Alright, so I'm not the most faithful blogger... But to tell the truth, I've been lying to myself about my future for some time. What I want to do, what I'm capable of, and how I'm going to achieve meaning in my life.
As I was perusing Netflix the other night, I came across Stephen Hawking's Grand Design. I've always been fascinated by the man and his mind, so I thought "Why the hell not?!" Life altering... That's all I can say... He was discussing the meaning of life, for him life is about choices. What we choose creates our perception of reality, therefore generating meaning. As I was watching, it all clicked. Yes I went to OU to study film and yes I want to work in film. So, why was I languishing in boredom considering careers that I did not want??? Simple answer, I was afraid of making choices, and ultimately afraid that my life would have no meaning... But, if one must generate their own meaning (something I have believed for a long time, but it never really clicked) then I MUST pursue my meaning. That meaning is in film, writing & directing (not editing, hate editing), so I got online and started looking for the beginning of the rest of my life...
So, short post, but a testament to my willingness to accept responsibility for creating meaning in my life. Thank you, Mr. Hawking for so elegantly pointing that out.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Rolling in Dough
I was exciting, my first foray into gluten free bread baking... I had step by step pictures and all... But what came out of the oven was not edible, it was both crumbly and doughy at the same time... It looked raw, even after extra time in the oven... A little research (ala the internet) reveals that firstly my warm water was too cold for the yeast to work, and second I didn't use enough xantham gum (which is a key ingredient due to its ability to mimic gluten without causing inflammatory reactions)... So, now I'm out of flour, iced in (yup Old Man Winter is flexing his muscles), and have nothing remarkable to share, even the restaurant I was hoping to mention that has gluten free options was a bust (as both my Mom & I felt sick after eating there).
About that restaurant, its in Mineola, TX... We found it on a fall foliage expedition (and antiquing, but that's a whole 'nother story). Big banners out front proclaimed "Gluten Free Bread", we were excited, but had already eaten that day, so decided to make another trip later (plus the antique shops). So we got home & I thought I'd give them a quick search, just see whats on the menu... With a name like La Waffalata, I didn't have trouble finding the right spot, but the site links over to their other restaurant (right next door, you can order from either menu) & neither one listed a menu... So, with no idea what sort of food (the sister restaurant is a burger joint, so their menu was pretty obvious) I guessed breakfasty (waffle is in the name)... We got there and there were, guess how many waffle options... I'll wait, go on gimmie a number...
TWO, two waffle options, buttermilk and gingerbread... Now that's disappointing, you'd think there be a dozen options, heck that pancake house that claims global heritage (goes by an acronym, you know the one) has more waffles than that, and they "specialize" in pancakes... But I digress, back to La Waffalata... Now, the menu was actually sandwiches & wraps... A small menu, with one vegetarian option, a wrap with zucchini and cucumbers. I know what you're thinking, sure vegetarian, but vegan & gluten free, no way... Well, I'm of the don't ask don't tell variety, that is if it's at least vegetarian then I don't sweat it... Plain salads and dry potatoes get real old (see life at The Abbey)... So after modifying to be mostly vegan (no cheese, no sauce) I got the wrap on the gluten free pita... It was okay, needed dressing... I got a side of salsa which helped tremendously. Mom got a gluten free burger (not even close to vegetarian, but she is a flexetarian of the Eat to Live variety)... She said it was really good, the bun was soft and fluffy (unlike my attempt)... But we both felt sick after a few hours, we can only figure cross contamination, even though they said that they have a clean area of the kitchen for gluten free orders... I don't know, it may have been unrelated, so if you're in the Mineola area, you might try them for a gluten free option that actually has bread...
When I get more flour, I'll experiment and see if I come up with a decent bread that can't be used as a paperweight... Until then, I do have several recipes to post, just have to get hoppin'!
About that restaurant, its in Mineola, TX... We found it on a fall foliage expedition (and antiquing, but that's a whole 'nother story). Big banners out front proclaimed "Gluten Free Bread", we were excited, but had already eaten that day, so decided to make another trip later (plus the antique shops). So we got home & I thought I'd give them a quick search, just see whats on the menu... With a name like La Waffalata, I didn't have trouble finding the right spot, but the site links over to their other restaurant (right next door, you can order from either menu) & neither one listed a menu... So, with no idea what sort of food (the sister restaurant is a burger joint, so their menu was pretty obvious) I guessed breakfasty (waffle is in the name)... We got there and there were, guess how many waffle options... I'll wait, go on gimmie a number...
TWO, two waffle options, buttermilk and gingerbread... Now that's disappointing, you'd think there be a dozen options, heck that pancake house that claims global heritage (goes by an acronym, you know the one) has more waffles than that, and they "specialize" in pancakes... But I digress, back to La Waffalata... Now, the menu was actually sandwiches & wraps... A small menu, with one vegetarian option, a wrap with zucchini and cucumbers. I know what you're thinking, sure vegetarian, but vegan & gluten free, no way... Well, I'm of the don't ask don't tell variety, that is if it's at least vegetarian then I don't sweat it... Plain salads and dry potatoes get real old (see life at The Abbey)... So after modifying to be mostly vegan (no cheese, no sauce) I got the wrap on the gluten free pita... It was okay, needed dressing... I got a side of salsa which helped tremendously. Mom got a gluten free burger (not even close to vegetarian, but she is a flexetarian of the Eat to Live variety)... She said it was really good, the bun was soft and fluffy (unlike my attempt)... But we both felt sick after a few hours, we can only figure cross contamination, even though they said that they have a clean area of the kitchen for gluten free orders... I don't know, it may have been unrelated, so if you're in the Mineola area, you might try them for a gluten free option that actually has bread...
When I get more flour, I'll experiment and see if I come up with a decent bread that can't be used as a paperweight... Until then, I do have several recipes to post, just have to get hoppin'!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Thanksgiving Mayhem
So, I started cooking on Wednesday, finished on Thursday, and got around to blogging on Friday... You might be thinking that I had a huge crowd of people, well you would be wrong... Just 6 including myself, but within that group you have a strict vegan (me), a gluten-free (my Mom & me to a lesser extent), a refuse to eat vegetables, or anything mixed together (my brother), and three old-fashioned raised on lard types (my Dad & Grandparents)... So, that meant we did have a turkey on the table, and despite my making a huge pan of gluten-free, vegan cornbread dressing, my Dad "had" to make a "regular" pan of dressing (exact words). Now, he didn't really have to make the dressing, he said mine was fine, but there was no way he was going to stay out of the kitchen... Not a chance, besides he had to make (no emphasis, he really did have to make) gravy and cook the turkey.
I had a Tofurky languishing in the freezer, so I decided to have it despite going gluten-free. If you don't know vegan products all that well, let me explain... Mock meat products are usually made from one of two sources, soy (non-glutinous) or wheat protein (gluten). Many are actually a mix of both soy and wheat bases... Seitan is pure wheat gluten, Tofurky is seitan based, ergo Tofurky is pure gluten... Now, I know I ate a big plate of food, but when you still feel overly stuffed nearly 24 hours later... I'm going to venture a guess and say that I am done with gluten... Not that there is anything wrong with Tofurky as a product, it is great if you can tolerate gluten, I've been eating them and other seitan based products for years... Of course that's before I learned about the damage that wheat proteins can do to the body (very inflammatory) and the inability for the human body to properly digest wheat proteins.
All that aside, I'd say my first go at Thanksgiving was a success (except for the gluten-free, vegan pecan pie). Especially the Pumpkin Cake, veganizing the recipe was easy, and gluten-freeing (is that a word?) it was even easier... It doesn't turn out as tall & light as the "regular" version, but still tasty. I'll post recipes for several of my dishes that received passing scores from the family soon... For now, here's a tasty & simple Pinto Bean recipe: sort & rinse 2 cups of dried pintos, meanwhile put a large pot of water on to boil. Get the water to a rolling boil before adding the beans (it helps to keep a kettle of water hot too, in case you need to add water during cooking, since the pot should never go dry, or stop boiling). Add the beans slowly, so the boil doesn't stop, and turn the heat down (not enough to lose the boil) Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. In the last 30 minutes add 1 cup of onions, 2 Tbs garlic, 2 Tbs chili powder, and salt & pepper to taste. See gluten-free & vegan can be easy and delicious...
I had a Tofurky languishing in the freezer, so I decided to have it despite going gluten-free. If you don't know vegan products all that well, let me explain... Mock meat products are usually made from one of two sources, soy (non-glutinous) or wheat protein (gluten). Many are actually a mix of both soy and wheat bases... Seitan is pure wheat gluten, Tofurky is seitan based, ergo Tofurky is pure gluten... Now, I know I ate a big plate of food, but when you still feel overly stuffed nearly 24 hours later... I'm going to venture a guess and say that I am done with gluten... Not that there is anything wrong with Tofurky as a product, it is great if you can tolerate gluten, I've been eating them and other seitan based products for years... Of course that's before I learned about the damage that wheat proteins can do to the body (very inflammatory) and the inability for the human body to properly digest wheat proteins.
All that aside, I'd say my first go at Thanksgiving was a success (except for the gluten-free, vegan pecan pie). Especially the Pumpkin Cake, veganizing the recipe was easy, and gluten-freeing (is that a word?) it was even easier... It doesn't turn out as tall & light as the "regular" version, but still tasty. I'll post recipes for several of my dishes that received passing scores from the family soon... For now, here's a tasty & simple Pinto Bean recipe: sort & rinse 2 cups of dried pintos, meanwhile put a large pot of water on to boil. Get the water to a rolling boil before adding the beans (it helps to keep a kettle of water hot too, in case you need to add water during cooking, since the pot should never go dry, or stop boiling). Add the beans slowly, so the boil doesn't stop, and turn the heat down (not enough to lose the boil) Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. In the last 30 minutes add 1 cup of onions, 2 Tbs garlic, 2 Tbs chili powder, and salt & pepper to taste. See gluten-free & vegan can be easy and delicious...
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Last night I made the afore mentioned Vegan, Gluten-free Broccoli Rice Casserole! How does one make such a dish, you might ask??? Well it takes just a few ingredients, the only one that is "special" is the gravy mixes which are Road's End Organics (also known as Edward & Sons)... This brand is perfect for both vegan and gluten-free diets, as they have numerous products for either and many that are both veg & gf... If you are not vegan (I don't judge), you can follow the recipe using dairy, check your favorite grocer for similar gravy mixes to Road's End...
·
2 cups cooked rice
·
1 head broccoli, chopped (pre-steamed if you like it more tender)
·
1 can of sliced mushrooms (4 ounce)
·
1 package Road’s End Organics Shitake Mushroom
Gravy Mix
·
1 package Road’s End Organics Cheddar Style
Sauce Mix
·
1 ½ cup milk (I prefer coconut milk)
·
1 cup cheddar cheese (I prefer Daiya vegan
shreds)
Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix both the shitake mushroom gravy and cheddar sauce into the
milk. In a greased casserole dish,
combine the rice, broccoli, and mushrooms.
Pour half the sauce mix into the
broccoli rice, stir to combine. Smooth
the mixture into the dish and pour rest of sauce over the top. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and top with cheese before
serving.
And the final product... 
Paired with stewed cabbage: simply cut cabbage, put in a large pot with one can of petite diced tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil for about 30 minutes, or until tender. Salt, pepper (and caraway seeds if you have any) as desired. Maple carrots, another easy one: just put baby carrots and 1/4 cup maple syrup in a pot with enough water to cover, bring to a boil until tender (20 minutes or so). Oh and the leftover broccoli stalks, just slice them into rounds or planks and throw them on a pan in the oven to roast whilst everything else is cooking, and you've got roasted broccoli (which is what you see hiding behind the bowl of cabbage)
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Extreme? Couponing
Alright, in addition to going gluten-free, we have begun our foray into couponing... Today's savings $100 off of $200 dollars worth of merch (50% off, not too shabby) of course the serious couponers would probably laugh at our first go, but hey everybody starts somewhere. Of course our "haul" didn't really look like a hundred bucks worth of stuff to begin with (ahh inflation). Still, it pays to save, as they say (at least I think that's what they say (who are 'they' who come up with these little gems anyway?)).
So, what does couponing have to do with being a gluten-free vegan? Well, being either gluten-free or vegan is expensive enough, but throw both together and... you get the idea. Besides if we are eating for our bodies to be healthy shouldn't our pocketbook be healthy too ('they' would be me on this one).
Given that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I'll posting several of my recipes soon... Starting with my vegan (and gluten-free) broccoli rice casserole, which I am making tonight!
Friday, November 22, 2013
Shifting Sands
So, its been awhile and I have tried many avenues... I'm adrift, not sure which direction to take my life. The one thing I do know is food... Vegan food to be exact, and now my Mom has thrown gluten-free into the mix. So I'm learning the ropes of gluten-free cooking and baking (just in time for the holidays, yippee!)
With that in mind, here goes the reboot of this blog (take 4 I think?), I'm going to document our dining experiences and provide recipes that have met with satisfaction. So grab your skillets and chop your veggies, cause this is gonna be a wild ride through the holidays and beyond as we figure out tasty gluten-free (and vegan) meals!
With that in mind, here goes the reboot of this blog (take 4 I think?), I'm going to document our dining experiences and provide recipes that have met with satisfaction. So grab your skillets and chop your veggies, cause this is gonna be a wild ride through the holidays and beyond as we figure out tasty gluten-free (and vegan) meals!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
It's been a long road...
Okay, so my blogging skills are, well, rusty... Sure, I've been busy with school and keeping a journal isn't really my thing, besides, this is for me... I know, I know, blogs are for the readers... Why else would somebody create one? Oh I don't know, how bout having a class that requires it... And facebook, twitter, and every other social media account imaginable... So, I adopted facebook and twitter into my daily life... Guess that makes this blog the redheaded step-child...
Anyway... The plan of making it out of school before the apocalypse isn't gonna happen... But, I should (fingers crossed) be done in summer... Then the real world (not the tv show) will swoop in and... and... What, control my every waking moment? Yeah, like the future isn't already in my thoughts... I'm a calm bunch of nerves. Things either will happen or they won't (whoa, just blew your mind, right?), and if they go right, then great, if not... If, not, then hey, at least I'm living.
Ok, enough of the chipper, "I'm back on the blogging bandwagon", I have a television set to be on in the morning... Yeah, I know, I said it, television set. Ok, so its a student production, but its a good a place as any to start. And, it has verified for me, that I want to work in film/tv production.
Anyway... The plan of making it out of school before the apocalypse isn't gonna happen... But, I should (fingers crossed) be done in summer... Then the real world (not the tv show) will swoop in and... and... What, control my every waking moment? Yeah, like the future isn't already in my thoughts... I'm a calm bunch of nerves. Things either will happen or they won't (whoa, just blew your mind, right?), and if they go right, then great, if not... If, not, then hey, at least I'm living.
Ok, enough of the chipper, "I'm back on the blogging bandwagon", I have a television set to be on in the morning... Yeah, I know, I said it, television set. Ok, so its a student production, but its a good a place as any to start. And, it has verified for me, that I want to work in film/tv production.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Time and Time Again...
Third times the charm right??? Obviously I fell off the blogging wagon in France, and have been home ALL summer without even logging in... So much has happened in my life since my last post (how long ago was that anyway?), and I don't even know where to begin... So, I'll start at the beginning, which ironically is the end. Well, the last day I was in France actually. I was chatting with my English prof (English in France, yeah I know...) about school, and mentioned that I was thinking about changing schools and majors, since I was looking for a major that more closely matched my career choice. As it turns out he had been the teaching assistant to the head of the film department at OU. I had been looking into Film Studies at OU and was excited to hear from him that it was a good program. Fast forward a bit to chatting with my roomie (still the best roomie ever, and I'm not just saying that cause she is the only roomie I've ever had (well, except Michelle, but that was a hostel window takeover))... Anyway, I told her about my chat with Prof. Rabalais and she said "My uncle is the Provost at OU!". Seriously!?!?! What are the odds (about 1 in 3 billion by my count, as Anna does have a sister whose uncle is the Provost at OU). So, I don't need many signs to point me in the right direction, so when I got home I applied to OU...
Unfortunately, it was too late to get in for Fall... But, on the upside, extended summer! I would be catty here and say, naturally I got in, but I'm not much on cattiness or bragging (which may explain the lax blogging, as this seems like the ultimate in narcissism)... Okay, I'll indulge in some cattiness... Naturally I got in! (As if anyone would doubt it)
Of course, moving out of state (yes going to OK from TX does count) for college does present some challenges... Such as, my parents have barely gotten over me going to France (the all night Paris romp freaked them out (did I mention the all nighter in Paris, I've forgotten...) and I'm not sure they are going to survive me heading off again. There's another thing, heading off to college... The Abbey was fully stocked (well...) and all I needed was myself (cheesy, no?). Anyway, now I have to stock an apartment (as much as I love Anna and Michelle, I don't ever want to live in a dorm again). Poor me, right? No, seriously, I have an over-planning/preparing problem... I gather everything I think I might ever need, then never actually have to have them... I should have been a Boy Scout (that would have required a bit more planning than normal... because I'm a girl, and Boy Scouts is a boy's club)... (did I have to explain that?)))... Whoa on the punctuation there Skippy!
When planning for a move one typically goes furniture shopping... Of course one should think about the new space, not rearraging the space one already occupies... But, I'm never one to follow conventional thinking... So, my room has all new furniture, and I have nothing new for the apartment that I have yet to even go to Oklahoma to find... Wait, what was that I just said about over-planning??? Am I sure that's true, if I don't have an apartment yet? Oh well, can't win 'em all.
Unfortunately, it was too late to get in for Fall... But, on the upside, extended summer! I would be catty here and say, naturally I got in, but I'm not much on cattiness or bragging (which may explain the lax blogging, as this seems like the ultimate in narcissism)... Okay, I'll indulge in some cattiness... Naturally I got in! (As if anyone would doubt it)
Of course, moving out of state (yes going to OK from TX does count) for college does present some challenges... Such as, my parents have barely gotten over me going to France (the all night Paris romp freaked them out (did I mention the all nighter in Paris, I've forgotten...) and I'm not sure they are going to survive me heading off again. There's another thing, heading off to college... The Abbey was fully stocked (well...) and all I needed was myself (cheesy, no?). Anyway, now I have to stock an apartment (as much as I love Anna and Michelle, I don't ever want to live in a dorm again). Poor me, right? No, seriously, I have an over-planning/preparing problem... I gather everything I think I might ever need, then never actually have to have them... I should have been a Boy Scout (that would have required a bit more planning than normal... because I'm a girl, and Boy Scouts is a boy's club)... (did I have to explain that?)))... Whoa on the punctuation there Skippy!
When planning for a move one typically goes furniture shopping... Of course one should think about the new space, not rearraging the space one already occupies... But, I'm never one to follow conventional thinking... So, my room has all new furniture, and I have nothing new for the apartment that I have yet to even go to Oklahoma to find... Wait, what was that I just said about over-planning??? Am I sure that's true, if I don't have an apartment yet? Oh well, can't win 'em all.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Its been a long time coming...
Seriously time flies... The world spins at the same rate, but time is relative... Physics and philosophy aside, I have been busy. School isn't necessarily harder, it is just end game now... All of our assignments are reaching due dates, and finals are looming... The balade blanche is clipping along and we all are wondering when we actually have time to do anything. Aside from usual school related time crunches, my roomies (I gained one, did I tell you yet?) and I conned convinced our across the hall neighbors to switch rooms. Their room (now ours) seems twice as big, dunno if it is just layout or if there is more square footage (or would that be meters?) in here, but it definitely seems bigger.
So, about gaining a roomate. My roomie and I made the mistake of letting our new roomie sleep in our window, she loved it and promptly made the window her window. Now, we can't imagine not having her around and switched rooms so that she could move her stuff in... Yeah I know only 2 weeks left, but totally worth the insanity.
School work... It is not new, we have been doing this for 2 & 1/2 months now... Why does it seem like people are just now figuring out how this works? One unexpected homework grade and suddenly they have the worst/meanest teacher in the world... Get over it, if you can't handle it, then college is not for you. I will go to a professor if I want to know why a grade is low (I've done it this semester in fact), but I'm not going to spend all day bitching about a grade when I obviously didn't follow instructions... Personally, I think that we have some of the best professors around. The Abbey program does an excellent job of hiring amazing professors. Their passion is palpable and I would love to have any of them again.
Free time... I've almost forgotten what that is... Seriously, we have been tres busy. Professor Anglin has come and on the weekends we have the option of going to nearby sites and seeing the Loire valley. Additionally she has been showing (French) movies nearly every night. Plus we have balade blache rehearsals and class work... So there you have the excuse for not keeping up with this blog... I'm kinda sad that I haven't been keeping it up, too much has passed that I wish I had down... Now it is difficult to remember what has happened to write it all down...
Vision quest and film making... I have decided to make my film project into my vision quest presentation. Which of course means that I have to start cracking the whip over my head... So add that to my current responsibilties... Hmm, guess that means I'm through here for a bit...
So, about gaining a roomate. My roomie and I made the mistake of letting our new roomie sleep in our window, she loved it and promptly made the window her window. Now, we can't imagine not having her around and switched rooms so that she could move her stuff in... Yeah I know only 2 weeks left, but totally worth the insanity.
School work... It is not new, we have been doing this for 2 & 1/2 months now... Why does it seem like people are just now figuring out how this works? One unexpected homework grade and suddenly they have the worst/meanest teacher in the world... Get over it, if you can't handle it, then college is not for you. I will go to a professor if I want to know why a grade is low (I've done it this semester in fact), but I'm not going to spend all day bitching about a grade when I obviously didn't follow instructions... Personally, I think that we have some of the best professors around. The Abbey program does an excellent job of hiring amazing professors. Their passion is palpable and I would love to have any of them again.
Free time... I've almost forgotten what that is... Seriously, we have been tres busy. Professor Anglin has come and on the weekends we have the option of going to nearby sites and seeing the Loire valley. Additionally she has been showing (French) movies nearly every night. Plus we have balade blache rehearsals and class work... So there you have the excuse for not keeping up with this blog... I'm kinda sad that I haven't been keeping it up, too much has passed that I wish I had down... Now it is difficult to remember what has happened to write it all down...
Vision quest and film making... I have decided to make my film project into my vision quest presentation. Which of course means that I have to start cracking the whip over my head... So add that to my current responsibilties... Hmm, guess that means I'm through here for a bit...
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Louvre
The is way more to the Louvre than the "Mona Lisa". You could spend all day in just one section (like the ancient Egyptian section) and not see it all. It is truely amazing all that we have created throughout history. The building itself is a marvel... It is an amalgam of royal one-uppery (yeah its a word, I just wrote it didn't I?), the Louvre started out as a palace. Actually, it was two palaces, and throughout the years, and numerous additions the two have been linked, and now we have the glorious Musee de Louvre. 03.28.2011
The Gilded Ghetto
The palace in Versailles; oppulent, decadent, lavish... The royal family of France lived here and if you were lucky enough to be a part of the royal court you could live here too. the most prestigious job? Carrying the full royal chamber pot. The palace is everything you expect from a royal palace, well, except there isn't any royalty there (France doesn't have royalty anymore, anyway)... 27.03.2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Mid Terms... ugh...
Lets just say that studying for mid terms is awful... Especially when others warn you about a professors tests... Ok, not done studying, back to work!!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Circus Time
The circus came to town yesterday, and we were happily anticipating the show tonight... So fun to do something completely childish and goofy. It was just like being a kid again... Cotton Candy, trick ponies (and kitties!!!), and clowns... It was small and only had a few acts, but still a good time. And, how many Americans can say they have been to a French circus? Seriously, the opportunities that being here (however silly) have afforded me are once in a lifetime. J'adore l'Abbaye!!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Blinded by the Light
Darkness creeps up on the Abbey... All is silent, the fog begins to roll in... A twig snaps underfoot, you pause, hold your breath... All is clear, you make a mad dash.... TAG! You almost had their flag, but no, their guard catches you. The night continues and your team tries to find their flag... Eventually, through trial and error you narrow down the location, and then with legs pumping and heart racing you drive home, flag in hand trailing triumphantly behind you. Their flag has fallen and you are victorious!!!
Yeah thats right team "Typical Baller" (that would be me) won... They never had a chance, seriously even now they don't know where the flag was, and it was right out there in the open. Oh well, they tried, we just had better game... Ok, I'm gloating, but it was my first capture the flag, and my team won. I played defense and ran the jail... I think at one point we had 4 people in jail and there were only 11 people on each team... Not sure how many they had in their jail at once...
So, capture the flag was a success, I'm gonna bet that it gets played again... And maybe the rules will be better explained, since most had never played, or play with alternate rules at home...
Oh and about the title, some were playing with flashlights and blinding opponents (not cool), and after the game Anna and Michelle were singing "Blinded by the Light"...
Yeah thats right team "Typical Baller" (that would be me) won... They never had a chance, seriously even now they don't know where the flag was, and it was right out there in the open. Oh well, they tried, we just had better game... Ok, I'm gloating, but it was my first capture the flag, and my team won. I played defense and ran the jail... I think at one point we had 4 people in jail and there were only 11 people on each team... Not sure how many they had in their jail at once...
So, capture the flag was a success, I'm gonna bet that it gets played again... And maybe the rules will be better explained, since most had never played, or play with alternate rules at home...
Oh and about the title, some were playing with flashlights and blinding opponents (not cool), and after the game Anna and Michelle were singing "Blinded by the Light"...
Friday, March 11, 2011
Balade Blanche
The Balade Blanche is a night of performance, the students of the Abbey tell the history of the Abbey through various skits staged throughout the night. This week we started preparing for the Balade. First we signed up for parts... There are several scenes and some of them have such intricate costumes that it will be the only scene you are in. Other people will be playing multiple characters... The are two narrators throughout the evening. One will be reading in French the other in English. Here's the catch, the French will be read by an American and the English by a French person... So, of course up for a challenge I volunteered to read French... Good thing I'm taking French, eh?
We also started making the costumes... The basic premise is everything is white, and recycled. So plastic wrap, bubble wrap, white cloth, tea bags, if it is white we can use it... I spent the afternoon making a costume, not sure who will be wearing it, but I hope whoever it is likes it.
You just never know what the weekend will bring in Pontlevoy... And it is hard to believe we have been here for a month already... Next weekend we are heading to Paris, and then our 2 week vision quest, then we only have 5 weeks left! My how time flies...
We also started making the costumes... The basic premise is everything is white, and recycled. So plastic wrap, bubble wrap, white cloth, tea bags, if it is white we can use it... I spent the afternoon making a costume, not sure who will be wearing it, but I hope whoever it is likes it.
You just never know what the weekend will bring in Pontlevoy... And it is hard to believe we have been here for a month already... Next weekend we are heading to Paris, and then our 2 week vision quest, then we only have 5 weeks left! My how time flies...
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Day After
Yesterday was Mardi Gras, and L'abbaye parties hard... Really I went to get some footage for my film project, and ended up staying for the entire party... It was loud, raucous, and everyone was having a good time. Becca made gumbo for everyone, and that got the Mardi Gras spirit going, plus she brought beads (which nobody had to flash for), that girl was prepared for the party. So, Tuesday night theme parties are officially back on (the previous class had them). Wonder what next week's theme will be??? So, I got my footage, and will be getting more... Hopefully I will have enough footage soon to have my film done (don't think I can get it done before Paris week, and Vision Quest).
Today things are back to normal (what is normal anyway?) and nobody got too drunk to miss class... So, alls well that ends well, and I'll be posting more later (maybe photos...)
Today things are back to normal (what is normal anyway?) and nobody got too drunk to miss class... So, alls well that ends well, and I'll be posting more later (maybe photos...)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Photos as promised
I finally got around to it, and now I present you with the first installment of photos...
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| The Water Closet... literally a closet, some people have toilets, which are more space envasion than convienence. |
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| My side of the room, just a desk and a coat rack... |
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| The bed... note the ladder, it's a bunk, there are 3 beds, but nobody got a 3rd person... There are empty rooms, I can only suppose they are not suitable for living... |
So, thats my side of the room in a nutshell (no really, we live in nutshells)... The other side is pretty much the same, except the desk is under the top bunk, and there is a bigger armoire (mine is a single, Anna's is a double). There isn't much storage space, and it would be nice if the desks had drawers, but I have folding cloth boxes, and they fit perfectly under the desk and on the shelf of the coat rack... And since my top bunk is empty (falling is not my favorite pastime) I'm using the ladder as a bookshelf and nightstand. There are plenty of electric outlets, 7 in the room and one hidden under the light in the bathroom... Everyone's room is set up just a little differently and some are more well laid out than others, mine isn't the worst, but it isn't the best either. I have found the down comforter to be too heavy (so have alot of people), so my mom sent me sheets and a light blanket, I would suggest others pack some sheets if they tend to sleep hot... I found vegan yogurt at the Biocoop in Blois and am using the glass containers they came in as pencil cups (recycling becomes easier when you need hard to acquire things), if you aren't into vegan yogurt the jelly jars empty rather quickly around the Abbey (just use some up, or raid the recycling shelf in the kitchen).
Notebook paper is hard to find... What suffices is ledger paper... So, if you prefer college rule (or wide, whatever floats your boat) you might want to consider packing some, or sending it with books (seriously mail your books at least 2 weeks in advance, some books have gotten held up in customs and now 3 weeks into the semester there are people still without books). Speaking of mailing, do not, I repeat do not mail medicines (including over the counter and homeopathic). France does not allow import of medicines and they will be siezed at the border. Also don't pack them in your checked bag, or in unmarked containers. One girl had her entire supply of medicine siezed at the airport...
So I'm writting this post as a basic guide of initial need to know info... Be on the lookout for more valuable (I hope they are valuable) tips and info!
Escargot, Togas, and Americans
Last night was a full night... Le Commerce hosted a tasting party of traditional French foods (mostly meats, so I didn't go). They served les escargots (snails), les cuisses de grenouille (frog legs, literally thigh of frog), le fromage de chèvre (goat cheese), and la tarte tatin (apple pie, the is cooked upside down so the sugars carmelize on top). As it turned out quite a few people actually liked snail and frog leg, so hooray for Carol!!! Now the question is; will they ever actually order them...
After the tasting everyone came back and stripped their beds... Why? Toga party thats why... I brought safety pins, and now I have no safety pins... Good thing I had them, cause some people would've been naked without them. I didn't go to the party (not big on debauchery), but it sounded like everyone had fun... And there are some pictures to prove it... I was amazed at how creative some people got with their togas, and I think Jordan had the most toga-ish toga in the bunch, so props to her. Suprisingly, after such a faire le féte (party) everybody made it class without being too late (only a couple of minutes at the most).
So, we Americans are getting into the French culture, and showing off our crazy American antics... I wonder what such a small town thinks of us? Do they measure all Americans by our actions? Are we setting a good example, and being good ambassadors? Or, am I just spending too much time thinkin' and not enough time drinkin'?
After the tasting everyone came back and stripped their beds... Why? Toga party thats why... I brought safety pins, and now I have no safety pins... Good thing I had them, cause some people would've been naked without them. I didn't go to the party (not big on debauchery), but it sounded like everyone had fun... And there are some pictures to prove it... I was amazed at how creative some people got with their togas, and I think Jordan had the most toga-ish toga in the bunch, so props to her. Suprisingly, after such a faire le féte (party) everybody made it class without being too late (only a couple of minutes at the most).
So, we Americans are getting into the French culture, and showing off our crazy American antics... I wonder what such a small town thinks of us? Do they measure all Americans by our actions? Are we setting a good example, and being good ambassadors? Or, am I just spending too much time thinkin' and not enough time drinkin'?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Chamonix and Mont Blanc
The Alps, I knew they would be gorgeous, but I was not prepared for their majesty! We were just driving along (8 hour bus ride...) plain non descript scenery on either side, when we went into a tunnel... A magic tunnel, becuase when we came out the other side... Amazing views of the Alps, with every bend in the road the sights got more wonderful. I can't think of anywhere I've been that is as beautiful. Sure Yellowstone is breath-taking too, maybe because I've been there 3 times it has lost some wonder, and Alaska lost some points because of the awful cruise ship my family was on. Oh, the Badlands in South Dakota, now they were amazing when I saw them (hauntingly beautiful in the drizzle). Ok, so I have a list of natural wonders that the Alps most definetly rank near the top (maybe the top, but now I can't decide).
Anyway, I have pictures (which I'll try to load today) and some video from the top of the Aiguille Du Midi, which is one of the tallest peaks in the Alps (some of the group was afraid of heights, they weren't thrilled with the cable car ride). The ride up was a fast 8 minutes to the first terrace, then a few more minutes got us all the way up. The ride was smooth, except when passing the towers that hold the cables running up the mountain. I don't think my words (or my pictures) do the Alps justice... You'll have to go see them for yourself.
The Mer de Glace was also on our itenerary (there were 12 of us who decided not to ski). The glacier is a twenty minute train ride up and a 350 step flight of stairs down just to get to it. Once you get to the glacier you don't just walk up to it, you walk into it! Every year they carve a tunnel into the glacier for visitors to walk through (they have to recarve every year because the glacier moves). You do not know the color blue (bleu since I'm in France) until you have seen a glacier. Seriously amazing colors... Now I have seen glaciers in Alaska and thought, no big deal I've seen them before... But, I hadn't been inside a glacier, that was the kicker. Plus the Alpine valley was amazing even without the glacier. We were rushed because the last train back to Chamonix was at 4:30 and we got to the glacier at 4 o'clock, so we only had a few minutes inside. At 4:15 we were told we had to go back to the station for the train... Think about this for a minute, go back and reread the second sentence of this paragraph, I'll wait.............. Yeah, it says 350 step flight of stairs down, which ultimately means 350 step flight of stairs up... And we only had 15 minutes in which to it, I think it just about did everyone in... There were 2 museums at the Mer de Glace, which because of our time crunch we didn't get to do (or the gift shop)... I'm sure they would've been interesting, but I wasn't in charge of our schedule...
Okay, working in backwards order again, that was Saturday, but we got to Chamonix Friday, so you might be wondering what Friday was like... Let's start with the 4 am get on the bus call... It was early, I mean early... We left the Abbey and drove, and drove, and drove... I thought we were going to drive all the way back to the states (seriously my flight took the same amount of time)... After 8 1/2 hours we finally got to Chamonix. The skiers got kitted out in ski or snowboard gear and headed to the slopes for some lessons. Those of us who didn't fancy breaking bones got to explore the town. I wandered around till I saw a sign for the Musee de Cristal... Now being a rock-hound and lover of natural beauty my interest was piqued, so I followed the signs pointing the way... The museum had stunning crystals from all over the world, with many pulled directly from Mont Blanc (which of course makes sense, since it is right there). The crowning jewel (pun intended) of the collection was the "Cristal de Napoleon", a huge single clear crystal point. I was around four ft in diameter and just as tall (maybe bigger/smaller, I'm bad with guessing size)... The museum was well worth the 4.50euro student ticket, even the 6euro adult price was reasonable. I only wish they allowed photos... After kicking around the museum for an hour I still had 3 hours till we were supposed to meet up for dinner. I spent the time browsing the numerous gift shops and stores in Chamonix. I went into a little grocery store and found popcorn!!! Now, maybe this doesn't sound like a such a big deal, but considering I hadn't found any (not even at the movie theater), I was thrilled. So, popcorn in hand I continued my day, bought a scarf and some postcards, and a pin to add to my collection... Interestingly, the farther from the center of town, the more expensive the souvenirs got... The first store I went into had the pin for 5euro, thinking I could find a better deal elsewhere I held out. Each store I went into got progressively more expensive, with the last store offering the same exact pin for 15euro... Needless to say, I went back to the first shop (which was right by the bus, so it wasn;t like I had to backtrack)... Our Friday dinner was included in the price of the trip. We dined at Le Monchu, which serves traditional fondue... Cheese and meat... I don;t eat cheese or meat... An email had been sent ahead letting the restaurant know that there were vegetarians and a vegan in the group, but I think it didn't translate well... Anyway, after Gabe explained the situation an alternative was provided... Lemme go back, cause even for a non meat eater this was interesting. We started with a salad topped with cheese, ham, and apple slices. Next we were served a baked potato (with no condiments)... Then the fondue came, a pot of melty cheese over a fire and a plate of raw meat... To cook the meat a blazing hot stone was set on the table and you placed the slices on the stone to cook (they were thin, the rock was hot... it didn't take long). I was served a pumpkin soup while everyone else played chef. Dessert was an egg custard, and for me a lemon sorbet. After getting things settled, I was taken care of, and I enjoyed the experience even without cooking up a dead animal at the table (but I digress)... Dinner took two hours, which is not unusual in France (most of Europe for that matter). After dinner, it was back on the bus to our hotel in Annecy. Annecy has been dubbed "The Venice of France", of course it was so late when we arrived that I didn't get to find out why. It is around 1 1/2 hours from Chamonix to Annecy, so we got in at nearly 11... Most everyone went straight to bed, some showered first, and a few found the closest bar... We had breakfast at 9 in the hotel and got on the bus at 10 on Saturday to go back to Chamonix (so we got there around noon), and that is why we were so rushed at the Mer de Glace... Despite the time crunch Chamonix was beautiful and the trip was well worth the money (so future students make sure you sign up)... And despite the long bus ride (with overly loud movies, I have sensitive ears (thank goodness for earplugs)) too.
Photos of the weekend are coming I promise, just have to get on it...
Anyway, I have pictures (which I'll try to load today) and some video from the top of the Aiguille Du Midi, which is one of the tallest peaks in the Alps (some of the group was afraid of heights, they weren't thrilled with the cable car ride). The ride up was a fast 8 minutes to the first terrace, then a few more minutes got us all the way up. The ride was smooth, except when passing the towers that hold the cables running up the mountain. I don't think my words (or my pictures) do the Alps justice... You'll have to go see them for yourself.
The Mer de Glace was also on our itenerary (there were 12 of us who decided not to ski). The glacier is a twenty minute train ride up and a 350 step flight of stairs down just to get to it. Once you get to the glacier you don't just walk up to it, you walk into it! Every year they carve a tunnel into the glacier for visitors to walk through (they have to recarve every year because the glacier moves). You do not know the color blue (bleu since I'm in France) until you have seen a glacier. Seriously amazing colors... Now I have seen glaciers in Alaska and thought, no big deal I've seen them before... But, I hadn't been inside a glacier, that was the kicker. Plus the Alpine valley was amazing even without the glacier. We were rushed because the last train back to Chamonix was at 4:30 and we got to the glacier at 4 o'clock, so we only had a few minutes inside. At 4:15 we were told we had to go back to the station for the train... Think about this for a minute, go back and reread the second sentence of this paragraph, I'll wait.............. Yeah, it says 350 step flight of stairs down, which ultimately means 350 step flight of stairs up... And we only had 15 minutes in which to it, I think it just about did everyone in... There were 2 museums at the Mer de Glace, which because of our time crunch we didn't get to do (or the gift shop)... I'm sure they would've been interesting, but I wasn't in charge of our schedule...
Okay, working in backwards order again, that was Saturday, but we got to Chamonix Friday, so you might be wondering what Friday was like... Let's start with the 4 am get on the bus call... It was early, I mean early... We left the Abbey and drove, and drove, and drove... I thought we were going to drive all the way back to the states (seriously my flight took the same amount of time)... After 8 1/2 hours we finally got to Chamonix. The skiers got kitted out in ski or snowboard gear and headed to the slopes for some lessons. Those of us who didn't fancy breaking bones got to explore the town. I wandered around till I saw a sign for the Musee de Cristal... Now being a rock-hound and lover of natural beauty my interest was piqued, so I followed the signs pointing the way... The museum had stunning crystals from all over the world, with many pulled directly from Mont Blanc (which of course makes sense, since it is right there). The crowning jewel (pun intended) of the collection was the "Cristal de Napoleon", a huge single clear crystal point. I was around four ft in diameter and just as tall (maybe bigger/smaller, I'm bad with guessing size)... The museum was well worth the 4.50euro student ticket, even the 6euro adult price was reasonable. I only wish they allowed photos... After kicking around the museum for an hour I still had 3 hours till we were supposed to meet up for dinner. I spent the time browsing the numerous gift shops and stores in Chamonix. I went into a little grocery store and found popcorn!!! Now, maybe this doesn't sound like a such a big deal, but considering I hadn't found any (not even at the movie theater), I was thrilled. So, popcorn in hand I continued my day, bought a scarf and some postcards, and a pin to add to my collection... Interestingly, the farther from the center of town, the more expensive the souvenirs got... The first store I went into had the pin for 5euro, thinking I could find a better deal elsewhere I held out. Each store I went into got progressively more expensive, with the last store offering the same exact pin for 15euro... Needless to say, I went back to the first shop (which was right by the bus, so it wasn;t like I had to backtrack)... Our Friday dinner was included in the price of the trip. We dined at Le Monchu, which serves traditional fondue... Cheese and meat... I don;t eat cheese or meat... An email had been sent ahead letting the restaurant know that there were vegetarians and a vegan in the group, but I think it didn't translate well... Anyway, after Gabe explained the situation an alternative was provided... Lemme go back, cause even for a non meat eater this was interesting. We started with a salad topped with cheese, ham, and apple slices. Next we were served a baked potato (with no condiments)... Then the fondue came, a pot of melty cheese over a fire and a plate of raw meat... To cook the meat a blazing hot stone was set on the table and you placed the slices on the stone to cook (they were thin, the rock was hot... it didn't take long). I was served a pumpkin soup while everyone else played chef. Dessert was an egg custard, and for me a lemon sorbet. After getting things settled, I was taken care of, and I enjoyed the experience even without cooking up a dead animal at the table (but I digress)... Dinner took two hours, which is not unusual in France (most of Europe for that matter). After dinner, it was back on the bus to our hotel in Annecy. Annecy has been dubbed "The Venice of France", of course it was so late when we arrived that I didn't get to find out why. It is around 1 1/2 hours from Chamonix to Annecy, so we got in at nearly 11... Most everyone went straight to bed, some showered first, and a few found the closest bar... We had breakfast at 9 in the hotel and got on the bus at 10 on Saturday to go back to Chamonix (so we got there around noon), and that is why we were so rushed at the Mer de Glace... Despite the time crunch Chamonix was beautiful and the trip was well worth the money (so future students make sure you sign up)... And despite the long bus ride (with overly loud movies, I have sensitive ears (thank goodness for earplugs)) too.
Photos of the weekend are coming I promise, just have to get on it...
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The rest of my day
Alright this is good, two posts, one day... So, after posting my day was pretty quiet... Till I got invited to go into Montrichard for dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Most of the menu was translated to English and we were able to figure out the rest (Qu'est-ce que c'est? and hand gestures work wonders). The food was good, and the owners were nice. I was able to get noodles and vegetables, so I ate as well as I would have if I had stayed at the Abbey. No fortune cookie though... Instead you get a shot of sake, which I, being straight-edge, did not partake of. I was told that the sake tastes the way an old woman's perfume smells... That goes well with my mom saying that scotch tastes the way a Barbie doll smells... So, yeah, with flavor profiles like that one would wonder why I don't drink, sounds delightful (right??? no...).
After getting back, again Steve is awsome (I have said that right?), there was a study group for the French test in the morning. Now, I don't know how it went because I do not study well in a group. I'm a lone wolf... Geez, I sound so cheesy today... So, (gah, do I say that as much as I type it?) I've finished my homework, helped fellow students, and given myself some study time (I don't study much, never have needed to, lucky me). Can I take the test now???
To my fellow classmates for the test I say, Bon Chance!!!
After getting back, again Steve is awsome (I have said that right?), there was a study group for the French test in the morning. Now, I don't know how it went because I do not study well in a group. I'm a lone wolf... Geez, I sound so cheesy today... So, (gah, do I say that as much as I type it?) I've finished my homework, helped fellow students, and given myself some study time (I don't study much, never have needed to, lucky me). Can I take the test now???
To my fellow classmates for the test I say, Bon Chance!!!
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