Life in the Mundane - Oblivious Moments

Today, I went to the laundromat for the first time in my whole life. I went, not because our washer and dryer are broken, but because they are too small.

A few months ago, E had his second stomach virus ever and threw up on his comforter. I spot cleaned it, I promise. But I also believed it needed a good dousing and deep cleaning. So like any good mother, I took it off his bed and shoved it into the deep recesses of his little-boy room, where it's remained until today.

Don't worry, E has not been suffering through the cold, 63 degree in the house, evenings for two reasons.
1. He sweats like none other when he sleeps.
2. I threw a fleece blanket on his bed, which has been enough.

But, my in-laws are coming for the weekend, and I couldn't expect them to survive on a sheet and fleece throw, even though we do have two fleece throws. I couldn't bring myself to not wash the comforter.

So, I headed out to the laundromat today. And like any modern techno-girl (am I really one of those?), I looked up reviews online to find a laundromat on the map and also to know which one was the best.

I decided on Peachy Kleen on Monroe because it's close to our place and had really great reviews. And truly, it was clean and I felt quite safe, even though I was the only person in the place almost the whole time. I don't think there was anyone working except the mailman who dropped some letters off.

But here's the kicker. For all the things I've done in life, including getting a Master's Degree, birthing a child, running a half-marathon, writing an 80-page thesis, learning show choir dances, I couldn't figure out how to use the washing machine or the dryer.

Cleaning

I hate to admit it, but some of their machines didn't have coin slots, and I had no clue what to do in order to pay. Apparently, laundromats have upgraded to cards that you can pre-pay on for washes and drying cycles. However, I was unaware and didn't realize this situation until I was leaving.

So I walked in, wandered around, trying to figure out which was the washer and which was the dryer on the large walls and machines lined up around the building. And of course, I did figure it out, but I'm sure if anyone else had been there, they'd have thought I was lost.

It's in the mundane where people's stupidity and ignorance really shows. It's almost as if for the epic moments in life, we arise to the occasion and follow through when least expected. But in the day-to-day, we, or I, just cannot get it together. Not only did I not know how to use the machines, but I forgot to bring enough quarters to pay for a full load. Good thing I had some of E's money with me, which I did pay back later. It's a relief kids save and carry around money in change.

I'll be back. Tyler and my comforter needs some help as well. The process will be much smoother next time.


For some reason today, I'm reliving the day Tyler asked me to marry him. And our subsequent video-making project. I cannot believe the short length of my hair.

Dec. 31, 2010 - Philadelphia, PA

Avett Brothers + Neutral Milk Hotel = YES, PLEASE!

Breakfast Phyllo Dough Experiment

Last week, I attended a women's brunch and wasn't really sure what to make. I looked in the freezer to see what we had to work with. I found, what I forgot we had, phyllo dough. Then I had to scour the internet for a good breakfast recipe using phyllo dough.

This Flaky Egg Bake seemed to fit the bill. I had almost everything for the recipe except the peppers and, of course, the meat. The recipe suggests freezing it before, but I wasn't really interested in doing that. However, know the prep time for the bake was more than I wanted to spend at 7 a.m., I made it the night before. Then I kept the bake in the fridge over night and cooked it just before my brunch.

When I went to make the filling, I found my mushrooms had gone bad, which was sad, but it tasted fine without them. I also used the cheese blends I already had, though I did pick up some havarti at Trader Joe's. I did use some basil from my herb garden, which has since died. I neglected to bring it in during our cold nights. I'll restart again.

The Filling

Layering up the phyllo dough with the butter and filling wasn't too difficult. I actually like working with phyllo dough because it's pretty forgiving. Even if the sheets rip in half, they will meld back together while baking. One of the interesting things the recipe suggested was cutting the bake into servings before baking. I hadn't thought of this before, but baked phyllo dough is not as forgiving, meaning it breaks into tiny pieces when cut or pushed on too hard. But, before baking, phyllo dough cuts nicely and looks good.

Flaky Egg Bake minus the mushrooms

This recipe worked out really well. Tyler gladly disposed of the leftovers and was thankful to have gotten some of it. He definitely was hoping for some after seeing me put it together. 

A slice of yum

Let's Be Honest - Election Day Blues

Image from extratv.com

I'm not an overly political person. I will always take advantage of my right to vote every 2-4 years. However, you will rarely, if ever, see me start a conversation or maybe even participate in a conversation about politics.

I don't do this because I'm uneducated on politics and think they're stupid. Well, I am pretty uneducated on them, but out of choice rather than out of ignorance. I don't participate because it's not worth my time nor does it accomplish anything except to encourage spite and enmity between individuals.

I don't keep up with politics for the same reason I don't keep up with news channels. I believe most politicians and news stations are pretty much controlled by money and powerful people and companies. I don't believe true and honest change is going to come from largely elected people. I'm a fan of change happening through local elections and through local mercy and service organizations and ministries more so than by macro-politics (I do realize the government makes rules and regulations that may change the way our country is run and even influence the way I live my life. However, these changes will not alter my identity or what I believe.).

By the time people are so well known that they've reached amazing political greatness, and I do mean the kind that culminates in tons of hype and smoke and mirrors, people have basically sold their souls to others who donate money to them, who give them references, and to their political party for supporting them. I don't care which political party you support, this is most likely the case. Then, they must win the hearts of those people with their decisions in order to keep the money and support coming. It's a vicious cycle.

Part of me really pities politicians. They are stuck in a web of trying to keep everyone happy while at the same time trying to make solid decisions for our country. And let's be honest, who is truly qualified to make decisions for all Americans? Who isn't swayed by what people around them are pressuring for or who donate the largest checks, especially if those checks put someone in power? However, these politicians dedicated their lives to trying to this job, so they have brought their anxiety and distress on themselves and their families. I do not envy them.

The other part of me, the part that does not pity politicians, is thankful that at the end of the day, my hope or despair does not come from the outcome of the election today. I will not shake with fear or triumph with a victory dance either way. It's not that I'm apathetic. I'm just not 100% in support of either candidate. However, I am completely confident that neither candidate for president will solve American's problems in the next four years. It's a physical impossibility. Have you noticed how much gray hair they already get just trying to solve one or two problems?

I also believe the general public wastes so much of its time talking about change, hoping for change, and arguing for what needs to be changed in order for our society to be a success, that people miss out on all the opportunities to create and encourage change in their own little world. If people really want to see change, they need to stop arguing about politics and love their neighbor. They need to comfort the people who are fearful and hopeless in their communities. People need to grieve with others at their loss, celebrate with others at success, feed others when they cannot feed themselves, and love those who seem impossible to love. This is change - unconditional love in a world governed by conditions, stipulations, and rules. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is Love. He loves the unlovable. He desires real change in people and works to see that happen.

Today I'll go and vote for state officials. I may even vote for president. But I am confident that no matter what the election brings, the world will not end nor suddenly be saved from its problems or potential problems. Wars will continue to be fought, poverty will continue to cry in hunger, and success will continue to flourish.  The 99% will continue to be the 99% (Only 1% of the population will ever be the richest 1% of the population - It's a mathematical law.). There is nothing we can do individually to stop this. But we can create change around us. We can love others, rehabilitate others, and work to see lives changed if we just step off our soap box and out into our community. Our neighbors are waiting.

A Pumpkin Carver is Born

This post is a bit late, but I thought it was notable enough to have a belated appearance.

Last week, Tyler carved his first pumpkin ever. And in typical Tyler-style, he went all out.

The design? R2-D2. It was perfect. Tyler and Ethan decided to carve inside because it was rainy and cold, not to mention dark, when they finally got around to carving.

"The first cut is the deepest..." - Cat Stevens

Gooey Hands

Using a spoon to get the guts out.

A new adventure

While the boys worked on the pumpkin, I made German Hot Chocolate with almond milk (for Ethan's sake). It was delicious.

Trinkschokolade

Our friend, Joseph, came over to help. His artistic expertise was greatly valued. When Tyler realized he bit off more than he could chew, Joseph was there to help. It was a really difficult pattern and Ethan couldn't do too much.

Many minds necessary for pumpkin perfection

The finished product. Amazed.

I also scooped out the pumpkin seeds and followed this recipe for Spiced Pumpkin Seeds. Tyler's response: "I should have carved the second pumpkin so you could make more."

Oven-Roasted Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Happy Weekend!!

Home

It's Friday and one of my favorite days of the week. I get to hang out with 10th graders for the first half of the work day and college students for the rest.

This week has been eventful. I had two friends have cutie babies yesterday. Welcome to the world Liam Seamus and Ruby Mae!

We're attending the wedding of two beautiful friends from church this weekend. Tyler, Ethan, and I are so excited to witness their union.

I came across this blog post today about body image and eating disorders. It's good stuff. Speaking as someone who has struggled with control over my body and figure, I was encouraged to hear Kristen's story.

Enjoy some great music today.

This looks like a great side for dinner tonight.

The weather is beautiful. Enjoy creation.

Great website for book nerds.

Have a great weekend.

The Red Ninja Halloween

A few months ago, E came downstairs with his LEGO red ninja and said, "This is what I want to be for Halloween."

My response? "Ok. We will figure out how to make this happen."

So, as I posted before, I decided to buy a pajama pattern. However, I ended up not having time to make the costume because the day I had free for it was dedicated to making this Owl cake for a friend's baby shower. So Tyler and my mom took over. The results were some great pants made by Tyler and the rest of the outfit created by my mom. Thanks Nana. We could not have made it without you. E was definitely an amazing, stealthy ninja.

I've included some images below of our Halloween extravaganza. We went over to our neighbor's house and then to the neighborhood park for a dinner and parade. I also threw a picture of Tyler in for good measure. I caught the image after he posed with E. They are both such handsome fellows.

Let's Be Honest - Social Media...Envy and Greed?

Photo by Tyler LaCross

Lately I find myself wanting more and more. I'm always thinking of what I need to buy in order to make our house more cozy, what I need to organize and clean (this is not always bad), and what I need to wear or match together to keep my style in line with what I prefer. I don't think I've always been this way or really believed these things matter.

I think the root of all these things is 1. Believing I need or deserve more than I have; and 2. Surrounding myself with and being gullible to believe social media knows more about my needs than I do.

I've grown to have such a love/hate relationship with Pinterest, Facebook, and Social Media in general. So says the girl writing about social media on her blog. I'm a hypocrite. Yes, I know.

Putting all of that irony aside, I love social media because it allows me to stay connected to people I value who live in other parts of the land or world. But at the same time, I often forget I'm connected to a world (online) where people have extreme control about who they portray themselves to be. While I do love keeping up with my friends, I need to be cautious about what information I allow to seep into my mind.

Often, people post really good or really bad things about life. Isn't this the way it always seems? When there are reviews online or in a magazine, it's either really good or really bad. No one ever cares enough to give a mediocre review for a hotel, restaurant, etc. It's only the people who are wowed or revolted. The same is true of social media. People post what great ideas they have/believe. They post new clothes, pictures of themselves doing something amazing, or new recipes they tried...

Wait, am I describing my own blog?

But so rarely is this a true picture of who they are as a person. And if I'm really honest with myself, this incomplete image of someone's life becomes a great breeding ground for discontentment, greed, and envy in my life.

I see it in the moments where I think:

"Ah. I wish I'd gotten to vacation this past week. Must be nice."

"Oh look..._(fill in name here)_ is pregnant. Everyone is pregnant these days. It's that stage of life...If only we were ready."

"Look at those amazing outfit combinations. Now, if I can go buy another gray scarf, this one lighter than my other gray scarf, and some darker brown boots than I can recreate this look."

The options are endless. I've chosen some randomly shallow examples, minus the baby example, but there are so many ways we desire what others have. However, that incomplete image of their lives takes away from my ability to love that person or care about them. When I envy or want what they have, I cannot see anything else about that person, their life, or what they are experiencing. I can't see pain, suffering, or a place where I can step in and be a friend. I can only see the extra money they have to fly to Hawaii or my own inability to pay for such a trip at this moment in life.

Even if I don't desire their possessions, but their happiness or their outlook on life, I can so easily run down the road of coveting what it is they have just because I compare my life to their incomplete image on Facebook.

It's easy for these social media desires to go unchecked. We simply justify our feelings and either:
1. Get addicted to that person's life and stalk them and their pictures regularly while feeling sorry for ourselves at the same time; or
2. Easily dislike someone we don't know really well without seeming to harm our relationship with that person

In real life, if we envy a friend, it doesn't take long before we see the repercussions of that envy in the way we treat them. We'll snap at any complaint they have or have little sympathy for them. And there is always the "one-up" on how bad our lives are. We simply won't love them well. But on Facebook or a blog, with someone we haven't seen since high school or have never met, it's a different story. It seems as though it wouldn't matter if we like the person or not. They aren't actually hurt by the situation. But our own hearts are not ok. Our own hearts are still crying out about how unfair life is or about our inability to control our own situations.

The truth is we aren't in control, not completely. We are limited by what we are able to do and how we are able to think. And our sinful desires, actions, and repercussions trip us up daily. They prevent us from moving forward and away from envying our neighbor or Facebook friend. Without God's grace and my daily awareness of this issue, I would become sad and bitter towards anyone whose situation seemed better than mine. But things are rarely what they seem. I am learning that every single day, and it is pure joy to be able to love other people wherever they are.