Hare-brained Ideas

My family specializes in them. This time though, it might actually work. I have class in 20 minutes though, so rather than me trying to explain, go read about it here on my sister's blog.

Useless quote:

Scabrous pirates to you
-Face Loran (or was it Ton Phanan (either way the book was written by Aaron Allston))

Calculus here I come (with a short pitstop for a caffeinated beverage)

This, That and Wicked

So, I am sitting here at my table getting very sleepy and munching contentedly on Sam's Choice Orchard Trail which features "A rich and fruity autumn harvest of chocolate raspberry chips, yogurt raisins, apples, apricots, walnuts, and cashews" (Maybe contented munching will slow my weight loss.) and thinking that I need to post. Ya'll haven't heard from me in a week. And what a week it has been. I had two mid-terms that I did horribly on (badly even by normal standards), went to Wicked with my family, just spent several hours at a birthday party, and have promised to make dinner for the folks in "the main house" tomorrow between church.

I meant to write a post about Wicked earlier, but my sister and I spent most of the morning running around. When we returned I finished the dishes and started working on my fafsa. By the time I noticed how late it was, I was 45 minutes late for the birthday party. I walked out my front door, around through the gate, and three houses down the street to the party. On being accused of being late, I claimed to have been stuck in traffic. For some reason it didn't fly. I was still there in time for carne asada though, and what carne asada it was. Mmmmmmmmmmmm, num num num, good, mmnmmnmm, want more. Sorry, got distracted there.
Later R brought out her new cello, and her brother J, who is extremely gifted musically, started fiddling around with it. Somewhat later, we had the cello and a guitar being played by people who did not know how, the piano being played by someone who did know how and was attempting to follow, and three of us doing a slightly choreographed clapping and extended right foot tapping thing. Then someone brought out some spoons and joined the band and several more clappers joined (the faint signs of choreography faded). Now we had the start of a regular hoe-down going, so we persuaded a couple of the younger girls to "square-dance" for us. They linked arms and skipped around each other, then switched directions a couple of times before leaving the dance floor.
The next item on out impromptu program was a bit unexpected. BR had a couple of pan lids which he had been clapping together like cymbals. He suddenly burst into the central area and began jigging around clapping them in front, behind, and then over his head. Next, he began high kicking in time with our beat. He would first clap the lids high, then below his right leg, high again, and then below his left leg. It was hysterical. Our beat nearly faltered for a moment as we doubled over laughing.
R decided that her mother, who had gone to the apartment out back, needed to see this performance, so 8 or 10 of us trooped out the door and around the house to the apartment door where we spread into a semi circle around the cello and a space for our star and started clapping and J started playing. We decided to sing too and began chanting hey-hey-hey-hey-heya-hey-hey and making warbling noises. SD, R and J's mother, opened the door and stuck her head out curiously; this was BR's cue, he gave a very enthusiastic performance, then bowed low. SD laughed and smiled. Then she told us that K and M, my landlords, should see it, so we gathered more people to clap and trooped down the street with the cello to repeat the performance. It was after this performance that we began wishing people a merry Christmas and concluded that we were Christmas caroling. So what if it is a little off season. We piled into cars and went to disrupt the peace in a few more neighborhoods.

But I was supposed to be posting about Wicked. My littlest sis wanted to go for her birthday, and my little sis and I weren't about to let her and my parents go without us, so Daddy got five tickets, and we all went. It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. The theatre was a historic building with really neat architectural features, so I enjoyed myself even before the doors were opened. We went to the little cafe next door and got drinks to enjoy and keep us warm while we waited and admired. Architecture and drinks weren't what we drove hours to see though, the doors did open, and they eventually let us begin seating. We really scored on the seats: orchestra section, row Z, dead center. A few rows closer might not have been bad, but we had a wonderful view of the entire stage: close enough to see but not so close that we were craning our necks to see the sides or the top. The curtain was a map of Oz which featured a glowing green Emerald City. I was so engrossed that I did not realize until I looked at my watch that two hours had passed before the intermission. The actress who played Elphaba was an amazingly good singer. Actually, they all were. I just liked her songs better. I was going to hit a couple of high points, but I am having a bit of trouble narrowing it down from the-entire-evening. I adore live theater and don't get to see it very often at all. So, to avoid just summarizing the entire show, which has already been done, I am going to move on now.

Actually, having noticed the time, I am going to skip the other thing I was going to write about, and move on to bed - and sleep.

But first, Quotes (since this is such a long rambley post, it needs more than one):

Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt.
–Gandalf

Sleeping penguins are less violent than penguins who are not sleeping.
–Marc Abrams

Hey, no pretense here. I am genuinely self-centered and deeply shallow.
-Fiyero

Goodnight all

The Song of Sun Tea

This was originally posted on my other blog and was lost along with everything else, but Blessed remembered that it was saved to her computer and salvaged it for the world to see.

The Song of Sun Tea


The warmth of the sun
The richness of its rays
Upon me they shine
And enrichen my tone

The clear tasteless liquid I am
Turns to golden delight
As on the porch rail I sit
And soak in the suns beam

My golden shadow grows long
As the time passes by
My golden heart beats strong
The time now has come

My fluid heart cries out
To those within
They check their watches
And scurry out the door

They see my ripened color
And the sun-glow within
They know it is time
For me to come in

On the counter I sit
As I am sweetened with care
The love in my heart grows strong
As the sugar settles in

Oh no – they’ve turned
They’ve walked away
Come back and drink me
My liquid heart cries out

My golden heart starts to break
And a tear forms in my eye
Then I see them return
With a glass, some ice

Oh joy has returned
As I pour out my all
For this human who set me
Where I did brew in the sun

My mission fulfilled
I slide down their throat
Their desire has been satisfied
Their soul is refreshed

Would you know pure contentment
On this globe of despair
Pour a glass of pure gold
And share it with a friend

Bring someone to the pleasure
Of a glass of liquid sunlight
And join in the delight
Of ice cold sun tea


By The Muse, Blessed & our freshly brewed jar of sun tea

Thanks Blessed for editing my profile photo for me.

Catch-up

There have been a few things that I have wanted to blog about this week, but I did not have time, so this my be a long post.

First,I participated in the Valentine's Day Swap, over at Island Life. My parter, a wonderful woman named Sue who blogs over at Living My Dream, sent me a lovely package. I wish I could show you a picture, but alas, I cannot, so description it is. The first thing out of the box was a set of Sweet Pea scented lotion, shower gel, and bubble bath. Next a pad of pink sticky notes with a really neat border emerged. A gigantic homemade chocolate kiss was next - seriously, it is over three inches tall and weighs more than 6 ounces - it's very good. The last thing in the box was a suspicious flattened object which turned out to be a package of Ferraro Rocher chocolates. All of this was wrapped up and packed in lovely red tissue paper with white and pink hearts all over it which made the package very festive in a Valentinesy sort of way.

Single But Not Alone
Also far more serious than I like to be in public, but here goes.
Growing up, I have known a lot of people who equated their value with their “relationships.” Young girls, even at twelve and thirteen and even younger, devoted much of their time and energy to drawing the eyes of the young boys. Older girls, who were still way too young to marry, would actively bemoan the fact that they did not have a boyfriend. These were girls who had many friends, both male and female, and good, supportive parents. I have watched people who at 18 and 19 were so eager to marry that they sacrificed many things which had previously been at the center of who they were in the search for a partner. All of this because they did not want to be alone.
I am quite distinctly single, but by no means am I alone. I am in my early twenties and have never had a serious boyfriend. I still have no prospects. In fact there seems to be a serious famine in the area of single, intelligent, Godly young men. However, there are many people who love me and are there for me when I need them.
Since it was Valentine’s which started me on this line of thought, I will start there. On Wednesday evening, I got home from school to find a red rose in a bud vase with a white teddy bear holding it sitting on the table waiting for me. My father had come twenty minutes out of his way from dropping my grandparents off at the airport to remind my sister and me that we were his special girls. There was also a large cardboard heart of chocolates from my grandparents. Also, my younger sister, who does not have a job, bought me a small box of chocolates. Also, I got a text and an email from a couple of friends wishing me a Happy Singles Awareness Day. That evening a couple in the church invited the youth group over for carne asada.
That was a holiday yes, but it does not stop there. I have the most wonderful Daddy a girl could ever ask for. He loves his girls, and even though he doesn’t talk much, he makes sure we know that we are one of the most important things in his world. I have a sweet Mother. I have a best friend that I can, and do, call at 2 am just because I am frustrated with my life and need someone to talk to. I have three sisters who put up with me and occasionally tell me to snap out of it.
Now, I know that not everyone has as strong of a support network as I do. But there is one thing that is even bigger than what I have already said. I know that God has a plan for my life. If He wants me to marry (which I think that He does), then somewhere out there is the man for me. I do not want to rush it and stumble into something that I will regret later.


Quote:

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
-Prov 4:23 KJV

Singles Awareness Day

I meant to post this yesterday in honor of the day, but I was never had an opportunity, so here it is now.

Dear.....

I regret to inform you that you have been eliminated from further contention as Mr. Right. As you are probably aware, the competition was exceedingly tough and dozens of well-qualified candidates such as yourself also failed to make the final cut. I will, however, keep your name on file should an opening become available. So that you may find better success in your future romantic endeavors, please allow me to offer the following reason(s) you were disqualified from the competition.

Check those that apply:
__Your last name is objectionable. I can't imagine taking it, hyphenating it, or subjecting my children to it.
__ Your first name is objectionable. It's just not something I can picture myself yelling out in a fit of passion.
__The fact that our dining experiences to date has left MY wallet a little lighter, and YOUR waistline a little tighter.
__You failed the 20 Question Rule, i.e., I asked you 20 questions about yourself before you asked me more than one about myself.
__Your constant e-mailing shows me you have TOO much time on your hands!
__Your legs are skinnier than mine.
__You're too short. Any son that we produced would inevitably be beaten up repeatedly at recess.
__You're too tall. I'm developing a chronic neck condition from trying to kiss you.
__I find your inability to fix my car extraordinarily unappealing.
__The fact that your apartment has been condemned reveals an inherent slovenliness that I fear is unbreakable.
__The phrase "My Mother" has popped up far too often in conversation.
__You still live with your parents.
__Although I do enjoy the X-Files, I find your wardrobe of Star Trek uniforms a little disconcerting.
__Your frequent references to your ex-girlfriend lead me to suspect that you are some sort of psychotic stalker.
__Your ability to belch the alphabet is not a trait that I am seeking in a long-term partner.
__Your height is out of proportion to your weight. If you should however, happen to gain the necessary 17 vertical inches, please resubmit your application.
__I am out of your league, set your sights lower next time.

Sincerely,
Me


I typed part of the biking post the other day before my laptop battery died. I will continue working on it, but right now I need to hurry to work.

Hasta la vista

Ugh, I am so tired. It is nearly 2 am, and I have just now finished my homework (sort of). The worst part is that I have to be back up in four and a half hours now. Double ugh.
Anyway, since I can never go straight from homework to bed and sleep (fall asleep on my book, yes. Move to my bed and sleep, no.), I figured I would post something.

So, my brain is not functional right now; here is a link to a very funny description of what moving from biking on tarmac to biking on trails would require.
Click here

The next time that I have time, energy, and internet simultaneously, I will post about some of my experiences biking around the university campus.

Oh, also my apologies for not passing on the award. I blame the evil quarter system. Perhaps I should post about that one day too; I have theories.

Quote:

The field had been getting increasingly solemn and grandiose, and to my eyes was long overdue for a good lampooning. (Anything or anyone who falls into the trap of taking themselves too seriously is fair game for this, …)
- Robert Asprin

G'night all

P.S. Blessed, I was just thinking about how you used to sing for us at night; I miss it.

I got an award

My blog has been awarded with this

a rating of excellent. Thank you Blessed; I am honored.

I would pass this award on, but I have a bio exam on Monday that I haven't started studying for yet. Check back in a couple of days, and maybe I will have awarded a couple of other blogs.

Quote:
Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.
-C. S. Lewis

I'm off to study

Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls

I made a batch of these last night and they were so good and so quick that I decided to share them. My sister and I both wanted something sweet last night, but nearly everything we thought of involved at least one ingredient that we did not have. Finally I realized that there was a can of biscuits hanging out in the refrigerator door. I promptly decided that biscuit cinnamon rolls were in order and went to the house to borrow their rolling pin. Now, you're going to have to bear with me a bit here because I like to see pictures to go along with recipes, but I don't have a camera; and I am notoriously bad about measuring anything, so most measurements are guesstamations if they even exist. And finally, the recipe:

You will need:
1 can of biscuits, or you can make homemade dough if you like; a stick of butter; sugar; cinnamon; and anything else that you want in them, raisins or other dried fruit would be excellent, as would nuts

Start 3 to 4 tablespoons of butter melting. Open the biscuit can and flatten the column, keep them stacked on top of each other because they will try to separate at any seams when rolled. Flour the cabinet and your rolling pin and roll the flattened stack of biscuits out in rectangular shape until it is about this big *gestures*. I think that it was about 3/8 inches thick and 2 1/2 times as long as it was wide. Pour the butter over the top spreading it all around and all the way to both short edges and 1 long edge and close to the fourth edge, it will probably pool, this is good. Now start another tablespoon or two melting. Mix about half a cup of sugar with enough cinnamon that the mixture is properly brown, you know how much you like. Add any other spices you want to the mix. Sprinkle the stuff liberally over the buttered surface of the dough. I mean pile it thick, nothing worse that getting a plain biscuit because someone was stingy with the cinnamon and sugar. Save what is left for your toast in the morning. If you want fruit or nuts dice them up tiny and sprinkle them on now; I wanted almonds or pecans, but we didn't have any. Now, starting at the long edge that has the most butter, roll it up snugly but not too tight. Get a knife and cut it into slices about as thick as the original biscuits were. Lay them out on whatever you would like to cook them on and poor the butter over the top of them. Bake according the biscuit package directions, and start working on the glaze.

The glaze I think is what made these so wonderful. It was a bit of an experiment since I didn't have what I needed to make a classic glaze.

You will need:
The rest of the stick of butter (2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons), about an ounce of cream cheese, sugar, milk, and vanilla

Put the butter and cream cheese in a small saucepan and pour in enough milk that you don't have to worry about them trying to burn, then add another splash for good measure. Stir until the butter melts. The cream cheese probably won't melt, but mash it up so the chunks are small. Add sugar until it taste sweet enough, I think I used about half a cup. Splash in a couple of teaspoons of vanilla. Sample. Add whatever you feel like adding. Sample again.

When the biscuit come out of the oven, poor the glaze over them. Wait a few minutes (or 30 seconds) then devour them.

It only took me about 20-25 minutes from borrowing the rolling pin to returning it with hot samples, and all of the ingredients were things that even we, who have no room for anything extraneous and no time to bake, had on hand. Enjoy


Quote:

The Steinway people have asked me to announce that this is a Baldwin piano.
-Victor Borge

So long