Oof. I'm exhausted. In one week, I will have picked up my family for their Thanksgiving visit. We will probably be eating spaghetti and gushing over how awesome the kitchen looks. Maybe after that, we'll put a movie in and be incredibly lazy for a Friday night.
But today? Today, just seven short days before my family arrives, I was running all over town. Mom has been watching the grocery store circulars and this morning I got my marching orders for grocery shopping. I made a quick stop at Wal-Mart (I know, I know) to pick up a giant new TV, a larger crock pot, and a few groceries that Mom had ordered, plus a space heater because the thermostat has decided it only wants to work if I do a tap dance around it. Then it was off to the local grocer's, where I felt a bit like an extreme couponer. Largest quantity of a single item? Six 32 oz boxes of low sodium chicken broth. I think it's for Thanksgiving's cornbread dressing.
It's strange to be doing the shopping for a family of four. For the past few months, I've just been shopping for myself. I can cook one entree recipe and two or three sides, divvy them up, and be set for a week. I only buy half-gallons of milk because I can't go through it quickly enough. I usually buy six eggs, unless I plan on doing a lot of baking. I came away with three bags of boneless skinless chicken breasts, two bags of frozen meatballs, four boxes of pasta, two dozen eggs, and two half-gallons of almond milk. And that's not even everything I bought today, nor is it everything we'll be getting in terms of groceries.
Thank goodness the kitchen will be finished soon, or I don't know where I'd put all this stuff!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
(Nearly) Wordless...Thursday
I have talked a lot the past few days, so here. Have some pictures of our soon-to-be completed kitchen remodel.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Post-Election Thoughts
I know we're probably all sick and tired about hearing about the presidential election by now, but I saw this photo on the Obama campaign's tumblr and felt like I needed to share.
During a really, really interesting discussion with one of my theatre professors, Mr. C, last year, he told my class a story about a children's show he directed. It was a version of Charlotte's Web and the department invited tons of local schools to see it, including many schools in urban and lower-income areas. As Mr. C watched the students come into the theatre, he was so excited. For many of them, it was going to be the first time they had ever seen a play before. Throughout the performance, he spent more time watching the audience than watching the show. The kids fell in love with all of characters, but particularly Wilbur, and Mr. C couldn't wait until after the show because they had arranged for the actors to meet the kids in the lobby after the show.
Mr. C stayed behind in the auditorium after the show ended to congratulate the crew, as he had always done. He walked out into the lobby and saw the kids talking to all their favorite characters. As he scanned the room, there was a huge crowd of people around one particular person and he couldn't tell who it was. He started accounting for each of the actors and realized that the kids weren't crowded around any of the actors. The person that all these students had flocked to was Miguel, one of the custodians.
Miguel had been with the university theatre department for years. He was a friendly face in a cutthroat environment and he would always ask you how your day had been. He was also, Mr. C noticed as he looked around, the only person of color from the university in the room. What sort of message had their show unintentionally sent? From that point on, Mr. C told our class, he made a concerted effort to make sure that he casted his children's shows conscientiously and included as much diversity as he could.
When I saw the picture above this morning, it wasn't hard to connect this story to it. It just reminds me how incredible it is to live when we do.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Spoiler Alert: It's Election Day.
Four years ago, I was a freshman in college just north of Chicago. I had sent my absentee ballot in weeks before and was anxiously awaiting the results. My dorm had a massive watch party in our great room, with CNN on the projection screen and all of the residents sitting around with our laptops discussing possible outcomes of every possible election in the country. When the presidential election was called, I was out in the hall calling a friend with updates. A music major busted out the piano and started playing "Don't Stop Believing." A few of us went outside and could hear the cheers from Grant Park. After McCain's concession speech and Obama's victory speech, about forty of us jumped into Lake Michigan and were subsequently given warnings by the city police for being on a public beach after sunset.
It was worth it.
This year, I'm in South Carolina. I sent in my absentee ballot weeks ago and am anxiously awaiting the results. I'll be watching the results alone but still connected with friends around the world as we discuss the possible outcomes. A friend who is studying abroad in London is staying up until the wee hours of the morning just to watch the results come in. I imagine I'll be in touch with my family when results are announced as well.
The circumstances are different than four years ago. We are facing new challenges as a country and still facing some lingering ones. I don't think anything will ever top the memories I have of 2008's election night, but it was my first national election to vote in and only my second-ever vote. I am more cautious this year, more concerned with what the future might hold, more informed about the social, political, and economic issues that face us today. A few weeks ago, I cast my ballot for the candidates I believe in.
And tonight we find out together who will be representing us in the highest governmental offices. Whatever the outcome, it is my sincerest hope that everyone made their voice heard where it counts: not on the internet with its constant barrage of noise, but at the polling place.
Happy Election Day. I hope this thing's decided by tomorrow.
It was worth it.
This year, I'm in South Carolina. I sent in my absentee ballot weeks ago and am anxiously awaiting the results. I'll be watching the results alone but still connected with friends around the world as we discuss the possible outcomes. A friend who is studying abroad in London is staying up until the wee hours of the morning just to watch the results come in. I imagine I'll be in touch with my family when results are announced as well.
The circumstances are different than four years ago. We are facing new challenges as a country and still facing some lingering ones. I don't think anything will ever top the memories I have of 2008's election night, but it was my first national election to vote in and only my second-ever vote. I am more cautious this year, more concerned with what the future might hold, more informed about the social, political, and economic issues that face us today. A few weeks ago, I cast my ballot for the candidates I believe in.
And tonight we find out together who will be representing us in the highest governmental offices. Whatever the outcome, it is my sincerest hope that everyone made their voice heard where it counts: not on the internet with its constant barrage of noise, but at the polling place.
Happy Election Day. I hope this thing's decided by tomorrow.
Monday, November 5, 2012
The Value of The Arts
When I woke up this morning, I had no idea what to write about today. Fifth day of NaBloPoMo and my ideas are already running dry? Rough. And then I stumbled across an article in The Atlantic and knew what I wanted to blog about.
Should Science Majors Pay Less for College Than Arts Majors?
My degree in theatre and I both say, "No," followed by a resounding, "Go to hell." And that was the polite phrasing.
Basically, a Florida task force is recommending that the Florida state university system find a way to lower the cost of tuition for students majoring in topics "in high demand by Florida employers." So probably math, science, technology, business, et cetera into eternity. The Atlantic goes on to present a bunch of different possible problems that could arise out of actually implementing these recommendations, but really what it comes down to is that our society is continually devaluing the arts and that infuriates me to no end.
I had the privilege of being able to take a Creative Drama course during my undergraduate years in the literal birthplace of the Creative Drama movement, Evanston, Illinois. Theatre, and Creative Drama specifically, allows people to live out situations that they might never have been confronted with and offers the opportunity to see the world through someone else's eyes, if only for a few minutes. Children benefit from exposure to the arts. Evanston public schools have a mandatory semester of Creative Drama every year from kindergarten through eighth grade. After observing in several of those classrooms, I can say with the utmost certainty that those children were some of the most understanding and cooperative children I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
There is such a move these days toward standardization in education and frankly I find that tragic. Apparently, I was one of the last graduating classes from my public school district that actually had some say in what classes I took and how I wanted to spend my time in school. My sister, currently a junior in high school, is constantly frustrated because she feels like her teachers and administration aren't listening to what she wants. She has no idea what she wants to do after high school and is nearly always feeling the pressure to decide. She loves to make things, to learn, to meet new people. She is also incredibly budget-conscious. There is no doubt in my mind that she would have a terrible time studying something she absolutely loved knowing that she would be paying less if she were studying something that the government deemed worthy.
And that perhaps is the crux of it. No one should be able to define what is valuable when it comes to education. I am tired of having to defend my decision to major in theatre to anyone and everyone. I am bone tired of people sending me articles that list "Theatre" as one of the least employable majors, and that's not even taking into consideration that most of those lists only consider acting when they think about theatre.
Education is a valuable thing. Education is also a deeply personal thing. You have to want to learn. You have to be excited about your studies. If you're not, then it's a waste of everyone's time.
Should Science Majors Pay Less for College Than Arts Majors?
My degree in theatre and I both say, "No," followed by a resounding, "Go to hell." And that was the polite phrasing.
Basically, a Florida task force is recommending that the Florida state university system find a way to lower the cost of tuition for students majoring in topics "in high demand by Florida employers." So probably math, science, technology, business, et cetera into eternity. The Atlantic goes on to present a bunch of different possible problems that could arise out of actually implementing these recommendations, but really what it comes down to is that our society is continually devaluing the arts and that infuriates me to no end.
I had the privilege of being able to take a Creative Drama course during my undergraduate years in the literal birthplace of the Creative Drama movement, Evanston, Illinois. Theatre, and Creative Drama specifically, allows people to live out situations that they might never have been confronted with and offers the opportunity to see the world through someone else's eyes, if only for a few minutes. Children benefit from exposure to the arts. Evanston public schools have a mandatory semester of Creative Drama every year from kindergarten through eighth grade. After observing in several of those classrooms, I can say with the utmost certainty that those children were some of the most understanding and cooperative children I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
There is such a move these days toward standardization in education and frankly I find that tragic. Apparently, I was one of the last graduating classes from my public school district that actually had some say in what classes I took and how I wanted to spend my time in school. My sister, currently a junior in high school, is constantly frustrated because she feels like her teachers and administration aren't listening to what she wants. She has no idea what she wants to do after high school and is nearly always feeling the pressure to decide. She loves to make things, to learn, to meet new people. She is also incredibly budget-conscious. There is no doubt in my mind that she would have a terrible time studying something she absolutely loved knowing that she would be paying less if she were studying something that the government deemed worthy.
And that perhaps is the crux of it. No one should be able to define what is valuable when it comes to education. I am tired of having to defend my decision to major in theatre to anyone and everyone. I am bone tired of people sending me articles that list "Theatre" as one of the least employable majors, and that's not even taking into consideration that most of those lists only consider acting when they think about theatre.
Education is a valuable thing. Education is also a deeply personal thing. You have to want to learn. You have to be excited about your studies. If you're not, then it's a waste of everyone's time.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Green Sleeves
The end is in sight for my Gathered Pullover! Only about a sleeve and a half to go!
I'm really, really loving this pattern. I know it's several years old, but the decision to knit projects that have been sitting in my Ravelry queue for years on end was definitely a good decision.
I'm also working on slowly paring down my stash. It's not large by any means, but I have lots of little misfit skeins that like to hide away from view, so limiting myself to what patterns I can knit and what yarn I can use has really helped me actually use up the lovely yarn I have and knit the patterns I want to knit.
I know a lot of people like to have a lot of projects on the needles at a time and I just can't keep track of everything. When I was younger, I would check out bags and bags of books at the library, start reading them all, and then forget about one or two and rack up a huge late fee. After about the fifth time I did that, I finally learned that I lose track of things if I do too much at once, and I guess that's just carried over into my knitting.
I keep baskets around that every work in progress gets returned to after I'm finished working on it each day and it keeps me in check. As soon as the basket starts getting too full, I know I can't start any new projects and will usually pick one to focus on. Most recently, it was the roses cross stitch pattern. Now it's the Gathered Pullover. After that, I'll probably let myself pick a new project.
What I really need to do is organize my supplies again. Eek. They're a nightmare!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Crock Pot Queen
When I was growing up, I could always tell when we were having pot roast for dinner. I would come home from school and the house would be filled with delicious smells. My mom loved (and still loves) cooking in a crock pot. You can throw all your ingredients into the pot, turn the thing on, and let it do its thing for hours on end without having to worry about it.
With no kitchen to speak of, I have gotten quite good at crock pot cooking. Chicken taco rice bowls, a great beef stew, Thai-inspired peanut chicken, everything's been delicious. Last night, I made brown sugar chicken and sweet potatoes, and let me tell you how easy this recipe is.
It's really easy.
There are four ingredients: 2 lbs of chicken breast, 3 sweet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks, 5 tbsp of butter (melted), and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Throw the chicken and sweet potatoes in the crock pot, mix the butter and brown sugar, pour it into the pot, sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste, and cook it for 5-6 hours on high.
Y'all. It wasn't pretty (hence the distinct lack of photographic evidence), but it was damn tasty. And it smelled so good while it was cooking that the contractor for the kitchen remodel asked for the recipe. Next time, I'll be adding a little cinnamon just to give it a little extra oomph.
On the remodeling front, progress is being made. The new cabinets are in and the painting is, for the most part, finished. Countertops are being delivered Monday and as soon as those are in, the tile backsplash can go in and appliances can be installed. And then it's just a waiting game until the county inspector comes and says everything's good to go and we can actually plug all the appliances in. And then I'll have a kitchen again! I. Can't. Wait.
With no kitchen to speak of, I have gotten quite good at crock pot cooking. Chicken taco rice bowls, a great beef stew, Thai-inspired peanut chicken, everything's been delicious. Last night, I made brown sugar chicken and sweet potatoes, and let me tell you how easy this recipe is.
It's really easy.
There are four ingredients: 2 lbs of chicken breast, 3 sweet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks, 5 tbsp of butter (melted), and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Throw the chicken and sweet potatoes in the crock pot, mix the butter and brown sugar, pour it into the pot, sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste, and cook it for 5-6 hours on high.
Y'all. It wasn't pretty (hence the distinct lack of photographic evidence), but it was damn tasty. And it smelled so good while it was cooking that the contractor for the kitchen remodel asked for the recipe. Next time, I'll be adding a little cinnamon just to give it a little extra oomph.
On the remodeling front, progress is being made. The new cabinets are in and the painting is, for the most part, finished. Countertops are being delivered Monday and as soon as those are in, the tile backsplash can go in and appliances can be installed. And then it's just a waiting game until the county inspector comes and says everything's good to go and we can actually plug all the appliances in. And then I'll have a kitchen again! I. Can't. Wait.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Works in Progress
So as a way of keeping myself accountable, I've photographed my current crafty works in progress. Updating them once a week seems reasonable, right? Right.
Here we go!
1. Through the Woods Hood (Ravelry pattern link): All that's left to do is sew on the buttons and photograph it on a person instead of in a heap. Maybe I rope Sis into modeling for me over Thanksgiving!
I really love the color of this. It's a deep, rich red, though it's showing up more purple in the photo. I'm hoping it gets cold enough here for me to get some good use out of it.
2. Gathered Pullover (Ravelry pattern link): Just the sleeves and seaming left to do and I'm so excited about this sweater. It'll be my third sweater to knit and definitely my favorite so far.
The yarn is Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, bought on sale at my LYS. 10 skeins at a major discount was a great treat for me, since I don't knit too many sweaters because of the cost.
3. Roses Cross Stitch: This needs washing, pressing, and framing (And apparently a picture that's actually in focus). As soon as that's all done, it'll be sent off to its new home with a close friend of mine who is an avid Glee watcher, but only because of Kurt and Blaine. I hadn't originally intended on gifting it; it was just a time-filler project that was hidden away when I had other, more pressing projects going. When I remembered that red and yellow roses were the flowers that Kurt and Blaine always give each other, I added the "Klaine 5EVA" (because five-ever is more than forever) and decided it would be going to said friend.
4. Platform 9 3/4 Cross Stitch: Over 80 colors in this thing and I'm just getting started! Progress will probably be slow going on this since it's by far the most complicated cross stitch I've done yet. But I just adore the pattern so much. I'm already thinking happy thoughts about other book related cross stitch projects that I want to do!
That's all I've got in the works right now, but it's more than enough to keep me busy. Now, if you'll excuse me, my crock pot chicken and sweet potatoes are smelling delicious and I need to find a green veggie to have with them!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Another New Blog
Yes, that's right. I'm adding my voice to the millions of blogs that are already out there, because why not?
That actually seems to be a bit of a mantra for me throughout the past few years. I'm going to knit and cross-stitch and sew and craft, because why not? Hell yes I'm going to major in theatre, because why not? I'm going to challenge myself to cook one new (well, new to me) recipe every week, because why not?
I've never been one to walk away from a challenge, so when I stumbled across NaBloPoMo 2012, of course I thought, why not? The worst that can happen is that I end up right back where I started, and that's ok.
So in the real-life sphere, here's what's going on with me this month. I have a knit sweater I want to finish, several books I've started and that are now languishing, and a house that's in disarray because of a kitchen remodel. Oh, and I'm hosting Thanksgiving for my family. I'm an intern at a local theatre alliance. And I'm participating in NaBloPoMo.
Happy November!
That actually seems to be a bit of a mantra for me throughout the past few years. I'm going to knit and cross-stitch and sew and craft, because why not? Hell yes I'm going to major in theatre, because why not? I'm going to challenge myself to cook one new (well, new to me) recipe every week, because why not?
I've never been one to walk away from a challenge, so when I stumbled across NaBloPoMo 2012, of course I thought, why not? The worst that can happen is that I end up right back where I started, and that's ok.
So in the real-life sphere, here's what's going on with me this month. I have a knit sweater I want to finish, several books I've started and that are now languishing, and a house that's in disarray because of a kitchen remodel. Oh, and I'm hosting Thanksgiving for my family. I'm an intern at a local theatre alliance. And I'm participating in NaBloPoMo.
Happy November!
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