ants

There is a species of ants, (and beetles, according to Annie Dillard), that will get so caught up in what they are doing, that they follow each other around in circles until they dieThis is a lot like us as humans. I see someone excel at something and think "I have to be good at that". Ultimately our deep desire is to be wholly loved, and we think we can earn it by doing what other people do. I deal with this issue often; that's why I have this quote on the side of this blog "I am me and you are you..."
It's like:

When Peter saw [John], he asked, 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.'

(John 21:21-22)

Help.

awe

How many different kinds of vegetables are there?
Some people don't like vegetables. They think that they don't taste good. I think they eat bad vegetables. Even a lot of "organic" things taste like water and pesticides. I doubt their verity. If people ate these vegetable, they would be in awe.

From the DuPont Circle Farmers Market Sunday...

This first one is called tatsoi.
It was so spicy but kind of like spinach or bok choi... and what a pretty flower!!!



These are radishes.


Yes, ALL OF THEM! They are all so different and they taste different too.

Confession: I don't really understand the difference between radishes and turnips. But I am going to try to cook some of the radish greens this week.

In all due respect for vegetables, Geoff points out the importance of meat in meals. Yes. Even Sarah and I have turned to our carnivorous tendencies for sustenance in these winter months. Maybe I should have posted a picture of the goat chops!

top 10 wedding gifts

My company posted some cubicles on craigslist. This is one of the responses I received:

I am really serious and willing to buy this item but i am presently on a tour and will be spending about 3 weeks. I want to get the item for my cousin's wedding as a surprise gift as i would not be available on the day of the occasion.

First off, he's on tour??? I wonder if he is a famous artist with a pseudonym. Do famous people shop on craigslist??

But of more interest... What a present...

"Surprise! Happy Wedding! I bought you the cubicles you registered for, they will go great in your new home with the carpet you picked out..."
hahahaha

language barriers -> joys

A friend of mine is in China teaching English.
He received the following email from a student:
__________________________________________

I'm Dick.This is my E-mail address.I think you are very funny.I love people who can tell many interisting tings to me.I think you are my teacher,also are my friend.My

classmates were all like you.Do you remember Paul,the boy can walk spacewalk.He is my best friend,we like playing basketball.Do you know,I was a member of the school volleyball team.I like playing volleyball.Do you like it?By the why,where do you live in Chengdu,If we have time,We will take you sightseeing in Chengdu.

__________________________________________
My dad runs a translation company, so I am acutely aware of poor translations. However, to be honest, I am attune to both the barriers and the opportunities of language differences.
Here's my friend in a foreign place, with different customs and words. But in putting himself there, he opens himself up to opportunities to connect with different types of people.
And the student! The student writes in a vulnerable way which Americans would by shy to near in their communication. This welcomes my friend into the otherwise obscure world of the student in such a raw way.
Does any of that analysis make sense?
I can't put into words how joyful I think this is

mess

Last night, I attempted to make a pecan crust. It turned out soupy, so I made it into a crumble topping for an apple pomegranate crisp.

I made an apple marzipan galette, too.


When cleaning everything up, I poured a bag of (raw organic) sugar all over the counter, my pants, socks, and the floor.

"I am such a mess."

I sighed.

Ellen asked me, "Did I tell you I used the blender to make dinner last night?"

"no?"

"Well I was unaware that when you blend something you have to hold the lid down..."

Creamy white wine sauce splattered all over the kitchen.

:)

Why are we so afraid that others will see how messy we are?
Do we really think that they are less of a mess?

I hear about the splatter, and yet, my idea of Ellen has in no way fallen to the depths of kitchen doom. She's my really really good friend and her messiness will never change that.
So in hearing of her mess, and knowing my high esteem for her, I look at my mess with less self-deprecation. It's not comparison. It's the domino- effect of grace.

blog award?

Rosalyn gave me a blog award! WOWZERS.

THANK YOU, friend!!!

I don't think I should get one, since I rarely post, and when I do it is ridiculously pointless. But hey, if Obama can get the Nobel Peace Prize...

Sooo, I shall continue this blog-love according to the rules that I guess work out here:

The rules: use only one word, pass along to six favorite bloggers, and tell 'em you did so.Take it away-

1. Where is your cell phone? desk

2. Your hair? straight

3. Your mother? cray-cray

4. Your father? daddy

5. Your favorite food? icecream

6. Your dream last night? umm

7. Your favorite drink? kombucha

8. Your dream/goal? farm

9. What room are you in? cube

10. Your hobby? life

11. Your fear? doubt

12. Where do you want to be in six years? adventuring

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? challenged :(

15. Muffins? glutenous

16. Wish list item? bike

17. Where did you grow up? usa

18. Last thing you did? email

19. What are you wearing? brown

20. Your TV? what?

21. Your pets? haha

22. Friends? yes

23. Your life? highway.

24. Your mood? smiley

25. Missing someone? distance...

26. Vehicle? escape(h)

27. Something you're not wearing? belt

28. Your favorite store? anthropologie

29. Your favorite color? blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? morning

31. Last time you cried? sunday

32. Your best friend? friends

33. One place that I could go over and over? running

34. One person who emails you regularly? Janet

35. Favorite place to eat? kitchen

The People I'm going to tag:

Esther- What amazing creativity!!! You inspire me, love.

Julia- Oh the brilliance of her subtle humor!

Logan - What a blessing it is to live with this lovely lady.

Sarah - We need to play more. Hope she will blog about Vegas...


Blogs are for boredom.

yuppie

Has someone written a book about this?

"It's was originaly YUPE (Young Upwardly Progressive Entrereneur)"- urbandictionary.com
(did anyone notice the incorrect grammar AND spelling there?)

Yuppie things:
bottled water (esp. fiji)
starbucks
jcrew
urban outfitters
tapas
iphone, mac products in general
crackberries
kickball/soccer/softball leagues after work
happy hour
reading the book: Stuff White People Like
yoga classes
elliptical machines
spinning classes
5 year high school reunion
bolt bus and NY2DC
mac'n'cheese at fancy restaurants = good escape for finicky eaters
the office
brie- cheeses other than 'merican
GirlTalk
netflix
Arlington
living in Columbia Hts; being "exposed to other cultures"
gmail
hiking (not intensely, though)
listening to live jazz
whole foods/farmers markets
walking your small dog after work
rowing
wearing glasses as an accessory

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thank you to Remington Shepard for the majority of this ingenious material!