This one is a tough one. In general I don't feel particularly talented at anything. A friend of mine often calls herself a "jack of all trades, master of none." I kind of feel the same. I have many hobbies, and many things I enjoy doing, but don't really feel I've mastered any of them. I'm decent at most things I try, but lack the discipline it takes to really cultivate a talent.
One place I have always excelled was school, I'm not sure if that's a talent but it'll work for this blog anyway. The format of school has always been pretty easy for me, people tell me very clearly what they expect of me and I am willing and able to deliver. I graduated high school early, got a Bachelor's degree in three years and just finished my Master's degree with a 4.0 GPA. I like the cut and dry of school. An assignment frames the task at hand, giving me clear goals to work toward. Once submitted, feedback is almost always given, allowing me to continually improve.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Day 18 - My Wedding
April 20, 2002
I can't believe it was almost ten years ago that I married my best friend and the love of my life, known as Captain in this blog. I am one of the few people I know that truly enjoyed my wedding day, I'm sure that's thanks to my wedding planner extraordinaire, otherwise known as my mother. Between her and my Aunt B, they have put on dozens of recitals and performances, so my wedding was a piece of cake. They have since done lovely jobs for 3 of my cousins and my brother's is under way, they really ought to start a business.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Day 17 - An Art Piece
This is a tough one. I have many favorite artists, friends and family with amazing work, and some pieces of my own to choose from. I'm going to settle on the one that has hung in every place I've lived since college. It was given to me by my then roommate and best friend Kimba. So it is a print I own, given to me by a friend and originally made by one of my favorite artists. A good compromise, yes?
Miranda - The Tempest by John William Waterhouse
For any who don't know, this is depicting the opening scene of Shakespeare's play, The Tempest. The character Miranda sees a shipwreck in the distance, launching the play's plot of love and revenge. I was in this show in high school, and though I didn't play Miranda, I loved her opening monologue and have since used it several times as an audition piece.
Common quotes from this show:
"We are such stuff as dreams are made on, rounded with a little sleep."
"Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows."
"The fringed curtains of thine eye advance."
"Hell is empty and all the devils are here."
"O wonder! How many godly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world that has such people in't!" ~my fav
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Day 16 - A Song that Makes You Cry
This is somewhat of a tough one. Unfortunately I cry at the drop of a hat these days, and could report numerous songs that have resulted in tears being shed. I thought I'd chose one to represent all these moments, any song that talks about living without a loved one.
The song is "Here Without You" by 3 Doors Down
(Sorry about the still picture, I can't change it.)
The song is "Here Without You" by 3 Doors Down
(Sorry about the still picture, I can't change it.)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Day 15 - Your Dream House
I've never really had a dream house. We were going to build one (we
may still someday) that would have been ours from dirt to completion.
But in the meantime, the house we live in now is my dream house, I love
living here and really can't wait to raise a family here.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Valentines Day 2012
So it's time for a little break from the 30 day challenge to reveal our Valentines Day destination.
For anyone new: My husband and I have a tradition for Valentine's Day. Instead of getting gifts or cards for each other, every February 14th we find a new restaurant to dine in. Sometimes we travel, other times we stay closer to home. The only rule is that neither of us has eaten there before. In leaner times we modified this rule to include staying at home and trying a new recipe. We generally go the weekend before or after actual V-day because we don't like crowds and waiting.
Our 2012 destination: Appanoose Rapids Brewery Company in Ottumwa, IA.
I have had my eye on this place for awhile. I noticed it one time when traveling downtown and looked up on the internet for more information. The menu had many French and pricey selections, so I decided it would be best to save it for V-day. Captain called and was told no reservations were possible, so we dolled up and ventured out last night for this years new experience.
My review of this place is mixed. We unwittingly stepped into the back door (the one facing main street) and found ourselves in the bar area. Captain was immediately drawn to the long list of brew varieties on the wall. It took some time for anyone to notice us and give us a table. When we finally sat down, we immediately saw that the table was wobbly, and I don't mean there was a little give, I mean I would worry setting drinks on it because they would spill all over when someone leaned forward.
After a short deliberation, we flagged down someone who moved us two tables over. We saw them immediately grab that table and cart it away. Kudos to them for dealing with the problem rather than repeatedly sitting people there hoping they'll live with it.
The next thing we noticed was how very overdressed we were. I had judged from the prices on the menu that this was a "fancy" place. I had obviously been wrong. Most patrons donned sweatshirts and jeans. Next, the hassled waitress came to take our drink orders. Captain was told that they didn't actually have the brews on the list he had poured over earlier, so he had to settle for a brown ale which was decent, but a little cloudy.
We started with an appetizer of wild mushroom struedel in a marsala sauce. The sauce was scant, but it was good. For main dishes, I chose Boursin Stuffed Chicken (chicken breast stuffed with herbed cheese and spinach) and Captain chose Steak DeBurgo (filet mignon with a garlic, basil, and white wine sauce). Again, the review of the food is mixed. My chicken was decent, but not amazing, not worth the $17 price tag in my opinion. The potatoes dauphinoise was a lovely side, however, and I enjoyed the non-iceburg salad very much. Captain was thrilled with his selection, which turns out to be an Iowa creation, not a French one. He could literally cut his thick steak with his fork, I sampled a piece of the dish he called, "two beef medallions of heaven" and had to agree. The $23 price tag still seems a bit steep, but he was much more satisfied than I with the overall experience.
I keep mentioning the prices because around here, these are steep to say the least. Even after having an appetizer, the portions were not big enough to provide leftovers, something I'm used to when paying higher prices. The bread "basket" included two pieces of bread and two pads of butter, no more, no less. Everything felt stingy, and the atmosphere was crowded and loud. Conversation with my near deaf hubby was basically impossible. So while this restaurant lacks in atmosphere and price, it definitely has some tasty options if you're willing to pay for it.
For anyone new: My husband and I have a tradition for Valentine's Day. Instead of getting gifts or cards for each other, every February 14th we find a new restaurant to dine in. Sometimes we travel, other times we stay closer to home. The only rule is that neither of us has eaten there before. In leaner times we modified this rule to include staying at home and trying a new recipe. We generally go the weekend before or after actual V-day because we don't like crowds and waiting.
Our 2012 destination: Appanoose Rapids Brewery Company in Ottumwa, IA.
I have had my eye on this place for awhile. I noticed it one time when traveling downtown and looked up on the internet for more information. The menu had many French and pricey selections, so I decided it would be best to save it for V-day. Captain called and was told no reservations were possible, so we dolled up and ventured out last night for this years new experience.
My review of this place is mixed. We unwittingly stepped into the back door (the one facing main street) and found ourselves in the bar area. Captain was immediately drawn to the long list of brew varieties on the wall. It took some time for anyone to notice us and give us a table. When we finally sat down, we immediately saw that the table was wobbly, and I don't mean there was a little give, I mean I would worry setting drinks on it because they would spill all over when someone leaned forward.
After a short deliberation, we flagged down someone who moved us two tables over. We saw them immediately grab that table and cart it away. Kudos to them for dealing with the problem rather than repeatedly sitting people there hoping they'll live with it.
The next thing we noticed was how very overdressed we were. I had judged from the prices on the menu that this was a "fancy" place. I had obviously been wrong. Most patrons donned sweatshirts and jeans. Next, the hassled waitress came to take our drink orders. Captain was told that they didn't actually have the brews on the list he had poured over earlier, so he had to settle for a brown ale which was decent, but a little cloudy.
We started with an appetizer of wild mushroom struedel in a marsala sauce. The sauce was scant, but it was good. For main dishes, I chose Boursin Stuffed Chicken (chicken breast stuffed with herbed cheese and spinach) and Captain chose Steak DeBurgo (filet mignon with a garlic, basil, and white wine sauce). Again, the review of the food is mixed. My chicken was decent, but not amazing, not worth the $17 price tag in my opinion. The potatoes dauphinoise was a lovely side, however, and I enjoyed the non-iceburg salad very much. Captain was thrilled with his selection, which turns out to be an Iowa creation, not a French one. He could literally cut his thick steak with his fork, I sampled a piece of the dish he called, "two beef medallions of heaven" and had to agree. The $23 price tag still seems a bit steep, but he was much more satisfied than I with the overall experience.
I keep mentioning the prices because around here, these are steep to say the least. Even after having an appetizer, the portions were not big enough to provide leftovers, something I'm used to when paying higher prices. The bread "basket" included two pieces of bread and two pads of butter, no more, no less. Everything felt stingy, and the atmosphere was crowded and loud. Conversation with my near deaf hubby was basically impossible. So while this restaurant lacks in atmosphere and price, it definitely has some tasty options if you're willing to pay for it.
Day 14 - A Non-Fictional Book
When pressed to talk about a non-fiction book, only one book really comes to mind. The Tao Te Ching is a book that has changed my life in ways I couldn't even imagine. I don't really care about what translation you are talking about, because each interpretation brings new life and meaning to this profound wisdom. Unlike many, I don't judge any one translation as better or worse than others, I view them as merely serving a different purpose.
I never had a Taoist teacher, hence why I don't understand the many nuances of the tradition steeped practices of many who consider themselves true Daoists. I'm not familiar with all of the many sects that have formed, and all of the rituals associated with it. But that's okay with me. The book is what called me, not the religion. The book that lays out a blueprint of becoming a sage.
For me, this blueprint leads to happiness and inner peace, and that is what does matter to me. I've been called "new age" or "fringe" by many of these other Daoists. That's okay with me. Those are merely labels and do not define me in any way. I must follow my path, and they theirs. I will learn what I can from them, and hope that they may learn a little from me as well, even if that is just tolerance.
The Tao Te Ching speaks to me, no matter which translation I am reading.
I never had a Taoist teacher, hence why I don't understand the many nuances of the tradition steeped practices of many who consider themselves true Daoists. I'm not familiar with all of the many sects that have formed, and all of the rituals associated with it. But that's okay with me. The book is what called me, not the religion. The book that lays out a blueprint of becoming a sage.
For me, this blueprint leads to happiness and inner peace, and that is what does matter to me. I've been called "new age" or "fringe" by many of these other Daoists. That's okay with me. Those are merely labels and do not define me in any way. I must follow my path, and they theirs. I will learn what I can from them, and hope that they may learn a little from me as well, even if that is just tolerance.
The Tao Te Ching speaks to me, no matter which translation I am reading.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Day 13 - A Fictional Book
So, this isn't as descriptive as most of the daily titles, so I am going to take this to mean a fiction book I enjoy. I've already listed them in an earlier post, so I'll share a story about one instead.
I would have to say that the Harry Potter series is what got me back into reading. I was an avid reader in junior high, frequenting the popular authors of the time such as RL Stine and Christopher Pike. My dad introduced me to more adult authors shortly after, my favorite being Robin Cook. My mom shared her love of Mary Higgins Clark as well (I was not as keen on her collection of VC Andrews, lol). But as I entered late high school and college, my reading fell off. Some of this may be due to studying, but reality is, other pursuits may have dominated my life at those times.
The summer I met my husband (year 2000) we had what some may call a whirlwind romance. Very into each other and concerned with little else. I was unfamiliar with Harry Potter at the time even though he had already taken most of the country by storm. Captain's mom had been trying to get him to read it for some time, and finally succeeded. Imagine my surprise when I call up my new boyfriend about the movie we were supposed to see and he cancels on me. Why would he do such a thing? Because he was in the middle of reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
For this reason alone, it was some time before he convinced me to read the series myself. After all, he had chosen this boy wizard over yours truly, scandalous! Of course, once he finally got me to relent, I was as hooked as he was, and it's something we share to this day. We even hosted parties for the midnight releases of Books 6 and 7 which included Potter themes games and sweets from Honeydukes.
One book I failed to mention in my previous post was my own work:
Shades of Magic
I would have to say that the Harry Potter series is what got me back into reading. I was an avid reader in junior high, frequenting the popular authors of the time such as RL Stine and Christopher Pike. My dad introduced me to more adult authors shortly after, my favorite being Robin Cook. My mom shared her love of Mary Higgins Clark as well (I was not as keen on her collection of VC Andrews, lol). But as I entered late high school and college, my reading fell off. Some of this may be due to studying, but reality is, other pursuits may have dominated my life at those times.
The summer I met my husband (year 2000) we had what some may call a whirlwind romance. Very into each other and concerned with little else. I was unfamiliar with Harry Potter at the time even though he had already taken most of the country by storm. Captain's mom had been trying to get him to read it for some time, and finally succeeded. Imagine my surprise when I call up my new boyfriend about the movie we were supposed to see and he cancels on me. Why would he do such a thing? Because he was in the middle of reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
For this reason alone, it was some time before he convinced me to read the series myself. After all, he had chosen this boy wizard over yours truly, scandalous! Of course, once he finally got me to relent, I was as hooked as he was, and it's something we share to this day. We even hosted parties for the midnight releases of Books 6 and 7 which included Potter themes games and sweets from Honeydukes.
One book I failed to mention in my previous post was my own work:
Shades of Magic
Friday, February 10, 2012
Day 12 - Something You are OCD About
I try to not be to obsessive about anything, as it is not conducive to the mellow lifestyle I constantly covet. There is one thing, though, that I am completely OCD about: Food.
I'm not saying that I am obsessed with food itself, but with the availability of it. I HAVE to know where my next meal is coming from or I go crazy. Living in the country like we do has increased the amount of anxiety produced by these feelings, and now my vehicle is not working so it's a thousand times worse, I can't even go get something if there's nothing in the house.
My husband has to deal with this on those occasions where he forgets to tell me that he won't be around for an evening meal. Generally, he tells me far enough in advance that I can plan and make sure I know what I'll make myself that night. (I should clarify that Capt. does almost all the cooking in our house. If you tasted both of our cooking you'd make the same choice, lol.) But on occasion, he forgets, or estimates his time wrong and I end up suddenly with no plan. I become completely irrational at this point, I admit it. Sitting here now, I know I am capable of finding something in my cupboards to eat. But when I am reacting to the news, my thoughts are filled with panic and anxiety and I flip out.
I'm not sure where this comes from. My best guess involves many nights as a teenager that were deemed, "fend for yourself" nights. This in and of itself is not a big deal, a teenager can make things for themselves. The problem was that as a juvenile, I had zero control of what was in those cupboards (which were generally rather bare) and often found nothing I could cook, leaving me with meals of toast or pizza rolls. I felt very neglected on those nights, swearing that when I was an adult I wouldn't let that happen. I wonder if that feeling carries over to these circumstances today.
So there you go, I am OCD about knowing where my next meal will come from.
I'm not saying that I am obsessed with food itself, but with the availability of it. I HAVE to know where my next meal is coming from or I go crazy. Living in the country like we do has increased the amount of anxiety produced by these feelings, and now my vehicle is not working so it's a thousand times worse, I can't even go get something if there's nothing in the house.
My husband has to deal with this on those occasions where he forgets to tell me that he won't be around for an evening meal. Generally, he tells me far enough in advance that I can plan and make sure I know what I'll make myself that night. (I should clarify that Capt. does almost all the cooking in our house. If you tasted both of our cooking you'd make the same choice, lol.) But on occasion, he forgets, or estimates his time wrong and I end up suddenly with no plan. I become completely irrational at this point, I admit it. Sitting here now, I know I am capable of finding something in my cupboards to eat. But when I am reacting to the news, my thoughts are filled with panic and anxiety and I flip out.
I'm not sure where this comes from. My best guess involves many nights as a teenager that were deemed, "fend for yourself" nights. This in and of itself is not a big deal, a teenager can make things for themselves. The problem was that as a juvenile, I had zero control of what was in those cupboards (which were generally rather bare) and often found nothing I could cook, leaving me with meals of toast or pizza rolls. I felt very neglected on those nights, swearing that when I was an adult I wouldn't let that happen. I wonder if that feeling carries over to these circumstances today.
So there you go, I am OCD about knowing where my next meal will come from.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Day 11 - A Photo of You Recently
Ick, I don't like posting photos of myself, so once again I will bring others with me. This time it will be my friends from college. This is recent as in last fall, we went to the Oklahoma Aquarium.
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