Early Mornings = Eating More

Recently I started a part-time job at a local gym working from 5am-10am. Yes, that's extremely early! But, so far I don't mind it too much. I get a free membership and the rest of the day free. However, I have noticed my whole metabolism has changed since starting my mornings so early. I am always hungry! I eat on my way to work, I eat after work, I eat a snack, I eat dinner... and yet I am hungry before going to bed. Luckily I just purchased a Mediterranean cookbook (on sale at Borders) and started with my first recipe the other day.

Here's a picture I took with Instagram-- it's a "Capsicum Frittata." The recipe calls for eggs, cheddar and parmesan cheese, pimiento, onions... and that's about it. It was delicious and so easy!

On another note, today I found out that I will be starting another job! The position is not ideal, but it will hopefully lead me to another. I interviewed last week for a "Supplemental Educational Service," a tutoring company funded by the state for disadvantaged students. I applied for the Campus Director position, however they decided to wait to hire for those positions. So, for now I will be hired on as a Student Recruiter, working with the schools and students who need tutoring.

I am excited to have a "hands-on" job for once. Also, a job that I can feel like I'm making a difference in others' lives. I am so thankful to God for providing me with this opportunity. I can't wait to get my feet wet soon.

Turning a New Page--a Little Yammering

It has been barely a week since I moved to the Cincinnati area and things are changing daily. Usually when big changes happen in my life, such as moving to another city, I get very anxious and stressed out. I remember this time last year I was moving home from college, trying to find a job, and then moving to Lexington. Things were very stressful because it was the "unknown." However, this time it has been completely different.

The whole time I was in Chile, I was constantly job searching and trying to figure out what my plans would be when I returned. No luck, and when I came back I still had none. I also didn't know of anyone I could live with since the semester had already begun. Thankfully, my friend Ashley asked me to lease with our friend Julie, since Ashley is going to Africa for the semester.

So, I pretty much made the decision to move and keep up the job search. This would usually stress me out terribly, but this time it didn't. I think I can owe that to nothing but God and what He's taught me over the years. This past year has involved so much uncertainty, I had no choice but to fully put my faith in His plan. Now, don't get me wrong, I totally believe He leaves it up to us to make an effort and doesn't just do everything for us.

Since I've been up here, searching daily for jobs, I have had some kind of peace about everything. Even though I know I have tons of bills to pay and a diminishing checking account, I somehow just know everything is going to fall into place very soon. Yesterday I landed a pretty easy part-time job, however very very early hours. Also, I got an interview for today for a full-time job. It's funny how it all happens at once. Thus, we'll see how things pan out.

With this peace I have, I am so excited for what's to come. I can't wait to get involved in the arts community in this area and meet some other artists and people in the art world. I also am pumped to find a church where I can grow and fellowship with others while doing something to make a difference. And, of course, I am very excited to be in the same area as Claudio, finally! Let the adventure begin :)

Getting some painting time in the hot sun.

As some of you know, my dad owns a photography studio. My mom asked me to paint on the side of the garage to be used for a background in photos. Luckily, I had freedom to do pretty much whatever I wanted to. So I just started painting the other day and got done yesterday. Here's the final product:

It will be interesting to see it used in photos. We'll see how it goes!

Lingerie for little girls? I'm disgusted.

This morning as I sat down to eat my toast and drink my coffee, I turned on the Today show. I was then disgusted at what story I heard: a new French "loungerie" line for little girls. Are you serious??? Thank goodness the Today show was not promoting this whatsoever.  Take a look at the video here. Not only is the whole idea for this line appalling, so are the photos. The girls are portrayed in a very adult manner, with teased hair, pearls, and seductive gazes. Can't kids just be kids anymore?

Society is already rushing little ones to grow up a lot faster than necessary, but with things like this it's inevitable. It also just adds to the huge problem of self-image among girls. Just when I thought "Toddler's and Tiaras" was bad enough, this came along. Where are the parents when all this is happening? The problem is, many of them are living vicariously through their children, not realizing what harm they are causing in the long run.

I am a big fan of "Law & Order: SVU," and after seeing all this press about child lingerie I realize just how much easier it is making it for those sick perverts out there. Let's just make it so much easier for them, shall we? I mean, what the heck is this world coming to? I don't even want to know what it will be like when I have kids of my own.

The Jesus I Never Knew

I recently picked up a book I had left over from college. For some reason, I never remember even reading this book. On my trip to Chile, I grabbed a few books for the plane and as I realized on my layover I had grabbed a study guide and not the book. So, when I got back in the states I decided to start reading the book itself: The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey.

This book focuses on who Jesus really was contrary to popular belief. Did he really have flowing curly hair, pale skin, and blue eyes? Probably not considering he was born and raised in the Middle East. The author brings to light how peculiar, radical, miraculous, and world-changing he really was. Sometimes I think we fail to talk about parts of Jesus' lifestyle. So far, this book is opening my eyes to who Jesus was and how He is so relevant to me in my life.

I remember hearing someone speak about the Jewish tradition in Israel. When reaching a certain age, a boy must follow his rabbi everyday, learning all there is to learn about the Torah, Talmud, and Jewish traditions. There was a saying I distinctly remember, "May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi." This was said because those following their rabbis so closely, would be covered in dust on their robes from walking around the city. I will always remember this saying because I get such a clear visual in my mind.

I often forget that I should be following Jesus so closely that I am literally "covered in His dust." Who He is should rub off on me and I should know His teachings and will in my life. Life proves itself to be very hard, confusing, and uncertain. But with Christ, I know He can lead the way for me. Because of Him, I have a peace in my heart at this point of my life. Even though I don't know where to find a job, how to save the money I need, or what I'll be doing in the next year, I can trust in His perfect plan. I think I owe it to Him to get to know Him a just a little better.

In the Kitchen

Before I left Chile, I had to go to the grocery and buy some of my favorite things to bring back. Unfortunately cheese, fruit, nuts, and meat are illegal to bring into the country but I did buy quite a few things. I bought some wine for my brother and sister-in-law. The wine in Chile is quite well known among connoisseurs, but pretty affordable in the country. I also bought a big box of alfajores, a soft cookie filled with manjar (dulce de leche) and dipped in chocolate. I had to buy some manjar too because it's soooo good! It's basically sweetened condensed milk that has been boiled for hours to create this dark caramel-y spread. Needless-to-say, I made ice cream with it the other day!

It is so rich and creamy, you just need two small scoops. If you want to try making a similar version, you can buy "canela" at the grocery store, which is the Mexican version. I tried a Mexican recipe last night with corn on the cob. It's called "elote," and many Mexican street vendors sell it. Basically you spread a mix of mayo and lime juice on the corn, then top with a mixture of Mexican crumbled cheese or parmesan with red pepper, salt, chili powder, and cumin. It's delicious!  

I took the photo of my ice cream with my new favorite app: Instagram. You should try it!

Fin

The end. I am now back in the states! I am excited yet sad. I had an amazing trip in Chile. Let me say a little more about the end of my trip. I got to meet most of Claudio's dad's side of the family last weekend. We had an "asado," which is like a cookout, at his grandparents' house in Santiago. I was so excited to meet all of the family I had heard so much about. I laughed soo much that my mouth literally hurt that night. The family is so welcoming, funny, and loving. It was so important for Claudio and me to meet everyone. His grandparents made a toast and gave me a gift, I love them all so much!

 On Sunday after church we headed to Claudio's other grandparents, on his mom's side. His grandfather cooked all different pastas  with different sauces. It was sooo delicious! It was good to see everyone again before I left and spend time with the family.

On Tuesday, Claudio and I went to his friend Fuad's house to meet him and César. We at churrascos and hung out. I'm so glad I was able to meet a lot of friends, I definitely see myself hanging out with them more.

My last day in Chile was Tuesday. It was bittersweet, I was ready to come home and see my family and friends but I didn't want to leave. I know it will be a little while before I can go again. As I was flying out at night, I saw the city in all the lights. It is so big! I felt so thankful for my time there. I have such a loving family in Chile that made me feel right at home. I was able to see so much more of the city, and do it all with Claudio. I thank God for allowing me to go on such an important trip. Now, I must begin a new phase of my life. We'll see where life takes me next! It may not be to another country, but I can't wait for new adventures.