I'm loving Ani this week. I cannot wait until her concert in June!
Her lyrics are raw and poignant. One of my favorites is "Both Hands". I'm not even entirely sure I understand the meaning behind the lyrics, but it still speaks to me about life, trying so hard in relationships, realizing that most of it is all for naught. I think she's just trying to tell her lover to please dedicate yourself to me and don't hold any emotions back. You really just need to listen to it, her voice is entrancing.
Both Hands
in each other's shadows we grew less and less tall
and eventually our theories couldn't explain it all
and i'm recording our history now on the bedroom wall
and when we leave the landlord will come
and paint over it all
and i am walking
out in the rain
and i am listening to the low moan of the dial tone again
and i am getting nowhere with you
and i can't let it go
and i can't get through
so now use both hands
please use both hands
oh, no don't close your eyes
i am writing graffiti on your body
i am drawing the story of how hard we tried
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Obesity in America: A rant.
I wrote this little rant for my sociology class, but feel it necessary to share on my blog:
Walking down the street in any U.S. city, it’s difficult not to notice the robust size of many people. But why are so many Americans fat? In order to answer this quandary, it’s essential to examine the culture we live in today. There are many reasons why Americans are fat. To put it simply, they overeat and do not spend nearly enough time exercising. There are more complex reasons also to understanding this phenomenon. First, eating is not seen as an event. Rather, it’s something to be quickly done, and food is picked based on convenience rather than nutrition and quality. Processed, pre-packaged food is eaten all too frequently; it is packed full of empty calories, fat, and sodium. Moreover, the prevalence of fast food dining also contributes to American obesity, especially for those who are low-income. Portions at restaurants can personally feed me for days; however, many consider that only one meal. Most Americans vastly misunderstand portion-size, and must eat massive amounts in one sitting to accommodate their misconception. The more they eat, the more they need to eat to be satisfied.
Another reason contributing to American obesity is the misunderstanding of nutritious eating. All too often, bars, cereals, and instant drinks are replacing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as sources of nutrition. While these tout vitamins and minerals, they misrepresent healthy eating. We’ve also lost much of the variety in our produce by using agricultural methods that focus on quick profit rather than sustainable planting; the monoculture employed by most corporate farms has destroyed so many varieties of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. The lack of variety in fresh produce leads Americans to other aisles to find it; there are about 100 varieties of potato chips and 50 varieties of cookies in any given grocery store. Moreover, Americans have become disconnected from what they eat due to extensive transport and packaging. Thus, they have taken to putting unhealthy and processed foods into their bodies, and their bodies have revolted.
Moreover, Americans do not understand the importance of regular exercise, and if they do, they simply cannot find the time in their insanely over-committed schedules. Most of our cities and suburbs are not pedestrian-friendly. Few Americans bike to work or school. Our society prizes cars above all other forms of transportation, with drastic impacts on our health as well as environment. The U.S. is quickly becoming a concrete jungle even in many rural areas; the lack of connectedness to nature leads Americans away from experiencing life with their bodies to experiencing it vicariously through computers, televisions, and video games. Most everyone agrees that regular exercise, even if it’s nothing more than walking 30 minutes a day, leads to weight loss and improved health. But too few Americans listen to common sense, and their health and well-being will suffer.
...
I'm not saying being skinny is necessary for happiness; more important by far is health. We have, though, lost a lot of good stuff we had going for us a hundred or so years ago. Our society needs to remember the good old days of family walks instead of primetime TV shows. Victory gardens. Hiking. Biking. The simple but free things in life that contribute to well-being. I know as I take time to think about the unhealthy practices in my life, and seek to improve them, I feel a gazillion times better about my body and spirit.
Walking down the street in any U.S. city, it’s difficult not to notice the robust size of many people. But why are so many Americans fat? In order to answer this quandary, it’s essential to examine the culture we live in today. There are many reasons why Americans are fat. To put it simply, they overeat and do not spend nearly enough time exercising. There are more complex reasons also to understanding this phenomenon. First, eating is not seen as an event. Rather, it’s something to be quickly done, and food is picked based on convenience rather than nutrition and quality. Processed, pre-packaged food is eaten all too frequently; it is packed full of empty calories, fat, and sodium. Moreover, the prevalence of fast food dining also contributes to American obesity, especially for those who are low-income. Portions at restaurants can personally feed me for days; however, many consider that only one meal. Most Americans vastly misunderstand portion-size, and must eat massive amounts in one sitting to accommodate their misconception. The more they eat, the more they need to eat to be satisfied.
Another reason contributing to American obesity is the misunderstanding of nutritious eating. All too often, bars, cereals, and instant drinks are replacing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as sources of nutrition. While these tout vitamins and minerals, they misrepresent healthy eating. We’ve also lost much of the variety in our produce by using agricultural methods that focus on quick profit rather than sustainable planting; the monoculture employed by most corporate farms has destroyed so many varieties of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. The lack of variety in fresh produce leads Americans to other aisles to find it; there are about 100 varieties of potato chips and 50 varieties of cookies in any given grocery store. Moreover, Americans have become disconnected from what they eat due to extensive transport and packaging. Thus, they have taken to putting unhealthy and processed foods into their bodies, and their bodies have revolted.
Moreover, Americans do not understand the importance of regular exercise, and if they do, they simply cannot find the time in their insanely over-committed schedules. Most of our cities and suburbs are not pedestrian-friendly. Few Americans bike to work or school. Our society prizes cars above all other forms of transportation, with drastic impacts on our health as well as environment. The U.S. is quickly becoming a concrete jungle even in many rural areas; the lack of connectedness to nature leads Americans away from experiencing life with their bodies to experiencing it vicariously through computers, televisions, and video games. Most everyone agrees that regular exercise, even if it’s nothing more than walking 30 minutes a day, leads to weight loss and improved health. But too few Americans listen to common sense, and their health and well-being will suffer.
...
I'm not saying being skinny is necessary for happiness; more important by far is health. We have, though, lost a lot of good stuff we had going for us a hundred or so years ago. Our society needs to remember the good old days of family walks instead of primetime TV shows. Victory gardens. Hiking. Biking. The simple but free things in life that contribute to well-being. I know as I take time to think about the unhealthy practices in my life, and seek to improve them, I feel a gazillion times better about my body and spirit.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Officer breastfeeds orphans
I absolutely love breastfeeding. Here's a mom who knows what's up. I teared up a little reading this.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Becca's wedding and San Francisco
What a fabulous little weekend I had!! On Thursday, Cecilia and I embarked on our journey to California for the first time in our lives. After a short flight, we arrived at the Oakland airport, greeted by Becca, Kyle, and Katy P (not Katy A, do not be confused). That night, we stayed up and talked for a little bit on the front porch, then went over to the Nieman's house where we spent the night the first few nights. Friday was spent preparing for the nuptials, watching Prince Caspian (I wouldn't recommend it.... a little cheesy) and going to a wedding-eve barbecue at Becca & Katy's grandparent's house. The company was pleasurable, the food was amazing. Au gratin potatoes like I've never tasted! And homemade strawberry ice cream! Yum! That night, we had a little post-wedding-eve-barbecue bash at the neighborhood pool, then went home and I absolutely crashed. Saturday was spent preparing for the wedding, then going to the temple to see our two wonderful friends start their eternal happiness together. Becca, as mentioned previously, looked like an absolute dream. And Kyle didn't look so bad either. I know they will make each other SO happy, and you can just tell they absolutely worship each other without being all gross and PDA-ish. When they walked out of the temple, and everyone was standing there, in typical Becca fashioned, she got all awkward and was like "what now!?" It was adorable. It was so HOT at the temple, but pictures had to be taken!! I loved so much that Becca & Kyle were so concerned about their friends being in pictures with them. It was fun, and we got some great ones I know. After the wedding, the group of Provo friends went to lunch at perhaps the best ice cream place ever!!! Fenton's. I highly recommend it! Better than Ghirardelli, which we had the next day in San Francisco. Saturday night was the reception, which was also, absolutely perfect for Becca & Kyle. Low-key but classy. Sister Anderson did a fabulous job on the food!! The pasta salad was incredible, and fresh strawberries with cream were among my favorites. The cake was beautiful, and delicious too! I loved her reception, it makes me ready to have my own. Then I think, oh no wait, I'm SO not ready to get married yet! But when I do, we will dance barefoot in a poppy field accompanied by bongo players. The wedding food will be vegan and raw. and the flowers will be wild dandelions :) My ring will be antique gold. My dress will be vintage. And my groom will be wonderful, tall, dark, foreign, and liberal. That's the ideal, though Becca's reception swayed me into thinking traditional is not so bad. I LOVED her reception. And I'm not easily swayed into doing what everyone else does. But her dress was beautiful, the veil was beautiful, the expensive flowers and fancy wedding cake were great. And her bridals-- FABULOUS! I didn't think I liked the idea of standing around in a constricting dress getting pictures shot of me, but hers are so stunning I just can't imagine not doing it! Ok. Enough gushing for now :)
So, on Saturday evening, 5 of us went into the city and played around. We went to In-N-Out and generally just had a great time. We found this strange museum with old games, it was quite interesting. I also danced on a street corner to some reggae music. One of my friends put a cup beside me. Nevertheless, I didn't make any money... I wouldn't survive as a bum.
On Sunday after church, Katy P, Cil, and me went to San Francisco again. We did A LOT of walking, but saw pretty much the entire city. I didn't realize how hilly it was! Like, I knew there were hills, but DANG! It was so fun though, we saw the major sites (except for the bridge, it was to foggy!) and enjoyed each other's company. We got an ice cream sundae at Ghiradelli square, frolicked in the Pacific, walked down Lombard St., and hung around Chinatown. We came across a gathering with hundreds of people in Chinatown, and Cecilia nudged me and said "It's your paradise!!" I could agree more.
Today, Cecilia and I spent most of our afternoon in Berkeley. Heaven. They have 11 vegan restaurants, one of which I visited that was delicious! I brought some food home for lunch later :) That's how good it was. We also walked around the campus, and through the law school. I LOVE the campus. It's so green, there are huge trees and cool trails. We were sitting eating gelato when two students walked by and we overheard "so, remember at that protest freshman year..." I want to go there for law school SO BAD. My mom, of course, reminded me of the little price tag attached... only because I'm a girl of course. If Devin could get into an expensive and highly-regarded medical school, he'd be more than encouraged. I hate gender double-standards. Grrr.
Now I'm happy to be back in Provo. But not ready for my midterm I have in the morning! Darn spring term.
Wedding and reception pictures:
San Fran pictures:
In case you haven't gotten enough...:
So, on Saturday evening, 5 of us went into the city and played around. We went to In-N-Out and generally just had a great time. We found this strange museum with old games, it was quite interesting. I also danced on a street corner to some reggae music. One of my friends put a cup beside me. Nevertheless, I didn't make any money... I wouldn't survive as a bum.
On Sunday after church, Katy P, Cil, and me went to San Francisco again. We did A LOT of walking, but saw pretty much the entire city. I didn't realize how hilly it was! Like, I knew there were hills, but DANG! It was so fun though, we saw the major sites (except for the bridge, it was to foggy!) and enjoyed each other's company. We got an ice cream sundae at Ghiradelli square, frolicked in the Pacific, walked down Lombard St., and hung around Chinatown. We came across a gathering with hundreds of people in Chinatown, and Cecilia nudged me and said "It's your paradise!!" I could agree more.
Today, Cecilia and I spent most of our afternoon in Berkeley. Heaven. They have 11 vegan restaurants, one of which I visited that was delicious! I brought some food home for lunch later :) That's how good it was. We also walked around the campus, and through the law school. I LOVE the campus. It's so green, there are huge trees and cool trails. We were sitting eating gelato when two students walked by and we overheard "so, remember at that protest freshman year..." I want to go there for law school SO BAD. My mom, of course, reminded me of the little price tag attached... only because I'm a girl of course. If Devin could get into an expensive and highly-regarded medical school, he'd be more than encouraged. I hate gender double-standards. Grrr.
Now I'm happy to be back in Provo. But not ready for my midterm I have in the morning! Darn spring term.
Wedding and reception pictures:
San Fran pictures:
In case you haven't gotten enough...:
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Becca's wedding!!
So, yesterday my lovely friend and roommate Becca got married in the Oakland Temple! It was a beautiful day. More pictures and details to come! She was the absolute most stunning bride ever.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Reduce, reuse, recycle. In that order.
I've been on an environmental-rush for the past few months, and would like to share with everyone my attempts at reducing my carbon footprint.
1. The menstrual cup. Sounds gross, but it's the greatest thing I have ever discovered. I absolutely LOVE it, and have recommended it to friends again and again. It's cheap (you can use it for 10 years, it comes out to like 10 cents a month), it's environmentally-friendly (U.S. women produce about 2 million tons of trash from sanitary napkins and tampons every year!), and it's healthier (no bleach or toxins that can leach into your system from tampons, no risk of TSS). I use the DivaCup but there are many options. You can google "menstrual cup" and find tons of great reviews as well!
2. No paper towels for this girl! For Lent, I gave up paper towels. Now, when I go to the restroom, I wash my hands, and then just shake them dry or wipe them on my pants. Think about what a difference that would make if we all did it! It is such a simple thing, but I just about how many times I wash my hands a day, and how many paper towels I would use and trash, and this way is just as easy. Also, my hands are way less chapped!
3. Composting. I bury my old apple cores, orange peels, and vegetable skins in my backyard. I'm not sure this really helps the environment, but I feel like I'm returning to the earth what was meant to be there. And I feel good about that.
4. Community garden! Fresh, local vegetables for all!
5. Riding my bike and walking. Everywhere.
6. Turning off the lights. I'm a nazi about this. Honestly, I just can't leave a room now without flipping the switch. Get into the habit!
7. Limiting showers. Ok, some people think this is just gross, but who needs to shower every day unless they are exercising vigorously or genuinely have odor problems (which I doubt any of us do).
8. Used clothes, used books, used everything. I love used things. Plato's Closet if you're upscale, DI if you're me. Also, I love recycling my own clothing everything I haven't worn in the past year. Someone will put it to great use! Also, reusable bags when you grocery shop. You can buy them usually for about a dollar a bag, and most grocery stores I've been to will discount your bill if you bring your own bags and ask. Technically, every time we shop we are paying for plastic bags! Also, I love reusing containers for leftovers. I've never bought tupper-ware because there are so many great containers out there. My favorites are large yogurt containers, Nancy's organic yogurt I used to eat, and the containers are the perfect size and toughness. I also reuse jars from spaghetti sauce and other things as cups for drinking tea or storing leftover soups. If you don't reuse them, at least recycle!
9. Vegetarianism/veganism. It's probably the single-most significant thing I do for the environment every day. Does anyone realize how much the cattle industry has destroyed the agricultural communities, polluted our waters, and killed our people? Can we say heart disease?? There are so many great alternatives! Try a little tempeh, tofu, veg burgers! Or how about some good old fashioned vegetables? Great recipes here.
10. I can't think of a 10th thing that I do personally. But I LOVE windmills.
Now, everyone go out and take accountability for their actions! REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!!!
1. The menstrual cup. Sounds gross, but it's the greatest thing I have ever discovered. I absolutely LOVE it, and have recommended it to friends again and again. It's cheap (you can use it for 10 years, it comes out to like 10 cents a month), it's environmentally-friendly (U.S. women produce about 2 million tons of trash from sanitary napkins and tampons every year!), and it's healthier (no bleach or toxins that can leach into your system from tampons, no risk of TSS). I use the DivaCup but there are many options. You can google "menstrual cup" and find tons of great reviews as well!
2. No paper towels for this girl! For Lent, I gave up paper towels. Now, when I go to the restroom, I wash my hands, and then just shake them dry or wipe them on my pants. Think about what a difference that would make if we all did it! It is such a simple thing, but I just about how many times I wash my hands a day, and how many paper towels I would use and trash, and this way is just as easy. Also, my hands are way less chapped!
3. Composting. I bury my old apple cores, orange peels, and vegetable skins in my backyard. I'm not sure this really helps the environment, but I feel like I'm returning to the earth what was meant to be there. And I feel good about that.
4. Community garden! Fresh, local vegetables for all!
5. Riding my bike and walking. Everywhere.
6. Turning off the lights. I'm a nazi about this. Honestly, I just can't leave a room now without flipping the switch. Get into the habit!
7. Limiting showers. Ok, some people think this is just gross, but who needs to shower every day unless they are exercising vigorously or genuinely have odor problems (which I doubt any of us do).
8. Used clothes, used books, used everything. I love used things. Plato's Closet if you're upscale, DI if you're me. Also, I love recycling my own clothing everything I haven't worn in the past year. Someone will put it to great use! Also, reusable bags when you grocery shop. You can buy them usually for about a dollar a bag, and most grocery stores I've been to will discount your bill if you bring your own bags and ask. Technically, every time we shop we are paying for plastic bags! Also, I love reusing containers for leftovers. I've never bought tupper-ware because there are so many great containers out there. My favorites are large yogurt containers, Nancy's organic yogurt I used to eat, and the containers are the perfect size and toughness. I also reuse jars from spaghetti sauce and other things as cups for drinking tea or storing leftover soups. If you don't reuse them, at least recycle!
9. Vegetarianism/veganism. It's probably the single-most significant thing I do for the environment every day. Does anyone realize how much the cattle industry has destroyed the agricultural communities, polluted our waters, and killed our people? Can we say heart disease?? There are so many great alternatives! Try a little tempeh, tofu, veg burgers! Or how about some good old fashioned vegetables? Great recipes here.
10. I can't think of a 10th thing that I do personally. But I LOVE windmills.
Now, everyone go out and take accountability for their actions! REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Nuit de Russe
Last night, I had the privilege of attending Russian night at a friend of Nathalie's home near the Provo Library. It was magical! We ate borscht, cabbage salad, and grilled salmon, drank grape juice, and read Pushkin love poems by candlelight with incense burning. Utterly magical. Ironically enough, 75% of the people there were speaking French (note the title in French. I don't know how to say Russian Night in Russian unfortunately). I love listening to French speakers, and am delighted when I understand small bits and phrases. I met some rad new friends.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
I love being a naked hippie
On Friday night, we spontaneously decided to embark on a journey to the Hot Springs. Besides getting lost and driving 40 miles out of the way (seems to be a theme with me and hot springs...), we make it to the trail. One gorgeous hike through the canyon later, we arrive at our sanctuary. If you've never experienced a Utah hot springs, you are truly missing out on one of the most raw and sensual moments in this life. Nothing can surpass the feeling when there is no vehicle/home/anything for miles, and you are lying naked in hot, sulphur-y water under an immense night sky with billions of stars and the visible Milky Way, next to a rushing mountain stream. As we walked back down the trail at dawn with the sun lighting up the dark night all around us, the contentedness and peace was palpable.
Then I had to come back to Provo. Gross.
Side note: My best friend Austin was also at the hot springs that morning. Her group had camped out the night before. When she asked why they didn't go to the hot springs at night, they replied, "we don't want to be there with all the naked hippies". That is my new favorite label.
Then I had to come back to Provo. Gross.
Side note: My best friend Austin was also at the hot springs that morning. Her group had camped out the night before. When she asked why they didn't go to the hot springs at night, they replied, "we don't want to be there with all the naked hippies". That is my new favorite label.
Honest to blog?
On Sunday, I went to my second "Break the Fast" at Cecilia and Jessica's ward. While they were doing their "Meet the Bishop" interviews, I thought I'd wander around for a bit. I came across this little gem:
"Single's Dance. Dress must be modest, no extreme hairstyles, only one piercing for girls. No bear-hugging or same-sex dancing. ALL DIVORCES MUST BE FINAL."
HONEST TO BLOG.
Tells you something about Mormon culture, eh?
We are so bizarre.
"Single's Dance. Dress must be modest, no extreme hairstyles, only one piercing for girls. No bear-hugging or same-sex dancing. ALL DIVORCES MUST BE FINAL."
HONEST TO BLOG.
Tells you something about Mormon culture, eh?
We are so bizarre.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Current temperature=24 degrees
BYU promised that if I sacrificed my summer to go to school, I could do this:
Instead, I look like this:
Instead, I look like this:
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