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Reflections

  • Podcast Reflection: Survival is a Creative Act

    Last week I listened to episode #807 of the Rich Roll podcast and it was quite inspirational. Rich interviewed his guest, Suleika Jaquad, who discusses creativity as a way to help us survive. When she was 22 she was diagnosed with leukemia. During her treatment she turned to journaling to cope and eventually that led to a column for the New York Times called Life, Interrupted. Her cancer went into remission until 10 years later when it returned. This time, journaling was not an option, so she turned to painting as her creative outlet. 

    There were a few pieces that stood out to me that I’d like to document and possibly use as a catalyst for some of my future decisions:

    • In the podcast she mentions how people often say live each day as if it were your last. The sentiment is nice, but it is very unrealistic advice. Suleika decides to take that advice from a different perspective and live every day like it is her first. With this mentality, she approaches each new day with wonder and curiosity. Small moments can be beautiful and big. I feel like this really aligns with my goal for being present and more mindful.
    • I also love how a theme throughout the discussion was how creativity improves our lives and helps us digest what life brings. I have recently started journaling each day. I’m not stressing about it, but just jotting down what is on my mind. I like not having pressure for how much I have to write, but just put ideas on paper as I process life. 
    • To align with making time for more creativity, I think I need to cut back on something that is inhibiting my creativity…social media scrolling. I waste so much of my life looking on my phone and I want to change that. I’m not ready to get rid of my social media accounts, but I’m going to designate two times during the day that I can briefly look. This is how I often find recipes and keep up with some of my interests, but I can do that in 10 minutes a day rather than an hour or more. I’ve always noticed that my greatest creative moments have come from boredom. I used to make time for creativity and I absolutely love the feeling of being swept away with a creative project. I’m excited to get that back. Not scrolling will provide more opportunities. 
    • The other piece of the podcast that I really appreciated was how our lives can be stuck between joy and grief, happiness and dread. During her most recent treatment, her husband, Jon Batiste, is at a time in his life when he is seeing so much success in his musical career and is being praised for his brilliant work. At this same moment Suleika is, once again, in constant suffering and questioning if her life has a future. I’ve experienced this quite a bit lately where one aspect of my life is beautiful and full of life while another is a deep, dark pit. That is life and we learn to navigate through the juxtaposition.

    I absolutely love the Rich Roll podcast and would recommend anyone who is interested in gaining new perspectives, learning how to do the work to improve your life, and listening to a good message check it out. Here is a link to the episode I talked about today.

  • Grow Your Own Microgreens

    You may notice microgreens at your local market or grocery store. These sprouts are packed with nutrients and are a great addition to your diet. The problem is that buying them at the store reduces their freshness and limits what types of microgreens you have access to. Not to mention they are definitely overpriced and using more plastic than is necessary.

    The solution is growing your own microgreens. It is super cheap, easy, and quick. I started growing microgreens this summer, and I have a few tips to share based on my experience.

    Materials

    There are different ways to grow microgreens, but I feel like the way I do it is simple and takes up little space. Some people use layered trays, but I appreciate not having something take up too much counter-space. Other than the container, you will need seeds. There are so many different types and they all have different flavors and nutrients. Some are spicy, some are bitter, it really is fun to do a taste test. If you have a chance to try different kinds from a farm or market, I recommend it so you can see what you like. When you purchase your seeds, I recommend making sure they are organic. Here is what I use:

    Process

    Growing microgreens is pretty simple. Mine don’t have direct sunlight and they grow just fine. Here are the steps I follow:

    1. Begin by measuring out two tablespoons of seeds into a jar.
    2. Put the lid on with the screen and run water in the jar. Swirl the seeds in the water to rinse them. Dump the water and repeat a few times.
    3. Fill up the jar with water and let sit for about 8 hours.
    4. Empty the jar and kind of swirl it as it empties so the seeds spread out in the jar a bit.
    5. Water the seeds each day and empty the water.
    6. In about a week you should have sprouts ready to eat!
    7. To preserve sprouts once they are grown, take them out of the jar and wrap them in a tea towel and place in your fridge.

    Ideas for Use

    I like to use microgreens in my salad and on sandwiches. You can also use them on ramen. They can be added as a garnish for soups, roasted vegetables, avocado toast, and just about anything.

    More Resources

    I learned most of what I needed to know from Doug Evans. I recommend checking out his Instagram page if you would like to learn from him.

  • Tikka Masala Masterpiece

    I can’t say that I ate Tikka Masala before going vegan, but I will sure be eating this vegan version a lot. Unfortunately, I have nothing to compare it to in terms of authenticity, but this dish was heavenly. I modified Max LaManna’s mushroom dish to use tofu instead and I added a little mango chutney on the side for a little something extra. Yummmmmmy!

    Ingredients:

    • 2 tbsp neutral oil
    • 1 onion, finely diced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
    • 1 tsp ground turmeric
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tbsp garam masala
    • 1 tsp chilli powder
    • 1 14 oz can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup coconut milk
    • 1 lime
    • Pressed extra firm tofu
    • cornstarch

    For the Rice

    • 1 1/2 cups basmati or jasmine rice
    • 1 2/3 cups coconut milk
    • 1 cup vegetable stock
    • 4-6 cardamom pods
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • salt and peper

    Optional

    • cilantro
    • chutney
    • Step 1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. The tofu and rice will be going in here.
    • Step 2) Tear apart the tofu and toss it with cornstarch. Put it on a baking sheet. Rinse the rice under water until water is clear. Add to a baking dish with coconut milk, stock, cardamom, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper then cover with foil. Put both dishes in the oven for 40-45 minutes
    • Step 3) Heat up a tablespoon of the oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Fry the onion with salt and cook until soft. Add the garlic and ginger. Make a hole in the middle and toss in the spices. Toast for a minute then combine everything in the pan. Add the chopped tomatoes and reduce to a simmer. Cover with a lid and let cook for 20 minutes.
    • Step 4) Stir the coconut cream into the curry followed by the crispy tofu. Taste and season well, adding the juice of half the lime. 
    • Step 5) Serve the curry with rice. Cut fresh cilantro to put on top and add a side of chutney if you’d like.

  • Plants Make Me Happy

    It may not be gardening season yet, but I’m not going to let that stop me. I really miss the taste and smell of fresh basil, so it is time to grow some inside. I’ve bought the plants from the produce section of the grocery store in the past, but one of my goals this year is to really learn and embrace the process from seed to harvest. I attempted starting vegetables and herbs from seed once in the past with a tragic ending, but I think this is the year I finally learn how to do it. I’m going to start off simple by growing one of my favorite herbs inside so I can become more confident with the process and will be ready to start veggies in a few weeks.

    Here are a couple of videos I used as guidance on how to get started:

    I also enjoy fresh microgreens on my salad and sandwiches. Today I’m soaking some mung beans and a mix with alfalfa, radish, broccoli, and clover. These are so simple to grow and microgreens are so concentrated with nutrients that they can contain levels up to nine times higher than the mature plants.

    Beyond edible plants, I also upgraded my monstera and snake plant to new planter homes and I think they are so absolutely beautiful. They are definitely happy in their new digs and are showing off. I look forward to seeing my snake plant reach for the sky and fill its container nicely :).

  • , ,

    A Year of Change

    There has been a handful of years in my life that were full of change and growth. This past year is a year that will compete with those other transitional time periods. This post is written for me, but perhaps others will enjoy hearing about my life.

    Career

    Although I am still in the same position as the previous year, this year I have experienced growth in a new way. With the adoption of an ELA curriculum, I feel more connected and purposeful with classroom teachers and students than I have have ever felt. I am supporting learning and my ultimate goal, an urge to want to know more and instill a love of learning. I feel like I really know my place in my role and how I fit into the education puzzle.

    Another way I have grown is by attempting to find a better work/life balance. I am spending less time working at home on projects and really trying to make the most out of the time I have at school. I felt guilt about this initially, but I am seeing how it makes me a better LRC Director and allows me to be there for my students because I can take care of myself.

    Health

    It may not feel like it right now since I’ve been sick for about a month and a half, but this is the healthiest I have ever been. Although I’ve lost 25 pounds this year, that is not what in contributing the most to my overall health growth, but rather an after effect to choices I have made. I will talk about some of these pieces in more depth below, but by going vegan with a whole-food, plant-based focus, getting rid of alcohol, and adopting spiritual habits, I am truly changing my physical being, as well as my mental wiring. I am seeing life in a new way and I am very excited to dig deeper into this next year.

    As I write this, I am in a bit of a rut. Feeling sick plays with me mentally, but even so, I have hope and know that joy and fulfillment are near.

    Diet

    I started the year as a vegetarian, and began my vegan journey in May. I learned quickly that just getting rid of animal products was not enough. It is very easy to be a junk food addict while still being vegan. In the summer, I made the shift to a more whole-food, plant-based diet. I am not 100% perfect because I still use oil and a few other processed foods, but I would say I am about 95% there. I will occasionally eat an Impossible something or indulge with rich coconut milk in my meals, but overall I eat very healthy. My main focus is a diversity of plants. I follow Dr. B and believe in building a healthy gut microbiome. I have found a new love of cooking and eating since making these changes and I can’t imagine ever going back.

    Spirituality

    I have always believed in a higher power and a transcendent way of thinking. This year I started trying to figure out what I actually believe in. I am listening to the Bible as an audiobook (it is a bit lengthy) and I am adopting a meditative practice. Although Buddhism interests me, I would say that the meditation I am doing is less religious and more a mindfulness practice. I have read several books and listened to many podcasts to try to figure out which form of meditation I want to adopt. At the moment, I am attempting to do 10 minutes of meditation a day with focus on the breath. I have tried meditation with a mantra, but I have found I am less able to concentrate. My goal is to increase my morning meditation to 20 minutes and introduce an after-work meditation. The idea is that by meditating before the evening, I am able to be more present for time with family.

    Meditation has really helped me as I have gotten rid of alcohol. Although alcohol served multiple purposes for me, one was trying to escape. Meditation has taught me that I don’t need to escape, but rather let go. I am able to confront my thoughts with more confidence and then release them.

    Family

    The year started with a time that was very scary and I felt insecure. Right before the new year I took both of my parents into the hospital. My dad hurt his back lifting mom and my mom had both a UTI and C Diff. The month that followed that was really hard. There was a lot of unknown and there were many fears I had to face. It was hard, but I did it. I not only learned what I can be capable of, but also that I am not alone. I thought this year was going to be filled with that type of experience, but things turned around. Best of all, my loved ones are here and I am so thankful for that.

    Intellect

    I feel like I did not read as much this year, but that was because I fell in love with podcasts. I took a bit of a break from children’s literature to work on some personal growth. My favorite podcasts focused on whole-food, plant-based eating and happiness. I highly recommend the PlantStrong Podcast as well as the Rich Roll Podcast if you are interested in those topics. I will share a bibliography below of resources I’d recommend for intellectual growth :).

    Finances

    I have never been good with money. I often spent money I didn’t have and did not create a budget. That has changed thanks to Dave Ramsey. For the first time, I feel educated on how to manage money and have a plan to turn around our financial well-being.

    As I reflect on this, I can’t help but think how cool it is that certain people enter our lives and can make such a profound difference. Our financial growth journey all began with a brief conversation in the teacher’s lounge with a co-worker. I’m thankful that I am a person who is vulnerable and I am surrounded by people who are willing to be vulnerable with me. Through that, I feel so connected and life keeps proving that solutions are out there if you are willing to face your problems and open up about them.

    Home

    We have kind of been through a lot with our home and this year was no exception. In the spring we found out that our sewer line had a bow in it and that they’d have to dig through our foundation to replace it. Of course when they went in, they found more damage than expected and thousands of dollars later we have a new section of sewer line, an uneven concrete foundation, and a floor that has a dip in it. It is what it is, but we are really hoping we can have a break from all of these home-owner hardships.

    I think the hard part is not feeling like we are in the clear or that we are safe. Michael and I are constantly on edge that something bad is going to happen.

    Another dilemma that came from our house issues was me making the mistake of filing too many claims with our insurance. I had no idea that you can’t put in a claim for everything that could be covered by insurance because they will drop you. That is exactly what happened. Now we are on the insurance naughty list and get to pay more than double for our home-owners insurance. Lesson learned-the hard way.

    Daily Choices

    I’ve done a lot of learning this year, and one of those topics is about climate change. I’m scared. I’m worried about what our world will be like for my son and future generations. I think too many people don’t understand the repercussions of an increased temperature for our planet. It doesn’t just mean warmer days ahead or just stronger storms. It means drought, famine, refugee crisis, war, chaos. I’m one person, and I may not be able to fix this, but I can make changes in my life and try to share the message. So, here are some changes I’ve made to try to slow down climate change:

    • Stopped eating animal products-animal agriculture is a leading cause of climate change (methane gas is much more harmful than carbon dioxide)
    • Compost food scrapes to prevent landfill waste which actually takes longer to decompose and produces more gases
    • Reducing plastic use-no water bottles, utensils, grocery bags, etc.
    • Trying to use more green products like laundry detergent, soaps, cleaners, etc.
    • Reducing textiles in landfills and fast fashion by shopping at Goodwill

    In Summary

    This year has resulted in so much change and when I think about why all of this has happened in such a short time, I realize that Edwin is the reason for so much of my positive growth. He constantly makes me want to be a better person. I want to be a role model for him and be here. 

    2024 Hopes and Dreams

    This past year has brought so much change and I am curious what next year will look like. Here are some things I hope might happen for myself:

    • Continue to try to be more sustainable
    • Improve vegetable gardening skills
    • Become more financially fit
    • Travel – for real
    • Meditation becomes a habit
    • More time outside
    • Improve physical strength and flexibility
    • Try out many more recipes
    • Find ways to improve my community/the world
    • Create
    • Help others
    • Learn more

    Bibliography (just some of my favorites)

    Podcasts

    Books

    Documentaries

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