Reading Reviews- June 2013

This month had some really good reads and some really bad reads...

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

    This was an excellent story and I  can't wait to see the movie for the visuals!  The fate of the world rests on children and video games- simply scary and fascinating.
Verdict:  A quick, easy and interesting read.  The movie might make it even more awesome!

Sweet Hell on Fire by Sara Lunsford

    An insightful memoir of what it is like to work in a prison and be a personal prison of pain.  The author actually dreamed of being a writer, but decided to be a prison guard to pay the bills. Strange choice of a "day job."  The twist in the story comes almost at the end and it contrasts the strength and vulnerability of the author.
Verdict: Read it, unless you are easily offended. This is rated R content.

Unbeatable Mind by Mark Divine

     I am not trying to be a Navy Seal, but I thought I could learn something from that kind of tough mentality. Turns out, not really.  He recommends cultivating a quiet mind and I already got that message from yoga.  I did learn where the CrossFit motto run, walk, crawl comes from- the Seals of course!
Verdict:  This manual was written not for me.

Choose Yourself! by James Altucher

     The economy changed for good in 2008 and the American Dream is just a dream.  This book covers what to do next.  It is part self-help, part practical advice.
Verdict:  It was so unique, I wrote a blog post about it

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

     Imagine a world where the earth's rotation is slowing down, wrecking the balance between day and night. The whole world changes. This story is told from an eleven year old's perspective, whose life is already changing with adolescence.  It is a moving story with the backdrop of an interesting apocalyptic phenomenon.
Verdict: Oprah recommends it and so do I.

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

     My generation has become disconnected with nature, but the current generation has no connection with nature. Electronic devices provide so much more sensory stimulus. The author presents his case for reclaiming nature. He cites that exploring nature was his "Ritalin."
Verdict:  Spending time in nature is important, I just couldn't get into this book and skimmed it.

The $60,000 Dog: My Life with Animals by Lauren Slater

     The title is misleading. This is a story about her messed up childhood, not animals. I would like to say this book was terrible, but that doesn't seem fair since I only got through the first chapter (in which her mom kills the family dog with NyQuil because he barks too much at night).  Before I quit reading it, I did read the reviews and they confirmed this book was not really about animals.
Verdict:  From what I did read, it was not an interesting story and the author writing style is rambling.  My biggest issue is that it needs to be retitled, so that animal lovers don't get sucked in.

$20 Per Gallon by Christopher Steiner

     A fascinating look at how our society will change will the rising cost of gas.  The author actually paints a picture of good news- our health and the environment will benefit. We will live in cities, eat locally grown food and use public transportation.  The chapters outlines the incremental changes that will happen when the price of gas moved from $6, $8, $10...$20.
Verdict: Highly recommend if you need some hopeful news for the future.

The Host by Stephanie Meyer

     Popular culture always tempts me, so I couldn't pass up reading this book. It was a fairly original idea told in a most unoriginal way.  The main character is very much like Bella was in Twilight- always getting injured, has 2 guys in love with her, etc.  I guess I shouldn't judge it too harshly as it is written for a tween audience.
Verdict: Like Twilight, I didn't love it or hate it.

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

     Another post-apocalyptic story.  This time it was a flu. This got really good reviews, but I found the story and writing flat. The ending is not conclusive. It leaves you wondering.
Verdict: I am wondering why I read it?

Icing on the Cupcake

Bacon Maple, Neapolitan, Chocolate Mint
Red Velvet, Vanilla/Chocolate & Cappuccino

     I finally joined the gourmet cupcakes craze!  I heard many good things about Icing on the Cupcake and then there was a Groupon, so it was time. I was not disappointed.  The cakes were moist and flavorful, however, their buttercream frosting is the real stand out.  They even sell it in small vats you can take home!

     In addition to the the 7 everyday flavors, there are 5-7 flavors of the day and a flavor of the month. Of course I had to try a variety: Bacon Maple, Neapolitan, Chocolate Mint, Red Velvet, Vanilla with Chocolate Buttercream and Cappuccino. My favorites were the Bacon Maple & Red Velvet. They are beautiful to look and enjoy.  I look forward to experiencing more flavors. Mmmmm

     If you live in the Sacramento area, check them out: http://www.icingonthecupcake.com/

10 Things I Learned Reading “Choose Yourself!”

     Recently, I came across a book that had an interesting proposition. Prove you've read the book and the author will give you your money back.  That deal, as well as, the topic intrigued me.  So I am using this blog post as my “proof” that I read and learned something- 10 things actually.   

1.        We are in a Choose Yourself era. The economic meltdown in 2008 changed things forever. The American Dream has left the building. It is time to face the new reality and build your own path.  There are two employment paths: entrepreneur and temp worker.

2.       You have to start with a strong foundation: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. As a side note, I find it interesting that contemporary self-help book address physical health. Let’s face it people, eating right, sleeping and doing some regular physical activity are basic life principles that we as a society are seriously lacking.  Unless you get those in order, you are screwed.

3.       Do you ever find your mind going in circles with worry and thinking, thinking, thinking?  That is because your mind likes to be busy- very busy. So give it something to do. Think of a problem and tell your mind to find 10 solutions, then 10 more.  I think this was the most important thing I took away from this book.  The mind can’t be silenced, so make it productive.

4.       Live in the present, otherwise you are “time traveling”. Reliving the past and worrying about the future takes you away from the right now.  Recognize your situation, moods and thoughts and accept them.  See #3 if you can’t stop obsessing.

5.       Surround yourself with positive people and minimize your exposure to naysayers. 

6.       Stop judging by changing statements into questions: I should do that.  I should do that?  This applies to judgment of others too:  She should do that. She should do that?

7.       Hitting “Like” on Facebook releases oxytocin which reduces cortisol (stress) levels.  Finally some good news about the internet... Like.

8.        Stop wasting brain space on paranoia, resentment, regret, and perfectionism.  “Subtraction, and not addition, is what makes the window to the brain more clear.”

9.       You learn most when listening, so stop talking.

10.   “This is how we form a better society. First we become better as individuals”

     The book covered many more subjects, including advice on how to be an entrepreneur, self-publish a book, take care of yourself and get your mindset straight. The author also presented case studies of people who choose themselves and were very successful (i.e. Gandhi). I would recommend this book, even if I wasn’t getting my money back J

Choose Yourself! by James Altucher. Here are the details for on the author’s offer of read and refund:

http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2013/06/nobody-has-ever-made-this-offer-before-i-am-paying-people-back-if-they-read-my-book/

Pork Pepper Poppers

     Mini-peppers are now in season! I couldn't resist adding them to my menu.  Roasting the peppers brings out their natural sweetness and they were a delicious and colorful.

     I didn't really use a recipe to make these, just used what I had around.  I cut peppers in half and baked in oven for 10 minutes at 300 degrees.  While those were baking. I sauted onions and spinach and cooked some ground pork.  I mix the onions, spinach and pork togehter and added parmesan cheese and herbs.  The mixture was placed in the halfed peppers and I topped with a sliver of roasted tomato. I returned to oven and baked another 10 minutes.

The leftovers, reheated nicely in the microwave.  Perfect for a snack or a appetizer.

You Get What You Get

     A kindergartener once told me, “you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.”   It reminded me of a poem I had to memorize and present in the 8^th grade by Pricilla Leonard:

Happiness is Like a Crystal

Fair and exquisite and clear,

Broken in a million pieces,

Shattered, scattered far and near.

Now and then along life’s pathway,

Lo! Some shining fragments fall;

But there are so many pieces

No one ever finds them all.

You may find a bit of beauty,

Or an honest share of wealth,

While another just beside you

Gathers honor, love or health.

Vain to choose or grasp unduly,

Broken is the perfect ball;

And there are so many pieces

No one ever finds them all.

Yet the wise as on they journey

Treasure every fragment clear,

Fit them as they may together,

Imagining the shattered sphere

Learning ever to be thankful,

Though their share of it is small;

For it has so many pieces

No one ever finds them all.

     Through the years, I have always kept this poem.  It reminded me to stop worrying about what I don’t have and enjoy what I do have.  Sometimes in the name of progress, I focus on all the things I need to get to be happy.   But as Sheryl Crow sings “it is not having what you want.   It’s wanting what you’ve got.”  The older I get, the more how right the kindergartener, Pricilla and Sheryl are.

Amazing Brownies

     My co-worker kept raving about these "raw" brownies she makes with only 5 ingredients. I didn't believe her, until she brought me some. Wow!  Chocolately like a brownie, but not too sweet. No baking required and gluten-free.  They are simply amazing.

Ingredients

2 cups of walnuts
2.5 cups of Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup raw cocoa
1 cup raw almonds, chopped
.25 tsp sea salt

Preparation:

Grind walnuts in food processor.
Add cocoa and salt. Pulse to combine.
Add dates in slowly, while food processor is running.  The mix should stick together easily. If not, add more dates.
Combine mix with almonds and press into a pan.
Place in fridge until ready to serve.

Note: I do not currently owe a food processor, but my $19.99 Ninja held up as long as I mixed the walnuts and cocoa in short small batches.

Link to recipe:
http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes/6-easy-raw-food-recipes-try?page=5

Self Defense is Hard

     Are you willing to do what it takes to defend yourself?  I thought the answer was fairly obviously since I signed up for the five part self-defense class.  Three classes in and I realize facing aggressive behavior and scary situations is complex.  There are the physical factors of fighting someone, who is bigger and stronger.  But what it really comes down to is your willingness to act to defend yourself.  We all have the physical capacity to defend ourselves; it is the mental part that a class in self-defense helps you works on. 

      We have been told over and over again “don’t hit other people.”   It is actually hard to hit someone, even if they are in a padded suit and a trained professional is telling you to hit them!  Even once I got over my hesitation, I didn’t really know how to hit someone effectively. You have to put your whole body into it and keep going and going until you can get away from the creepy bad guy. I have lots of bruises on my arms and legs from practicing.  Fighting someone off is not easy.

     The mental part of it is deciding what to do in that moment when you feel threatened and scared.   Being able to think under pressure, access the situation and have a plan of action to defend yourself.   Last week we did scenarios to start applying the “skills” we have been learning. Guess what I did when faced with my first scenario?  I froze with indecision:  Should I fight? Should I run? Should I scream?  I couldn’t even pick one, I just froze (which the instruction assure me is normal). Even in a “pretend” situation, when I expected it, it was not easy.

     When I signed up for this class, I thought I had the mental stuff down already and was just going to learn some physical skills.   I am learning both and gaining confidence in myself.  Most importantly, I am learning to address that creepy gut feeling and do something about it, rather than try to pretend it isn’t happening or overthinking it.

     Self-defense is hard. It forces you to dig down into yourself and examine what you are willing to do to stay safe.  You have to think about uncomfortable “what-ifs.”  And you do all of this in the hopes you will never ever have to use it.    

“This above all, to refuse to be a victim”-  Margaret Atwood

Here are some recommendations if you are interested in learning more about self-defense:

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker.  This book covers a lot of the mental and emotional aspects of being in the scary “what-if” situations. 

I had been looking for a self-defense course for months before I found Nor-Cal Self Defense (http://www.nor-calselfdefense.com/  .  To find a course in your area, I would suggest checking at local colleges, the library, community centers, asking around and of course the internet.  I think an effective program will allow you opportunities to actually practice self-defense, not just talk to you about it.