Sleep. Read. Knit.

Today is the day. I finally have completed (with the exception of one presentation), all work of Winter 2011 semester, and can take the break I feel I deserve. These past two weeks have certainly piled on the stress with the abundance of tests, assignments, papers, and presentations, however I managed to pull through with just a little of my soul left (WIN!).

What's the plan for today, you ask? Sleep. Read. Knit. Three things that I love to do, but rarely have time for. And here's how it's going:

- I fell asleep around 10p last night, and got up at 7a this morning, so I suppose I can cross "sleep" off the list.

- I am almost finished The Da Vinci Code. I started reading it LAST SUMMER, that's how little time I have to read these days. With just 20 pages left to go, it shouldn't take long. I have already started 13 Little Blue Envelops and have a long list of books to read, (including a Stephen King!), but I always need a day or so to reflect on the book when I finish it (Do you do that too?), so I suppose I won't read much today either.

- As for knitting, I am just learning how, so my fingers still hurt after a little while. Even if I can only knit for a bit at a time, it'll be nice to be able to pick up my second "square" (because that's all I can do now, with the exception of rectangles), at any point in my day without the worry of wasting my time on non-academic activities.

I guess "Sleep Read Knit" may not go ahead as planned. Regardless, I will enjoy my break! Sometimes it's really nice to do nothing at all, but I'm sure I'll come up with something...

Other things that may take place in my day include the following:

- Uploading pictures to facebook

- Watching a movie or two

- Re-arranging my blog design (maybe...)

Irrational Fears Made Rational

As the title implies, this post is about a fears. Mostly about just one, but I may mention a couple more later...

This morning I found myself at the campus library, studying intently at 8:30a. Perhaps an hour into the session, I hear a helicopter approaching and peer out the window to get a glimpse. I was surprised at how far away the helicopter actually was, considering the already booming volume of the propellers.

When I hear a helicopter or plane approaching, I automatically judge how far away it is from where I am. I'm not good with relating numbers to distance, so it's just a general guess like: "Oh, it should be right overhead in a few seconds". When aircrafts get closer and closer, and louder and louder, I can't help but think about it crashing into the house or building I am in and tearing everything apart.

My mind goes into panic mode and all I can think about is: "OMG, WHAT DO I DO??? THIS PLANE IS GOING TO CRASH INTO MY ROOM, EVERYTHING'S GOING TO EXPLODE AND I'M GOING TO DIE!!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE YET!!! WHAT DO I DO??? WHERE DO I GO???"

By the time I get through the panic mode, I realize I'm being ridiculous and the aircraft is not going to crash into the building and it is already getting farther away. I have no idea where this fear of aircrafts crashing into where ever I am came from, but I've been this way for a while. Now that Canada is at war (apparently), I am more aware of these approaching aircrafts and inclined to think about missiles and bombs and other destructive items of warfare.

Although I feel fearing these things at this point in time is unnecessary, it does to a point make my fear of aircraft crashes a little more rational...

Don't you just hate it when...

- You skip town for the weekend and everyone has the most fun without you.

Got Protein?

Lacking protein in your diet? Why not try some delicious guinea pig!

In Peru, guinea pigs are considered an excellent source of protein.

Just thought I should let you know.

Banana Bread Blunder

Today I decided to bake banana bread. Not a difficult task, I have successfully completed the delight known as banana bread several times before. However, today was different.

I began to bake using my regular recipe that I Googled a couple of years ago, however once I started add ingredients I realized I didn't have any eggs left. I searched the refrigerator for an egg I could borrow from my roommates, but there were none to be found.

After a moment of distress and disappointment, I thought of searching a different recipe that didn't require eggs. To my surprise there were several links that seemed reasonable. I clicked a link and made sure the process allowed for the amount of butter I had already poured over the smashed bananas and continued baking.

The recipe suggested I bake the banana bread for 60 minutes then test with a toothpick. By 20 minutes in the bread appeared to be getting crispy and golden. After 37 minutes had elapsed, I decided to take the banana bread out and test with a tooth pick. Clean. Perhaps we have some amazing oven here that cooks things half-time?

Not so much. As the banana bread cooled, the middle sank down and continued to sink until the center was about half the height of the edge. I remained calm and hoped that the banana bread was still edible. When I took the loaf out of the pan everything seemed okay.

I cut off two pieces for myself and my roommate and we dug in, excited for delicious banana bread. Too bad it was mushy and much to salty!

Such is the Banana Bread Blunder. And now I challenge you: try out the recipe I used and see how it works. Might I add, use less salt!

Banana Bread Recipe - it has No Eggs

1/2 cup shortening or canola oil, or butter etc. (I sometimes leavemost of it out and use 1/3c applesauce)
1 cup white sugar (you can cut this back too- I often use a scant 3/4 cup)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ( have mixed this with WW, white WW and spelt with good results)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 very ripe mashed bananas (I use all different sizes and amounts- about 1 1/2c)
1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla
chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8x4 inch loaf pan. (This can be made in any size pan or muffin tins just adjust the baking time)
In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugar and add vanilla. Sift in the flour, baking soda and salt. Blend in the mashed bananas. Stir in the chocplate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until it tests done with a toothpick.

***

The Chef

I have always had an interest in the blogging world, however I have never successful followed through with one. Perhaps the issue hasn't been my inability to write about things happening around me but more so that I continue to find myself in a niche, only allowing myself to post about quotes or something. This blog is my attempt to remove any form of niche: Blog Salad - pretty much everything in the cupboards and refrigerator..

Sleep. Read. Knit.

Irrational Fears Made Rational

Don't you just hate it when...

Got Protein?

Banana Bread Blunder

Banana Bread Recipe - it has No Eggs

***

The Chef

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