Monday, September 29, 2008

the happenings in my life

so the weeks have been going by so fast i can't even believe it! we are in our 6th week, CRAZY!!! but I'm keeping busy with Nursing classes and mostly that darn accounting class, lol. i have a presentation this week, that i really haven't started doing anything for yet and it is on Wednesday, guys i can't seem to stay motivated this year, is anyone else having that problem? but overall i guess classes are good. the biggest change is me quitting Starbucks. i feel like I'm loosing a part of myself and that i failed because i quit, but I'm doing it to balance my life a little better, i don't have time for the things i love and I'm excited to see how my time opens up in the near future. so that means we will have to celebrate my freedom from the Siren!

i have a prayer request...if you guys could keep my family in mind this week that would be wonderful. my brother is going through some gross stuff right now and my parents are really struggling, they are at the point of praying for a miracle, which to me means it is pretty bad. it is hard for me too being here and not being able to be a part of family at home as a support. so please pray for a miracle, but most of all the unity of my family at this time. thank you ladies!

Emily Smith's Birthday!

today was the birth of Emily 21 years ago, if you see her be sure to tell her how special she is! you are loved girl don't ever forget that!!

Happenings of the week

Don't miss that crazy bookstore blowout this week! there is a men's soccer game 9-29 from 4-6pm. Tuesday volley ball at 7-9pm, Slam Poetry 8-10pm, which i hear is a pretty cool thing this year, Saturday is Great Escapes AG Aquatic Training. Saturday morning is also my LAST DAY working at Starbucks, last chance to get that free starbucks you have always wanted! :)

Pound Cake

1 3/4 cups (230 grams) cake flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup (226 grams) (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (200 grams) superfine or castor sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Zest of a lemon or orange (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter or spray with a pan spray, a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and butter or spray the paper.

In a large bowl, sift together twice, the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (this will take about 5 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. After about five minutes the batter should be light in color and fluffy in texture. Then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. You will notice that the batter will look curdled. Don't worry as the batter will come together again after you add the flour mixture. Add the vanilla and lemon zest, if using, and beat until incorporated.
Add the flour mixture and mix just until incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature
Will keep several days well wrapped or it can be frozen for a month.
Makes one 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Evening Tea Party

ladies of 46, i thought it would be fun to have a relaxing night where we can come together and share what is happening in our lives. i was thinking back to my trip to India and how i totally miss the tea time we had and how that simple hour brought so much life and emotion to our trip. i want this to be a time to come when you can, and an escape from homework to a relaxing evening with friends. remember Thursday at 8, my apt and bring you own MUG! :) i hope to see you all there!

someone is turning 21!

remember Amy this week as she celebrates her 21st birthday! if you see her, be sure to pour your love on her!

Spiritual Renewal Week

Below are prayers from the Book of Common Prayer that i thought were meaningful. Pray these throughout this week of renewal.

27. For Social Justice
Grant, O God, that your holy and life‑giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

54. For those we Love
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never‑failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ideas for Spiritaul Renewal week

i sit and think about what Spiritual Emphasis Week is and how this week can be meaningful to me, more than the ordinary week, and i decided that fasting something and attending a new church unlike what i normally would, are some things I'm going to pursue this week. as a response to fasting I'm going to make an effort to fast caffeine. this is honestly a hard one for me for obvious reasons, but i feel like it would be a good thing to give up this week!

i wanted to include some info on fasting and what it is and the purpose it holds, sometimes the meaning can be warped a little. the following website also includes some info on tips on how to fast meals and still remain healthy. :)

Why You Should Fast
By Dr. Bill Bright
URL: http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/02-why-you-should-fast.aspx
If you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some very important facts:
Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast.

Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the "first love" for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.

Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting."

Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.

The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!

Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Amazing Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!

1 cup butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 1/3 cups rolled oats (quick cooking)
12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips

Bake at 375 for 15 min (i recommend 350 for about 12 min or less with our ovens)

ENJOY!!

Monday, September 15, 2008

my week...

well we have three weeks behind us, i can't believe it!! i feel like i am already submersed in classes and work and i can't get out! is anyone else overwhelmed and feeling the upperclassman load? guys I'm taking accounting 201 (which is a sophomore level class) and it is killing me, for once in my life i actually don't understand a subject!! if any of you are particularly great at it or at least understand it, I'm totally up for tutoring!!! :)

i feel like in my life more than ever I'm questioning where i am and if that is where i really want to be. i have learned that life is so fragile and every moment needs to be taken with concern and as a prized gift. life is too short and precious to waste. i want every Senior in our building to know that i am praying for you as you figure out where God is leading you for life after PLNU. i could imagine how stressful or exciting that can be as you are planning the next phase of life. God has been teaching me to be thankful in every circumstance and use each moment to his glory! as you enter this week, know you are loved and that what you are doing now (the grungy work of school) will have such great rewards later. Be blessed!!

Upcoming on campus

9-16 Megan Underlin's Birthday!!!
9-16 Volleyball Game- 7pm
9-19 Men's Soccer Game 2pm
9-19 Women's Soccer Game 4:15pm
9-20 Spirit Bell Comp- Volleyball against Biola 7pm

Green Shopping Online

some fun websites to check out for natural body care products!

Bath and Body

Aromaleigh- mineral cosmetics and natural skin care
Aubry Organics- hair and skin-care products
Avalon Natural Products- facial, body, lip and hair care
Aveda- makeup, Pure-Fume, hair and skincare, and bath accessories
The Organic Makeup comp.- Pure natural cosmetics made in Canada
Raining Rose- plant based oils and aromatherapy-grade essential oils to go into lip balm, soap, skincare, and hair-care products.
Terressentials- handcrafted natural and organic personal care products with no synthetic petrochemical or oleochemical ingredients of any kind.

Make it yourself supplies

Cranberry lane- kits for making your own natural body care products
Mountain Rose Herbs- bulk beauty product ingredients

Sour Cream Carrot Muffins

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sour cram
1/2 fat free half and half
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup pear or apple jelly
1 egg
2 cups peeled shredded carrots

heat oven to 375. combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon baking soda and salt in medium bowl, set aside.

combine all remaining ingredients except carrots in a large bowl. stir with wire whisk until smooth.

stir flour mixture into sour cream mixture until well mixed. gently stir in carrots

spoon batter into 12 paper lined muffin cups. bake for 25-30 min or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

***in our ovens i would recommend 350 for only about 15-20 min.****

Monday, September 8, 2008

Tell me how your week is...

i feel like last week flew by, but let me tell you that my weekend was a rough one. i was sitting down to FINISH my accounting homework Saturday afternoon when i spilt coffee on my computer! i don't know what to say besides...never drink anything by your computers...ever! i brought it to the Res Cons last night so I'm praying with all my heart that it is OK! so if I've been absent or in my own world it is because i am irritated at my self and thinking about how to fix my predicament.

last week for my nursing clinical i was in the ER. let me just say that it really showed me how precious life is and how quickly things can change. i loved the time to observe the ER staff in action, and learn from them. there was just the sweetest elderly woman who had Alzheimer's. she was so oblivious to everything i did to help her and constantly smiling with her head in the clouds; so precious, all i could do was smile inside.

this weekend i went with my roommates to Extraordinary Desserts off of Union downtown Saturday evening. it is always a fantastic treat. the culture of downtown is so great. it is fun to get off campus and experience a small fraction of the night life of San Diego.

well it's another week with other experiences. my prayer for each of you is that God would bless you richly and show himself to you in a new way this week. remember to slow down enough to listen and just BE. make time for you! i love you girls!

Myth about Living Green

Nothing I Do Will Make a Difference If No One Else is Doing Anything

no one in alone in their concern for the environment an their conscience to act more thoughtfully to protect its well being. your efforts to walk lighter on this earth, support green capitalism and appeal for better environmental policy make a difference, because every act, when multiplied over many days and many people, produces positive results. Remember, even if those changes can't be seen, they are still occurring. So many people making efforts, large and small, to green their lives adds up to big results for the environmental movement, not only for the cumulative impact of numerous individual actions, but also for the power that one person's example has to bring about positive changes in others. Every day people all over the world exhibit ecological behaviors that raise consciousness and elicit duplication from others who witness them. Change yourself and you will unwittingly change another.

Recipie of the Week

10 Minute Zesty Salsa

INGREDIENTS
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 tablespoon seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Dash salt
Dash pepper
Tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, garlic, oil, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving. Serve with tortilla chips.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Remember...

Cov group with Alicen is Tuesday nights at 8pm in the Flex lounge. last week she brought to our attention the question, "Who is Jesus and who is He in our lives?" and there were peanut butter cookies! i can't wait for tomorrow Alicen!

if you want the school to keep a record of your valubles drop by that yellow "Personal Property Form" to me! (it should have been on your desk when you moved in).

we should be getting TP soon. we are waiting for them to deliver more to the balcony. in the mean time, take some from the guys, i'm sure they still have plenty! ;) j/k, but not really; use your judgement!

have a great week and remember my door is always open to you! i put out a little white board on my door in case i miss you so you can let me know what's up!

the three day weekend

Girls, i can't believe our weekend is over! i loved having the time to just chill out. i don't know about you, but i had plans to do so much more catch-up for this week with studying and i played too much! :) my prayer for each of you is that your first week wasn't completely stressful, but that you find this new semester to be managable. if anyone knows what a crazy schedule is, it is me, although i'm sure there are a few who can top me! this semester i am not only a Nursing student and RA, but i have an externship and i'm working at Starbucks. i want to do so much and i need you all to remind me that life is more than what can be accomplished, but the relationships that are formed and developed along the way! i'm trying to make a commitment to myself this time around to slow down and really remember the people around me!

let me know if there is anything i can pray for! i love being able to share life, both good times and bad. i love you guys!

Recipie of the Week

Mango bread to the rescue. It's tasty, easy, freezes well and uses a whack of mangoes at once.

Mango Bread
·2 c. flour
· 2 t. cinnamon
· 2 t. baking soda
· 1 t. baking powder
· 3 eggs
· 1/2 c. vegetable oil
· 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
·2 1/2 c. fresh mango
· 1/2 c. walnuts, chopped
· 1/2 c. shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease two standard 9x5 bread pans.
Sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda and baking powder in a medium bowl. In a larger bowl, beat together eggs, butter, oil and sugar. Blend the dry ingredients into this.
Mash about half of the mango and roughly dice the remainder. You want a mix of soft mango and decent chunks. Fold the coconut, nuts and all the mango into the bread batter.
Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for about ten minutes. Turn gently onto baking racks and let cool completely.

What is a Peer Ed in Flex

These two wonderful women live in 46 and are here for anything we need. i'm so excited that we have both of them and their hearts, this year is going to be a great one! Thanks for your dedication girls!

Our role in flex: basically to serve you and be there for you. We are sort of like an in-dorm counselor. If you ever need to talk about anything and maybe want an un-bias opinion that a close friend can’t provide, we are here. We are also a bridge to the Wellness Center and are able to inform you about what they provide or direct you to them. If you ever want counseling of any kind, need to see a doctor or nurse, come down with a really bad sickness and need medication, want a massage, or just need a band aid, we can help direct you. Peer Educators are also there to inform you about more serious issues—anything from alcohol abuse to cancer. We have a Wellness booth every Wednesday at lunch in the caf where we educate on a different topic each week. However, we are aware that most of you ladies like to cook in your own kitchens and don’t make it to the caf every Wednesday. So, we will also be putting on various seminars throughout the year to openly talk about a variety of topics. You should try to attend; they are usually pretty informative and interesting. Well, we look forward to being available for you, and we wish you a happy school year!

Meet Gabby (46A)


Hi girls. I'm Gabby Sanchez and I'm one of the peer eds for flex. I'm a junior Graphic Design major and live in 46 A and would love for you to stop by and say hi. If you guys ever need anything/information/advice/etc or just need to talk something out please stop by. I'm looking forward to getting to know you girls!
love, gabby

Meet Michelle (46H)

My name is Michelle Lomelino and I am one of your Flex Peer Educators! I am from Vista, CA (about 40 minutes north) and I now live in apartment 46H! Oh yay! I am a junior psychology major here at Point Loma and am enjoying the growing experience I am having. I also am the student representative of the psychology honors society (Phi Chi) here on campus, lead a psychology small group for the new little freshies, work 10 hours a week at the front desk in the admissions office on campus, and volunteer in my church’s nursery. Hmmm what else about me…I am engaged as of June 8th! Woop! Woop! You can check my fiancĂ© and me out on the web at: michelle-and-erik.com. Ok, I’m lame! Anyway, I ‘m super busy this year but I’m looking forward to serving all you girls! I love to listen, share, cry, pray, whatever you need…I’m here for you! Feel free to stop by my apartment anytime, or for better luck of reaching me, call me: 760-805-4931. I’m here for you!