Back to Work

Thanks to the noble heritage of several of our presidents, my office was closed yesterday, and I got the day off. I went on a bike ride, painted a picture frame, cooked, got my car's oil changed, treated myself to a banana split, read the Reader's Digest (January issue, yes I'm behind), wrote in my journal, did a bit of ebay shopping, and went to bed early. It's definitely back to the grindstone today, though. It's great to have a day off, especially when it means a long weekend, but is it worth it when you have twice as much work when you come back? I guess I'd have to say...ABSOLUTELY!!

One Way to Help the Homeless

Several people at my church recently came up with an excellent idea for helping the homeless people you see all the time at intersections around the city. You can put together packages of non-perishable food, water bottles, basic toiletries, band-aids, and whatever else you can think of. A gallon-size ziploc bag full of such useful items is a great thing to have in your car to give to those people you come across. It's so much more beneficial than giving money. Plus, if you include a gospel tract in the package, you could make a difference for eternity. Think about it!

Latest "reading"

I recently decided that listening to books on CD would be a good way to pass the time during the approximately ten hours I spend in my car each week. Besides the problem of finding it tough to read the end first, it's been great! (It is possible to get tired of listening to music.) I'm now listening to the second book in the Left Behind series. I really liked the first book, and I think I'm hooked now.

Besides being an exciting, fun read, it's very interesting to read a story based on the Biblical prophecies of the end times. I've never done much in-depth study on the end times because I've always thought it doesn't really matter. None of us can know for sure exactly how it will all happen. The important thing is to believe that Christ will return someday, and we should be ready.

Important knowledge

This just in: My younger siblings have discovered that if you remove the stem from a leaf of romaine lettuce, trim it nicely, and wash it well, you have yourself a magnificent straw. Who would have thought?!?! Watch out, straw manufacturers! This could rock your world. It remains unclear, however, just how this will work for chocolate milkshakes. More research is necessary. Stay tuned for updates, and perhaps a photo of this technique in action.

Calling all Cooks

Here's a yummy recipe to use on one of those rainy afternoons.

Spiced Banana Bread

4 c. whole wheat flour
1 T. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
½ t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
½ t. cloves
½ t. allspice
¼ t. nutmeg
2 c. pureed overripe banana
1 c. water
¼ c. oil
¼ c. honey
1 t. vanilla

Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix gently until all flour is moistened. Pour batter in two greased medium loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Humor on the Road

Today I happened upon a truck proclaiming "Cowboy Exterminators". I can see it now: "We deal with all forms of unwanted cowboys! Tired of the mess and smell? Call us today for professional removal of household pests!" A funny name for the business, but I guess it was memorable...for me at least!

Best Comic Strip Today

I couldn't agree more!!

Photo Test

This is my favorite picture from Yosemite last summer...and a way to test posting photos to the blog!

Unhelpful Invite

Sometimes it seems like the strangest things happen to me. On Wednesday (note: February 9), I received an invitation from a church (not my church) to attend a super bowl party (note: super bowl was February 6). Not only that, but the party was an activity of the singles group and the letter was addressed to Mrs. Katie Pedersen!! I think someone needs help.