Cooling Down In Flagstaff

Yes, I know the title is redundant, but that's basically how it is in Flagstaff. Right now, as I sit in the south LAC I'm watching the weather out of the glass doors and every five minutes or so it is completely white outside, furiously snowing, followed by no snow at all for another five minutes. It seems as if to make up for a lack of moisture this winter Mother Nature decided to let all hell loose this weekend. The snow is amazing and beautiful, but sometimes frightening at times. Everyone seems to be in a great agreeance that finally having a good winter snowstorm is awesome for Flag.

Today I had my interviews for the physical therapy program at NAU. I have to say, they were MUCH less stressful than I thought they would be. Before going to the interviews, I saw my classmates that had also been accepted as potential threats to getting into PT school (as ashamed as I am to say this, entering such an altruistic profession). But in retrospect, once we went into the interviews together, we were all in the same boat. Everyone was so encouraging and positive, and I hope that I will always remember that. Medical oriented schools are so competetive already, and I don't need to add to the stress of the whole process.

Thumbs up to: long-needed moisture in Flag.

Give the ax to: The Lumberjack for still not posting any thumbs up to/give the ax to columns. (And on a more entertainment oriented note, to American Idol voters for voting off Gideon last night.)

Warming Up in Flagstaff

So one great thing about Flagstaff this winter is that it doesn't seem like Flagstaff at all. With the exception of yesterday, the days have been mild with hardly any wind at all. Enough to get me to start watering the outdoor flower beds again. Although it is always hard to place the events of one year in the broader context of global weather patterns, a part of me can't help but wonder about global warming. Is this just a singular event this year or part of a much larger trend?

Great movie must see: The Skeleton Key. Maybe I liked it because I only screamed a few times (much less than normal for a scary movie), but it also had a really cool plot. The movie's all about Hoodoo in the New Orleans Bayou district and has a great twist near the end.

There is a type of person I usually like to identify myself as, but yesterday I realized some aspects of this type of person that I would rather not be. For example, it is one thing to love Mother Earth and live your life in a way that has the least negative impact on the natural environment. It is another thing to treat other human beings negatively because they could have a potentially negative impact on the environment. All humans have sprung from the earth too. I believe that all people should be treated fairly and equally, because just as all people have the potential to harm Mother Earth, all people also have a fairly large potential of protecting her and living life in the most sustainable way possible. The only way to show people this potential is through openness and love, not by showing distain for their way of life because they don't eat enought tofu... for example, some of the most "hippie" people I see around town are also the meanest to others.

Thumbs up to: Bryan for being awesome.

Give the ax to: mean "hippies."

Random

So it is true. Senioritis. I swore it wouldn't happen to me, and I swore that I would be on top of all my work this semester. Ha ha. I've realized that the only way to stay sane is to simply not worry about it all. I just have to realize that with a little work (but not by overworking), everything that needs to get done this semester will get done without so many worries.

A few days ago in my history class (Medicine and Society), we were discussing AIDS. I've always understood that it is a huge problem faced by millions of people, a great majority of whom have never understood how the HIV virus is transmitted, and who've never had access to life-saving drugs. Commercials on TV urge us to "help join the fight against AIDS." But I've never understood quite what it is that I as an individual could do to help fight such a huge pandemic. Then at class last Thursday, a student guest came in - she's only my age, but has had a ton of experience volunteering with AIDS prevention programs in South America and Africa - she's even been to the US Capitol to help introduce legislation! This student has motivated and inspired me. I've realized there are things I can do to help. There are groups all over the country that help increase awareness about how HIV is transmitted and help introduce legislation to help those in countries hit hardest by AIDS (legislation that doesn't only give money to "faith-based" groups teaching abstinence only).

In other news, check out "Incite," a blog by Rachel's dad. It's always interesting to read and provides unique views on topics we rarely think about but are important parts of our lives, such as how each of us is a living, breathing miracle.

Since the Lumberjack is no longer posting it's "Give the Ax to..." section, I've decided to create my own:

Thumbs up: For those who are fighting to end inequalities against women in poorer countries, since in these countries women have some of the highest rates of being infected with HIV.

Give the ax to: President Bush for being "addicted to oil."

Day at Home From School

Day one post surgery: I'm feeling much better today after having arthroscopic surgery on my wrist yesterday. The worst part is over and now I just have to concentrate on feeling better and staying positive.

As for other news, way to go, Mom and Dad! I think it's awesome that you flew all the way out to Boston to suprise Evan at his swim meet. I can't even imagine how surprised Evan must have been!

My very first quilt is all finished, 6 months after its beginning. I would definitely recommend the Quilting I class at Pine Country Quilts near the Campus Coffee Bean. The class is pretty fun, but expect a big time commitment and to shell out a pretty penny for all the start up supplies. But hey, at least you're all set up for your next fabulous quilting project! When I have time to quilt again and maybe a little more room to quilt in, I'd love to try some neat vintage designs. As soon as I can, I will post up a picture of my finished quilt.

Well, I guess winter has finally arrived in Flag this year. True to Flagstaff style, the days have been cold, windy, and very icy. The best weather for which to stay inside, curled up with a hot mug of tea and a good book.

Da da da dum, da da da dum, dum da da dum dum da da da da dum. That was the tune of the wedding march, In case you didn't know. I'm so excited to be planning my wedding in addition to being a part of Steve and Rachel's wedding. Who knew there were so many options for invitation cards?

That's all for now, assayez hereuses et etre simple! (Bad French, I'm sure, but at least I tried!)

Late Night Musings

Everyone always says the big question is "why are we here?" Why is this such a difficult question to answer? One could say: why are the flowers here? The insects, the fish, all the other animals that walk the earth or fly high in the sky? Seems to me that while everyone is so busy asking the question "why," we lose sight of what makes us human, and why being human can be wonderful.

From asking the question "why," we have countless religious beliefs, moral philosophies, treatsies on the rights of man, et cetera, et cetera. How many wars have been fought over the question "why?" Maybe I'm too simplistic to understand the reality of it all.

On the other hand, I've realized that I am disenchanted with what we claim is reality. I'm disenchanted with politics, disenchanted with religion, disenchanted with economics. What is the point of it all when "we come into this world with not a cent to our name, and leave this world likewise," as Paramahansa Yogananda's father once said?

Let's direct our energy to what should be the meaning of life, our "why:" enjoying eachother. Enjoying other human beings, other animals, other plantlife. For what else are we here for that makes a difference? Crooked politicians will have their way, wars will be fought and lost, inflation will always exist, and people will always be "saving" people.

What makes the real difference is happiness and joy that people can bring to one another when they stop and take a moment from this hectic life we are supposed to lead. When people stop and realize that everyone around them is just the same, and that all anyone ever really wants is to be loved and accepted and cherished.

If I could wish for one thing for the New Year, it would be for us to all realize that happiness is not so far away. Happiness is where we create it, with the people we know and love, but never spend as much time with them as we should. "Why are we here" isn't the real question. The real question is "since we are here...."

Back To School

After a crazy weekend of academics and dancing in Las Vegas, I'm glad to be back in school, not missing classes, and generally worrying about the massive amounts of homework due by the end of the semester in 4 weeks. I will say this much about Las Vegas though:

1. wearing comfortable shoes is a must
2. pretending to have a French accent near the gardens at the Bellagio gets you and a friend into "Light" for an opportunity to dance the night away
3. gambling is okay for some, but I've spent my first and last dollar on gambling that I ever will
4. certain pictures will never see the light of day

Expect the Unexpected

Who would have thought that come 2:00 today I would be discussing DNA replication and genetic inheritance models with my (very) conservative developmental psychology professor? When I began the semester, I heard that this professor would be very biased and that he would constantly promote his views and put down other (more liberal) points of view. I admit this professor has shortcomings in some arguments (likes to play the blame game), yet blaming aside, actually makes an effort to understand new developments in biological sciences, and to incorporate these developments into the way he teaches his classes. Hooray for biased professors who teach unbiased (for the most part) classes!

Couples Hollandaise

Here's a quick and fun classic Hollandaise sauce recipe adapted for two. Hollandaise sauce is great on fish and chicken, and is usually tough to make, but with two people, things are much simpler.

Ingredients:
3 egg yolks
4 T. boiling water
1/2 c. melted butter
1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
pinch salt
pinch cayenne
A couple (one to add ingredients, and one to keep whisking)

Heat water in a double boiler to hot, but not boiling. Add the egg yolks and stir with a whisk until they begin to thicken. Add one T boiling water, stir until they begin to thicken, and repeat this process until the 3 remaining T boiling water are used up. Add the lemon juice, remove from heat and whisk in the butter. Finally, add the salt and cayenne and serve immediately. Enjoy with your partner!

Living in my Back Body

On the very first day of beginning yoga this semester, Dr. Connor had us all practice a very simple exercise. We were told to walk across the room several times as if each of us were a horse with a carrot dangling in front of our mouths. We listened to the sounds made by our hurrying bodies, and observed our forward-slanted postures. Then, we practiced walking more in what Dr. Connor calls the "back body." Being in our front body, or walking toward the figurative carrot is analagous to making a constant mad rush for the future and being worried about classes, work, and extracurricular activities. Being equally in the front and in the back body means being fully aware of the present and making every minute of the day personally fulfilling.

Recently I've been having a hard time dealing with the pressures many people place on getting into graduate school. There's the GRE to worry about, internships, and getting stellar references. But then I realized that I've totally forgotten about my back body. Today I'm turning over a new leaf, which means withdrawing from some committments and making more time for myself, family, and friends. I'll still work hard to get good grades and submit an amazing application to PT school, but what use are these efforts if I don't enjoy myself at the same time?

Three cheers for not overcommitting and for living in the back body.

Life Rythms

Days seem to be long and busy in Flagstaff lately. Between school, work, and play, it seems there is hardly any down time to veg. But sometimes being busy can be pretty fun. I'm enjoying flowing in the rhythm of life as a peaceful, warm summer gives way to a windy and alive fall.

I'm realizing more and more that I am still very much on a journey of self-discovery. I've been playing piano since I can't remember, and I'm still nervous to play songs in the middle of Cowden lobby. And for some reason, unlike Freshman year, I am more self-conscious in crowds and less likely to converse with random strangers.

In biochemistry, we are learning about DNA and protein coding. Sometimes I am simply amazed at how many combinations such a small amount of information can create, and ultimately lead to the diversity of life on Earth. Even with my simple understanding of the concept, it is completely mind-boggling!

The split rail quilt I'm creating for the Quilting I class at Pine Country Quilts is coming along very nicely. I can't remember the last time I've sewed this much! I am definitely more interested in 1930's quilts and heirloom quilts than modern varieties, though. The bright flowery 1930's patterns and flower gardens are so pretty!

Here's to being busy and keeping it simple at the same time.

Early One Morn'

As I realize I've gotten up way too early for this year's Climb the Mountain to Conquer Cancer event, maybe I should put up a post.

There's something to be said for artisanal crafts. Knitting, tatting, quiltmaking, crochet... good skills like these are quickly waning in today's society. I'm a knitter and crochet (er?), and will soon be learning how to quilt, but why do I hang on to these old-fashioned trades? When I'm knitting, I need to focus on that project. I can't process watching TV or listening to NPR while knitting - I'm forced to replay a simpler mode of life. There's nothing more calming than sitting quietly, soft ball of alpaca yarn in my lap, listening to music or the sound of friends laughing, and creating something beautiful at the same time.

Last night, Rachel, Steve, Bryan, and I all went out to Monsoon and then Barnes and Nobles for coffee. One hot topic was wedding planning, and it seems like Bryan and I have our work cut out for us. We aren't that interested in a very traditional wedding, but still, maybe knowing the date and where the wedding will take place a little in advance are good ideas.

One sore spot. The GRE. That's all I'm saying.

Summer Reading

One thing I know I'll miss about summer is being able to read books for pleasure. Two that I'd recommend are Life of Pi by Yan Martel and The Story of B by Daniel Quinn, the author of Ishmael. Life of Pi is about how a young boy from India develops his spirituality and also his survival instinct (I can't say much more or I'll give away the plot). I'm in the process of reading The Story of B, and it is very interesting so far, as I expected since it's subtitle is An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit. There is great philosophical discussion in this book, and I keep remembering one line in particular:

" If the world is saved, it will be saved by people with changed minds,

people with a new vision. It will not be saved by people with old minds

and new programs. it will not be saved by people with the old vision

but a new program."

One reason for all this book reading is that Flagstaff is in the midst of monsoon season. Every day brings inches of rain, all with spectacular displays of lightning and explosions of thunder. This means clear mornings that smell fresh and dewy, and cozy afternoons indoors playing games and reading books. The monsoon season is predicted to last two weeks into September, so maybe this means the drought is disappearing little by little.

Calm before the storm

Meanwhile, Bryan and I are babysitting a friend's wonderful, tiny, almost all white kitten. His name is Coconut, and he has been a joy to have in the apartment. Coco pounces on anything and everything, moving or not moving. After keeping us up the first night with his antics, we tired him out with play before going to bed last night, and things were much more peaceful. Until he woke me up at 6:30 am todayby scampering all over the bed, ha ha. Sleeping now, he seems so peaceful, and I can't wait until Bryan and I have a place big enough to be fair to keep our own animals.

Coconut

Cat Days of Summer

Who ever coined the term "dog days of summer" anyway? With one month left of summer, Bryan and I are keeping busy with work and play. While we both agree there may be more entertainment options in Prescott, Flagstaff beats all for keeping things simple.

Flagstaff reminds us that we don't have to always see the latest movie at the theatres, or even dine at a different restaurant every Friday night (three cheers for El Capitan). Flagstaff lets us walk to a slower and more peaceful pace of life. Nothing beats staying up all night under the glittering sea of stars with friends at a star-party, or any other "s" party for that matter.

And if anything is better than living in Flagstaff, it's living in a studio apartment in Flagstaff. Having all the material possessions one could ever want denies us true happiness, because nothing challenges creativity and being at peace with one's lifestyle like not posessing everything. How's that for a tounge twister?

As summer comes to a close a new school year is fast approaching. Students are moving back to Flagstaff, and I'm excited for a change of pace. The cooler weather means more knitting, and hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures of knitting projects soon. I will soon be buying my blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to finish up my final year as an exercise science major. Prochnow movies will be playing at NAU again, and we will be having the annual Jaws night at the pool in September. Ahh... life in the pines.

One Step at a Time

Sometimes it seems so difficult to make progress in this world, but things don't always have to seem this way. How easy it is to believe that you don't make a difference in this world. How easy it is to think that just that one extra trip to the supermarket for a dinner ingredient doesn't make a difference in greenhouse gas emissions. Yet if everyone believes they don't make an individual impact on the environment, just think of how great an impact our combined actions create. Every little effort counts. Here are links to a few e-mail newsletters that I enjoy due to their emphasis on the importance of individual impact on our precious environment: redjellyfish.com and nrdc.org (look for a link to recieve the newsletter called "This Green Life").

Beginning

This blog is dedicated to living simply, freely, and in the moment. Comments are welcome as long as they are positive and harmonious. I am very excited to start this blog and look forward to posting!