Awesome Short Film

Neat concept involving gravity and how it can be manipulated with stop motion film making:

GRAVITY // UN RÊVE DE DEMAIN from Filip Piskorzynski on Vimeo.

Marine Screaming in a Slingshot

This is hilarious and I love it even more because he is wearing the Georgia G. :)

World Covers of Adele

My favorites are the ladies at the 1:03, 2:15, and 3:15 marks. Cool composite.

How One Brave Teacher Came Out at School

What a brave and thoughtful educator! Really loved this story.

Update about 30 before 30

So as I'm packing for the move, I'm trying to remember my 4th resolution to declutter my life. I definitely have a growing pile of things to donate, but I have to admit that this is really difficult.

For some reason when I come across something I haven't used/worn in years, I convince myself I will use it now that I remember it's there or that eventually I will fit into it again. So finally I had to print out this little reminder for myself:

My friends Samantha and Miranda are currently living on top of a huge pile of clothes in my living room.

One resolution that has been a little easier is number 11 or calling my family more. Unfortunately, one of the reasons I've been on top of this one is because my Grandmother has not been doing very well lately and is currently living with my parents. On the more positive side, the other reason it's been easy to remember this one is because my parents give awesome advice, and I've been needing a lot of it lately. Whether it's been about what car to buy (more on this later), what route to take from DC to SLC, or worries about the living situation, my parents have been awesome. Probably the only thing they haven't been able to help me with is how to achieve resolution number 15.

However, I've been doing pretty good work on my own with that one. Although, I have yet to come in 1st place when driving Rainbow Road on Mariokart for Wii, yesterday I made it to 2nd place! In the moment I was so ecstatic, I felt like it was the best achievement of my life. Clearly this is not true, but I was celebrating like it was. In fact my reaction was a lot like this kid's:



Seriously, my happiness over a virtual car race exceeded my joy over getting an actual car. That's right, go ahead and cross off number 18 and consider it my 29 before 30 list! Want to see what my new friend looks like?


Cute little SUV right? Hopefully it will help me get across the country and used to life in the snow and mountains.

Not bad for the first half month of the year! How are your 2012 resolutions coming? Hope they are going equally well!

Krispy Kreme Muffins

So my friend Carolyn sent me this awesome recipe for Krispy Kreme muffins, which has to be the most genius idea ever. I don't want to be stingy, so I thought I would share the recipe. I haven't tried it yet, so if you get to it before I do, let me know how it goes.

When I get a chance to try it out, I'll share some pics and thoughts. However, I probably won't get around to it until after the move.

For the Batter
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 to 1 ¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg, to taste (I used ¾)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk

For the Glaze
3 tablespoons butter; melted
1 cup confectioners’ sugar; sifted
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons hot water

Directions
1) Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a standard muffin tin. Or line with 12 paper muffin cups, and grease the cups with non-stick vegetable oil spray; this will ensure that they peel off the muffins nicely.
2) In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, and sugars till smooth.
3) Add the eggs, beating to combine.
4) Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla.
5) Stir the flour into the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour and making sure everything is thoroughly combined.
6) Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pan, filling the cups nearly full.
7) Bake the muffins for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they’re a pale golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the middle of one of the center muffins comes out clean.
8.) In a medium bowl, prepare the glaze by mixing together the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and water. Whisk until smooth.
9.) When muffins have cooled slightly, dip the muffin crown into the glaze and allow the glaze to harden. At this point, you can leave them as is or go for the double dip. I glazed my muffins twice.
10.) Serve warm, or cool on a rack and wrap airtight. Muffins will keep at room temperature for about a day.

Science can be Fun!

Bad Lip Reading: Rick Perry edition

Ultimate Dog Tease

XKCD awesome post

This is from the genius that is XKCD. If you're a geek like me, you'll appreciate the cartoons. The creator not only doodled the one I've included below, but also made my favorite comic ever. Enjoy!

2012 Resolutions: 30 before 30

Recently one of my friends and colleagues traveled to Hawaii to celebrate her friend's 30th birthday. She had wanted to see all 50 states before the big birthday and left HI to last.

I thought this was incredibly cool, but knew I couldn't see all the states in the next year. (my current salary and workload = you're not traveling very often) However, I knew I could see all 50 before 50, and I remain committed to this endeavor. (Although hopefully it will happen before 50!)

So as I thought about my 2012 resolutions, I realized that this is going to be a really big and awesome year. Not only do I turn 30 on Nov. 4, but I'm also starting the year with a new job and a cross country move. In honor of this INCREDIBLE year, I thought it would be way cooler to commit to the 30 Before 30 project. So here it goes...


1. Enroll in a Ph.D. level course

The University of Utah has a program that is practically calling my name, since it combines my two professional passions of higher education and social justice. I'm hoping to take a class in fall 2012 to determine if I want to apply for enrollment in 2013.

2. Refresh my French language skills

I remember the day when I could hold my own in a conversation among Francophiles, won awards for writing in French, and read French literature and poetry in the language in which it was originally written. Sadly, despite having a Mom and brother who are both French teachers, I haven't kept a good handle on these skills. Whoever coined the phrase "Use it or lose it" definitely hit the nail on the head. I'd been meaning to enroll in an Alliance Francaise class while in DC, but somehow the 3 years slipped by without me making time for it. Time to make a change!

3. Make new friends

With the move, this is kind of a necessity. But I think what my goal really speaks to is adventuring out past the comfort of my wonderful current besties to seek out new great girlfriends and connections to couples in the Salt Lake area. After all, if I had only stuck with my UGA connections in DC, I would have never met my BFF Aeriel!

4. Declutter my life

Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just enough baggage.

5. Earn the respect of my new colleagues

This won't occur overnight, but I hope that by seeking first to understand and then to be understood this will come over 2012. Bonus points, since 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was introduced to me by my first mentor in the field in which I've based my career. :)

6. Give others the benefit of a doubt

Recently I attended the Social Justice Training Institute. It was one of the most amazing experiences, and many things about the time spent at SJTI moved my heart. One of them was a ground rule that we agreed to as a group: assume that everyone is doing the best they can. This really resonated with me, and after reading this great article by Mike Robbins in the Huffington Post, I felt compelled to make it a priority in my life in the future.

7. Commit to be a better social justice advocate

I want to continue to grow as an advocate against oppression, which means I need to continue my education as an ally, try to be more aware of what I do and what occurs around me, reflect, and learn from my and others' mistakes.

8. Take better care of my body

Less Diet Coke, more exercise. I feel like that sums this category up pretty succinctly.

9. Learn how to use Photoshop

So I have a sweet friend who is an Art Director for ABC and a two time Emmy award winner for his graphics. Many times in the past few years, he has offered to teach me how to use Photoshop and other applications to make great images. However, I've never made time for it, but in 2012 that will all change. I'm not promising that I'll win any awards, but maybe it will be good enough for a meme or two. :)

10. Cook more often

I have so many recipes I've never tried. And I need to learn how to cook some of the things I crave all the time like Pho Ga. If you have a good recipe for that, let me know!

11. Call my family more

My family is awesome, and I should definitely keep in better touch. Enough said.

12. Remember I Corinthians 13:4

When I get in tiffs with my partner, it is often because I've forgotten the following words of wisdom: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. In 2012 I hope to more intentionally incorporate this verse into my relationship with him and others.

13. Start house hunting!

Something I've been looking forward to for the past decade is now a realistic goal! I can't wait to stop throwing my money down a black hole.

14. Have less screen time

It's easy to be captivated by my iPhone, laptop, tv, etc. It feels great to power off and focus on the real world around me. I currently don't do it enough, so hopefully I will start cultivating better technology habits before I'm 30.

15. Come in 1st place when driving Rainbow Road on Mariokart for Wii

This one is very specific and tends to make others laugh, but I'm serious. No matter how hard I practice, I'll never be as good as this guy:

16. Get to know my new home of Salt Lake City

My brother and sister-in-law have already helped me start this goal with one of my Christmas presents.

17. Volunteer consistently

This past December I got to volunteer at Bread and Roses Cafe which is run by my former student and current friend in L.A. and at Martha's Table in D.C. In college, I made service a priority, but have not intentionally carved out much time now that I'm a working professional. I've been given so much, it's time I again consistently give back.

18. Buy a car!

19. Invest in myself and my future

Fiscal responsibility and better financial planning are needed since I'm halfway to retirement. Crazy!

20. Support the arts

Back in the day I was a theater major, but I've never had season tickets for anything. I feel like I'm finally in a place in my life where I can afford this pleasure. Also, I totally want to attend the Sundance Film Festival since I will be right there. But that might have to wait until 2013!

21. Plan a great trip with my partner

So many great things near and in Utah. Lots of great national parks, and we have friends in the surrounding states of Colorado, Montana, California, and Washington. Sounds like it's time for some road trips!

22. Be better at sticking to my personal budget

My weaknesses are restaurants, movies, and shopping. If I try to cut back on the first and last, I can keep indulging in the middle one, right?

23. Challenge myself to try new things

I don't even know what this one means...yet. :)

24. Read more books written by authors of color

I realized I read mostly books written by White women, followed by many books written by White men. This isn't bad, but it certainly limits the perspectives of the novels. I already started trying to expand my literary spectrum this past year and would like to continue to challenge myself to find more authors of color that I enjoy.

25. Invest in a new bedroom set

I bought a "grown up" living room set in 2011. Time to expand to the bedroom!

26. Spend more time outside

I think this might be easily done with views like this in Salt Lake City:

27. Try winter sports

This will probably be more like cross country skiing, rather than snowboarding, but maybe the whole resolution to try new things (#23) will help me be more adventurous.

28. Harness my creativity

Excited to take a class at my local crafts store

29. See the Grand Canyon

Remember that comment about road trips (#21)? This is one I'm committed to.

30. Float in the Great Salt Lake

I've heard you emerge cold and smelly, but who can resist this?

If you've read this far, you should be congratulated! I'll keep you updated on my progress throughout 2012. Happy New Year everyone!

Update: 12 before 2012

So I achieved 5 of my goals, 3 are in progress, and 4 are at a standstill or haven't been started. Guess I just have to make up for it in 2012! :) To see how I did, check below.

My list of twelve before 2012:
Updated: 12/31

bold = finished!
italic = in progress


1) Have a "grown up" living room
-Purchased an awesome sectional, table, console, and new gigantic flatscreen tv
-Painted :)

2) Learn how to use Photoshop - this one was no bueno. Adding it to the list of 2012 resolutions!

3) Donate/Sell things I no longer use
-Sold 2 pieces of furniture
-Donated loads of clothes to Goodwill
-Started sorting through things and getting rid of stuff we don't need. This will continue in January 2012, since we're moving. :)

4) Plan a trip abroad with my partner - this was intentionally delayed for 2012, since we are moving across country now!

5) Stop drinking soda - I'm doing a lot better. I now mostly only drink soda when I got out to eat. However, this is going to be added to my 2012 resolutions.

6) Start taking my lunch to work - um, right. Well, I'll continue to work on this...

7) Workout at least 3 times a week - So I was working out about 2 times a week, until the holidays hit. This one definitely needs to get better.

8) Drink 8 glasses of water a day - I'm up to consistently drinking at least 6 glasses of water a day. On a good day I'm hitting 8, but I still have some work to do with this one.

9) Complete training so I can volunteer for the online National Sexual Assault Hotline
-So the sad thing is that I did my 80 hours of online training, but I'm moving before I can do my 20 hours in person training. Unfortunately, the in person training is currently only in DC and NYC, so instead I want to encourage all of you to look into volunteering if you have access to these metropolitan areas.
-I did, however, ask for my friends and family to donate to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) for my birthday. Together, we raised over $500!
-Also, when I move, I intend to volunteer at the local rape crisis center.

10) Create and send "We've Moved!" cards - They were so cute! Unfortunately, I will need to start over with this since we're heading out West.

11) Sort through t-shirts for another t-shirt quilt - still working on this one. I should be finished by the end of January 2012.

12) Buy a fabulous pair of boots for dealing with bad weather - done! They are super cute, too. Want to see? I got them in brown. :)

My New Blog

If you're interested in my thoughts on gender, check out my new blog: http://ferventfeminist.blogspot.com/

12 Before 2012

New Year's Resolutions are so last year! Why do we need January to set objectives for ourselves? I've decided to create 12 goals to be completed before 2012 begins. Here are mine, what are yours?

My list of twelve before 2012:
Updated: 10/26

bold = finished!
italic = in progress


1) Have a "grown up" living room
-Purchased an awesome sectional, now need to find an equally wonderful table
-Signed up for a painting class with my partner so we can design our own artwork

2) Learn how to use Photoshop

3) Donate/Sell things I no longer use
-I've identified two pieces of furniture to sell
-I've talked to my Dad about another piece of furniture he can have
-I've started to sort through books and clothes

4) Plan a trip abroad with my partner

5) Stop drinking soda

6) Start taking my lunch to work

7) Workout at least 3 times a week
-I've started running twice a week with my work friend

8) Drink 8 glasses of water a day
-I've started carrying my water bottle everywhere

9) Complete training so I can volunteer for the online National Sexual Assault Hotline
-I've submitted my online application

10) Create and send "We've Moved!" cards

11) Sort through t-shirts for another t-shirt quilt

12) Buy a fabulous pair of boots for dealing with bad weather

Breathtaking

Incredible time lapse video

The Arctic Light from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Day 63 - She's a bad ass but it doesn't mean she doesn't have feelings

"Be quiet, I'm into it, let's talk...I wanted to lose weight before this."

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 62 - I'm going to puke...

A good reason not to shop at Victoria's Secret and some other stores. I'm going back to Hanes, because they are wrapped in plastic!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 61 - Oxford

When I was in college I studied abroad at Oxford University in the UK. I've been thinking about that experience a lot lately, because two of my friends and former students are heading there in a few days.

The two best parts of that study abroad trip were the people and the incredible academic experience. Although I sound dorky saying this, I loved getting to take classes in Oxford. It was an incredible challenge and I felt like I learned a ridiculous amount in a short period of time.

The other best part of Oxford was the social experience. Not only were the people I got to be around incredible, but we definitely had a work hard, play hard mentality which served as practice for the consulting job looming in my future.

Almost every night we were writing papers, and almost every night we were hanging out in pubs. It is was a ridiculously fun and enlightening experience, which I feel like rarely go together. And I left Oxford with some really great friends and a more personal relationship with Jesus. (We lived in Jesus College. ;))
I was really blessed to stay in touch with many of them for years past graduation after that experience. Although I must admit that I have lost touch with some, I do still regularly talk to 3 of them. If you ever want to hear a funny story, ask me about the time they got rowdy one night and booed my exboyfriend. Haha.

So here's to Ace and Deuce as they begin their own journey to the birthplace of the Inklings, Alice in Wonderland, The Hobbit, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I hope it holds many fun beginnings for them as well.

And although this advice is unsolicited, I will say that the best thing you can do in Oxford is lead the calling of the Dawgs with your classmates in a pub of Brits looking at you like you're insane. :) Oh, and stay off the grass. They actually will try to arrest you for that.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 60 - OK Go

Another inventive music video from OK Go:

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 59 - QUACK! QUACK! QUACK!

Today I watched the USA and Canada compete for the Gold medal in men's hockey. Sadly, we were edged out by the Canadians in overtime, but the game did remind me of a favorite movie series where the USA can always win - The Mighty Ducks! (For those of you who don't remember, in D2: The Mighty Ducks, Gordon Bombay coaches the American hockey team for the Jr. Goodwill games.)

So when I got home, I checked Netflix and the first Mighty Ducks movie was on instant demand. I'm not going to lie, I probably enjoyed watching it just as much as I did when I was a kid. And since I was eating Girl Scout cookies and drinking lemonade at the same time, I kind of felt like a kid again. :)

Maybe team USA just lacked a good Coach Bombay pep talk today. In case you're of need of one, too, check out the video below. (The only way that scene could have been better was if Rufio from Hook was in it. Haha.)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K