I planted garlic 2 1/2 weeks ago:

These are all the cloves that came from one organic garlic I bought at the supermarket.

Aaand...

..they're sprouting !!

I planted ten but only nine came up.  Given that this area doesn't get sun, and that I didn't amend the soil (compost/manure) in any way, it's still exciting

I worked on a farm for two weeks in September and really enjoyed my time there.  I came back and there was just this pleasure taken in going to sleep early and waking up early.  I "dug" potatoes, planted seeds, and harvested so many vegetables.  The farm schedule was basically, harvest, harvest, pack for CSA and online orders, work on hoophouse, farmers market on Saturday, repeat... a seven day workweek!  It really makes me think about where my food is coming from and ties into my environmental inclinations.

Making soilblocks

I am loving Fall so much this year.  There's just something, a memory stirred perhaps, that brings a sense of peace.  From pumpkin pie, to working in the kitchen, to beautiful Christmas decorations out on shelves in Rite Aid.. 

Stuffed mushrooms

Cornbread

Bran muffins

Okay.. I reallly want to keep going with the photo posts but i guess it can't be strictly a photo post blog, coz I feel words pouring out of me....  so i started work almost four weeks ago and it's been good.  it was funny coz i got a call to do a phone interview for my "dream" job before this job offer was finalized.  and it SO tough making the decision - i mean, shouldn't i grow a backbone and decide what i want to do with my life.  but asking myself "should i do what is right or do what i want?" really didn't get me anywhere.  i ended up changing the question... moving the focus off of me.. and objectivity regained, it was easier to know which was the right choice.

i help with logistics and they do import for lighting fixtures.  i'm curious about my job title, because i still don't know it yet  xT  but basically it's a lot of spreadsheets, numbers, and emails.  it's not something i've always dreamed of doing, but i don't come home feeling like the life is drained out of me every day.  (seriously, my soul was like.. sucked out of me.  deatheaters at my last job.  and no way of conjuring up a patronus because i never went to hogwarts.  sad face.)

yeah, the good part about this job is... 1) practice driving highway, 2) watching FRIENDS during lunch.. and 3) the people; social awkwardness aside (mine).  the bad part?  well, sometimes i get out a little late.. my hours in general are longer, but travel time is decreased so it ends up being the same amount.  and maybe other stuff, but i'm mostly thankful. :]

My job is like depression status.  The fact that I have to go to work tomorrow hangs over my head.  I am planning on quitting my job.  I was reading C.S. Lewis, who wrote about the difference between a straight tribulation and a tribulation which advertises itself as pleasure.  I feel like even my high school was better than now - everyone commiserated about their homework load and lack of sleep.  At this job, everyone's selfish attitudes is the norm.  My indignation and inability to speak up for myself (until late) turn into bitterness and resentment.  Those who are above the fray or can remain unaffected, do so, by choice or by fortune.  Another, seeing this as a stable, easy job, looks at me curiously, then with disapproval, and finally with disgust (or so I imagine).  Finally, it's not just the unhappiness I have to deal with, but also with being misunderstood.

I've been trying to write a cover letter/resume for the better part of the day.  I've been over thinking and writing so many drafts that my head spins.  The closer it gets to the end of the day, the more anxious I am to be done - but of course, that is counterproductive.

Going to work is like living in a world of "YP, your problem, not MP, my problem."  I think a larger company is a better fit for me because there are standards and procedures in place that help those who do their work (merit-based) instead of those who speak the loudest or demand the most attention (subjective).  I'm sorry for the miserable post, guys!  I think the most important thing for me is when I rediscover I have hope (like I did right now, halfway through this post).  This job gave me a more concrete sense of self; to stand up for yourself, you gotta know who you are.  Not coincidentally, it also taught me to speak up because "just showing up" isn't enough.. even if you produce good work or don't mind observing from the sidelines.

Blueberry cheesecake.

I made this about a month ago for my dad's bday.

I was kinda craving tacos like the ones from my high school cafeteria.  Not only were those tacos inauthentic, they were also... well, cafeteria food.  I was hungry and short on time back then, so to me they weren't bad.  Don't worry, I'm always ready for some carne asada and ice cold Coke

Ingredients list: banana, blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, bit of kiwi, soymilk, orange juice

Highlights

-My dad and I spent his birthday in "emergency mode," filling up sandbags (in the rain!) to help a neighbor whose backyard was flooding.  The streets were so flooded where we lived that if it had kept up through the night we would've had to row boats to get to work.

-I pre-ordered a CD for the first time: Kina Grannis' Stairwells.  I would describe her by saying, "she inspires you to be more than your feelings of inadequacy."  Whether you get that or it even makes sense, it's okay

-My mom was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the neck and radiculopathy (pinched nerve) that gives her pain and numbness mostly in her back shoulder area and left arm.  It is treated with medication and physical therapy.  Her medication has been giving her limited relief, but the PT appt. is coming up on Tuesday.  Here's to hoping for a full and speedy recovery 

-My parents have decided to stay in California. =)

Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve

I went on a bird walk with the Audubon Society.  I thought birdwatching meant being really quiet and trying to spot the rare bird.  Instead, we saw more birds than I expected (and it wasn't quiet, hehe).

From egrets,

to red-winged blackbirds,

to cormorants nesting in trees.

The essentials were the binoculars and possibly a do-it-yourself guide, or some way to identify the different species.  I was surprised at the detail in colors and patterns.  Otherwise, without binoculars, birds usually look like black specks or move too fast for me to identify. ¤

February was a whirlwind.  It's the month where everything's just happening.. and now March is my month to breathe =)