Year 4: The Bird Year

Every year we have entertained ourselves with caring for something new. This endeavor is becoming more complicated as we are running out of animals you can "care for" without breaking the apartment rules.  Year 4 is year of the wild bird.  One bird-feeder & sack of seed later, my little friends come for a visit throughout the day. It is nice that we moved next door to our first apartment because we gained a tree outside the window which can house this feeder!

This type of caring is a little more difficult to control (might this be a good lesson for future parenting?) because the squirrels like to eat seeds too! It will be fun scheming how to keep them away so the birds can hang out.

So far, I have only seen 3 type of birds: sparrow, red breasted finch & a light brown pigeon...nothing too colorful around these parts, but still fun to watch! Most of all, I love sitting on my couch & watching them in the tree. A wonderful background to reading a good book.

And Away I sew...

Last summer, I voiced my frustrations-intimidations-fears of sewing with my old Kenmore machine, inherited from my late grandma Pat. This summer break I laid those feelings aside for the greater good: fixing things.

First thing I did was have Jeff help me figure out the basic functions of my sewing machine: threading the needle, threading the bobbin, as well as tension & stitch settings.

I started with cloth napkins, considering them the most practical items. My how we have saved paper! The material came from rawly cut napkins from a friend's wedding. They are fun colors & Jeff loves using them...especially with greasy meals like chicken or ribs. I even taught him how to sew in the process! As my mother once said "If you can learn how to sew a straight line, you can make just about anything".

Since then, I have ventured on to tailor scrubs, mend jeans & shirts, shorten a maxi dress & to transform a camisole with a built in bra into sportswear. I love the possibilities now that I have learned how to use my machine! Not only can I see how this is saving us money, but it gives well-loved clothing a second chance. Mission accomplished!

Versace Dress by Herb Ritts

Versace Dress, Back View, El Mirage, 1990, Herb Ritts, gelatin silver print. Gift of the Herb Ritts Foundation. © Herb Ritts Foundation.

My family saw Herb Ritts' photography exhibit at the Getty & this is a work that I find very captivating. He often used the contrast of black & white against fit athletic bodies or famous individuals from Hollywood. This shot in particular is so full of lines & geometric symmetry my eyes could trace each part forever. The way this woman's back & leg are framed in an arid desert makes me think of a Picasso painting. To me, it speaks of time, independence & hope. What do you think?

The Holmquists & Their Fish

Well, I wouldn't say Jeff & I "graduated" from taking care of a life form as simple as plants (yes, some died in the process...3 to be exact), but it is yet another year of marriage & another chance to try our hand at a second form of parenting--maintaining a fresh water fish tank. What is involved? 45 gallons of water, 18 tropical fish, soil, live plants, rocks, waterlogged wood, snails, miniature lily pads, moss, a wooden cabinet stand, a filtering system & lights.

The special thing about this water-world is that it maintains itself! The soil under the rocks & lighting system allow the plants to grow which then puts oxygen into the water for the fish. The fish poop & it  fertilizes the plants.  The snail population cleans the glass of any green algae. They reproduce rather quickly, but are now controlled by our hungry catfish Mr. Ming. It is quite the little ecosystem & has become Jeff's new hobby. He loves taking care of everything. The good thing is, it only requires a water change a few times a year.

We are fascinated by our fish & have given them all names:

1. Cupid (top L red platy...we were told she was pregnant)
2. Nieve (the white Molly in the bottom R photo)
3. Paulo (the bright orange & yellow sunset platy top R, reminds us of Brazil)
4. Orleans (the yellow & black bumblebee platy top R photo, L corner)
5. Tweedelee-Dee & Tweedelee-Dum ( black & grey fish R photo, R corner )
6. The Bopsy twins (the other two fish which are exactly the same as #5)
7. Huey, Duey, Luey & Ed ( striped fish in R photo underneath Paulo)
8. Mr. Ming (catfish)
9. Trinidad, Tobago & Haiti (black, clear & neon orange fish)
10. Tigerlily (clear & white with a red face, very thin)
11. Neon lights ( baby fish with neon orange, yellow, silver & black)

R.I.P Lenny, our sucker fish, geisha, our panda platy & Francis.

We love having the tank in our study...nice company while I study & a resting spot after a long day of hard work...not to mention a good entertainment piece for guests. Long Live the year of Fish!

Attention All Moviegoers!

 

So, I get it...you know Red Box is a cheap way to see a film on a date at home, but you want to get out of the house!

Your solution? Don't spend 11+ dollars on a new release in the theaters. Visit a discount theater to save your money & your sanity.

Two great options:
 Simi Valley 10 Cinemas (off the 118 freeway) &  
Regency theater in North Hollywood.         

At Simi Valley 10 Cinemas you pay: matinee $3.50, evening $4.25
At Regency Theater you pay: Tuesday & Sunday $1.50, rest of the week $3.00, 3D Films $2.00 (surcharge fee).

For directions click on these links: Simi 10, Regency 

Note: Depending on the movie, it takes about 2 months for new releases to reach these discount theaters. Do it, it's worth the wait!

Drive, another original movie soundtrack obession

Do you like electronica? This album was designed to sound like "a kind of retro, 80ish, synthesizer europop". I found it familiar to a genre of music I very much enjoy, but was taken by its coarse sound & story-telling quality. The combination is addicting. Hear for yourself:
Drive OST

Favorite Tracks: Nightcall, Under Your Spell

One to Skip: Oh My Love

Sherman Oaks Castle Park Mini-Golf

 

If you are a penny-pinching couple living in the San Fernando Valley try this venue out for a morning date. Their special is:

$3.00 per person for Weekend Early Birds 9 am - 10:30 am.

Jeff & I have now been here twice. They have 3 or four courses you can try out. We would recommend the one on the far left because you don't get any noise from the freeway. Mini-golf is an activity that reminds me of my childhood & that is one that still remains a fun challenge. The grounds have all kinds of interesting structures to look at, not to mention that they are a little retro which contributes to the experience. Try it! for more information go to: http://www.laparks.org/shermanoaks_castlepk/index.htm

To be, or not to be...fit

      Why is it so hard to get in shape & stay in shape? Is it really a busy schedule, not enough money to invest in the right food, gym or equipment or a lack of discipline to be consistent? I ask myself these questions also wondering how much of a priority fitness should be and what kind of role it should have in my own life.
        I think it is helpful to know what I really am saying when I use terms such as "in shape". Here is a dictionary definition: "The proper condition of something necessary for action, effectiveness, or use: an athlete in excellent shape." In my case, I think it is necessary for me to be in physical condition to defend myself from any harm and perform daily activities without fatigue or injury to my body. Being in physical therapy school has taught me about the damage that can occur as a result of repetitive stresses on a deconditioned body.
        Fitness, another commonly used term, often refers to a conditioned heart under different circumstances. the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports They say fitness is "the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue and with ample energy to enjoy lesiure time pursuits and to meet unforseen emergencies."  Another useful description comes from the American Heart Association and includes a phrase about achieving " a state of body efficiency enabling a person to exercise vigorously for a long time period without fatigue." (http://intenceman.tripod.com/id21.html). In other words, to be fit, really means to prevent disease, sickness or comorbities = better quality of physical life.

        Spiritually, I believe exercise could be seen as an issue of stewardship as well as a way to naturally balance hormones affecting one's state of mind. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "¹⁹ Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. " This passage speaks about sinning against one's own body through sexual immorality. Taking care of one's body through physical fitness seems like a good way to avoid sinning against it in other ways such as gluttony. In principle, I desire to honor God with my body & put it to the best use possible. Even the Proverbs 31 woman, my role model for being a godly wife & mother, is known to have some degree of fitness v17."She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. " I would love to hear any of my reader's insights on biblical support for fitness.

        So what do I do? I try to make exercise a priority. This summer has been an opportune time to develop an exercise routine for myself as well as for my husband. I realize that I must be careful to not let it become an idol or an obession, but when balanced with higher priorities I believe it can be an blessing & an enjoyment! I also have accepted the fact that I will not always have the same metabolism. This year I will be turning 25 & want to discipline myself to be as fit as possible now so that when I do start to decline physiologically it will not be so hard to stay in shape...the habit will already be in place as well as a healthy baseline.
        Right now, with access to a state of the art gym at CSUN I enjoy zumba & yoga classes, swimming laps, racquetball & weight machines. Boxing will be my next weekly pursuit. Realistically, I know Jeff & I will not always have the time or finances for that level of activity so I have also designed a morning work-out routine for Jeff & I before he goes to work. This way, I hope to instill a lifelong routine of fitness that does not depend on a gym. With the 2012 summer olympics in London, I am sure we will have enough inspiration to go around!

photo credit: Herb Ritts “Jackie Joyner-Kersee", Point Dume, 1987
 

Why I Like Discipline

Here I am again enjoying another summer break from school.  Rest & vacation are truly gifts from God. My appreciation for life significantly increases once I am out from under the stress of being a full time student. I walk slower, stop & listen to birds singing, take more naps, read for fun, hang out with friends & loved ones, spend quality time with God & pursue pastimes.   

    It seems that free time, cherished during the academic semester, can just as easily become my enemy & discipline my friend...as odd as it sounds. I have come to realize that having some structure to my day as well as general goals or plans is more fulfilling than vegging out in front of my computer screen for hours. What does that mean for me? Simply said, balancing sedentary activities with active ones & productive pastimes with unproductive ones. Although challenging, it proves to leave me feelling less groggy & more content with what I do with my time off. 

    Jeff has us on a schedule of waking up & going to bed early (as in 6am-10pm). There is just something to that schedule which makes my day feel longer. Working out, hanging out, and keeping up are the three things on my mind.  Why? I feel best when I am in shape, refreshed by relationships, and when my responsibilities don't fall by the way side. The thread that makes it meaningful is the overarching discipline of godliness.  I hope to do that by being aware of God-praising Him at all times.  I want to study His Word more so that I may more clearly understand my Creator, purpose & priorities.


"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe." (1Tim 4:8-9)

Time to Say Goodbye!

It has been an unforgettable summer & now my school recess has come to an abrupt stop.  I never imagined I would enjoy blogging this much! I had a very long checklist of things I wanted to do after my Physical therapy internship ended & I believe I completed about 80% of them...I can live with that.  

Leaving this stage is bittersweet because I realize next summer I will have a longer clinical rotation & a position paper to work on.  I would say I used my time to the best of my abilities & now it is time to move on.   I am grateful for the extra time I had to spend with my husband, church body, & friends. Thanks to those who took the time to read my blog posts! I appreciated the comments as well.

I will miss free time, but resolve to be content as I begin my first day of classes as a 2nd year P.T. student. (tomorrow).  Thank you God for the blessing of having these past two months to enjoy You, nature, people & pastimes!Summer, it's been real. I doubt I will have much time to blog this Fall so until then blogger world!

Mastering the Kenmore

I sure have a lot to learn about sewing. Lisa came over to make something for her baby & I would have been lost without her help to get the thread where it needed to be! The next project I started with the help of Nicole  (on her sewing machine), but I cannot yet reveal what it is!

Unfortunately, I did not start or finish much of what I desired to this summer.  Let's say, I still find the whole process intimidating...but I won't give up just yet & hopefully I can find time on a holiday here or there to resume my work.

Meet Vito

One of my goals this summer was to get my guitar fixed (which was actually my brother's first guitar which he so generously gave me after getting a new one). T.J. helped me with that process & it only costed $7.00!

We pulled off a sticker on the front which took off some of the finish, so I drew something & Mod Podged it over the defect (no better band-aid than an Italian mustache). I have renamed the guitar Vito after the Godfather. Although I did not get far in learning more chords, I have added a few to my practice: Em, D, F#, G, C, Am. Thank you Aunt Judi for my awesome Guitar Bible!

I hope to perfect them enough to play this new favorite song of mine:

Succulents, the only plants that survive the heat

Thank you Northridge Oasis Project for contributing to our new window adornment (Where the heat is most intense...not for the weary (plants)). With a touch of Jeff's hydroponic solution, one flower bud has already bloomed!

Reality T.V.

I am a little sheepish about having been addicted to two shows this summer: Expedition Impossible & So You Think You Can Dance. The reason being...I don't ever want something to be a master over me (besides Christ of course). Watching T.V. can be all-consuming, but when seen in moderation it can galvanize one's thoughts, ideas or aspirations. So, I didn't like the "reality" aspect of either, but loved the adventure, culture, and art in both. All that to say I am happy I saw them & that they ended well. Do you ever wonder what will happen to the winners?
 

I think of how fame might affect them, their families, and their social orbit. Based on interviews, it seems like Melanie Moore  has a strong conviction to stay humble and not let fame control her.  The team Modern Gypsies, on the other hand, are taking advantage of their place in the spotlight by promoting charity opportunities.  How much control will they really have though? How would someone like them keep the attention/accomplishment from going to their heads & how much privacy will they lose? The famous will always keep me musing.
   

Thyme-Scented White Bean Cassoulet

I believe this French crock pot recipe is a keeper. The downside is that it takes a lot of preparation, but once it is in the cooker, excellent taste is guaranteed. Don't forget a side of french bread!  And what was my favorite part in the process? Steaming the parsnip! It smelled delicious. If I was an inventor I would immediately create parsnip scented candles.

Recipe:

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 1/2 cups chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups (1/2 inch thick) slices diagonally cut carrot, 1 cup slices of diagonally cut parsnip, 2 garlic cloves minced, 3 cups cooked Great northern beans, 3/4 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1(28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 bay leaf, 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup (1oz) grated fresh Parmesan cheese (I used Kraft), 2 tbs butter, melted, 2 links frozen meatless(I used pork) Italian sausage (such as Boca) thawed & chopped , 2 tbs chopped fresh parsley.

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, parsnip, and garlic, cover and cook 5 minutes.

2. Place parsnip mixture in a 5-quart electric slow cooker. Add beans and next 6 ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW 8 hours or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf.

3. Combine breadcrumbs, cheese, and butter in a small bowl, toss with a fork until moist. Stir breadcrumb mixture and sausage into bean mixture (I put the raw sausage in at the beginning), sprinkle with parsley.

Yield: 6 servings (1 1/3 cups)

1 Corinthians 1: A Chapter Full of Gems

I forgot what was in 1 Corinthians & my how love for Christ Jesus has grown after reading it again! I often think God's design for life is peculiar. If man made the world & patterned history, it would look very different--it would be catastrophic! The thought & purpose that God has put into each thing He has created astounds me.

"but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong," (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Why?

"so that no man may boast before God." (vs 29)

"Let Him Who boasts, boast in the Lord" (vs 31b)   .... & this is my very prayer.

"Like Trees in November"

One of my husband's favorite books is Watership Down by Richard Adams. He suggested we read it together this summer & at first I found it boring, however, now that we are deeper into the heart of the novel, my interest grows.  It is unlike any book I have ever read due to the interacting characters being rabbits.

They are not personified rabbits either (as I am accustomed to in children's stories). The protagonists speak through animal instinct & carry themselves likewise. They even have their own language/terms for activities or their surroundings such as "silflay" which means to go above the ground to feed & "Elil" signifying man or animal that is harmful.

Their names are also endearing: Fiver, Hazel, Blackberry, Silver, Dandelion, Pipkin etc.

To give you an idea of what I am describing here is one of my favorite parts:

"I should be sorry to quarrel over it, " said Hazel firmly, "but some of us need to silflay. We're used to it, and rain doesn't bother us."

     Cowslip seemed taken aback for a moment. Then he laughed. The phenomenon of laughter is unknown to animals; though it is possible that dogs and elephants may have some inkling of it. The effect on Hazel and Blackberry was overwhelming. Hazel's first idea was that Cowslip was showing the symptom of some kind of disease..." (Page 93)

(It is no wonder, in light of their perspective of the "strange" rabbit, that Pipkin says they remind him of Trees in November. )




  

Mouth-watering Manjar

Manjar, is a milk caramel sauce commonly used in Chilean desserts. It is made from sweetened condensed milk. All you have to do is remove the label from a sweetened condensed milk can, place the can in a pot, cover it with water, & boil for two hours.

Boiling the can longer will produce a darker & thicker manjar. Both kinds are great. I discovered that my manjar (boiled 2 hours) was perfect for dipping green apples in! Try it!

Woodland Coasters

One thing Jeff & I did not think to put on our wedding registry is drink coasters. So, in an effort to preserve the kitchen table my dad refurnished, I have tried my hand at making some. It was difficult to decide how to decorate them.

I have recently become fond of forest animals due to the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox & book Watership Down.  I found online sketches, printed them out & Mod Podged them to tiles (which I purchased at Lowe's for 19 cents/tile). I added felt circles (2 dollars for a pack of 20) to the bottom of each so that they will not leave skid marks.

So, below you will see: A fox, a rabbit ( which reminds me of Fiver, a character in Watership Down), a barn owl, a bear, and a chinchilla (an animal native to Chile). I am happy with the end result & only hope they are as functional as they are attractive. We'll see...

Expedition Impossible:A Holmquist Favorite

If you like the show The Amazing Race, I am pretty sure you would go for this new ABC program. Expedition Impossible is an extreme outdoors competition that takes place in Morocco, Africa. Each team is composed of three people. Each stage of the competition has physical & mental challenges. In past episodes there has been hiking, repelling, swimming, kayaking, sailing, riding Arabian stallions & camels etc.

I like that the problem solving challenges usually incorporate Moroccan culture. It is also neat to see one of the teams compete with a blind teammate! He is pretty awesome to watch.  Our two favorite teams are No Limits & The Gypsies & we are hoping the latter wins all ($50,000 dollars & an Expedition Explorer for each!). Check it out if you can. It airs every Thursday, but for those without cable (such as me) tune in on Friday or Saturday to hulu.com

P.S. Jeff wants to get on next season's show so if you hear they are doing casting let me know!