Food For Thought

In celebration of my attempts at learning to cook (Lord Jesus help me), I've included a "Recipe of the Week" on the right side of the blog. Feel free to try them and let me know how it turned out or if you have any variation on the recipe that made it better let me know. Happy Cooking!

A Piece of Humble Pie

I have to admit something. Even though I’m a self-proclaimed country girl...I can’t stand the thought of touching those beady-eyed creatures called shrimp barehanded. Let me back up. My sister and brother-in-law just got back from vacationing in North Carolina for their one year anniversary. Frank has an uncle who owns a shrimp boat. So we ordered fresh from the coast shrimp. I love to eat some (not all) seafood. However, I’ve always bought them already “prepared” (for a lack of a better word) and ready to go.

Last night I had the misfortune...ahem...opportunity to de-head about 10 lbs of shrimp...for the first time might I add. I didn’t actually mind doing this. However, I flat refused to touch them until I had a pair of rubber gloves on. I tried to tell myself it was because I didn’t want to slice my fingers on the sharp “razors” on their heads. It was true but not the most accurate path my mind was taking. I just didn’t want to touch those ugly lookin’ things...especially when you kinda feel like they are looking at you. Anywho, two hours later it's done and we now have 8 lbs of shrimp stored in the deep freeze for later. Yum!

This process has made me realize that everyone everywhere has preconceived notions about one thing or another. Just as I thought that I wasn't a hardcore country girl because I just couldn't pick them up and take care of the nasty business. :) Stereotyping is what it's boiled down to.

I've noticed in myself, at one time or another, jump to conclussions about people. If they have a new car, they must have some serious money. However, that is not the case nine times out of ten. I may not have a brand new vehicle but I owe less then what I make in a month on the loan. I have a roof over my head, food in the pantry, a dysfunctional but loving and caring family, and pets that no matter how much I yell at them love me unconditionally. Man, I am blessed!

The Beginning

To me a relentless apprenticeship is the constant state of learning, whether that is about new books, music or God himself. I don't feel like I'm some kind of theologian or anything. I just feel that life is always in the constant state of change. If you don't change with it you’re left behind. Change can be scary but think of it this way: you’re just passing from one stage to another. Look at change not as a long mandatory trip that drags you kicking and screaming down life’s path. Look at it as a wild ride to be enjoyed with the constant element of learning new things that will make you into the person you are meant to be.