Contrast

The wind is howling outside my window and the radiators are whistling and drumming merrily.  A duet, of sorts.

Snow Miracle

It snowed here. A lot.  I might write about Christmas holiday at some point, but now I am just so happy about this beautiful snow.  Here's something I wrote about our first, little snow last week, it still applies, perhaps more:

AHHHH snow is so pretty! Walking to the train this morning was a little bit thrilling. Neighbors out shoveling. Little doggies making tracks on the sidewalk. The ice on the river, covered in white, except for a few swirly patches here and there. The roofs of the buildings, white. The swings in the playground, people’s front steps. White. Also, I like that the snow kind of shakes everyone back to reality. Everything looks so different. The world looks so different, the same trees, cars, sidewalks, but somehow all brand new.

Snow found its way everywhere. 

Not even the birdhouse was spared.

Three in a row. 

Ice, ice, baby. 

Drippy.

The snow collected in a narrow cap along the top of the fence.  

Trees.  Branches. Snow.  Sky.

Snow barf on everything.

View from front porch.

I have a ton more where that came from, but those are just some highlights.

I woke up with a killer headache and called in to work saying I needed to go back to bed.  When I awoke for real and had something to eat and drink, I checked to make sure it was fine if I took a 'snow day' for myself.  I then proceeded to lounge around for awhile as snowy wind howled around the apartment.  After I had enough of coziness, I bundled up, went out on foot with my camera and my HP7 book, sat in a cafe for awhile, sipped some hot cider.

Bubs and I tried to go skating but it was closed because of THE WEATHER.  Silly.

So we found ourselves having Vietnamese and watching TRON: Legacy.  We both ended up pretty happy with that series of events.  Movie recommended if you're in the mood for a fun, action-y film with fun,  action-y soundtrack.  3D not required.


A song my mom used to sing.

It snowed last night, it snowed last night.
The sky bears had a pillow fight,
Tore up all the clouds in sight, tossed down all the feathers white.
Oh, it snowed last night, it snowed last night.

Strengths and Weaknesses

I had a dream this morning that I was discussing with two friends about whether it's better to spend your energy working on the things you're already good at, your natural strengths, or to work more on areas where you need improvement.  I believe the conclusion was that you should spend most of your energy working on the things which you enjoy and which come naturally to you and only work on the things that are difficult for you when they are limiting your happiness, relationships, and progress in the things you REALLY care about. 

I think that's actually pretty solid and wise, Dream Katie and Dream Friends.

Another Recipe

Made this tofu mash and broccoli last night, then I ended up eating it for breakfast and dinner as well.

I heated the following:

• 1 package tofu, drained and crumbled
• 1/2 onion chopped fine and mostly-cooked (in olive oil)
• 1/2 t turmeric
• 1 T soy sauce

in a skillet and added oregano, taragon, paprika, salt, and black pepper, to taste.  Also a bit more olive oil and a little water.  Then I lightly steamed some broccoli, added olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

I ate it with buttered wheat bread, but I imagine it could go well with some brown rice or something too.


I wrapped some of my presents and put them under the little tree in the living room.  Festive!  Time to go get something for the office yankee swap gift exchange tomorrow.   I feel like my blog posts are kind of dumb lately.

In case you were wondering...

...Starbucks does not make as good donuts as 7-Eleven. 

Today

Went to my friend's mom's Christmas concert at this unitarian church (where I attended nursery school, actually).  It was nice, the melodies were nice and the chords were nice.  The choir was beautiful. Music can touch that part inside of you where words cannot reach, where you know things matter and are good, even if you don't know how to describe it.

I'd been feeling tired and a little sick this morning, so I kind of didn't even want to do anything.  But I'm glad I went.

I haven't really been going to church, and I don't think it's a bad thing to not go, it is maybe what I need right now, but still, I miss things being so HOLY like that. I like Christmastime a lot.  It's one of my favorite holidays.  I like lights in the darkness, warmth in the cold, baking treats, spending time with loved ones, and I like that story of a tiny little baby who ended up leading a pretty big life.

They didn't sing this one, but I just like it.  Enjoy.