Some parties, who shall remain unamed, have been vocal of late in requesting more pictures. The hallway is practically done (one more coat on the newly chocolate brown stairs and touch ups here and there). There are a lot of weird angles and every surface is textured so cutting in neatly was really time consuming hence it became a dragged out affair. The picture on the right is my bedroom, which I’m starting this weekend.
Every Friday I have a management clincal at the DMC, and every Friday Colleen and I bumble around the hallways making wrong turns like it’s our first day there. It seems our collective instinct is to turn right and, well, you can guess about how often we are correct. Since we’re taking the scenic route (continually…perpetually) we entertain ourselves by addressing the “art” in the courtyards and asking important questions like “What is behind the little door in between the 4th and 5th floors?” Add to this the time that I spend fussing with my skirt and stockings and it’s amazing I get anything done. I think I’m better suited to bedside nursing, working on one unit and wearing scrubs.
2 book suggestions related to social justice? That’s it? I think you’re holding out on me. I have an idea who keeps up with my blog and you are readers…so give it up.
Today has been coldwetrainy and has heightened my awareness of how blessed I am. Blessed because I’m not sick or wounded and I got to walk out of that hopsital free as a bird, blessed because I had money to buy groceries and a warm house to return to, blessed because dinner is made and there’s a chocolate rum cake in the oven, and blessed because in a few minutes a friend I haven’t seen in 8 years and her husband will be coming over to share it all with me. Blessed. And thankful.
Colleen and I also had time to discuss the beauty of choclate ganache at length today. Turns out its really easy to make: Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a saucepan and add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whisk till melted and ganache has a glossy appearance. This can be poured over cake or brownies and will firm up nicely if refrigerated. If you are wanting a thicker, drier consistency (like in pain au chocolat) I’d change the proportions: 1/4c cream to 1 cup chocolate. Note: Also good when eaten straight out of the pan with a spoon. Fingers discouraged but not forbidden.
Disclaimer: I do not recommend that you undertake an interminable painting project, but should you find yourself in the middle of such a task then the following songs will help you ignore the fact your hand is cramping up and the paint you got on your leg has dried and now itches.
Guided by wire- Neko Case
Here it goes again- Ok Go
Lanzafame- Tap Tap
Both sides of the gun- Ben Harper
Burrito- Pete Yorn
Groove me- King Floyd
Everyday clothes- Jonathan Richman
Never know- Jack Johnson
One good year- Slaid Cleaves
Answering Bell- Ryan Adams
I was delusional to think this was a “couple days tops” project. I just painted trim for 4 hours and am perhaps 1/2 done. Perhaps.
Friends who signed up for the Chicago Marathon: Becky, CLC, Randy
Number of times I cried: 1- at the wheelchair racers start
Number of times we met our runners on the course:5
Friends who finished the Chicago Marathon: Becky, CLC, Randy and REBECCA (so proud, so proud of them all)
Number of times I backed into Prouty’s decorative stone wall: 2
Subsequent flat tires: 1
Number of times Zotter strongly suggested that I keep my hair short for the rest of my days: 17
Number of times I woke up and couldn’t remember who was in bed with me: Once Friday (Mary, not Sarah it turns out), once Saturday (CLC)
Making breakfast in Prouty’s amazing kitchen: one of the best mornings ever. (If you and Jim are interested in a live-in cook I’m available in May. I can always go back to nursing, right?)
Hours of sleep Sunday night: 4ish
How I feel right now: drugged
Worth it?: yes, with an emphasis on yes.
So polydactyly is a real thing. This morning I saw an infant with an extra finger on each hand. I got a little bit squirmy during the removal procedure but it was interesting.
And now that I have your attention…I’m looking for recommendations for the book discusion – house group that I’m starting in January. I’m going after the topic of social justice and how the Church has or hasn’t been a part of meaningful movements throughout history and the world, and how we can be better informed and involved now. They can be secular or Christian authors and I’m also interested in taking a look at essays, songs..whatever else ya got. Originally (read: August, before school started) I had ambitious plans to do a lot of research but reality has sunk in and I don’t have the time…help…please.
You know you’ve got good friends when they’re willing to come over on a Monday night after work and help you paint for 3 hours. Thank you Diane, Yuko and Rebecca! The upstairs is nearly done…pictures to follow soon.
The weather has turned crisp and wonderful and never has settling down with a book and a cup of tea sounded like a better idea. Watching 84 Charring Cross Road, a movie about books and the source of my title, isn’t a bad idea either.
girl meets God by Lauren F. Winner
This book chronicles Lauren’s conversion from Orthodox Judaism to Christianity and outlines the connecting points (specifically holidays) where the rich history and prophecies given to Israel find their fulfillment through the Messiah we know as Jesus. I found her writing accessible and really informative…not pithy or textbookish at all. She also used enough examples of wrestling with God in her everyday life that I was able to relate to her and chew on some of the same questions that she does. Liked it. I liked it.
And now, I can avoid my homework no longer. I have to put together a presentation on preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Something has happened to my spatial orientation. Recently, every time I walk down a flight of stairs I have a momentary panic on the last step because I can’t discern where it ends and the floor begins and I feel like I’m going to lose my balance and, heaven help me, fall and chip a tooth. I think that Lisa, in particular, would have appreciated seeing me hesitate, foot swinging as I grab for the door frame. She found my clumsiness and preoccupation with my teeth endlessly entertaining.
Dental work remains at the top of my “irrational fears” list… followed closely by being taken to my ER as a patient.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
V.V.G. So good I tried to read bits while in verrrry slow moving traffic on 94 today. I love it when authors don’t feel the need to spoon feed readers every tiny detail…details that frequently do little but show a pretty turn of phrase. This is cleanly written, fast moving, and I loved every bit, especially the boy’s conversation with the wind. Though I don’t agree with Coehlo’s universalist theology I still found some of the underlying ideas about purpose and destiny to be true and exciting and satisfying.
