th grader (hehe). So, when making this brown compilation, I let Dave take some liberties with the camera. The result:
My $5 from Ross. Dave's gun. Marina and her cute polka dots. My cookbooks. Snowboard boots. Dave's creation (so brilliant). Make-Up. Lavender Lemon Candle. Cast Iron Tea Pot.
Today I am journeying home. When I arrive, dinner will be on the table. It's going to be wonderful. I'm so excited for Easter with family on the farm. We're going to church at the little Methodist one Grandpa always loved.
My $5 from Ross. Dave's gun. Marina and her cute polka dots. My cookbooks. Snowboard boots. Dave's creation (so brilliant). Make-Up. Lavender Lemon Candle. Cast Iron Tea Pot.
Today I am journeying home. When I arrive, dinner will be on the table. It's going to be wonderful. I'm so excited for Easter with family on the farm. We're going to church at the little Methodist one Grandpa always loved.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Purple Wednesday
Today I have been so tired! Last night I finished the neck warmer. AND I was up to 1am trying to finish my purse. But I didn't, so I woke up at 6am to finish before class because my friend, Sarah, said she HAD to see it before Easter Break. Soooo, I'm making a short story long: I was a slacker today on picture-taking. I took about 2 purple pics before my camera batteries died... So, I combed the 1million "purple" pictures on flickr to bring you the best (haha). Maybe tomorrow I'll redeem myself [and put up pics of the purse I'm so proud of].
1. Deep Purple, 2. purple haze, 3. Purple Haze, 4. Violet is the new Purple, 5. Purple Moon, 6. Soft purple, 7. Purple Rose (of Cairo), 8. Purple Heart (Purpurhjerte), 9. purple sweet potato dessert, 10. Pinky / Purple Roof, 11. Flying Purple People Eater, 12. jus'surrounded by little damp purple berries!
1. Deep Purple, 2. purple haze, 3. Purple Haze, 4. Violet is the new Purple, 5. Purple Moon, 6. Soft purple, 7. Purple Rose (of Cairo), 8. Purple Heart (Purpurhjerte), 9. purple sweet potato dessert, 10. Pinky / Purple Roof, 11. Flying Purple People Eater, 12. jus'surrounded by little damp purple berries!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Chicken with White Wine & Garlic Sauce
Tonight when I was prepping dinner, I decided to document it and post the recipe on here... if it can be considered a recipe with all of it's imprecisions (I'm a wing-it kind of cook). It's completely fool proof and absolutely delicious!!
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pound them until they are very thin. I like to use plastic wrap or wax paper to protect them while I wail away at them! It can be a very noisy, but satisfying affair!
Collect up all your other ingredients: a couple of garlic cloves (i used 3 large ones for 2 breasts), salt (i love my sea salt!), olive oil, and your choice of robust white wines (I'm not a wine person, so I'm not sure if robust is a correct term, hah).
Warm a decent amount of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pressed garlic, and cook until golden brown. At that point, you'll add some salt (maybe pepper) and the chicken.
Above is what it will look like just before you flip it. And this is what it will look like after you flip:
When the chicken is done, you want to add a generous amount of wine (roughly 3/4 inch covering the bottom of the pan). Continue to cook until the wine cooks down into a wonderful sauce - be careful not to let it go too long or else your sauce will cook down too much.
This is what mine looked like when I decided it was done:
I decided to make rice with herbs and steamed carrots to go with the chicken. I definitely drizzled the wine sauce over the rice and carrots! You can serve with whatever you fancy!
Enjoy!
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pound them until they are very thin. I like to use plastic wrap or wax paper to protect them while I wail away at them! It can be a very noisy, but satisfying affair!
Collect up all your other ingredients: a couple of garlic cloves (i used 3 large ones for 2 breasts), salt (i love my sea salt!), olive oil, and your choice of robust white wines (I'm not a wine person, so I'm not sure if robust is a correct term, hah).
Warm a decent amount of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pressed garlic, and cook until golden brown. At that point, you'll add some salt (maybe pepper) and the chicken.
Above is what it will look like just before you flip it. And this is what it will look like after you flip:
When the chicken is done, you want to add a generous amount of wine (roughly 3/4 inch covering the bottom of the pan). Continue to cook until the wine cooks down into a wonderful sauce - be careful not to let it go too long or else your sauce will cook down too much.
This is what mine looked like when I decided it was done:
I decided to make rice with herbs and steamed carrots to go with the chicken. I definitely drizzled the wine sauce over the rice and carrots! You can serve with whatever you fancy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday: Orange-ish-ness
Today I choose orange because it's so cold out today (with snow flurries!!). I guess I'm wondering where the spring sunshine went?!? I like how this daily color theme allows me to see more ordinary objects as subjects of photography...
Amazing Cereal. Mason Jar of Pens. Nemo. Shirt I Wore Today. A Glimpse of a Painting I Did in 2005. My Watch. Chardonnay for Dinner. Snack Consumed during P & O Class. Single-Serving Tea Pot.
And here's a bonus picture of me, after testing out the new make-up I just purchased. It is the Physician's Formula 100% all-natural.
I'm excited for tomorrow's color: purple
Amazing Cereal. Mason Jar of Pens. Nemo. Shirt I Wore Today. A Glimpse of a Painting I Did in 2005. My Watch. Chardonnay for Dinner. Snack Consumed during P & O Class. Single-Serving Tea Pot.
And here's a bonus picture of me, after testing out the new make-up I just purchased. It is the Physician's Formula 100% all-natural.
I'm excited for tomorrow's color: purple
Monday, April 6, 2009
the perfect shade of GREEN MONDAY
I think this week each day will have a different color theme. Today I chose green in honor of Spring!! :)
Tazo Zen Tea. Daffodil. Frog Humidifier (cleaned and ready to be packed away for the summer). Grouch Slippers. Dress soon-to-be-turned Shirt. My chair. Snack Basket. Gift from a Friend in Undergrad (hangs on my cork board). Bradford Pear Blossoms.
This evening consisted of lots of relaxing, cleaning, and sneaking around outside the apartment complex to land this gorgeous, wild bouquet!!
A new record: 2 posts in 1 day!! But this is all for now.
Tazo Zen Tea. Daffodil. Frog Humidifier (cleaned and ready to be packed away for the summer). Grouch Slippers. Dress soon-to-be-turned Shirt. My chair. Snack Basket. Gift from a Friend in Undergrad (hangs on my cork board). Bradford Pear Blossoms.
This evening consisted of lots of relaxing, cleaning, and sneaking around outside the apartment complex to land this gorgeous, wild bouquet!!
A new record: 2 posts in 1 day!! But this is all for now.
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