Food Frenzy: Korean Beef Over Rice

(Wrote Wednesday, September 21st)

I'm not quite sure how I'm functioning today- or whether I actually slept last night. All I recall is a vivid montage of thoughts, and images, and faces I didn't want to play in my head, yet they were there all the same. They were in crisp hues of different variations of blue, red, and yellow, and I couldn't for the life of me turn them off. It was as if the video player was on the fritz, and that one scene kept playing in loops and somersaults across my brain.

And what's most unfortunate is that this isn't the first time. I've gone days and weeks without proper sleep. I've slept- sure- yet not that restful sleep many people receive on a daily basis and I restlessly dream of.

I've counted so many sheep, that I'm sick of sheep. I saw, and counted 243 last night. I lost interest in their personal lives by 150. Sheep number 123, named Arnold, was my favorite. He held the promise of sleep. That is until sheep number 124, named Dave. Dave is no longer welcome in my nightly ritual. Sheep, in general, are no longer allowed.

After the sheep proved to be a mere waste of wool, I tried to clear my mind.

Silly me.

To think

I

Could

Stop

THINKING!

And to think I had to get up and be a human in a couple hours.

So, after a day filled with Intermediate Algebra, hormonal high school students, and no time for coffee, I came home on an empty stomach. The thought of grocery shopping was enough to make me audibly groan. It appeared to be another "egg sandwich" evening for me. The thought was depressing despite the rumbling in my stomach for any kind of edible substance.

I needed something better, despite my lack of energy and well stocked food- which brings me to

KOREAN BEEF OVER RICE.

Perhaps one of the greatest recipes I've stumbled upon, it's versatile, delicious, and most importantly- EASY and FAST! This meal is the perfect answer for a quick, low stress dinner so you can serve the masses. Yet don't take my word for it- try it for yourself.

KOREAN BEEF OVER RICE

Ingredients:
Rice-
1 cup dry white rice (I use Jasmine)
1/4 minced white onion
1 tsp minced garlic
Oil
Salt
Beef-
Salt/ Pepper
Oil
1/4 minced white onion
1 tsp minced garlic
1 lb ground beef
Sauce-
1/4 cup Soy Sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar (stupid me only had granulated, and guess what! It works also!)
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp oil (Olive, vegetable, or sesame work)
Optional-
Sesame seeds
Red- pepper flakes

Instruction:

1. Set a medium size sauce pan on stove, and turn the heat to medium/ high. Coat the bottom of the pan with oil (vegetable or olive is acceptable).
2. Add your minced onion and a sprinkle of salt. Stir the onion a few times to coat in oil and allow to cook for a few minutes. The salt will begin bringing the water out of the onion, causing it to turn translucent.
3. Add your minced garlic and stir continuously. GARLIC BURNS EASILY! Keep your eye on it, and cook until fragrant.
4. Time for the rice to be added. Stir into the onion and garlic mixture and allow to toast for 3 minutes, or until the rice starts smelling nutty.
5. Add your liquid. This may vary depending on your choice of rice. I poured in 2 cups. Turn the heat to HIGH, and wait for boil. Once at a boil, cover with lid, and set heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes. (Unless your type of rice says otherwise...)
6. Ready a medium size skillet, heating up at MED/ HIGH, a coat of oil at the bottom. Once warmed up add your other 1/4 cup of onion and garlic. Add sprinkle of salt and pepper. (Careful with the salt, you are adding soy sauce later!)
7. Allow to cook until garlic is fragrant and onion is translucent.
8. "Where's the beef?" Well, it should be in your pan with the already cooked garlic and onion. Cook until the beef is well...cooked...no longer pink...no longer resembling brains...(Sorry guys).
9. While the beef is cooking, assemble your sauce. Add all your ingredients to a bowl, whisk to combine, and set aside.
10. Once beef is completely cooked drain excess oil. Pour your sauce over the meet, and stir to combine. Allow to simmer about 3-4 minutes, then turn off heat.
11. By now the rice should be ready. Turn off heat, lift up the lid, receive a steam facial, and continue to fluff the rice with a fork.
12. And well...now you eat it. And that's...that. I prefer a bowl, with the rice first, beef over that, and some sesame seeds, but it's your life...
13. Shove in face whole.
14. Was that repetitive?
15. Take nap.
16 Eat leftovers after said nap.

Well everyone, I sure hope this turns out well for you. And if you would enjoy a visual, the video is below. (And no, I did not cook Scout...as the rumors are saying...)
(But who knows, she scratched me today, anything could happen now.)

Happy Reading!

Happy Eating!

Hooked on Books: "The Jane Austen Book Club"

Jane Austen saved my life.

I met Jane Austen at the book store. She was gleaming from the florescent lights that glared harshly from above. I knew not who she was, or who she would become to me, yet I knew she was someone important. I found her squished next to the name Shakespeare, who I knew, and Bronte (with a last name like that I figured they must be important). I hesitantly picked up Jane, liking the feel of her I kept her close and carried her under my arm all the way home.

From that day forward we have been the best of friends.

Everyone knows a Jane Austen, yet never the same one.

Jane Austen has been a friend to some, a mother to a few, a guidance counselor to many, and a savior- just to list a few.

I read Pride and Prejudice at the tender age of 14, read it again a couple months later, and have read it once a year since.

When I met Jane for the first time I was coming off a depressing year, that would be another couple depressing months. I’m sure most people remember that age, the tough ache of growing up. Growing up was very difficult for me, as in I never saw the advantages. While my peers whined about not being able to drive, or being too young for relationships, or suffered from lack of independence, I yearned for the things of my childhood. It’s a tough thing to navigate, being on the edge of adulthood while still a child.

Being an adult scared the living crap out of me. Forgive my French, yet I saw no good in it. I was scared of it all- driving, possibility of marriage, moving out, independence, etc. Being an only child I was significantly closer to my parents than to my peers, as they were my best friends and who I was around 24/7. This was another factor, in that I never wished to be parted from them, not for a second. They were my safety.

Yet I had another safety- books. Books were my friends. I surrounded myself with as many fictional worlds as I could find, to escape the nonfictional world right outside my window. Oh how I loved the adventures we would go on, and the stories I cooked up inside my little room. This was my happiness. While my peers spent time with each other, I spent time with my books. I was never lonely.

That is, until the age of 13.

There comes a time in everyone’s life where they start to realize- everything! You begin to be self-aware, and aware of the world, and the people in your world and it’s rather frightening.

So, I began realizing just how different I was from everyone else. The friends that I thought I had, though they be few, left. And the person I thought I was, was no longer good enough anymore. Sure, this self-doubt crept in far earlier than 13, yet now it was enhanced. No longer did I push these thoughts away, but listened and searched out.

No longer was the love of my parents convincing enough. I had convinced myself that I was unlovable, abnormal, and waste of space on this earth.

This continued for quite some time. I denied myself happiness, friendships, and love.

Yet through this time I delved into my books. They provided escape, the white noise to drown out the ever pressing flow of thoughts, that was much needed.

It was a hot summer day, my parents knew not what to do, yet they did know the joy that was brought from a new book. So, we went to the local book store.

I had already read everything.

Just as I was about to throw in the towel, call this trip a wash, did I make eyes with a black cover that would change my life.

I read Pride and Prejudice in two days, then again in a week. I felt like I had found home. I felt like I belonged somewhere, and that somewhere was in the pages of this brilliant novel. I wanted to be Elizabeth Bennet, friends with Elizabeth Bennet, sisters with Elizabeth Bennet. I spent weeks, then months researching the Victorian era and obsessing and dreaming about living in such a world of finery. I read every single one of Jane Austen’s novels- even the unfinished one. And I can’t explain, but I’ll try my best-

Jane Austen gave me back my life, when growing up I was ashamed by how odd I was. I never felt like I belonged. I had a cynical view of love, even at such a young age. The modern world made me angry. People no longer had manners, sent love letters, simply talked to each other in a drawing room. No longer do women wear dresses when reading or lying about the house. I so longed to live in such a place as this yet soon realized how futile it was to yearn for such things so far out of my reach.

So, what did I decide to do?

Build a time machine!

No.

I built myself. I became the person I wanted so badly to be, yet no longer did I feel the timidity of it. Jane showed me a world so unlike my own- so beautiful and elegant and proper. I found myself in the pages of her books, in Elizabeth Bennet and Fanny Price and even in Mr. Darcy.

I learned the value of friendship, and of love. My romantic was brought to the surface in each and every novel. And I found my passion- writing.

Jane Austen saved me from becoming someone I wasn’t.

Which, finally brings me to the book- “The Jane Austen Book Club”.

Yes, it’s been out for quite some time, and yes you have probably already read it- or even watched the movie. Yet, I wanted to call this book to attention to stress the importance of loving your favorite books and favorite authors. Whereas a book might merely be black ink on white pages to one person, it’s a person to another, and adventure, a good night’s sleep.

“Book Club” follows the lives of 5 women and one man through a span of 6 months and it gets interesting! Jane Austen’s novels have a way of meaning something different to every person, and bringing out something different in everyone as well. Jane was eloquent in writing about the concepts of humans, our desires and dreams and secrets.

I highly recommend this novel for any Jane Austenites, and truly for any literature lover. It’s full of different perspectives and ideas, yet truly if you love Jane as much as I do then this will be a treat and a quiz on your knowledge of anything Austen.

On another note, if you’ve never read Austen, ask yourself why! Then no matter the answer, do it! Do it now! Do it for Mr. Darcy, if not for me!

And as always,

Even though I was a little threatening…

Happy Reading!

Hooked On Books: Slaughterhouse Five

Slaughterhouse Five has been on my bookshelf for several years, as is the case for many of my books. I am constantly adopting books, and collecting books, and attaining more and more and more and more books. It's a comfort to be surrounded by so many lives and stories. It's also a comfort, a relief in fact, to be able to escape real life in a mere instant.

Kurt Vonnegut's novels have been peaking my interest as of late. Travel to any well known bookstore and you'll be met with a plethora of colorful spines and whimsical titles, all with the name Vonnegut. (I'm a sucker for a good spine.)

Slaughterhouse Five is an episode of Doctor Who. Time is relative, not a straight line but a continuous mass of bursts and explosions. So to begin, this novel is not chronological. Rather, Vonnegut structured Billy Pilgrim's narrative with frequent jumps through time and space.

Billy Pilgrim is an alien abductee, a soldier in World War II, an optometrist, a prisoner of war, a father, husband, and son. "And so it goes." And it went on and on and on for Billy Pilgrim. Life never stops, have you ever noticed that? Have you ever noticed that amid happiness, tragedy, desperation, and contentment life goes on? And as it goes on, quickly and forebodingly, we have to run to catch up. We have to search for time to understand, to accept, to explain away, or to comply with the human condition.

I found this novel very human, which is a weird way to explain anything- especially something hailed for its science fiction. If anything I should have found a very alien novel. Rather the perspective from which Vonnegut writes is that of a very human nature. He seems to pick apart everything that builds the human race- even the less than favorable qualities.

There are many opinions floating around this novel- as is common with many critically acclaimed novels. (Rather, which is common with Vonnegut in general.) Is it an anti-war novel? Is it really about aliens? An old man's decent into lunacy? Is it about death? Life? Love? Hate? What is it?
For me it was all of the above.

Billy Pilgrim has been drafted into the war, has been abducted by an alien race- the Tralfamadorians, is getting married, going to optometry school, and dying all at once. 'Billy Pilgrim has come unstuck in time.'  Each and every traumatic moment of Billy's life is constantly happening, every day, every minute, and in every second- or so the Tralfamadorians have explained.

And amid the trauma there is Dresden, there is a Slaughterhouse, and there is a war.

The basis for this novel is completely for your own interpretation. It bonds the reader and the writer; and it bonded me with Billy Pilgrim. So it's not in my realm of capability to tell you what you will experience while reading this book, rather I will try to express what I found while scrolling my eyes up and down its pages.

World War II is on the rise, and Billy Pilgrim has become the most unlikely protagonist. He seems to have the characteristics more common with secondary characters, i.e weak, unpopular, thin as a rake, no real motivation. Soon he learns of the power he has, that of which he has no real control over, being a time traveler. He begins experiencing his life through snippets- like memories you have while falling asleep. Yet the kicker is his first alien abduction. During these abductions he is given the insight to rethink the human condition- namely death.

Death is a common motif found in this novel. A very nonchalant view is given right from the very start, namely in the form of "So it goes". Meaning: "And life goes on." Yet to the Tralfamadorians it literally does "go on". As stated before, time is of relative nature and so is death. To a Tralfamadorian, rather than viewing death as an end, it's a mere puzzle piece to an endless puzzle. Rather than time being an absolute, straight line it resembles the stars- scattered yet constant.

"All moments, past, present, and future, always have existed, always will exist."

I loved this book. I devoured this book. I praised this book. And I found purpose in this book. Books that hold this much magic and meaning are rare, and Slaughterhouse 5 holds a very special position on my bookshelf. I found myself taking pictures and scribbling notes of the beautiful phrases scattered throughout this novel.

And if you take the time to read it you will see what I mean, when I say it has multiple leanings and meanings.

Was it truly aliens giving a human perspective on inhumane people? Or is Billy Pilgrim suffering from a lifetime of war, pain, suffering, and madness? Can we ever become immune to death and its effects? And when we do relive the past, are those moments 'nice'?

"If I am going to spend eternity visiting this moment and that, I'm grateful that so many of those moments are nice."

As always you can find links, to purchase any one of the books mentioned on this blog-to the right.

Give Vonnegut a chance to change your life.

“There is no beginning, no middle, no end, no suspense, no moral, no causes, no effects. What we love in our books are the depths of many marvelous moments seen all at one time.”

Happy Reading.

Destination: You Can Take the Girl Out of Kansas...

But you can't take the paranoid, anxiety ridden, introversion out of the girl.

New York should be my worst nightmare, and in fact it was for quite some time. It bewildered me! The thought of an upwards of 19 million people living, and comingling with one another in such a small place was fact enough for me to stay far far away. I occasionally grow overwhelmed in Wichita traffic, let alone the traffic I only imagined in NYC.

I pictured a colony of ants, piling on top of one another, toppling and squirming over other ants, fighting for survival, survival of the fittest. So obviously, my view of New York was less than favorable, in that I no longer pictured human beings, rather mere instinctual insects with phenomenal building skills.

So, I'm sure you're wondering how I survived such a trip, and if it's possible for you to do the same.
Here's some advice, from the expert, from the girl who lived to tell the tale.

Navigating New York With Kansas Mentality

1.    NYC is only a small portion of the state. It’s called New York CITY for a reason, I suppose. The expectation was 5^th Avenue, upon 5^th Avenue, upon 5^th Avenue. The reality was much more peaceful, and quaint. Away from the bright lights, and skyscrapers is a very beautiful and picturesque state. So get out of New York City!

2.    My group learned this the hard way- Don’t Drive! If you think it’s a good idea, I’m here to tell you it’s not. I will say though that if you have a large family, then yes by all means pack them all up and just drive. Yet don’t drive in the city, please. I’ve grown angry at the movie industry for the poor portrayal of NYC parking. Subways are good, buses (in my fair opinion) were even better. Also, we have these things called legs, and feet. They work wonders.

3.     When traveling with kids you will learn that the word “bored” can be said an upwards of twenty thousand times a minute. (True statistics, I promise!) So be prepared for a lot of hyper tiny people making grabs for your phone. I would suggest preparation in the form of ANYTHING! Ipads with Netflix, notebooks and crayons, a Gameboy (do those still exist?), etc. Busy children = quiet children.

4.     Another thing with kids is that their walking window is very small, in that they tire out very quickly or grow uninterested very quickly. Have the mentality that allows for breaks, and frequent rest stops. Also, keep them engaged on the journey. When they have something to look forward to, or a destination of their choice they’ll walk a lot quicker, I assure you. (I suggest the LEGO store. That got me going too!)

5.      YELP will become your best friend. For those of you living under a rock, YELP is an app you can easily download on your phone and will save you many terrible dining experiences. Granted, sometimes it’s unreliable. For instance, Taco Bell was given 4 ½ stars out of 5. Yet don’t let this discourage you! Go for cheap, have no fear, don’t judge a restaurant by its sign, and always check the chicken before you eat it.

6.  You will want to stare, believe me! The city is full of every walk of life, full of every sort of person, hairstyle, outfit, everything. Don’t be alarmed. To prevent unattractive staring, much like a tourist, simply take a quick peak followed by aloof deadpan glances at the ground. The few New Yorkers I observed were absolute pros at it.

7.  As stated in Tip #1, NYC isn’t all there is to see. There are many little towns, sans Stars Hollow, that are just waiting to be explored. I felt as ease strolling down the windy roads, high up in the mountains, exploring the many bookstores and antique shops along my way. Warwick, Pine Bush, and Gardiner are three whimsical towns that would warrant an unexpected stop.

8.  While seeing a show on Broadway keep in mind that if you’re wearing a suit, dress, or any such finery you will be extremely overdressed. (This tip was inspired by Mr. Jurassic Park t-shirt. Sir, tucking in your shirt which happens to have a dinosaur on it does not make it any less casual. The Angel of Music is very strict!)  

9.  You won’t see a celebrity. You just won’t. They have some sort of secret transit system I’m certain they use. Yet you can convince yourself of otherwise. I’m still telling everyone I saw Jimmy Fallon, or at least a look alike.

10.  Go to the MET as early as you can for the full experience! And take many selfies with the statues, the guards just love it! And please don’t pay just a dollar, you look tacky and people will follow you around with shame-face the entire time.

11.  Central Park is for coffee and French macaroons. Let the kids run wild. Enjoy the live music. You deserve a break.

12.  When dealing with anxiety in the city know you’re not alone. You’re basically another sardine packed with all the other sardines just trying to cross the street. Take deep breathes, smell that hot trash, and thank your stars you don’t have to do this every day. Yet, while you’re there take it all in, plan on adventures, allow yourself to actually enjoy people because there’s gonna be a lot of them.

13.  And above all- don’t forget to tip the characters in Times Square. They want your money, and they will get it one way or another.

I suppose it wasn't until we were packed yet again to the brim with the open road ahead of us, and 21 hours of driving in our immediate future, that I really took time to reminisce. It was such a pleasant trip, more pleasant than I could've ever imagined, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Well, maybe in a few heartbeats, because I have a cat that needs some attention.

And now that I'm in Kansas again, home again, I hope to provide more posts in the near future. You know, that is if I'm not busy living the adventures and have time to write a few.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is, stay tuned!

Happy Reading.

Discovering Kansas: Cottonwood Falls

I've mentioned it before, in fact I've mentioned it at great length if you take a look back at my February 3rd post entitled Destination: I'm Running Away

To paraphrase- I revel in the feeling of escape. And that's in whatever kind I can get; that of a physical nature, (i.e literally running away), escaping into a brilliant novel, or escaping into the words of my own creation. At times I would give anything to just-not be here-to not be present. And sometimes I have to fight to keep staying in the moment, to keep still- whether in my body or in my mind.

This past weekend I was given the opportunity to "run away" and, with slight hesitation, I jumped for the opportunity to see different streets, different trees, different pastures. Do you ever notice how days start to blur together after awhile? Sadly, some people will live out their days in such a fog. I, though, have found that this monotonous pattern means I need to break the pattern.

It was such a pleasant surprise to find that a journey away could be a mere hour and a half distance.

Cottonwood Falls has a population of 874, and I believe I saw about 5 of those residents. And it was oddly refreshing. This tiny town appeared almost abandoned, save for the few cars we passed on the main streets, and the children playing good naturedly on their front lawns. The lights of the many Southern inspired homes, that lined the few blocks around the main square, were brightly lit yet free of any shadows of a human form.

I, at times, have a very bad opinion of the state of Kansas. I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. I've lived in the same house for nearly twenty years, fighting ever rumor of a possible move. It's become home, and I've grown accustomed to the monotony of every day life here. Yet catch me on a rough day, and I'll be rip roaring ready to pack up and fly far, far away.

It's a common thing, to take advantage of things we're used to. That's why we may treat our families the worst, complain about our possessions the most, and lose appreciation for the hometown we would relatively never think of leaving. It's these moments of weakness when we must reevaluate what we truly have.

So it's been my mission to "Rediscover" Kansas; to find the beauty I've been convinced it holds. So with this series of articles, I will be taking you all on my journey through the valleys of Kansas.

We left on a rainy Friday afternoon, just inching toward evening time, yet you would swear it was nighttime due to the dark thunderous clouds. Certainly not the best weather for travel; yet our excitement drove us through the bleak surroundings. And bleak, it certainly was not. As we drove I gazed out the window in admiration of my beautiful state. The green pastures gleamed next to the gray sky, creating a storybook feel to an otherwise typical day.

When arriving into Cottonwood Falls this feeling of comfort settled into my bones; this feeling warmed my otherwise chilly skin. I was pleasantly surprised at what I found, and it was like every quaint little town I've read or seen through moving pictures. I was instantly happy, a happy that I don't feel too often, a happy that can sigh in relief. I took a deep breath in of the crisp, rainy air and settled into a feeling that can only be described as alive.

I'm sure many are scoffing at my excitement. This is, after all, a very small town without the amenities of an even slightly bigger location. Essentially I was ecstatic to just see brick roads.

The place we stayed was a little string of cabin-like rooms that sat along the dam. I immediately found myself lounging on a concrete slab near the roar of the rushing water, book in hand- naturally. It was such a simple beauty, a simple sound yet it refreshed my otherwise anxious soul.

After my relaxation I spent most of my time
exploring the town, that is the courthouse square. This square was comprised of antique shops, gift shops, galleries, a bed and breakfast/ steak house, a wine company, and a few other miscellaneous buildings that led up to the historical courthouse.

I lived out a fantasy of mine, that is to ride my bike to an antique shop. Where this item on my bucket list came from, I don't know, most likely a book-anyways it was a magical feeling. 'Cottonwood Falls Collectables' was my wonderland. Ran by the quintessential grandma figure, Sandy Vick has created one of the most delightful stores with 50+ years of collecting. This eclectic little shop is worth a visit.

I could also stand to mention 'Fiber Factory Gift Shop' , ran by Carol Klamm. Here, she makes book marks, shawls, hats, and much more on 19th century looms, that of which are very present around the store. I was ready for a lesson!

And if I would have known that the wine company was not just a wine company, I can assure you I would have been there for every single one of my meals. I cannot express how blown away I was at this diner. And I'm not sure if 'diner' is the correct term, yet that was the feel. 'Keller Feed & Wine Company' has me craving their brunch, just thinking about it. They offer a galore of interesting, yet not threatening, meals. And I have the goal (yet another bucket list item) of working through their menu. If you are able to dine for brunch I highly suggest anything with their gravy, maybe even just a bowl of their gravy. Gravy soup? Stew? I don't know, it's your life...
And since it is your life, you can also enjoy any one of their 'Adult' milkshakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. Because this is Cottonwood Falls, and we view Cottonwood Falls much like Vegas- what happens there...well you get it.

I could go on about this place, and maybe I'm giddy merely because I was in need of an escape, yet regardless I plan on returning. And I feel like anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy city, or a busy life, or a busy mind would enjoy such a place as this.

While returning home I was met with a very sleepy kitty, and the comfort of my own bed. And I felt relief again. I let out a sigh in content that I was home, because although I like escaping I also like returning. Plus I can't go very long without my partner in crime- Scout. She was also eager for my return, meaning the promise of a new toy or more food. We've reached a consensus in our companionship- bribing for eternal love seems very reasonable.

So, as I sit and reminisce, I am reminded of how easy it is to refresh my system. I no longer need to go so long, suffering in the claustrophobia of my mind. Kansas is a place for adventures, I only need to find them.

Scout says I can't leave her again, though. I think I agree.

Happy Reading.

Happy Discovering.