Can I choose only one influential book? Of course, there are SO many. I love to read, and read a variety of genres. I will avoid the obvious (The Bible) and choose a collection of books that changed my approach to food, which changed me both inside and out.
A few years ago, I became bogged down in the everyday routine of work and household. With teenage boys (one in college) and all that comes with, I had lost interest in cooking. It had become dull and stressful. I then signed up for a personal chef service, someone who came up with exciting meals (based on our likes and dislikes), bought the food, prepared it in our home, cleaned up (yes, cleaned up) and put the meals either in the freezer or fridge. She prepared enough for 10 meals in one day. I came home to the smells of beef stew, turkey saltimbocca, and individual pizza turnovers.
We did this for over a year, then she started to change. She rented out a commercial kitchen, so she no longer cooked in my home. She delivered the food, but it just wasn't the same. But the biggest change was the summer I did not teach. With extra time on my hands (no papers to grade!), what could I do? I started watching shows on Food Network, especially Rachael Ray and Giada de Laurentiis. They used fresh ingredients, made homemade sauces, they made me hungry and made me want to cook! I picked up a cookbook from each of them. I found a way to spend some of my "free" time and be productive. I found my passion for cooking again. Cooking real food with fresh ingredients.
With this new found passion, we "fired" the personal chef. My husband became by sous chef. We shopped at farmer's markets more. We felt healthier. We did not need packaged, processed food (like rice mixes and such). The meals were often made within 30-45 minutes (or used the Dutch over or slow cooker). Cooking well was not that difficult.
Thanks to Rachael and Giada for all they have inspired me to do! I know own most of Rachael's cookbooks and two of Giada's, plus two from the Barefoot Contessa. These are my favorite cookbooks, but I do have a collection of others, used less frequently. I just got Rachael's new Look and Cook book and tried the Chicken Cutlets with Orange and Arugula (but I used lettuce instead of arugula). What flavor the chicken had!!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Where can I find some motivation?
This semester seems never-ending at times. The weather has been a roller coaster of fabulous to miserable. I have a terrible case of spring fever! Yesterday I just wanted to soak up the sun and blow off all my responsibilities (needless to say, I did not). Now I have heard we are in for stormy weather. Yuck!!
My "to do" list is long, and my motivation is short. How can I get it back? I do what absolutely needs to be done, but other tasks get pushed to the next day's list and the next day's list....and when Friday rolls around, I feel free...until I remember the laundry and dishes and grading don't stop on the weekend.
If anyone finds my motivation, send it my way.
My "to do" list is long, and my motivation is short. How can I get it back? I do what absolutely needs to be done, but other tasks get pushed to the next day's list and the next day's list....and when Friday rolls around, I feel free...until I remember the laundry and dishes and grading don't stop on the weekend.
If anyone finds my motivation, send it my way.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Catching up on TV shows
Busy is usually the word that describes me. Busy with work--class prep and grading, busy with house work, cooking, and errands. Busy going places with my husband (he does lots of running races and triathlons). When I have time to kick back and unwind, I either read or watch TV shows. The best way I enjoy TV is either shows I've DVR'd or watching DVDs/Netflix.
Last fall, I watched all 5 seasons of How I Met Your Mother on DVD (my son owns them all). It was fun to watch the shows in order, seeing the characters and plots develop over time. Season 4 to me was a little of a let down. Maybe it was due to the TV writer's strike, but fewer episodes were made, and some of the episodes were disappointing, less interesting.
We have Scrubs on DVD, all except the last, revamped season. It's a great DVD show to watch too. And it's consistently funny. I have watched most the 8 seasons I own.
Last week I started watching the '90s show 3rd Rock From the Sun (streaming on Netflix). It is a show I did not watch much when it was on TV, but I am really finding it funny. The commentary on our lives still rings true. I am still watching season 1, getting to view only an episode or two at a time. Since it was on for 5 seasons (more than 100 episodes), I will be watching for a while.
Any shows you like watching on DVD or Netlflix? Why? Which shows hold their humor over time? Which ones seem less funny now than when they first aired?
Last fall, I watched all 5 seasons of How I Met Your Mother on DVD (my son owns them all). It was fun to watch the shows in order, seeing the characters and plots develop over time. Season 4 to me was a little of a let down. Maybe it was due to the TV writer's strike, but fewer episodes were made, and some of the episodes were disappointing, less interesting.
We have Scrubs on DVD, all except the last, revamped season. It's a great DVD show to watch too. And it's consistently funny. I have watched most the 8 seasons I own.
Last week I started watching the '90s show 3rd Rock From the Sun (streaming on Netflix). It is a show I did not watch much when it was on TV, but I am really finding it funny. The commentary on our lives still rings true. I am still watching season 1, getting to view only an episode or two at a time. Since it was on for 5 seasons (more than 100 episodes), I will be watching for a while.
Any shows you like watching on DVD or Netlflix? Why? Which shows hold their humor over time? Which ones seem less funny now than when they first aired?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Have you seen "Paul"?
During spring break, we wanted to see a movie at the theater. We don't often go to the theater due to the ticket prices and having to agree on a movie and time to see it. Our younger son Eric first wanted to see Hall Pass, but my husband really wanted to see Paul. After reading the positive review on Paul in the Post-Dispatch, we headed to the Cine 15 in O'Fallon on Friday, the day it came out.
The tickets were $8.00 each. We get Netflix for a whole month for a little more than that. However, some movies are better in the theater, the big screen, the sound, the big bucket of popcorn ($8.00 also). We got there early (the second group to arrive) and passed the time till the previews and commercials started by playing games and checking out Facebook on our phones.
The movie was very funny, fairly fast-paced, and well written. We caught a number of references and spoofs of other movies such as Back to the Future and Close Encounters. If you do not care for cussing, you may want to avoid the movie; there is plenty of that language. The acting was good, the characters interesting and sometimes unpredictable. Paul is the alien and what a character!!
I am not a huge sci-fi fan, but I like a well done movie. If you want to laugh out loud and get your money's worth, go see Paul.
The tickets were $8.00 each. We get Netflix for a whole month for a little more than that. However, some movies are better in the theater, the big screen, the sound, the big bucket of popcorn ($8.00 also). We got there early (the second group to arrive) and passed the time till the previews and commercials started by playing games and checking out Facebook on our phones.
The movie was very funny, fairly fast-paced, and well written. We caught a number of references and spoofs of other movies such as Back to the Future and Close Encounters. If you do not care for cussing, you may want to avoid the movie; there is plenty of that language. The acting was good, the characters interesting and sometimes unpredictable. Paul is the alien and what a character!!
I am not a huge sci-fi fan, but I like a well done movie. If you want to laugh out loud and get your money's worth, go see Paul.
Top 5 Apps for my Phone
In January, I changed my cell phone from a Blackberry to the Samsung Epic 4g (an Android phone). I am a long-time Sprint customer and did not want to switch carriers, so I researched the available phones. I like the keyboard on my Epic, but what I was looking for most was a bigger screen and lots of free apps. I got both. All of these apps listed are free.
So far, I have downloaded a dozen or more apps in addition to the ones that came already loaded. What are my favorites?
1. Facebook--it's easy to "check in" with my friends and family, see what's going on and post updates if needed.
2. Words with Friends--a Scrabble-like games that can be played with someone else who has the app on their Android or iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. My younger son asked me to play the game with him. Now I am addicted. I have at least 6 people I am playing a game with. It's fun because you can play at your own leisure, then the turn passes to the other person.
3. Word Feud--similar to Words with Friends. My husband's Android phone can't get Words with Friends, so we play this game.
4. Poynt--a super app for finding restaurants, movies, gas stations, etc. Easy to use, and when out of town, invaluable. Info provided includes phone numbers, addresses, and can map it for you. If the restaurant takes reservations, you can do that from the app.
5. Kindle app--I own a Kindle (e-reader from Amazon), so I have the app on my phone and on my PC. I can read any of the books in my collection right from my phone, picking up where I left off. I love how the app syncs with the Kindle itself.
What are your favorite apps? Let me know. I am always searching for great apps!
So far, I have downloaded a dozen or more apps in addition to the ones that came already loaded. What are my favorites?
1. Facebook--it's easy to "check in" with my friends and family, see what's going on and post updates if needed.
2. Words with Friends--a Scrabble-like games that can be played with someone else who has the app on their Android or iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. My younger son asked me to play the game with him. Now I am addicted. I have at least 6 people I am playing a game with. It's fun because you can play at your own leisure, then the turn passes to the other person.
3. Word Feud--similar to Words with Friends. My husband's Android phone can't get Words with Friends, so we play this game.
4. Poynt--a super app for finding restaurants, movies, gas stations, etc. Easy to use, and when out of town, invaluable. Info provided includes phone numbers, addresses, and can map it for you. If the restaurant takes reservations, you can do that from the app.
5. Kindle app--I own a Kindle (e-reader from Amazon), so I have the app on my phone and on my PC. I can read any of the books in my collection right from my phone, picking up where I left off. I love how the app syncs with the Kindle itself.
What are your favorite apps? Let me know. I am always searching for great apps!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Meaningful Quote
"You write in order to change the world, knowing perfectly well that you probably can't, but also knowing that literature is indispensable to the world. . . . The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it." -- James Baldwin (24)
This quote makes sense to me. When we write, we write for a reason. Maybe we "have" to (it's assigned for a grade or a task at work). Maybe we want to share our day with friends on Facebook or in an email or text. Maybe we are inspired to write a song or a poem. With most writing, someone will read it, think about it, be affected by it. Will that change the reader? Will it change the writer?
In some small way, it usually does. It could be a temporary change (wow, nice wording. Cool. Interesting.) It could influence someone to visit the place you wrote about or avoid a restaurant with bad service.
I like that I might affect someone, that my writing could change someone, even for the brief moment he or she is reading my work. It matters. My time and energy were not wasted. I have thoughts, feelings, and experiences others care to read about.
My writing does not have to be "literature" meant to be read for the next 50-100 years by academics. It will not be made into a movie or book. Those are not my expectations. And that's okay. Considering the number of poorly written books and scripts, I would not want my blogging, especially, to be turned into something like that.
What have you read lately that has changed you in some way?
This quote makes sense to me. When we write, we write for a reason. Maybe we "have" to (it's assigned for a grade or a task at work). Maybe we want to share our day with friends on Facebook or in an email or text. Maybe we are inspired to write a song or a poem. With most writing, someone will read it, think about it, be affected by it. Will that change the reader? Will it change the writer?
In some small way, it usually does. It could be a temporary change (wow, nice wording. Cool. Interesting.) It could influence someone to visit the place you wrote about or avoid a restaurant with bad service.
I like that I might affect someone, that my writing could change someone, even for the brief moment he or she is reading my work. It matters. My time and energy were not wasted. I have thoughts, feelings, and experiences others care to read about.
My writing does not have to be "literature" meant to be read for the next 50-100 years by academics. It will not be made into a movie or book. Those are not my expectations. And that's okay. Considering the number of poorly written books and scripts, I would not want my blogging, especially, to be turned into something like that.
What have you read lately that has changed you in some way?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Food & the Fox
For the past few years, my husband and I have had season tickets to the Broadway Series at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. It's been a great way to have "date nights" and sometimes "double date nights" with friends.
Usually, we go out to dinner before the Saturday night shows. When we are pressed for time, we have gone to The Best Steak House (located right across from the Fox on Grand Ave.). It's a cafeteria-style steak place, with very reasonable prices, good portions and fine food. However, I prefer the dinners at "nicer" places that take reservations. One such place is Kota Wood Fire Grill (next door to The Best Steak House). Their food is excellent, with fabulous appetizers (stuffed mushrooms) and desserts (a cupcake in a coffee cup w/ an espresso and chocolate ganache). We've been there twice, and all the food I've sampled has been above average. We tried the City Diner, near the Fox, with mixed results. I got the pecan banana pancakes (yummy) but my husband did not care for his chicken fried steak. A year or so ago, we went to the Grand Buffet at the Fox. That was very good, too.
The shows at the Fox are entertaining. Most of the Broadway Series shows are musicals, but we did see a drama, August: Osage County, last year. My favorite musicals seen at the Fox are Jersey Boys (which we are seeing again in May), Mamma Mia (seen twice), The Drowsy Chaperone, Grease, The Lion King, Shrek, and The Light in the Piazza. Few shows have been disappointing, but the ones least liked have been The Wedding Singer and Legally Blonde (but I like the movie versions). Just this past Saturday, we saw 9 to 5: The Musical. It had some great music and was well done. Diane DeGarmo (American Idol season 3) did great as Doralee (Dolly Parton's role). Last year Grease had idol alums Taylor Hicks and Ace Young).
If you have not been to the Fox, you should take in a show or concert. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening. And you will be mesmerized by the architecture and design of the theatre as well as the performances.
Usually, we go out to dinner before the Saturday night shows. When we are pressed for time, we have gone to The Best Steak House (located right across from the Fox on Grand Ave.). It's a cafeteria-style steak place, with very reasonable prices, good portions and fine food. However, I prefer the dinners at "nicer" places that take reservations. One such place is Kota Wood Fire Grill (next door to The Best Steak House). Their food is excellent, with fabulous appetizers (stuffed mushrooms) and desserts (a cupcake in a coffee cup w/ an espresso and chocolate ganache). We've been there twice, and all the food I've sampled has been above average. We tried the City Diner, near the Fox, with mixed results. I got the pecan banana pancakes (yummy) but my husband did not care for his chicken fried steak. A year or so ago, we went to the Grand Buffet at the Fox. That was very good, too.
The shows at the Fox are entertaining. Most of the Broadway Series shows are musicals, but we did see a drama, August: Osage County, last year. My favorite musicals seen at the Fox are Jersey Boys (which we are seeing again in May), Mamma Mia (seen twice), The Drowsy Chaperone, Grease, The Lion King, Shrek, and The Light in the Piazza. Few shows have been disappointing, but the ones least liked have been The Wedding Singer and Legally Blonde (but I like the movie versions). Just this past Saturday, we saw 9 to 5: The Musical. It had some great music and was well done. Diane DeGarmo (American Idol season 3) did great as Doralee (Dolly Parton's role). Last year Grease had idol alums Taylor Hicks and Ace Young).
If you have not been to the Fox, you should take in a show or concert. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening. And you will be mesmerized by the architecture and design of the theatre as well as the performances.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I am from
I am from Judith and Charles, Betty and Eric, Ethel and John.
From air force bases around the world, small towns and large cities. From visits to family in rural Kentucky to a small town in upstate New York.
From Grissom A.F.B. and Peru, IN; Izmir, Turkey; Washington, D.C.; Shaw A.F.B., S.C.; Upland, IN; Ball State University; Chesterton, Lafayette, Indianapolis, IN; Tinker A.FB., OK; North Pole, AK; Eielson A.F.B., AK; San Antonio, TX; Sumter, S.C.; Lajes AB, Terceira, Azores; O'Fallon, IL.
I am from comfort food eaters: fried chicken, meatloaf, spaghetti, chili, cube steak, canned beans or corn. From ice cream and popcorn eaters.
I am from the nomadic life of a military child, from changing schools and making new friends. I am from a military dad and mom who was a nurse.
I am from non-church going but God-believing parents, attending whatever church I wanted to. From Baptist to Penecostal to Mennonite to Catholic.
I am from bowling leagues to Girl Scouts to marching band and youth group.
I am from a purple bike w/ banana seat, Volkswagens and Chevettes.
I am from Saturday morning cartoons and weekend movies--Jaws and Star Wars.
From Republican and conservative, from pro-military.
From Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon to Bronte sisters and Diane Mott Davidson.
From Donny Osmond to Shaun Cassidy. From Barry Manilow to Michael Jackson. From Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson to Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, and Brad Paisley.
From air force bases around the world, small towns and large cities. From visits to family in rural Kentucky to a small town in upstate New York.
From Grissom A.F.B. and Peru, IN; Izmir, Turkey; Washington, D.C.; Shaw A.F.B., S.C.; Upland, IN; Ball State University; Chesterton, Lafayette, Indianapolis, IN; Tinker A.FB., OK; North Pole, AK; Eielson A.F.B., AK; San Antonio, TX; Sumter, S.C.; Lajes AB, Terceira, Azores; O'Fallon, IL.
I am from comfort food eaters: fried chicken, meatloaf, spaghetti, chili, cube steak, canned beans or corn. From ice cream and popcorn eaters.
I am from the nomadic life of a military child, from changing schools and making new friends. I am from a military dad and mom who was a nurse.
I am from non-church going but God-believing parents, attending whatever church I wanted to. From Baptist to Penecostal to Mennonite to Catholic.
I am from bowling leagues to Girl Scouts to marching band and youth group.
I am from a purple bike w/ banana seat, Volkswagens and Chevettes.
I am from Saturday morning cartoons and weekend movies--Jaws and Star Wars.
From Republican and conservative, from pro-military.
From Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon to Bronte sisters and Diane Mott Davidson.
From Donny Osmond to Shaun Cassidy. From Barry Manilow to Michael Jackson. From Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson to Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, and Brad Paisley.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Reading Time
I have been an avid reader since I was in grade school. Having a book to read before bed, while waiting for appointments, during breaks (especially my afternoon coffee break) is great. Books entertain, inform, educate, and promote discussions.
For my birthday in November, I got a Kindle (Amazon's e-reader). After much research and comparison, I chose that one over the Nook (Barnes & Noble's e-reader) because the longer battery life, the e-ink screen (easier on the eyes than the LED screen) and the generally lower prices on Amazon. I love shopping at B & N, but I buy more from Amazon. I got the Kindle with 3g,so if there is no WiFi, I can still connect to the internet (I got internet access while in Cozumel in December).
It's been fun downloading books (many are free 99 cents or less than $10), sample chapters (those are free), and games on my Kindle. I have nearly 60 books on there now. I can read them on the Kindle itself or on my laptop or phone with the Kindle app. The Kindle is lightweight, and it's easy to use. I can take it on trips and have multiple books at my fingertips. I think I will get most of my books now electronically. The only exceptions I see right now are some textbooks I teach with (easier to use the paper book to mark up and direct students to specific pages), cook books, and some travel books. The Kindle is black and white, and the graphics are not as great as would be in physical color cook books and travel books.
A few of the books I am currently reading on the Kindle are the following:
1. Juliet: A Novel by Anne Fortier
2. Key Lime Blues by Mike Jastrzebski
3. America the Edible by Adam Richman (he has a show, Man vs. Food, on Travel Channel)
I also peruse the free sample chapters I have downloaded. That is a great feature. I can see if I want to buy the full book by reading a couple chapters for free.
Does anyone else use an e-reader or e-reader app? What do you think of them? Any favorite books? Do you use the e-reader for textbooks?
For my birthday in November, I got a Kindle (Amazon's e-reader). After much research and comparison, I chose that one over the Nook (Barnes & Noble's e-reader) because the longer battery life, the e-ink screen (easier on the eyes than the LED screen) and the generally lower prices on Amazon. I love shopping at B & N, but I buy more from Amazon. I got the Kindle with 3g,so if there is no WiFi, I can still connect to the internet (I got internet access while in Cozumel in December).
It's been fun downloading books (many are free 99 cents or less than $10), sample chapters (those are free), and games on my Kindle. I have nearly 60 books on there now. I can read them on the Kindle itself or on my laptop or phone with the Kindle app. The Kindle is lightweight, and it's easy to use. I can take it on trips and have multiple books at my fingertips. I think I will get most of my books now electronically. The only exceptions I see right now are some textbooks I teach with (easier to use the paper book to mark up and direct students to specific pages), cook books, and some travel books. The Kindle is black and white, and the graphics are not as great as would be in physical color cook books and travel books.
A few of the books I am currently reading on the Kindle are the following:
1. Juliet: A Novel by Anne Fortier
2. Key Lime Blues by Mike Jastrzebski
3. America the Edible by Adam Richman (he has a show, Man vs. Food, on Travel Channel)
I also peruse the free sample chapters I have downloaded. That is a great feature. I can see if I want to buy the full book by reading a couple chapters for free.
Does anyone else use an e-reader or e-reader app? What do you think of them? Any favorite books? Do you use the e-reader for textbooks?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
New Semester--A Little About Me
Rocco & ShadowLet me welcome all my English 102 students (2 sections) to my blog. I will blog along with you, but some of my entries will not relate to class or school. Above is a pic of my two cats. They entertain me and keep my lap warm.
I tend to write frequently about food--one of my passions. I love to cook (but dislike the clean up). I enjoy watching cooking shows on the Food Network (my favorite is Giada at Home). Grocery shopping is not that exciting except when I can go to farmers' markets and Trader Joe's. I enjoy eating out, but am very choosy about where I go. Some of my favorite area restaurants are Peel Wood Fired Pizza (Edwardsville), Terrine (St. Louis), and Firefly Grill (Effingham). Of course, I like Pappy's when I'm in the mood for BBQ!
I also write about my travels (when I can). If you scroll down, the last entry before this one was about the Caribbean cruise my family went on over Christmas. Due to my schedule, I can't get away as often as I'd like. And many of my weekends away are spent at running and triathlon events; my husband and some of our friends participate in them. Being the daughter and wife of Air Force men, I have done plenty of traveling and moving around over the years. Most interesting places I've lived: Turkey and the Azores. Best places I've visited: Italy, and Egypt.
It may come as no surprise that I am an avid reader (yes, the English teacher reads). Of course, I do lots of reading for my classes. This semester I am teaching a literature class, so I will be reading (and re-reading) some novels and short stories featuring multicultural authors and themes. I love both fiction and nonfiction, mysteries and love stories, food books and teaching books. I am not a big fan of horror stories and science fiction.
The new semester is such an exciting time. I look forward to getting to know all of you and reading your blogs. Feel free to comment on this entry or ask me any questions.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
My Caribbean Christmas Cruise
We flew to Ft. Lauderdale Dec. 22 and spent time with my mom, my sister and her family. Then on Dec. 23, we boarded the Crown Princess in Port Lauderdale. The in-processing wasn't too bad. Once on the ship, we checked out our rooms (Aloha deck), then started exploring. Up to the Lido deck--pools, Horizon Court Buffet, and fantastic views.
Dinner every evening was fabulous. The food was tasty and way too filling. Of course, ordering 4 courses can do that! I loved the appetizers and soup sometimes more than the main dishes. A few memorable ones were lobster pate, seafood salad, foi gras (I had to try it), and creamy porcini mushroom soup. My favorite main dishes were lamb shanks, lamb chops, veal scalloppine, and fettucine alfredo. Desserts? Most nights I sampled something sweet, such as chocolate mousse brownie and baked Alaska.
Our final stop, Cozumel, was a favorite for Steve and me. We did a Mexican Cuisine--cooking and tasting experience at Playa Mia. A small group (maybe 20) took instruction from Chef Luis (a very friendly and helpful guy) on preparing a 3-course meal. Along with the cooking, we had unlimited drinks.
On the ship, we felt relaxed and were pampered so much. It was great to not cook, clean, wash a dish, etc. I loved the international cafe, where we enjoyed lattes and mochas as well as pastries, salads, and sandwiches. Eric liked the big screen on the Lido deck, where he watched some movies and football as he soaked up the sun. Andrew loved having time to read books for fun, eat whenever he wanted (and whatever he wanted), and having an endless supply of soda. We also enjoyed the entertainment--music shows, trivia and other games, and Princess Pop Start karaoke contest (no, we did not compete).
Steve and I are already thinking about another cruise--just have to figure out when, then where. I highly recommend the Princess cruise line. But for now, the memories are priceless. What a way to spend Christmas!
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