Pitt

Hey everyone! How are things in your parts of the world? All is well tonight in Pittsburgh; it's 65 degrees out, the windows are open, the Steelers are winning, the dogs are sleeping, and we are full and happy.

I finally went and took some pictures on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, and I wanted to post some here. The one above is the building where I teach, the Cathedral of Learning. Despite it's ridiculous name, the building is breathtaking, and best of all, there is a starbucks and a chick-fil-a in the basement. What more could a girl want?

What are yall up to this Monday night?

The tongue.

Have you been following the Desiring God conference that's been going on with John Piper, Sinclair Ferguson, Mark Driscoll, Daniel Taylor, etc.? The videos are online here, and I think they will absolutely bless you if you take the time to watch a few. The first talk by Sinclair Ferguson about the tongue is potentially life changing.

Anyway, these videos were a blessing to me tonight, as the past month or so, I have been thinking about the role of my tongue (my speech, my conversation) during these very politically-charged months. My personal opinion about political issues varies - on some issues I more agree with the conservative agenda, and on some issues I more agree with the liberal agenda. Therefore, I am really wrestling with the "weight" of each issue in the upcoming election, and I have been grappling with the Christian response to 1) to the issues and 2) to people during these election months.

Many people I love dearly are very emotionally and intellectually tied to different sides on this thing. Many people whose values and position I greatly respect and admire are planning to vote for Obama and for McCain for very valid reasons that I can understand and agree with somewhat but not totally.

And with these people I desire to engage intellectually and lovingly while also not taking issues lightly that I think should not be taken lightly. So, I often struggle with the question of whether to dodge conversation about the issues at hand, issues so deeply emotional to some people that they are connected to their view of the world and and of God and of human nature. Or, whether to work to engage and to move more in the direction of being staunchly pro-someone with the possibility of alienating people and seeming flippant about issues that I actually care deeply about.

Have any of you had this problem as well? If so, my point in mentioning all of this is that the desiring god videos were a blessing tonight, as Dr. Piper talked about in one of the panel discussions the topic of the tongue in controversial situations - should we engage in controversial topics and situations or run away from them? And he gives five guidelines that I was able to personally apply to my own life and to this particular situation:

1) First, pray for guidance on when to speak up and when to shut up.
2) Think about the seriousness of the issue - will it hurt people or dishonor God?
3) Don't become controversial about things you don't know enough about! Think, am I suited for this particular debate, or should I let it go?
4) Is this issue BURNING in me. Do I deeply care about this issue?
5) Is it closely affecting someone in my life?

Granted, Piper was talking about issues in the church, but this message very much helps me think about praying for wisdom and discerning my behavior when discussing hot topics. It very much helps me think about the possible helpful or devastating role of the tongue in conversation about issues that are very important to people.

So anyway, I am praying for wisdom in this area, and I am very thankful (once again) for the wisdom of these great men. If you have a chance, go watch these videos. Even if it has nothing to do with politics for you, I promise it will be a blessing and will really help you think about the way you use your tongue!

a face

I made a friend on the bus this afternoon. Or I should say he made a friend of me. I probably would never have spoken, but as I sit in a fog of 'to dos' and 'going theres' I shouldn't forget that every person has a story. Every person has something to teach me. And I certainly learned something great today.

"An eye can threaten like a loaded and leveled gun, or it can insult like hissing or kicking; or, in its altered mood, by beams of kindness, it can make the heart dance for joy.... One of the most wonderful things in nature is a glance of the eye; it transcends speech; it is the bodily symbol of identity."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Linkles

So I was listening to a recorded exercise completed by one of my students today, and I left chuckling at how a simple pronunciation error can sound so funny.

When describing a famous person from his country, one guy said "he has linkles and dark eyes." I thought I misunderstood, so I looked at the student's own written transcription of his speech. Sure enough, he wrote "he has linkles and dark eyes"

Hmmm.... what is linkles, linkles, linkles... shingles? lingers? blinkers?

WRINKLES!! Of course!! So funny.

I totally understand these types of problems, though, because when I was studying in France, someone asked me how I felt, and it was just after some meal so I patted my tummy and said (what I thought meant) "I am full". Turns out I was telling him "I am pregnant." Everyone said "ooooooh!!"

International students do say the darndest things! (including me!)

Light!

Have you ever taken pictures of buildings or landscapes and wondered why they look dull and lifeless? I know I have! Well, this week I was reading a photography magazine that explained what I've been missing:

"the most important lesson I have learned is that I should not photograph buildings or landscapes. I should photograph light!" - Yannis Larios

The morning after reading this, I was working with Annie on Carnegie Mellon's campus, and I noticed she was following the early morning light, only taking pictures of buildings or subjects illuminated somehow by that wonderful orang-y glow. So cool!

So, this weekend I tried doing that very thing. I waited until the sun began to set, and I went down the street to Homewood Cemetery. The magazine tip really worked, and I got a few pictures that I like. Since I found this tip so helpful, I thought I'd pass it along. Wait until the two "happy hours" as Annie puts it, an hour after sunup or an hour before sunset to photograph your favorite buildings and landscapes.

The goings ons.

How is everyone doing?! I do apologize for the lack of posts lately. Life has been busy for our family lately. I sometimes find myself complaining about our crazy schedules, but I need to remember, busy is good! Only three weeks ago I was complaining of boredom! The grass is always greener isn't it?

Anyway, I don't have anything really interesting to tell you about except just the day-to-day updates from our world. So, in no particular order, here they are:

- It has been getting cooler here, and Brad and I are about to have a very serious discussion about how to handle the temperature in our house. This past week it got down into the 40s at night, and I woke up freeeeezing every morning because my sweet hubby likes to sleep with the windows open NO MATTER WHAT the temperature is forecasted to be. Every morning I shiver my way to a hot shower, cursing the day I agreed to move to this place. By noon, however, when the sun is shining and the air is crisp, I always change my mind and decide to stick around at least through fall.

- Anyway, on to more important things: Brad is still really enjoying his job. He has been staying long days in order to keep up with all the projects going on, but the work is fulfilling and stimulating. Also, the people have been great - his boss, the people working on his team, etc. We are both just so thankful.

- My jobs are still going well, too. Working with Annie is great. I am constantly learning so much, and in fact, she asked if I wanted to practice taking pictures at a few weddings this fall! I was so excited when she asked me; I am sure she thought I was a grinning dummy saying "yes please yes please!"

- I am also enjoying teaching at Pitt. I am still determined to write a post of "international students say the darndest things" - I add entries to my mental list every day! I also want to take pictures of the building where I work and upload them. It's called the cathedral of learning (cheesy? yes.) and it's so incredibly beautiful. I feel inspired every time I walk in the door. I only wish the inspiration would last through the day... :)

- In other exciting news, the Cathedral has a CHICK-FIL-A in the bottom floor! Who knew?! I have only found one other chick-fil-a in pittsburgh, and it's outside the city. So, I am so excited. I came up to our office after lunch and announced, "there's a chick-fil-a downstairs!!!!" Everyone was like, "yeah, so?" Clearly they don't get it.

- Finally, my sweet friend Naoko just got engaged! She has been dating her fiance Ito-tan for so long, and they are finally going to get married on March 15th in Tokyo, Japan. I am so excited for her, and I am desperately trying to figure out how to get there... I couldn't bear to miss it. Maybe I can start selling all my pairs of flip-flops on ebay. It turns out I don't need them here so much...

Well folks, that's all for now. Stay tuned for more information about our plot to kill the barking dog, 90 degree yoga, and the wonders of frick park. There's never a dull moment!

The Golden Bone

I am very, very thankful for the above picture. For 6 months, I have had a beach trip planned with my mom, and as of last week, I thought Ike was going to mess everything up. I was trying to be a big girl, but watching storm after storm head straight for Florida was a little scary, and a little depressing.

But, Ike has moved off and has weakened, and so tomorrow morning I am headed to the sunshine state for some scrapbooking, seafood, motherly bonding, sleep, and warm weather. I am so excited I almost can't stand it.

Brad is also leaving tonight to fly to Baltimore with the Tetra Tech managers for a weekend of planning and socializing. I am so excited for him to get to know everyone better, and I pray that the weekend will be productive.

Finally, the funniest part is that Tuco and Turk are going to have their first stay at the Golden Bone. The Golden Bone, oh my goodness. It's been recommended by our neighbor and friends as the best boarding facility around, but I still can't get over the hilarious name - I just picture our two idiots sitting all proper in rooms with posh doggy-beds and golden bones adorning the walls. HA.

I hope everyone else has a nice weekend, and I'll be back with beach-y pictures and updates after the weekend.

The Steel City

After my first day of work yesterday, I have a new blog post series that I'd like to begin. It will be called "International students say the darndest things!"

But, I will leave that for another day. Today, there is another little series of posts that I want to start. Amanda actually had the idea, as she suggested that I start a series of posts on Pittsburgh - the history, the present, fun facts, etc. And, I think it's a great idea! After living here for about a month, I've realized that Pittsburgh is very misunderstood city. When most people hear "pittsburgh" they think of industry and steel mills (and I did, too, when Brad suggested that we might be moving there!), but it's actually a very up-and-coming city with vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful cobblestone streets, tons of cool spots, and I especially love the eclectic mix of people!

So, here we go.

Pittsburgh is often referred to as either the Steel City or the City of Bridges. I'll talk about both of these today...

The city is called the Steel City because of the Steel industry that used to exist here. Pittsburgh once had more than 1000 factories and steel mills and was one of the industrial centers of the Northeastern US. When the Steel Mills existed in the city, the smog in the area was terrible. In fact, the second picture above was taken in 1948 at 12:00 noon! Following WW2, however, the city started cleaning up the smog and pollution, and in the 1980s, the Steel Mill industry failed mainly because of foreign competition.

Today, no steel mills exist in Pittsburgh; in fact, many of the old industrial areas in the city have now been made into new, urban areas with shopping and restaurants. But, the old smoke stacks can still be seen around the city, which is a cool reminder of the history of the steel city.

Pittsburgh is also called the city of bridges because 446 bridges exist within the city limits. The city center is situated where the Monongahala and Allegheny rivers meet to form the Ohio River, and because of this and also because the city is so hilly, the bridges are numerous and are breathtaking! I always hear people say that the only city in the world with more bridges is Venice (I'm not sure if that's actually true...).

So anyway, that's your cliffnotes version of why Pittsburgh is called the "Steel City" and the "City of Bridges." Next time we'll talk about (and see pictures of) what the smog has done to the buildings here and the latest efforts to renovate the miles and miles of waterfront around the city.

His Quiet Power

My mom sent me this word of wisdom from Elisabeth Elliot this morning, and it was so wonderful I wanted to share it here.

"Today is moving day. There will be plenty of reason for fretting and stewing, impatience, and turbulence. I am one who seems to feel that unless I do things or unless they are done my way, they will not be done right, and the day will disintegrate. But I have been watching the sea--very turbulent this morning because of a tropical storm hundreds of miles away--and I remember Him whose word was enough to calm it.

Speak that word to me today, dear Lord: peace. Let your calm spirit, through the many potentially rough minutes of this day, in every task, say to my soul, Be still. Even this day's chaos, with all its clutter and exertion, will be ordered by your quiet power if my heart is subject to your word of peace. Thank You, Lord."
- Elisabeth Elliot

Three bits of good news...

This picture is from Squirrel Hill cafe, our local diner. We've actually not been there yet, but I love the entryway! Anyway, three bits of exciting news from this week...

1. Krisan started a blog! Hooray! I am very excited to hear hilarious jasper stories and to learn more about the first year of marriage in the Anderson house. Everyone head on over to www.krisananderson.blogspot.com and leave her a "hello!"

2. Yesterday I heard back from the University of Pittsburgh about a job! I'll be teaching English to international students part-time starting tomorrow at 10am! I am very excited - the people seem great, the campus is amazing, and it'll be very nice to be back in the classroom!

3. Finally, in other job-related news, I am so excited because Annie just offered for me to stay with her and to become part of her business. She wants to me to begin learning to use the professional photo software (Lightroom and Photoshop CS3) so I can start managing and editing photos after large jobs, and all along, she wants to be helping me develop as a beginning photographer. So, I am so thankful and excited. I really love working with Annie; she gets the coolest jobs in the most amazing places around the city. And, I am constantly amazed that this opportunity arose. What a gift from above to help me adjust to (and fall in love with) with this new place.

So, this week has been good. Brad is enjoying his job; he learns so much and is challenged every day. And, the dogs are loving life in Pittsburgh. I'll post some pictures soon of them lounging in their new back yard, a luxury they never had in Gainesville!

Vampire Bats and other weekend happenings...

So this weekend we went camping, and sitting out under the black sky and with a very straight face Brad asks me, "are there vampire bats out here you think?" I was looking up into the sky like, "huh?" And then he says, "because if a vampire-bat was in the U.S. It would make sense for it to come to a 'sylvania.' Like Pennsylvania."

Brad thinks that it's fun to live in the PA; now his quotes from the office make more sense!

Anyway, our first long weekend here was very fun. We went out to dinner with some new friends on Friday night, we had some others over to our place on Saturday night, and Sunday night we went camping in the 'sylvania' mountains!

When we were sitting out in the cool weather with the crickets chirping after such a nice weekend, I wondered if I would dread coming back into the city with the noise and the parking problems and the to-do lists, etc. But, yesterday as we pulled back onto our street, we both commented on how excited we were to be back; in such a short time, our little 2nd floor apartment has become the place that we love coming home to, our little haven in a new place.

Now, back to the real world...

Food.

So, I'm back asking for more food advice...

When Brad and I moved to Pittsburgh, we set some new goals related to our health, our marriage, our money, our time, etc. One of the goals related to our health and money is to plan out each week's menu in advance and to just take one grocery-story trip, therefore reducing the number of last-minute meals out (which we love) and/or last-minute trips to the grocery store (which we loathe)!

It's worked okay so far. I've been buying all our meat at costco weeks in advance, so when we make our menu, we really only have to buy side items and fresh produce/veggies. However, we still end up with too much food sometimes, as we usually have more leftovers than we expect or something else comes up which changes dinner plans. Just today I threw away some food that went bad because we didn't use it last week.

Also, Brad and I really enjoy cooking together (our dates usually consist of cooking a nice meal and then taking the dogs around the neighborhood to walk it off!), so we're also trying to incorporate at least one new, "fun" meal into each week's menu. It's great - I read bon appetite and watch cooking shows, pick one meal that looks interesting and new, and we look forward to it all week! (This week I'm particularly excited about Rachael Ray's Szechuan Chicken Salad. Even through all her cheeziness, she comes up with the best recipes. I was drooling as I watched her put this one together.) However, I hate buying new ingredients for our "fun" meals that end up going to waste. I need to figure out how to use specialty ingredients more effectively OR how to substitute normal things on my shelf.

So anyway, since this meal-planning is new for me, I'm wondering, do you all have any tips? Do you make certain things ahead and freeze them? Do you leave a few nights for leftovers? What is one of your family's favorite easy weeknight meals and/or "fun" meals? Do you have any favorite ingredient substitutions? I know some of you have written about this in your blogs (which has also encouraged me to stick to it!), but I'd love to have your feedback.