I'm ashamed...I broke my deadline. When I first began writing I made a pact with myself to post once a week, typically Tuesdays, but I succumbed to the holidays over the past two weeks. And I don't regret that! I love Christmas time at home. Lots of dark chocolate, pumpkin bread, and brunch. It's certainly not my most healthy time of year but you can't celebrate a plump, rosy-nosed man visiting all the houses in the WORLD in one night without indulging in some treats. I do miss the days of Santa. I'll always remember the moment the truth came crashing down on me. My sister and her friend told me Santa wasn't real but I refused to believe it. Instead, my friend Lindsay and I deduced a plan to compare Santa's handwritten letters in response to those we left for him on Christmas Eve. The ending of this story won't be much of a shock: the handwriting wasn't the same. The world as we knew it was ruined. Who doesn't want to believe a stranger falls down our chimneys one night a year?
On Saturday, I attended my five-year high school reunion. So many fun and interesting people to catch up/cut a rug with. My dear friend and biggest blog fan Mara, gave me the idea of a "five-year reflection" piece. She's brilliant. It aligns perfectly. So I'm sitting here thinking back to 2009. I had spent two weeks in Panama that summer after graduating high school, sleeping in hammocks in bamboo huts among the Kuna tribe, camping on a deserted island, and weathering a tropical storm. When August rolled around and I had to say goodbye to my favorite people I grew up with, I felt this fear that I hadn't experienced before. I had lived a very comfortable, happy life in Concord through my childhood and adolescence. Then suddenly there is this huge switch you're expected to slide right into. I was miserable for the 12-hour drive to Virginia and spent the first night in my dorm room crying and pleading for my parents to turn around and pick me up. By the end of the week, I didn't ever want to go home.
By this time five years ago, I had finished my first semester of college and spent New Year's Eve talking about Spring rush and getting so excited to join a sorority. As a freshman, everything is so enticing and overwhelming. As I continued to adjust to the college setting, I realized I felt more grounded as an independent than a member of a sorority. Ironically enough, every single one of my friends joined a sorority and I was left to my own devices. But guess what? It all worked out. I remained in strong friendships with them and also grew to find solace in the time I had to myself to focus on the work I felt passionately about. Although that didn't start until Sophomore year.
Summer after freshman year I'm pretty sure I wasted away laying in my backyard ruining my skin for my future self. Then we officially moved out of my childhood home...to a rental one street over. I visited my boyfriend's family in Pennsylvania for the first time. Went in for the handshake with his grandfather while he went in for the hug and was called a Menonite. Trey also visited my family that summer for the first time, walking in the house to meet my mother while I walked out of the bathroom in a towel, most likely embarassing all parties. Spent Fourth of July on Cape Cod with my friends Sophie and Ida. I essentially experienced my last summer with zero responsibilities.
I won't delve into the details of each passing year, but reflecting on them puts into perspective just how much has changed in a short period of time. Or maybe five years is a long period of time, depends how you look at it. The changes that come about in the next five years will be even crazier. And then I'll find myself back in Boston for our 10-year high school reunion, but I don't have a clue as to where I'll be or what I'll be doing. So cheers to 2014 passing and to a promising 2015!
Also, I've seen two shooting stars in the past week so I'd like to think that's a good sign.
12/31/14
12/16/14
Exploring Small Corners
Under two weeks in Columbus and we're back on the road. This time I had a slightly different perspective on I-70 and I-76: the luxurious passenger's seat. Bum warmer and all. The beginning of the Winter season is funny - in one part of the state you'll find everything covered in snow while another part still claims fields of greenery. During a quick pass through West Virginia, we came across a Subway drive-thru. Somehow during the 13-hour drive back and forth from school in Virginia to Boston, I've never encountered such a destination. I don't know why my mind was blown. But apparently West Virginians are strong supporters as the line was nearly eight cars deep. I love that we think there isn't even enough time to park our cars and walk inside for a sandwich. At Subway we promote healthy sandwiches, weight loss, and sedentary lifestyles! But I digress.
I did leave Charm City feeling, well, charmed. I look forward to coming back for a more extended visit. More so in the past year I've heard a lot of people (or read in magazines) talk about how much U.S. residents overlook travel within the U.S. There is the coveted Eurotrip that so many college grads embark on, or the Caribbean island paradise whose crystal waters we dream about. Of course, both are worth visiting, but there is something to be said about exploring the other 49 states. When we think of culture, we automatically jump across oceans. But culture varies town by town just within one state. The possibilities across the country are endless. Some day I will find my way to the Mediterranean, but I'm also just as excited to hit the West Coast and move from sunny California beaches, to the Redwood Forest, to the foodie city of Portland, to rainy Seattle. That trip is in my plan for 2015. I don't know exactly how or when, but I'm craving it.
Until then, I will continue getting to know my new city here in Columbus. What is less than shocking, is my bucket list filled with cafes, restaurants, and brunch spots I'm dying to try. Crave Magazine is essentially their way to a food lover's heart, and Edible Columbus is the way into their soul. When I'm not reading about the best local spots, I'm searching for jobs connected in any way to food. Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy for caring about food as much as I do. Or wondering why I HAVE to work with food or else I almost feel bored. I've slowly started to figure it out.
I spent five hours working at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank today, assisting families with their "shopping". It was fantastically interesting to someone with a sociology/anthropology background. With all the volunteer jobs I've experienced, this was the first where I was actually interacting with and leading the individuals being helped. Whether it's been harvesting produce from the ground or packing boxes to be donated, I've never had the opportunity to talk to the recipients. You might be struck by an individual's appearance in one way or another, or wonder what their history is, or why they need grociers from a food bank. There was a woman probably in her 30's wearing scrubs, who I can only guess had just come from work. I found myself wondering so many things about her life. I worked with a family shopping for five, and the teenagers were glued to their iPhones and Beats by Dre headphones. I will absolutely never make an assumption about the "type" of person in any kind of need, but these small details do get me thinking about people's lifestyles.
There are too many personalities and ways of life to ever fully understand the world. But maybe it's less about understanding it and more about living in it.
Somewhere in the middle of our Serial podcast marathon (check it out, especially captivating for a long drive) I dozed off and woke up to what felt like a different part of the country. We had left the blue skies of Columbus and entered into a hazy, wintery mix somewhere along the expanse of Pennsylvania.
In need of a second dose of caffeine, we stopped at what I can only imagine to be the most quaint rest stop in the Eastern U.S. Maybe I can't make that sweeping statement, but how precious is this?! South Midway, in case you ever happen to be in that area.
The long stretch of drive eventually led us to Charm City. I had never spent time in downtown Baltimore, so I realized the travel requirements for Trey's work schedule might actually be benefitting me. After dropping him off at what felt like camp, I took myself on a bit of a walking tour. Mind you, the Waterfront is no less beautiful than in the summer but that wind is definitely not the romantic breeze you get in June. You would think - or I would hope - that growing up through New England winters would equip me with tough skin, but sadly I have the tolerance of a Floridian in 60-degree weather. It didn't matter today, though. There is something almost majestic about exploring an unfamiliar area with absolutely no itinerary, no map, just the will to keep walking. While waiting to cross the street, I smiled at an older woman who in turn struck up conversation. We proceeded across the street and walked and talked for the next five minutes. You can learn a lot about a person in that time. Edna is a 72-year-old retired special education teacher who lives on the East side of the city and enjoys her retirement by taking walks around the Waterfront and visiting "the best spot in town" for lunch. She retired earlier than planned, but was exhausted and ultimately grateful for her fully functional body to move about and take in her city. Lots of kindness out there. You don't have to look too hard.
I was only in Baltimore for about two hours but it felt like vacation. Technically it was. Vacation doesn't need to be measured in days or weeks or tropical islands, but rather any moment you can steal away from your every-day routine. And look where it took me - cobblestone streets! One of my absolute favorite things. You just don't see them in many places anymore and they add such wonderful character.
I was only in Baltimore for about two hours but it felt like vacation. Technically it was. Vacation doesn't need to be measured in days or weeks or tropical islands, but rather any moment you can steal away from your every-day routine. And look where it took me - cobblestone streets! One of my absolute favorite things. You just don't see them in many places anymore and they add such wonderful character.
I did leave Charm City feeling, well, charmed. I look forward to coming back for a more extended visit. More so in the past year I've heard a lot of people (or read in magazines) talk about how much U.S. residents overlook travel within the U.S. There is the coveted Eurotrip that so many college grads embark on, or the Caribbean island paradise whose crystal waters we dream about. Of course, both are worth visiting, but there is something to be said about exploring the other 49 states. When we think of culture, we automatically jump across oceans. But culture varies town by town just within one state. The possibilities across the country are endless. Some day I will find my way to the Mediterranean, but I'm also just as excited to hit the West Coast and move from sunny California beaches, to the Redwood Forest, to the foodie city of Portland, to rainy Seattle. That trip is in my plan for 2015. I don't know exactly how or when, but I'm craving it.
Until then, I will continue getting to know my new city here in Columbus. What is less than shocking, is my bucket list filled with cafes, restaurants, and brunch spots I'm dying to try. Crave Magazine is essentially their way to a food lover's heart, and Edible Columbus is the way into their soul. When I'm not reading about the best local spots, I'm searching for jobs connected in any way to food. Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy for caring about food as much as I do. Or wondering why I HAVE to work with food or else I almost feel bored. I've slowly started to figure it out.
I spent five hours working at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank today, assisting families with their "shopping". It was fantastically interesting to someone with a sociology/anthropology background. With all the volunteer jobs I've experienced, this was the first where I was actually interacting with and leading the individuals being helped. Whether it's been harvesting produce from the ground or packing boxes to be donated, I've never had the opportunity to talk to the recipients. You might be struck by an individual's appearance in one way or another, or wonder what their history is, or why they need grociers from a food bank. There was a woman probably in her 30's wearing scrubs, who I can only guess had just come from work. I found myself wondering so many things about her life. I worked with a family shopping for five, and the teenagers were glued to their iPhones and Beats by Dre headphones. I will absolutely never make an assumption about the "type" of person in any kind of need, but these small details do get me thinking about people's lifestyles.
There are too many personalities and ways of life to ever fully understand the world. But maybe it's less about understanding it and more about living in it.
12/9/14
Soup is so Underrated
I've been selfish lately...cooking so many delicious meals and not sharing them! Well, technically I shared one of them as part of our Thanksgiving meal. And since that brings us back a couple of weeks, we'll start there. I wish I could say I created this recipe in my own mind, but I can't take credit. What I CAN do is tell you it's the best soup I've ever cooked.
Squash. Coconut. Ginger. It's all too exciting.
Butternut Squash Soup
Recipe adapated from Half Baked Harvest
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb. Butternut Squash, peeled and chopped up
- Coconut Oil or Olive Oil
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, washed and chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. Curry, Smoked Paprika, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Chili Powder, Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin
- 1 14 oz. can Coconut Milk (If you want a "light" version, buy 1 can of full fat and add water to double your money's worth. But we do need fat. Fat is good.)
- 2 Cups Vegetable Broth
- Goat cheese if you want! The original recipe suggests 4 oz. but I only had a smidgen of what was left from my cheese plate the night before - more goat cheese the merrier
Coconut Ginger Cream
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk (perfect way to use the rest of your single full fat can if you watered it down to increase volume)
- 2 Tbsp. Freshly Grated Ginger (I keep ginger in the freezer so it's super easy to peel and grate)
Instructions
Heat oil over medium heat in large pot, adding red pepper and minced garlic to cook for 3 minutes. Throw in your squash and beautiful array of spices, stirring and cooking for about 5 minutes. Next, add the coconut milk and broth, bringing everything to a boil, then cover and simmer the concoction for 25 minutes.
CRUCIAL step: mix your other serving of coconut milk and ginger together and pop in the fridge. The ginger cream is just brilliant and the entire point of the soup, in my opinion.
Simply add your preferred amount of goat cheese to the pot as the soup finishes cooking, and blend in batches with either a food processor or blender. Serve the soup hot with the chilled coconut ginger cream drizzled in each cup.
While we're drooling over coconut milk....keep an eye out for the next savory post for a different take on the wholesome spicy & creamy combo!
12/4/14
A Small Life Note
Money. Success. Failure. It all comes and goes. We're all searching for our next triumph or simply a place to begin. If we spend too much time dwelling on these facts of life, they have a way of controlling our thoughts and attitudes. I've always tried to tell myself that money doesn't matter. The reality is, it does matter; But it's the extent to which we let it matter that is most crucial. The greatest challenge is to find the balance that allows you to pursue what you feel passionately about while still exercising control over the factors that create stability. Some people are lucky enough to find their success, passion, and stability in the same place, while others might struggle to find the passion in their success or to elicit success from their passion. We all fall into different categories. I, for one, am still trying to fuse everything together.
I can't award myself too many wisdom points yet, but I certainly know a few things to be true.
Surround yourself with people that bring positivity into your life, that challenge you to see beyond the threat of an obstacle, and make life a little less serious. When I initially began working in a restaurant after completing my undergrad, I told myself it would simply be a source of income while I searched for that "real job". And there's my first problem. I ran into a neighbor from my hometown who had the audacity to ask how my parents felt about me not having a "real job". I'm putting "real job" in quotes because who gets to define what a real job is? Is there one master checklist that must be completed to qualify? We need to stop talking to college students about this supposed "real world" where everyone needs a "real job". Turns out it's actually a bit condescending.
I may not have been in a $60,000/year position, but once I stopped beating myself up for not yet figuring out life, I found so much joy from the people I was spending my days with. And this can't be something I'm just tellng myself because I undeniably sobbed all over our chefs on my last day. Make genuine connections. You'll be better for it.
I can't award myself too many wisdom points yet, but I certainly know a few things to be true.
Surround yourself with people that bring positivity into your life, that challenge you to see beyond the threat of an obstacle, and make life a little less serious. When I initially began working in a restaurant after completing my undergrad, I told myself it would simply be a source of income while I searched for that "real job". And there's my first problem. I ran into a neighbor from my hometown who had the audacity to ask how my parents felt about me not having a "real job". I'm putting "real job" in quotes because who gets to define what a real job is? Is there one master checklist that must be completed to qualify? We need to stop talking to college students about this supposed "real world" where everyone needs a "real job". Turns out it's actually a bit condescending.
I may not have been in a $60,000/year position, but once I stopped beating myself up for not yet figuring out life, I found so much joy from the people I was spending my days with. And this can't be something I'm just tellng myself because I undeniably sobbed all over our chefs on my last day. Make genuine connections. You'll be better for it.
12/2/14
The Mid-West?
This year's post-Thanksgiving weekend didn't involve lazy hours on the couch watching Friends marathons. As quickly as I embraced actual friends home visiting for the holiday, I was hugging them goodbye "until next time". Between Saturday morning and Sunday evening, I spent an intimate 16 hours in Subaru Susan from Concord, MA to Lancaster, PA and finally to Columbus, OH.
The first hour of my drive out of Massachusetts was bittersweet as I passed by the snow-covered apple orchards that, much like the couple on the night before Christmas, had just settled down for a long winter's nap. I knew it would be a long journey ahead, so of course I prepared by organizing my music and downloading audiobooks, only to find an hour in that my 2003 Subaru's cassette player (yes, they exist) was broken and therefore my entire entertainment plan was garbage. While laughing to suppress tears, I discovered my circle scarf would do more than keep me cozy. For the duration of the trip, my iPhone was nestled into the nook of my scarf just close enough to my ears that my singing remained in tune and the whooshing noises from my car cruising above 50 mph fell to the background.
Fun Fact: All gas stations and rest stops are currently selling packages of 2 half-pound Reeses cups to promote Diabetes this holiday season. York Peppermint Patties are also participating.
Let me tell you, the drive from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania is much more interesting than the drive from Pennsylvania to Ohio. If I was driving by myself PA → OH I probably would have turned around. You're basically on the same stretch of highway the entire 400 miles. Good news is gas costs .30 cents less than Boston at $2.63!
Trey and I didn't actually get our apartment keys until Monday morning. While waiting for our keys to be copied, we toured ourselves around the "clubhouse". Here, you'll find a small private movie theater, a lounge room, as well as a small gym. An apartment with access to these amenities in Boston would easily be double the price, it's so silly what you get away with over here. But the extras are just icing on the cake - our apartment is so great! There's so much space! And the best part is the built-in e-center attached to the kitchen area which I have dubbed "The Blog Desk".
We're still missing a couch and any kind of lighting in the living room and bedroom areas but I don't even mind it right now. Oh and a bed. So last night we had a bit of an indoor camping situation as shown below. The idea is fun, the floor is hard.
We're still missing a couch and any kind of lighting in the living room and bedroom areas but I don't even mind it right now. Oh and a bed. So last night we had a bit of an indoor camping situation as shown below. The idea is fun, the floor is hard.
The settling in to the apartment itself hasn't been very difficult; In fact, I find myself feeling much more comfortable in this new home than I ever expected. Then again, I haven't started to venture much outside the apartment yet so I should bite my tongue. I have, however, gone out for a large grocery run at Kroger, where I made a new friend. Meat Man Michael, I like to call him. His name is Michael and he works in the meat department. I had been told by multiple people that everyone in this area is super friendly, but it wasn't until MMM shared the story about his wife's endomitriosis issues when trying to conceive children that I understood what they were talking about. Michael explained that they offer free food and wine tastings on Monday nights. A new tradition might be starting next week.
Although the acquisition of a paycheck is time-sensitive, I'm certainly pacing myself. I really think it's for my own good. The job search will commence tomorrow, however much of a success or failure it might be. This week has completely messed with my internal clock and energy levels, but it's time to get back on track into some version of a routine. Early to rise, early to -- ? I'll be slowly figuring it all out and filling in the blanks over these next couple of weeks.
Missing the New England charm and all of my friends back home. Cheers to Christmas time in Boston! Without further adieu and without wishing away time...
Although the acquisition of a paycheck is time-sensitive, I'm certainly pacing myself. I really think it's for my own good. The job search will commence tomorrow, however much of a success or failure it might be. This week has completely messed with my internal clock and energy levels, but it's time to get back on track into some version of a routine. Early to rise, early to -- ? I'll be slowly figuring it all out and filling in the blanks over these next couple of weeks.
Missing the New England charm and all of my friends back home. Cheers to Christmas time in Boston! Without further adieu and without wishing away time...