March? Did you happen?

Where the heck did March go? I got caught yesterday saying that February 20th was last week. If only. Looking back at my month of blogs is the only thing keeping me from dreaming of valentines...

Here are some tid-bits of how March went (for those, like I, who can't remember):

My baby sister escaped the country  and went to London. (Stories still to come, the slacking is on my end, not hers). 
The US passed some new exciting legislation here and here. Although I wouldn't mind escaping to Canada.
The World recognized days focused on Women, TB, and h20.
Read the book, This I Believe & fell head over heels in L-O-V-E. An entire post dedicated to this project is still to come, but I shared some wisdom on "being there" and "humdrum lives" in the meantime.
I ate some food and repeated.
Drum-roll please. March was super important because we all FILLED OUT OUR 2010 US CENSUS .

Au Revoir St. Patrick. Bonjour ... showers?

'hardly epic'

"In my humdrum life, the daily battle hasn't been good versus evil. It's hardly so epic. Most days, my real battle is doing good versus doing nothing."

-- Deirdre Sullivan, from This I Believe

grant me this.

No post today. I've volunteered to help write a grant  (it's been quite the learning experience). 

So what little of my brain that hasn't been consumed by a massive post-grad haze-over is being used to work on that. While you anxiously await my next blog-o-worldly-wisdom ;) here's an idea: fill out your 2010 Census. I know you have it. If you don't know why it's important - let me remind you. 

tb

Once again, it's a World Day - today's topic, TB (tuberculosis). 

Here are some interesting facts about TB in Minnesota...

Did you know: 

1. TB is actually still one of the most deadly diseases in the world today (killing nearly 2 million per year). Crazy huh? I guess most people forget about it, because with proper medical care and/or prevention it can be cured.
2. In 2008 there were 2 TB outbreaks in MN.
3. The MN Department of Health gives free TB treatment to any resident who needs it. 
4. For every person affected by TB, dozens more have the TB infection - of those, 1/10 will develop TB. 

How can all this be stopped? 1. Early diagnostics, 2. Complete Treatment (it's a long process,  we're talking - a year or more), 3. More screening/treatment for individuals who live or work in at-risk areas (new immigrants/refugees, primary care settings, etc.), 4. Awareness

If you think you might have TB or be carrying the infection: get tested! It's not too bad, I got the skin test before interning with Lutheran Services. I was a little freaked out by the skin injection (it looks like a tiny white dot on your forearm), but after 72 hours - I had no swelling or irritation, meaning 1. no TB avec moi, 2. it just hadn't been in my body long enough. Should you get a skin test + irritation, fear not, many people have false positive results, and a simple lung screening can confirm or deny the results. 

More information about World TB Day can be found at these web sites: 

CDC/DTBE, Minnesota Department of Health, Stop TB Partnership

red.

Food time.
The last night my mom and I made:

Thai Red Chicken Curry
(it's very, very easy & a little spice is good for'ya).

We got the recipe from real simple magazine, and I only made a few adaptations.
Heeeeere you gooooo:

1. Season 1.5 pounds of chicken cutlets w. salt & cook with canola oil on medium/high heat until golden; remove and slice.
2. Add 2 sliced bell peppers* (red are the best!) and 1/4 cup water to a pan; cook until tender.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of red curry paste (we used powder) and 15 ounces of coconut milk; simmer for 4 minutes.
4. Add the chicken, serve with rice, lime and basil.

*Mom and I added other veggies like onions, carrots, and broccoli (remember: depending on pan size & the amount of veggies used, you may want to add a little more water). I'm sure that potatoes, eggplant, and zucchini would be wonderful too!

Enjoy!

Dr. Give Me the News

I realize this is a high tension subject for many: healthcare.
& to be 'sensitive' I've been keeping most of my (liberal) opinions to myself, but this article just makes too much sense to not pass it on.

Health Reform Bill Summary: The Top 18 Immediate Effects

Many Thanks and credit to Steven Athay for finding and sharing this article! 

h2o

Today, is World Water Day. It seems to be good timing for such a day, ya? Snow melting has started the worry of flooding, and spring rains are soon there way. And while those issues hit close to home, most of us still have a plethora of water to drink, cook, and bathe with... in our very own homes!

But today, is a day to remember the importance of water. Everyone knows that water is needed to sustain life; yet millions around the world do not have access to it. Let alone clean water. This year's theme (decided by the United Nations) is "Clean Water for a Healthy World", urging governments to increase their dedication to clean water acts, in addition to the ongoing fight for water access. 

Let's play a game?? 

"Where in the WORLD is that WATER?" 

a. 

b. 

c.

d.

Comment and let me know how you did! (I know it wasn't too hard, & very dorky). Or send me some pictures of water you've seen around the world.

Something to do Today: conserve, conserve, conserve. Or maybe: purchase a reusable water bottle, turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth (that's 25 gallons a month!), check for leaks, cut shower time in half ...  Check out this site for 100 [easy] Ways to Conserve Water. Lets stop taking water for granted!! 

ANSWERS: 

a.) Alexandria & Cairo, Egypt 
b.) Cairns, Australia 
c.) Welch, Minnesota 
d.) Kigali, Rwanda 

Love 105, 89.3 thecurrent, & Sam Cooke live

Lately, I've been a driving maniac.
Does anyone else love the sparkle in tar?

The hours spent in my car along with their partner miles have been weighing down my itrysohard-green heart with guilt, yes. But still, there is something especially exciting about learning new roads/highways, mastering maps, and discovering new places. I could ... bask ... in the feeling I get pulling up to new destination I've been looking for. I must thank my dad for a [mostly] reliable innate sense of direction. & my mom for teaching me the 'WE' trick in reference to west/east. I would be a lost puppy without them ... and obviously, googlemaps.

I'm always rambling on about how much of this world I have yet to see, but hell, I've barely even seen my own state! Thankfully, with the return of pot-holes is the return of road-trip season. Where to, where to ...

Now feels like the appropriate time to quote On the Road, by Jack Kerouac (1955, p. 20), "He took his time coming over. 'You boys going to get somewhere, or just going?' We didn't understand his question, and it was a dammed good question."

Attending.

An FYI for those in Minnesota (or who like last minute road trips):

"Immigration and Human Trafficking" presentation being presented by Bukola Oriola, a survivor of human trafficking from Nigeria and Linda Miller, Executive Director of Civil Society.

Sponsored by the Multi-Cultural Student Center and the Center for Century College Annual Student Success Day.

Wedesnday, March 17th, 2010
11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

West Campus, Room W3170
3300 Century Ave. N.
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

* free, open to all.

She's Backkkkkkk

Ohh, my baby's back from London.
Stories to come soon.

val di fassa

Postcards are great.

There is no room for anything but simple, happy notes.

Their stamps are cheaper.

It means someone was thinking about you.

Getting mail is always fun.

Thanks Tilde Andersen my favorite (and only) Danish friend, who brightened my day with a postcard from Italy!

... this post would be more climatic if I had a scanner, ay?

ps: Emily gets home from London tomorrow. I can't wait to see pictures & hear stories!

welcome

Gisimba Orphanage; Kigali, Rwanda

spring.

10 Questions, 10 Minutes, in 2010

You've probably seen the commercials.

You've probably heard the conspiracy theories.

You've probably seen the posters.

& next week: you'll be getting one...

US CENSUS 2010.

Before this year I knew nothing about the US Census. In my defense, during the last Census I was 12. Since then my only knowledge of the survey is a jumbled mix of inappropriate words, threats of communism, noneoftheirdamnbusiness, too long, too much money, too much too much too much - bad news.

Then. A few weeks ago I went to listen to Barbara Ronningen from the MN State Demographic Center speak about the importance of the US Census. Turns out, my ideas were all wrong.

The Census isn't a tracking system for the US Government (they cannot turn any of your information into the legal system - so you're safe if you admit to living in the country illegally, or have too many roommates, or are living under a bridge, or housing your step-brother's neighbor's sister's kids, etc; nor can they publish any data that could possibly pinpoint an individual).

This year, there are only 10 questions on the Census form (no income questions). & the rumor is - it won't take more than 10 minutes to fill out.

Many people think the Census is just a huge waste of money. But did you know that currently the 2010 Census is the number one employer in the US? & if you correctly and promptly complete your Census the costs are low, but should you leave too many questions blank or not return a Census, a representative will come to your home doubling (or tripling) the cost. More commonly asked questions/answers can be found here.

The Census is for our benefit. When the Government knows how many people are living in an area, how old the people are, if they are working, unemployed, or students ... they then have a better idea of where to send MONEY. Money for schools, highways, financial aid, hospitals, housing, small businesses, roads, parks .... are you starting to see the picture?

I asked Mrs. Ronningen, "How does the Census affect me? I'm out of school, unemployed, and living with my parents." Her points included: How do you think businesses decide where to open new offices? Census data. If you want to see the growth of new jobs in an area, you have to show via the Census where they are needed. Show employers where young people are moving...and they will come.

I'm under the impression that most of my readers are fellow students and young adults. It's important that you too fill out the Census form that arrives to your school address. If you are living with your parents for the majority of the year, you should be counted on their Census form. If you are at school for a majority of the year, you should not be included with your parents, but instead with your roommates (remember, your landlord won't find out if there are 6 toothbrushes in a 3 bedroom apartment ;) ). The form will ask for a 'head of household' but fear not, in any situation, it is simply the person filling out the form!

Need I repeat myself ... 10 minutes = money for schools, financial aid, housing projects, roads ...

If you're a fellow Minnesotan this 2010 Census is especially important - if not enough people participate - Minnesota could lose a seat in Congress.

Please, please, please, if you still have concerns or questions about the US Census find more information at http://2010.census.gov/

Something to do before April 1st: obviously... fill out your 2010 Census!

love this!!

Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) has created a quiz focusing on International Women's Day. It is fun and full of interesting/surprising facts about women around the world.

Take it here: IRIS International Women's Day Quiz

equality for all.

All around the world today people are celebrating International Women's Day.

Dating back to 1909, it is a day to appreciate, respect, love, and celebrate the women of the world. In some countries March 8th is a mixture of Valentine's/Mother's Day; where men give flowers, sweet notes, and extra love to the women around them. Though most people observe the day through a highly charged awareness raising, political, and social change lens. Because no matter how far we've come- women are still not treated as equals in our world.

This 2010 many are fighting to spotlight the issue of violence against the world's displaced women. A displaced person is one who has been forced to move from their native home due to discrimination, violence, persecution, etc. Women and children make up the majority of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and Refugee Camp populations. In these camps women are often the victims of extreme violence which includes but isn't limited to: rape, genital mutilation, slavery, and murder. Gender based violence is one of the world's leading issues today.

I realize that sometimes these issues feel untouchable. One of the easiest/best ways of making changes in the world is to let congress know how you feel. THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: DO SOMETHING. Women Thrive Worldwide did most of the work for you even: click here & tell your congressperson you want to see the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) passed.

Women are our future. It starts with empowering and educating the world's women (equally important is educating yourself about world issues). Greg Mortenson the author of Three Cups of Tea says it best, "You can hand out condoms, drop bombs, build roads, or put in electricity, but until the girls are educated a society won't change."

V. IMPORTANT

No really. Think about it.

"wherever you are, be there"

oooo canada

I miss the Olympics already.

They opened my eyes to what I so dumbly hadn't seen before:

I NEED TO GO TO CANADA.

Why? I have a list.

1. Could another country get any closer to Minnesota?

2. I hear it is beautiful.

3. Some areas of the country are bilingual. Oui Oui!

4. When the Elemam family leaves the Egyptian homeland, I can barge into their Canadian home. Raptor's game, ay?

5. Most importantly. I have this magical body wash. Which I took out of Mr. Moodie's Proctor & Gamble gift box then proceeded to fall in complete and utter love. I haven't been able to find it anywhere so now I (pathetically) reserve it for special occasions and bad days. Ha. WherewasIgoingwiththis? Oh yeah, after some research I found out it's sold in Canada. Here I thought the English/French on the bottle was a way of advertising it's worldly awesomeness.

6. Maybe a bit more importantly is the fact that Canada has one of the world's most fair and welcoming refugee admittance policies. I learned a lot about the Canadian policies while attending a documentary viewing at the American University of Cairo (AUC), "Seeking Refuge" All people who seek refuge in Canada are given fair trial, great isn't it? A chance to tell their story. I love that.

So. Friends, who wants to go to Canada. Ay? Ay? Ay?

Something to do today: take another look at yo-neighbor.

#6

Way to go DC!

Today, same sex couples in Washington DC were able to get a license for marriage!

To read the BBC article click here.

Love is Love is Love

Ms.

Just read an old issue of Ms. magazine from COVER to COVER.
I'm in love.

So. Now the question is - do I buy a subscription and support the cause oooor save some trees/my bank account and rely on the Red Wing public library...

Something to do today: admit you are a feminist; it simply means you believe that men and women are equal folks!

NOM NOM

I hit lunchtime TV gold today ... Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations: Egypt.

Khalda and I watched this episode together & agreed it's a fairly accurate presentation of Egyptian food. I'm having a blast re-watching it. Needless to say, I'm now in a full force GIVE ME EGYPTIAN STREET FOOD mode.

Koshari was one of my favorite meals in Egypt. & I'm not the only one who loves it; Koshari is the national dish of Egypt. Everyone likes it. Everyone eats it. Nearly everyday. It's filling, cheap, and nutritious.

My first bowl of Koshari! (Take note of the men. haha, always staring. Always.)

& here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Lentils
• 3/4 or 1 Cup Chick Peas*
• 1 Cup White Rice
• 1 Cup Uncooked Macaroni (orzo/elbow)
• 1 Large Onion, diced
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Cloves Garlic, crushed
• 2 1/2 Cups Tomato Sauce
• 1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper or Hot Sauce

Preparation:

Place lentils in saucepan and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer on low for 30 mintues, or until tender.

While lentils are cooking, also cook white rice in 2 cups of water, or according to package directions.Also, cook macaroni noodles until al dente.

Combine lentils, rice and macaroni in a large pot. * Some recipes add chick peas.

Saute onions and garlic in pan in olive oil until browned [fried]. Add tomato sauce to onions and garlic and heat until bubbling. Remove from heat.

Place a serving of lentil mixture on a plate and cover with sauce (I've also had Koshari with additional sauces such as lemon or vinegar/garlic). Sprinkle red pepper on top and serve.

Recipe from: About.com

Enjoy a taste of Egypt! mmm

Something to do today: try out a new recipe, or just add some red pepper flakes to your meal. :)

2 Pairs of Shoes

This is Emily.

aka: Emmy Bee, Em, mylittlesister

Cute, eh?

Well this lady is about to make her first trip out of the country! It's spring break time at Winona State and Emily + her friend/coworker Kristin are heading off to ... London!

Their friend Ashley is currently student teaching right outside the city and so when the idea came up to visit Emily's thought process went something like this... "hell yes - free housing - worth it - hellllllo Europe".

& what is she most excited for? Let her tell you, "I'm most excited for a new environment. Its time to get out of Winona and not think about school. I just want to enjoy everything; take in the smells, food, sights... Ideally, I'll just sit outside (or inside) have some coffee (or tea!), watch people and compare it to the States."

& most nervous for? "Getting off that plane ... and going with the flowwww in a different place."

Apparently the lovely travel bug has bit my Bee before take off. I asked her where next and I got a list including Italy and a little stateside tourism - Chicago in the near future, and hopefully someday NYC.

Our parents may be shaking in their boots, but I'm beaming. Traveling has been such an important part of my own life- I'm thrilled that Emily gets to experience a bit of adventure herself!

What's Emily bringing her big sister home? To be determined. She says whatever I want, but I highly doubt I'll be getting that plane ticket anytime soon...

Photo Credit, Emily Templin (Sister Emily's Bestie), Thanks!