Another Trip around the Sun

They say it's my birthday...

Because it is my birthday. Today I am thirty-three years old. A birthday that for the first time has me contemplating my own mortality. Best case scenario, my life is 1/3 over. In reality, it's probably closer to half over. It has made me realize that I'm not exactly where I want to be at this point in my life. It's not so much the "normal" milestones, although there are certainly some of those as well, but it's more so that I have yet to make my mark on the world.

I have options - I could sulk over this, throw myself a pity party, deny my age, etc. None of those help. Or I can use this to motivate me.

There is a quote by David Thoreau that seems applicable: 

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

It doesn't mean that you can be anything you want to be, or live the life that you imagine. This is not truly a possibility in all cases - I can't go live the life of royalty, as I am not royalty. I think what Thoreau is saying is that if we try, really try, we will come closer to the life we imagine than we think possible.

So that's what I'm vowing to do - try, but try really hard. I may not make the mark in the world I want, but I may make a mark nonetheless, which is accomplishing more than a self-loathing pity party will.

Cheers! It's my birthday!

God's Not Dead - the Take Away

As promised, here's my take away from God's Not Dead. 

1.) This movie has nearly every stereotype imaginable in it. 

• There is an african american student whose name is "T Dawg" (E insists his name was "G Dawg," but either way it involved "Dawg" in it). I think he has one line.
• Martin is an asian student from China. He of course tests out of math. His father is very strict and only cares about his grades. At one point, Martin is trying to talk to his father about the God discussion they've been having in class, because Martin is having conflicted feelings about it. The father asks him what the professor's opinion is and Martin says, "That God is dead." The father then says, "Then you think God is dead."
• Ayisha is a muslim student. Her father drives a beater car. He is very traditional and he is very strict. When he finds out that Ayisha has been listening to Christian podcasts, he beats her and physically throws her out of the house.
• Josh's girlfriend is caucasian, blonde, and wears a cross necklace and a lot of white.
• Josh, the Christian hero in the film, is very clean cut, but cool at the same time. He wears Newsboys t-shirts, button down shirts, and Chuck Taylors.
• The non-theists in the movie are mean, angry, bitter, and generally not good people. See #2 for more information.

2.) The non-theists in the movie are giant tools. I mean really - giant douche bag assholes. The Professor is pretty much a dick to everyone he meets, but especially so to Josh (who dares to disagree with him), and his girlfriend, Mina. Mark (Mina's brother) is a douche to everyone he interacts with, and continues to be until the end, when he kills someone with his car and doesn't even stop. He also makes the comment (when Mina tells him he should go visit their mother, who has dementia), "Why bother? I bought her a TV." Blogger girl is "too busy for cancer" and is very confrontational and aggressive when she does her interviews for the liberal blog that she writes for.

3.) The Christians are all really nice. Like REALLY nice. Except for Josh's girlfriend who dumped him because his act of standing up for God was ruining their future together. And this right after he gives her Newsboys tickets for their anniversary.

4.) The Newsboys are apparently the only Christian band ever. And EVERY Christian LOVES them. Josh wore Newsboys shirts and had Newsboys posters in his dorm room. They ALL went to the Newsboys concert. Even Ayisha, who you would think would be a little strapped for cash, having been kicked out of her family's home with nothing.

5.) When Josh makes his arguments, he sounds rational. He is humble, and uses an even tone of voice. The professor sounds spiteful, hateful, and angry when he makes his points. This makes Josh's arguments look solid, even though they aren't. Like when he says, "Atheists say there's no proof for God. But I say they have no proof that He doesn't exist." Josh also lectures about circular logic.... enough said.

6.) The atheist professor treated the writings of Dawkins and Hawking as though they were infallible. He name dropped and made a point of how educated they are compared to Josh, a lowly freshman. This is very stereotypical of atheists, who are often accused of being arrogant, overly-educated, and elitist.

7.) All the non-theists were non-believers because they were angry or bitter. With possibly the exception of blogger girl, who they never really gave a backstory on.

8.) When faced with her imminent death, blogger girl turned Christian. On his death bed, the professor turned Christian. The only one unresolved was Mark, who ran over asshole professor and killed him, then peeled out. Still an atheist, still an asshole.

9.) There was one point in the movie where Pastor Dave tells Josh that the other 80 kids in his philosophy class have probably never been exposed to Christianity of Jesus' love and that Josh's presentation may be their only exposure to it. Really? Where do entire classrooms of students exist where there is only one Christian and 80 non-theists? Because I would really like to sign up for those classes. :)

10.) I completely get how this kind of film would get Christians all hyped up and excited about their faith. I think it's probably very similar to how I feel when I go to a freethought conference and get excited and motivated to do new things with Siouxland Freethinkers. I think the film 100% accomplished what it set out to do with its intended audience.

God is Most Definitely Dead

E and I went to God's Not Dead Saturday afternoon. Here's my summary of the film. I can't guarantee that it is exactly in the order it was in the film, as there were several story lines that overlapped. Here goes:

Christian kid, Josh, goes to college and his girlfriend who he's been dating for 6 years (which means they started dating when they were 12) follows him to school. He takes a Philosophy class with asshole professor. Another kid sees his Newsboys shirt and cross and warns him not to take class with asshole professor. Josh says he can't. First day of class, Professor asks his entire class to write "God is dead" on a sheet of paper and sign it so that they can skip over the part of the book that discusses whether or not God exists. He says the class must all do this, or they'll have to do that part of the class, which he adds is the hardest and has caused the most students to fail. So all the students write this except for Josh, who can't, because he thinks God isn't dead. Asshole professor says fine - then he can have 20 minutes of the next 3 classes to make his case. Asshole professor says that he'll judge whether or not Josh succeeds. Josh says that isn't fair - that the class should decide. Professor grudgingly agrees to this.

Josh's girlfriend forbids him to do this, saying he will fail the class and then not get into law school and destroy their life together. Josh goes to church and Pastor Dave tells him that this is God's plan for him. Josh decides to take on the professor.

Josh's first argument is basically that the big bang theory happened when God said, "let there be light." Professor says that's nice, but here's what Stephen Hawking says. Josh is humiliated. After class, asshole professor stops Josh, asks him what he's trying to do, says there IS a god and that it's him, and that he's looking forward to failing him.

Josh starts researching. Girlfriend confronts him and dumps him for standing up for God. The same girlfriend that he met at Youth Group. This was moments after he told her he got Newsboys tickets for their anniversary.

Meanwhile, there is a humanist reporter girl. She is caught up in her career as a liberal blogger. She keeps ignoring her doctor's phone calls. She interviews one of the Duck Dynasty creeps, quite possibly just so there is some reason for one of them to have a cameo. She is dating Mark (atheist), who is a giant douche who only cares about his job.
Mark's sister, Mina, is visiting their mother who has dementia. She calls Mark and tells him he should visit their mom. He says why bother, he bought her a tv.

Also, there is a Muslim girl, Ayisha. She works in the cafeteria at the university. Her father is very strict.
There is also a Chinese student, Martin. His father is very strict as well. When Martin tries to talk to his father about the God discussion in class, his father asks him what the professor thinks. Martin says the professor thinks God is dead. Father says, "then you think God is dead." Martin tests out of math classes.

Turns out Mina is a Christian, and is also dating asshole professor. Asshole professor has a dinner party with fellow faculty. They all make fun of Josh and he treats Mina like dirt. Also - she left the wine in the car, which is the WORST THING EVER. She gets mad and walks out of his dinner party.
Pastor Dave is trying to go on a vacation. His car won't start. He gets a rental - it won't start. He gets another rental - it won't start. It's God's plan.

Josh has another go-round in the classroom. This time, his argument is that Stephen Hawking said that "Philosophy is dead" so if asshole professor thinks Hawking is right about everything, then there is no reason for his class. Also has some research from a mathematician who says Hawking is wrong. And says that Hawking uses circular logic (yeah, the Christian is lecturing about circular logic). This makes professor VERY ANGRY.

Humanist blogger girl finds out she has cancer. She goes to dinner with Mark. He tells her he made partner. She tells him she has cancer. He promptly dumps her because relationships are only about what people get from the other, and she is now of no use to him. She cries a lot.

She goes in for her MRI. When it's time for her to get her results, the doctor asks her if there is anyone that can be there with her. She says no (of course not, non-theists have no one).

Professor is talking with his colleagues at work about Dawkins, and how Dawkins is right about everything, ever. Mina goes to break up with him. He says he will not allow that.

Ayisha is caught listening to Christian podcasts. Her father beats her and throws her out of the house. She goes to talk to Pastor Dave. This is why God wouldn't let him go on vacation. After Ayisha leaves, then Pastor Dave's car starts and he can go on vacation - which ends up being going to the Newsboys concert?

It's time for Josh's final argument, but asshole professor decides that's not going to happen and instead they're going to debate. Kind of - they don't really debate. Josh asks him why he hates God, and keeps pushing until asshole professor admits that he does hate God and it's because his mom died of cancer when he was 12, even though he asked God to let her live. Josh says, "how can you hate someone who doesn't exist." Checkmate. 

Martin confides in Josh that he has been convinced that he should be a Christian. Josh invites him to the Newsboys concert.

Mark goes to see his mother. He says that she prayed her whole life and ended up with dementia, but he is a giant tool and his life is perfect. Mother says (in a trance like state) that sometimes the devil allows people to live perfect lives so they don't convert to Christianity. Then she snaps out of it and asks him who he is.

Blogger girl has a meltdown and blogs that she is going to die of cancer.

Asshole professor goes to his office, reads a letter his mom wrote him on her death bed telling him to follow the lord and live a good life. He tries to call Mina, who doesn't answer because she's at the Newsboys concert. He decides to go chase her down and win her back.

Blogger girl barges in on the Newsboys and starts asking them how they can promote the whole Christian thing. The drummer is somehow a mind reader and knows that she came there because she's suffering and wants to believe. She admits this is true. They all pray for her and she looks peaceful and happy for the first time in the whole movie.

Josh and Martin are jamming out to the Newsboys. So is Mina. So is Ayisha. The Newsboys dedicate a song to Josh for standing up for God. Ayisha flirts with him a bit. Newsboys tell everyone to text "God's not dead" to everyone they know. Mina texts Mark. Mark gets pissy after reading the text and peels out in his car.

Meanwhile, Pastor Dave is running late to the concert because ... I don't know why. Because God likes to mess with Pastor Dave's car a lot. Asshole professor is hurrying to make it to the concert to win back Mina when he steps out in the street and gets hit by a car, which is driven by... Mark. Mark pauses, but keeps going. Professor is laying in the road, dying. Pastor Dave yells "call for an ambulance" (no one does), and then starts praying for professor. Professor says he's an atheist. Pastor Dave gets him to accept Jesus as his one true savior right before he takes his last breath and dies. 

Everyone is really happy. Even Pastor Dave, who just saw this guy die. Everyone is rocking out to the Newsboys. Screen goes to black and it tells the audience to spread the message by texting "God's not dead" to everyone they know. Roll credits.

I plan on doing some follow up posts about this movie - such as the take away points, and more indepth discussion of some of the main points in the movie. Stay tuned!

Reason Rolls

Social experiment - a friend of mine shared a recipe for "Resurrection Rolls" in a local freethought group's Facebook page. It was this exact recipe except it used the steps to explain the resurrection - the marshmallow represents Jesus, the butter represents the embalming oils, the cinnamon & sugar represent spices used to anoint the body, and the crescent represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death. Bake it, open it up and BAM! Jesus is gone - thus, representing the resurrection. He thought it would be interesting to see the reaction to an atheist version of a similar recipe. So here it is - the exact same recipe, being used to represent losing one's faith.

Please share this, and see what kind of reactions roll in. Let me know if you have any good ones! Let's get this thing going around the internet and see what happens. Thanks! Mandy

South Dakota SB 112

No, Senator Monroe, it isn’t a societal debate. It’s about teaching science vs. teaching religious based pseudoscience in public schools. 

http://notdistrictdialogue.tumblr.com/post/75182557892/intelligent-design-bill-coming-soon

South Dakota SB 112

South Dakota legislators introduced a new bill this week, SB 112 which will protect teachers that choose to teach intelligent design in their classrooms.

SB 112: An Act to prohibit schools from preventing the instruction of intelligent design.

Bill Text: BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:

Section 1. That chapter 13-33 be amended by adding thereto a NEW SECTION to read as follows: No school board or school administrator may prohibit a teacher in public or nonpublic school from providing instruction on intelligent design or other related topics.

If this bill passes, it is a gross church-state violation. Let’s be honest - intelligent design is teaching creationism, which is teaching Christianity in public schools. 

Intelligent design is also not science. The theory of evolution is based on sound evidence, intelligent design is not. 

The bill sponsors also obviously didn’t put a lot of time into writing the bill, which is one somewhat vague sentence. They probably didn’t realize that the way SB 112 is worded, it is also opening it up for teachers to not be prohibited from teaching that intelligent design is pseudoscience. I’m also guessing they didn’t spend any time reviewing the case of Kitzmiller v. Dover, where a federal judge ruled that it is unconstitutional to teach intelligent design in public schools. 

There’s also the very vague “or other related topics” tacked onto the end of the bill - what does that mean? Teaching the Bible would be a “related topic,” but it would be a definite no-no to preach the gospel in public schools.

My fellow South Dakotans, you need to contact your legislators and let them know that this bill is unconstitutional. Right now, it is in the Senate Education Committee. Listed below is the contact information for the bill’s sponsors as well as the members of the Senate Education Committee. Be polite, but let them know that this is wrong.

SENATE SPONSORS:
Monroe, Jeff 605-222-7829 
Jensen, Phil 605-343-1335 
Lederman, Dan 605-232-0050 
Otten, Ernie 605-368-5716 
Rampelberg, Bruce 605-390-2165 
Van Gerpen, Bill 605-589-3064 

HOUSE SPONSORS:
Greenfield, Brock 605-773-3851
Craig, Scott 605-342-0999
Haggar, Don 605-360-8130
Haggar, Jenna 605-610-9779
Schoenfish, Kyle 605-660-6468
Steele, Manny 605-335-7036
Wick, Hal 605-332-1360

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 
Soholt, Deb 605-321-5931 sen.soholt@state.sd.us
Maher, Ryan 605-466-2371 sen.maher@state.sd.us
Curd, Blake 605-339-8918 sen.curd@state.sd.us
Jensen, Phil 605-343-1335 sen.jensen@state.sd.us
Jones, Chuck 605-997-3510 sen.jones@state.sd.us
Rampelberg, Bruce 605-390-2165  sen.rampleberg@state.sd.us
Welke, Chuck 605-229-1467 sen.welke@state.sdu.us

Greek Salad

I need, need, need to get back into the habit of blogging daily. I don't know what it is, but I've been extremely unmotivated in this area, but extra motivated in other areas. I guess it all evens out.

I had the Mediterranean Salad at Old Chicago last weekend, and it was yummy. It inspired me to whip together a Greek Salad of my own. This is a super easy and tasty meal for those busy weeknights.

Here's what you'll need...

• Lettuce (whatever kinds, blends you desire)
• A tomato, chopped
• 1/2 a cucumber, sliced
• croutons
• parmesan cheese
• 2 oz. feta cheese
• black olives
• 1 chicken breast 
• garlic
• black pepper
• sea salt
• olive oil
• Kraft Greek Vinaigrette dressing

Put a small amount of olive oil in a fry pan and fry the chicken breast. Season with garlic, sea salt, and pepper. Once cooked, cut into thin strips.

Combine other ingredients. Most of these ingredients, how much you'll add just depends on your personal preference. Add chicken and toss. Top with Kraft Greek Vinaigrette dressing.

Super simple, but a super tasty combination. 

<3 M

Crazy. Busy. Hectic. Life!

I've been absolutely awful about blogging as of late. Life has been crazy - I had thought that everything would calm down after the holidays, but instead everything seems to have gone into hyperdrive. And honestly, February is looking busier than January! I'm busy, busy, busy with work and planning my campaign for President of my secular group. I'm not going to be able to piece together much more for coherent thoughts tonight due to sleep deprivation, but I thought I'd drop by and say hi.

Hi.

<3 M

Go Away MRAs

I came across a particularly vile blog post today:

http://www.returnofkings.com/2099/the-9-ugliest-american-feminists

This piece of utter crap is from the blog Return of Kings, which of course, is referring to the return of traditional gender roles where the male is the "king" and the woman is subservient. And who brings us this blog overflowing with the sewage of the earth? MRAs of course.

If you're not familiar with MRAs, it stands for Mens Rights Activists. However, what these fools call rights are actually just them being sexist pigs. They basically argue that women should stay in the kitchen, pop out endless offspring, and of course, look really pretty for their man. Men, meanwhile, should sit atop their thrones, being waited on, and having sex with whichever women they choose. Feminists are their sworn enemy, and they despise any female with an education and less than 4 inch stilettos. They have a couple of "issues" that they really push - like sexism in regards to custody battles, but for the most part they just really wish they were Don Draper.

Well, fuck you MRAs.

Kitchen Aid Garlic Mozzarella Loaf

Ever since I got my amazing Kitchen Aid stand mixer for Christmas, I just want to use it all the time. Like every single day. I can't help it - that thing is a rock star. I really can't sing its praises enough. If you don't have one, I'm sorry. I mean, I really am sorry. It does everything - mixes perfectly, so many speeds, shreds meats, kneads bread... the list goes on. One of the many fantastic things you can do with your Kitchen Aid is make Garlic Mozzarella Loaf.

This stuff is dangerous!

You'll need...

• 1 envelope active dry yeast
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 tbsp. honey
• salt (I used about 3 grinds from my grinder. Probably around 1 teaspoon)
• olive oil 
• mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 stick butter
• garlic
• oregano
• basil
• parsley 

Stir together yeast, 1 cup warm water, and honey. I just put this right into the Kitchen Aid bowl. Let yeast proof for 5 minutes - the honey gives the yeast something to munch on. A bubbly foam should form on the surface of the water. If it does, your yeast is good to go. Add flour, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup water in, mixing on low speed (I used the dough hook for this). The dough is thoroughly mixed once it is clinging to the hook and not sticking to the sides of the bowl. Let the Kitchen Aid knead the dough for an additional 5 minutes. Grease a mixing bowl and put the dough in it. Cover with a dish towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

1 hour later, punch that bitch down (I'm talking about the dough). This is really the best part of making bread. Feeling mad, sad, angry... make some bread, punch some dough. :) Separate dough into two portions and form each one into a long loaf. You could make one big loaf, but as I'm usually only cooking for me and the hubs, I like to freeze one loaf. Put these loaves on a cookie sheet, cover, and let raise for 45 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, reduce heat to 375 degrees and bake for 20 minutes. 

While it's baking, you're going to want to whip up your garlic butter sauce. This part is a bit sketch, because I don't ever measure spices. I just throw stuff in until it looks/smells/tastes good. This always works for me, but I realize it may be a little nerve-wracking for those of you who don't trust your 6th spice adding sense. Melt the butter down to a liquid in the microwave and add a generous amount of garlic, basil, oregano, and parsley. Also, slice your mozzarella into thin slices.

Once you've removed the bread from the oven, brush with the garlic butter sauce. Really slather that on - this is no time to count calories. Return to oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool long enough that you can slice it without it deflating. 

Once the bread has cooled enough, make slice marks half way through the loaf, horizontally about 1 inch apart (don't cut all the way through). Slather with garlic butter sauce (making sure to let it drizzle down into those cuts) and place mozzarella slices in the incisions. Put in oven until cheese melts. Serve warm.

This stuff is tasty, and goes great with pasta. It also tastes fantastic with an olive oil/herb drizzle. 

Happy baking!

<3 M

On the Crest of a New Wave

I thought I'd just ad a quick blurb, since it's been a few days and I feel like I should write something. This blog had 78 views today - that's crazy! I really didn't think that anyone would ever read anything that I wrote here. Thank-you, if you've checked any of it out.

I feel like I'm on the crest of a new wave in my life. This seems to happen to me periodically, but I think it has usually been for the best. I started the job that I'm at 5 1/2 years ago. Prior to that, I worked for an awful greasy fast food chain - I was an assistant manager there. I was treated poorly, overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated. Due to that kind of treatment, I had a terrible nasty attitude and it made me into a negative person 24/7, not just when I was at work. When I started at the job I'm currently at, I vowed to turn over a new leaf in all aspects of my life, and I have. However, along with being a nicer, friendlier person, I also became a person that was afraid to make waves in all aspects of life. I entirely let people walk all over me. Until yesterday...

Yesterday I hit my tipping point. You can only take so much before you break or you make a change. I opted for the later. It's funny because I've put up with a lot... and one little email was what did it. And I raged and was upset and frustrated yesterday...

But today I woke up ready to change things. Today I woke up ready to take on the world. Today I woke up ready to get shit done. Today I became one of the motherfucking blower uppers (House of Lies reference :) ).

Let's do this.

<3 M

Ponies!

I have had a BUSY last 24 hours! It started with drinks after work with a friend (always a great time), then I went to a hockey game with the hubs and a friend. It was a blast - we were right up on the glass, and there were quite a few fights. Then this morning, bright and early, I was off shopping with my mom, my sister, and my niece. We went thrifting in the morning, which unfortunately didn't turn up much. I found a couple of cute pieces of furniture, but since we were in my mom's little Forte, and had the babyseat and stroller in tow, there wasn't room. Later though, a trip to the mall lead to my purchase of these:

My red Jellypop Ponies!

At first I picked them up because I thought they were hideous and I was going to make a joke about purchasing them. My mom made a crack about how ugly they were. I said that I kind of liked them... because I was starting to, but all the while knowing that I also thought they were ugly. I decided to try them on... and then I was in love! My mom and sister said they were ugly (I believe my sister tried to be polite and called them "interesting"), but agreed that my quirky self could make them work. I was torn between the red and the blue, but I have been wanting some red shoes. Also, for some reason, the red ones were $5 less. They were on clearance, so these ugly ducklings cost me a whopping $15 (original price $59.99)! Win, win! I'm so stoked to rock these!

<3 M

Love is in the Air!

I took down our Christmas decorations (except the outside lights which the hubs has declared are staying up until St. Patrick's Day) and the house looks... bare.

Never fear, crafter Mandy is here!

I love Valentine's Day - I love the hearts, the flowers, the corny phrases, the explosion of red & pink, spending a special date with the hubs - everything! With nothing but some felt, thread, and scissors I created a heart garland that now adorns 3 windows and an entryway in our house.

I started by making a heart stencil - I used a recipe card, so my hearts are probably about 2 1/2 inches tall. I chose four colors of felt - red, cream, tan, and mustard. I mixed Valentine's colors with non-Valentine's colors to add interest. I cut twice as many red as I did the other colors so that my pattern was red, 2 of the other colors, then another red. The 2 middle colors alternated without pattern, so it was a nice mix of my artsy abstractness with my OCD tendencies. I find myself doing these kind of things often to satisfy both distinct parts of me. Whatever works. :) When I was done cutting hearts, I had 12 red, 6 cream, 6 tan, and 6 mustard.

I threaded a needle with a loooong piece of thread, doubling it over and knotting the end so it was more sturdy. I left about 8 inches in from the end and then strung the first heart with a simple stitch. After the stitch, I did a small stitch with a knot to lock the heart in place so they didn't all slide together on the thread.

I then left about a 5 inch gap and did this same thing with the next heart - stitch and then stitch with a knot. Repeat as many times as you would like.

The great thing about this is you can really do whatever you want - put the hearts closer together or further apart, as many colors as you'd like, patterns or no patterns, etc. You really can't mess it up.

Hang and enjoy!!!

<3 M

It's 2013, Bitches!

Happy 2013! The hubs and I had a fantastic night at one of our favorite local restaurants and enjoyed drinks and reminiscing over the past year.

Did you know that 2013 is the first year since 1987 that has 4 different digits? In your head, you're going back through the years now (I did the same thing) - but it's true! Mind blown!

It being the new year, my brain is in super over-achiever mode, and I've been thinking about things I want to get accomplished. Yesterday, I shared my New Years resolutions:

• I want to cook more. I absolutely love cooking, and I want to branch out and try new things. I also want to cut down on eating out quite a bit.
• I want to make our house more of a home, rather than just a place where we keep our stuff. This place needs to be E & M-ified - see my post about my home decor ideas here. 
• I want to participate in the Sioux Glow 5K event. It's a 5K at night, where everyone decks out in glow in the dark gear!
• As always, E & I hope to expand our family. However, with our difficulties, this does seem somewhat out of our hands, but we will do everything in our power to make this happen. I'm really hoping that 2013 is the year.

I also started thinking about other goals:

• I want our secular group to get together and set some first quarter goals for ourselves. I want to keep us looking ahead and moving forward. Personally, as the VP of Philanthropy, I want us to design our own cause or host our own charitable event. 
• I'd like to take a trip with E - we had such a good time in DC last year, I would like to share new places and experiences with him again.
• I've done quite a bit of volunteer work over the past year, and I want to continue with that. I feel so much better giving back to those less fortunate and encouraging others to do the same.

Looks like I better get busy... :)

<3 M

Farewell 2012...

2012 was a crazy year - maybe that's what everyone says at the end of a year, but I certainly do feel that way about the past one. The end of the year is always such a bittersweet time - looking back on past events (both good and bad), and looking ahead and setting goals.

Here are some highlights from the past year:

Starting in the upper left hand corner and going clockwise:
1. I bought my first baritone saxophone! I played one all through high school, but never owned one. I started playing in the community band again this summer - it felt great!
2. I learned how to shoot a gun this year. E and his dad helped me out a lot.
3. I "came out" as an atheist last January. This was a big step for me, and has really felt good.
4. E and I went to the Reason Rally in Washington, DC. This was my first trip to DC. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many people that believe the same way that I do.
5. This is just a picture of E & I that I really like. We were at Stone Park in Sioux City, IA.
6. Soggy Doggy - the pool had a fundraiser for the Humane Society where dogs could come swim at the pool. I had some moments geeking out over my fur-baby's first swim.
7. Autism Speaks Walk - my team raised over $13,000 for Autism Speaks! Amazing!
8. E & I volunteered for Spooky Science Night - a night that incorporated two of our favorite things - science and Halloween. Kids came through and learned about science and did science experiments, all the while in costume. It was an amazing time and I look forward to doing it again!
9. Adopt-A-Highway: Our secular group adopted a highway and it was very exciting when our sign was erected!
10. E & I attended a Nascar race in Kansas City in October. We usually go once a year, and it is such a great time. I can't explain the excitement and energy there is at one of these races.
11. A picture of E in DC. I think this photo is hilarious - it totally looks photoshopped, but it isn't!
12. Midwest Freethought Conference in Omaha - this is always a great time. E & I attended this in August.
13. I held a falcon! This might not seem like a huge deal, but I'm afraid of birds, so this was HUGE!
14. My niece, Zoey, was born. I love this little monkey!
15. Front and center - this is one of my favorite pictures of E & I. I think it shows how goofy and odd we are. :)

So that was 2012. With the end of the year comes planning ahead for the next year. Here are some things I plan to accomplish:

• I want to cook more. I absolutely love cooking, and I want to branch out and try new things. I also want to cut down on eating out quite a bit.
• I want to make our house more of a home, rather than just a place where we keep our stuff. This place needs to be E & M-ified - see my post about my home decor ideas here. 
• I want to participate in the Sioux Glow 5K event. It's a 5K at night, where everyone decks out in glow in the dark gear!
• As always, E & I hope to expand our family. However, with our difficulties, this does seem somewhat out of our hands, but we will do everything in our power to make this happen. I'm really hoping that 2013 is the year.

Here's to 2013! Cheers! <3 M

Cheezy Hashbrowns... Nom, Nom, Nom!

Cheezy hashbrowns are such a staple here in the midwest - they work for breakfast, lunch, or supper! I've had good, I've had bad, and I've had ZOMG amazing cheeziness. These about do the trick for the latter.

Here's what you need:

1 lb Frozen Hashbrowns (thawed)
1 c. Sour Cream
1/2 can Cream of Chicken Soup
8 tbsp. butter
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 cup cornflakes (crushed)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine 6 tbsp. melted butter with hashbrowns. Add in sour cream, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and cheese.  Mix together thoroughly and pour into a casserole dish. Mix together the crushed cornflakes with the remained 2 tbsp. butter (melted). Top casserole and put in oven. Bake for 45 minutes.

And there you have it - ooey, gooey, cheezy, crunchy, yummy goodness. Enjoy!

<3 M

Kitchen Aid Cinnamon Rolls

The hubs knocked it out of the park with my Christmas present this year...

This is one hot piece of metal

Beautiful, right? The night that I got it I whipped up some orange cupcakes. It worked like magic. I've been anxious to try something else with it.

Homemade cinnamon rolls it is.

I've never made bread before (other than banana bread, which hardly counts). This should be interesting. I found a recipe at The E-Wife Blogs Again that was specially designed for using the Kitchen Aid and gave it a whirl.

This recipe has 3 parts - the dough, the cinnamon filling, and the icing. Here's what you'll need for the dough:

• 3/4 c. milk
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. butter
• 2 packets of active dry yeast
• 1/3 c. warm water
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 5 1/2 - 6 c. flour

Put milk, sugar, salt, and butter into a small saucepan and heat over low until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm.

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water in the mixer bowl. Add butter mixture, eggs, and 5 c. flour. 

Using the dough hook, mix for 2 minutes on speed 2. The dough should cling to the dough hook and come away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is sticking to the sides, slowly add more flour until it no longer is. Mix for an additional 2 minutes.

This is what the dough should look like - clinging to the hook, not the bowl.

Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. 

Before

After 1 hour. Boom!

Now, you're going to want to mix up the cinnamon filling. You're going to need the following ingredients:

• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. butter (softened)
• 1/4 c. flour
• 2 tbsp. cinnamon

Mix on low until mixed thoroughly.

Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a long rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling across the dough.

Roll the dough into a long roll. Pinch the end shut to seal the roll.

Using a piece of string, cut the roll into individual rolls. This should make 12-16 rolls, depending on how thick you cut them. Place rolls in a 9x13 pan, cover with a dish towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Once they've risen and are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Put rolls in to bake for 15 minutes. You don't want to overbake these, because they'll dry out. While they're baking, whip up the icing. You'll need:

• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp. butter, softened
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 c. milk
• 1 3/4 c. powdered sugar

Mix together until smooth. Ice rolls when they come out of the oven for maximum ooey gooeyness.

Sweet success!

Dig in and enjoy!

Lesson learned: Good cinnamon rolls can not be rushed - but ZOMG is it worth it!

<3 M

Home Decor Goal for 2013

I just hosted Christmas with my family yesterday, and it made me realize that my house is very... blah. Let's just say there are a lot of neutrals going on here. Which doesn't reflect my style at all - I love bursts of color, retro style, and artsy things. I've decided that one of my goals for 2013 is to really put some personality into our space and make it a relaxing haven for E and I, rather than just a place to put our stuff.

My biggest inspiration is the decor section of A Beautiful Mess. I am so in love with this blog - everything is so bright and feminine and adorable... seriously, check it out.

Here are 5 ideas I have to E&M-ify our place:

1. Paint furniture for a bright color pop. I have a rocking chair I'm planning on painting either a bright aqua or a mustard yellow.

2. Find a vintage chrome and formica dinette set.

3. Use bright printed fabric for fun curtains.

4. Paint a statement wall.

5. Find a bright vintage couch.

A lot of these will be found thrifting and rummaging - I guess I have something to look for now! 

I'm really excited about this project. I can't wait to make our house into a home.

<3 M

Glittery Blue Apocalyptic Jell-O Shots

It's been a few days - I have been busy celebrating the holidays with the in-laws over the weekend. Friday night, my friend hosted a Mayan Apocalypse Party. It was a blast, and although the world didn't really end, we partied like it was going to.

I made two things for the party: some fantabulous spinach dip (I'll share that recipe later) and glittery blue apocalyptic Jell-O shots. How did I arrive at glittery blue Jell-O shots for this party you may ask? Well, I sat there racking my brain for quite awhile to figure out a kind of Jell-O shot that made sense. For some reason, when I thought of an Apocalypse party, I pictured glittery blue or purple shots. I decided to ask a friend what kind of Jell-O shots she would bring to an Apocalypse Party. She said glittery blue ones. Hence, it was decided.

I didn't have any edible glitter on hand. I also live in a small-ish town where the chances of finding something like that aren't great. I checked Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee, and finally our party store. The party store had 2 similar options: cake shimmers and edible pixie dust. I picked up both in blue.

Now... into the kitchen to play with glitter, Jell-O, and vodka. :)

I boiled 1 cup of water (per the package directions) and dissolved the Jell-O in, according to the directions. Instead of the cold water, I added 3/4 cup of Vodka and 1/4 cup of cold water. If you're wondering about different Jell-O shot recipes, or how much alcohol can be added, I recommend checking out myscienceproject.org.

Now... the glitter. Hmmm...

I decided to try the cake sparkles first. I tried mixing them in right away, but as the solution was still hot, they dissolved right away. I decided to try letting the Jell-O solution thicken to a jelly consistency, then mix them in so they wouldn't dissolve and would be suspended in the Jell-O, rather than sinking to the bottom.

This kind of worked...

It kind of worked in that the sparkles were suspended throughout the mixture and didn't dissolve. However, they didn't look shiny once they were in the Jell-O, rather they just looked like blue pieces of... something. Also, the Jell-O shots that I made this way were lumpy on top instead of smooth once they had completely set.

For the second batch, I decided to prepare the Jell-O the same way, but pour it directly into the shot cups. Once they were set up, I took a paint brush and swirled the edible pixie dust on tops, creating a sparkling effect.

These turned out pretty well! They weren't my original vision (of glitter suspended throughout), but they were eye catching! I'll have to attempt suspending glitter in Jell-O shots again, perhaps when I have the time to really find some edible glitter. If anyone has had any luck in creating this effect, let me know.

Until next time...

<3 M

Coconut Toffee

Now that Nascar season is over, the hubs and I are at a loss for what to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Usually we end up on Food Network - I like to cook, the hubs likes to eat; it's a win, win. One of the shows we really like is "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," which is basically a bunch of Food Network stars describing the best things they've ever eaten. For the holidays, they had them do a twist on it and share "The Best Thing I Ever Made" - but it was all holiday related. The hubs and I were watching and he saw Aarti Sequeira make "Coconut Toffee" and he was in love. I knew I had to attempt it.

Now this toffee isn't toffee in the way that we think of it. It is more of a sweet coconut candy, but hey - I didn't name it.

I found the recipe on foodnetwork.com and got to work.

Here's what you need:

• Baking spray
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut (also called finely grated)
• Pinch ground cardamom
• Drop pink food coloring, optional

Note: Ground Cardamom is expensive. Like $10 for a small bottle. But you could actually taste it, and I think it would be noticeable without it. I don't think that I've ever used another recipe that called for cardamom.

Spray an 8x8 square baking pan with the cooking spray and set it aside. 

Next combine the sugar and water in a sauce pan and heat over medium heat. This mixture is going to go through some textural stages and you're going to want to keep stirring it so the sugar doesn't crystallize along the sides of the pan. 

Cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball consistency or 235 degrees F on a candy thermometer. 

Unless you're magic, you're going to actually need the candy thermometer. On my first attempt, I thought I could just eye ball it - what resulted was a jelly mess that wouldn't set up. I went and got a $4 candy thermometer and the result was pink crystal perfection. Once it has reached 235 degrees, mix in the coconut, cardamom, and a drop of pink food coloring. Stir and pour into the baking pan, pressing firmly into the corners. If you've done it correctly, this mixture will immediately start to thicken.

If it sits there like a soupy pile (like my first attempt) then you didn't heat it to a high enough temp. Let your toffee harden (this takes a few hours), then cut into delicate little pieces and enjoy!

Overall, this recipe was simple, but attention to detail was necessary (the candy thermometer)! It was also really fun because watching the sugar and water solution go through different stages was like performing a science experiment. Also, the finished product looked just like the finished product on Food Network. Plus, the hubs approves. :)

<3 M