This is the place where the Orthodox Christian Education Commission (OCEC) held the Orthodox Institute Southern States. Along with my friends Gigi and Adam loaded up the car and drove down to Vicksburg Friday evening. The conference was only a two day event, Friday night with an address by Father Daniel Kovalak and then Saturday for the teacher training course. Apparently they have some sort of battlefield or something like that in Vicksburg, we didn't have time to see it.
Gigi and I learned so much about teaching, i.e. teaching Vacation Church School this summer (and in Gigi's case, teaching Church School on Sundays.) The training was intense, but incredibly worth it. The Vicksburg people were super nice, we even made a new friend Misty, she was the sweetest person ever!
The conference was held at St. George Orthodox Church, it is a pretty old church. Especially considering that it in the heart of the south. Needless to say there aren't too may Orthodox churches in the deep south. It's over 100 years old and St. Raphael of Brooklyn even visited many years ago.
Even though Orthodoxy is something like 2,000 years old, it's nice to find Orthodox churches with a deep sense of history. St. George's has originally catered to a largely immigrant population when it was first built, nowadays they have a very interesting mix of converts and "cradle Orthodox." The photos of the parishioners from long ago are so cool. I was very intrigued by this church if you can't tell.
Anyway, we had a great time. We bonded, we learned, and now we're tired!
P.S.- across the street from the church was "The Nappy Roots Hair Salon," I'm definitely going back to get my hair did.
P.P.S.- I think I want to take up photography, any ideas?
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
just plain busy
As a working college student I really need to understand that the word "weekend" means nothing! When the weekend begins, the work intensifies. I babysat several times this weekend along with work at Starbucks. I also found time to apply for yet another job.
I'm trying to move out. I really want more independence. I love the free rent, food, etc. of living with my parents, but, I'm 22 and it's time. I have a roomie, my friend Gigi, now the fun part: finding an apartment and money to pay for this apartment. I've applied at two places, so now I wait.
Meanwhile, If anyone has an idea for a part time job where I could make a tiny bit more money, let me know! (Oh, and please no pyramid schemes.) I've thought about several options, anyone need a maid or maybe a personal assistant?
This week begins the second in my list of jobs, a new nanny job. I'm so excited, I love the family and their daughter is super sweet. It's a nice change of pace from the craziness of the 4 boys I used to babysit.
This is my life, mostly mundane with an occasional dash of something worth writing about.
I'm trying to move out. I really want more independence. I love the free rent, food, etc. of living with my parents, but, I'm 22 and it's time. I have a roomie, my friend Gigi, now the fun part: finding an apartment and money to pay for this apartment. I've applied at two places, so now I wait.
Meanwhile, If anyone has an idea for a part time job where I could make a tiny bit more money, let me know! (Oh, and please no pyramid schemes.) I've thought about several options, anyone need a maid or maybe a personal assistant?
This week begins the second in my list of jobs, a new nanny job. I'm so excited, I love the family and their daughter is super sweet. It's a nice change of pace from the craziness of the 4 boys I used to babysit.
This is my life, mostly mundane with an occasional dash of something worth writing about.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
the homeless tree
Let me begin by saying: This post is not some proposal on how to end homelessness. Neither is this a self righteous raving about how I help homeless people and you should too.
This is a confession of how I have failed these people, my neighbors. I confess I routinely turn my head when driving past homeless people. I confess I have been irritated by friends who have stopped walking to pass on a few dollars to someone who has humbly asked for their assistance. I confess I've never volunteered at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. I confess I have had feelings of disdain and resentment for people just like me who simply have no place to sleep tonight. I confess I've been scared of these people. I confess I've never shed a single tear for a homeless person. I confess I have still have little remorse for this sin. I know should weep for this sin, I do not. "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me."
"The homeless tree" is near the intersection of Sam Cooper and East Parkway. It is situated on a grassy patch of land. If you know anything about this area you are aware of the almost constant presence of homeless people on the medians at the traffic lights. They hold signs asking for assistance, and wait patiently for passersby to show kindness. Recently I noticed these people have made this tree a makeshift shelter, at any given time two or more homeless people sit under this tree...
It prospers. The tree is lush and green, it has an elaborate wardrobe that updates itself seasonally.
They wear clothes that blend in. Somehow, their clothes dissolve into a monotone shade of gray. They have weathered skin, a deep tan. Endless hours in the sunshine have turned their features into leathery versions of their former selves.
They fight the elements to survive.
The tree is enriched by the sun. The tree needs the weather. The rain, the sun, the heat, they are essential to the tree's existence.
They are humble. Any pride they formerly had is banished with an accessory like a soggy cardboard sign. No one can put on airs when begging for change.
The tree stands proud. It curves beautifully at its trunk. It is graceful, it is strong.
They are hungry. They pray for their next meal. They hope they will eat, many know they will not. The cardboard sign is their hope.
The tree has never asked for a meal. The tree never misses a meal.
They both stand at the corner of these two streets.
While one is healthy, the other is dying.
The tree is content to stand at the intersection, this is his home.
They have no home, other than the tree. They congregate beneath its lush branches, it gives shade and provides a place to rest.
Why this tree? Do they find solace in the deep roots and sturdy trunk of the tree?
The contrast is startling. The tree is a symbol of life, while their spirits epitomize dying.
It's a simple tree. They are people who simply do not have a home.
The tree does its part to help the homeless, it is there, it contributes, it encourages, it protects... If only I could say I've done half as much, if only I were more like the homeless tree.
This is a confession of how I have failed these people, my neighbors. I confess I routinely turn my head when driving past homeless people. I confess I have been irritated by friends who have stopped walking to pass on a few dollars to someone who has humbly asked for their assistance. I confess I've never volunteered at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. I confess I have had feelings of disdain and resentment for people just like me who simply have no place to sleep tonight. I confess I've been scared of these people. I confess I've never shed a single tear for a homeless person. I confess I have still have little remorse for this sin. I know should weep for this sin, I do not. "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me."
"The homeless tree" is near the intersection of Sam Cooper and East Parkway. It is situated on a grassy patch of land. If you know anything about this area you are aware of the almost constant presence of homeless people on the medians at the traffic lights. They hold signs asking for assistance, and wait patiently for passersby to show kindness. Recently I noticed these people have made this tree a makeshift shelter, at any given time two or more homeless people sit under this tree...
It prospers. The tree is lush and green, it has an elaborate wardrobe that updates itself seasonally.
They wear clothes that blend in. Somehow, their clothes dissolve into a monotone shade of gray. They have weathered skin, a deep tan. Endless hours in the sunshine have turned their features into leathery versions of their former selves.
They fight the elements to survive.
The tree is enriched by the sun. The tree needs the weather. The rain, the sun, the heat, they are essential to the tree's existence.
They are humble. Any pride they formerly had is banished with an accessory like a soggy cardboard sign. No one can put on airs when begging for change.
The tree stands proud. It curves beautifully at its trunk. It is graceful, it is strong.
They are hungry. They pray for their next meal. They hope they will eat, many know they will not. The cardboard sign is their hope.
The tree has never asked for a meal. The tree never misses a meal.
They both stand at the corner of these two streets.
While one is healthy, the other is dying.
The tree is content to stand at the intersection, this is his home.
They have no home, other than the tree. They congregate beneath its lush branches, it gives shade and provides a place to rest.
Why this tree? Do they find solace in the deep roots and sturdy trunk of the tree?
The contrast is startling. The tree is a symbol of life, while their spirits epitomize dying.
It's a simple tree. They are people who simply do not have a home.
The tree does its part to help the homeless, it is there, it contributes, it encourages, it protects... If only I could say I've done half as much, if only I were more like the homeless tree.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
watch your back girl scouts!
If you don't know much about Orthodox fasting, click here, it is an article by Father Seraphim Rose that explains the fast.
That said, it's still Lent. This fact makes eating a small challenge. Saturday night we had dinner with our friends Chase and Gigi. I promised I would make a side item and dessert, and since it was Saturday we brought wine. I made roasted zucchini, onions, and asparagus with Italian parsley for my side dish. Gigi made a delicious vegan "alfreda sauce" (if you make this one, add some extra soy milk for creaminess) and tofu ricotta stuffed shells! It was an amazing meal! I also made the vegan cheesecake mentioned in the previous post. It was a pretty good recipe, it called for lactaid milk, and so I just substituted my friend Silk Vanilla Soy Milk, it turned out like a silky custard pie. Everyone else really liked it. I also made mint cookies (Recipe to follow.) We had such a great time... Thanks guys!
My mom is the queen of cake mix baking. Her most popular cookies are made combining one cake mix, 2 eggs, and 1 stick of butter (plus a small bit of water to make desired consistency.) Bake the cookies at 350 for 12-15 minutes.
I decided to make a substitute version of these decadent little cookies. I made a puree of tofu and vegetable oil and it proved to be a very nice egg substitute! I will definitely use it again. I took these to work on Saturday and got the Starbucks crew vote of approval, I guess they were pretty decent. I just need a name for these beauties! Please post your suggestions!
??? Cookies:
1 box devil's food cake mix
1/3 package of tofu, drained (this is approximately 1/2 Cup)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 stick of margarine (melted)
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons Water
3 Teaspoons peppermint extract
Directions: Puree the tofu and oil. Combine cake mix, tofu mixture, water, mint extract and melted margarine. Then add chocolate chips. Form the cookies into small ball shapes. (This is a pretty sticky dough.) Place onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Let cookies cool on wire rack.
You want to know the best part of vegan baking? Being able to lick the bowl without fear (not that it ever stopped me before.)
Happy Baking! Don't forget... I need a name for these things!
That said, it's still Lent. This fact makes eating a small challenge. Saturday night we had dinner with our friends Chase and Gigi. I promised I would make a side item and dessert, and since it was Saturday we brought wine. I made roasted zucchini, onions, and asparagus with Italian parsley for my side dish. Gigi made a delicious vegan "alfreda sauce" (if you make this one, add some extra soy milk for creaminess) and tofu ricotta stuffed shells! It was an amazing meal! I also made the vegan cheesecake mentioned in the previous post. It was a pretty good recipe, it called for lactaid milk, and so I just substituted my friend Silk Vanilla Soy Milk, it turned out like a silky custard pie. Everyone else really liked it. I also made mint cookies (Recipe to follow.) We had such a great time... Thanks guys!
My mom is the queen of cake mix baking. Her most popular cookies are made combining one cake mix, 2 eggs, and 1 stick of butter (plus a small bit of water to make desired consistency.) Bake the cookies at 350 for 12-15 minutes.
I decided to make a substitute version of these decadent little cookies. I made a puree of tofu and vegetable oil and it proved to be a very nice egg substitute! I will definitely use it again. I took these to work on Saturday and got the Starbucks crew vote of approval, I guess they were pretty decent. I just need a name for these beauties! Please post your suggestions!
??? Cookies:
1 box devil's food cake mix
1/3 package of tofu, drained (this is approximately 1/2 Cup)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 stick of margarine (melted)
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons Water
3 Teaspoons peppermint extract
Directions: Puree the tofu and oil. Combine cake mix, tofu mixture, water, mint extract and melted margarine. Then add chocolate chips. Form the cookies into small ball shapes. (This is a pretty sticky dough.) Place onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Let cookies cool on wire rack.
You want to know the best part of vegan baking? Being able to lick the bowl without fear (not that it ever stopped me before.)
Happy Baking! Don't forget... I need a name for these things!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
caitlyn's very exciting friday
Well, since it's now officially Saturday, I thought I'd recap my amazing Friday. Come on, who doesn't love a tiny bit of narcissism?
- 7:00am- Alarm clock rings... press snooze.
- 7:10am- Shut up you stupid alarm... press snooze.
- 7:20am- Seriously, I hate you! Please let me sleep!... press snooze.
- 7:30am-I guess I should get up.
- 7:45am- Drive to gym, fight traffic, hope I don't run out of gas, take 3 bites of my apple only to decide... it's a very yucky apple.
- 8:30am-Arrive at gym to meet Gigi. Spend quality time with Gigi. Today's workout wasn't quite as awesome as the Tuesday workout... we were both exhausted.
- 9:30am-Clean up and get ready for class... hurry, cause I didn't allow enough time, oops!
- 10:20am-Physics 1020. Sadly this was the most relaxing aspect of my day.
- 11:30am-Finally purchase the much needed gas, watch a man get arrested at the Exxon station. Scarf down my teeny tiny half sandwich, realize it's not going to be enough food.
- 11:45am-Drive to Taco Bell. Enjoy a cheese-less bean burrito, now I'm full.
- 12:00pm- Pick up paycheck, sigh because it's never enough money. Scoot on over to First Tennessee to deposit the check, wait in line for 10 minutes, almost steal the teller's pen, drive back to Starbucks.
- 12:30pm- Don the Starbucks uniform. Grab a cup of coffee (I get free drinks during and within 30 minutes of a shift) and read The Last American Man, by Elizabeth Gilbert. (This was the guy's book club selection recently) I just started this, I needed to read something kind of light. It's about a man named Eustace Conway, he's pretty awesome, he lives in the wilderness. He makes me want to construct a tepee.
- 1:00-6:00pm- Play coffee slave. Take a ten minute break, make some phone calls, send some text messages. Drink more coffee.
- 6:00pm- Change into my pretty clothes again. Put on more make-up, generally freshen up.
- 6:20pm- Hop in Brandon's car and ride to Taco Bell for some more burritos, we were in a hurry, and it actually sounded good twice in one day.
- 7:00pm- Akathist to The Mother of God service at St. John. A very beautiful service. Honestly though, I was a bit too tired to appreciate it very much tonight.
- 8:00pm- Drive back to Starbucks to get my car. Tell Brandon goodbye (he has to open in the morning.)
- 8:45pm-Drive home, call Gigi (we're having a double date with Chase and Gigi tomorrow night) and plan our dinner.
- 9:00pm- Get home (the first time in more than 12 hours) and google "Vegan Cheesecake".... realize "I need to go to Kroger."
- 9:30pm- Take my little sister to Kroger to buy tofu, along with asparagus and zucchini for a roasted veggie side dish.
- 10:00pm- Make the vegan cheesecake. Begin the internet browsing: Check e-mails, Facebook, my blog, friend's blogs... etc.
- 10:30pm- Cheesecake's done! (Then refrigerate it.)
- 12:00am-Realize I've been awake for a really long time, post on my blog....... maybe I should go to bed.
P.S. I got a new job! (This is not a replacement for my Starbucks job, but rather a supplement.) I'm going to be babysitting for a very nice family with one of the cutest two year old little girls ever. I start week after next. I'm so excited!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
on coffee shops...
So, I'm back at Cafe' Eclectic. I just enjoyed a soy latte' and wrote two lovely public service announcements for my Public Relations Writing course. I'm so very in love with this place. They make great espresso drinks and delicious food!
On to the subject I alluded to in my next to last post: I work at Starbucks, I like Starbucks, but I love independent coffee shops. I think I'll approach this systematically, with a brief description of an aspect of a coffee shop and why I like and dislike each manifestation. These manifestations will be reffered to as The Man (AKA The chain) and Mom and Pop (AKA the indie shop.)
Disclaimer: This post is not a political statement. I'm not even going to touch the subject of Starbucks killing the small coffee shops so don't even go there!
Coffee: The sole purpose of a coffee shop.
The Man has nice coffee, nice selection, and good brewing standards. They also have nice espresso drinks along with specialty drinks. The luxury is that The Man has a pretty consistent product. When I go to New York, Nashville or anywhere else in the world I can expect the same tall latte'. This homogeneous experience is both the blessing and the curse of The Man.
Mom and Pop, usually have nice coffee. Some places are hit or miss. I've had some cruddy coffee at indie shops, I've also had incredible coffee. Usually the specialty espresso drinks are of much higher quality at these indie places. The lack of "wait time" obsession means they take time ensuring the drinks are well crafted and perfect. As a rule, an indie place that roasts their own coffee or purchases it from a pretty spectacular roaster takes more pride in their coffee.
Ambiance: This is what you pay the extra $2.00 for. Yes, you could make coffee at home, but you like the ambiance. Ere go, you come back every day for your "coffee fix" AKA your ambiance fix.
The man strives to keep a similar look in their stores. They do not all look identical, but sadly you can expect the same burgundy/brown motif from most of his stores. Some of The Man's minions do attempt to display local art on their walls. This is a nice attempt to connect The Man to his community. But sadly, his baristas have to wear the uniform. This is regretful, the sense of uniqueness is lost when every barista wears a collared shirt in white or black.
Mom and Pop are traditionally artsy people. No two Mom and Pop stores are the same. Many of Mom and Pop's stores have local art, barista art and crap! Many of the shops have a whole bunch of junk. One local Mom and Pop, who will remain nameless (located on Young Ave) has so much stuff! They have unreliable vintage chairs for your sitting pleasure, sit at your own risk! They also have so much stimulus that I feel dizzy by the time I leave. Too much of a good thing, including art, is a bad thing. One favorable aspect is the lack of dress code. This means the baristas can express their uniqueness and the flavor of the shop in their clothing (within health codes.)
The Man has the sheer size of his establishment on his side. He can offer benefits that Mom and Pop simply cannot afford, such as health insurance for part time employees and free pounds of coffee. Thus is the dichotomy between The Man and Mom and Pop. Doesn't it always revolve around the money?
All this rambling to say I love each for what they are. They are totally different entities. I love the man's standard and the fact that his stores are reliable and convenient. The coffee's good, maybe not spectacular but it isn't bad.
The beauty of Mom and Pop is their uniqueness. When I find an amazing Mom and Pop shop it's a beautiful thing. As a general rule I like the independent things of this world better than the bullying Man. This is one case where I lean toward the indie, yet still have a place in my heart for The Man. Sound contradictory?... Well, welcome to The Caitlyncosm!!!
On to the subject I alluded to in my next to last post: I work at Starbucks, I like Starbucks, but I love independent coffee shops. I think I'll approach this systematically, with a brief description of an aspect of a coffee shop and why I like and dislike each manifestation. These manifestations will be reffered to as The Man (AKA The chain) and Mom and Pop (AKA the indie shop.)
Disclaimer: This post is not a political statement. I'm not even going to touch the subject of Starbucks killing the small coffee shops so don't even go there!
Coffee: The sole purpose of a coffee shop.
The Man has nice coffee, nice selection, and good brewing standards. They also have nice espresso drinks along with specialty drinks. The luxury is that The Man has a pretty consistent product. When I go to New York, Nashville or anywhere else in the world I can expect the same tall latte'. This homogeneous experience is both the blessing and the curse of The Man.
Mom and Pop, usually have nice coffee. Some places are hit or miss. I've had some cruddy coffee at indie shops, I've also had incredible coffee. Usually the specialty espresso drinks are of much higher quality at these indie places. The lack of "wait time" obsession means they take time ensuring the drinks are well crafted and perfect. As a rule, an indie place that roasts their own coffee or purchases it from a pretty spectacular roaster takes more pride in their coffee.
Ambiance: This is what you pay the extra $2.00 for. Yes, you could make coffee at home, but you like the ambiance. Ere go, you come back every day for your "coffee fix" AKA your ambiance fix.
The man strives to keep a similar look in their stores. They do not all look identical, but sadly you can expect the same burgundy/brown motif from most of his stores. Some of The Man's minions do attempt to display local art on their walls. This is a nice attempt to connect The Man to his community. But sadly, his baristas have to wear the uniform. This is regretful, the sense of uniqueness is lost when every barista wears a collared shirt in white or black.
Mom and Pop are traditionally artsy people. No two Mom and Pop stores are the same. Many of Mom and Pop's stores have local art, barista art and crap! Many of the shops have a whole bunch of junk. One local Mom and Pop, who will remain nameless (located on Young Ave) has so much stuff! They have unreliable vintage chairs for your sitting pleasure, sit at your own risk! They also have so much stimulus that I feel dizzy by the time I leave. Too much of a good thing, including art, is a bad thing. One favorable aspect is the lack of dress code. This means the baristas can express their uniqueness and the flavor of the shop in their clothing (within health codes.)
The Man has the sheer size of his establishment on his side. He can offer benefits that Mom and Pop simply cannot afford, such as health insurance for part time employees and free pounds of coffee. Thus is the dichotomy between The Man and Mom and Pop. Doesn't it always revolve around the money?
All this rambling to say I love each for what they are. They are totally different entities. I love the man's standard and the fact that his stores are reliable and convenient. The coffee's good, maybe not spectacular but it isn't bad.
The beauty of Mom and Pop is their uniqueness. When I find an amazing Mom and Pop shop it's a beautiful thing. As a general rule I like the independent things of this world better than the bullying Man. This is one case where I lean toward the indie, yet still have a place in my heart for The Man. Sound contradictory?... Well, welcome to The Caitlyncosm!!!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
I'm a poor college student... so I like free stuff.
Lately My sister and I have been going on adventures... here she is, the future pulitzer prize winner for photojournalism, at the Zoo.
Last Tuesday a group of us had a picnic, just before it rained, and then we went to free day at the Pink Palace. We took my sister Clare and my friend Meribeth's girls, my friend Hannah brought her baby Peter, and Shanna brought her toddler Edmond (Gigi joined us for a tiny bit.) I babysit my little sister on Tuesdays and Thursdays so lately I've been looking for activities we can do for free. I searched the internet for "free days" in the Memphis area. Many people know about the Memphis Zoo's free Tuesday but I didn't know about any other days...
I thought it would be a good idea to share this list, since I spent quite a while searching out these places! Let me know if you know of anything I didn't find.
- Memphis Zoo: FREE Tuesdays 2-5pm
- The Pink Palace Museum: FREE Tuesdays 1-4pm (Does not include planetarium and IMAX)
- Fire Museum: Buy one get one free Tuesdays
- Botanic Gardens: FREE Tuesdays 12-6pm (Perfect for picnicking!)
- The Brooks Museum of Art: Pay what you can Wednesdays
- The Dixon Museum of Art: FREE Saturdays 10am-12pm
- The Civil Rights Museum: FREE Mondays 3-5pm
- Litcherman Nature Center: FREE Tuesdays 1-4pm
I haven't been to all of these places on free day, so please don't hate me if I was misinformed! And like I said, please share your free (or cheap) places as well.
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