Blogs are funny

I think I like blogs because I like to talk, and here is a chance for me to share my thoughts, where it is appropriate to talk without being invited to.

Random thought #1- I think people should come with warning labels, myself included. If I could create a warning label for myself, it would say, "Beware. This girl has a very limited filter of what, when shared in confidence, should be kept personal, about herself or others. If you want something you share to stay a secret, you must make audible mention."

No recent horrible occurrence of me being a blab made me share this, but I have often been told my openness, even with people I've known for a long time, is disconcerting. The worst part? I don't think I'm that open, and wouldn't know it if people didn't comment. Hence the warning label- I don't think there's much I can do to fix it, so... be warned.

I also know a few people I would have liked to have been warned about. Like a roommate or two. "This girl seems really nice and fun. But watch out! Warning: Will dominate the conversation and talk to the boy you like for over an hour, even if he came to see you." or "Warning: This girl eats copious amounts of tuna, and never thinks to rinse the can, plate, or any utensil she may have used, thus stinking up your kitchen for days."

I'm sure some of my associates, unfortunate roommates included, could come up with a warning label or two for me. I still think it's a great idea. And yet for some reason, when people try to warn you upon your first meeting of something about themselves, it often comes across awkward. Why is that? (Sidenote: I already wrote a blog about asserting that I'm awkward. Perfect. I'm awkward because I stated I'm awkward.)

Random thought #2: The upcoming mission (5 weeks!) and this good book I'm reading (The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs) have made me contemplate, not doubtingly question, but evaluate, my faith. I've come to this conclusion, as more finely stated by President Thomas S. Monson:

'' 'And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!'

This is the knowledge that sustains. This is the truth that comforts. This is the assurance that guides those who are bowed down with grief—out of the shadows and into the light ."

New Obsession

So since I've been home and jobless, I've become a bit of a housewife. Or, mother's helper I suppose, since I'm not married. Anyway- the point is this- I am furthering my knowledge of kitchen greatness. My new favorite is this website my sister Elise showed me- http://blogchef.net/

It is so fun! I made his recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala (Indian food) the other night, and while it was a bit labor intensive, it was fun making something legitimately. Haha I felt especially cool when I was grating the ginger root. So, that is all.

Keeping Score

Idaho Falls, ID Current Conditions

Temperature:	20°	Pressure:	30.38 in
Wind Speed:	6 mph	Dew Point:	11°
Wind Chill:	12°	Visibility:	10 mi
Humidity:	62%

Honolulu, HI Current Conditions

Temperature:	82°	Pressure:	29.89 in
Wind Speed:	15 mph	Dew Point:	67°
Wind Chill:	82°	Visibility:	8 mi
Humidity:	60%

Idaho, if you want my love, you will have to step it up, quite a bit.

Keeping Score

Cooking

I've always had a closet desire to be chef. Well, maybe not so closet, but, as careers go, culinary arts has gone without being pursued. Somewhere along the lines between middle school and high school, I wanted to be more health oriented and got it in my head that all chefs would ultimately be grossly obese and I should take a different path. Sidenote- some thoughts seem so logical until you actually express them. Anyway. Now everything I'm interested in has to do with the market and money, which I do legitimately like. However, every time I watch Stranger than Fiction, and it's the part where Anna Pascal is talking about dropping out of Harvard to make the world better by making cookies, I always, always think, "I don't want to go to school anymore. I want to make people happy with cupcakes, too!" But let's get real- the idea of opening up your own business hoping people like your cookies better than other people's is slightly daunting. This is the plan- because I do think having a degree is a good idea. I will graduate, gain some business experience/save my money while working some sort of real job, and then, by and by, the real job will be phased out by a sandwich and cookie shop. Perfect. Not wholly credible, but still nice.

I feel like this post should be summed up with my chocolate chip cookie recipe, which is always my fall back whenever someone does me a favor. ("Please? I'll make you cookies. Ok thanks!")

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat oven to 375

1 cup (2 cubes) softened butter (not totally melted though, it does weird things)

1 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup white sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

3 cups loosely packed flour

2 1/2 cups / a bag / however many you want of chocolate chips

Mix the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the eggs. Then add the baking soda, salt, and flour. The dough should be soft and all hold together, but not stick to your (clean) finger if you touch it. Stir in the chocolate chips and bake for like 9-10 minutes at 375.

When I was at school, I would probably only bake half of the dough and the rest would be eaten, by my roommates, with spoons. I personally prefer cookie over dough, but whatev.

Oh- and tonight I used a combo of muenster and cheddar cheese when making grilled cheese, with just a dab of pesto- delish. Did I copy Zupas? Yes. Was it really good? Also yes.

Everyone Should Know!

I am a genius. I discovered this little trick a few weeks ago, and feel brilliant every time I use it. So- in my parent's house, none of the bathrooms have windows, which leads to extremely foggy mirrors after a shower. So- to expedite the disappearance of fogginess, I blow dry the mirror! It works perfectly and doesn't re-fog. I usually just make a spot big enough so I can see my face. If you suffer from foggy mirrors, here is your answer:

2009 in Review- Year of Lovin'

(sorry ladies, this one is now engaged, deservedly so)

I know what you're thinking- what a bunch of good looking guys! In the three years that I've had a blog, I've made an end of the year slideshow. This year, however, I decided on highlights supplemented by a few good pictures, including the pictured above- 2009's kiss list. I contemplated telling their names and giving each a story, possibly even rating, but then decided that was tasteless. Nothing wrong with some cute pictures though. :) Haha I also contemplated making a "Would Like to Kiss" list, but... well anyway. Highlights of 2009 to be continued.