Looking Closely

during and after the evacuation

2011-12-03T10:46:00.001-07:00

I awaken suddenly at 4:30 am. I hear sirens and see flashing red lights through the window. There's another noise, as well, which I am unable to place. I go to the window. Lots of fire trucks, I stand there looking to see what's going on. Craig yells to me, "It's our fire alarm, get dressed." These are the thoughts that follow: (1) So, that's what our fire alarm sounds like, almost like a

A word of advice

2011-08-31T16:24:00.001-06:00

In the past month since I announced my pregnancy, I've learned that a growing belly is a sign that others read as "Please tell me what to do because I completely stupid and have no idea." Being pregnant means getting tons of unsolicited advice. I can handle this, to some extent. I mean, I was a single gal for a long, long, long time and dealt with all of the advice on how to snag a husband (I

Freezing

2009-11-10T22:13:00.002-07:00

My Beloved and I have been contemplating purchasing a deep freezer. On one hand, a small, apartment-sized, energy efficient freezer seems like a smart purchase, allowing us to make larger portions and freeze left-overs. On the other hand, such a purchase seems extravagent for spendthrifts like us. I mean, we live in Alberta. Couldn't we just use our balcony as a deep freezer for like eight

Ah, to have learned more math...

2009-11-08T19:18:00.003-07:00

We have house guests staying with us. Here is a snippet of conversation we had tonight:"Life would be boring if everyone got along." - Stuart."Would you actually learn anything?" - Jeannette."Sure, you'd just learn different things. You'd learn more math." - Craig

Stars

2009-11-07T19:32:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce you to Cassiopeia A.Isn't she beautiful? Too bad, she's dead, eh? She is a supernova remnant, the remains of a star, very much like our sun, that died a dramatic death about 11,000 years ago (though we only received word of her passing in 1680).Not only is she beautiful, she is is mysterious, too. She first flirted with occupants on our planet as she died about 330 years ago. She

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This

2009-10-29T10:36:00.011-06:00

As I write this, it's not the Eurythmics song I have running through my head (though it's probably running through yours now, sorry). No, I am singing Patty Griffin's song "Forgiveness":It's hard to giveIt's hard to getIt's hard to giveBut still I think it's the best betHard to giveNever gonna forgetBut everybody needs a little forgiveness The other night I dreamed of forgiveness.In my dream, I

Cohousing!!!

2009-06-18T07:35:00.001-06:00

For nearly a decade, I have been interested in intentional community. For a little over a year, I had the opportunity to live in community at Bowers House in Chicago. Day to day living in Bowers caused me to shed my rose-coloured glasses and see that living in community is not the utopian, resource-sharing, hand-holding, Kum-Ba-Yah-singing, isn't-it-great-we-all-get-along? ideal I must confess

radical hospitality

2009-06-17T12:46:00.005-06:00

Here is the welcoming statement from the front of the bulletin at Robertson-Wesley church:In response to God's call, we, the congregation of Robertson-Wesley United Church, declare our commitment to opening our hearts and our church family to all people in our community, regardless of sexual orientation, age, gender, differing abilities, ethnicity, or economic circumstance. We recognize that many

a place for my soul to rest

2009-06-17T11:39:00.005-06:00

In the past three years, I have moved as many times, crossing state or national borders each time. This last move was especially hard because I did not have a supportive faith community. My denomination does exist here, but it is not the same denomination I came from in the States. And most often I do not feel as if there is a place for me (a liberal, heretical, WOMAN pastor) here within my

Banff (in photos)

2009-06-16T19:37:00.010-06:00

Lake Louise: Yoho National Park (BC):Johnston Canyon & Falls:wildlife in Banff:"artistic" shots from around Banff: from Tunnel Mountain:

Epicurious... in Banff

2009-06-16T11:25:00.001-06:00

While in Banff for our anniversary weekend, Craig and I did our fair share of picnicking, feasting on the breads, cheeses, olives, fruit and granola we either brought or purchased at the market. However, on three occasions, we did dine out, and here is what we thought of our (limited) exposure to the Banff dining scene (I'll be listing them in reverse chronological order):Our final morning in

covenant

2009-06-15T20:29:00.013-06:00

On June 14, 2008, my Beloved and I hitched our lives together in a lovely and lively Covenant Ceremony. During the celebration, our presiding minister, Sandhya, gave a wonderful children's sermon, in which she defined the term "covenant" and told of the rainbow as being an ancient and biblical sign of "covenant" and promise. During the ceremony, she passed around rainbow colored ribbons and had

Fiesta

2009-06-13T11:27:00.002-06:00

We have learned that if you want good Mexican food in Edmonton (especially decent vegetarian options), you had better make it yourself. So, thankfully, Sarah and Kevin hosted a Mexican potluck dinner last night. Craig made his delicious guacamole. And I prepared Mom's famous green enchiladas and my own delectable chipotle beans. We had salsa, tamales, empinadas (more Salvadoran, but still),

(non-)wedded bliss

2009-06-12T10:10:00.008-06:00

This weekend will mark the one year anniversary of our Covenant Ceremony (or non-wedding thingy). It's hard to believe it's already been a year. And it's hard to believe it's only been a year. What a year it has been. And I look forward to many more with my Beloved.

bustin' my @$$

2009-06-11T10:11:00.004-06:00

Oh, wow. I am so sore. My whole body aches. But the good news is that I know I could never have survived Tuesday's work out a mere two weeks ago. I am getting stronger.

Some belated thoughts on Dr. Tiller's murder

2009-06-03T22:02:00.003-06:00

The murder of Dr. George Tiller has evoked a strong emotional response within me. First of all, I feel anger and outrage that anyone who is "pro-life" could murder in cold blood. I also feel such sorrow and sadness for this man's family, both biological and ecclesial. I cannot imagine the grief and trauma they could be experiencing now.But I also feel wildly compelled to correct the malicious

Epicurious in Edmonton 7

2009-05-29T11:10:00.005-06:00

I realized that I have been remiss in recording our exploration of the Edmonton epicurean scene when we made plans to return to Langano Skies tomorrow night, and I had had yet to report on our visit there several weeks ago.Three weeks ago, my friends Sarah and Kevin organized an outing to try an Ethiopian restaurant down on Whyte Ave., Langano Skies. Now I LOVE Ethiopian food, having had some

faux boeuf - my recipe for "beefy" seitan

2009-05-29T08:58:00.007-06:00

Several folks have asked for the recipe for my vegetarian BBQ brisket. So, here is a recipe for fake beef (faux boeuf) seitan I adapted from several others I have. It makes a wonderful "beefy" seitan that looks surprisingly (and scarily) like actual beef and tastes yummy, though I can't say if it tastes like beef since it's been years since I have had beef. I have used the "beef" in a stir-fry,

making tortillas

2009-05-29T08:57:00.000-06:00

flurries

2009-05-29T08:30:00.001-06:00

This morning, I had flurries of white swirling around me as I walked into work. But the flurries weren't snow. They were flower blossoms.It looks like Spring may actually be here. Finally.

Fit

2009-05-28T11:07:00.001-06:00

On Tuesday, I began working out with a personal fitness trainer at gym in the hospital where I work. Oh boy, am I ever feeling the "ow" now. She is going to kick my rear end and whip me into shape.I have been to trainers before. But always at health clubs and never at a health care facility. This gal is good - her assessment unlike any I have ever experienced (she was able to ask me about old

Gilbert

2009-05-27T18:09:00.001-06:00

I found out today that my friend Gilbert, who has been missing for over a month, is dead.I did not know Gilbert long (though we were introduced in September, making him one of the first people I met in Edmonton). And I did not know him all that well, having only gotten together with him a handful of times. But Gilbert was one of those individuals for whom small talk was impossible, so the few

California Courts uphold Prop. 8

2009-05-26T14:30:00.005-06:00

It's a tragic day for California, as today the state Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, which bans same sex marriage. Sadly, the Court upheld the ban.However, I am reminded of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's words, "The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice." I trust that justice will eventually prevail in California, just as it has in

You say it's your birthday...It's my birthday, too!

2009-05-26T10:37:00.004-06:00

Twenty-three years ago today, was my brother Ben's fifth birthday. As you may know, five is a pretty important milestone. You've had enough birthdays that you can remember, and you have been to enough parties of your friends, to know what to expect. And in our household, we did birthdays up right, with extended family coming for the celebration and a special meal of the birthday boy's choosing.

Remembering...

2009-05-25T10:21:00.000-06:00

I wish we didn't have a reason for Memorial Day to exist. But, alas, it does.We must not forget:WAR DEADSince the U.S. invasion of Iraq began on March 20, 2003:In Iraq• 4,296 U.S. troops killed*• 31,256 U.S. troops injured*• 182 U.S. military suicides*• 1,123 U.S. contractors killed• 100,361 to 1.2 million civilianskilled***• $670.7 billion cost of warIn Afganistan• 685 U.S. troops killed*• 2,828

You can take the girl out of Texas...

2009-05-24T21:12:00.005-06:00

It's Memorial Day weekend back in the States. Which means one thing...BBQ!!! And in Texas, BBQ means one thing...brisket!What's a Texas gal to do when she's got a hankerin' for some BBQ beef brisket, but she lives far from the Lone Star State, and more importantly, she's a committed vegetarian?Well, she improvises. And being an experimental cook, she comes up with a kick-a#! vegetarian BBQ

Matchmaker

2009-05-22T11:32:00.002-06:00

I have a question. When it is appropriate to set two people up? I have this friend, Colin, who is handsome, sweet, and very smart (see for yourself*). And I would love to introduce him to my niece Eloise. Now, I know, Eloise is not even a day old, and she has a lot of adjusting to do: meeting Trooper (her dog), becoming a pooper, letting her parents get some sleep, etc. But I know she is a

Happy Birthday, Eloise Anne

2009-05-21T23:16:00.001-06:00

My niece, Eloise Anne, was born this afternoon. Isn't she beautiful?When my nephew Will was born, almost nine years ago, I remember being overwhelmed with how much love I felt for him. I didn't know it was possible to love someone I had never even met so much. I am again amazed at how my heart is bursting with love for this little girl.

Auntie Rachel

2009-05-21T11:08:00.000-06:00

I will be an Aunt again today. My sister-in-love, Katie, is in labor. My brother Chris sent the text message this morning that my new niece or nephew is on the way. I am not too productive at work, as a keep checking my cell phone and email for more updates.

Twilight (halfway through)

2009-05-20T19:59:00.013-06:00

I am halfway through the book, Twilight, and many times I have felt the urge to throw it across the room. At the halfway point, this book offends my feminist sensibility and romanticizes controlling behaviors that, in my line of work, I have been trained to see as red flags for abuse in relationships. This books makes me so angry. And I am horrified that so many young girls LOVE this book and see

Perpetual Winter

2009-05-18T16:52:00.000-06:00

I feel betrayed. These past weeks, Spring has been toying with me and my emotions. My heart beat faster at the sight of tiny buds on the trees. The warm breezes caressing my face elevated my mood. After months and months of icy chill, I finally began to let down my guard, to hope with abandon for the pleasure of Spring's warm embrace, to trust and believe in the truth of Spring's thaw. And

Life Before Death

2009-05-13T10:13:00.000-06:00

I face death each and every day. This morning, my day began with stroking the hair of a woman who was dying all alone, unresponsive to words but able to be soothed by human touch. Later, I gathered with a large, boisterous family as they laughed and told stories of their loved one, who left life amidst the merriment and celebration of his many years. I held the hand of a young bride as she

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T21:36:00.003-06:00

Today is the National Day of Prayer in the US. In honor of this day (which I feel pushes the boundaries of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the US Constitution), Unreasonable Faith published this quote by a "Founding Father".When a religion is good, I conceive it will support itself; and when it does not support itself, and God does not take care to support it so that its

More on Torture

2009-05-07T21:34:00.005-06:00

CNN reports that the more religious a person is, the more likely s/he supports torture:More than half of people who attend services at least once a week -- 54 percent -- said the use of torture against suspected terrorists is "often" or "sometimes" justified. Only 42 percent of people who "seldom or never" go to services agreed, according to the analysis released Wednesday by the Pew Forum on

cleansing

2009-05-07T10:11:00.002-06:00

I began working in hospital ministry in 2000. At that time, like now, we had to wash our hands before and after every patient visit to prohibit the spread of germs from patient to patient. The difference between then and now was that in 2000, we had to walk to a physical sink on the unit, stop, plunge our hands under a stream of hot water, and scrub. Now, we push a lever on one of the ubiquitous

Tortilla Soup

2009-05-05T19:01:00.007-06:00

Today is Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday that commemorates the Mexican victory over the French army in 1862. In my native Texas, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage, culture and pride. And we celebrate in style: mariachi music, ballet folklorico, and food, food, food. Growing up, Cinco de Mayo was a favorite holiday. Imagine my surprise when I learned from my native Mexican

finally!

2009-05-04T17:10:00.002-06:00

I walked home today without a jacket. Is spring arriving in Edmonton? I am beginning to see hints of green...

building

2009-05-03T21:04:00.003-06:00

Natasha, Semyon, and their daughter Anna arrived in Edmonton this weekend. They are friends of our from Chicago who have come here for Natasha to join the Physics Department (and to share an office with Craig!). Yes, it's a small world.As we were helping them put together their furniture from IKEA, I couldn't help but to think that we just weren't building chairs, dressers, and a dining room

Religious, But Not Spiritual

2009-05-02T18:36:00.005-06:00

For a while, I tried to think of myself as "spiritual but not religious". I think what I was trying to say was that I had a sense of wonder and awe, but I felt that religious institutions could be destructive and harmful.But recently, I have started to think of myself as "religious, but not spiritual". In this, I am saying that I think being in community with people who share my values is

Epicurious in Edmonton 6

2009-05-01T08:58:00.004-06:00

Last Friday, I had a stressful meeting, so my Beloved took me out for a romantic dinner to lift my spirits. :) We decided to try out Murrieta's West Coast Grill on Whyte Ave. The place is named for the legendary bandit/hero (depending on one's point of view), Joaquin Murrieta, which led to a stimulating conversation/debate (depending on one's point of view) about how our culture glorifies

Lost

2009-04-27T20:40:00.000-06:00

So, it would seem as if I have lost my cell phone - again. This is the third time I have ever lost a cell phone in my life. And it's also the third time I have lost my cell phone in three months. And this time, I think it's gone for good. So, for the next week or so, I will be sans phone until I can get a new one mailed to me.I wonder why I have been so forgetful lately...

books, books, books

2009-04-27T19:14:00.006-06:00

I received this meme from my friend Amber, who wrote, "I don't usually do these things, but as this is about books, I couldn't resist." I echo Amber's thoughts...1) Which book has been on your shelves the longest? Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. I bought it in 4th Grade with the bookstore gift certificate I received as my prize for winning the book writing contest at Silbernagel

Making Yogurt - Take 2

2009-04-27T17:57:00.005-06:00

Success!!!

Epicurious in Edmonton 5

2009-04-24T21:01:00.005-06:00

It's an unassuming storefront, simply signed "Cafe", so easy to miss as you pass by on Stony Plain Road. But Vi's for Pies is not one to be missed. I had heard about this place from Jodi, a social worker at the hospital, and my friend Lorenza, who lived in Edmonton for a while, confirmed Jodi's recommendation. So on Wednesday, Craig and I went decided to check it out with our friends Juli and

Torture

2009-04-24T15:47:00.005-06:00

In case you have missed the news all a-twitter around the blogosphere, Sean Hannity, conservative windbag (in my opinion) and advocate of torture, has volunteered to be waterboarded - for charity. Such an offer came about in this way...Charles Grodin, political commentator and actor (The Great Muppet Caper), appeared on Hannity's Fox News show on Wednesday. After some teasing and banter, Grodin

Now that I have my new passport...

2009-04-23T07:16:00.001-06:00

...perhaps I shall go here.I do believe that this is the best tourism promotional video series I have ever seen.

the world is mine...

2009-04-22T19:01:00.005-06:00

My new passport arrived today. My old one expires in May, so I learned just how ridiculously hard it is to expedite a passport renewal while living in another country, and I had it renewed.It's a little sad to give up my old passport. It's been in my back pocket on transatlantic flights and flights across North America. It's the passport issued just before I took off for Central America in

Two Mushroom Risotto (crock pot style - 2 hours)

2009-04-22T08:38:00.008-06:00

Risotto is usually such a pain in the butt since you have to stand near the stove and stir and stir and stir and stir. But this recipe, found in Robin Robertson's Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker solves that problem by transferring the cooking to the crock pot. I love my crock pot. This allowed Craig and I to play Starfarers of Catan while dinner was cooking. (he won)I goofed when making

I believe every day is earth day

2009-04-22T07:38:00.000-06:00

Cream of Garlic Soup - Vampires, Beware!!

2009-04-21T06:59:00.006-06:00

I was craving Spanish food last night. Craig and I went to Spain for our "honeymoon" and just loved the cuisine (well, what we were able to eat given that Spain is not the most vegetarian friendly of countries). I knew I didn't have time to make either my fabulous vegetarian paella or potatas bravas, so I decided to try for a garlic soup. I found a recipe in Robin Robertson's Vegan Fire and Spice

looking closely at Looking Closely

2009-04-20T19:57:00.005-06:00

I established this blog to "look closely", to examine my world, and to evaluate if my life is indeed indicative of the world I want to live in. The Alice Walker quote in the blog title box pretty much sums it up.Recently, I have gotten off-track. Some recent posts seem to be motivated more by anger, hurt, and despair than by love, healing, and hope. Now, I want my writing to be true and to

Making Yogurt - Take 1

2009-04-20T08:39:00.005-06:00

This weekend, inspired by my dear friend Lisa's awesome blog, I decided to make yogurt. In response to my Facebook status, which read, "Rachel is thinking about making yogurt this weekend," I had lots of encouraging words from friends:"Like from scratch??? Cool. I just buy it in the plastic tubs. Ha!" - Jen, college friend "Don't think - do! Those of us who have tried and repeatedly failed will

I need a weekend to recover from my weekend...

2009-04-19T18:59:00.005-06:00

Here are the makings of an exhausting (but fun and friendship-filled) weekend:FridayICU nurses night out (good for the chaplain to join them, eh?) Saturday laundryfarmer's market (getting there so late they were sold out of decent onions) search for canning jars, quart size (finally found at Canadian Tire, of all places) attempt to make yogurt game night with Lindsay and Brian realization one

quiche me, quick!

2009-04-19T18:54:00.008-06:00

Recently, I have rediscovered the joy, the ease, the simplicity, the versatility, and the yumminess of quiche. It started last weekend, Easter Sunday. Coming home from the church service where I preached, I was suddenly craving a good quiche. I suspect it had something to do with the myriad images of colored eggs bombarding me. Perhaps my body was just craving protein. Regardless, I wanted quiche

take me to your leader

2009-04-16T13:02:00.000-06:00

I am now, officially, the chapter leader of Democrats Abroad Edmonton.I have the two big binders of stuff to prove it.

Epicurious in Edmonton 4

2009-04-16T11:05:00.003-06:00

Our epicurious adventures this week were rather unintentional in that we had not made plans to go specifically to these restaurants, or even to go out. We just so of happened upon the occasions, and in the case of Pho Hoan Pasteur, we actually wandered into it...It was Good Friday, and after taking our tire to get repaired, we found ourselves stranded at Canadian Tire, about 3k from home. It

discernment (Facebook style)

2009-04-16T11:01:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, I took one of those quizzes that are all the rage on Facebook these days (you know, the ones, the results of which, the new Facebook platform plasters all over your friends' home pages*). No, I didn't take the quiz to find out which Twilight character I am or what my easter bunny name would be or what Southern city I should live in or my "true" age or even what color crayon I would be.

tea parties

2009-04-15T17:12:00.003-06:00

I wanted to post on the sheer stupidity and desperation of the tax protest "tea parties" around the US today, but first, I had to stop giggling at the ridiculous and seemingly oblivious moniker given to these "protests"; seriously, do they not know what "teabagging" is?Then, my friend Scott, a brilliant ethicist in Chicago, said it so well my writing would just be redundant:First of all, let's

Doctor, Doctor

2009-04-14T11:24:00.004-06:00

For the most part, I have been very pleased with health care in Canada. Having worked in hospitals in both Texas and Virginia, I saw how horrendously unjust the American health care system is. Immediately upon beginning my work here in Canada, I realized that I was not counseling a single patient or family member who was afraid of going bankrupt or losing their home due their the escalating costs

Risen

2009-04-12T17:14:00.005-06:00

So, I actually preached an Easter sermon in which I never once asserted that the resurrection took place. And the crazy thing? I don't think anyone (other than Craig) noticed.I have no problem with the resurrection story. It's a powerful story. And there is truth there - truth that the message of one who broke down barriers of class and ethnicity, who preached justice and and the end to

and a tradition commences

2009-04-10T19:30:00.000-06:00

In Canada, different holidays are celebrated, and holidays are celebrated differently than in the States. For example, there's "Family Day" in Alberta in February. It's a day when schools are out and businesses and governmental offices are closed so that families can have a snow day together. Also, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October (which makes sense if one considers when the harvest

lacking communion

2009-04-10T10:53:00.003-06:00

How many times have I come to this table? How many times have I taken this bread, blessed it, broken it, and given it out? How many times have I told the story of Jesus sharing the Passover meal with his disciples in that upper room? My theology, my understanding of God, is centered around this table. My ecclesiology, my understanding of church and community, is centered around this table. I

my shoulders hurt

2009-04-09T12:57:00.001-06:00

My new favorite blog is Unreasonable Faith, which tells of a former Christian's journey from fundamentalist faith into skepticism. Recently, guest blogger vorjack posted an amazing essay which resonated deep within me. It begins with this quote:Most of the advanced schools of theology, feeling less adequate in a time of science's empirical miracles and permanent, mathematical truths, protected

political geeks

2009-04-09T10:56:00.002-06:00

In case you are wondering just how dorky Craig and I can be, let me share with you this conversation we had this morning:"Which do you want? Red or blue?" Craig asks, referring to the tops of the two pyrex containers holding leftovers to be taken for lunch?"Guess," I answer.He then proceeds to put the red into my lunch bag.See, red is my very favorite color. In a manner, not unlike a

the professor's wife

2009-04-08T16:14:00.002-06:00

In the past year, I have had a number of labels put on me, in some cases even stamped into my passport: immigrant, settler, dependent, wife... And I have been struggling to figure out how these labels relate to words I have previously used to describe myself: citizen, activist, independent, feminist, partner...Many sacrifices have been made in order for Craig and I to be together and for Craig

Craig's Last Lecture

2009-04-08T09:45:00.001-06:00

So, my Beloved will soon no longer be a new professor; his last lecture or his first term teaching is this afternoon.To celebrate, we are going to the annual undergraduate physics majors' end of term party: Yuri's Night*. One thing I have learned since I started hanging out with Craig is that geeks can party. Woohoo!*I'll give a prize to any of my US readers (either one of you) who can

Holy, Moly, some Holy things happening this Holy Week

2009-04-07T15:17:00.002-06:00

Last week, it was Iowa, right smack dab in the middle of the country, whose highest court decided that the gay marriage ban was unjust.Then today, Vermont's legislature became the first to legalize gay marriage with a legislative vote.And also today, Washington DC said it would recognize all marriages - gay and straight.In 2004, when Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-sex couples

Baby Fix

2009-04-05T17:58:00.004-06:00

Occasionally, I just have this strong urge to cuddle up with a cutie-pie (smaller than Craig) and to flirt incorrigibly with a baby.Fortunately, our friends Sarah and Kevin will occasionally loan me their new kid, Colin, to assuage this desire and supply my kid-fix.Look at those dimples. Isn't he just the cutest?Thanks, Sarah and Kevin for a wonderful brunch. And for letting me play with Colin

mmm, sushi

2009-04-05T17:44:00.004-06:00

Making sushi is not as hard as it looks. In fact, I think we got a little carried away.There were only four of us.

Sunday Morning

2009-04-05T09:52:00.000-06:00

So, one of us is the heathen, the other the hypocrite. Guess which one I am?

time out

2009-04-04T16:10:00.002-06:00

Sally at revgalblogpals writes:Holy Week is almost upon us, I suspect that ordained or not, other revgal/pals calendars look a bit like mine, FULL, FULL, FULL........Jesus was great at teaching us to take time out, even in that last week, right up to Maundy Thursday he withdrew, John's gospel tells us he hid! He hid not because he was afraid, but because he knew that he needed physical, mental

April Fools

2009-04-01T15:34:00.002-06:00

You know, these Canadians can't take a joke. Actually, they can take a joke, but only until noon. Apparently, if you play a prank after noon, you are the "April Fool" and they get to pinch you. I would have liked to have known this before 10am this morning. I was scrambling to get all of my pranks in by noon. And even had to call off a few.Silly Canadians.

belated blogging

2009-03-29T16:23:00.006-06:00

These past few weeks have been so very full. I have started many blog entries, yet not posted any of them. Even the ones that I completed, I did not post; I seem to have acquired a weird obsession with chronology with this blog.Anyway, here are the last few weeks, all in one swoop...

Seitan Adobo (crock pot style)

2009-03-29T12:24:00.007-06:00

Most luau foods are not so vegetarian-friendly. So I had to make them so.Adobo is the Filipino national dish, and a favorite among the people of Hawaii. Usually it is made with chicken and/or pork. Here is my adaptation of adobo, using seitan (or wheat meat). I also used a slow-cooker for my own convenience. (All of the recipes I found called for meat to be marinated for several hours then cooked

Aloha

2009-03-29T12:19:00.006-06:00

I'm actually surprised that this was my first time. I have always wanted to do it, but have never had the opportunity until last night. Finally, I had my chance.I donned my grass skirt, carried my new ukulele and my crock-pot full of "chicken" adobo, and headed to a murder-mystery luau (Craig carried the blended and the fixin's for pina coladas).I love being in costume. I love playing games.

Blogs I Read

2009-03-27T16:02:00.005-06:00

So RevGalBlogPals wants to know what blogs I read regularly. And I am supposed to limit it to only five. Yikes! I have over 30 subscriptions in my Google Reader alone.So I'll start by saying that I read the blogs of many of my friends, check out their recipes and cute pictures of their babies. I read what's in their hearts and on their minds (and in Lisa's case, in her fridge). But I won't

Epicurious in Edmonton 3

2009-03-26T12:18:00.005-06:00

We've done a lot of hanging out with our friend Juli this past. Which is great, because Juli is amazing. She and her husband John are both the kind of people who are wonderful to be around since they are both brilliant and interesting, well-informed on a variety of subjects, and so comfortable in their own minds. And I am not just saying this because I know that John occasionally reads my

traveling through Mordor

2009-03-25T19:25:00.006-06:00

Today, I journeyed east of Edmonton, past the land of Mordor, to the the hamlet of suburbia that is Sherwood Park. The object of my quest was a baritone ukulele I had found online. Little did I realize that obtaining the music maker would entail such adventure.Edmonton is an oil town. To the east are the refineries. From our 19th-floor apartment, with it's east facing windows, we can see the

mud

2009-03-23T19:07:00.005-06:00

So, despite the six inches of snow we got yesterday, it's officially spring here. And what that means is that we have temps above freezing during the day, which melts some of the snow, and temps dipping below freezing at night, which refreezes the water on the walkways and roads, creating what is known as ice (for my Texan friends, this is the same stuff you put in your tea, only much more of it

root veggie gratin

2009-03-23T14:22:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, my Beloved made a most delectable dinner, utilizing the wonderful array of root veggies purchased at the Old Strathcona Farmer's Market. He has made this recipe before (it's based upon a recipe for a Vegetable Gratin-Soufflé from Deborah Madison's Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone), but his variations (and perhaps my mistake?*) this time made the dish even

Eggplant Turnovers

2009-03-22T16:56:00.003-06:00

Once again, Simple Vegetarian Pleasures by Jeanne Lemlin pulls through. (This cookbook has yet to miss for us.) Last night I made this yummy appetizer to take over to Sharon and Eric's house.Eggplant TurnoversIngredients:1 medium eggplant, sliced into no more than 1/3-inch-thick slices (skin left on)1/4 c. mayonnaise1/3 c. seasoned bread crumbs5 oz. soft goat cheese (mild)1 clove garlic, crushed2

no monopoly on morality

2009-03-22T16:36:00.002-06:00

A few years ago, I declared that I despised the game Monopoly and refused to play it ever again. I sited its obsessive capitalistic leanings as the reason, saying I didn't approve of the value (of fanatical financial acquisition) the game promoted. In reality, it's just a crappy game. Very little strategy is needed to win. In fact, you can play as perfect a game as your rolls allow, and still

Rachel Weeps

2009-03-18T15:46:00.006-06:00

Working as a hospital chaplain, I see much pain and suffering. But these past two weeks have been especially hard. It seems that in the past two weeks, I have had a disproportionate number of deaths of babies and young mothers than would be expected for my clinical assignment. I have held several dead or dying babies in my arms - blessed them, prayed over them, baptized them, and/or named them

lucky leprechauns

2009-03-18T08:46:00.003-06:00

I wanted to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a traditional Irish feast. Alas, this has been an exhausting week (and it's only Tuesday) for both Craig and me, so Irish Potato Soup or any traditional dish was out of the question.But I did whip up a lovely leprechaun linguine w/ a shamrock pesto. Actually, it was a spinach linguine and the pesto was traditional basil pesto mixed with spinach and a

compassion fatigue

2009-03-17T13:27:00.005-06:00

I was "on-call" all weekend. And unlike previous hospitals where I was employed, at my current workplace, we don't get compensation time or recovery time after working a 24-hour or 48-hour shift. See, they don't "require" that we stay in the hospital when we are on-call. We are only "required" to respond to all urgent calls within a a certain amount of time. Since it's possible that we could

Epicurious in Edmonton 2

2009-03-15T16:52:00.004-06:00

So, another week of yummy eats in our fair city of Edmonton. On Wednesday, I went out with a bunch of astronomers to a favorite joint of the university crowd, the Highlevel Diner. It's a great place for Craig and I to meet up as it's in Strathcona, close to his work, and I can take the #9 bus door-to-door from my office to the diner. They have a decently wide selection of veggie items from

Mid-Lent Check-In

2009-03-13T17:48:00.008-06:00

Sophia at RevGalBlogPals comments that "halfway through the season we have often found it very challenging to live up to our original plans" and thus issues the invitation to "check-in" on our Lenten goals or hopes with these five questions.1. Did you give up, or take on, anything special for Lent this year?I gave up Facebook for Lent, only allowing myself to "feast" for one-hour on the weekends.

trouble in winter wonderland

2009-03-12T13:39:00.006-06:00

Walking home from an astronomy dinner last night, I realized one of the things I most dislike about winter: when walking with Craig, I am not able to hold his hand. Gloves and mittens prohibit hand holding. And when I put my hand in the crook of his arm, I got a handful of downy and woolen layers. Walking in winter is not so wonder-filled if you can't hold tight to your Beloved.So I think they

in cognito

2009-03-10T21:04:00.004-06:00

So I am going to a bible study at the church across the park from our place. I happened to visit the church a few Sundays back, on a day when I was too lazy to get up in time to make it across town to a church of my denomination, but not so lazy that I slept in. When I visited, I saw in the bulletin that they were starting a new study from the Living the Questions series, a series I have read

Daylight Savings, II

2009-03-09T21:26:00.001-06:00

Another thing, isn't it supposed to be "Spring Forward"? It's not even remotely spring, as we are still nearly two weeks away from the vernal equinox.Tell me, does this look like spring to you?High today was -24c (-11f) and the low was -34c (-30f).

Daylight Savings

2009-03-09T08:39:00.002-06:00

Oh boy, I could have used the extra hour this morning.

Spicy Polenta w/ Tomato-Garlic Sauce on a Bed of Cooked Greens

2009-03-08T20:26:00.011-06:00

This is one of our favorite recipes, which I have adapted from a favorite cookbook, Simple Vegetarian Pleasures, by Jeanne Lemlin (the only cookbook I have ever reviewed on Amazon). It makes a stunning presentation (I wish I had taken a photo), and the taste is even better than the look. It's a perfect dish to serve for guests. Last night, we put our friends John and Juli to work grating cheese

Epicurious in Edmonton

2009-03-07T16:08:00.006-07:00

Thursday was a city-wide fundraiser for the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, participating restaurants gave 30% of their total food sales for the day (the money, not the food) to the hospital. So I ate out. Twice.Lindsay, Shauna, and I headed to That's Aroma! A Garlic Restaurant for lunch. That's a Piece of Garlic (as Lindsay calls it) is a terrific site for a work day lunch as it is connected via

wilderness

2009-03-05T15:03:00.001-07:00

I have always envisioned the wilderness of Lent as a desert with shifting sands. But after my commute into work this morning, I am certain it is the streets of Edmonton, with shifting snows.Temperatures dropped over 20 degrees (that's Celsius - about a 36 degree drop in Fahrenheit) last night. And it snowed. Actual snow fall was probably only a few inches, but the wind caused snowdrifts,

I love my walk to work...

2009-03-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

safe and secure

2009-03-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Three years ago, I embarked on a journey of discovery and wonder, leaving behind security and relative vocational comfort (i.e. a rut) to venture into the unknown streets of Chicago and attempt to create a new faith community in Chicago's South Loop. I had no salary. I had a teeny-tiny bit of institutional support. I had very little - except hope, a vision and some amazing friends and

I Got Shoes!!

2009-03-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well, boots actually. Yea!! This photo was taken this morning at the beginning of my 3.5k commute to work. Ah, it was good to be back to walking...These past few months, I have been taking the bus as I commute to work instead of walking. And yeah, it's freaking cold here, but that's not why I stopped walking. I know how to layer to deal with the cold. No, I stopped in part because it was so dark

makings of a perfect weekend

2009-03-01T09:42:00.004-07:00

I do believe that a perfect Saturday involves:sleeping inlate brunch with good friendstrip to the farmer's marketgame nightI could have done without the congested head (knocked my equilibrium out of whack), but over all, it was pretty fantastic. The Urban Diner (blocks away from our home) lived up to the rave reviews. And I totally rocked at Wise and Otherwise.

and Canada, eh?

2009-02-27T22:45:00.001-07:00

I just received word that my ministerial standing has been transferred from the Virginia region to the region of Canada. It has been a long process. But I can finally claim the full name of my denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

Steeps

2009-02-27T22:38:00.004-07:00

Our neighborhood (or rather, our neighbourhood) is fantastic. We live in a part of Edmonton called Oliver, adjacent to downtown, and filled with stores, museums, galleries, restaurants, churches, and bus stops where we can catch a ride to any other part of the city. I love this neighbourhood.One of my favorite places here is a delightful little tea house just blocks away. Steeps is an "urban