So I haven't posted in a few months. Mostly because I have been busier than I anticipated! Busy with things that I love doing though, so I don't mind. Anyway, because I am too scattered to form real paragraphs today, I am going to organize my thoughts in list form.
Things I Love About Mobile:
(1) My coworkers.
(2) The colorful flowers everywhere.
(3) The exciting weather!
(4) The beach birds--so many species and varieties!
(5) The cultural contrast to everything I am used to.
My Favorite Websites (Right Now):
(1) Pinterest
(2) Etsy
(3) Wordpress
(4) NPR
(5) Netflix
My Favorite Things:
(1) Baking soda
(2) Soy milk
(3) Elmer's glue (for crafting!)
(4) Click-y pens
(5) Crasins
My Favorite TV Shows:
(1) 30 Rock
(2) How I Met Your Mother
(3) Psych
(4) Friends
(5) Frasier
Things I Am Excited About:
(1) Shopping at the flea market this weekend for vegetables and herbs
(2) Festival International in Lafayette next weekend with G
(3) Meeting Bon Bon, the ridiculous swamp kitten
(4) Picking up L, C, and C in Mobile to carpool to A&G's wedding together!!!
(5) M&M's wedding in July and seeing all sorts of wonderful people in MINNESOTA!
(6) Minnesota again in September for L&E's wedding!!!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Soup Sunday
I really love soup. I love making it, eating it, talking about it. I love it. Aside from the fact that I really love hot meals with lots of vegetables that you can eat in a mug (yes, this is actually my favorite category of food), I also love soup because I tend to be sort of a mad scientist in the kitchen. It's true, I took a quiz online. My kitchen persona is mad scientist, which means that I eschew measuring cups and tend to add ingredients as the spirit moves me.
Additionally I really like making soup because it is:
(1) economical;
(2) so easy to make; and
(3) a good way to use up left-over vegetables.
A few weeks ago I decided to instate a new tradition in my humble little abode: Soup Sunday. Every Sunday I make a new batch of soup; I have also been trying to explore new recipes each week as well. This past week I tried making one of my favorites, vegetarian split-pea soup.
Working off a few different recipes, I combined the five elements that almost every batch of my soup contains: carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and vegetable broth. I added these to the crock-pot along with four cups of dried split green peas, lots of black pepper, and a generous dash of cajun seasoning. And then I let it crock-pot for 4 hours.
Split pea soup is one of those recipes where I sort of marvel at the transformation from ingredients to meal. Where once there was a pile of vegetables and peas appeared a week's worth of perfectly-seasoned puree bursting with vegetables and flavor. I will also add that, by my rough calculations, I made 12 servings for around $4 total. Not bad.
Other soups I am hoping to make soon include:
Additionally I really like making soup because it is:
(1) economical;
(2) so easy to make; and
(3) a good way to use up left-over vegetables.
A few weeks ago I decided to instate a new tradition in my humble little abode: Soup Sunday. Every Sunday I make a new batch of soup; I have also been trying to explore new recipes each week as well. This past week I tried making one of my favorites, vegetarian split-pea soup.
Working off a few different recipes, I combined the five elements that almost every batch of my soup contains: carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and vegetable broth. I added these to the crock-pot along with four cups of dried split green peas, lots of black pepper, and a generous dash of cajun seasoning. And then I let it crock-pot for 4 hours.
Split pea soup is one of those recipes where I sort of marvel at the transformation from ingredients to meal. Where once there was a pile of vegetables and peas appeared a week's worth of perfectly-seasoned puree bursting with vegetables and flavor. I will also add that, by my rough calculations, I made 12 servings for around $4 total. Not bad.
Other soups I am hoping to make soon include:
- Sweet potato soup
- Cream of asparagus
- Vegan cream of broccoli
- Cabbage soup, of some kind. I am really itching to start experimenting with cabbage.
Anyway, that's what I've been cooking up in my kitchen!
Also, here is the split pea recipe if you'd like it:
Peel and chop 8 smallish carrots, one medium onion, 4 ribs of celery, and several cloves of garlic. Throw them in the crock pot with 6 cups of vegetable broth. Add 4 cups green split peas. Add black pepper and Cajun seasoning to taste. Set on high for 4-5 hours, or low for 6-8 hours. Stir occasionally, when you feel like it.
Enjoy!
Boo
Monday, January 23, 2012
Strategic Planning
Towards the end of the year, our last three work days consisted of a series of "strategic planning" meetings. Strategic planning was a new concept for me, so in a professional sense it was a very educational and enlightening experience. Essentially, an organization creates a comprehensive document which includes, the mission statement, the goals, the objectives, the priorities, and the operating and decision-making procedures of the organization. This type of plan helps an organization be more successful at what they do, focus on their top issue priorities, and stay centered around its mission.
Strategic planning has also prompted me to reflect upon my own life. For the past few weeks, I have been contemplating the concept of "New Year's Resolutions" and what their purpose. Taken at face value, a Resolution is a goal that a person sets for herself. At heart, it reflects a deeper goal of self-improvement, which is something I strive for in my own life. But it occurred to me that while "self-improvement" is indeed a noble goal, you need to be aware of what you are "improving" towards. In other words, if you hope to improve yourself, you need to set a standard to strive for.
The consensus I have found from my research, both about New Years Resolutions and about the life-stage that I am currently experiencing, is that these are the years where I will decide what kind of person I am going to be. This "decision" takes place whether it is a conscious effort or whether it is an unconscious accumulation of qualities, values, activities and attitudes. So far I have opted for an intentional pursuit of myself.
To that end, I have been compiling, in my mind, a few things that I want to incorporate into my life, as values, attitudes, and priorities. Here are just a few that have made the short-list so far.
(1) Actively prioritize my faith. This is an area of my life that I have been meaning to work on for years, and I have always let other things take priority. So my new goal is to set aside time each day to read the Bible, reflect on what I read, and actively seek God's presence and guidance in my life. This is obviously a work in progress, and I am off to an erratic start so far.
(2) Keep my word. This is something else I struggle with. I want my word to be good. I want to be on time to events and meetings. I want to get something done by the time I say I will. I want to build my credibility with friends, coworkers, colleagues, and myself. I am only as good as my word...
(3) Practice intentional hospitality. I have always felt a bit lacking in the area of hospitality, and honestly, I feel that it is because I am oblivious to the needs of the people I welcome into my home (whether it is my house, my dorm room, or my apartment). This means having my home be aesthetically welcoming, which includes being clean, having adequate seating/hang out space, and generally being a good space for spending quality time with quality people. For me, this also means being the person who offers a bed to a stray friend (or a visiting friend!); offering to help a friend in need, whether it's watching her children, making dinner, cleaning her house, whatever. I want to be there.This is both a short-term and long-term goal. Primarily long-term. Although most of these goals are long-term goals.
(4) Charitable giving. Tithe. I want to make this happen. I have also tried to find local organizations whose missions I really support. There are quite a few nonprofit organizations around the Mobile area that are doing incredible work, and I want to help further their work! More on this to come!
(5) Keep up with the news, nationally, locally, and within the community! I have been making an effort for the past few months to read a selection of articles from the New York Times and NPR (my two favorite sources presently) both related to my work, and on a variety of other subjects. I like to be aware of events happening domestically an abroad, within the environmental field and without. This has been very fulfilling for me in terms of feeling like a well-rounded person and in-tune with the world. This is also part of an effort to be a lifelong student.
I think that's enough for now. Thank you for reading. Please comment below (or elsewhere) about your thoughts about life goals and strategic planning. What kind of person do you want to be? How will you get there? What have you been meaning to do? Today is the day. Today! January 20. The time is now. Go!
Boo
Strategic planning has also prompted me to reflect upon my own life. For the past few weeks, I have been contemplating the concept of "New Year's Resolutions" and what their purpose. Taken at face value, a Resolution is a goal that a person sets for herself. At heart, it reflects a deeper goal of self-improvement, which is something I strive for in my own life. But it occurred to me that while "self-improvement" is indeed a noble goal, you need to be aware of what you are "improving" towards. In other words, if you hope to improve yourself, you need to set a standard to strive for.
The consensus I have found from my research, both about New Years Resolutions and about the life-stage that I am currently experiencing, is that these are the years where I will decide what kind of person I am going to be. This "decision" takes place whether it is a conscious effort or whether it is an unconscious accumulation of qualities, values, activities and attitudes. So far I have opted for an intentional pursuit of myself.
To that end, I have been compiling, in my mind, a few things that I want to incorporate into my life, as values, attitudes, and priorities. Here are just a few that have made the short-list so far.
(1) Actively prioritize my faith. This is an area of my life that I have been meaning to work on for years, and I have always let other things take priority. So my new goal is to set aside time each day to read the Bible, reflect on what I read, and actively seek God's presence and guidance in my life. This is obviously a work in progress, and I am off to an erratic start so far.
(2) Keep my word. This is something else I struggle with. I want my word to be good. I want to be on time to events and meetings. I want to get something done by the time I say I will. I want to build my credibility with friends, coworkers, colleagues, and myself. I am only as good as my word...
(3) Practice intentional hospitality. I have always felt a bit lacking in the area of hospitality, and honestly, I feel that it is because I am oblivious to the needs of the people I welcome into my home (whether it is my house, my dorm room, or my apartment). This means having my home be aesthetically welcoming, which includes being clean, having adequate seating/hang out space, and generally being a good space for spending quality time with quality people. For me, this also means being the person who offers a bed to a stray friend (or a visiting friend!); offering to help a friend in need, whether it's watching her children, making dinner, cleaning her house, whatever. I want to be there.This is both a short-term and long-term goal. Primarily long-term. Although most of these goals are long-term goals.
(4) Charitable giving. Tithe. I want to make this happen. I have also tried to find local organizations whose missions I really support. There are quite a few nonprofit organizations around the Mobile area that are doing incredible work, and I want to help further their work! More on this to come!
(5) Keep up with the news, nationally, locally, and within the community! I have been making an effort for the past few months to read a selection of articles from the New York Times and NPR (my two favorite sources presently) both related to my work, and on a variety of other subjects. I like to be aware of events happening domestically an abroad, within the environmental field and without. This has been very fulfilling for me in terms of feeling like a well-rounded person and in-tune with the world. This is also part of an effort to be a lifelong student.
I think that's enough for now. Thank you for reading. Please comment below (or elsewhere) about your thoughts about life goals and strategic planning. What kind of person do you want to be? How will you get there? What have you been meaning to do? Today is the day. Today! January 20. The time is now. Go!
Boo
Thursday, December 22, 2011
A Yuletide Reflection on the Car Horn
Christmas is always a time of great reflection for me, and today is no exception. Something the other day prompted me to reflect on the time-honored tradition of honking at perfect strangers. Briefly, here is a list of messages that are appropriate to send using your horn:
"My breaks are not working and I cannot stop."
"You are about to hit my vehicle and cause me significant harm."
"This is a one-way street, we should not be facing each other."
Here are a few messages which are less appropriate to convey through honking:
"You are driving the speed limit, and I wish to exceed the speed limit."
"Your style of driving, although not illegal or dangerous, annoys me."
"The light has been green for a full second; it is my opinion that you should move."
"I am offended by your out-of-state plates and think you should leave."
Whether it is rainy, snowy, or brilliantly sunny where you are, be safe driving out there! And remember Plato's wisdom: "Be kind to others, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
Much love and Merry Christmas!
Boo
PS I fly home TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The LDR
The other day I was listening to a podcast about long distance relationships, and it got me to thinking. While obviously GG and I are in a long-distance relationship, spanning across a few states, I've realized that suddenly all my relationships are long-distance. Family and friends, who were once only a few minutes' drive away are suddenly hundreds of miles away. My primary medium of communication is phone conversation rather than face-to-face. It's been hard on me to be so far away from the people I love, although I have noticed that it has inspired me to be more intentional about my communication.
On the podcast, one of the questions asked was how to keep a relationship alive when you are apart. Here are my tips:
1) Phone calls. Some of my best conversations recently have been spirited phone discussions with close friends! Of course I wish such conversations could be over lunch, but nonetheless it is wonderful to get updates on friends' lives if I can't be there to experience it with them.
2) Skype. Again, although it is a pale substitute, it is still wonderful to be able to interact visually with friends. Two notable recent Skype dates included a Thanksgiving call to all the family gathered at my (parents') house; and the other night when a friend and I each prepared dinner while video-chatting with each other. It was so pleasant to get to cook and chat together. :)
3) Text messages and picture messages. I love being able to update a friend with a text or a picture of something fun I am experiencing, or something that makes me think of him or her. It is just as exciting receiving such a text from a friend or family member :)
4) Letters. I have always loved letter-writing, and since moving I have made a point of trying to write a letter a day. I haven't been great about achieving this daily goal, but I have been able to send at least a letter or two a week. I have really enjoyed making each letter unique by decorating it with crayon drawings; I have also made friends with the postal workers at the downtown Post Office. I am in there 2-3 times a month, mailing small packages and picking out my favorite stamps. I also love receiving letters (wink wink); as it was in college, checking my mailbox makes or breaks a day. :)
Anyway, just a reminder that all relationships take work and effort, and that while relationships change with distance, the effort is always worth it.
Much love to you all! I miss you and I hope to see you--yes, you, reading this!--very soon!
Love,
Boo
Friday, November 4, 2011
Can't I just root for the Saints?
Nobody who knows me would mistake me for a football fan, or really a sports fan of any kind. So it is just one of life's pleasant little ironies that finds me in the middle of Southern-football country, a place where team affiliation is a more divisive matter than political leaning. Seriously, I have heard stories of heated arguments and the break-ups of long-term relationships over team pride.
Anyway, I bring this up is because--in case you haven't heard--Saturday (tomorrow) is the day that LSU (Louisiana State University), the #1 ranked team in the SEC, will play Alabama (University of Alabama), the #2 ranked team, on Alabama's home field in Tuscaloosa, AL. This is huge. The tensions are running high and rivalries are raging up and down the coast--including in our office! Earlier this morning there was a battle of fight songs playing up and down the hallway. Fans are dressed in their Bama gear and their Tiger t-shirts. There is a Crimson Tide flag hanging from one woman's office door. Needless to say, everyone is so nervous about this game that our collective productivity has taken a significant dive. This is for real, people.
When asked a few weeks back what my team was, I said meekly, hopefully, "Can't I just root for the Saints?" thinking that was a safe choice.
"NO!" was the resounding response. "You have to pick a college team in the SEC."
Earlier this week I was asked again who I woud be supporting in this weekend's game. My answer came easier this time. "LSU, by default." My reasoning being that if I don't support the Tigers, I will never again be welcome in Lafayette, LA.
"Booooooo!" said the ardent Bama fan.
"Don't listen to her, Bethany! Stay strong!" said the encouraging LSU sweetheart.
I remarked to a friend earlier today that my general criteria for deciding how I feel about a sports team rests primarily on a) the team name (example: Saints, awesome name); b) the colors (black and gold, love it); and c) the mascot. Also, the Saints have the fleur-de-lis on their helmets. So classy. In the case of LSU, I love that their mascot is the tiger!
Anyway, whether your battle cry this weekend is "Geaux Tigers!" or "Roll Tide Roll!" one thing is for sure: this promises to be an epic game, and I am just resonating with the excitement filling the air around me!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Love,
Boo
Anyway, I bring this up is because--in case you haven't heard--Saturday (tomorrow) is the day that LSU (Louisiana State University), the #1 ranked team in the SEC, will play Alabama (University of Alabama), the #2 ranked team, on Alabama's home field in Tuscaloosa, AL. This is huge. The tensions are running high and rivalries are raging up and down the coast--including in our office! Earlier this morning there was a battle of fight songs playing up and down the hallway. Fans are dressed in their Bama gear and their Tiger t-shirts. There is a Crimson Tide flag hanging from one woman's office door. Needless to say, everyone is so nervous about this game that our collective productivity has taken a significant dive. This is for real, people.
 |
| Crimson Tide flag, relocated to the door in honor of the game. |
When asked a few weeks back what my team was, I said meekly, hopefully, "Can't I just root for the Saints?" thinking that was a safe choice.
"NO!" was the resounding response. "You have to pick a college team in the SEC."
Earlier this week I was asked again who I woud be supporting in this weekend's game. My answer came easier this time. "LSU, by default." My reasoning being that if I don't support the Tigers, I will never again be welcome in Lafayette, LA.
"Booooooo!" said the ardent Bama fan.
"Don't listen to her, Bethany! Stay strong!" said the encouraging LSU sweetheart.
 |
| Tiger Pride & Roll Tide Ride. |
Anyway, whether your battle cry this weekend is "Geaux Tigers!" or "Roll Tide Roll!" one thing is for sure: this promises to be an epic game, and I am just resonating with the excitement filling the air around me!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Love,
Boo
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
GiveMN: Give to the Max Day 2011--November 16, 2011
Hello!
Today I am making an unsolicited announcement about a fundraising effort that I think is pretty cool. It is called Give to the Max Day (you probably guessed this from the title) and this will be its 3rd year. I first heard about it last year, and although I didn't actually end up donating anything, I am certainly taking it more seriously this year!
Q: What is Give to the Max Day?
A: Give to the Max Day is essentially a massive fundraising effort on behalf of all non-profit organizations in the state of Minnesota. This includes charities, colleges, community organizations, choirs, private scholarship funds, and many more! It is a one-day online fundraising drive which has had enormous success since it began in 2009.
Q: Really? How successful?
A: I'm glad you asked! Since 2009, GiveMN has raised more than $33 million for more than 5,000 nonprofits. In 2010, 42,596 donors participated, donating their hard-earned money to 3,663 nonprofit organizations. Whaaaat? We rock, Minnesota!
Q: So how exactly does this work?
A: It's very simple. Go to this website: http://givemn.razoo.com/
Find a cause (or multiple causes!) or an organization (or multiple organizations!) that you support, and donate whatever you feel called to give. I have only scratched the surface of nonprofits listed on the site, but so far I have come across a huge handful of awesome projects and organizations that I really like!
Q: Alright. How is this different from other fundraisers?
A: Another great question! Give to the Max Day is a really cool way to fundraise because your donations are not the only money that organizations can receive. This year, GiveMN has partnered with a number of community foundations and other large (corporate) donors to create and incentive system.
Here are just a few of the prizes that nonprofits can win:
Q: Cool! When is this happening?
A: November 16! It begins when the clock strikes twelve (midnight) on November 16th and goes until midnight on November 17th. It goes for 24 hours online, and prizes ("Golden Tickets") are given out every hour, so if you happen to be awake at 4am, consider making a donation ;)
Q: Why are you telling me all this?
A: Two reasons, really. The first is that I really believe in the importance of nonprofit organizations and the work they do. From teaching our children to making music, from supporting sustainable agriculture to lifting up those in need, I believe that every action done in good faith and with a loving heart makes the world a more beautiful place.
The second is that even though I don't live there right now, Minnesota is the land my heart adores, and I am fiercely proud to call it home. All of us, for the most part, have called Minnesota home at some point, and I hope we can all agree that it is one of the best places to live. Minnesota is a place where we value education, family, health, beauty and nature. Minnesotans are giving and caring people, we are a state of volunteers, and we can make a difference!
That being said, I realize that this is a tight economic time for everyone, especially those of us who have just graduated, so please don't feel like I'm trying to pep-talk you into anything. My goal with this post is just to make you aware that this fundraising effort is taking place, and hopefully make you aware of all the awesome work that these nonprofits are doing to continue to make Minnesota the best place to live. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find an organization you want to contribute to. Remember, every dollar counts, so even if $5 is all you can spare right now, that's still better than nothing :)
If you'd like to read the article I cited in this post, click here!
Much love!
Boo
PS Check out what St. Olaf has to say about Give to the Max Day:
Today I am making an unsolicited announcement about a fundraising effort that I think is pretty cool. It is called Give to the Max Day (you probably guessed this from the title) and this will be its 3rd year. I first heard about it last year, and although I didn't actually end up donating anything, I am certainly taking it more seriously this year!
Q: What is Give to the Max Day?
A: Give to the Max Day is essentially a massive fundraising effort on behalf of all non-profit organizations in the state of Minnesota. This includes charities, colleges, community organizations, choirs, private scholarship funds, and many more! It is a one-day online fundraising drive which has had enormous success since it began in 2009.
Q: Really? How successful?
A: I'm glad you asked! Since 2009, GiveMN has raised more than $33 million for more than 5,000 nonprofits. In 2010, 42,596 donors participated, donating their hard-earned money to 3,663 nonprofit organizations. Whaaaat? We rock, Minnesota!
Q: So how exactly does this work?
A: It's very simple. Go to this website: http://givemn.razoo.com/
Find a cause (or multiple causes!) or an organization (or multiple organizations!) that you support, and donate whatever you feel called to give. I have only scratched the surface of nonprofits listed on the site, but so far I have come across a huge handful of awesome projects and organizations that I really like!
Q: Alright. How is this different from other fundraisers?
A: Another great question! Give to the Max Day is a really cool way to fundraise because your donations are not the only money that organizations can receive. This year, GiveMN has partnered with a number of community foundations and other large (corporate) donors to create and incentive system.
Here are just a few of the prizes that nonprofits can win:
- The "Golden Tickets": 24 $1,000 grants will be given out, one each hour, on behalf of one individual donor. So essentially, it pays to donate at 3am, because your odds of winning money on behalf of your organization of choice are greater!
- Grand prizes of $15,000, $10,000, and $7,500 are given to the three organizations that raise the most within the 24-hour period.
- AND, prizes of $15,000, $10,000, and $7,500 are given to the three small organizations (with budgets under $750,000) that raise the most within the 24-hour period.
- And many more!
Q: Whoa! Who's paying for those awesome prizes?
A: Good question.
Winners of all Give to the Max Day prizes will receive the grants funded from the Minnesota Community Foundation.Check them out here.
Q: Cool! When is this happening?
A: November 16! It begins when the clock strikes twelve (midnight) on November 16th and goes until midnight on November 17th. It goes for 24 hours online, and prizes ("Golden Tickets") are given out every hour, so if you happen to be awake at 4am, consider making a donation ;)
Q: Why are you telling me all this?
A: Two reasons, really. The first is that I really believe in the importance of nonprofit organizations and the work they do. From teaching our children to making music, from supporting sustainable agriculture to lifting up those in need, I believe that every action done in good faith and with a loving heart makes the world a more beautiful place.
The second is that even though I don't live there right now, Minnesota is the land my heart adores, and I am fiercely proud to call it home. All of us, for the most part, have called Minnesota home at some point, and I hope we can all agree that it is one of the best places to live. Minnesota is a place where we value education, family, health, beauty and nature. Minnesotans are giving and caring people, we are a state of volunteers, and we can make a difference!
That being said, I realize that this is a tight economic time for everyone, especially those of us who have just graduated, so please don't feel like I'm trying to pep-talk you into anything. My goal with this post is just to make you aware that this fundraising effort is taking place, and hopefully make you aware of all the awesome work that these nonprofits are doing to continue to make Minnesota the best place to live. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find an organization you want to contribute to. Remember, every dollar counts, so even if $5 is all you can spare right now, that's still better than nothing :)
If you'd like to read the article I cited in this post, click here!
Much love!
Boo
PS Check out what St. Olaf has to say about Give to the Max Day:
“We were so appreciative of the generosity alumni, parents, and friends of the college displayed during Give to the Max Day last year,” said Tracy Fossum, director of annual giving of St. Olaf College, a first-place grant winner in 2010. “Give to the Max Day resulted in the single most successful day in annual giving at St. Olaf, and we are thrilled to be participating again in 2011.”PPS I was in a meeting this morning and the woman asked what my background was. I said that I had recently graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Environmental Studies. She said, "Oh I'm familiar with St. Olaf." I assumed she was referring to Betty White's St. Olaf from Golden Girls, but she said no, she knows of St. Olaf for reasons which have nothing to do with Betty. Whaaat? She didn't elaborate, but it is still cool to know that news of Olaf's existence has preceded me down here. :)
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