Kitchen

Generally speaking, I know my way around important aspects of life.  Not to toot my own horn, but I have a pretty good sense of direction.  In a business or workplace setting I’m fairly comfortable in knowing how to navigate the politics.  Need a good coffee shop? I’m happy to give you my list of favorites.  The blueprint of my local Target I know like the back of my hand, as well as the best route for sampling during lunch time at Costco.  However, one spot I feel out of place is the kitchen.  Not because I don’t know the difference between a spatula and zester, but because I just don’t spend much time using them.  It’s like having all the equipment to be great at baseball and never playing because learning how to play is work.  Can you see the catch 22 predicament I find myself in?  And it’s not like I haven’t been taught the basics.  I definitely spent time in the kitchen as a kid making cookies with my mom, peeling carrots or potatoes for dinner, and just being “available” to help if needed.  If fact, I even took Home-Ec. class in jr. high.  So you’d think all that would lead to knowing my way around a kitchen and enjoying the process of meal making.  However, since I’ve made it clear my childhood training doesn’t result in pure excitement for dinner creating, I’ve decided that maybe practice will help.  In the spirit of “starting somewhere” I’m going to make at least three new meals a month.  You’re probably thinking, “only three!, does she ever want to learn?”.  To which I would respond, 1) I’m starting small and plan to build on that number as time goes on, 2) I cook for one person (and sometimes a couple roommates) so I usually end up with leftovers for days, 3) Most of this kitchen experimentation will happen on the weekend and there are only four in a month, and 4) Unless you’re volunteering to come teach me on a regular basis, I’m going to move at my own manageable pace. 

Websites picture of dinner

Now that we have all that out of the way, I’m here to report on my first new recipe.  It happened to require a crock-pot.  I’m aware that crock-pot meals are sort of “the easy way out”, however all the food prep is the same so we’ll just say I was practicing my dicing and chopping skills.  Also, I had all the ingredients for that recipe which is what really won me over. The title of the dish is “Crock Pot Chicken” and I was expecting more of a “burrito filling” type appearance in the final product (probably because of the picture).  Instead I ended up with a closer resemblance to chicken chili, which may actually be the way it’s supposed to turn out because they say to make rice with the meal (and I ate it on a bed of spinach).  I was just anticipating something else.  Regardless, it’s delicious!  I won’t say it was a total success, but not bad for recipe number one.  Next up, sweet potato hamburgers :)

My picture of dinner

(Note:  I don’t plan on posting about all of the meals I make.  That would be boring.  At least it would be for me.  If you’re at all interested in the recipes I try, there is a 99.9% chance I found them on Pinterest so feel free to check them out there.)

February

February has definitely not been my most consistent post card month.  Actually, it’s been my least.  Sorry to anyone who stopped by looking for a post and left the page wondering if I’m alive.  I am.  And I have no great excuse to offer for my absence except that after almost six months of living in WA I have established a routine and it’s not all that exciting.  This translates into moments that don’t seem all that noteworthy and results in a month of silence from me.  However, that is about to change.  I’m here now to fill you in on some of the events that have occupied my everyday routine over the last month.

Not my picture, but it is the field we play on

Since most people would probably consider Monday the first day of the week, I’ll start there.  Monday night is soccer night.  The city of Seattle has a few different recreational soccer leagues varying in skill level and the one I’m in happens to be co-ed.  It also happens to be outside, in the winter months of the Pacific Northwest, on a regulation size field for the full 90 minutes, with legs and lungs that haven’t been in soccer shape since high school, whether rain or shine.  And let’s be honest, shine is rare these days so it’s mostly rain.  I hope I’m painting a picture that creates images of icicles and pain because it really does feel like that some nights.  Easing off the dramatics a bit, the team is made up of a bunch of my co-workers and kindly sponsored by LivingSocial (which is nice because the leagues up here are expensive!).  For the most part everyone on the team has played at some level with a few of them having played much more competitively in college.  As a whole we’re a pretty good, but our record doesn't exactly reflect that.  It's a building year :).  My favorite part is getting to “play” with people I would otherwise only know in a work setting.  The common ground and shared experience of a well fought game in freezing rain is great for bonding. 

Also great for bonding is eating.  Every once in a while a group of us from the office will venture up to Pike’s Place Market for lunch.  There are tons of food options for whatever you might be craving (except for Mexican food which I can’t seem to find anywhere!).  On one of our recent trips a few co-workers and I found an amazing bakery that sells some of the largest pastries I have ever seen.  We had to purchase one each because we thought no one would believe us if we didn’t.  The $3.75 was well worth it and we have proof! 

Not taken from Gas Works Park
But I did tell you Rainer is one of my favorites

Not that you wouldn't believe me, but if you didn't I also have proof that there are days of blue skies here.  Right in the middle of February there was a gloriously clear weekend.  I felt compelled to be outside.  My morning errands resulted in an early afternoon adventure where I stumbled upon Gas Works Park on the north end of Lake Union.  Fittingly named, it’s the former home of Seattle Gas Light Company and according to Wikipedia “contains remnants of the sole remaining coal gasification plant in the US”.  Despite all the complex machines now out of commission still occupying a portion of the park, I only took a picture of the view looking towards downtown.  The machines are interesting, but this was more captivating so you’ll have to keep checking back for a post card of the Plant.

Since I’m someone who tends to save the best for last, I also spent more time than usual with my sisters in February.  It was fabulous.  Shelly & Matt moved into a beautiful home in a military community near Ft. Lewis at the beginning of the month and Lindsay was in town to share in the festivities (a.k.a work).  The way I look at it, if you have to be doing the non glamorous labor of cleaning, boxing, loading, just to unload, un-box, and clean some more, you might as well get to do it with your sisters.  A few weekends later Shelly and I explored a new hiking trail that dumps you right onto WA version of a beach.  Pretty, but definitely leaves something to be desired.  Like sand. And sun.  I love that living here allows for weekends together.  

That about sums it up.  I'm going to commit to at least four postcards in March so anyone still reading this, feel free to hold me accountable.

Warm

Warning: What you are about to read is a very random collection of thoughts.
Being warm would easily make the list of my favorite things.  I'm not sure the three syllable phrase “being warm” fits very well into Julie Andrew's classic song, but I do like it a whole lot more than whiskers or kittens.  For Christmas my parents bought me a heated mattress pad.  I had heard Shelly (my sister) rave about how cozy it is to get into a warm bed after she bought one (for her half) a few months earlier. While affirming her enthusiasm, I thought a pre-heat button on a bed wasn't the most necessary of items because the goal is not to cook the person (or people) sleeping on it, and unlike an oven they eventually warm up.  That was until I put my Christmas gift to use.  Life changing might be a bit strong of a description, but it's close.  You know that saying people recite when they take your seat? "I was keeping it warm for you".  The heated mattress pad is like that, only not at all annoying and comes with out a creepy person laying in your bed making it warm.  Seriously, all you do is turn the heater on and it creates the perfect toasty cocoon each night.  Bed time is wonderful.

Also going along with the theme of useful items I was given at Christmas, socks make the list.  Not just any socks though.  Wool socks.  I had no idea what I was missing.  Although all of my shoes may be stretched out by the end of winter, wool socks make them so much more functional.  It’s kind of strange to wear what I would consider snowboarding gear around everyday, but I’ve gotten over that and said hello to toasty toes.
The most recent warming technique I’ve learned comes in the form of a room heated to 108 degrees, walls of mirrors, calming music, and a one centimeter thick roll-able mat.  Hot yoga.  My roommate Mackinzie loves hot yoga.  A few weeks ago I tagged along for one of the classes, mainly because I had never tried it and have heard mixed opinions.  I wanted to make my own opinions based on experience, instead of hearsay.  While I’m still undecided about my thoughts toward hot yoga as a whole, there is no denying it’s a workout.  That class may be the most I have ever sweat in one day.  Seriously.  Despite feeling like you’re becoming dehydrated by the second and walking out with a soaking wet sweat towel, I really enjoyed the power stretching.  It’s not often I’m legitimately warm from head to toe outside of my bed these days, so walking in to a literal sauna is pretty nice.  I’ll admit I was a bit cynical before trying it.  But hot yoga is actually a fun challenge while feeling like a total body detox.  Plus you get to be warm doing it.  Sounds like a win to me.
P.S. The picture is actually a postcard from Google images.  And thankfully those are not my socks. Mine don't have holes.  But taking a picture of my heating mattress pad, socks or hot yoga seemed weird.  So I didn't and you get the above image instead.

Lessons

Since the snow storm currently passing through has literally consumed and crippled the entire Seattle area, I figured my first "real" snow day experiences probably warrant another postcard.  To fill you in, it's been snowing for pretty much two days straight.  Local news channels have dedicated their whole production to weather coverage - don't expect to hear about anything other than snow, driving conditions, falling trees and power outages when you watch.  It's actually kind of comical.  In Seattle it snows like it rains and by that I mean not in big, heavy droplets (or flakes) but a misty dusting.  So I'd say there is easily a foot and a half of  real snow on the ground, maybe a little more. But only a little. Still the city literally shut down.  Our LivingSocial offices are in the heart of the business district downtown and have been closed for two days now, possibly three depending on what happens tomorrow.  I'll admit, it's fun to be told to stay home (even though I did have to work).  And as a result of the weather imposed house arrest I've been confined to the past 48 hours, a few valuable life lessons have been learned.  So even if you're not wondering what they are, I'm going to share them now..

•  If you have errands to run and drive a Honda, do them before it starts snowing.  Or you'll have to wait an extra three days.
• If you live in an active area like Green Lake where people are outside all the time regardless of conditions, get a pair of cross country skis or snow shoes.  It will make fitting in much easier as you circle the lake instead of stumbling around in snowboarding boots.
• Sometimes the weather man actually knows what he's talking about.  Better to play it safe and get groceries just in case. 
• While you're at the groceries store, stock up on snack food.  Not junk snack food, but little munchies.  There's not much else to do when you're stuck inside.
•  Speaking of being inside, don't stay there all day.  When it gets dark around 4:30pm and you no longer have the option of going out, cabin fever will set in.  It's inevitable.  I learned the hard way.
• If you are going to venture out it's best to leave the snow and ice scrapper in the garage instead of inside the car covered in snow.  Rookie mistake.

I'm sure there are more, those are just the lessons that come to mind now.  Today I took my own advice and went for a stroll around Green Lake.  Here are a few of the white washed post cards from my afternoon...

Snow

As I sit at my kitchen table scribbling this quick entry, there are gloriously white, fluffy water particles gently descending from the sky and collecting in growing piles outside.  I've seen this magical sight before and experienced the hushed peacefulness of snow falling, but never from the comfort of my home.  Watching from cars on the way to the slopes, or on vacation, or at my families cabin in the mountains (which half way counts) all fall short of waking up to it.  This morning I briefly peeked out the window in the midst of groggily turning off my alarm clock and attempting to escape back into the entertaining dream, only to realize the pretty scene outside was better than the story happening in my head.  So I woke up, put on a sweatshirt, grabbed a camera, and ran out the front door to take a picture of all the white on the ground.  Yes, I was that girl. Totally my mothers daughter.  And completely giddy at the sight of snow outside my everyday home.  Then I ran upstairs and announced it to my roommates who were eating breakfast and fully aware of the weather conditions.  They teasingly mocked my CA roots and suggested I take a picture from the balcony too. So I did.  As a result, you get these pictures as postcards from today.  Tomorrow is a holiday so I don't have work, but I'm (secretly) hoping for a huge storm Monday night leaving Seattle no choice but to declare Tuesday a snow day.  Wouldn't that be fun!? I think so too :)

Definitely not taken on our balcony, but fun just the same

Christmas

Postcard from CA - while enjoying a sun hug

I've only lived out of California for four months, but that short time has given me a new appreciation for the sun. Not just sunshine, sun hugs. Actually feeling the warmth provided by the bright light in the sky. During my trip home for Christmas, I was blessed with non stop blue skies. It was lovely.  In fact, the whole week was lovely.  And not just because of the sun. 

This was the first year of having an additional member join our five-some for family festivities. Maybe it's because he’s been in the picture a while (so we're used to him) or maybe all first Christmases are just this smooth, but having my brother in law Matt around was really fun.  At least for me.  (I hope he felt the same :))  While it did change the family dynamic a little, it was a good change.  The male ratio is improving. 

Family traditions remained the same this year; Christmas Eve at my parents house, Christmas day dinner at my aunts, and Bajarin (my mom’s side) family ladies tea.  I love the togetherness that abounds during the holidays.  I also love spending time at our family cabin in the mountains which we were able to squeeze in to the few days all of us were home.  Sleeping in, eating delicious food, hiking, reading, watching movies and great conversation filled up just about every hour of the trip.  Oh, we also put together a family puzzle.  It was a 3D puzzle of the Capital building.  So patriotic, I know.  Not a usual Pund family activity and despite my small contribution to the building project, it was exciting to celebrate the finished product. 

I’m back in Seattle now and celebrating the conclusion of an action packed year.  It was the canvas on which God painted new friendships, exciting adventures, an additional family member, heart-ache, laughter, sweet endings and new beginnings.  I know I’ve said it before, but I am blessed beyond measure.  So before the brand new canvas of twenty-twelve even makes an appearance, I choose to surrender each eventful brush-stroke of the coming year to the Master artist.  In His hands it always turns into a more beautiful picture than I could have imagined.  

Church

I grew up going to a (relatively) small community church around the corner from my house.  And I mean literally around the corner - less than five minutes door to door.  Still somehow despite the church’s close proximity to our house, we would always drive.  I haven’t put much thought into the reason behind our not-so-“green” habit, but my guess is two fold.  One because my dad liked to go to the first service at 8:30 AM and (for me) every minute of sleep is valuable, and two, because that way when one of us inevitably forgot something at home, the trip to retrieve it was much quicker.  Regardless, I’m used to my church community being apart of my living community.  So when I moved away from San Jose (for college and after) and made the choice to continue being apart of a body of believers, finding one close to “home” was near the top of my wish list.  And being the provider that He is, the Lord has given me my wish at every stop.  Seattle is no exception.

Before relocating up north a few people recommended I visit Bethany Community Church.  So when my first Sunday in town rolled around and a Google maps search of “Christian community churches” said BCC was (the closest at) .4 miles away, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot.  I’d like to admit that whether for old time sake or out of habit or because I was lazy (or maybe all of the above), I drove the .4 miles that first Sunday.  However, I’m happy to report it’s only happened once since then and that was due to torrential downpour :)  Anyway, one visit is all it took.  I signed up for community group Bible study that day and decided Bethany was going to be my Seattle church.  (Not a common occurrence for someone as indecisive as I am).  The senior pastor, Richard Dahlstrom is an incredibly intellectual, somewhat eccentric, faithful leader, who has experienced enough life to connect with generations older than myself while still being culturally relevant in relating to college students.  His messages are filled with meaty, applicable truth that provoke thought and create conversation. 

We just finished a series called Genesis & Science.  Initially I thought it was going to be a study on creation theories, which was a topic I really enjoyed in college.  However I quickly learned his approach was a more macro perspective, not looking at how the world came to be but why.  Asking questions like what is the function of creation?  Where do we as human beings fit into it?  How do material things play a roll in our purpose or function on earth?  I highly recommend checking out the week we studied how creation is Gloriously Functional.  Or you can start from week one.  We’ve since moved on to an advent series, but Pastor Richard’s unique approach to Genesis 1:1 was a fresh take on the oldest story in The Book and has provided substantive, thought provoking perspectives as well as opportunity for daily application that begins on the short walk home.