tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38857553729235287792024-02-08T15:14:06.845-05:00my over-scheduled lifeAGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-58044601172411693392012-01-09T21:05:00.001-05:002012-01-09T21:05:09.389-05:00I need a belt.<div>When I started the clean eating plan, my pants, which are a size 20, fit just right. Not quite snug, but definitely not loose. At only 8.5 pounds down, my pants are close to too loose. I need a belt. That really makes me happy. I have these dress shirts in closet that I want to wear to work. 8.5 pounds ago they were very tight, buttons stretched tight. Now, they are just not flattering. The buttons all close without strain. In another 8 pounds they should look nice. Today I made sure to get my walk in at work. I wasn't able to really go fast because of lower back pain. I had hoped my walk would loosen it up, but no such luck. </div><div><br></div>Remember that NYTimes Mag I linked to in my post, it has been on my mind for a while. I keep thinking back to Mrs. Bridges and her constant focus on food and exercise. It does sound like she has some hobbies, friends, and family. But much of her day is spent focused on eating or exercising. I don't have that kind of time to devote to this. That isn't the life I want to lead. So I am trying to get over my free of failure. I am not going to let that fear keep me from trying. I need to figure out why I overeat. Why do I eat when I am stressed? What can I do at work when I need to give my mind a break? Walking helps, sometimes it seems impossible to get out of that chair. If I can't walk the full twenty minutes, why walk, right? Wrong. The minutes add up, the steps add up. 5 minutes is enough to get blood and oxygen flowing in my body and brain.<div><br></div><div>Today's Good Reading Links:</div><div>(1) Angie Mizzell's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://angiemizzell.com/2012/01/09/embracing-and-escaping-the-big-black-hole-of-yuck/" target="_self" title="">Embracing (and escaping) the big black hole of yuck</a></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">(2) Glennon's <a href="http://momastry.com/blog" target="_self" title="">Momastry</a> (the whole blog)<br></span></font><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div>New Food Lessons/Rules:</div><div>(1) I stopped eating after 7 unless it is my dinner. But this plan is really all about planning ahead and taking control of your eating. So it should very rare that my dinner is after 7 pm.</div><div><br></div><div>(2) I have found a few different protein bars that have reasonable amounts of sugar that I can sub in for emergency meals. Having these available (actually physically available or as an option) takes an edge off the stress of working as much as we do and trying to keep on plan.</div><div><br></div><div>(3) Not sticking to the meal schedule results in unnecessary stress, so stick to the schedule. You might be sitting at your desk thinking, I'm not that hungry, I can wait. But then something comes up and 15 minutes becomes an hour and 15 minutes. And you are hungry, bordering on cranky, unable to focus and just not feeling well. </div><div><br></div><div> </div></div>AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-25173630476731076012012-01-01T22:11:00.000-05:002012-01-01T22:11:49.077-05:00Day 7 of 28Here we are at the end of Day 7 & I am happy to report that I am down 6 pounds. (Hopefully, that is still true tomorrow am, although, I'll take better news too!)<br />
<br />
I am getting in about 5 meals and I am not really hungry at bedtime. When I am, I have some almonds or a fruit. The rule is to have the sixth meal if you are hungry at the end of the day. As I write this, I am snacking on pistachios & almonds. I have been using the dry erase board on our fridge to keep track of what I eat every day. It is a bit freeing to not count calories. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/magazine/tara-parker-pope-fat-trap.html?pagewanted=8&_r=1&ref=general&src=me">This article from the NYTimes Magazine</a> (free but registration required) suggests that my preoccupation with food may gone on for a very long time. I still haven't managed to get exercise into the picture. The good thing about work is that I usually get at least a 20 minute walk in every day. I am planning on 2 - 20 minute walks this week when I go back to work.<br />
<br />
This has been an easy week. The real test come Thursday. Thursday is our earliest start morning. I need to be at work by about 6:15 if not earlier to make sure everything is together for the 7:00 am morning briefing. (I am so not a morning person.) So my cooler needs to be packed and ready to go when I get to bed Wednesday night. On Tuesday, we have play practice so I have to pack 4 or 5 meals instead of 3. I can do this. I just need to keep an eye looking ahead for my traps. I need to look out for the places I can safely bet I will fall if I am not careful with my planning.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-80507267480426702902011-12-29T12:25:00.003-05:002011-12-29T12:25:40.313-05:00Day 4 of 28Yesterday was the hardest day so far on my 4 week clean eating challenge. On day 28, I am going dress shopping with my Maid of Honor. The MoH is also my personal trainer. She is an excellent personal trainer. MoH recommended that I try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Clean-Diet-Stripped-Those-Pounds/dp/1552100863/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325179292&sr=1-1">Tosca Reno's The Eat Clean Diet Stripped</a>. The 3 big keys for me are: (1) No white sugar, (2) No dairy, and (3) No alcohol. For 28 days. The book is written for people at the end of their weight loss goal. But I need a moral/confidence boost to get going & get this first month and 10 - 20 pounds under my belt. <br />
<br />
The first two days were easy. On day three, things didn't go exactly as planned. I did stick to the diet with the exception that I subbed a 100 cal popcorn bag for air-popped popcorn. I was cranky most of the day and my meals were not well timed. I am planning on a much better day today! I just noticed that I am not having enough protein with my breakfast. I think I am going to start adding a 1/2 scoop of muscle milk powder to my oatmeal. TR also makes the oatmeal with almond milk instead of water. So I am probably not getting enough calories with my breakfast either. Sleeping until 9 isn't doing much for my eating schedule either.<br />
<br />
Good news!<br />
<b>I am down 5.5 pounds. Woo hoo!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Day 4 Meal Plan</b><br />
<br />
<u>Meal 1 (11 am):</u><br />
Oatmeal (1/2 cup dry)<br />
3 large frozen strawberries<br />
1/4 cup frozen blueberries<br />
1 banana<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
water<br />
<br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Meal 2 (1:15 pm)*:</span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">2 T hummus with celery</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span><br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Meal 3 (3:30/3:45pm)*:</span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">3 oz deli chicken</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">1 oz almonds (may eat with meal 2)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">1 clementine</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><u>Meal 4 (6:30/6:45pm)**:</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">6 oz lean steak (may go with grilled chicken)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">broccoli</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">dinner salad {romaine, tomato, cucumber}(may go with double broccoli)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><u>Meal 5 (9:30pm):</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">1 oz. almonds</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">banana</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">text = planned</span><br />
text = actual<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span><br />
* = cooler packed meal.<br />
** = meal out with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family: Baskerville;">fiancé</span> & the Girls<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-67298718819207196422011-08-19T22:22:00.000-04:002011-08-19T22:22:49.674-04:00Scavenger Hunt 101I finally bought my DSLR. I went with a Nikon D90 I found on Craigslist. I love it. It is so much fun. It does so much and I am really enjoying exploring the features of this camera. I joined the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/scavengerhunt101/">Scavenger Hunt 101</a> group on flickr. <br />
<br />
I tackled some of the easy topics first. <br />
<br />
66. A dog<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7sYmTa5mM8/Tk8YoYLDPGI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/0erEw-beI3c/s1600/sh+66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7sYmTa5mM8/Tk8YoYLDPGI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/0erEw-beI3c/s320/sh+66.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Talus & I were outside grilling up some dinner. She is a good dog (when she isn't trying to destroy my house). This is the photo I selected for my first entry. Here are some more of her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gulPVSiNonQ/Tk8ZFutmLVI/AAAAAAAAC-U/omAzLoIZAXg/s1600/talus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gulPVSiNonQ/Tk8ZFutmLVI/AAAAAAAAC-U/omAzLoIZAXg/s320/talus1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGlJgLUfoLg/Tk8ZGHyxapI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/9Dq6WIuPPNI/s1600/talus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGlJgLUfoLg/Tk8ZGHyxapI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/9Dq6WIuPPNI/s320/talus2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUiW_Shy5vM/Tk8ZGR1xjTI/AAAAAAAAC-c/pRx10P8V5-A/s1600/talus3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUiW_Shy5vM/Tk8ZGR1xjTI/AAAAAAAAC-c/pRx10P8V5-A/s320/talus3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJFI7Lvb1Pk/Tk8ZLd7_jeI/AAAAAAAAC-k/b_XMrf6afZg/s1600/talus4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJFI7Lvb1Pk/Tk8ZLd7_jeI/AAAAAAAAC-k/b_XMrf6afZg/s320/talus4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Bd1118PVaE/Tk8ZL7dkPzI/AAAAAAAAC-o/axD27iP-SIk/s1600/talus5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Bd1118PVaE/Tk8ZL7dkPzI/AAAAAAAAC-o/axD27iP-SIk/s320/talus5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYRk24EiOdA/Tk8ZMljduvI/AAAAAAAAC-s/yeemIE40j60/s1600/talus6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYRk24EiOdA/Tk8ZMljduvI/AAAAAAAAC-s/yeemIE40j60/s320/talus6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVspOOq782A/Tk8ZMztWX_I/AAAAAAAAC-w/c-OpHrAfdto/s1600/talus7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVspOOq782A/Tk8ZMztWX_I/AAAAAAAAC-w/c-OpHrAfdto/s320/talus7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">67. Barbequed or grilled food</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYGaHkGvPHo/Tk8aQH_i-dI/AAAAAAAAC-0/RiR18uy6BMk/s1600/sh+67a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYGaHkGvPHo/Tk8aQH_i-dI/AAAAAAAAC-0/RiR18uy6BMk/s320/sh+67a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsHot8VrY2k/Tk8aQVnuseI/AAAAAAAAC-4/yjw9VVIwpkE/s1600/sh67b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsHot8VrY2k/Tk8aQVnuseI/AAAAAAAAC-4/yjw9VVIwpkE/s320/sh67b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They were delicious.<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-82823786501389119492011-05-22T22:18:00.000-04:002011-05-22T22:18:07.929-04:00UpdateOh and this blog needs an update. I am not working in the nonprofit sector now. Although I do sit on two nonprofit boards. And I have abandoned my 101 Goals project. Sadly, I barely have time to post so I am sure getting a general about me section updated will take a bit of time.<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-29645549830382478902011-05-22T22:13:00.000-04:002011-05-22T22:13:26.469-04:00What is for dinner?We have decided to start a year long food project where we eat only food which has not been genetically modified, only meat & dairy that has been ethically raised & produced. Actually, all of our food needs to have been ethically produced at every stage. When we first started talking about this project, I thought we'd have to generate our own list of rules. I was very happy to find Michael Pollan's <u>Food Rules</u>. <br />
<br />
Tonight over dinner, we talked about what it would mean to follow these rules for one year. Pollan describes them as guidelines, but we are going to try to treat them more like rules. Kate is not happy about the "Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk." rule. I pointed out that she likes oatmeal and pancakes. She agreed but she also likes cereal that changes the color of the milk. Berl is not excited about the "mostly plants" theme of the what do I eat section. The three of us are difficult, picky eaters who, I hope, will learn to like foods we have previously overlooked/ignored/avoided and foods we've never tried before. We are all thankful for the "Eat all the junk food you want as long as you make it yourself" rule. The hardest part will be getting us going on the project. With my work schedule and their lack of enthusiasm, it will be a slow start. These changes are long coming in our family, there can't be any downside to trying to eat in a more sustainable way. <br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-49607132507033263752011-05-10T12:50:00.001-04:002011-05-10T12:50:56.272-04:00An easy & good homemade gluten free pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGpYz6sSamk/Tci1gs1sxXI/AAAAAAAAC9I/YU3wFF95eLo/s1600/IMG_1171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGpYz6sSamk/Tci1gs1sxXI/AAAAAAAAC9I/YU3wFF95eLo/s400/IMG_1171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Pizza & Nacho Cheese Doritos are the foods I miss the most. I mean fresh, hot pizza with crispy pepperoni pieces. I loved both thin & deep dish crusts. I love a good pizza sauce. I haven't found a good homemade one or a good store bought one (but I have some leads on some good bottled sauces). I haven't worked with rice flour enough to make my own good crust. Guido's Pizza over in Okemos has great gluten free pizza, but that is quite the drive and they aren't cheap. Godfather's Pizza has a decent gluten pizza in Battle Creek and they do take and bake. But again, I'm not often out that way and it is quite a drive. I have tried two different frozen gf pizzas and a frozen pre-made gf pizza crust. All three were terrible. I have been picking up the Chebe bag of crust mix for at the grocery store for a while now. What if I paid $5 for it and put all the effort into it and it sucked? That would make me sad. (I think it was $3 and change at Meijer.)<br />
<br />
Last night, I gave in and tried it. I was happily surprised. My complaint with the frozen crusts (and many other gluten free products) is the texture. It is dry and sandy with little to no flavor. When I opened this bag, I could smell the seasonings. It was a pleasant surprise. The directions were easy to follow and the dough came together as promised by the bag. The flour had a pretty smooth feeling to it. Take note GF producers, if the flour feels grainy and hard, the end product will probably not be that tastey. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drix5TaDjeA/Tci1jJj3YCI/AAAAAAAAC9M/Vgy0TX20HkY/s1600/IMG_1172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drix5TaDjeA/Tci1jJj3YCI/AAAAAAAAC9M/Vgy0TX20HkY/s400/IMG_1172.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The crust rolled out niceley and did not fall apart and break up easily. Places where I pushed too hard came back together easily. As you can see, I am an easy and simple pizza topper. Pepperoni and good cheese. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkgdtRJaFeI/Tci1aWD2UvI/AAAAAAAAC9E/TwWeSV-sCtY/s1600/IMG_1174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkgdtRJaFeI/Tci1aWD2UvI/AAAAAAAAC9E/TwWeSV-sCtY/s400/IMG_1174.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This picture doesn't give you much perspective. The cookie sheet is a smaller cookie sheet. I think I ended up cutting 16 squares from the end product. I ate the first 2 or 3 and then set about doing dishes and what not. The family had eaten before I got home but by the end of the night only about a quarter of the pizza was left. The crust could have been crispier but I wonder if that was due to my technique. I will definitely be buying and making this again. <br />
<br />
I don't recall the packaging speaking to whether it was organic or whether they use any genetically modified ingrediants. I am planning to check more into those issues (so hopefully, I can keep eating it!) Chebe's website can be found at <a href="http://www.chebe.com/">http://www.chebe.com/</a>.<br />
<br />
I will be posting a review of Guido's gluten free pizza as well as a review of Godfather's gluten free pizza in the future. For now, I would say that I would eat again at either restaurant!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-66868361565500493782011-05-06T08:00:00.018-04:002011-05-06T08:00:04.768-04:00Why I'll be writing about food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rixyrCNVVGA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
If you know me, you know I love food. So it really can't be much of a surprise that I am going to be writing about food.<br />
<br />
A few months ago, I learned that I couldn't eat gluten anymore. Gluten was the source of years of digestive chaos. During the first few weeks of being gluten free, I had been doing a lot of reading and talking about being GF. A few people had mentioned the idea that genetically modified foods were contributing to the increase food allergies. The day the third person said this to me I came across this video in either my facebook or twitter feed. After watching the video, I started following Robyn on twitter. I have learned so much about genetically modified foods and other food issues from her tweets. Her book is in my To Be Read pile (TBR). Her foundation - Allergy Kids - has a great section called "Do One Thing" with simple ideas for reducing genetically modified or chemical foods in your life. <a href="http://www.allergykids.com/what-you-can-do/do-one-thing/at-home/">Check it out.</a><br />
<br />
We are starting to eliminate genetically modified food from our house and our lives. The first step is to switch to as much organic as we can find and afford. As part of that effort, I am looking for local food. One of the first things I want to find is a potato crop I can buy a share of. I suspect it is too late in the year to get one this year. I am hoping to at least get a good supply of potatoes. My second goal is to buy a portion of a grass fed well cared for cow. I am thinking about buying a cow through our local county fair. I'll need at least 2 if not 3 families to go in on the cow with me. To be honest, I don't know anything about buying a cow.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.localharvest.org/"> Local Harvest </a>is a great web site for finding local food. I have found a few farms that offer potatoes in the region. I am pretty close to picking a CSA to participate in (and to finding one that will let us join this late). <br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-4755606982821506492011-05-05T10:07:00.001-04:002011-05-05T10:07:58.237-04:00FoodI haven't been blogging because I have been working too much. I don't want to blog from my work computer and I am drained when I get home. Word Press crashes when I launch it on iPhone. I finally found an app I can use with blogger. <br /><br />I have been thinking quite a bit about what I will be writing about here. I want to spend some time writing and learning about how to avoid genetically modified foods. I want to look at that list of 101 goals and accomplish the goals I still care about. <br /><br />Now I have to get to a meeting.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-74062204914213381822010-07-09T10:33:00.000-04:002011-05-05T10:50:34.251-04:00MovingUpdate: wordpress hates my iPhone so I am back where I began.<br /><br />I am moving over to wordpress -- my craziness can be found <a href="http://myoverscheduledlife.wordpress.com/">here</a>.<br /><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><br />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-63711962355873427712010-06-22T10:17:00.000-04:002010-06-22T10:17:31.476-04:00The Witchling - My ConclusionPlease note the title says "My Conclusion" not the conclusion, my conclusion. My conclusion is I can't finish the book, it is too awful. It has been so long since I abandoned it that I can't remember why I abandoned it. I have vague memories. I didn't like the heroine, any of the heros, or the heroine's sisters. I was only mildly interested in the plot. I just couldn't get on her team. It was well written with a number of beautiful details and great language. <br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-32988963577707472002010-05-15T15:38:00.000-04:002010-05-15T15:38:00.202-04:00The Witchling - Disk 2Turns out the FBH is not our hero. Our hero is probably a Svartan named Trillian. This is a book on cd so I am guessing at the spelling. Svartans are intense beings - perhaps a race of the fairies, that isn't really clear to me. Apparently, after you've "had" a Svartan you can't go back. Svartans are so intense that they can't be monogamous. And neither are the fairies. Our herione spends much print time worrying about whether or not he'll dump her. It is okay if he sleeps around he just can't leave her. Trillian is dark skinned with long silver hair. I don't know if all Svartans are dark or if just he is. I am uncomfortable with the way this dark skinned individual has been set up as an "other". We'll see where that goes.<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, the gentle giants name was Jacko, not Jack.<br />
<br />
On with our plot, so the FBH Johnson had a message for the trio from this Trillian. Word on the street was that some big bad demon had taken over the demon world and was looking to wipe out Otherworld and Earth to rule all three dimensions. They shouldn't expect much help from HQ - either because they couldn't or wouldn't give it.<br />
<br />
Camille gets Menolly to agree to go somewhere with her but won't tell her where. Turns out to be a VA - that's right, Vamps Anonymous, meeting. Here we learn she has been a vamp for 12 earth-side years. 12 years and they are still tiptoeing around her. Seems a bit over the top to me, I get that they have longer lives, but after 12 years, I'd expect her to be a little more adjusted. Menolly has the name of Jacko's earthside GF who Delilah is going to track down. Menolly is going to go exploring dark alleys for information while she also feeds off of the dregs of society. Sometimes she decides who needs to die. It is unclear what her criteria are for deciding who dies and who is just a snack. The guy she takes out tonight was about to slice up a prostitute so he had to die. I guess that seems fair enough.<br />
<br />
While Menolly is off snacking and gathering information, Camille goes off to talk to Grandmother Coyote aka one of the hags of fortune about everything that is going down. Grandmother Coyote sometimes gives advice to those who seek it. Here we learn that the big bad demon Shadow Wing has sent three other demons Earth-side in hunt of the spirit seals or some such thing. With these seals, all three worlds can either be brought together forcefully or brought in peace. We need to find some guy named Tom Hale who lives near Mt. Rainer.<br />
<br />
The intrepid trio reassembles to share their information. At which time, we meet Trillion who appears in their house without warning. We find all three ready to fight the intruder (until he identifies himself). Menolly readies herself by flying up to the ceiling, Delilah draws a knife and a gun, and Camille gets some magic ready. They discover it is this Trillion and relax. Menolly gets catty with Trillion and so Delilah has another fit. Which means she has to be calmed down before she turns into a cat again. And once again, she is getting worked up because Menolly is upset with someone else (this time Trillian). Moments ago, she was going to face an unknown intruder, now her sister is upset and she freaks.<br />
<br />
We end the disk with everyone turning in for the night after they have shared information. Camille and Trillian head upstairs to her room. . . <br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-41614638831474835032010-05-13T21:35:00.000-04:002010-05-13T21:35:54.079-04:00The Witchling - A Progressive ReviewA progressive review is the best phrase I could come up with to explain my intent for this review. I will be writing a mini synopsis and review at the end of each disk. The book I'm working on first, <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_844047735">The Witchling by </a><span id="bxgy_x_title"><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Witchling/Yasmine-Galenorn/e/9780425212547/?itm=1&USRI=the+witchling">Yasmine Galenorn</a>.</span><br />
<span id="bxgy_x_title"> </span><br />
<span id="bxgy_x_title">We first meet our heroine and narrator, </span>Camille, at her bookstore in Seattle. We are front-loaded with a good deal of world building. Camille is half-Faerie, half-human, and a witch whose powers often go awry. She is the oldest of three sisters who are half-Faerie and half human. Mellony, the vampire whose name grates on my ears and Delilah, the were-cat. And by were-cat, I mean were-house-cat. Apparently, Delilah is a hard-edged clever PI who is good with electronics from our world (the three are from the Other World). But whenever her sisters get into an argument, she freaks and turns into a house cat. A lovely, but scared house cat. So far, when she changes, she doesn't seem to retain any of her human intelligence or knowledge. She also seems to spook easily.<br />
<br />
<br />
Mellony is also pretty annoying. She is too emotionally scarred to tell our hero how she became a vampire, but is all bad-ass and tries to pick fights with him for what appears to be no reason. <br />
<br />
Our presumed hero, whose name I can't remember, is a full-blooded human or an FBH. He has the hots for Camille which irritates all three for no discernible reason. Apparently, Camille has never had sex with an FBH and isn't about to start now. She gives us no reason for disliking him except that he is an FBH which means they are going to have sex. So far, he is the only character I like. <br />
<br />
At this point, we have learned that someone with demonic ancestry has killed a gently giant whose name I think might have been Jack. He was garroted by the demon with a leather strap. We are told a couple of times that this killer must have been very strong to have killed a giant. The Other World Intelligence Agency (whose name I have already forgotten) has assigned the intrepid sisters to the case. <br />
<br />
That brings us to the close of disk 1. I will start disk 2 on my drive to work tomorrow and probably finish it on my way home!<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-84188940573194862252010-05-13T16:43:00.000-04:002010-05-13T16:43:18.755-04:00The New Old Blog that I LoveToday I rediscovered <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/">Penelope Trunk</a>. I had read her work before over at Yahoo!Finance - I liked it there too. I like it even more now. I love her honesty - she puts it all out there. I have been enjoying her work so much that I can't seem to write more than a sentence at a time without flipping back over to finish trying to follow another story line. With the <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/asperger-syndrome/">Asperger Syndrome</a>, <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/the-farmer/">the Farmer</a>, <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/09/24/miscarriage-is-a-workplace-event/">her miscarriage</a>, it is all so fascinating. In one post, she talks about how she and the Farmer use a technique discovered by Temple Grandin to calm farm animals to help her calm down and focus. <br />
<br />
I am so inspired by her posts and her blog that I want to be a better blogger. I'm not even sure what that means for me. I think it means that I want to be able to write about a wide variety of topics that I find interesting. I would like to be able to take the stressful moments of life and turn them into lessons, to give them meaning and value. I also love a good story and would love to become a better written storyteller. <br />
<br />
The good news is that even <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/penelopes-guide-to-blogging/">Penelope says she has a hard time blogging</a>, the bad news is there is only one way to get better at it, which is to just buckle down and get it done.<br />
<br />
I found Penelope again thanks to Inc. magazine's <a href="http://www.inc.com/magazine/20091101/19-blogs-you-should-bookmark-right-now.html">19 Blogs You Should Bookmark Right Now</a>.<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-30354745160319215342010-05-06T13:56:00.000-04:002010-05-06T13:56:50.008-04:00InstinctsOften times, our instincts are good and they are sending us messages we should listen to. Some of the messages are good, some of them are bad. Many of us don't listen to them often enough. A good friend of mine is trying to learn to listen to hers when it comes to dating. <br />
<br />
In this afternoon's 85 Broads Jam Session with Danielle La Porte (<a href="http://whitehottruth.com/">WhiteHotTruth</a>), Danielle said she generally knows everything she needs to know about a person and her future relationship with them in first 8 seconds she meets them. "As in the beginning, so in the middle and so in the end." Danielle recommends using your instinct and following Buddhist saying she quotes when you re embarking on a new relationship. Business relationship and personal relationships have the rules and we fall into the same habits of not trusting our instincts. <br />
<br />
Back to the friend: A week or so ago, she asked me to dig around and see what I could find on this guy who seemed fishy on match.com. She hadn't yet met this guy in person and wasn't quite sure why he seemed off, but he did. Turns out she was right to listen to her instincts. I think the lesson that most of can learn from her experience is not about what made the bells go off, but what she did when they went off. When the bells went off, she asked herself why they went off and examined the bells and their cause. Then she trusted herself. Turns out, she did the right thing. Nothing bad came of the situation and he revealed his true nature quickly.<br />
<br />
This morning, she forwarded me this message (her name is changed & her email address is redacted):<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>From: Robert Johnson <calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com></calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> Subject: Hi Babe..</calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> To: Friend</calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 9:48 PM</calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> </calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> Hi Nancy Babe...How are you doing ?I was online last night to chat with you but you were not online and i did tried to call you today as well but you didn't pick my calls,guess you were busy...Hope you doing fine and coping with your work...?Am missing you so much here and can't wait to see you angel ...Am so glad how far and how we got to meet and i know gradually with God's mercy things will work out as we planned...I realise we have been heart broken for along time or at a point in your life so does everyone at a point but the only thing that keeps us going is knowing we are here now and won't give up and finding that greener pasture and i hope and pray that i will look back to these days and smile because you have me and i have you babe ...I was able to book my flight for next week friday because am almost done here just trying to clear out somethings over here my love ...I miss you Nancy and am glad i met you and i feel the way i do with you ...Meeting you to see the smiles and tears is all i long for right now ...I know i can't change your past neither can i change mine but we've got alot more to hang on as long as we are still breathing...</calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> </calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> Am sorry i was unable to email you my flight Itinery yesterday ..I had in mind to send it to you but i was just too tired last night my love and while i was online i slept off while waiting for you to come online babe ...Am going to send it to you Angel and i do hope i won't have to regret coming to see you or waiting for you at the Airport Angel..lol There's something i really need you to do for me now ..Its really important because i need to finalize everything have got to do before my flight on friday,Am done buying the collections i needed and it all went great because the collections are really worth what i was hoping for and am sure its a great deal once i get all all shipped back home from here but am having alittle issue with cash here...The whole collection are at the clearing office right now and i was told i needed to pay for the clearance for the collections because of the volume and its importance ..It's something i wasn't aware of or rather say planned for and right now am out of cash in hand to do the neccessary things needed which is paying for the clearing fee and getting the documents which i was told i would need and without these things one of the clearing officer told me they won't be releasing those collections for shippment because is a new reform or something and that's not nice not after all that have invested in it and the stress i went through..So have decided to sell some of the collections here to get the some collections i need so i could do what i needed..Since the money for the collections would be through transfer because that's the only way ..The money will be trasnfered to you and you can send me some of the cash that i needed back so i can do the things i needed and i hope i cant trust you with the Nancy and keep the remaining till friday when am back and i want to believe you will be honest with all of these,i know you won't give all of these away for something as silly as this or would you?.I do want to believe you not going to hurt or do anything and this is because am trusting you with this so i need to do this before next week friday so i can get done with every other things i need angel ...The payment for the transfer will be made through credit card transfer to you and once you have the confirmation i need you to let me know as soon as possible baby because i have to start up with the payment of the clearance fee immediately angel ..This is really important to me Nancy and this is also not just about me alone ..I believe this is also about us...</calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> Let me know so i can get done with this and you have to know i have to do all of this before friday angel...Missing you and hope we can chat tonight my love ...Love ya ...</calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> </calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> Love..Dream..Hope..Prayer..</calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> Robert..</calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com><br />
<calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com></calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com></blockquote><calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com> <img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></calipalmdaleroberto@yahoo.com>AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-34357359343557736432010-04-12T22:55:00.000-04:002010-04-12T22:55:40.657-04:00Lasagna for sharingAlbion is not only the home of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Rugged_Cross">Old Rugged Cross</a> and Albion College. It is also home to some nice old Victorian houses,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PcaTt4T2I/AAAAAAAAC5o/HXRwu7kWsvg/s1600/houses1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PcaTt4T2I/AAAAAAAAC5o/HXRwu7kWsvg/s1600/houses1.JPG" /></a></div> some sad urban decay,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PcbiUoz7I/AAAAAAAAC5s/4LG6qG1YDxM/s1600/urbandecay1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PcbiUoz7I/AAAAAAAAC5s/4LG6qG1YDxM/s1600/urbandecay1.JPG" /></a></div>and some great food.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PcczeFitI/AAAAAAAAC5w/UaMZEjkT23I/s1600/painted1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PcczeFitI/AAAAAAAAC5w/UaMZEjkT23I/s1600/painted1.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Last Friday, we decided to go for a nice quiet dinner with just the two of us. We've been to Cascarelli's in Homer a couple of times, but never to Cascarelli's in Albion. Cascarelli's in Albion is over 100 years old. We really enjoy Cascarelli's in Homer and were hoping it would be as good or better in Albion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PV-CiwN1I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/HeamqMkoFlw/s1600/menu1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PV-CiwN1I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/HeamqMkoFlw/s320/menu1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The menu was pretty standard fare and pretty reasonably priced. In Homer, they have this Annie's bread that is a buttery mess and tasty. So we tried the bread sticks. Unlike the Homer version, they were fried. They were lightly sweetened and garlicly. They have us a butter sauce and some Ranch. I often measure a restaurant by their Ranch. Cascarelli's of Albion knows their ranch. It was a sign of good things to come. While we were enjoying our salad and bread and waiting for our food, we also enjoyed some live music.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PXqspchMI/AAAAAAAAC5U/MzrLoo1u3qQ/s1600/salad&bread1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PXqspchMI/AAAAAAAAC5U/MzrLoo1u3qQ/s1600/salad&bread1.JPG" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PXrM8CwII/AAAAAAAAC5Y/yK7FRN7in0k/s1600/salad&bread2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PXrM8CwII/AAAAAAAAC5Y/yK7FRN7in0k/s1600/salad&bread2.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
The music was a man playing his acoustic guitar and singing. We were treated to some Bob Dillan, Gordan Lightfoot -- naturally, there was some Edmund Fitzgerald -- Johnny Cash, and some other good classic songs.<br />
<br />
We shared the lasagna plate in part because we always fill up on bread and in part because I was feeling cheap. There was definitely enough for both us. I know it doesn't look like much but there two good sized portions in there. There were also 5 or so meatballs. The meatballs were great! The lasagna was okay. I prefer less ricotta and more mozzarella. But there was plenty of sauce so that more than made up for the cheese issues.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PZ2zZW1fI/AAAAAAAAC5c/fQQCXMiokVQ/s1600/lasnga1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S8PZ2zZW1fI/AAAAAAAAC5c/fQQCXMiokVQ/s1600/lasnga1.JPG" /></a></div>We didn't leave room for dessert. Hopefully next time we will remember to leave room for dessert. I think we will try to head over to Albion for dinner again sometime soon. The service was great, the food was good, and the atmosphere was terrific. Worth the drive!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-76040578681084330992010-04-08T10:25:00.001-04:002010-04-08T10:26:46.330-04:00Did someone clean the shower?This morning, I asked the family if someone had cleaned the shower. I had been doing an experiment with my new Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner and was worried someone had ruined it! I set up my Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner when it came from <a href="http://www.bzzagent.com/">bzzagent.com</a> on Tuesday. (I love free stuff!)<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S73mSrLYFGI/AAAAAAAAC4w/JQA4lRm8KOo/s1600/IMG_0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S73mSrLYFGI/AAAAAAAAC4w/JQA4lRm8KOo/s320/IMG_0603.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S73mV0zIzeI/AAAAAAAAC40/4p35fEAxLPM/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S73mV0zIzeI/AAAAAAAAC40/4p35fEAxLPM/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
No one had cleaned the shower! My shower is so clean! I'm not just saying that because it was free. I've been sent other free stuff that I didn't like and didn't blog about. So, (1) go get your self one of these and you can thank me later and (2) go to bzzagent.com to become a bzzagent and get your own free stuff. In addition to the automatic shower cleaner, I also have $3 coupons to pass on to friends. I have already given out 2.<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-69807052800428427552010-04-07T12:36:00.001-04:002010-04-07T12:36:51.115-04:00Sour Cream Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting & Chocolate GlazeSour Cream Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting & Chocolate Glaze<br />
(<a href="https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ASozPcvjLvatZGRoanQyZnZfOThkNzd4Z2hnag&hl=en">Printable Version</a>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S7ysGypQqWI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/qXR5FwtKO50/s1600-h/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S7ysGypQqWI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/qXR5FwtKO50/s320/IMG_0593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have been <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/chocolate-peanut-butter-cake/">eying this recipe on Smitten Kitchen</a> for a while now. I have been needing a reason to make this cake (I know, you never really need a reason.) Easter was a co-worker's birthday and her favorite sweet treats are chocolate and peanut butter. What better reason to make such a delicious cake!<br />
<br />
Smitten Kitchen's directions were great. You should definitely freeze the layers before frosting. Not only will they frost better, but they will be easier to handle for the stacking. It was definitely worth the time spent baking and frosting! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sour Cream-Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze</b><br />
<br />
Adapted, only barely, from Sky High: Irresistable Triple-Layer Cakes - with thanks for Smitten Kitchen!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811854485?ie=UTF8&tag=smitten-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0811854485"><br />
</a><br />
<br />
Makes an 8-inch triple-layer cake; serves 12 to 16 (SK and I agree, it will serve quite a bit more. At work, we got 9 pieces out of half.)<br />
<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
2 1/2 cups sugar<br />
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process<br />
2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup neutral vegetable oil, such as canola, soybean or vegetable blend<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
1 1/2 cups water<br />
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanut brittle (I skipped this)<br />
<br />
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of three 8-inch round cakepans. Line the bottom of each pan with a round of parchment or waxed paper and butter the paper.<br />
<br />
2. Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Whisk to combine them well. Add the oil and sour cream and whisk to blend. Gradually beat in the water. Blend in the vinegar and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs and beat until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and be sure the batter is well mixed. Divide among the 3 prepared cake pans. (AG Note: I measured it out, I put about 2 1/4 cups of batter in cake pan - I only have 2 round pans so I had to be careful to make sure that all three were the same amount of batter.)<br />
<br />
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, carefully peel off the paper liners, and let cool completely. (Deb @ Smitten Kitchen note: These cakes are very, very soft. I found them a lot easier to work with after firming them up in the freezer for 30 minutes. They’ll defrost quickly once assembled. You’ll be glad you did this, trust me.)<br />
<br />
4. To frost the cake, place one layer, flat side up, on a cake stand or large serving plate. Spread 2/3 cup cup of the Peanut Butter Frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the next layer. Place the last layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. (Deb note 1: Making a crumb coat of frosting–a thin layer that binds the dark crumbs to the cake so they don’t show up in the final outer frosting layer–is a great idea for this cake, or any with a dark cake and lighter-colored frosting. Once you “mask” your cake, let it chill for 15 to 30 minutes until firm, then use the remainder of the frosting to create a smooth final coating. Deb note 2: Once the cake is fully frosting, it helps to chill it again and let it firm up. The cooler and more set the peanut butter frosting is, the better drip effect you’ll get from the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze.)<br />
<br />
5. To decorate with the Chocolate–Peanut Butter Glaze, put the cake plate on a large baking sheet to catch any drips. Simply pour the glaze over the top of the cake, and using an offset spatula, spread it evenly over the top just to the edges so that it runs down the sides of the cake in long drips. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze and frosting to set completely. Remove about 1 hour before serving. Decorate the top with chopped peanut brittle.<br />
<br />
<b>Peanut Butter Frosting</b><br />
Makes about 5 cups<br />
10 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature<br />
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted<br />
2/3 cup smooth peanut butter, preferably a commercial brand (because oil doesn’t separate out)<br />
<br />
1. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl often. Continue to beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.<br />
2. Add the peanut butter and beat until thoroughly blended.<br />
<br />
<b>Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze</b><br />
Makes about 1 1/2 cups<br />
8 ounces seimsweet chocolate, coarsely chopped<br />
3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter<br />
2 tablespoons light corn syrup<br />
1/2 cup half-and-half<br />
<br />
1. In the top of d double boiler or in a bowl set over simmering water, combine the chocolate, peanut butter, and corn syrup. Cook, whisking often, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.<br />
2. Remove from the heat and whisk in the half-and-half, beating until smooth. Use while still warm.<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-76355348361947613072010-04-02T22:28:00.001-04:002010-04-02T22:42:16.353-04:00Love, Brotherhood, and Slow MotionI suppose a more accurate title to this post would have been Sherlock Holmes and Man Vintets Sauvignon Blanc. I strongly recommend both the latest Sherlock Holmes starring the delectable Robert Downing, Jr. and the 2008 Man Vintets Sauvignon Blanc. <br />
<br />
First the movie. I love a mystery, love it! In this movie, we know the villain the entire time. But that isn't the point of the movie, here we get to know Sherlock in a new way. He isn't some genius who smugly lives among us. He is a troubled man who cannot help but be flooded by every sight, sound, smell, and sensation in his proximity. He doesn't enjoy it, he doesn't seek it out. In fact, he would prefer to dull it. <br />
<br />
The other thing I loved about the movie were the unexpectedly deep emotional moments, <span style="color: white;">like the moment when we believed Watson to be dead, or the moment when Watson's beloved confronts Holme</span><span style="background-color: white; color: white;">s</span><span style="color: white;">. </span>I loved Holmes' love as well. She was great. It was another example of his imperfection. In some ways, it reminded me of Iron Man, not just because they shared a a leading man (and isn't he something), but also because the lead character is flawed. In some ways, deeply flawed and yet, his flaws are a part of his charm, his power, and his strength. In many ways, we are like Stark and Sherlock, our flaws are also are our strengths. Sherlock's strengths are his need for a challenge and his inability to turn off his powers of observation and his need to share his observations.<br />
<br />
I also loved the soundtrack and will be checking it out very soon. <br />
<br />
Now for the part of my post you have been waiting for, Man Vintets Sauvignon Blanc 2008. Excellent wine, it was part of a Christmas gift so I can't speak to price but I can't imagine it was much. Not much of an after-taste, nice and smooth.<br />
<br />
I loved the way they left it open for a sequel. I am really looking forward to seeing the sequel.<br />
<br />
By the way, if you haven't discovered Roger Ebert on Twitter, you really should follow him at @ebertchicago. Brilliant and funny.<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-30288927070718971862010-04-01T14:22:00.001-04:002010-04-01T14:23:27.414-04:00Baby Bzzzz<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://www.bzzagent.com/images/babies/embed/one-sheet.png" /></div><br />
I've mentioned before that I am a bzzagent. I get great stuff free from <a href="http://www.bzzagent.com/">http://www.bzzagent.com</a> and all I have to do is tell you about it - so far, I've liked everything I've been sent. Right now, I am participating in a promotion for the movie Babies. I am under no delusions that I will win the traffic contest. (although, maybe with all the foodies from my listing on the Foodies Blogroll can help . . .).<br />
<br />
Everybody loves... BABIES. Coming to theatres this Mother's Day Weekend (May 7th), this visually stunning new movie simultaneously follows four babies around the world - from first breath to first steps. From Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo, BABIES joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all. Check out the trailer!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://www.bzzagent.com/babies/go/babies-featurette?e=t&u=amygraham"><img alt="" src="http://www.bzzagent.com/images/babies/embed/babies-featurette.png" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-53232512546708652992010-03-28T16:54:00.001-04:002010-03-29T20:35:59.222-04:00Disaster!Goal 100. I will participate in the Daring Baker eight months for every twelve months of the 101 goals, not missing two consecutive months. {2/12}~{0/12}~{0/12}<br />
<br />
<br />
That word describes both the state of my kitchen and this month's Daring Baker results.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S6-6zqC6MNI/AAAAAAAAC2E/y9-jL_Pqe5Y/s1600-h/kitchenmessa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S6-6zqC6MNI/AAAAAAAAC2E/y9-jL_Pqe5Y/s320/kitchenmessa1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S6-60nM5LyI/AAAAAAAAC2I/2788tSh1pbY/s1600-h/kitchenmessab1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S6-60nM5LyI/AAAAAAAAC2I/2788tSh1pbY/s320/kitchenmessab1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The 2010 March Daring Baker’s challenge was hosted by Jennifer of Chocolate Shavings. She chose Orange Tian as the challenge for this month, a dessert based on a recipe from Alain Ducasse’s Cooking School in Paris.<br />
<br />
Things seemed to go wrong from the beginning. I bought the wrong kind of oranges and had to do another run, I forgot to add the marmalade in the second to last step. I waited too long to mix the gelatin in with the whipped cream. I decided to go family style with my springform pan because I didn't have enough little cookie cutters. Sigh. And I don't really care for citrus desserts. I was hoping I would like it as it was quite a bit of work. But I don't really. On the upside, I know how to make marmalade and how to segment an orange. I didn't even know I didn't know how to segment an orange before. I was going to deviate and go with a chocolate and strawberries yumminess. But I went with the original. In the end, I am still glad I did it! It was fun making such a mess of my kitchen! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S6--QawG-jI/AAAAAAAAC2M/_O7_c-a1TlM/s1600-h/final1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S6--QawG-jI/AAAAAAAAC2M/_O7_c-a1TlM/s200/final1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S6--QxZLeKI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/lenkSr2sDlg/s1600-h/final21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S6--QxZLeKI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/lenkSr2sDlg/s200/final21.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-10238905173591358442010-03-07T18:46:00.000-05:002010-03-07T18:46:41.291-05:00Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread - Yums!I had some time on my hands and some bananas on the counter. This meant it was time to test another recipe from the Joy of Cooking. This time it was Banana Bread Cockaigne, page 628. I usually make banana bread from my Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook. <br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockaigne">wikipedia</a>, "Cockaigne or Cockayne (pronounced /kɒˈkeɪn/) is a medieval mythical land of plenty, an imaginary place of extreme luxury and ease where physical comforts and pleasures are always immediately at hand and where the harshness of medieval peasant life does not exist." What a delicious concept!<br />
<br />
As always with baking, it is best to start with all ingredients at room temperature. I don't usually plan enough ahead to achieve this. Someday, I will.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S5Q1HwGRN-I/AAAAAAAACq8/rMsDmDHhxn0/s1600/bananabread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S5Q1HwGRN-I/AAAAAAAACq8/rMsDmDHhxn0/s320/bananabread.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really need to work on taking pictures of food. I am not that good at it. This does not look as delicious as it was!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It wasn't as banana'y as I would have liked. Maybe next time, I'll add a fourth banana. I also left out the lemon zest and added a teaspoon of vanilla.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ingredients</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 teaspoon salt</div>2/3 cup sugar<br />
1/3 cup vegetable shortening or butter (I used butter)<br />
1 to 2 large eggs (I used 2)<br />
3/4 teaspoon lemon zest (no lemons on hand so I skipped this part)<br />
1 to 1 1/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (2 to 3)<br />
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional and I don't add nuts)<br />
1/4 finely chopped dried apricots (also optional and not found in my banana bread, maybe someday)<br />
8 ounces of chopped semi sweet chocolate <br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease bread pan. <br />
2. Whisk together all dry ingredients in a small-ish mixing bowl.<br />
3. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, butter, and vanilla until creamy. Then beat in 2 large beaten eggs.<br />
4. Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, beating until smooth with each addition. Fold in the nuts, apricots or chocolate, if desired. <br />
5. Pour into greased bread pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a knife comes out mostly clean. The melted chocolate will give you trouble with the clean knife, but you should be able to tell if the banana bread is done with the knife.<br />
6. Cool slightly before unmolding (otherwise it doesn't come out of the pan quite right). <br />
<br />
The book says to cool completely before serving, but that is nonsense. I love warm, fresh banana bread, especially with a little bit of butter! Yums!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-54415989793563129942010-03-03T16:27:00.000-05:002010-03-03T16:27:24.086-05:00Sloppy Joes!The last Blog Improvement Project assignment was to work on creative post titles. Clearly, I am not implementing that particular advice yet. <br />
<br />
Last night, I cooked for the first time in a long time. I was not feeling that creative and really wanted some comfort food. What I wanted was Manwich, I love Manwich. But we are trying to have more home cooked food. So I quickly googled martha stewart sloppy joes. Loaded the recipe on my iphone (I don't have the Martha app yet, I was just browsing in Safari). It turned out pretty good with minor changes to the recipe.<br />
<br />
6:33 pm We started with 1onion, 1/2 green pepper, 1 celery stalk and 2 cloves of garlic, all finely chopped. Okay, it wasn't really that finely chopped.<br />
<br />
6:50 pm Add of this to heated pan with a tablespoon of olive oil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S46486NudII/AAAAAAAACpQ/VamNHjxzcGo/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S46486NudII/AAAAAAAACpQ/VamNHjxzcGo/s320/IMG_0451.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> I added some McCormick's Hamburger Seasoning to the onion mix.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S465FQbVhFI/AAAAAAAACpY/bCcmCcfoQi0/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S465FQbVhFI/AAAAAAAACpY/bCcmCcfoQi0/s320/IMG_0453.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6:55 pm Put the frozen broccoli in the microwave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7:02 pm Add meat to pan, brown until no longer pink. Sadly, for the next few steps, my phone was in use so I don't have pictures of the adding and browning of 1 pound of beef. </div><br />
7:13 pm Add 15 oz of tomato sauce, 1/4 cup of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S465KaAR95I/AAAAAAAACpc/6PnIgOmxNQc/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S465KaAR95I/AAAAAAAACpc/6PnIgOmxNQc/s320/IMG_0454.JPG" /></a></div><br />
7:15 pm Set the table.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S465RmwVG7I/AAAAAAAACpo/uaDiboa_Qdc/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S465RmwVG7I/AAAAAAAACpo/uaDiboa_Qdc/s320/IMG_0457.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next time I make this instead of ketchup I might use tomato paste. My goal is to make it more Manwich like. Manwich seems to have less vegs and more tomato taste and feel. </div><br />
~ 1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
~ 1 medium onion, finely chopped<br />
~ 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped<br />
~ 1 celery stalk, finely chopped<br />
~ 2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
~ Coarse salt and ground pepper<br />
~ 1 pound ground beef<br />
~ 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce<br />
~ 1/4 cup ketchup<br />
~ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce<br />
~ 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted<br />
<br />
<br />
1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes.<br />
<br />
2. Add ground beef to skillet. Cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes.<br />
<br />
3. Stir tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce into beef mixture in skillet. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes.<br />
<br />
4. Season the mixture with more salt and pepper, as desired. Spoon onto buns, and serve immediately.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-18213870114547752862010-03-02T13:45:00.000-05:002010-03-02T13:45:06.370-05:00Captivated"This place where you are right now, God circled on a map for you."<br />
~Hafez 14th Century Persian Poet<br />
<br />
I found this quote while reading <a href="http://lucymarch.com/?p=971#more-971">Lucy March's blog</a>. It is really resonating with me today as I am constantly looking for and applying for new jobs, trying to work out a more permanent future for my career. Although this position is not permanent, right now, it is where I need to be. I just wish I could see the map God was looking at.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3885755372923528779.post-22474478566652409522010-03-01T14:00:00.000-05:002010-03-01T14:00:09.168-05:00International Badge Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S4vudUxU9xI/AAAAAAAACos/48Wa-IcTZI0/s1600-h/ASTMemberBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jK2GeJPxAqU/S4vudUxU9xI/AAAAAAAACos/48Wa-IcTZI0/s320/ASTMemberBadge.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today is International Badge Day! So I am wearing my badge on my blog and my suit jacket.<br />
<br />
I am aware of image of greek orgs and sororities in popular culture and media. That image is nothing like the reality I experienced as a member of <a href="http://www.alphasigmatau.org/">Alpha Sigma Tau</a>. I attended a predominately male university. I think the male to female ratio was 3:1, but it could have been 4:1. I started out thinking I was going to be a chemistry teacher. Turned out, I don't actually care for chemistry or science or math. I appreciate them, I just don't want to study these things. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do with my career (okay, I'm still not quite sure). I know what I want to do with my life, I'm not sure how my career fits into that. So I waffled around a while in college, didn't study like I should have, was not a great student. However, I kept my grade point respectable so that I could stay in the sorority. I stayed in college so I could stay in the sorority. I learned a lot about myself and other people while living in a house with 4 phone lines, 3 1/2 bathrooms, 2 televisions, and 20 women. I learned quite a bit about politics without ever talking about politics or government. I learned about leadership by living without any, attempting to be a leader and by watching leaders in action. I learned the most from leaders who weren't trying to be leaders, just trying to do the right thing. My membership in Alpha Sigma Tau helped me become the woman I am today.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85763/asgraham/b722445d4dbbf6707bc18a6eaeaa15eb.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" />AGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657990160922415927noreply@blogger.com0