I heard this story on the radio on my way home from work today. Though, I have yet to see any bumperstickers advocating secession. Oddly enough, as the political climate has reached new levels of obnoxious-ness in recent years during my grumpier moments I have thought that perhaps "they" should go to one corner of the country and "the rest" should to go to the other and see who survives the best. This story, however, made me rethink that not-so-serious thought. I like Texas right where it is.
Lone Star State of Mind: Could Texas Go It Alone?
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
End of March Updates
Just a few random updates to share...
1. We're still eating Korean food. I love it! We've tried some new recipes and are adding more variety to our diet. I want to learn more about the role different foods play in the Korean diet. For example, the traditional French meal is arranged in such a way to add in digestion. I am curious what is the Korean equivalent of this arrangement. While watching a Korean soap opera, I learned that diners in a posh Italian restaurant could not properly enjoy the rich food without pickles. What other handy "rules" are there?
2. You may remember I have a New Year's resolution not to buy any new clothes this year. So far, at the end of March, I have been successful! Spring weather has made this more challenging, I am itching for light fabrics, bright colors, and delicate sandals. All things not readily found in my current wardrobe. But, I am working on some clever tricks. I have begun tearing out pictures of outfits and "looks" I like from magazines and placing them in a 3-ring binder in my closet. It is like Pinterest without the handy computer; my left-brained way to help me to be more creative with what I currently own. Great fun.
3. I am reading "The Good Earth".
4. We have decided to attempt a vegetable garden this year. I am eager to try and even more excited to teach my daughter about where food comes from. I have to admit, however, I am feeling less and less optimistic about our progress (or, rather, significant lack thereof). I have identified garden location and started to prepare the space. But, I've haven't planted anything and I've heard that once it hits 100 degrees, nothing will produce. I'll consider this successful if I at least grow some basil and a few tomatoes for just one caprese salad.
5. Tomorrow we start a sugar fast. No ice cream, cake, homemade cookies, donuts, etc., time to take better care of our bodies.
1. We're still eating Korean food. I love it! We've tried some new recipes and are adding more variety to our diet. I want to learn more about the role different foods play in the Korean diet. For example, the traditional French meal is arranged in such a way to add in digestion. I am curious what is the Korean equivalent of this arrangement. While watching a Korean soap opera, I learned that diners in a posh Italian restaurant could not properly enjoy the rich food without pickles. What other handy "rules" are there?
2. You may remember I have a New Year's resolution not to buy any new clothes this year. So far, at the end of March, I have been successful! Spring weather has made this more challenging, I am itching for light fabrics, bright colors, and delicate sandals. All things not readily found in my current wardrobe. But, I am working on some clever tricks. I have begun tearing out pictures of outfits and "looks" I like from magazines and placing them in a 3-ring binder in my closet. It is like Pinterest without the handy computer; my left-brained way to help me to be more creative with what I currently own. Great fun.
3. I am reading "The Good Earth".
4. We have decided to attempt a vegetable garden this year. I am eager to try and even more excited to teach my daughter about where food comes from. I have to admit, however, I am feeling less and less optimistic about our progress (or, rather, significant lack thereof). I have identified garden location and started to prepare the space. But, I've haven't planted anything and I've heard that once it hits 100 degrees, nothing will produce. I'll consider this successful if I at least grow some basil and a few tomatoes for just one caprese salad.
5. Tomorrow we start a sugar fast. No ice cream, cake, homemade cookies, donuts, etc., time to take better care of our bodies.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Dallas...the TV Show
We watched a few episodes of the old television show "Dallas".
It was awful! The acting was bad, the writing was bad...I've come to the conclusion that if Victoria Principal wasn't so beautiful, I don't think the series would have made it.
Then again...there is a part of me which is a little hooked...
It was awful! The acting was bad, the writing was bad...I've come to the conclusion that if Victoria Principal wasn't so beautiful, I don't think the series would have made it.
Then again...there is a part of me which is a little hooked...
Lone Star Cambodians
Let's add this to the list of the things I never thought I would be doing in Texas: Spending time with local Cambodian community. As peculiar as it may sound, this was our family activity for much of late last year.
It was a surprising, interesting, and amazing experience.
The venture began when my husband was given an assignment in his anthropology class to immerse himself in a "cross cultural situation". Our first stop was Sunday service at a Cambodian Baptist church in Fort Worth. Admittedly, the initial decision to select this particular place was made for sheer convenience. However, after our first visit we knew that, all convenience aside, we made the best choice. I have NEVER, repeat NEVER, felt so welcome anywhere. The people I met were the most friendly, kind, and genuinely sincere people I have ever encountered. Their stories were incredible. Most had fled Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge; the pastor had been shot 36 times, the assistant pastor was severely beaten and left for dead after being forced to witness the murders of both his parents (at the age of 9). It was humbling to be surrounded by people who have truly overcome horrendous circumstances. It added a new level of perspective to any petty, minor inconveniences which may cripple me, no matter how briefly. And their gracious generosity showed me a new example of how to treat others.
We also spent time at the Buddhist temple, which is actually very close to our home. Again, we experienced the same welcoming, generous spirit. We made fast friends who told us about themselves as we observed traditional dance and Khmer language classes. It saddens me that our schedules have changed and we are no longer able to spend the time with these new friends as we once did. But, the experience was unforgettable and I hope we'll be back to both places soon.
Thank you Texas.
It was a surprising, interesting, and amazing experience.
The venture began when my husband was given an assignment in his anthropology class to immerse himself in a "cross cultural situation". Our first stop was Sunday service at a Cambodian Baptist church in Fort Worth. Admittedly, the initial decision to select this particular place was made for sheer convenience. However, after our first visit we knew that, all convenience aside, we made the best choice. I have NEVER, repeat NEVER, felt so welcome anywhere. The people I met were the most friendly, kind, and genuinely sincere people I have ever encountered. Their stories were incredible. Most had fled Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge; the pastor had been shot 36 times, the assistant pastor was severely beaten and left for dead after being forced to witness the murders of both his parents (at the age of 9). It was humbling to be surrounded by people who have truly overcome horrendous circumstances. It added a new level of perspective to any petty, minor inconveniences which may cripple me, no matter how briefly. And their gracious generosity showed me a new example of how to treat others.
We also spent time at the Buddhist temple, which is actually very close to our home. Again, we experienced the same welcoming, generous spirit. We made fast friends who told us about themselves as we observed traditional dance and Khmer language classes. It saddens me that our schedules have changed and we are no longer able to spend the time with these new friends as we once did. But, the experience was unforgettable and I hope we'll be back to both places soon.
Thank you Texas.
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