School Term Over

Well, it was my first term back as a college student and I survived!  Actually, I finished early!  I have time for another 2 unit class, or take some time off and start up again October 1st!  I need to buy a textbook for the class I would take if I went that route, so perhaps I will just wait until October and hope that I can get some financial aid to cover that cost!

My research paper is finally done and turned in and met the requirements!  That silly bibliography took up way too much time!  I got through it though and that is what is important.  I am now shifting my focus to a more regular and somewhat aggressive workout regiment.  With full time work, full time school, and a 30 mile commute each way, there hasn't been a lot of time for hitting the gym at an appropriate hour. 

I did go on a nice bike ride yesterday with two of my friends from the South Bay.  We took the Almaden trail from Camden all the way to Winfield and Chynoweth then turned around.  I always enjoy a bike ride that takes you along the water.  I admit, sometimes I get distracted looking at the water that I start to veer into oncoming riders and walkers, but no one has been injured yet.  I plan to improve on that.  I even made an effort to ride with no hands...not smart.  It's been way too long and a different life ago that I was able to do that!  I will keep at least one hand on the "wheel."

Here I come, Gym!

ej

Band Showcase: Dislodic

Dr. Morty

My friends and I have had the opportunity to travel down to Fresno recently, despite the hundred degree temperatures, to watch two fantastic up and coming bands perform at The Starline.  It is my great pleasure to showcase them here on my blog.  Today's post:

 DISLODIC, a progressive rock band formed by a great, and very dear friend of mine, affectionately known by all as Dr. Morty (since we have been long time friends, I will refer to my friend simply as Mort, or "D").  We have seen them play a few times and they have been great each time!  The music showcases a solid pair of guitarists, Daryl and Chris, a bassist, Lisa, a vocalist with screams and growls that make the women swoon, and a drummer that is the lifeblood, and driving force, and literal heartbeat of the band, Dr. Morty. 

VOX - Jimmy  Guitar - Daryl  Bass - Lisa

This band is unique, as all band members can share their input equally; they don't technically have a band leader, but work together to draw upon the highest level of creativity from each member.  They make a great effort to have cohesion as a band on the stage, as well as off the stage, by spending time once a month outside of band practices and shows.  They just released their first Demo CD, Ascent and I have enjoyed listening to all four tracks ever since!  Be sure to catch their next show August 21st at The Starline, 833 E. Fern, Fresno, CA.  I'll be there, with lots of friends!

Guitar - Chris

DISLODIC:

dis·so·nance (ˈdi-sə-nən(t)s) 2: a mingling of discordant sounds ; especially : a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord

me·lod·ic (mə-ˈlä-dik) 2: a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole

Me and Shannon - ASCENT!!!

Heather and Blond Friend

Mort, Me, and Blake in the background left haha!

 ej

School Essay - Just felt like posting it =)

My Hobby

Entertainment Cooking

Erika J. Freeman

Western Governors University

When one considers a hobby, there are many factors involved in why one would choose to engage or participate in a specific activity. These may include a person’s desire or need for emotional fulfillment, mental stimulation, or physical pleasure, in what one may call an “adrenaline rush.” I have many hobbies of my own and wish to share with you one in particular. I will share several reasons why I find it to be of particular value in my life. My favorite hobby is Entertainment Cooking. I receive great joy when cooking for a party of guests, whether the number is great or small. Allow me to share with you the great significance it has played in my life and why I encourage you to consider participating with me.

Ever since I was a young child, I would help my Swedish Great-Grandmother in the kitchen every Christmas. We had Swedish Smorgasbord each year in her home for as long as I can remember. She taught us about table settings, proper table etiquette, the importance of being a good hostess, and always, without fail, she would share stories from her childhood, or courtship with the Great-Grandfather we never knew. I marveled at her ability to move around the kitchen with such comfort, and cheerful disposition. She was so confident with everything she did that she made it seem effortless. My younger sister and I would wear aprons, as she taught us how to make a rose on top of a cube of butter, and we would stand on stools so that we could reach the counter tops as we decorated trays of cold cuts, and a number of traditional and adopted family favorite dishes. It was during my formative years that my love for entertainment cooking began.

When I became an adult, I wanted to continue the traditions of entertaining guests in my home as I had so elegantly seen from my Great-Grandmother’s fine example. I, however, had never truly learned to cook. I always assembled, and prepared for meals with my Grandmother, but rarely had I been able to cook. She passed away before I was able to truly learn to be a Master in my own kitchen. I didn’t want to let opportunities to entertain slip away. On a whim, I invited friends from church over for a midweek dinner. When they accepted, I was overjoyed! This was my opportunity to improve my cooking skills, as well hone my skills as a proper hostess. I began to plan a menu consisting of Macaroni and Cheese out of a box, and garlic bread that was premade from the local market.

Feeling inspired to do more than cook out of a box, the evening before I was to entertain my guests I decided to borrow my roommate’s cook book and peruse the recipes. I happened upon an easy Italian dish and basic bread recipe. It was decided! Cheese filled manicotti and freshly baked bread, with a tossed salad. I walked to the corner market and purchased the ingredients. It was such a fun time for me. I moved through the store with my shopping cart, filled with purpose! I even had the opportunity to use my broken Spanish ability at the deli counter, much to the delight of the workers. It was so exciting to think that I was to cook a meal nearly from scratch all on my own, and to be able to serve it to my guests and friends. I felt like I was emulating my Great-Grandmother in my own way, and this brought such warmth and comfort to me.

I worked late into the night preparing my trial run meal for my guests. It was a great learning experience for me, and that was part of what drove me to want to do well. I love to learn, and I was getting a crash course education on the dos and don’ts of bread making, as well as best practices when working with pasta. I took my experiment to work with me the next morning to use my co-workers as guinea pigs. They loved it! I was so pleased with the feedback that when I was certain no one was looking, I proceeded to leap down the hallway back to my office, and threw in a few bell kicks, just for good measure! It motivated me, and inspired me to repeat the task again and to take my newfound knowledge from the previous night’s adventure and make it better!

When my guests arrived, I was fashionably late in getting dinner on the table. While I was putting the finishing touches on the meal, my guests sat down and offered to help and I put them straight to work. We chatted comfortably, and everyone felt included in the process of the meal. The time we spent prepping the salad and slicing the freshly baked bread proved to be one of the highlights of the evening. Everyone was drawn in by the simple tasks and high quality social interaction. When the meal was finally presented to the dinner table we enjoyed a fine meal, and fell comfortably back into our conversations.

The delight in knowing your guests are leaving satisfied by the meal, as well as your company is tremendous. I have had the opportunity to venture into many cultural cuisines, as well as experiment in what I call “fusion” cuisine. Cooking for company has allowed me to enrich my life both with cooking and in relationships. I have been able to introduce my friends to my culture, as well as the cultures of the world by adding themes to dinner parties, and to encourage the nurturing of new relationships between various circles of friends. I challenge you to invite some friends over for dinner, both old and new, and experience for yourself the great rewards of serving as host or hostess to your friends.

ej

I am an American. I will not compromise.

This is going to be an unusual post with unusually statements coming from me.  I normally tend to avoid talking about politics, especially since I don't keep up with politics enough to be engaged in such conversations.  Does not contain graphic content, but you may share your thoughts as you wish.  I do reserve the right to delete any comments I so choose.

With all the unrest there have been kidnappings in Mexico and ransoms demanded.  Last time I checked, America does not compromise with terrorists.  These recent events have led to some interesting conversation.

I was asked the following question:  Would you pay my ransom if I was kidnapped?

Here was my response:  No.

Here's why...

If I were being held hostage, I would not want my family or country to pay my ransom.  I would rather die than to have those I loved and a country I loved (despite its imperfections) send terrorists money that will be used either against my family and country, or against other innocents. 

I am an American.  I will not compromise.

My friend said she would want someone to pay the ransom, because she does not want to die.  I do not have a death wish, please don't misunderstand me.  It's not about not wanting to live, it's about being true to myself, to my country, and to my belief in good.

ej