Friday, Jan 16:
I went to an engagement party for a friend. The party was hosted by my friend Allison, who I have mentioned on the blog before. Allison is one of the most creative people I know. We got to catch up at the party and I learned the details of her newest endeavor. She's decided sell her photography to raise funding for a trip she is taking to Sierra Leone with eMi (Engineering Ministries International). eMi sends architects and engineers to other countries to help build schools, hospitals, and other needed buildings. Allison's trip is for building a hospital. She also will have an exhibition here in Colorado Springs to showcase her entire 365 picture-a-day project. The exhibition will be at Pike's Perk downtown, February 15, from 1-3pm. People can order the prints at the exhibition, and Allison also has a website set up for people to order prints. I am really excited about her exhibition and her upcoming trip. I'd encourage anyone reading to check out her stuff and go to the exhibition if at all possible. She's a great photographer. So, I not only learned the details of the event, but I learned how inspiring it is to see a friend pursue something she believes in.
Saturday, Jan 17:
Today I learned how prosciutto is made. I have to preface my summary by saying this: if you love prosciutto and don't know how it is made, stop reading.
Prosciutto is made from a pork hind leg that is salt-cured for a few weeks, until mold has formed on the leg (yum). The mold is scraped off and the ham is hung for another 4-5 weeks. Any newly formed mold is scraped again and then pork fat is rubbed over all the meat surfaces (more yum), effectively 'sealing' it before it is hung to cure for another 12-16 weeks. The way they can tell when prosciutto is ready is by using a horse bone needle to push into the prosciutto at 5 specific points. The needle is then smelled, because apparently the smell of the meat can indicate whether it is appropriately prepared. A horse bone is used because it is said to absorb fragrance without holding it, so they can use it from prosciutto to prosciutto and still have accurate smells.
It's all very involved, and fairly gross, when you think about it. I'll admit I have enjoyed prosciutto. And knowing me, I'll probably enjoy it again in my life. just not anytime soon while I can remember this process...
Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts
17 January 2009
15 January 2009
Currency, Pie, and Ice
Three brief lessons:
Tuesday, Jan 13:
I learned that (at least right now) one Euro is equivalent to 1.32 US dollars.
I have 35 Euros, which is approximately 46 dollars in currency that is useless in my country. I have had the Euros in my possession since the last time I was in Europe. Which was in 2006. I don't know why I haven't exchanged them, but I think it has something to do with the hope that I will go back sometime and have use for them. But next time, it's Italy. Or Greece.
Wednesday, Jan 14:
I learned that chocolate pie and whipped cream is an AMAZING combination. At least when prepared by my lovely friend Abbie. She decided to cook a big dinner to celebrate the new position I was offered at work (which is one more example of how amazing my friends are). She made a brilliant Italian meal of salad, stuffed shells, garlic bread, and chocolate pie. And wine, but that's a given. I had a great evening with some of my favorite people and stuffed myself to the brim. And somehow, I've made it through life without ever having chocolate pie until now. That's 24 years of wasted time, folks. Please learn from my mistakes.
Thursday, Jan 15:
Today I learned about an awesome event happening in Old Colorado City this weekend. It's called Ice on the Avenue. There will be ice sculptures and demos of ice carving. And Old Colorado City is a great backdrop for an outdoor event. It's the cutest little historic town! So I can't wait to get out there and try to take some pictures of the ice. Anyone want to make a day of it??
Tuesday, Jan 13:
I learned that (at least right now) one Euro is equivalent to 1.32 US dollars.
I have 35 Euros, which is approximately 46 dollars in currency that is useless in my country. I have had the Euros in my possession since the last time I was in Europe. Which was in 2006. I don't know why I haven't exchanged them, but I think it has something to do with the hope that I will go back sometime and have use for them. But next time, it's Italy. Or Greece.
Wednesday, Jan 14:
I learned that chocolate pie and whipped cream is an AMAZING combination. At least when prepared by my lovely friend Abbie. She decided to cook a big dinner to celebrate the new position I was offered at work (which is one more example of how amazing my friends are). She made a brilliant Italian meal of salad, stuffed shells, garlic bread, and chocolate pie. And wine, but that's a given. I had a great evening with some of my favorite people and stuffed myself to the brim. And somehow, I've made it through life without ever having chocolate pie until now. That's 24 years of wasted time, folks. Please learn from my mistakes.
Thursday, Jan 15:
Today I learned about an awesome event happening in Old Colorado City this weekend. It's called Ice on the Avenue. There will be ice sculptures and demos of ice carving. And Old Colorado City is a great backdrop for an outdoor event. It's the cutest little historic town! So I can't wait to get out there and try to take some pictures of the ice. Anyone want to make a day of it??
01 January 2009
Something New
Hello friends,
In my last post I referenced a new blog project I had in the works. Now that 2009 has officially begun, I'm unveiling it! I've been inspired by my friend Allison and numerous others who have undertaken efforts to see the world differently throughout a new year. Allison did a picture-a-day project in 2008. She wanted to practice seeing beauty everyday, and she captured it through her love of photography. I also followed a blog two girls did together in 2008. They both took pictures weekly that had some sort of word in it and every week they posted their pictures side by side. It was interesting to see what they came up with, because they did not talk to each other about their photographs before posting.
I loved the creativity of these ideas, so I decided to take on something similar with my blog for 2009. This year I want to be more intent on having a learner's heart. I'm already somewhat of a nerd; that's no secret. So this project is going to capitalize on that. I'm merging three things I love: learning, writing, and photography. I'm basing this project on the idea that we learn something new every day. As it turns out, a blog like this is not an original idea. I've found others doing the same thing. I guess Ecclesiastes is right- there is nothing new under the sun. But I digress. Here are the details (such as they are at this point):
-I will learn something new every day in 2009 and write about it here.
-I have no requirements concerning how academic or trivial my new knowledge should be. I can learn from books, friends, mistakes, or any other source.
-I will attempt to update the blog daily, but I know myself well enough to know it may be difficult to do so. Therefore, I'm committing to updating at LEAST weekly with what I have learned each day.
-I will try to take a pictures somehow relating to what I have learned. This may prove to be a challenge, depending on the nature of what I have learned. The goal is to have a picture for every new thing I learn, but there may be times this is not possible. This part of my blog will be a bit of a work in progress as I discover how best to combine the two.
And those are the rules. Pretty simple. I think I'm really going to enjoy this project, and I hope anyone reading it will enjoy it, too.
So, you're probably wondering what I learned today, right?
Nothing earth-shattering, but it is useful.
I learned a new way to prepare chicken. I learned this from Elisa, my roommate. She uses olive oil and seasons the meat with sage, rosemary, and thyme. Seriously (I'm not sure why she doesn't put parsley on it). Then she bakes it in the oven. It comes out very tender and it's a nice flavor. The chicken works well with rice, on salads, with pasta, or however you want. And Elisa uses spices from Vitamin Cottage, so they come in little bags. I don't know why, but there's something I love about that.
So there you have it. I'm 1 for 1. I'd love your feedback if you have it. But more than that, I hope you have a 2009 full of learning, too.
In my last post I referenced a new blog project I had in the works. Now that 2009 has officially begun, I'm unveiling it! I've been inspired by my friend Allison and numerous others who have undertaken efforts to see the world differently throughout a new year. Allison did a picture-a-day project in 2008. She wanted to practice seeing beauty everyday, and she captured it through her love of photography. I also followed a blog two girls did together in 2008. They both took pictures weekly that had some sort of word in it and every week they posted their pictures side by side. It was interesting to see what they came up with, because they did not talk to each other about their photographs before posting.
I loved the creativity of these ideas, so I decided to take on something similar with my blog for 2009. This year I want to be more intent on having a learner's heart. I'm already somewhat of a nerd; that's no secret. So this project is going to capitalize on that. I'm merging three things I love: learning, writing, and photography. I'm basing this project on the idea that we learn something new every day. As it turns out, a blog like this is not an original idea. I've found others doing the same thing. I guess Ecclesiastes is right- there is nothing new under the sun. But I digress. Here are the details (such as they are at this point):
-I will learn something new every day in 2009 and write about it here.
-I have no requirements concerning how academic or trivial my new knowledge should be. I can learn from books, friends, mistakes, or any other source.
-I will attempt to update the blog daily, but I know myself well enough to know it may be difficult to do so. Therefore, I'm committing to updating at LEAST weekly with what I have learned each day.
-I will try to take a pictures somehow relating to what I have learned. This may prove to be a challenge, depending on the nature of what I have learned. The goal is to have a picture for every new thing I learn, but there may be times this is not possible. This part of my blog will be a bit of a work in progress as I discover how best to combine the two.
And those are the rules. Pretty simple. I think I'm really going to enjoy this project, and I hope anyone reading it will enjoy it, too.
So, you're probably wondering what I learned today, right?Nothing earth-shattering, but it is useful.
I learned a new way to prepare chicken. I learned this from Elisa, my roommate. She uses olive oil and seasons the meat with sage, rosemary, and thyme. Seriously (I'm not sure why she doesn't put parsley on it). Then she bakes it in the oven. It comes out very tender and it's a nice flavor. The chicken works well with rice, on salads, with pasta, or however you want. And Elisa uses spices from Vitamin Cottage, so they come in little bags. I don't know why, but there's something I love about that.
So there you have it. I'm 1 for 1. I'd love your feedback if you have it. But more than that, I hope you have a 2009 full of learning, too.
25 December 2008
It's Coming...
...2009. Unbelievable.
I've never been really into the whole New Year's Resolution thing. It always feels a little like a trend to me, and I wonder how effective resolutions can be if they are motivated simply by the change to a new calendar date. That said, I may be turning a corner with resolutions. I have been challenged to think of a 'To-Do' list for 2009. Some items on the list may be considered resolutions. Others are simply tasks or goals I want to check off my list before 12/31/2009.
I'd like to have a list of 10 items, but I don't have 10 yet. So, here are the 5 things I have on my list so far:
1. Run 10k.
The goal is not necessarily to run a 10k RACE, but simply to be able to run that distance. I like running for the solitude it provides, and for taking in the beauty of nature (I like running outside best), and for the satisfaction of being more fit. I don't find the idea of running alongside hundreds of other people to be a very solitary or peaceful thing, and certainly all those people would obstruct my view of nature.
Also, this goal happens to be a personal goal as well as a part of a deal I have made with a friend: if I run 10k he will read a favorite book of mine. Hopefully I can blog more on that deal later, after I check this one of my list!
2. Complete my new blog project
I'll blog more on this in a few days, but I have come up with a fun project for the coming year, inspired partly by my friend Allison and partly by my own inner nerd. I'm excited and I hope that I can keep up with it.
3. Ditch the Auto
No, not my car. I'm talking about the Auto setting on my new DSLR camera. I bought it about a month ago and so far have not had time to learn to play with it. I have used it a lot but I've stayed on Auto far more than I want to. I blame it on December and being too busy to take the time to play, but that will soon change...
4. Visit New York City
I've never been there and I am feeling the itch to travel somewhere new again, so this is my next destination. Plus, I'll get to see two great friends of mine while I am there!
5. Get back to my budget
If you know much about me, you know I have a thing for budgets. Well, ok, for money management, period. I'm pretty cheap, and I'm a total debt-phobe. But in the last few months I have had some large purchases I decided to make- furniture, my camera, etc. I didn't incur debt, but I just didn't save as much as I used to or as much as I wanted to. Or much at all, let's just be honest. While I am certainly not in danger financially (for which I am extremely grateful), I haven't made a budget in a few months, and I used to do it every month like clockwork. So I'm going to get back to my roots.
So, there's my 5 so far. I'll add more if I can think of some, but it's a good start for me so far.
What's on your 2009 To-Do list?
I've never been really into the whole New Year's Resolution thing. It always feels a little like a trend to me, and I wonder how effective resolutions can be if they are motivated simply by the change to a new calendar date. That said, I may be turning a corner with resolutions. I have been challenged to think of a 'To-Do' list for 2009. Some items on the list may be considered resolutions. Others are simply tasks or goals I want to check off my list before 12/31/2009.
I'd like to have a list of 10 items, but I don't have 10 yet. So, here are the 5 things I have on my list so far:
1. Run 10k.
The goal is not necessarily to run a 10k RACE, but simply to be able to run that distance. I like running for the solitude it provides, and for taking in the beauty of nature (I like running outside best), and for the satisfaction of being more fit. I don't find the idea of running alongside hundreds of other people to be a very solitary or peaceful thing, and certainly all those people would obstruct my view of nature.
Also, this goal happens to be a personal goal as well as a part of a deal I have made with a friend: if I run 10k he will read a favorite book of mine. Hopefully I can blog more on that deal later, after I check this one of my list!
2. Complete my new blog project
I'll blog more on this in a few days, but I have come up with a fun project for the coming year, inspired partly by my friend Allison and partly by my own inner nerd. I'm excited and I hope that I can keep up with it.
3. Ditch the Auto
No, not my car. I'm talking about the Auto setting on my new DSLR camera. I bought it about a month ago and so far have not had time to learn to play with it. I have used it a lot but I've stayed on Auto far more than I want to. I blame it on December and being too busy to take the time to play, but that will soon change...
4. Visit New York City
I've never been there and I am feeling the itch to travel somewhere new again, so this is my next destination. Plus, I'll get to see two great friends of mine while I am there!
5. Get back to my budget
If you know much about me, you know I have a thing for budgets. Well, ok, for money management, period. I'm pretty cheap, and I'm a total debt-phobe. But in the last few months I have had some large purchases I decided to make- furniture, my camera, etc. I didn't incur debt, but I just didn't save as much as I used to or as much as I wanted to. Or much at all, let's just be honest. While I am certainly not in danger financially (for which I am extremely grateful), I haven't made a budget in a few months, and I used to do it every month like clockwork. So I'm going to get back to my roots.
So, there's my 5 so far. I'll add more if I can think of some, but it's a good start for me so far.
What's on your 2009 To-Do list?
24 September 2007
Best weekend ever
It was a lovely weekend. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. I got two new books, the first of which is an incredibly well-written and creative novel. It also presents the gospel in a refreshing and weighty light. And shouldn't the gospel be weighty? It's a beautifully heavy thing. Savage and excessive. If you have the urge to read a new book and think more seriously about the love of the Lord, read this book: Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee. Sounds counterintuitive by the title alone, but trust me. Well, at least trust me so far. I'm not even done yet and I am endorsing it! That could be some sort of book reviewing faux pas.
2. I spent some time with a good friend having coffee and reading in a cozy little coffee shop. It's the simple things.
3. Craig Gross, pastor for XXXchurch.com, came out to our church on Sunday morning. Very compelling speaker. He has a call to ministry that I think very few would be willing to answer- walking into the world of pornography to speak the truth of Christ's love in a dark place. If you want to know more or hear more, go to their website. They also have podcasts of a radio show on itunes.
4. Sunday afernoon, I went driving in with some friends up to see the beautiful Colorado aspen trees turning. We drove up to Cripple Creek, stopping along the way to take some pictures of a season beginning to change. It was beautiful. Then we drove further up, to Victor, Colorado. Victor is a tiny little old mining town. People still live there, but there are lots of mines around the city that are old and abandoned. There are also a lot of great buildings in the town that are still standing with a lot of character and history built-in. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the afternoon:
I could post about a hundred more, but I will leave at that for now. It is enough to say that it was a perfect first weekend of Fall, and I wanted to share. (and get back to blogging after a long hiatus, oops!)
I hope your weekend went well, too.
1. I got two new books, the first of which is an incredibly well-written and creative novel. It also presents the gospel in a refreshing and weighty light. And shouldn't the gospel be weighty? It's a beautifully heavy thing. Savage and excessive. If you have the urge to read a new book and think more seriously about the love of the Lord, read this book: Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee. Sounds counterintuitive by the title alone, but trust me. Well, at least trust me so far. I'm not even done yet and I am endorsing it! That could be some sort of book reviewing faux pas.
2. I spent some time with a good friend having coffee and reading in a cozy little coffee shop. It's the simple things.
3. Craig Gross, pastor for XXXchurch.com, came out to our church on Sunday morning. Very compelling speaker. He has a call to ministry that I think very few would be willing to answer- walking into the world of pornography to speak the truth of Christ's love in a dark place. If you want to know more or hear more, go to their website. They also have podcasts of a radio show on itunes.
4. Sunday afernoon, I went driving in with some friends up to see the beautiful Colorado aspen trees turning. We drove up to Cripple Creek, stopping along the way to take some pictures of a season beginning to change. It was beautiful. Then we drove further up, to Victor, Colorado. Victor is a tiny little old mining town. People still live there, but there are lots of mines around the city that are old and abandoned. There are also a lot of great buildings in the town that are still standing with a lot of character and history built-in. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the afternoon:
I could post about a hundred more, but I will leave at that for now. It is enough to say that it was a perfect first weekend of Fall, and I wanted to share. (and get back to blogging after a long hiatus, oops!)I hope your weekend went well, too.
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