As for my recent obsession, I would like to provide a link to a cooking blog that I really enjoy:
http://smittenkitchen.com/
Her food photography is amazing, as well as the variety of recipes that she uses. While the food looks gourmet, it is certainly easy to reciprocate.
I now will bike home in the heat index weather of 107 F. And if I don't make it up the hill, my sisters' get to divide up my clothing amongst themselves.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Biking Away
Recently, as the weather has progressively turned into spring, the bikers have come out of the woodwork. Spandex, flashy helmets, and bright matching tight tops and bottoms with padding. There are literally herds of them, racing the cars and drafting off each other as they speed by.
There are no advantages to not being in the group. If you are a lone biker, you quickly get passed without so much of an "On your left!". If you're in a car, good luck trying to pass them. They refuse to utilize the rather large bike path and bike line but instead spread out into the car lanes, daring you to even get close. They're always talking loudly about their work days or complaining about how they haven't gotten to ride in two days.
I should be careful though, I am friends with some rather avid bikers. Including one who happens to live with me. I'm not referring to you guys, but the "Fast Girls and Slow Guys" "Joy Riders" "Mercy Cycling" and all the other gangs of 50+ bicycling groups.
Last September, I bought my first bike where I would not be expected to share it with siblings. It's not a fancy-pants road bike but a very nice hybrid that is perfect for commuting. This past week I have decided to start biking to work. Even though we live about 2.5 miles away from work, there is an enormous MOUNTAIN to climb and then promptly go back down. That means that yes, it is uphill both ways!
Please feel free to count the contour lines on the provided elevation and topo map, courtesy of Google Pedometer, depicting the hill I have to climb.
I have to admit, I walk my bike the remaining 50 meters on the steepest part but I do have a valid excuse- I don't want to be dripping in sweat when I come walking into the building. And my pounding heart and shortness of breath might add to it as well. On the way home, I do make it without having to walk my bike but I can assure you there is some mild cursing going on as the construction guys and landscapers seem to be taking bets as to if I'll make it with tipping over.
It's well worth the bike ride though because it actually takes less time to bike than to drive. We have to park more than half a mile away from work so biking can cut out 5-10 minutes.
You just have to be willing to battle the burning thighs and salty eyes of an uphill bike ride.
There are no advantages to not being in the group. If you are a lone biker, you quickly get passed without so much of an "On your left!". If you're in a car, good luck trying to pass them. They refuse to utilize the rather large bike path and bike line but instead spread out into the car lanes, daring you to even get close. They're always talking loudly about their work days or complaining about how they haven't gotten to ride in two days.
I should be careful though, I am friends with some rather avid bikers. Including one who happens to live with me. I'm not referring to you guys, but the "Fast Girls and Slow Guys" "Joy Riders" "Mercy Cycling" and all the other gangs of 50+ bicycling groups.
Last September, I bought my first bike where I would not be expected to share it with siblings. It's not a fancy-pants road bike but a very nice hybrid that is perfect for commuting. This past week I have decided to start biking to work. Even though we live about 2.5 miles away from work, there is an enormous MOUNTAIN to climb and then promptly go back down. That means that yes, it is uphill both ways!
Please feel free to count the contour lines on the provided elevation and topo map, courtesy of Google Pedometer, depicting the hill I have to climb.
I have to admit, I walk my bike the remaining 50 meters on the steepest part but I do have a valid excuse- I don't want to be dripping in sweat when I come walking into the building. And my pounding heart and shortness of breath might add to it as well. On the way home, I do make it without having to walk my bike but I can assure you there is some mild cursing going on as the construction guys and landscapers seem to be taking bets as to if I'll make it with tipping over.
It's well worth the bike ride though because it actually takes less time to bike than to drive. We have to park more than half a mile away from work so biking can cut out 5-10 minutes.
You just have to be willing to battle the burning thighs and salty eyes of an uphill bike ride.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Plants are the Future
I'm an herbivore! (With slight omnivore tendencies towards eggs and dairy). N and I decided during Lent we would go without meat. I took it a step further and after a couple days decided that I would become a vegetarian, full-time. N and I typically only ate meat about once a week in the first place, so it wasn't too difficult for the initial change. What influenced me to take the final plunge was a book: The Food Revolution by John Robbins.
The book is divided into three parts. The first is about your health and the types of food you eat, the second part deals with animal treatment and the third part deals with the global aspect of food. He's very persuasive and uses layman's terms with a good writing style. I realized after I started reading it that I had read one of the chapters before, in a college biology class. I would suggest dabbling into the book, skimming through the chapters and sections to get an idea of what it's about. I'll give you a warning: it get a little dense if you try and read it all at once.
Now, when I tell people that I am a vegetarian the usually exclaim, "How will you get your protein?! Make sure you get tons of it!" Especially since I'm a runner. Yes, everyone needs protein. But do you know what a complete protein is? Out of the twenty amino acids, our bodies do not have the building blocks for nine of them. And without animal protein, it can be a little bit trickier to fulfill your needs. But if you've done eve a tiny bit of research, it's not hard at all. Many vegetables and fruits have very good sources of protein in them, just not complete proteins. For instance, in a one cup serving of lentils you can get 17.13 grams of protein! The problem is, lentils do not have a good source of Methionine and Tryptophan. All that means is you need to pair your lentils with some grains and boom! There's your complete protein. It's like playing a matching game with preparing meals. It adds a bit more of a challenge and for those you know me will attest to the fact that I tend to be inclined towards challenges.
Check out the following link if you're interested in plant proteins:
http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/articles/plant-food-protein-chart.pdf
Even though I am a brand-new vegetarian, I might be slowly making my way towards veganism. But N is a bit more resistant towards than than just being a lacto-ovo vegetarian. I have the upper hand though because I do the majority of the food planning, shopping and 75% of the cooking. My strategy is to start incorporating meals that are vegan into the meal plans and go from there. I've already gotten him with some vegan burgers.
"Wasn't that good?" (I ask smugly)
"Mmm, it was delicious!" (N exclaims"
"Ha! It was vegan!" (I learned you don't always need eggs to hold mixtures together)
I doubt I will go completely vegan though. I tend to like butter, it's in my genes. Cookies, strudels, cakes and pastries would not taste the same without the creaminess and succulent fat for our beloved cows. I would be hard pressed to give up goat cheese, brie and freshly grated parmesan cheese. And of course, as the weather here in Little Rock has been successfully reaching the 70's for days now, my mind keeps drifting off to cool, dripping cones of wonderful, beautiful ice cream. Still, there are substitutes for practically everything if you really do want to go vegan. But Little Rock hasn't quite caught up to the trends yet, and I was spoiled by my time in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It has a whopping four alternative grocery stores located all around the city. There is a Whole Foods in Little Rock but it's a mere fraction of the Whole Foods I'm used to. It is also a pain to get to the store and doesn't warrant many visits. The Farmers' Market will be opening back up in May and rumor has it that a family-owned grocery store focusing on local foods will be opening up this April, close to where I live. I would gladly shop there, even with higher prices to help end the Kroger monopoly that has its grasp on the city.
I may even go back to eating meat under certain conditions. Such as if I know someone who slaughters cows on their own farm. I may purchase half a cow. Fish may be an exception to my meat rule, especially the Dragon roll in the sushi realm. Who knew fried eel would be so amazing. In the past, I have even helped slaughter chickens. I would not be opposed to taking some roosters that someone has slaughtered for me. I am practical after all.
But, if you catch my sniffing around your backyard as you grill your burgers and steaks, just give me a minute to enjoy. Cuz in a second I'll smile, and ask you to please grill me some zucchini's, tomatoes, and onions with a dab of olive oil. And it will be delicious.
The book is divided into three parts. The first is about your health and the types of food you eat, the second part deals with animal treatment and the third part deals with the global aspect of food. He's very persuasive and uses layman's terms with a good writing style. I realized after I started reading it that I had read one of the chapters before, in a college biology class. I would suggest dabbling into the book, skimming through the chapters and sections to get an idea of what it's about. I'll give you a warning: it get a little dense if you try and read it all at once.
Now, when I tell people that I am a vegetarian the usually exclaim, "How will you get your protein?! Make sure you get tons of it!" Especially since I'm a runner. Yes, everyone needs protein. But do you know what a complete protein is? Out of the twenty amino acids, our bodies do not have the building blocks for nine of them. And without animal protein, it can be a little bit trickier to fulfill your needs. But if you've done eve a tiny bit of research, it's not hard at all. Many vegetables and fruits have very good sources of protein in them, just not complete proteins. For instance, in a one cup serving of lentils you can get 17.13 grams of protein! The problem is, lentils do not have a good source of Methionine and Tryptophan. All that means is you need to pair your lentils with some grains and boom! There's your complete protein. It's like playing a matching game with preparing meals. It adds a bit more of a challenge and for those you know me will attest to the fact that I tend to be inclined towards challenges.
Check out the following link if you're interested in plant proteins:
http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/articles/plant-food-protein-chart.pdf
Even though I am a brand-new vegetarian, I might be slowly making my way towards veganism. But N is a bit more resistant towards than than just being a lacto-ovo vegetarian. I have the upper hand though because I do the majority of the food planning, shopping and 75% of the cooking. My strategy is to start incorporating meals that are vegan into the meal plans and go from there. I've already gotten him with some vegan burgers.
"Wasn't that good?" (I ask smugly)
"Mmm, it was delicious!" (N exclaims"
"Ha! It was vegan!" (I learned you don't always need eggs to hold mixtures together)
I doubt I will go completely vegan though. I tend to like butter, it's in my genes. Cookies, strudels, cakes and pastries would not taste the same without the creaminess and succulent fat for our beloved cows. I would be hard pressed to give up goat cheese, brie and freshly grated parmesan cheese. And of course, as the weather here in Little Rock has been successfully reaching the 70's for days now, my mind keeps drifting off to cool, dripping cones of wonderful, beautiful ice cream. Still, there are substitutes for practically everything if you really do want to go vegan. But Little Rock hasn't quite caught up to the trends yet, and I was spoiled by my time in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It has a whopping four alternative grocery stores located all around the city. There is a Whole Foods in Little Rock but it's a mere fraction of the Whole Foods I'm used to. It is also a pain to get to the store and doesn't warrant many visits. The Farmers' Market will be opening back up in May and rumor has it that a family-owned grocery store focusing on local foods will be opening up this April, close to where I live. I would gladly shop there, even with higher prices to help end the Kroger monopoly that has its grasp on the city.
I may even go back to eating meat under certain conditions. Such as if I know someone who slaughters cows on their own farm. I may purchase half a cow. Fish may be an exception to my meat rule, especially the Dragon roll in the sushi realm. Who knew fried eel would be so amazing. In the past, I have even helped slaughter chickens. I would not be opposed to taking some roosters that someone has slaughtered for me. I am practical after all.
But, if you catch my sniffing around your backyard as you grill your burgers and steaks, just give me a minute to enjoy. Cuz in a second I'll smile, and ask you to please grill me some zucchini's, tomatoes, and onions with a dab of olive oil. And it will be delicious.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Petit Jean Mountain
This past weekend N and I went to Petit Jean Mountain to enjoy the wonderful mild Arkansas winter. It was sunny, a slight breeze with temperatures ranging in the mid 50's. Located only about 80 miles west of Little Rock, Petit Jean is a favorite weekend destination. It has a well-maintained state park with numerous hiking trails and lots of attractions. And before I go on, I should mention that people in Arkansas pronounce the mountain "Petty Jean" and if you try and pronounce it all Frenchy, people will give you the stink-eye and declare you a snob.
N and I first stopped by the grave site of Petit Jean, whom the mountain is named after. The romantic legend spins a tale of a young girl in the 1700's from Paris, Adrienne Dumont, who wished to marry and accompany her fiance, a young French Nobleman Chavet, to the New World to explore the Louisiana Territory. Chavet refused, saying he would determine is the area was safe, return to France, marry her and set off to the New World. Adrienne had other plans and disguised herself as a cabin boy, went to the captain of the ship and joined then on their voyage east with her new nickname, Petit Jean.
After spending the summer atop a mountain and having befriended the local Indians, the explorers made plans to return to France. However, the night before they were to leave, Petit Jean fell very ill and by daybreak, it was apparent that she was not going to make it. Of course, throughout her illness it was discovered who she was. Knowing that she was not going to make it, she requested to be taken to the top of the mountain, to die and then be buried overlooking the Arkansas River. Their Indian friends made a stretcher of deerskins and took her to a rocky bluff near the tip of the mountain. At sunset, she passed away to the mysterious illness. Today, local residents say that her spirit still inhabits the mountain and gives it an air of mystery and intrigue.
About four miles away from the grave site and overlook is the State Park. There are many attractions such as Rock House Cave, an enormous bluff cave that boasts of pictographs from Native Americans a thousand years ago who used the cave as a shelter. There is Cedar Falls, the most photographed location in Arkansas. Bear Cave that once hosted a small black bear and spectacular views of the surrounding river valley and more mountains in the distance.
Needless to say, N and I did everything. We ended at 1025 ft above sea level, looking towards the west, just in time for the sunset.
N and I first stopped by the grave site of Petit Jean, whom the mountain is named after. The romantic legend spins a tale of a young girl in the 1700's from Paris, Adrienne Dumont, who wished to marry and accompany her fiance, a young French Nobleman Chavet, to the New World to explore the Louisiana Territory. Chavet refused, saying he would determine is the area was safe, return to France, marry her and set off to the New World. Adrienne had other plans and disguised herself as a cabin boy, went to the captain of the ship and joined then on their voyage east with her new nickname, Petit Jean.
After spending the summer atop a mountain and having befriended the local Indians, the explorers made plans to return to France. However, the night before they were to leave, Petit Jean fell very ill and by daybreak, it was apparent that she was not going to make it. Of course, throughout her illness it was discovered who she was. Knowing that she was not going to make it, she requested to be taken to the top of the mountain, to die and then be buried overlooking the Arkansas River. Their Indian friends made a stretcher of deerskins and took her to a rocky bluff near the tip of the mountain. At sunset, she passed away to the mysterious illness. Today, local residents say that her spirit still inhabits the mountain and gives it an air of mystery and intrigue.
About four miles away from the grave site and overlook is the State Park. There are many attractions such as Rock House Cave, an enormous bluff cave that boasts of pictographs from Native Americans a thousand years ago who used the cave as a shelter. There is Cedar Falls, the most photographed location in Arkansas. Bear Cave that once hosted a small black bear and spectacular views of the surrounding river valley and more mountains in the distance.
Needless to say, N and I did everything. We ended at 1025 ft above sea level, looking towards the west, just in time for the sunset.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Rodents
I have 16 fat mice, 15 skinny mice, and 47 rats. As a lab technician at a research institution these little rodents are how I am earning my living. It certainly was not my first job choice. In fact, I'm not sure working with rodents even made an appearance on my list.
But, after getting married, moving to Arkansas and being offered a job with benefits, decent salary and carpooling with the husband, I jumped at the opportunity. After fours months I still enjoy working here, albeit with some extra time on my hands.
A friend inspired me to start blogging about my daily musings and what random things happen during my workday. Such as today, having a rat tail swung into my mouth or when one of my favorite little rats climbed up my shirt. Lots of things are possible here.
Enjoy.
But, after getting married, moving to Arkansas and being offered a job with benefits, decent salary and carpooling with the husband, I jumped at the opportunity. After fours months I still enjoy working here, albeit with some extra time on my hands.
A friend inspired me to start blogging about my daily musings and what random things happen during my workday. Such as today, having a rat tail swung into my mouth or when one of my favorite little rats climbed up my shirt. Lots of things are possible here.
Enjoy.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
daylight savings
the controversial day has arrived- the day of springing forward in order to capture as much of the sun's rays as possible. the city of goshen has finally decided to go ahead and jump on the bandwagon and take a part in this creation of the modern day.
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