Goodmorning Blog, Family, Friends, and Mr. Golden Sun-
Yes, the sun is out this morning. How wonderful it is to wake up to the sun pouring in through the windows. It is also a happy day because my first two classes have been excused as "work from home days" so here I am "working from home." ;)
No really, I have gotten quite a bit done but thought I would pop on and write a quick post. Our first year of living here I feel like I used to hop on all the time just to post a small update. So I thought I'd give that a go again.
Right now I am currently working on a project that entails rolling fruit dipped in ink across 2 yards of butcher paper. Oh the silly, crazy art-things I have done through out my time here. I am also working on a drawing that will be turned into a box, and also am making a coloring book to be printed for high school students that I work with in one of my classes. Wes is sleeping after working all last night but alas' its Monday which means he stays home with me tonight! Yaaay!
Graduation plans are coming along swimmingly, or well, really all that means is nothing bad has happened in a while and I got to sign up for Spring classes. Which means that never again will I have to sign up for classes. The finish line is fast approaching, Praise God! Holy moly it's been a tough one hasn't it? I hope that this really is it... the calm after the storm... well, you know you'll hear about it if it all goes awry again!
Anyway, I have pictures to share from my time in CA last weekend, but that will be in my next post. Happy Monday everyone!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Clams
Their is a first time for everything, and last week marked our first time cooking clams. Wes and I first ordered clams at Pok Pok a while back and were amazed by how delicious and yummy they were. I had never experienced clams outside of San Francisco's Pier 39 Clam Chowder, so handling shells and teensy-tiny forks was another major first. After such a positive experience we ordered them yet again at a little restaurant we like to call Clyde Common: again, delicious. We both "oo" and "ah" over handling the shells every time. The tactile experience is quite unique. Anyway, all of this is to say that last week we decided to bring clams into our kitchen.
We found a very simple recipe, using only: clams, garlic, olive oil, butter, white wine, and parsley. And is served with crusty bread for dipping. It was very successful and surprisingly easy. Below is the recipe, if you are the slightest bit interested I urge you to try it out! Check out the full recipe here.
First, give them a salt bath so that they release any and all dirt. Clams are sand-dwellers so this stage is necessary. This was also the stage in which it dawned on us- these suckers are alive. It's quite fun to sit and stare. Be patient and you'll watch one jitter a bit or watch the bubbles surface. *bloop, bloop!*
We found a very simple recipe, using only: clams, garlic, olive oil, butter, white wine, and parsley. And is served with crusty bread for dipping. It was very successful and surprisingly easy. Below is the recipe, if you are the slightest bit interested I urge you to try it out! Check out the full recipe here.
First, give them a salt bath so that they release any and all dirt. Clams are sand-dwellers so this stage is necessary. This was also the stage in which it dawned on us- these suckers are alive. It's quite fun to sit and stare. Be patient and you'll watch one jitter a bit or watch the bubbles surface. *bloop, bloop!*
scrub-a-dub
No worries little guys, you're just going into a "sauna," to die a slow steamy death.
(sorry, I make it so appetizing don't I??)
mmmm lots o' garlic
And into the steaming bowl! They cook quickly. This is what it looks like as they just begin to pop open. After all or most of them have popped open the clams are ready. Discard any that do not open, this means the clam was in fact dead prior to cooking and not fresh. :/
Serve up in low-bowls with crusty bread, noodles, or rice.
Enjoy!
And don't forget a bowl to put all of your empty shells into.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Inspiration
I've always loved flowers. When I think back on our relationship (the one that consists between myself and the flowers) there are moments that stand out amidst our love story. One of which was when I watched You've Got Mail (yes, you read that correctly). Because, you see, in You've Got Mail there is this scene. You know, that one where Meg Ryan is sick and Tom Hanks brings her flowers -- not Roses, but Daisies: simple, understated, ordinary, white Daisies. Meg Ryan shares "I love Daisies. Don't you think that Daisies are the friendliest flower?" Yes Meg, yes I do. Which is why I broke (probably) a thousand flower rules and paired Gerbera Daisies with Roses in my bridesmaids bouquets. gasp! Little did I know most florists hate "Gerbers" -- but how could you hate a Gerber with they're big round faces and so many colors to choose from? But anyway... flowers make me happy and they always have. Whether it be the red Christmas berries that my mom would send us to fetch from the park around the corner, the September Sunflowers in Portland, that one annoying time I had to take biology, or the life long dream I've had of laying down in a field of flowers, with my horse as my pillow and a book to keep us company. Flowers are in my life and they will be forever.
Many of you have heard me brainstorming over the past couple years in regards to my career. My problem has mostly been narrowing my focus and understanding that one person can only provide so many services. I've always had a desire to be a "one-stop-shop" of sorts for a bride & groom.
I've always wanted to be the wedding planner-florist-fold-your-paper-favors-by-hand-and-provide-you-with-linens-too, kind of girl. After getting this internship with the florist my dream has become focused and floral design is my main goal. However this isn't to say that Wes and I don't dream of having a team of people under one roof, working together to provide that one-stop-shop. So, when I happened upon this website this morning I nearly fell out of my chair. Seriously everyone, this website is to a "T" what I would love to be someday. I love the site design, the information could not be articulated better, and the portfolios are phenomenal. Have a look:
{Click here for Super Awesome Crafty-Paper-Flower-Goodness}
So Life, this is what I have to say to you:
College Degree I will fight for you. Even when it doesn't make sense and you are the last thing I want to fight for, I will. And someday I will understand why I did.
God, thank you for creating flowers to provide for "The Circle of Life" and also for the sake of enjoyment.
Dreams, I will fullfill some of you someday.
I think its time to go purchase a couple of single-stems, don't you?
Many of you have heard me brainstorming over the past couple years in regards to my career. My problem has mostly been narrowing my focus and understanding that one person can only provide so many services. I've always had a desire to be a "one-stop-shop" of sorts for a bride & groom.
I've always wanted to be the wedding planner-florist-fold-your-paper-favors-by-hand-and-provide-you-with-linens-too, kind of girl. After getting this internship with the florist my dream has become focused and floral design is my main goal. However this isn't to say that Wes and I don't dream of having a team of people under one roof, working together to provide that one-stop-shop. So, when I happened upon this website this morning I nearly fell out of my chair. Seriously everyone, this website is to a "T" what I would love to be someday. I love the site design, the information could not be articulated better, and the portfolios are phenomenal. Have a look:
{Click here for Super Awesome Crafty-Paper-Flower-Goodness}
So Life, this is what I have to say to you:
College Degree I will fight for you. Even when it doesn't make sense and you are the last thing I want to fight for, I will. And someday I will understand why I did.
God, thank you for creating flowers to provide for "The Circle of Life" and also for the sake of enjoyment.
Dreams, I will fullfill some of you someday.
I think its time to go purchase a couple of single-stems, don't you?
Friday, January 20, 2012
Through the Ringer.
This week has been one of those weeks. I've decided its probably best to avoid talking about my current problems as often as possible so to not remind myself of how disappointed I am. Therefore, I figured I would update everyone in one foul swoop on our near and dear blog. This doesn't mean you can't ask about it or show sympathy, its just an attempt to prevent myself from moping around in further, self-pity. (Yes, the pity party is rich can you tell?) I recognize that my problems are so (so SO SO) small compared to the real tragedies of life, for example I almost fell to pieces on the bus ride home from receiving my bad news when a blind guy (my age!) sat down on the bus right next to me (no coincidence I assure you, God has been involved in quite obvious ways). So, I digress - on with my bad news:
On Wednesday I met with a different adviser than normal. At the time I was frustrated that my normal advising was sending me some place new. However, I was pleased to meet the nicest, most helpful adviser I have ever crossed at PSU. So we sit, she answers my questions, then says "Let me just do this for you." She takes my DARS report (in normal person terms this means: my everything, my records) and writes up a brand new graduation plan for me. Then she whips out a calculator.
gulp.
And then proceeds to tell me that I have an additional 4 classes I need to take in order to graduate.
She could tell by the blank look on my face I was in utter shock. In shock I tell you! Because well, you see, I meet with an adviser very often. Like, every-two-weeks-often to ensure problems like this don't happen. She explained that this happens a lot and that for some reason or another this requirement often gets overlooked. The requirement I speak of is the one that says 72 credits of your total course work has to be Upper Division. It makes sense... only, in my situation its quite stressful because I have to graduate in the Spring. We have plans, you know?? And its upsetting because no one ever told me. You'd think I'd have figured it out on my own but seriously the aforementioned "DARS report" is like another language. Full of crazy symbols, repeating information, The word: "NEEDS" and "EARNED" and "OK" all over the place. Its a complicated mess.
So, what this means for my life is that my "easy" finish to my college career won't be happening. These next few months will be stressful. I will probably cry a lot and mope around on occasion. Today when I added two extra classes to my load the guy who was processing the information said "You are now enrolled with 20 credits- Have fun!!!" And next quarter I will no longer get to take only two classes, rather, I will be taking four. :(
Oh well, life goes on. Like I said, there are much bigger tragedies in life and who am I to complain??? I keep telling myself that I just have to ride out these next few months and then we will basically be on a 3 month extended vacation. I can do this. I will do this. So that's my news. It's been a tough week but life goes on. And I'm memorizing this:
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." -Romans 12:12
Praying for patience and perseverance. As always, thank you for your unwavering support. It is a relief to know that many of you will meet (and have met) me in my place of disappointment because you know me well enough to understand how this translates into my life. Wes has been brilliantly supportive, and encouraging. Boxed Mac n' cheese for dinner tonight! :)
On Wednesday I met with a different adviser than normal. At the time I was frustrated that my normal advising was sending me some place new. However, I was pleased to meet the nicest, most helpful adviser I have ever crossed at PSU. So we sit, she answers my questions, then says "Let me just do this for you." She takes my DARS report (in normal person terms this means: my everything, my records) and writes up a brand new graduation plan for me. Then she whips out a calculator.
gulp.
And then proceeds to tell me that I have an additional 4 classes I need to take in order to graduate.
She could tell by the blank look on my face I was in utter shock. In shock I tell you! Because well, you see, I meet with an adviser very often. Like, every-two-weeks-often to ensure problems like this don't happen. She explained that this happens a lot and that for some reason or another this requirement often gets overlooked. The requirement I speak of is the one that says 72 credits of your total course work has to be Upper Division. It makes sense... only, in my situation its quite stressful because I have to graduate in the Spring. We have plans, you know?? And its upsetting because no one ever told me. You'd think I'd have figured it out on my own but seriously the aforementioned "DARS report" is like another language. Full of crazy symbols, repeating information, The word: "NEEDS" and "EARNED" and "OK" all over the place. Its a complicated mess.
So, what this means for my life is that my "easy" finish to my college career won't be happening. These next few months will be stressful. I will probably cry a lot and mope around on occasion. Today when I added two extra classes to my load the guy who was processing the information said "You are now enrolled with 20 credits- Have fun!!!" And next quarter I will no longer get to take only two classes, rather, I will be taking four. :(
Oh well, life goes on. Like I said, there are much bigger tragedies in life and who am I to complain??? I keep telling myself that I just have to ride out these next few months and then we will basically be on a 3 month extended vacation. I can do this. I will do this. So that's my news. It's been a tough week but life goes on. And I'm memorizing this:
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." -Romans 12:12
Praying for patience and perseverance. As always, thank you for your unwavering support. It is a relief to know that many of you will meet (and have met) me in my place of disappointment because you know me well enough to understand how this translates into my life. Wes has been brilliantly supportive, and encouraging. Boxed Mac n' cheese for dinner tonight! :)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Portland Bride & Groom Magazine Shoot
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Heaven on a plate.
Since I know you all have been sitting by your computers waiting to hear what I had for breakfast this morning, I decided I'd humor you. Mind you, their isn't even a recipe. Just a picture to make your tummies growl.
Last night for dinner Wes and I made Irish brown bread (a mix you buy in a box, really good, the brand is Garvey), with smoked salmon and green olives. So for breakfast, I used up some of the leftovers to make one of the best breakfasts I've made at home. Ever. Not like I really made much but the flavors were so melt-in-your mouth yummy: poached eggs on smoked salmon, and brown bread. (Don't forget a little butter on the bread!) So come on over to our place and I'll fix you up one of the same. :)
Free Bird.
I am currently sitting in a little cafe' near us called "Little t." You've probably heard us mention it from time to time. It's a shorter walk than Palio's and something about it feels so European (or at least, its what I imagine a cafe' in Europe to be like.) Its like sitting in a land of baguettes, croissants, pastries, black coffee in "for here" cups, and PS: my lap top is the only one in the place. Two people have arrived to pick up large orders of baguettes (which they take away in bread baskets mind you!) to their restaurants nearby. The person next to me is reading the paper and eating a pastry and the family behind me is asking their kids what they think of the painting hanging on the wall. Beautiful. What a pleasant space to be on this fine Saturday morning.
The term "free bird" has been resurfacing in my mind a lot over the past week or so. It seems that now that Christmas has passed we are full steam ahead with plans for moving. In fact, the day after Christmas on our drive back to Portland our conversations were already jam packed full of Europe and what needs to get done. Now that we have been able to put more attention towards our trip I am beginning to realize how necessary this trip really is for me. Their have been several cases of supreme stress through out my college education, and now that I am nearing the end (5 classes left!) these instances have actually been occurring more often due to computer errors, inconsistent advising, and just the general hubbub that has to take place in order to graduate. There is an anxiety that sits within me, that I've become so used to, I don't realize it is there until another annoying mishap happens which sends me to five different advisers just to get one signature and the stress reveals itself. The anxiety comes from a fear of losing things I've worked so hard for, for example: having a class no longer count, or my whole education being erased... I know this fear is irrational but the school system can make you feel so powerless that at times, it does feel possible. All I can say is, it will be the biggest relief I have ever felt in my life to finally have a diploma in hand. So, this Europe trip is necessary for my soul, and my general well-being. I am very thankful that we are essentially giving ourselves a three month vacation, and while it probably sounds indulgent to some, it is essential that I feel what it is like to be a free bird. I haven't known life with out school deadlines. It has taken me so long to graduate not because I took a couple of years off, rather its because of taking bunches of the "wrong" classes (meaning that they didn't fulfill requirements-- my mistake) oh and the transfer to Portland set me back quite a bit too. I have begin to picture myself sitting in a cafe in Paris reading a book and not having a care in the world. It will be bliss.
On another note, I will simply say that Christmas was wonderful. Since most of you have already seen our pictures posted on facebook I feel that it would be (and has been previously) a smidge-bit redundant to devote whole blog posts to the same images. I will however, post a blog in the near future of all the "behind-the-scenes" crafting that went on to put together our homemade-gifts this year, because we had a lot of fun with that.
A HUGE (HUMONGOUS! GINORMOUS!) "Thank You" to our families for all the gifts and love and time put towards us when we were home. We really really enjoyed ourselves. It is surreal to think that next Christmas we will be living in Sacramento. We are so excited for this! We've already talked about how wonderful it will be to get a tree from apple hill and perhaps host a Christmas Party. It will be a dream fulfilled. Anyway- it's a little scary to talk about such things a year in advance, if anything take this as an example of just how excited we are!
Happy New Year to you all!
The term "free bird" has been resurfacing in my mind a lot over the past week or so. It seems that now that Christmas has passed we are full steam ahead with plans for moving. In fact, the day after Christmas on our drive back to Portland our conversations were already jam packed full of Europe and what needs to get done. Now that we have been able to put more attention towards our trip I am beginning to realize how necessary this trip really is for me. Their have been several cases of supreme stress through out my college education, and now that I am nearing the end (5 classes left!) these instances have actually been occurring more often due to computer errors, inconsistent advising, and just the general hubbub that has to take place in order to graduate. There is an anxiety that sits within me, that I've become so used to, I don't realize it is there until another annoying mishap happens which sends me to five different advisers just to get one signature and the stress reveals itself. The anxiety comes from a fear of losing things I've worked so hard for, for example: having a class no longer count, or my whole education being erased... I know this fear is irrational but the school system can make you feel so powerless that at times, it does feel possible. All I can say is, it will be the biggest relief I have ever felt in my life to finally have a diploma in hand. So, this Europe trip is necessary for my soul, and my general well-being. I am very thankful that we are essentially giving ourselves a three month vacation, and while it probably sounds indulgent to some, it is essential that I feel what it is like to be a free bird. I haven't known life with out school deadlines. It has taken me so long to graduate not because I took a couple of years off, rather its because of taking bunches of the "wrong" classes (meaning that they didn't fulfill requirements-- my mistake) oh and the transfer to Portland set me back quite a bit too. I have begin to picture myself sitting in a cafe in Paris reading a book and not having a care in the world. It will be bliss.
On another note, I will simply say that Christmas was wonderful. Since most of you have already seen our pictures posted on facebook I feel that it would be (and has been previously) a smidge-bit redundant to devote whole blog posts to the same images. I will however, post a blog in the near future of all the "behind-the-scenes" crafting that went on to put together our homemade-gifts this year, because we had a lot of fun with that.
A HUGE (HUMONGOUS! GINORMOUS!) "Thank You" to our families for all the gifts and love and time put towards us when we were home. We really really enjoyed ourselves. It is surreal to think that next Christmas we will be living in Sacramento. We are so excited for this! We've already talked about how wonderful it will be to get a tree from apple hill and perhaps host a Christmas Party. It will be a dream fulfilled. Anyway- it's a little scary to talk about such things a year in advance, if anything take this as an example of just how excited we are!
Happy New Year to you all!
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