clever award

Mark wins the clever award for the day for this post.
I must say though that he did hear about the crazy newscasters from me. I was subjected to their panic-mongering by going out in public- waiting for my car to be repaired in the shop. At least i tried to amuse myself by striking up a conversation with the girl next to me about the logical fallacy of argument from authority...

return of the crazy ideas

Let's just say strange things have happened lately. This has been a busy and strange week, and though i am more worn out than i have been for a long time, i feel as though i have awakened from a very deep sleep. (but perhaps the exhaustion may be blamed on my preparation for the cardiology exam...)
First, i complained to my husband how jealous i am that he gets to think and write (those philosophy students...) creatively, and i am often stuck in a box of logical thoughts, within parameters that cannot be broken, with very real and stressful demands. I suppose this will only get worse next year as i enter the clinical half of medical school. I'm not sure how i will react to people dying if i don't get things right.
At any rate, i suppose i remembered how much i like to think. Then i started listening to podcasts on logical arguments (seems my philosophy classes were too long ago to remember it all). Then it seemed people started to ask questions, and i loved being around to talk, debate.
Some classmates even remarked how glad they were to be able to debate and learn from each other something that wasn't related to medicine- i know i was; we are all so tired of it at times.
Then some people compelled me to look back to this poor neglected blog. First i must say i had to laugh at some of the things i have written in years past. I really feel - and even act- like a very different person. But i suppose time and experience will do that. I'm sort of embarrased of a few of the things i've posted, but i'll leave them as a testament to change. Others, however, should have been more. I've been afraid of offending and pushing too far. But for those who may be offended or alarmed, i will remind you that this is simply an experiment meant to air out my crazy ideas and get responses.
Thus i will try to write more. I will try to think more, i may even try to shock you a little bit.
So i shall end this little rant with a tribute to those who are the forefront of free speech. Here's a blog i've followed for a little while on and off. You can easily change it to english if you're not familiar with spanish.
Generacion Y

For Christmas

Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord,47and my spirit has begun to rejoice in God my Savior,48for he has looked upon the humble state of his servant. For from now on all generations will call me blessed,49for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name;50from generation to generation he is merciful to those who fear him.51He has demonstrated power with his arm; he has scattered those whose pride wells up from the sheer arrogance of their hearts.52He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position;53he has filled the hungry with good things, and has sent the rich away empty.54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy,55as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
From Luke Ch. 1.
Also another good/thought-provoking christmas read found here

i cook sometimes.

Yeah, so i know i used to publish a lot of profound thoughts on here. Well maybe not but they were new to me. However, my schedule now doesn't always permit such things. However, my schedule does seem to permit, and even require, some cooking. So i thought perhaps i'd share some of my foodie tendencies here.
Also, some of you may have been wondering how my "mostly-veg" diet was going. I must say i am still eating meat, though only once a day with dinner. I've definitely held to my resolution to eat well. That resolution, fortunately, has let to some rather fun cooking experiences. Alright so on to goodness.
Tonight's dinner:
-Herb Encrusted Salmon
-Buttered Green Beans
-Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
So for the salmon, i just mixed in some thyme, garlic salt, dill, and ground pepper with some all-purpose flour, and coated the salmon with it. Then it was sauteed on low in a olive-oil filled pan, with a dash of pinot grigio. Turned out nice crispy and lovely.
Potatoes- just cut em up and boil them. Add garlic (salt), heavy cream, butter, and voila.
Green beans are the easiest. Just boil some fresh green beans for 10 minutes, drain and stir in some butter and salt.
I must say that the wine i cooked the salmon in, Turning Leaf's Pinot Grigio was quite nice, added a wonderful touch to the dinner. I had to go get more potatoes so i could finish up the wine.
I wish i'd taken pictures, it actually looked quite gourmet, i must say.

Yeah, I was there.

U2 concert Raleigh. Talk about checking off a life-goal. It was awesome. They sang my fave- "still haven't found what i'm looking for". I might have gotten a little teary.

OH yeah

I meant to post this earlier.
Go here for pictures.
http://www.donnanphotography.com/wedding/recap-carmen-mark/

Day 2

So i'm a bit amused by all the attention yesterdays post gathered on facebook. And i think perhaps i should restate my goals a bit- this isn't about starving- i don't need to starve, i'm on the thin side, it's not about restricting- it's about living healthier, reducing waste, and cooking more creatively. I'd like to make veggies a more integral part of our diet- get away from the traditional "meat as centerpiece of the meal".
So day 2.
Slept late- blueberry pancakes
Since i slept late- made habanero salsa for lunch, then Mark made me a pinapple mango smoothie. perfect
Seared flank steak marinated in sherry, garlic and pepper, with broccoli and carrot paella.
+why i'm only giving up a little bit of meat.
+the paella was awesome. saffron rocks like that.