I took up the challenge to blog for 30 days straight. I felt that if I had a commitment, moreover one of which others were aware, I would complete it and this would somehow help me find my writing mojo. I was partially correct.
I felt obligated to comply with a 30-day writing scheme. I had a different topic for each day, although some were admittedly lamer than others. I am writing now to share what I have learned from this challenge.
First. I hated it. There is something perfectly dreadful about making yourself do something you love. It takes the pleasure out of it and leaves little more than drudgery. Yuck.
Secondly. I frequently take a paragraph to express what could have been communicated in a sentence. This goes long for the readers. They lose interest. Stink.
Thirdly. Closely related to the previous note, due to the frequency of the writing and the overbearing quantity of words, feedback is limited. Low feedback means that I feel more frustrated writing because I think nobody else is reading. Unfortunate.
Fourthly. The topics are sometimes stretching me to talk about things about which I would never talk. I suppose that could also be considered a perk. But sometimes, all a girl really wants is her comfy jeans and t-shirt, y'know what I mean? Uncomfortable.
And there you have it. I think I would simply do better to aim to write at least a couple of times a month.
From an observer's point of view, what were the highlights? The drawbacks? Were there specific posts you enjoyed more than others?
Showing posts with label Blog Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Challenge. Show all posts
Monday, November 21, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Day 30
Define "Well-Read"
I like to think myself a decently well-read individual. Surely there are quite a few books whose pages I have yet to turn, and should, but I have read many books. I love books. I devour books. And like anything I truly love, I also find myself not engaging in it as often as I would like. I thought I could be more well-read. I wanted to know what would constitute a well-read person, an. Having recalled an email from some time ago that you were supposed to indicate which books you have read, I searched for a measuring stick to measure my own exposure to the literary universe. There are lots of lists, of course. I got bored searching for one that was easy to copy/paste. This comes from Buzzle.com (I know absolutely nothing about this website.)
Books I've read are in bold. Books I'm mostly certain I've read are in bold and italics. Books I've begun but not completed have an 'x' in front of them. Books that I've read excerpts (likely for classes) are marked with a '^'. And just for the record, if the author originally wrote it in a different language that I can understand, I'd prefer to read it in the original language.
1.Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
2.A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
^3.Moby Dick by Herman Melville
4.Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
5.Where I'm Calling From by Raymond Carver
6.The Trial by Franz Kafka
7.The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
8.The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
9.The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald
10.A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
11.The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
12.1984 by George Orwell
13.Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote
14.Working by Studs Terkel
15.Rabbit, Run by John Updike
16.To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
17.Herzog by Saul Bellow
18.The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad
19.The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer
20.Birdsong by Sebastian Faulk
21.All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
22.Lord of the Flies by William Golding
23.Post Office by Charles Bukowski
24.The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
25.Persuasion by Jane Austen
26.The Call of the Wild by Jack London
27.Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
28.Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
29.Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth
30.The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
31.The Godfather by Mario Puzo
32.The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
33.The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler
34.Go Down, Moses by William Faulkner
35.Lizard Music by D. Manus Pinkwater
36.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
37.Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
38.The Stranger by Albert Camus
39.Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
40.The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett
41.Mythology by Edith Hamilton
42.100 Great Science Fiction Short Stories edited by Isaac Asimov
43.Comet in Moominland by Tove Jansson
44.The Real Frank Zappa Book by Frank Zappa
45.Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
46.The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
47.A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
48.The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
49.Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
50.The Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway
51.The Annotated Alice by Lewis Caroll (notes by Martin Gardner)
52.Call it Sleep by Henry Roth
53.Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
54.The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster
55.Foundation by Isaac Asimov
56.A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
57.The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
58.The Shining by Stephen King
59.Animal Farm by George Orwell
60.The Patchwork Girl of Oz by L. Frank Baum
61.The Tenants by Bernard Malamud
62.Papillon by Henri Charriere
63.The Happy Prince and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde
64.The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
65.Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres
66.Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
67.The Quiet American by Graham Greene
68.James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
69.Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
70.Women by Charles Bukowski
71.Edie: An American Biography by Jean Stein
72.Blubber by Judy Blume
73.The Book of Lists by David Wallenchinsky
74.Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
75.To Your Scattered Bodies Go by Philip Jose Farmer
76.The Stories of John Cheever by John Cheever
77.The Bronx Zoo by Sparky Lyle and Peter Golenbock
78.A Separate Peace by John Knowles
79.Oh Human Bondage By W. Somerset Maughm
80.The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley
81.Zen and the Art of Mortocycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
82.In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
83.Side Effects by Woody Allen
84.A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony
85.A Good Man is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor
86.Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
87.The Great Brain at the Academy by John D. Fitzgerald
88.Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
89.Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
90.Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
91.Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now by Barry Miles
92.Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre
93.Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
94.The Movie-goer by Walker Percy
95.Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
96.Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
97.On the Road by Jack Kerouac
98.One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
99.The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Casteneda
100.Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Wow... only 22 out of 100. That's an F if this is a true scale of one's literary exposure. What books do YOU think one should read to gain deeper insight or enjoyment?
I like to think myself a decently well-read individual. Surely there are quite a few books whose pages I have yet to turn, and should, but I have read many books. I love books. I devour books. And like anything I truly love, I also find myself not engaging in it as often as I would like. I thought I could be more well-read. I wanted to know what would constitute a well-read person, an. Having recalled an email from some time ago that you were supposed to indicate which books you have read, I searched for a measuring stick to measure my own exposure to the literary universe. There are lots of lists, of course. I got bored searching for one that was easy to copy/paste. This comes from Buzzle.com (I know absolutely nothing about this website.)
Books I've read are in bold. Books I'm mostly certain I've read are in bold and italics. Books I've begun but not completed have an 'x' in front of them. Books that I've read excerpts (likely for classes) are marked with a '^'. And just for the record, if the author originally wrote it in a different language that I can understand, I'd prefer to read it in the original language.
1.Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
2.A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
^3.Moby Dick by Herman Melville
4.Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
5.Where I'm Calling From by Raymond Carver
6.The Trial by Franz Kafka
7.The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
8.The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
9.The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald
10.A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
11.The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
12.1984 by George Orwell
13.Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote
14.Working by Studs Terkel
15.Rabbit, Run by John Updike
16.To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
17.Herzog by Saul Bellow
18.The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad
19.The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer
20.Birdsong by Sebastian Faulk
21.All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
22.Lord of the Flies by William Golding
23.Post Office by Charles Bukowski
24.The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
25.Persuasion by Jane Austen
26.The Call of the Wild by Jack London
27.Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
28.Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
29.Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth
30.The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
31.The Godfather by Mario Puzo
32.The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
33.The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler
34.Go Down, Moses by William Faulkner
35.Lizard Music by D. Manus Pinkwater
36.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
37.Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
38.The Stranger by Albert Camus
39.Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
40.The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett
41.Mythology by Edith Hamilton
42.100 Great Science Fiction Short Stories edited by Isaac Asimov
43.Comet in Moominland by Tove Jansson
44.The Real Frank Zappa Book by Frank Zappa
45.Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
46.The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
47.A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
48.The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
49.Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
50.The Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway
51.The Annotated Alice by Lewis Caroll (notes by Martin Gardner)
52.Call it Sleep by Henry Roth
53.Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
54.The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster
55.Foundation by Isaac Asimov
56.A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
57.The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
58.The Shining by Stephen King
59.Animal Farm by George Orwell
60.The Patchwork Girl of Oz by L. Frank Baum
61.The Tenants by Bernard Malamud
62.Papillon by Henri Charriere
63.The Happy Prince and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde
64.The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
65.Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres
66.Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
67.The Quiet American by Graham Greene
68.James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
69.Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
70.Women by Charles Bukowski
71.Edie: An American Biography by Jean Stein
72.Blubber by Judy Blume
73.The Book of Lists by David Wallenchinsky
74.Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
75.To Your Scattered Bodies Go by Philip Jose Farmer
76.The Stories of John Cheever by John Cheever
77.The Bronx Zoo by Sparky Lyle and Peter Golenbock
78.A Separate Peace by John Knowles
79.Oh Human Bondage By W. Somerset Maughm
80.The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley
81.Zen and the Art of Mortocycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
82.In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
83.Side Effects by Woody Allen
84.A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony
85.A Good Man is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor
86.Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
87.The Great Brain at the Academy by John D. Fitzgerald
88.Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
89.Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
90.Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
91.Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now by Barry Miles
92.Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre
93.Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
94.The Movie-goer by Walker Percy
95.Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
96.Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
97.On the Road by Jack Kerouac
98.One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
99.The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Casteneda
100.Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Wow... only 22 out of 100. That's an F if this is a true scale of one's literary exposure. What books do YOU think one should read to gain deeper insight or enjoyment?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Day 29
When Doing Things "My Way" Means I Don't Get What I Want
Last night I logged into my social media account and noticed that it was painfully slow. No, seriously, so slow in fact that I wasn't sure if it was even functional or if it had frozen. It would only partially load pages, to add insult to injury. I was not pleased. So, while I waited for a page to load, I opened my blogger so I could work on Day 27. I had no idea about what to write, so I decided to use one of the questions I least liked on the list of possible blog topics. To do so, I would need a few pictures. It took me a while (and in the meantime I think I did at least get to respond to somebody's post in the social media website), but I was able to find two. I was on the third and final picture, trying to find the perfect one, when all of a sudden my whole system stops and just looks at me. It tells me that the web pages aren't responding. I'm miffed now, because I've been trying to blog for an hour. And it's time to watch our Monday night show (which we do via the internet.) I have the Grumpy Face going on. I ask, out loud, "why does it work for you and not for me?!?" Silently I curse the web. Stupid internet. Grrr.
The whole thing has to be restarted, we go through the process, and then my computer kindly asks me if I would like to reopen the browser pages that I was using before the internet crashed and my computer hated me. Sure. At least I can sign out of stuff.
That's when the Voice of Reason looks at the screen and says, "how many pages do you have open?! No wonder you couldn't get the pages to load."
Okay, so there was the page we were keeping open to be able to watch the show, the social media page, the blogger page and a search engine. But that's not really too much, is it?
And in my logic, instead of noting that I was actively trying to use 3 pages at once, I only found fault with the page I wasn't using.
Sigh. Good thing other people can bring me to my senses. Way to be, Voice of Reason.
Last night I logged into my social media account and noticed that it was painfully slow. No, seriously, so slow in fact that I wasn't sure if it was even functional or if it had frozen. It would only partially load pages, to add insult to injury. I was not pleased. So, while I waited for a page to load, I opened my blogger so I could work on Day 27. I had no idea about what to write, so I decided to use one of the questions I least liked on the list of possible blog topics. To do so, I would need a few pictures. It took me a while (and in the meantime I think I did at least get to respond to somebody's post in the social media website), but I was able to find two. I was on the third and final picture, trying to find the perfect one, when all of a sudden my whole system stops and just looks at me. It tells me that the web pages aren't responding. I'm miffed now, because I've been trying to blog for an hour. And it's time to watch our Monday night show (which we do via the internet.) I have the Grumpy Face going on. I ask, out loud, "why does it work for you and not for me?!?" Silently I curse the web. Stupid internet. Grrr.
The whole thing has to be restarted, we go through the process, and then my computer kindly asks me if I would like to reopen the browser pages that I was using before the internet crashed and my computer hated me. Sure. At least I can sign out of stuff.
That's when the Voice of Reason looks at the screen and says, "how many pages do you have open?! No wonder you couldn't get the pages to load."
Okay, so there was the page we were keeping open to be able to watch the show, the social media page, the blogger page and a search engine. But that's not really too much, is it?
And in my logic, instead of noting that I was actively trying to use 3 pages at once, I only found fault with the page I wasn't using.
Sigh. Good thing other people can bring me to my senses. Way to be, Voice of Reason.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Day 28
Television Shows I Like
How far back are we going? I loved watching mysteries: Matlock, Perry Mason, Diagnosis Murder, Murder She Wrote. Loved them. I enjoyed the genre and the generation.
There are other shows I watched a lot since then but at some point lost the desire to watch. I've watched Heroes in its entirety. I watch House and caught up through the season previous to this current one. I could go for Stargate SG1 any day. I enjoy Numb3rs and Psych.
So does that answer the question?
How far back are we going? I loved watching mysteries: Matlock, Perry Mason, Diagnosis Murder, Murder She Wrote. Loved them. I enjoyed the genre and the generation.
There are other shows I watched a lot since then but at some point lost the desire to watch. I've watched Heroes in its entirety. I watch House and caught up through the season previous to this current one. I could go for Stargate SG1 any day. I enjoy Numb3rs and Psych.
So does that answer the question?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Day 27
Nostalgia
As I was riding in the car this weekend, on a foggy morning, along a freeway. . . I thought of Chile.
Not long afterward, I found myself on an escalator. I looked behind me with a smile on my face out of habit but found myself alone. Instead, I looked out the window where the sky was still visible and the day looked embraced in clouds. I was reminded of how I felt in the Chilean airport. I miss those days. I miss Chile.
As I was riding in the car this weekend, on a foggy morning, along a freeway. . . I thought of Chile.
Not long afterward, I found myself on an escalator. I looked behind me with a smile on my face out of habit but found myself alone. Instead, I looked out the window where the sky was still visible and the day looked embraced in clouds. I was reminded of how I felt in the Chilean airport. I miss those days. I miss Chile.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Day 26
God Must Think I'm Really Strong
When I think I can't take another single step in a particular direction, the wind seems to blow harder and make that step all the more precious. How do I take it? By leaning on Him, I presume, and having faith that He will carry me through it. Where much is given, much is expected.
When I think I can't take another single step in a particular direction, the wind seems to blow harder and make that step all the more precious. How do I take it? By leaning on Him, I presume, and having faith that He will carry me through it. Where much is given, much is expected.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Day 25
O'Reilly's Law: Murphy was an Optimist
Or in other words, sometimes the even best laid plans still have kinks in the works and unexpected turns in the path.
But the amazing thing is that a little voice (an audible, human one) keeps telling me that it'll get better. Things work out. Fun is had. Life is good. And I believe him.
So, let's see this weekend's adventures!!
Or in other words, sometimes the even best laid plans still have kinks in the works and unexpected turns in the path.
But the amazing thing is that a little voice (an audible, human one) keeps telling me that it'll get better. Things work out. Fun is had. Life is good. And I believe him.
So, let's see this weekend's adventures!!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Day 24
When heart's desires work out
I once daydreamed about being able to speak Spanish. I could not fathom how people could THINK in another language. So I would think about it. Then I studied. And studied. And studied some more. Yet, still, it was this thing I had to do actively. I would hear things in Spanish and have to think through the translation in my head. Then, when I wanted to say something back, I'd have to translate my thoughts from English to Spanish to say it. When I decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I hoped and literally prayed that I would have the opportunity to serve in a Spanish-speaking area.
At that time, I thought it was the miracle of an answered prayer that my mission was in Argentina. This moved me from studying and being passionate about Spanish to thinking, eating, sleeping, breathing Spanish. It was the concession of my heart's desire.
Since then, I have seen how God has used my heart's desire, to be able to communicate freely in Spanish, to serve purposes that have blessed my life even more. It is amazing to me how He has transformed what I wanted so much into something that continues to bless me.
I once daydreamed about being able to speak Spanish. I could not fathom how people could THINK in another language. So I would think about it. Then I studied. And studied. And studied some more. Yet, still, it was this thing I had to do actively. I would hear things in Spanish and have to think through the translation in my head. Then, when I wanted to say something back, I'd have to translate my thoughts from English to Spanish to say it. When I decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I hoped and literally prayed that I would have the opportunity to serve in a Spanish-speaking area.
At that time, I thought it was the miracle of an answered prayer that my mission was in Argentina. This moved me from studying and being passionate about Spanish to thinking, eating, sleeping, breathing Spanish. It was the concession of my heart's desire.
Since then, I have seen how God has used my heart's desire, to be able to communicate freely in Spanish, to serve purposes that have blessed my life even more. It is amazing to me how He has transformed what I wanted so much into something that continues to bless me.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Day 23
A Proud Moment
Today at work we had visitors from a company in Mexico who were getting to know our company better. I was involved in the process in case a translator would be necessary. I joined our visitors during all of the meetings and also for a plant tour. Every time we go on a tour with prospective or current customers, I feel a sense of pride. I love our company. We have our faults, to be sure, but the products we provide are quality. The people who work there are neat people. I really feel that our products are top of the line and that our customers can be pleased with the level of service. I think we are the best avaiable in the industry. It sounds sappy, I guess, but I really am proud to be a part of this team.
Today at work we had visitors from a company in Mexico who were getting to know our company better. I was involved in the process in case a translator would be necessary. I joined our visitors during all of the meetings and also for a plant tour. Every time we go on a tour with prospective or current customers, I feel a sense of pride. I love our company. We have our faults, to be sure, but the products we provide are quality. The people who work there are neat people. I really feel that our products are top of the line and that our customers can be pleased with the level of service. I think we are the best avaiable in the industry. It sounds sappy, I guess, but I really am proud to be a part of this team.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Day 22
Secret Obsession
Now to be less secret, obviously.
Recently I developed this obsession about Craigslist. It is far less exciting than it would be near Manhattan, for example, but I have this thing where I look to see what's available on the famous list. Sometimes I look at the jobs, to see if there are any for people I know who need one. Sometimes I look at the electronics, because I sorta think that somebody may offer a wii at a super discount price that will somehow make me feel less guilty about having ANOTHER console at my house and for not remaining loyal to Sony. Occassionally I look at the books, because I like reading. But mostly, I surf the free section. Why? Because it's free. And that is enticing. And I think it's ok to "upgrade" some stuff, if I'm doing it for free and then passing along my replaced items to someone else.
If you ask, "how often do you 'upgrade' or pick up items off the free section in Craigslist?" I will tell you the truth. Practically never. But for the last couple of weeks, I look anyway.
Now to be less secret, obviously.
Recently I developed this obsession about Craigslist. It is far less exciting than it would be near Manhattan, for example, but I have this thing where I look to see what's available on the famous list. Sometimes I look at the jobs, to see if there are any for people I know who need one. Sometimes I look at the electronics, because I sorta think that somebody may offer a wii at a super discount price that will somehow make me feel less guilty about having ANOTHER console at my house and for not remaining loyal to Sony. Occassionally I look at the books, because I like reading. But mostly, I surf the free section. Why? Because it's free. And that is enticing. And I think it's ok to "upgrade" some stuff, if I'm doing it for free and then passing along my replaced items to someone else.
If you ask, "how often do you 'upgrade' or pick up items off the free section in Craigslist?" I will tell you the truth. Practically never. But for the last couple of weeks, I look anyway.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Day 21
Halloween
I miss the days when you could dress up with wreckless abandon, go around having fun in your costume, and come home with no greater repercussions than a sugar high. I thought about this, how I've more than definitely reached the age that I can't even pretend that I'm of the age of trick-or-treaters. I don't miss the candy. I miss the fun. Next year there needs to be an awesome party. Just sayin'. That way even the adults can have fun!
I miss the days when you could dress up with wreckless abandon, go around having fun in your costume, and come home with no greater repercussions than a sugar high. I thought about this, how I've more than definitely reached the age that I can't even pretend that I'm of the age of trick-or-treaters. I don't miss the candy. I miss the fun. Next year there needs to be an awesome party. Just sayin'. That way even the adults can have fun!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Day 20
Success!
It is, at least as far as I recall, a Halloween tradition. I remember making no bake cookies for Halloween. I love no bakes. I have the recipe, and have tried to make them several times over. I notice that there are a couple of things that I tend to do differently. I add more vanilla, peanut butter and cocoa than the recipe requests. And I never add the nuts. And it is never until I actually start making it that I realize that it isn't just the caro syrup that I don't have. I always, always forget that I am supposed to have shortening.
Generally when I make no bakes, the come out a little "special." By which I mean, the flavor is intact, but the consistency is not. Does that have anything to do with my blatant disregard for following the recipe? Quite possibly. But I've found myself content with a spoon to eat my non-solidifying cookies. They're a bit mushy, but still delightful.
Imagine, then, that today I actually tried to be a bit better about following the recipe. I still omitted the nuts. And guess what? They firmed up quite nicely!
Happy Halloween!! And don't worry, I have enough to share!
It is, at least as far as I recall, a Halloween tradition. I remember making no bake cookies for Halloween. I love no bakes. I have the recipe, and have tried to make them several times over. I notice that there are a couple of things that I tend to do differently. I add more vanilla, peanut butter and cocoa than the recipe requests. And I never add the nuts. And it is never until I actually start making it that I realize that it isn't just the caro syrup that I don't have. I always, always forget that I am supposed to have shortening.
Generally when I make no bakes, the come out a little "special." By which I mean, the flavor is intact, but the consistency is not. Does that have anything to do with my blatant disregard for following the recipe? Quite possibly. But I've found myself content with a spoon to eat my non-solidifying cookies. They're a bit mushy, but still delightful.
Imagine, then, that today I actually tried to be a bit better about following the recipe. I still omitted the nuts. And guess what? They firmed up quite nicely!
Happy Halloween!! And don't worry, I have enough to share!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Day 19
Have I seen His hand in my day?
There are some days that have the most gigantic, gloomy rain cloud hovering over them. Not even the best radar system can navigate through it. Perhaps it seems that there will be no end to the storm.
And then I see His hand.
I was checking up on the walls of friends, just to see if there is news that I've missed, and came across an uplifting video which I have since reposted on my own social media wall. The message was one that I needed. It reminded me that I am not set in stone, and my weaknesses and shortcomings and sins are swallowed up in the Savior's Atonement when I will allow Him to carry me.
At about the same point, my sister chatted with me for a few moments. This was not a conversation of profound philosophies. This was the conversation of two sisters of things that were applicable in the moment. It was meaningful to me, and I left it feeling a little better. A little earlier my mom had responded to an updated status, just a quick note, but it let me know that she is reading my messages and thinking of me.
I continued watching similarly themed videos, and continued to draw strength from them. I was reminded that I am not alone, though I feel like I am sometimes. I was reminded that when I am having a hard time, He listens. I learned that when I am low, and my rain cloud is particularly blustery, there is someone else to whom I ought to reach and help. I learned that each day I should pause to see His hand in my life.
I see Him there, guiding me. Sometimes the cloud stays. But He is always there, if I will not close my eyes to His merciful hand which is outstretched still.
There are some days that have the most gigantic, gloomy rain cloud hovering over them. Not even the best radar system can navigate through it. Perhaps it seems that there will be no end to the storm.
And then I see His hand.
I was checking up on the walls of friends, just to see if there is news that I've missed, and came across an uplifting video which I have since reposted on my own social media wall. The message was one that I needed. It reminded me that I am not set in stone, and my weaknesses and shortcomings and sins are swallowed up in the Savior's Atonement when I will allow Him to carry me.
At about the same point, my sister chatted with me for a few moments. This was not a conversation of profound philosophies. This was the conversation of two sisters of things that were applicable in the moment. It was meaningful to me, and I left it feeling a little better. A little earlier my mom had responded to an updated status, just a quick note, but it let me know that she is reading my messages and thinking of me.
I continued watching similarly themed videos, and continued to draw strength from them. I was reminded that I am not alone, though I feel like I am sometimes. I was reminded that when I am having a hard time, He listens. I learned that when I am low, and my rain cloud is particularly blustery, there is someone else to whom I ought to reach and help. I learned that each day I should pause to see His hand in my life.
I see Him there, guiding me. Sometimes the cloud stays. But He is always there, if I will not close my eyes to His merciful hand which is outstretched still.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Day 18
Count your Many Blessings
I am having a hard time keeping up with this blog challenge. I'm past the half-way mark, but I still see there are a lot of days left! So, instead of feeling overwhelmed by a challenge I picked for myself, I am going to count my blessings.
I have awesome coworkers
I have an awesome boss
I have a home
My landlord and his wife are really kind people
I have a car that runs
I have a job
I have lots of warm blankets
There is food in my house
Fall is beautiful
The view on the way home from work made me smile, with the mulitude of colors that were all taken together from one angle while driving over a hill
The beautiful bright yellow tree, and the red tree, and various individual trees that stood out in the macro image
The single leaf of variegated color
The crunch of leaves underfoot
Books that I can read
Family who loves me
A comfy sweater for a cold day
Internet at home
The knowledge that I can pray as many times as I want in a day, I will not get billed for over-praying
The scriptures
There are really lots of blessings. =)
I am having a hard time keeping up with this blog challenge. I'm past the half-way mark, but I still see there are a lot of days left! So, instead of feeling overwhelmed by a challenge I picked for myself, I am going to count my blessings.
I have awesome coworkers
I have an awesome boss
I have a home
My landlord and his wife are really kind people
I have a car that runs
I have a job
I have lots of warm blankets
There is food in my house
Fall is beautiful
The view on the way home from work made me smile, with the mulitude of colors that were all taken together from one angle while driving over a hill
The beautiful bright yellow tree, and the red tree, and various individual trees that stood out in the macro image
The single leaf of variegated color
The crunch of leaves underfoot
Books that I can read
Family who loves me
A comfy sweater for a cold day
Internet at home
The knowledge that I can pray as many times as I want in a day, I will not get billed for over-praying
The scriptures
There are really lots of blessings. =)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Day 17
Morning Adventures
I woke up late. Technically, I woke up early, about an hour before my alarm was supposed to go off. Then about 10 minutes before my alarm was supposed to go off. Then 40 minutes after it was supposed to go off, but didn't. Stink.
This means that as I listen to the morning radio program, I am able to pay attention more clearly to the challenge. They play the voice of a celebrity, and the first three callers who are already on the line get a chance at it. If they don't get it, a second clue is played and it's a free for all. First clue, my first guess was Lindsay Lohan. My excuse, she sounded like she was coming off a chemical-induced euforia. (No offense.) After the second clue, I was sure it was Miley Cyrus. The Mr. tells me I should call it in. I'm thinking, whatever. Think of the embarrassment of actually making it through! But I dial the number anyway. Bizarrely, I have the number memorized.
Call. Busy signal. Hang up. "It's busy," I say aloud. But I call back anyway. Busy. Hang up. It only took a couple of repetitions in the process before I mastered it. I have it down to an art. Then the Mr. busts out his cell phone. Now we're both calling. We agree to call until I get to work. It's the busy signal in stereo. Then, shockingly, a dial tone. It's ringing. It's ringing! Oh my goodness, it's ringing!! He hands me his phone. I am there with baited breath. I'm nervous. Then, "we're sorry, but all circuits are busy. Please hand up and try again." Are you kidding me?!?!?
In the end, we never made it. But we did hear the answer. We felt less sad that we weren't able to make it through. It was Britney Spears.
It was silliness to the max, but it was fun!
I woke up late. Technically, I woke up early, about an hour before my alarm was supposed to go off. Then about 10 minutes before my alarm was supposed to go off. Then 40 minutes after it was supposed to go off, but didn't. Stink.
This means that as I listen to the morning radio program, I am able to pay attention more clearly to the challenge. They play the voice of a celebrity, and the first three callers who are already on the line get a chance at it. If they don't get it, a second clue is played and it's a free for all. First clue, my first guess was Lindsay Lohan. My excuse, she sounded like she was coming off a chemical-induced euforia. (No offense.) After the second clue, I was sure it was Miley Cyrus. The Mr. tells me I should call it in. I'm thinking, whatever. Think of the embarrassment of actually making it through! But I dial the number anyway. Bizarrely, I have the number memorized.
Call. Busy signal. Hang up. "It's busy," I say aloud. But I call back anyway. Busy. Hang up. It only took a couple of repetitions in the process before I mastered it. I have it down to an art. Then the Mr. busts out his cell phone. Now we're both calling. We agree to call until I get to work. It's the busy signal in stereo. Then, shockingly, a dial tone. It's ringing. It's ringing! Oh my goodness, it's ringing!! He hands me his phone. I am there with baited breath. I'm nervous. Then, "we're sorry, but all circuits are busy. Please hand up and try again." Are you kidding me?!?!?
In the end, we never made it. But we did hear the answer. We felt less sad that we weren't able to make it through. It was Britney Spears.
It was silliness to the max, but it was fun!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Day 16
Books!
I checked out three books on Saturday. I read Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and today. I probably would have finished the third book yesterday, had I realized that I was further than I thought in the story.
Brave New World
I think I already blogged about this. I didn't like it. I feel somewhat sad to say it like that, because I do not think my reception of the book is based on Huxley's lack of writing talent. Rather, I think he acquired what he sought, and the emotion was one I did not enjoy. The ending was even less enjoyable.
Four Perfect Pebbles
This is a biography about a family during the Holocaust. This family had it's hopes of escape repeatedly dashed. The daughter of the family had a superstition that if she could find four identical, perfect pebbles, she would be able to save her whole family. It is a sad book, as may be expected. It is simple in its delivery. The message is not oppresive. It is one that is told in a way that says, "this is what it was, and this is who we became afterwards."
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
I believe that at some point I must have started this story and did not finish it. I do not know why. I am unsure of the author's intentions with the story, but I think that it is an interesting view of what we nurture in ourselves.
I checked out three books on Saturday. I read Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and today. I probably would have finished the third book yesterday, had I realized that I was further than I thought in the story.
Brave New World
I think I already blogged about this. I didn't like it. I feel somewhat sad to say it like that, because I do not think my reception of the book is based on Huxley's lack of writing talent. Rather, I think he acquired what he sought, and the emotion was one I did not enjoy. The ending was even less enjoyable.
Four Perfect Pebbles
This is a biography about a family during the Holocaust. This family had it's hopes of escape repeatedly dashed. The daughter of the family had a superstition that if she could find four identical, perfect pebbles, she would be able to save her whole family. It is a sad book, as may be expected. It is simple in its delivery. The message is not oppresive. It is one that is told in a way that says, "this is what it was, and this is who we became afterwards."
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
I believe that at some point I must have started this story and did not finish it. I do not know why. I am unsure of the author's intentions with the story, but I think that it is an interesting view of what we nurture in ourselves.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Day 15
What's in your purse?
Chapstick, pendrive, wallet, keys, perfume, smaller purse with stuff like tweezers and nailclippers and deodorant and toothbrush and bandaids, other emergency essentials, two different things of lip gloss, scriptures, pen, pencil, checkbook, mp3 player in a case and with earphones, my work badge and probably a whole lot of other random things. If the book I'm reading would fit (currently I'm reading The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), it'd be in there too. The same with my journal, but the one I am using now will not fit in that bag.
Chapstick, pendrive, wallet, keys, perfume, smaller purse with stuff like tweezers and nailclippers and deodorant and toothbrush and bandaids, other emergency essentials, two different things of lip gloss, scriptures, pen, pencil, checkbook, mp3 player in a case and with earphones, my work badge and probably a whole lot of other random things. If the book I'm reading would fit (currently I'm reading The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), it'd be in there too. The same with my journal, but the one I am using now will not fit in that bag.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Day 14
Someplace you would like to live or visit
I want to pick avocados on a kibbutz in Israel. Or something to that effect. I'd love to go there for a month and just live it up and enjoy it. I think it would be a great language immersion experience. I've wanted to go to Israel for a long time. I think it'd be a way more interesting way to spend time than going to tourist sites, though those obviously are enjoyable as well. Oh man, this is gonna stay on my list of things I'd like to do someday. Too bad there aren't any vegetarian kibbutzim.
I want to pick avocados on a kibbutz in Israel. Or something to that effect. I'd love to go there for a month and just live it up and enjoy it. I think it would be a great language immersion experience. I've wanted to go to Israel for a long time. I think it'd be a way more interesting way to spend time than going to tourist sites, though those obviously are enjoyable as well. Oh man, this is gonna stay on my list of things I'd like to do someday. Too bad there aren't any vegetarian kibbutzim.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Day 13
What did you learn today?
I had the privilege of watching the first part of a three-segment series on the efforts to bring forth what has become the King James version of the Bible. I found it to be not only informative, but uplifting. Considering that I rarely truly appreciate history, I felt it was important to note that.
I am impressed that so many sacrificed so much so that I would be able to have a copy of the scriptures and be able to read and study them for myself. So many faithful followers of Jesus Christ wrote their testimonies and experiences with the intent to share them. I think of how many answers have come through a personal study of the scriptures, and how many moments have been improved by thoughts coming to my mind of verses that I had read. I also thought of times when I do not give the scriptures their proper place in my life, and how in a way that is also rejecting the sacrifice of so many. It is humbling to know that we live in a time when the scriptures are so easy to acquire, be it through hard copies, the internet, and downloadable applications for hand-held devices. This, in comparison to a time when possessing a copy was tantamount to terrorism. I do not have to wait until the next Sunday services to hear verses read in a language I cannot understand and of which I only obtain the comprehension that the sermon-giver wants me to obtain. I am grateful for my own scriptures. When I have questions, I can turn to personal study and personal prayer. My moral agency is not limited to someone else's interpretations, rather I am able to choose for myself because I can know for myself. To these brave men, of whom I knew little but their names and that they had been monumental in the Reformation, I offer my thanks.
Fires of Faith is available online. Watch it. You just may feel your own faithful fire burn a little brighter thanks to the examples of these valiant men.
Fires of Faith trailer
(Sorry, because it's not in YouTube I couldn't figure out how to embed it so you can watch it here.)
I had the privilege of watching the first part of a three-segment series on the efforts to bring forth what has become the King James version of the Bible. I found it to be not only informative, but uplifting. Considering that I rarely truly appreciate history, I felt it was important to note that.
I am impressed that so many sacrificed so much so that I would be able to have a copy of the scriptures and be able to read and study them for myself. So many faithful followers of Jesus Christ wrote their testimonies and experiences with the intent to share them. I think of how many answers have come through a personal study of the scriptures, and how many moments have been improved by thoughts coming to my mind of verses that I had read. I also thought of times when I do not give the scriptures their proper place in my life, and how in a way that is also rejecting the sacrifice of so many. It is humbling to know that we live in a time when the scriptures are so easy to acquire, be it through hard copies, the internet, and downloadable applications for hand-held devices. This, in comparison to a time when possessing a copy was tantamount to terrorism. I do not have to wait until the next Sunday services to hear verses read in a language I cannot understand and of which I only obtain the comprehension that the sermon-giver wants me to obtain. I am grateful for my own scriptures. When I have questions, I can turn to personal study and personal prayer. My moral agency is not limited to someone else's interpretations, rather I am able to choose for myself because I can know for myself. To these brave men, of whom I knew little but their names and that they had been monumental in the Reformation, I offer my thanks.
Fires of Faith is available online. Watch it. You just may feel your own faithful fire burn a little brighter thanks to the examples of these valiant men.
Fires of Faith trailer
(Sorry, because it's not in YouTube I couldn't figure out how to embed it so you can watch it here.)
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Day 12
What did you do today?
I woke up super early and couldn't go back to sleep. So I went through my wardrobe and got
rid of some clothes. Later I went to the library for the first time in a long time. I was honestly disappointed (again) by the absence of so much. But I checked out three books and came home. I began and finished Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World". I didn't particularly care for it. Then World Series! Watching baseball for the first time in a while. I totally want to go see one in person. But for now I'll just go back to cheering the Cardinals from a distance. :-) It was fun to watch them win.
I woke up super early and couldn't go back to sleep. So I went through my wardrobe and got
rid of some clothes. Later I went to the library for the first time in a long time. I was honestly disappointed (again) by the absence of so much. But I checked out three books and came home. I began and finished Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World". I didn't particularly care for it. Then World Series! Watching baseball for the first time in a while. I totally want to go see one in person. But for now I'll just go back to cheering the Cardinals from a distance. :-) It was fun to watch them win.