2015: The Year of the Short Story!

So back in the day I was an English Literature major.  I got to read all the time and it. was. awesome. 

A little while after graduating I noticed I wasn't reading very much and when I thought about it, I realized it was because I was an extroverted English Literature major.  Part of what kept me going was the promise of discussing the books in class, and once I was all on my lonesome, it was hard to sit still long enough to read a lot.  

My friend Michelle does a reading list every year, so... maybe, just maybe, if I post my reads someone will ask me about them.  Since this is about all I post on my blog, which not even my mom reads, I doubt this will happen.  But discussing books=extrovert win, so let's make a list.  

I seemed to have moved slowly this year with the reading.  There are many reasons, but if I had to list a few:

1. Crazy year in general with lots going on
2. I read a lot of things that were just, "meh"
3. I read East of Eden, and it's stinkin' long
4. Short stories!

So you see what happened was, I was reading The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, and the title character reviews tons of short stories.  He mentions one by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "A Diamond as Big as the Ritz."  A couple days later, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" came up somewhere, and I thought, ehh... I should probably read them.  Why not?  I didn't really expect much, since all 3 times I've read The Great Gastby I've decidedly not liked it.   But I checked out a Fitzgerald short-story collection from the library, and I was hooked!

So here's my "as best as I can remember" 2015 reading list.  I know there are some I have missed, but I have highlighted my favorites in gray.  And there are definitely some books on this list that I did not like and would not recommend.

I have a big long list that I want to read in 2016 so if anyone wants to do one of those reading challenges with me, let me know!

1. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
2. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
3. An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine 
4. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
5. Joshua:  No Falling Words by Dale Ralph Davis
6. How We Got To Now by Steven Johnson
7. This is Pollock by Catherine Ingram
8. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
9. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
10. Shakespeare:  The Biography by Peter Ackroyd
11. Replenish:  Leading from a Healthy Soul by Lance Witt
12. Love Does by Bob Goff
13. Compassion Without Compromise by Adam Barr and Ron Citlau
14. The Gospel-Centered Life by Bob Thune 
15. The Gospel-Centered Community by Bob Thune and Will Walker
16. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Short Stories, all by Fitzgerald:

1. "Head and Shoulders"
2. "Bernice Bobs Her Hair"
3. "The Ice Palace"
4. "The Offshore Pirate"
5. "May Day" (novella)
6. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
7. "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" (novella)
8. "O Russet Witch!"
9. "Four Fists"
10. "The Cut-Glass Bowl"
11. "Benediction"

Yay for short stories!  Have you read any short stories or books lately that you love?

On Old Knees and Running Thoughts on Sanctification

Today I ran a 5k and I made awful time.  As I was plugging away, watching the people in front of me grow fainter and more distant, I had a recurring thought that went something like this, "Why am I in such bad shape?  I mean, I know I've been busy, but I should seriously make more time for exercise."  I have great intentions.  They don't often get me to the gym, but they're grand none-the-less.  

I continued to mentally berate myself, which honestly probably had as much to do with it being morning as it did with me dragging myself all over Earlewood Park.  Side Note:  I walked up to the starting line and a guy from my church exclaimed, "Not a morning person, aye?"  Good to know that it's written across my face.  But back to the main point...

As I continued to give myself a hard time, I recalled waking up from my second knee surgery 12 years ago, bleary eyed, my surgeon saying quietly, "It didn't go as we expected."  I went in to get a scope, and came out with a complete knee reconstruction.  "You were on the table for four hours, and it's the most extensive soft-tissue surgery I've ever done.  You'll have constant knee pain.  You'll never be able to run again."  Come again?  

After 50+ knee dislocations and 2 knee surgeries, I do have constant pain in my knees.  When I was plodding in the wee hours this morning, I realized I'm fortunate to just be running at all.  Why do I beat myself up about all the distance I haven't covered, and fail to see the progress I've already made?  Classic Christi.  

And then I realized that I've been doing this all year.

It's been a hard year.  Many things have come along that have shown me how much growing I still need to do.  There have been times I've been so disappointed in what I see in my character.  There have been times I've wondered that why, as a fully-fledged adult (at least by age), I don't know how to handle something.  There have been times I've realized I still make big deals out of small things and small deals out of big things.  It's like I'm still being calibrated.  It's frustrating.  

This year I've often wished I were closer to Jesus, knew the Bible better, and heard the Spirit more.

Interestingly, when I've brought this up with others recently, they often tell me how great I am!  I know my gleaming exterior and flawless social skills easily leave the impression that I'm about as great as I can be, but I promise I still have some sanctification left to be done.  "For the Bible tells me so..."

And isn't that the rub of it?  At the end of the day, I only actually care about what God thinks of my character and faithfulness this past year.  And reflecting with Him looks like it's going to be more of a prayerful process than a quick Q and A.  Classic God.  

Let me say this clearly.  Followers of Christ have to take His call to "Be holy as I am holy*" seriously.  The sin that still remains in my life not only affects me, but also the people around me and my perspective and worship of a wonderful, deserving, loving God.  If Christianity were the mere management of this sin, what hope would I have?  It's like the Lord knew what He was doing when He decided I couldn't really improve my way out of sin and instead moved heaven and earth to grant me His Son's righteousness.*  My starting ground for sanctification is "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.*"  From that safe foundation, I can admit I see some concerning spiritual fruit on my tree.* 

Yet, as I trudge past houses perched on hills and cheerful onlookers,  I'm encouraged to give myself the same grace towards my person that I should give towards my 80-year-old's knees.  Yes, I have much more growing to do in becoming like Christ, and God's gracious and persistent love that shows me this.*  But as I think back over the past 10 years of walking closely with God, I'm reminded that He's already transformed me about 100 times over.  Every two years I look at the person I was two years prior and think, "I'm a whole new person."  He is being faithful to finish the good work He began in me.*  I have to celebrate how far we've come, even in light of the 2 miles, err, great distance still left until I've given Christ the full devotion He's due.

My Christian life began with God, it's advanced and maintained by God, and it will be completed by God.  And sometimes I have to remember that the story is really about Him, and all the great work He gets credit for.* That's about the only thing that will lift my eyes up off of the dewy asphalt and thudding running shoes and let me embrace all the distance that's still left to be covered.  

------------

*Being a teacher at heart, I couldn't help but footnote some Bible verses that are sources for many of my thoughts above, in the order from the post.  These verses are tried and true supports and encouragements in my life. 

• "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"  (1 Peter 1:15-16)
• "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  (2 Corinthians 5:21)   
• "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."  (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Romans 5:1)
• "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"  (Psalms 139:23-24)
• "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."  (Hebrews 12:11)
• "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."  (Philippians 1:6)
• "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25)

I used a lot of Christianese in this post, so if anything here confuses you, or is something you would like to sincerely discuss further, I would be glad to speak with you!

Books Read 2014

My friend Michelle does a reading list every year on her blog.  Michelle, always voracious reader, took in 68 books last year!  I'm nowhere near that; can't sit still long enough really.  I still love posting a list though.  I posted one here in 2011.  

Since I haven't been keeping this blog up all year, I actually have no idea what all books I've read, so this is an "as best as I can remember" list.  I did follow in Michelle's footsteps and note my favorite reads by highlighting them in gray.  There are definitely some books on this list that I did not like and would not recommend, just to stoke your curiosity.  (If you ask me I'll spill the dirt.)

These lists always make me wish that I still got little stars on a "Book It!" button that I could take to Pizza Hut for a free little pizza.  Like in elementary school.  Remember?  Maybe I'll just go get a pizza anyway.  

Anyway, I'm always up for new reads so if you have any favorites from your year, hit up the comments section and let me know!  The 2015 reading year is just getting started. :o)

Science Fiction

1. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
2. Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

Fantasy

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
8. What Came From the Stars by Gary Schmidt

Historical Fiction

1. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt
2. The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
3. Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt
4. Longbourn by Jo Baker

War Novel

1. Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien

Biography/Autobiography

1. Thomas Jefferson:  The Art of Power by Jon Meacham
2. CS Lewis- A Life:  Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet by Alister McGrath
3. Unbroken:  A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
4. Bossypants by Tina Fey
5. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Christian

1. The Attributes of God by A. W. Pink
2. A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23 by Philip Keller
3. Unglued by Lisa Terkeurst
4. The Gospel-Centered Life  by Bob Thune and Will Walker 

Parmesan Vegetable Bake

A couple of weeks ago my roommate and I were sitting around and decided to resuscitate our blogs, with the commitment that we would write at least one post a week, by Sunday night.  It's Sunday night.  Tah-duh!  Post.  Feel free to hop over and check out Samantha's blog.  She lost her computer cord though so she's getting a pass on blogging until she gets a new one.

To get things kicked off I'm writing about a couple of new dishes I added to our family's Christmas dinner this year.  Recipe posts are easy, and every one likes to read about food, right?  I have a couple of more kick-off posts lined up, so come on back in the next couple days.

Recipe #1:  Parmesan Vegetable Bake

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized yellow squash sliced lengthwise and then into ¼ inch slices 
• 2 medium-sized zucchini, sliced lengthwise and then into ¼ inch slices 
• 1 large tomato, in bite-sized chunks
• 1/3 red onion, sliced and diced up
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 cup crumbled feta (not tightly packed)
• 2 T grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Italian blend or other preferred cheese
• 1 T lemon juice
• salt and pepper - to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a large casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the vegetables.  You want them all to be in bite-sized pieces.  Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan.  Add the squash, garlic, and thyme. Saute and stir just until the squash, zucchini, and onions are starting to soften slightly.  Don't overcook. Remove from heat and add tomatoes.
3. Beat together the eggs, sour cream, cheeses, and lemon juice in a medium sized bowl.  Place half of the vegetable mix into the bottom of the casserole.  Sprinkle on some salt and pepper then spread ½ of the egg mixture over the top.  Repeat with remaining vegetable and egg mixture.  Top with 1 cup of other cheese choice.  
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling and slightly set.  Serve hot.

Recipe #2:  Goat Cheese Peppers

I was easily only one of 2 people who ate any of these at Christmas.  I love goat cheese; my family however does not.  Notwithstanding, they were amazing and I will make them again.  

Ingredients

• 1 package 12 ounce mini sweet peppers
• 1-2 tablespoons oil of choice
• Salt and pepper
• 8-10 ounce package of soft goat cheese
• 3 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Line baking sheet with foil.
2. Slice the tops of the peppers off, cut in half, and remove seeds.  Lay halved peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and drizzle with oil.
3. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, and goat cheese until smooth.  (You can add other herbs or spices as you see fit.)  Fill each pepper with cheese.
4. Bake for 10 minutes.  Then broil for 1 minute until cheese is brown.  Remove from oven and top with bacon and chives.  
5. Serve hot or at room temperature.  

What I Made for Dinner (Last Night)

I love to cook.  But not for just myself.  Ugh.

I'm trying to get over my cooking-for-one animosity by sheer will, so I buckled down and cooked enchiladas for just me last night.  This is the second time I've made this 4 ingredient enchilada recipe.  It's simple and you can use any salsa or any cheese, but I think the tomatillo salsa and pepper jack cheese combination is a keeper.  I think it would be a good crowd-pleaser.  Simple and only a few ingredients. I probably have everything I need to make it most of the time.

Note:  I don't like enchiladas at restaurants because I don't like enchilada sauce that much.  But since this recipe just uses salsa, it doesn't have that flavor to it.  If you love traditional enchiladas, I don't know how you'll feel about this.

4-Ingredient Enchiladas

• 1 (16 oz) jar Salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheese (so far salsa verde and pepperjack cheese are my favorite combo)
• 3 cups cooked, chopped or shredded chicken
• 8 medium flour tortillas
• Optional:   any toppings you may want such as sour cream or green onion.  

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Coat the bottom with a thin layer of salsa.
2. Mix chicken, 1 cup salsa, and 1 cup cheese in a bowl. Spoon about 1/3 cup of this mixture down the middle of a tortilla. Fold sides over and place seam side down in baking dish. Repeat for all 7 tortillas.
3. Top with remaining salsa and 1 cup shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
4. Top with optional toppings.  

And she doesn't even get a discount

I just opened a fresh bag of dog food for Macy.  It's a happy day for her.  She gets really excited and follows me with the new bag on my shoulder through the house.

Today though, I was a little sad as she ate.

Macy just turned 7, so for the first time at the pet store I was able to buy the dog food for "Senior Dogs," who are "7+ Years."  As she ate it, I was reminded that she is, in fact, now a senior dog, and I was sad.

Most people who know me know I love my dog.  Most people probably don't know that I really love animals in general.  Like all animals.  At any given time I'm just a few life-circumstances away from being a crazy animal lady.

At the risk of revealing too much, in college I had a various 15 animals that lived in tanks in my living room at different times:  2 giant goldfish, 2 leopard geckos, 2 African dwarf frogs, 2 red-ear slider turtles, 4 hermit crabs, a betta, a house gecko, and an algae eater.

That was just college.  Growing up I had many other pets, almost any that I could talk the adults in my life into letting me have.  Dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, hermit crabs, and on and on...

I've also attempted many animal rescues.  I once shooed a GIANT snapping turtle off of a curve in West Virginia with a tennis racket and a guy I just started dating.  I didn't want it to get ran over, so I risked both my and my boyfriend's fingers and toes, and also getting hit by a car, to get it safely off the road.  I like to introduce my boyfriends to my crazy early just to get it out of the way, like a trial by fire.

Then there was the time I discovered that my aunt's dogs had just killed a duck sitting on her nest.  So naturally I hauled her 8 eggs into my house, set up an incubator, and promptly turned those things every 6 hours, day and night for weeks.  I was worried about the ducklings. They never hatched and I was sad.  I was 22.

Fun Fact:  I applied to the University of Florida to study ichthyology, and wanted to specialize with sharks.  Life took a different turn, since I'm not writing this from a boat and I don't smell like fish, but I still know far far too much about sharks to not be a 10-year old boy.

I'm sure that at least part of my love of animals comes from my high capacity for empathy, which clearly extends beyond just people (I've had many more outrageous escapades on the behalf of people).  The other part probably comes from the 6 year-old me living inside me who never matured.

My current priorities in life aren't conducive to having many animals living in my home (see above:  escapades on the behalf of people).   I also don't divulge this love of almost-all-living-things in daily conversation, since most adults don't like to sit around talking about animals.  I like to think if I have kids one day, they'll love animals too and together we can accumulate many many pets.

But for now I focus all of my empathetic, inner-child, animal-loving attention on my dog.  She's my friend and my companion.  And now she's a senior.  I'm just not quite ready for that.

Hang in there Mae

3-2-1, Clear!

One year ago I lived in Lebanon.  Seven months ago I stopped blogging because transitioning and moving is a bunch of blah blah blah...  No one really wants to read about that.

Speaking of nobody, one day not long after I got back I was hanging out with a friend who said, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"  We laughed and he said, "All the kids in my class can recite the whole thing."  Then:

Me: "Yeah...  Wait, they can say the whole phrase?  Is that what you're talking about?"
Him:  "Well yeah, they can say all of the lines."
Me:  "Um, what do you mean?"
Him:  "The whole interview."
Me:  "That's from an interview!?"
Him:  "Yeah. Haven't you seen it?  Where did you think that line came from?"
Me:  "I don't know.  I was in Lebanon and it just start popping up on Facebook and Pinterest...  I didn't realize it was, like, a thing!"

Then I visited YouTube and remedied my ignorance.  There have been other moments like that though, including the time I was at a family reunion and discovered one of my cousins died in a car accident while I was overseas.  Oh my.

But now that I'm (hopefully) crawling out of what can only be described as the black hole of re-entry, I've decided it's time to get back on the blogging band-wagon.  Brace yourselves!