Thespian Thursday

So this has little to do with thespians, and more to do with movies. Actually, everything to do with movies, but I couldn't think of a movie term that rhymed with Thursday. And thus, thespians were brought into the picture.

But I digress...

This blog post is dedicated to movies we've seen recently and enjoyed. Or just good movies, in general :)

1) Freakonomics

This movie, based on a book, tells you all kids of things from social taboos, to real estate advice. We found it most interesting, and I can't wait to read the book!

2) Catch Me If You Can

My future husband, I mean, um, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abignale, Jr., a runaway that strings along the FBI has he pretends to be a pilot, doctor, and lawyer. This isn't new, just one we recently watched again, and it's based on a true story!

3) The U.S. vs. John Lennon

If you are interested in the revolution of the 60s or just a John Lennon fan, this is a documentary for you! I watched it a couple of years ago, but I think I'm going to order it for Matt to watch. He'd love it! It's about John Lennon and his involvement in the antiwar movement. LOVE!

4) Despicable Me

Freaking precious! It reminds me a lot of Monsters, Inc. Mr. Gru, a villain played by Steve Carrel, adopts three orphans in an attempt to steal a shrink ray so he can steal the moon. My favorite character is Agnus. Matt things she is me in cartoon form.

5) JFK

This is my all time favorite film. I watched this my freshman year of college, and it lead to an awakening. This movie follows New Orleans DA Jim Garrison as he tackles the Warren Commission and searches for the truth behind the murder of my favorite president, John F. Kennedy. It is the 5th most controversial film ever made, and started my love for the search for truth. Directed by one of my favorites, Oliver Stone, and the most amazing actor of all time (in my opinion, ha), Kevin Costner, this movie has you thinking.

And I must add one more, making it a total of 6 movies you must watch in the next week :)

6) W.

Again, Oliver Stone. Sprinkle in the talent of Josh Brolin with a dash of a controversial administration, and you have success!! I'm not going to lie, it's pretty Hollywood. But I honestly wasn't a big George Bush fan before I watched this (surprise!!). Now I want to sit down and have a drink with the guy (rum and sprite for me, O'Doul's for him).
This movie plays on the controversy surrounding his presidency, but also shows the background of his college years and such. And this movie made me fall in love with Laura Bush!! Did you know she was a Democrat when she first met "Jr."? This is one of Matt's favorites, and I find it quite interesting, as well. Regardless of your political persuasion, I think you'll like it.

The Power of Now

Yesterday I got lost for a little over an hour in the middle of Germany. Usually, around 10 minutes lost, I freak out, call Matt, and possibly let a few (ok, many) tears loose. This time was different. Which is strange, because I was in a foreign country of all places, and one of the missed turns landed me in a Humvee convoy. I was then directed in German to the place I was trying to go, at least that's what I think he was saying.

My point, I could have done some serious freaking out but I didn't. Remaining inexplicably calm under pressure is not one of my strengths, so I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing.

I think a few things have contributed to this inner peace. Perhaps I'm maturing and finally listening to Matt's advice :) I think it is a little bit of that, along with recent inspirations I've been reading.

One great book, is called "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. He talks about living in the present moment, one step at a time. It has done wonders for me! (Thank you to my beautiful Auntie Beth, for introducing me to this and so many other fulfilling books)

And then there's Deepak Chopra. Gosh I love him! He has so many books, but I find his blog (http://www.chopra.com/articles/) especially inspiring. I want to read his books on Jesus, Mohammad and Buddha.

Which brings to back to Buddha. If I'm having a stressful day, all it takes is reading a few of his proverbs (then listening to a little U2), and I am at peace again. I think what I find so interesting about Buddha, is that he is completely mortal. No divinity, just like you and me. He goes through myriad trials, just like the rest of us, and chooses paths on his own. This very human man learns from his mistakes, as well as his achievements, and just lays it all out there for us to take as a reference. It's just so...real.

From this, we all learn we have the power within ourselves to change our circumstances. As Buddha said, "Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others". And that speaks volumes to me.

I feel like too often, we feel we must embrace one religion or thought process. By doing that we may, for example, pray that God, or to whomever you pray, "grant me the serenity" or "bring me wealth". Perhaps we should look inside ourselves for the serenity instead of asking for it, and work to bring ourselves wealth.

This is not at all saying that there is not a higher power. That is each individual's belief, and I don't believe that what I'm saying disputes that. I feel like I'm getting really deep here, and I apologize if that turns you off. I just want to share what I'm experiencing.

I just have witnessed many religious people praying their hearts out for peace and understanding, when it's within them. There are so many unhappy people praying to God to fix their lives, but all they really have to do is say, "Hey, today's going to be better than yesterday, and this is how I'm going to make sure of it". Then, when you find peace it's like Oprah's "Aha moment", and you realize you did it all by yourself :)

Anywho, that's it for me today. I just felt the need to share my revelations of late. And with that, I want to share a few of my favorite words of inspiration:

"We are what we think.
All that we are arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts we make the world."
Buddha

Dedicated to my friends, that fill my soul with smiles every day:
"Do not look for bad company
Or live with men who do not care.
...Find friends who love the truth.
Drink deeply.
Live in serenity and joy."
Buddha

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Jesus Christ

"The greatest impurity is ignorance.
Free yourself from it.
Be pure."
Buddha

For days when I feel like a loser:
"Our failures are stepping-stones in the mechanics of creation, bringing us ever closer to our goals."
Deepak Chopra

"With good will for the entire cosmos, cultivate a limitless heart: Above, below, and all around, unobstructed, without hostility or hate."
Buddha

Have a most beautiful and blessed day :)

First Night at the Waltons'

Yesterday we left our humble abode and ventured out to Vilseck. Vilseck is on the Eastern side of Germany, while we're from the West. It is home to many people, but our favorite residents are Emily and TJ Walton.

Upon our arrival, we decided to take the pups (they have a precious hound named Bailey) on a walk. Bailey, who is just seven months old, got a little frisky and ran out onto a frozen, but melting, pond. It's safe to said Emily and I almost suffered a heart attack. I was picturing the worst, and had my hand on Matt's back in case I had to push him in to save the pup.

Bailey finally skated it back to safety, and she and Matt later hugged it out:




If TJ were here, chances are, I would have no business in his kitchen. But because he's on a fabulous exotic vacation, I was allowed to prepare eggplant Parmesan. Yum! Here is a picture of Emily and I enjoying a nice glass of wine during it's preparation:








Matt preferred to drink TJ's beer, while waiving an obscene hand gesture. Nice touch, dear.

Oh, and we can't forget this, the hound pup's namesake:





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Our first BALL!

Matt and I attended our first military ball together last night. I usually laugh uncontrollably in socially awkward situations, but I kept it together this time :) Formalities are also another thing that I find hysterical, however, I found the ball reminded me a lot of my grandfather, Daddy Joe.

Daddy Joe died the end of my Junior year of high school, and he was such an inspiration to me. He was a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force and taught me so much about history, especially about the World Wars. We watched the History Channel before it was cool, he taught me how to shoot a BB gun by setting up a Diet Coke can in front of Dot Dot's shed (which I destroyed with tiny BB holes). Daddy Joe also took me on a tour one day, one of the most memorable days of my childhood, to an Air Force Museum where I learned about the Army Air Corps and it's evolution into the modern day AF.

It was there that he explained to me the POW table that is set at balls to remember soldiers that never returned from war.

Well, last night, I saw that table. As they were explaining it, I remembered Daddy Joe's voice, and he and Dot Dot's stories of the balls they attended. It was a very emotional and exciting night for me, and I know Daddy Joe was looking down on me, smiling, and so proud of Matt and me :)

And we were rather dapper and dashing. I know, we clean up nice. See for yourself:

Matt and me

SGT Killian and his beautiful wife, Jackie

Jackie and me

Matthew, me, Abby, and Ben!

These are a few of my favorite things

So you know how Oprah always does a list of her favorite things? Well, I figured I'd do the same, especially since my friends Sarah and Kelsey have been blogging about their favorite things :)

1) Kitchenaid Mixer




Ummmmm, where do I start? This thing is glorious. Oh the baked goods we've concocted together, the whole wheat pizza dough. I'm so glad she's finally back in my life after a long boat ride from Virginia!

2) Fresh Ground Pepper and Sea Salt:




I absolutely refuse to use anything else! If it isn't ground in my mills, I won't use it. The flavor is 100 times better, and sea salt is so much healthier! Maybe I'm a snob, but iodized salt is not allowed in my house.

3) Fresh Veggies, specifically avocados and sweet potatoes:








I love these things! We go through at least two avocados and three sweet potatoes at our house every week. I could eat avocados like an apples! They are so buttery and rich. And sweet potatoes are one of the top super foods! We make sweet potato fries at least once a week, and I eat one potato for a quick and easy dinner. So filling and very nutritious!

4) Honey! Or as we say in Germany, Honig:




I simply could not live without it. And to think, I used to put sugar in my tea?!?! Honey has medicinal qualities, but I like it because it's just downright delightful! And never skimp on honey, especially if you suffer from allergies. Buying local honey helps out the farmers in your area, and eases your sniffles because you're ingesting small amounts of the pollen, ragweed, etc around you!

5) Buddha:




Regardless of your religious background, pick up a book on Buddha. Reading about this very mortal man and his trials while seeking spiritual peace is such an inspiration. I feel everyone can relate to Buddha, and his peaceful teachings. We have our foyer (aka Zen Central) decked out with Buddha and inspirational art. Which leads to my next favorite thing...

6) Feng Shui:




Now I'm not one of those who believes that by putting a purple candle in the room closest to the sunset will bear you a son, or any shiza like that. But I do believe that the different things you have in your home, and where you place them, has a profound effect on your every day life. That's why we have pictures of family and friends through out our home, as well as many candles and inspirational art. This cultivates positive energy, and helps us live our best life!

7) Sir Pookie Bookie, aka Patton:




This little fellar is everything to me! He offers unconditional love and affection and helps Matt and I to stay playful. Patton has also been a huge inspiration in becoming a vegan. After looking into the eyes of animals, all I see is Patton. And it makes me want to create the best world and environment for him to be a part of. Gersh, I love him!

8) Intuition Razors:




Wanna shave your legs in half the time with half the green? Get an intuition razor. Enough said.

9) Morrocan Oil:




I have the most unruly hair on the planet. I've been using ethnic hair care products for years, since a girlfriend did my hair in middle school. It seemed that was the only thing that worked. But now I've found Morrocan Oil, and it tames my mane. Love it!

10) Neutrogena Hand Cream:




My hands have gone into 90 year old woman mode since we've moved. I asked my dad to send Corn Huskers lotion, but he said they've stopped making it, and sent this instead. It is phenomenal! Everyone should have this in their purse for the winter.

Well, I hope you all have a Fantastic Friday!

Cheers!

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Cherry Garcia Cupcakes

So this may sound extremely lame, but every once and a while I wake up in the middle of the night with a great idea for a recipe. This idea happened a while ago, but I'm just now acting on it. Excuse the boxed cake mix again. I use it as a base experiment, and then transform it into a homemade delight :)

So one of my favorite foods in the world is chocolate covered cherries. And Cherry Garcia ice cream by Ben and Jerry's. I took the following ingredients and combined them:





To look like this:





I haven't decided how to ice them yet. I'm thinking ganache.

Then we made okra and tomato stew for dinner. It is unbelievably filling!





We've been having trouble with our phone, so we got a new one. Matt has been cursing it for the last ten minutes because, god forbid, the instructions aren't in English. Well DUH! Last time I checked we are in a foreign country. I have a greater appreciation for people living in countries not knowing the native language.

I simply suggested that Matt plug the cords into the wall, and would you believe, it works just like the standard American phone?!? Here is Matt testing, and proving, my hypothesis:




Our awesome graffiti table is the makeshift phone prop for now. But Buddha told me today that the rings are messing with his chi. Funny, same thing happens with me. We should remedy that.

And of course, I must share this perfect photo of Sir Sugar Puff.






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Asian Tee Haus

This week we are trying several new recipes!! I'm so excited. Last night it was Asian. We made a nice little stir fry with rice noodles. Yumsies!



Afterwards I enjoyed my nightly ritual, a cup of tea (green, in honor of Asian night).

Tea has become my most favorite treat! It substitutes as dessert and warms ya up! Though my absolute favorite tea isn't available here, I did find a little Tee Haus downtown that has helped me branch out.



Digestive and Green teas along with a spicy Apple Cider by Bigelow.




Fruit and Honeybush teas from the Tee Haus. And don't forget a lot of honig!

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