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It must be a fall thing with me; the temperature starts going down and I start feeling a tiny bit melancholy and homesick. I retreat just a little bit, start looking at warm, fuzzy things to insulate my body during the winter months, and my palate starts wanting warmer, spicier food. So the late summer salads are making their way to more substantial options. I always get the urge to indulge my inner Martha Stewart, or someone similar but less austere as that great lady.

So to start things off, I invested a pittance in four ramekins from Marshalls. A small (3.99 for 4) investment, but with endless possibilities for appetizers, individualized breakfasts, or mostly desserts. I also looked at the miniature dutch ovens or casserole dishes, just to get a taste for them, but decided to move slowly. So I walked away with ramekins and an eagerness to make baked eggs on a layer of spinach and tomato for brunch the next day. The baked eggs were good, very interesting. I skipped the important parts that makes that dish decadent and very French: the cream and real butter that are poured liberally over the dish as it cooks. I am sure it would have been better with that extra fat, but the soft egg yolk adds the perfect amount of creaminess and lipid for me.

I was also shocked to see, in my recipe searches on Williams-Sonoma and Epicurious, that you can make your own yogurt. I was so excited. I have been an all to frequent visitor (and subsequently wealth squanderer) at Sweetgreen, the new "healthy" frozen yogurt and salad establishment less than a block away from me on Pennsylvania Ave (between 2nd and 3rd St Southeast). I just love the tangy, bare sweetness of the plain, frozen and greek yogurt varieties that have been popularized recently. So I have been stocking up on Greek yogurt, both the Fage and the Trader Joe's variety, recently to combat that urge to go buy it at the restaurant down the street. Still, even at the grocery store, it is a bit expensive and indulgent for me.

So I was excited to make my own, both for the financial savings, and the not-insignificant pleasure I get from making my own food, conducting "scientific" experiments, and manipulating ingredients and playing with the nutrient content of my food. (I think if ever I have the chance, I would love to study Molecular Gastronomy).

So I bought 1/2 gallon non-fat milk, Pectin, and a starter yogurt with live bacteria (I chose an all-natural version that boasts a variety of live/active cultures). I didn't have a thermometer, but I followed an online guideline that gave great time measurements for the different steps. I DID have to set my alarm to wake up two different times at night, but by this morning, I had made 1/2 gallon of plain, nonfat, delicious yogurt! So now I don't have to pay the prices or make the trek to the grocery store as often. That, especially, in the winter months coming up, is priceless.

Anyway, more adventures to come. Soon I will be rolling out my account of my Amy Grant history which was fulfilled in my attending her concert last Saturday. I actually have more to say about that than I thought I would. Talk to you soon.

Love,
Juliet

My Day of All Days...so far

Today is a significant day. And already three things have gone wrong.

First, after taking the time to put hot rollers in my hair to give me the perfect, big, bouncy, spring-y curls, I glanced out the window before I walked outside and noticed big drops of rain pouring down. Heavily. So I decided to go into work late, since I don’t have an umbrella and I really didn’t want to mess up my hair today. Not today. Not TODAY!

Second, as I walked into the Library of Congress security line, I put my purse and my coffee down to walk through the metal detector. I had my staff ID badge out so that when I beeped—and I always beep because of my shoes or my jewelry or all of the above—they would just wave me aside and wand me down in the simplest fashion. But, not today.

The police officer said, “Ma’am, your staff ID lets you get through without taking your shoes off, but you’ve got to take that necklace off. Sheesh…that’s bad; usually it’s a small necklace and then it’s okay, but that—THAT —is an egregious necklace. That’s bad…you have to take that off, there’s too much metal…that’s egregious.”

Wow, thanks, Mister. I get what you are saying, but my necklace is awesome and gorgeous and I love it. I will take it off and put it on the conveyer belt to go through the machine, but come on. It’s not a “bad, egregious” necklace. Whatever.

Third, my coworker and I made it 35 minutes late to an hour long Republican “Theme Team” meeting I had been anticipating all week. Once we got there, the event was strangely nowhere to be found. The good thing is that I didn’t miss it entirely. The bad thing is that it’s not today…its tomorrow.

So far, that’s my morning. Maybe tomorrow I will tell you about this evening. I am too excited to even write about it. And no, it’s not a date or anything like that.

New Book List

As I finish up my old list, I wanted to update you on the new list. See if you notice any changes in themes. More to come on that later.

The Unselfishness of God and How I Discovered It: Hannah Whitall Smith (1832-1911)
 Journey Against One Current: The Spiritual Autobiography of a Chinese Christian: Zhi-Dao "Julia" Duan
Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life: Lauren Winner
Robinson Crusoe: Daniel Defoe
Pipe Dreams: A Surfer's Journey: Kelly Slater

Good reminders

I am a person for God's own possession (1 Peter 2:9)
I am God's child, and I call Him Abba (Daddy) (Romans 8:15)
I am redeemed through Christ and have forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)
God loves me, and I am precious in His sight (Isaiah 43:4)
I am lifted and carried by God through all trials (Isaiah 63:9)

WOW!

"Surface feelings can be changed, heightened, or numbed by our surroundings and by the things we watch, read, or talk about. When we rely on our feelings of dissatisfaction to determine how we will act or think, we toss God's Word and His power aside.

"As you continue to study the Word, ask God to reveal all that's mentioned there about His loving, tender feelings toward you and then rely on those feelings."

What personality type are you?

ENTJ - "Field Marshall". The basic driving force and need is to lead. Tend to seek a position of responsibility and enjoys being an executive. 1.8% of total population.

Free Jung Personality Test (similar to Myers-Briggs/MBTI)

Is the Human Soul Infinite?

I just read this about being open, transparent, "naked" according to this author, and it was very challenging to me.

Being intimate in relationship is peeling back the layers, conversation after conversation, experience after experience, year after year. It's rooted in a belief that the soul has infinite depth and you'll never get to the bottom of it.

Our understanding of what it means to be open reflects what we believe about the human soul. Is it infinite? Or can you get to the end of a person? (Sex God: Rob Bell)

It is challenging because I know exactly what it is like to say to myself, "Okay; Stop. You know enough about the details of the other person. Now just coexist and relate within those bounds." Obviously, you cannot continue to grow in relationship and understanding with more than a few close friends and family members. But I think that I dismiss people at this point of surface understanding. And for the most part I am okay with that...it's natural and healthy. But there's a part of me that thinks that those people end there...that there is no more to know or discover.

I also have to question myself: do I think that there is an end of a person? I definitely act that way, about myself and others. But I think the answer to the question is NO. I don't think you can ever get to the essence of a person. I need to act that way, and to discover that about myself as well.

God's Workmanship

Ephesians 2:10 says that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do.

I always focused on the latter part....that we are foreordained to do certain good works. But what has captured me the last few days is that we are God's workmanship.

What significance! We are God's workmanship. He is creating, recreating, shaping, molding, tutoring, guiding, and crafting us moment by moment. Nothing happens to us outside of His strong, controlled, creative hands. He's got the steadiest hand of any surgeon or sculptor. In the end, the masterpiece of our lives will far outshine the craftsmanship of the Sistine Chapel.

Hobbies, Laughter, and Fun

My life is a bit chaotic sometimes. It is divided into segments: work, school, church, socializing. And for the most part, I keep them all separate, because I like to have different spheres in my life, a separate entrance and exit for each.

But now I really want to find out more of who I am: beyond a hard worker who is passionate about faith and life and family and friends. I know that I have a sense of humor, and I can be funny around my good friends, but I cannot define my humor, and can't even tell you something that I think is funny. So my goal is to laugh more, and to find out what makes me laugh.

I also want to have fun doing different social hobbies. But I don't know what I like that I am good at. I used to love making cards and painting and drawing and making jewelry, but now it just seems like too much work and too many "parts" and things that I don't have. I like writing, but that's what I do for work and school and for Bible study, so the pleasure's not purely for fun.

I do know that I like "treasure hunting" through shopping, going through books and magazines and replicating beautiful things. I like being outside in the sun, I like being with other people and I like cooking. I like dancing and working out. But are these hobbies?

I am in search of hobbies (that I really don't have time for) and I am in search of laughter. Laughter is important, and sometimes I am so sick of being serious!

Hipster Puppies

No hablo Espanol

Despite growing up in California's Central San Joaquin Valley, I do not speak Spanish. I do not understand Spanish. I took a few years of it in high school, but that's about it. I am mostly just familiar with Mexican Food, which I love, and I have been craving like crazy while living here in DC.

But an amazing thing just happened. Amazing. I had to take a foreign language exam as a methods requirement for my PhD Program, and I PASSED! I am so grateful and thankful to Jesus for helping me, and for directing my mind and helping me discern the answers to the reading comprehension exam. I am so happy and pleased with the results...truly, it was a shot in the dark on this one. I had no way to methodically study for it, since it could have been on anything at all.

But, Praise God, I passed this hurdle. That means that I am 100 percent done with all classes, and this is what is left:

Pass my minor area comprehensive exam in May (in American Politics subfield)
Read the literature on religion and decision making in IR
Write a proposal/prospectus for my dissertation; defend it
Write my dissertation; defend it
Go on the job market!

Wow.....that is still a huge uphill battle, but I have been diligently and faithfully ticking off boxes as I go along. By the grace of God alone. "I can do all things through God who gives me strength."

Stylin' in DC

There's some interesting things to note about being both a student at GW and a staffer on Capitol Hill. The kids on campus, boys as well as girls, are absolutely stunning. Sorry, Fresno State, but the people at this school are so much better looking as a general rule. Perhaps it is because their parents have exponentially more money, and they wear Juicy Couture PJ's, as well as all the best designer shoes, bags, jackets, etc. Their makeup and accessorizing is to a T; not to mention that 18-22 year old beauty puts the rest to shame.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, style is a manual you can buy at the office supply store. It doesn't exist. The interns look super trashy in their skimpy ensembles from the J.C.Penny's Juniors department....okay, we were all there at one time...and it seems like every time I walk into a briefing or meeting, its a flood of gray, black, and navy. I don't really ever feel inspired to wear unique clothes that appeal to me, because I don't think anyone would appreciate it-- not even me, when I am sitting at my desk, shivering because of the arctic temperatures that run throughout the federal building.

I have to admit to changing my style and my habits depending on where I am going...to work or to school. It has been good to be on campus-- despite being constantly aware of physical and material shortcomings, it has kept me on my toes of self expression through dress. And perhaps I get lazy and tired in dressing for work; the people I meet with deserve to meet with a staffer who gives 100 percent to being professional and well-dressed.

I don't have a solution yet, or even any normative thoughts on this reality...I just wanted to share. And I should also mention that the third place I dress differently for is church. It's tradition. My parents always instilled in me the desire to dress up for church, because we are "Going to God's house." And to this day, I want to "enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise." For that occassion, I will always don my partiest of party dresses. I love that.

Oh, wow. Did I just describe a psychology of dressing? Next up: the verse that talks about not worrying to wear; you know, the one about the lilies of the field.

I love the Library of Congress

Starting today, I am going to read one chapter each day of five vastly different books I checked out from the Library of Congress:

1. Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, a Bethany Hamilton Story
2. Doing Things Right in Matters of the Heart
3. Emotional Purity: An Affair of the Heart
4. Shabby Chic: Treasure Hunting and Decorating Guide
5. Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality

More books on the way....lots to sift through here.

I'm a fan...favorite Olympian this round

He just seems so cool! I would love to meet any Olympian. There's not a more dedicated group of people out there, in my opinion. They have worked their hardest at whatever it is, and are not happy unless they are the best in the world at their particular sport.

Lord, what about him?

As an oldest child, I grew up constantly comparing myself, my benefits and responsibilities, privileges and punishments, with my siblings and my friends. I felt like I was not allowed to anything fun that my friends could do, like watch certain movies or TV shows, or spend the night at friends’ homes, stay out late, go on dates, wear certain clothes, etc.

But I specifically remember my parents telling me that I wasn’t allowed to do certain things because they were accountable to God for how they raised me, and God wouldn’t want me to see certain movies or listen to certain music. Of course, I challenged, “How to you know? Did God tell you that?” They said that even if He didn’t directly tell them so in an audible voice, He gave them reason and discernment to best raise us kids in a Godly manner. And they would have to answer to God for their decisions. 

My next line of questioning went something like this, “Well why would God tell you that I cannot do that, but tell other Christian parents that their kids can do that? Are you saying that you hear God correctly and that Pastor X doesn’t hear God correctly? Do you think you are holier or better than Pastor X?” (Oh, yeah, I was that bratty).

Still, I always wrestled with this question, and never felt quite comfortable with an answer. It is interesting to realize that different people are called to different standards of abstention of food, alcohol, media, etc, based on personal convictions and sensitivities. This is why we must be careful not to be a stumbling block to others. Although I don’t think it’s wrong to drink alcohol in moderation, if I will offend Christians who see it as wrong, I will not drink in front of them.

I think the life lesson came full circle for me today as I did my personal Bible study. I stumbled upon this passage from John 21:

“Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved (John) was following them. When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”  

My future kids probably won’t understand the message of this text. But that’s okay. Every time they compare, tattle, or challenge my personal convictions regarding the more permissive decisions of Christian living, I will let them copy and interpret this text over and over until it’s ingrained in their mindset. It would have helped me a lot.

Jesus tells Peter, “ …what is that to you? You must follow me.” 

Y'all, I'm addicted

Vocations, Callings, and Submission for Christian Women

Yesterday, my friend sent around a old article written by Dominican Priest and Trappist Monk Eugene Boylan. It was published in 1947, and has some very harsh things to say about women and our vocation. I have included relevant parts of the article here and then share my thoughts on the matter. What do you think? How do you respond?  

"The woman who marries, intending at all costs to retain her own career, or who absolutely refuses to be dependant on her husband, does not know the meaning either of Christian marriage or even of true human love. If she is in love with anybody, it is with herself. Marriage means abandoning one's self to enter into one new life, shared with her husband. There cannot be two "careers" where there is only one life. Nor can there be independence. For man and wife are dependant upon one another for everything. Where there is love, all joy or pleasure that cannot be shared, loses its value.

Angels

On Wednesday, I am going to a funeral for my boss's wife, Ethie. She died on Thursday after fighting ovarian cancer for three years.

I am really, really sad. My heart hurts and weeps for George and their son, King, age 11. Ethie was bright, beautiful, vibrant. Such a belle. And she must have been such a good woman because all through her sickness she had childhood friends come take care of her. If that doesn't say something about who she was, I don't know what does.

I know that this service will be really sad. Please pray for George and King Radanovich, for comfort and joy.

My sweet little tree house room

This is what I did during my snow day. Washed my linens, ironed them, organized, stuffed this comforter with a too-small, not puffy enough comforter. I think I need to get a king sized comforter to stuff in this home-made duvet. Overall, though, I love the cozy handiwork, and the window is actually open right now, in the midst of the February snow. And I, of course, am watching the whole, five hour Pride and Prejudice for the second time in five days. Snow, snow, go away.

But wouldn't it be hilarious to greet everyone with the Jane Austen-esque greeting of "Your parents are in good health, I hope?"

Love.

What should I wear today?

Wow....a friend forwarded this, and it is so true....ashamedly so. But a lot of it is true for me on some occasions. What about you?


The mathematical formula women apply in putting together the ideal outfit:
  
time of day
+ time of month
+ season
- what the other women at work wore yesterday
+ what you favorite fashion magazine proclaimed was the hottest trend
x how you feel today
+ how you want others to think you feel today
x where you're going
+ how long
x who you want to wish they were you
+ how much you want them to wonder how you could afford what you're wearing
- how much time you have to actually think about what you want to wear after you finish complaining about how few clothes you have
- the time you spend wondering how just last week you were a size less and today you can't get single leg into those new pants
_____________________
= The perfect outfit for the next eight hours!

Advice from women in Congress

“Look around—a roomful of men in navy blue suits! Women in politics hold a secret advantage over men: they can grab the attention of everyone around them by wearing a colorful outfit. I haven’t owned a blue suit since.” Representative Kay Granger (R-TX)

Many women in politics rely on “power dressing,” maintain a trustworthy community of family and friends and work hard to control their own image to advance their professional goals.

Many women note that when women surround themselves with supportive colleagues, they are more likely to take on bigger challenges and, consequently, more likely to succeed.

“A man is perceived to have natural strength that women are not automatically perceived to have, so I wanted to control my life. I didn’t want well-meaning people saying, ‘Oh, she has breast cancer, you shouldn’t ask her to do that.’ In the campaign I wanted to be the judge of how much I was comfortable doing and not have everyone else try and tell me how much I could do.”

“A woman’s natural instinct to hesitate and consider all of the ramifications before entering into a campaign may prevent her from getting a head start on a male opponent who may not have the same reservations.”

“I’m lucky…a lot of women can’t bring their kids to work. I prioritize more and use my time more wisely, because I don’t have a lot of it to waste.”

It is the skill set of forethought and multitasking that gives women an upper hand when it comes to politics.

Women are doing the work to get men elected. We need to get ourselves elected.

Female lawmakers agree that they should not only celebrate but leverage their differences from men to find success.

“Little lady, what qualifies you to run for the U.S. House of Representatives? Well, you know what? I’ve been the three-year old choir director, the room mother, the room-mother chairman, and the Girl Scout cookie mom, and if you can handle those jobs, you can handle the U.S. House of Representatives.” Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)