Monday, July 6, 2009
Interesting article about our rivers and water creatures
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/opinion/28kristof.html?_r=1
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Cooking by Kevin - May 16, 2009
Today's recipe: Spicy chicken and barley soup
This is a slow cooker recipe, but it could be adapted to just a soup / stew.
It's pretty spicy, but you can make your own adjustments. The goal is something healthy, low sodium, and with a good balance of carb/protein/fat. Here we go:
1 cup dry pearled barley (I used Arrowhead Mills)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2-3 cups kale, chopped (about 6 large leaves)
4 roma tomatoes - chopped
4 stalks green onion - cut into 1/2" sections
1/2 lb chicken breast - 1/2' cubes
4 cups water
and for spice:
2 jalapenos - sliced in half, with seeds. (take out the seeds to make it milder)
6 cloves garlic - cut in to 1/4ths
Place everything in a slow cooker on "high" and let cook for 2-3 hours. Check occasionally, make sure to stir at least once.
Depending on how things are looking, either let it cook one more hours on "high", or else put it on "low" and let it go a few more hours.
Should make a relatively thick, tasty stew.
If you make too much, you can freeze it. I'm eating a bowl I just thawed and it still kept decent texture.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Cooking by Kevin - May 12, 2009
Today's Lunch: Chana Dal and Brown Rice with Spinach
Have you heard of Chana Dal? It's a legume or bean or something in that family. It may be a little difficult to find, but it is a great source of protein and fiber with a low glycemic index. For more details, see this writeup: http://www.mendosa.com/chanadal.html
However, on to the business of lunch.
Chana Dal is easy to make. I primarily treat it like rice and cook it in a covered container. It takes about 40 minutes, so it is a good companion with Brown Rice or other lentils.
1/3 cup chana dal - rinsed
1/3 cup medium grain brown rice
1/2 cup frozen spinach or frozen green peas
1 tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp olive oil - unrefined, organic
1 1/3 cups water
Simmer about 35 minutes. You might have to add a little more water...
At the 35 minute point, I add in 1/2 cup of either frozen spinach or frozen green peas. Also add in the curry powder and cayenne (if you like it spicy), stir, and cook 5 more minutes.
Pour it out in a soup bowl and drizzle the olive oil across the top.
This creates a meal of about 500 calories with a good balance of protein, carb, fat, and some green stuff to keep you healthy.
Enjoy!
Have you heard of Chana Dal? It's a legume or bean or something in that family. It may be a little difficult to find, but it is a great source of protein and fiber with a low glycemic index. For more details, see this writeup: http://www.mendosa.com/chanadal.html
However, on to the business of lunch.
Chana Dal is easy to make. I primarily treat it like rice and cook it in a covered container. It takes about 40 minutes, so it is a good companion with Brown Rice or other lentils.
1/3 cup chana dal - rinsed
1/3 cup medium grain brown rice
1/2 cup frozen spinach or frozen green peas
1 tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp olive oil - unrefined, organic
1 1/3 cups water
Simmer about 35 minutes. You might have to add a little more water...
At the 35 minute point, I add in 1/2 cup of either frozen spinach or frozen green peas. Also add in the curry powder and cayenne (if you like it spicy), stir, and cook 5 more minutes.
Pour it out in a soup bowl and drizzle the olive oil across the top.
This creates a meal of about 500 calories with a good balance of protein, carb, fat, and some green stuff to keep you healthy.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
So Far in the Journey of Loss
My neighbor's college age son died this weekend. It is a sad affair, and it brought back all the memories and feelings I had when my wife passed away a little over a year ago. I saw my neighbor on the street walking her dog, and she said she'd like to talk to me at some point and share experiences. I agreed to do that, and then I had a sleepless night thinking about all of the different emotions and experiences she is facing. I started to prepare a list of things to talk about. I thought I'd put the list here in case it helps someone else. Of course, there are a lot of books on the subject as well, and there are links to two that I found most meaningful at the end of this.
1. Tell people. This was some of the best advice I got from someone. You need to get the word out to family, distant cousins, neighbors, and co-workers. Usually, you can get help telling people. I asked people at work to tell other people. That way, you can avoid the "shock" to your system if someone asks you about it, or the other kind of shock if they don't know and they ask a question that leads you to telling them through your answer.
Of course, you don't have to tell everyone. In my case, there was a lady who worked the fish counter at Whole Foods. Twice she asked me if I felt okay because she could see it in my face. I didn't tell her the reason because it just didn't seem right to do so. So, tell people, but only if you feel there is a reason for it.
2. This is a long journey. It changes you forever, and it will take time for all the adjustments. You don't get over it, but you can get on with it. That's a line I heard in an interview with an Iraq war veteran. She said that getting over it would mean forgetting, and that's not what you're going to do. However, you can get on with it, which means living out the rest of your life. Think about how much longer you have to live. In my case it is 30+ years. That would be a long time to wake up sad every single day.
3. It's your life and your loss. Initially, a lot of people will talk to you and compare your lost to their loss or the loss of someone else. It's all said with the best of intentions. However, how you feel and how you adapt to this change is what matters. I tried to pick up one thing from each story I heard and then see if I could use that idea. This is one of them based on my neighbor saying how each person in his family reacted differently when his mother died. Basically, that means you don't have to react in some specified way or feel a certain way for a certain period of time.
4. Food and exercise. Sarah and I adopted two dogs and added them to the family of two cats. I often feel very thankful that she pushed me to take both dogs (I only wanted to get one). I walk at least 3 miles every day without fail. I'm probably in the best physical condition of my life and that has helped me deal with all the rest of this experience. I probably cried on every morning walk at first, and sometimes I still do. However, it's harder for the intense sadness to grip you when you're walking uphill as fast as you can.
Along with the exercise (or maybe just being outdoors), you need to watch your food intake. For me, already fairly thin, I lost 10 lbs in about 3 months. I've never gained it back. Sometimes you need to force yourself to eat even though you might not feel like it.
5. Find ways to stay engaged with people. Obviously, there are going to be changes in your social life. For me, it means not having someone to go to concerts with, or go on other adventures. I had to develop other friendships to help fill the void. It was not easy, and it is still not easy. However, learning that you still have things that you enjoy and people who enjoy being around you is a big part of reclaiming your life. I look forward to seeing my friends on the weekend, seeing some of my dog-walking neighbors, and going to lunch with people at work. I appreciate all of these simple experiences much more than I did previously. I understand the value of being connected. I also force myself to do things by myself that I enjoy - like going to concerts. Trust me, you're never the only one buying a single ticket to the show. There are a lot of us out here.
I hope this helps someone someday.
Here are the links to some books that may help more.
I found this one very good in the early days. It has just one thought to read each day. Healing After Loss - Martha Whitmore Hickman
http://www.amazon.com/Healing-After-Loss-Meditations-Working/dp/0380773384/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237297187&sr=1-1
This one helps explain all the emotions you go through at a time like this.
A Grace Disguised - Jerry Sittser
http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Disguised-Soul-Grows-through/dp/0310258952/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237297274&sr=1-1
1. Tell people. This was some of the best advice I got from someone. You need to get the word out to family, distant cousins, neighbors, and co-workers. Usually, you can get help telling people. I asked people at work to tell other people. That way, you can avoid the "shock" to your system if someone asks you about it, or the other kind of shock if they don't know and they ask a question that leads you to telling them through your answer.
Of course, you don't have to tell everyone. In my case, there was a lady who worked the fish counter at Whole Foods. Twice she asked me if I felt okay because she could see it in my face. I didn't tell her the reason because it just didn't seem right to do so. So, tell people, but only if you feel there is a reason for it.
2. This is a long journey. It changes you forever, and it will take time for all the adjustments. You don't get over it, but you can get on with it. That's a line I heard in an interview with an Iraq war veteran. She said that getting over it would mean forgetting, and that's not what you're going to do. However, you can get on with it, which means living out the rest of your life. Think about how much longer you have to live. In my case it is 30+ years. That would be a long time to wake up sad every single day.
3. It's your life and your loss. Initially, a lot of people will talk to you and compare your lost to their loss or the loss of someone else. It's all said with the best of intentions. However, how you feel and how you adapt to this change is what matters. I tried to pick up one thing from each story I heard and then see if I could use that idea. This is one of them based on my neighbor saying how each person in his family reacted differently when his mother died. Basically, that means you don't have to react in some specified way or feel a certain way for a certain period of time.
4. Food and exercise. Sarah and I adopted two dogs and added them to the family of two cats. I often feel very thankful that she pushed me to take both dogs (I only wanted to get one). I walk at least 3 miles every day without fail. I'm probably in the best physical condition of my life and that has helped me deal with all the rest of this experience. I probably cried on every morning walk at first, and sometimes I still do. However, it's harder for the intense sadness to grip you when you're walking uphill as fast as you can.
Along with the exercise (or maybe just being outdoors), you need to watch your food intake. For me, already fairly thin, I lost 10 lbs in about 3 months. I've never gained it back. Sometimes you need to force yourself to eat even though you might not feel like it.
5. Find ways to stay engaged with people. Obviously, there are going to be changes in your social life. For me, it means not having someone to go to concerts with, or go on other adventures. I had to develop other friendships to help fill the void. It was not easy, and it is still not easy. However, learning that you still have things that you enjoy and people who enjoy being around you is a big part of reclaiming your life. I look forward to seeing my friends on the weekend, seeing some of my dog-walking neighbors, and going to lunch with people at work. I appreciate all of these simple experiences much more than I did previously. I understand the value of being connected. I also force myself to do things by myself that I enjoy - like going to concerts. Trust me, you're never the only one buying a single ticket to the show. There are a lot of us out here.
I hope this helps someone someday.
Here are the links to some books that may help more.
I found this one very good in the early days. It has just one thought to read each day. Healing After Loss - Martha Whitmore Hickman
http://www.amazon.com/Healing-After-Loss-Meditations-Working/dp/0380773384/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237297187&sr=1-1
This one helps explain all the emotions you go through at a time like this.
A Grace Disguised - Jerry Sittser
http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Disguised-Soul-Grows-through/dp/0310258952/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237297274&sr=1-1
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Solution is Redistribution
With all that is going on in the economy these days, you can't help but think about how this situation is going to work out. Is it going to get worse? Much worse? For how long? When will it get better? It can be quite a thought provoking and tiresome effort if you get too deep into thinking about all the possibilities.
During one of my deep thought episodes, I came to this conclusion: We already have enough stuff, we just need to distribute it better. (or redistribute it). Basically, I have been trying to overcome my procrastination over the past couple of years and get better about parting with junk I no longer need. I've tried garage sales and occasional trips to Good Will, but no matter how much I work at it, there's just more junk.
When I say junk, I mean it is junk to me... I no longer need it. And, there's part of the answer. This weekend, a friend of mine is going to come over and help me part with even more stuff. (Think of it as a type of intervention or moral support moment). The charity this time is one that works with needy people who are trying to get set up in an apartment. They just need the basic items for the kitchen, dining room, or whatever. Perfect! I'm thinking I have enough stuff to fill an entire apartment. Here's a partial list:
Queen size futon
2 end tables
2 table lamps
set of cutting boards - unused, a duplicate gift
2 small blankets
storage containers
closet shelf / whatever you call it from the container store
miscellaneous objects from the world of IKEA
2 shoe racks
small wooden desk
laundry basket
... and the list goes on.
How did I even end up with all of this stuff? Well, in part it was when I got married and we consolidated all of our things together. However, most of this stuff just found its way to the basement where it has been unused for several years. Hopefully, it will be on its way to someone else's home where it can help them out.
I do wonder if all the charities are getting maxed out taking in all of this stuff. People who have had their homes foreclosed probably did similar things as they came to the realization that they couldn't keep their belongings, but that someone else could probably be helped. It seems kind of ironic that the charities might be seeing a flood of donations of material things like this while, at the same time, they are seeing increasing needs from all fronts. Homeless people probably just need food and shelter.
Well, maybe if you're in a good situation, but have been procrastinating about clearing out all of the unneeded furniture and household items, you can take this as some motivation. There's probably someone who can use the help.
During one of my deep thought episodes, I came to this conclusion: We already have enough stuff, we just need to distribute it better. (or redistribute it). Basically, I have been trying to overcome my procrastination over the past couple of years and get better about parting with junk I no longer need. I've tried garage sales and occasional trips to Good Will, but no matter how much I work at it, there's just more junk.
When I say junk, I mean it is junk to me... I no longer need it. And, there's part of the answer. This weekend, a friend of mine is going to come over and help me part with even more stuff. (Think of it as a type of intervention or moral support moment). The charity this time is one that works with needy people who are trying to get set up in an apartment. They just need the basic items for the kitchen, dining room, or whatever. Perfect! I'm thinking I have enough stuff to fill an entire apartment. Here's a partial list:
Queen size futon
2 end tables
2 table lamps
set of cutting boards - unused, a duplicate gift
2 small blankets
storage containers
closet shelf / whatever you call it from the container store
miscellaneous objects from the world of IKEA
2 shoe racks
small wooden desk
laundry basket
... and the list goes on.
How did I even end up with all of this stuff? Well, in part it was when I got married and we consolidated all of our things together. However, most of this stuff just found its way to the basement where it has been unused for several years. Hopefully, it will be on its way to someone else's home where it can help them out.
I do wonder if all the charities are getting maxed out taking in all of this stuff. People who have had their homes foreclosed probably did similar things as they came to the realization that they couldn't keep their belongings, but that someone else could probably be helped. It seems kind of ironic that the charities might be seeing a flood of donations of material things like this while, at the same time, they are seeing increasing needs from all fronts. Homeless people probably just need food and shelter.
Well, maybe if you're in a good situation, but have been procrastinating about clearing out all of the unneeded furniture and household items, you can take this as some motivation. There's probably someone who can use the help.
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