Pumpkins aren't just for Halloween. Part deux.

So what else can you do with pumpkin? Make curry. Who doesn't love curry? Curry haters.

I used more of Saturday's pumpkin to make curry last night. I used a good amount, but it cooked down so much that many pieces just fell apart so in the end it didn't really seem like a substantial amount of pumpkin afterall. Ingredients: pork ribs, carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, garlic, onions, eggplant, curry cubes and powder, water, salt.

The next time I want to make it vegetarian with a thicker sauce - I think the eggplants made this one a little watery. I'll try onions, lots of carrots, lots of pumpkin, brocolli, red bell peppers, soy beans, and other hearty vegetables.

Pumpkins aren't just for Halloween.

Pumpkin Soup. I really love pumpkin soup. I've never tasted the sweet pumpkin soup that so many people on Saipan enjoy - I make a silky savory pumpkin soup. And like most dishes I know, I learned how to make it from my sister. My sisters recipes go like this, "cut up some of these ingredients, then cook, add these spices, cook some more". Sometimes I have no idea what I'm doing, but I try anyway. At this point, I don't remember her original "recipe" for pumpkin soup - and if I did, I wouldn't share it with you anyway, because as much as we are friends, I don't share my sister's recipes. Because I don't follow a real recipe, this soup turns out slightly different each time. Not worse, just different.

Last Saturday's Pumpkin Soup

1. Cut local pumpkin. Realize that it's so big if you used it all, you'd have enough soup to feed the entire island of Tinian. Or at least it would be enough to bring to a Tinian fiesta. Or maybe just a family bbq. So wrap half of it and stick it in the fridge for another day.



2. Take out the seeds, peel off the skin, and cut into cubes. Save the seeds if you want to - dry them to plant your own pumpkins or maybe roast and salt them (which I didn't do, but want to one day - I'm a working mother and wife, I don't have a lot of time).



3. Saute in butter and olive oil (mostly butter) with lots of garlic and a decent amount of onions until the onions are transluscent and soft and the pumpkin is soft and caramalizes a bit. This adds a nice extra layer of flavor. At least I like to think it does. And I like saying that, "adds a nice extra layer of flavor" - it makes me sound like I know what I'm talking about. Add some black pepper.



4. When the pumpkin is fully cooked and soft (but not too soft), add the whole mixture to a blender (or food processor). Add some milk - I decided to add milk at this point in the process, but I usually just add chicken stock and I add the milk later (which is when I added the chicken stock this time - does that make sense?). Doesn't it make for a neat picture? It almost looks like I'm making a mango smoothie. With onions.



Blend until it reaches a consistency you want to eat. I usually like mine really smooth, but this time I decided to keep a tiny bit of texture in it. Not much, just a little bit. Add more liquid, if necessary, so that it doesn't get stuck in the blender. You know what I'm talking about.

5. Put the mixture back on the stove. Add chicken stock (or water and bullion cubes - don't hate!), black pepper to taste, and this time I added a bay leaf - aw yeah! Bring it to a boil and reduce to a simmer.



6. Optional - run outside and break off some aloe vera to rub on your hand if you accidentally get burned because you didn't turn the heat down quick enough and a boiling bubble popped and splashed boiling hot boiling pumpkin soup on your hand. Seriously, if you get burned, run it under cold water then put aloe vera on it. Don't bother with ice cubes or frozen steaks. Aloe vera.



So let it simmer until you're ready to chow. Then chow. This soup is great the next day too!

Once upon a time I was falling in love...

There's nothing I can do, a total eclipse of the sun. So Wednesday's solar eclipse was really amazing. But instead of wasting my time taking a million crappy pictures, I should have been taking more time to enjoy the silver heavenly ambiance that settled over the land and reflected off of the leaves and flowers and my children's faces. Instead of lying in the grass embracing my children with my eyes closed, breathing in the cool air as the temperature dropped during the peak of the eclipse, I was busy looking at a reflection of the eclipse in a shallow pool, then at a shadow of the eclipse cast through a hole in a paper that I poked with a fork prong. This is the best I could do:

In 2004, I witnessed an event that drew a similar eerie cover of darkness over Saipan. When Anatahan erupted and the bright morning sky turned into a late evening darkness, all I could do was watch in amazement as the dark clouds, which we would later learn were volcanic ash and gasses, rolled in from the north. I thought it was the apocolypse.

So I've been working at my new job for about a month and a half now, and I think it's about time I let you know what it is that I do. But first let me tell you what I used to do. I used to be an Analyst. Tells you a lot right? Like that I used to analyze things; perform analyses and what not. Before I was an analyst, I was a Program Coordinator. Guess what I did? Exactly! I coordinated programs. Prior to becoming a program coordinator, I was a James Bell Intern; and before I became a James Bell Intern, I was a Business Services Assistant who assisted the Business Services department.

So now that I've listed off my last four positions, you should have a pretty good idea of what I've done in my career. But those positions don't tell you that I've taught professional development courses, or that I've participated in executive level meetings. They also don't tell you that I've worked with a cross section of the business community to examine current and anticipated workforce needs. Nor do they tell you that I have developed excellent customer service skills and enjoy giving interactive presentations. Wow, they really don't tell you anything.

What if I told you the name of the organizations I worked for - would that help? Probably. But you'd likely know more about what I can do if I told you I'd been a fitter at a haberdashery, which I haven't, by the way.

So what is it that I do now? Why, I'm a Budget Officer! Ah, finally. Now you know exactly what I do. I'm an officer of the budget.

Alternate Ending

She went from rags to riches. But she's realizing that money can't buy happiness.

What if Disney princesses didn't live happily ever after? Check out this great series by Dina Goldstein for alternate endings. I feel most connected with Cinderella. I just wish I saw a little more emotion in her face; more pain that she's drowning with each sip.

Best soup ever. If you like it.

It may not look like the best soup ever. But tonight, it was.

1. Saute some garlic in olive oil until some of the pieces start to brown.
   
2. Add leeks, asparagus, and a dash of black pepper and saute a little bit more.
   
3. Add chicken stock (or water and chicken bullion cubes in my case) increase heat to bring to boil.
   
4. Add bok choi while bringing to boil.
5. Once it reaches a boil, reduce to a simmer.
   
6. Add a tiny bit of fish sauce, like only one little cap full. Yes, it smells like the most disgusting thing and why would anyone ever in the history of the world ever add such a nasty smelling sauce to any food? Because it adds a little something extra, that's why. But only about a cap full - maybe 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, depending on how much soup you are making.
   
7. Then add some more black pepper and one crushed donni. Donni is the local hot pepper, if you're in the states you might call it a chili. But I don't call it a chili because I can't say the word "chili" without giggling.
8. Simmer for a few minutes.
9. Add frozen gyoza. Also known as pot stickers in the states - saying "pot stickers" really irritates me.
   
10. Bring back to a boil and then down to a simmer. Let simmer for, oh I don't know, 5 to 10 minutes.
11. Enjoy. But eat it with a big Chinese soup spoon. It tastes better like that.
    

What's in a name?

Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet? I reckon it would. But I much prefer the sweet enchanting tropical fragrance of the plumeria. This particular deep pink plumeria is my favorite - for its fragrance and its beauty.

Some mornings before I leave for work I will pick one of those perfect pink plumerias and wear it behind my ear. And no matter what challenges may come, with that soft flower gracing my hair, I am continuously calmed by its magnificent scent.

In English it is a plumeria; in Hawaiian, melia. In Chamorro it is called flores Mayu; in Refaluwasch, séyúr. No matter what we call this enchanting flower, it will always smell as sweet and look as beautiful.

In the past week, Katelyn has asked me at least four times to change her name. The last time was yesterday when she asked to change her name to Rebecca. I told her that her name is already Rebecca and I'd call her that if wanted me to. She did. So I called her Rebecca. Once. And then I forgot and so did she.

And even if she grows up and decides she doesn't like the name Katelyn Rebecca, she will always be my sweet, beautiful, loving daughter.

Although I do hope she never asks if she can change her name to Princess Consuela Banana Hammock.

Because I like to eat.

And I like to cook. And because this is what we had in our my sister's garden:



Left: Fresh home grown organic kang kung with garlic, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. Saute sliced garlic in olive oil until garlic begins to caramelize. Then add the kang kung (or whatever nice dark green vegetable is available to you, like bok choi or choi sum) and some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Cook until it's how you like it.

Right: Beef with onions and garlic on rice. Chop beef into small pieces, I used the beef labeled "chop steak" that I buy frozen at Sara Market. Chop whole onion: cut onion in half lengthwise, lay the flat sides down and chop in about 1/3" segments. Because we didn't have onions at home when I started cooking this, I cooked it in two parts - the beef first and then the onions when James came home from the store. 1) Saute sliced garlic in olive oil, add beef, black pepper, soy sauce, and vinegar. Cook until beef is cooked through. 2) Saute garlic (I cook with so much garlic, I should be Korean) and onions in olive oil. Add some soy sauce, black pepper, and vinegar. Cook until caramelized and transluscent. I covered the pan for a minute or two at a time to keep it nice and moist. I actually added a splash of water at one point when it looked like the pan was drying out. Once the onions were done, I added the cooked beef to it and let that meld together for a few minutes. (You can substitute the vinegar with lemon.)

These are so easy to make, you probably didn't need so many details. But I sometimes get requests for recipes, so I thought I'd write it all out. I made this and some pumpkin soup made from local pumpkin for dinner last night. It was good.

Dora and Diego: Peddling Primos

A few weeks ago James asked me why our son Jacob is always upset when he speaks Spanish. Why is our son speaking Spanish? Because he's addicted to Dora the Explorer. ADDICTED! Sure, he likes Diego a lot. He has Diego toys and knows all about Diego's animal rescue adventures. But there is something about that big-headed girl that has him hooked. He watches the show, he reads the books. With her monkey friend and map of the neighborhood, Dora is a backpack wielding adventure loving dealer, slowly doling out computer animated crack to two year olds.

Every so often, and in proper context, Jacob yells things like, rapido! Azul! Despacio! He yells them. "Despacioooooohhh!" He watches with amazement, even if he practically has the episode memorized. He watches with an open mind, answering questions and motioning when called upon to do so. He answers quickly and he answers over and over as he waits for Dora's affirmation. He answers louder and louder as it seems that Dora is ignoring his reply. It's like, it makes him mad yet it is satisfying.

Dora: We need to slow down, can you say despacio?

Jacob: Yeah, despacio.

Dora: Say despacio.

Jacob: Despacio!

Dora: We're going too fast, say despacio!

Jacob: Despa-ci-OH!

Dora: To slow down, you have to say despacio!

Jacob: Despaciiiiooooohhh!!

It's total love-hate addictive behavior. But it's totally cute! He is using reasoning, he is exercising his memory, and he is learning Spanish. But his Spanish "r" is not very pronounced (although his English "r" is not very pronounced either). We often see him holding out his hand yelling "pawa". Or we hear him working through a series of increases - "wapido! mas wapido! mucho mas wapidoooooow!" And I love when he points out colors around the house, "amawillo, woho, veode".

He wakes up and he asks for Dora. He is glued to it when it's on. He appropriately references characters and plots. He even dreams Dora! The other night in his sleep he said, "I need agua".

Jacob would rather watch Dora than susu! Someone call A&E, this kid needs an intervention!

(Click Here)

Before...

Three years ago was a fun month for posting, please read through and enjoy.

Two years ago was also a good posting month. Read and be merry.

One year ago I posted. Yeah I posted. Jealous? You'll probably find more joy in looking at the pictures than reading all the posts. (Did anyone get the reference?)

Yeah, that's me. Before.

You alone.

Nearly five years ago, in August 2003, I moved back to Saipan. James would arrive a month and a half later. On my first Sunday back on island, I attended service at Saipan Community Church. The church I grew up with. I spent every Friday morning of grades 1 through 8 in that church – singing, praying, laughing, playing. I performed in the band, sang in the choir, and participated in Christmas programs in that church. The church with no walls, the church where the doors are always open.

My family never attended that church, we never attended any church. But I did attend it sometimes. I’d go with my friends whose families were deeply rooted in the Christian faith. I’d attend church retreats with my friends from church and school. The first retreat I attended was a camp-out at Managaha. And I should have known since then never to attempt another Managaha camp-out. Because Deece + camping = a sucky time for all.

That first Sunday back in the familiar open air church was wonderful. During the service I sat with Auntie Jan; as a child I would sit with her in that church before her daughter, Kristy, and I would head off to Sunday School. And after the service on that first Sunday, Auntie Jan and another friend’s mother, Auntie Debbie, sat with me and prayed with me. They prayed for me. They were happy that I was there, and so was I. Both of these women were also my teachers. Literally - Auntie Debbie taught me various subjects throughout my time at Saipan Community School, Auntie Jan was actually my principal. They watched me grow. They knew me when I was a nice young innocent girl. They knew me when I was a loud rule-breaking child. They knew me when I was a somewhat rebellious teen. And they know me now as a Christian adult, a wife and mother.

Yesterday I sat in that church while attending a service to celebrate the eternal life of a childhood friend - Auntie Debbie's daughter, Audra. Audra and I were friends; we weren’t best friends, but we were friends. She was a year younger than me and a grade below me throughout my time at Saipan Community School. We saw each other every weekday. We played in band concerts together and performed in Christmas plays together. She was always a wonderful person. So kind, so cheerful, so full of love.

I sat with Auntie Jan at Audra's memorial service yesterday. I shed tears of sadness and tears of joy. I can't remember when I last saw my friend, but we had an online exchange a few years ago and she just radiated joy and love across miles and miles of fiber optic cable. I am sad that no one will be able to embrace her in person again. But I am overjoyed and amazed and a little overwhelmed knowing that she is in heaven with our creator. I don't know if she is looking down on us or not, but one thing I know is that she is with God. The God who created her and the God who created me. The only God.

It was a beautiful service. Probably the most beautiful I've ever attended, with live music and raw emotion. And it was about my friend and our God. It was about how she lived and how she loved our God.

If there is a family to emulate, Audra's family is it. They trust in the Lord, they have faith beyond measure. They have raised their children right in the eyes of God.

I feel a deep connection with Auntie Jan and Auntie Debbie's families. They may not feel it, but I do. And the funny thing is, I never really know what to call them. I tried to keep names out of this post, but my sentences didn't seem to make sense without them. So I added their names, Auntie Jan and Auntie Debbie. But because of their roles as teachers in my life, I got used to calling them Mrs. Springer and Mrs. Winkfield. But that places them so far away from me. And I don't want them far away. I may not see them often, I may not hang out with them or their children regularly, I may not be their family - at least not by normal standards. But they are my family. They are my family in Christ.

The reading from Audra's celebration of eternal life:

¹"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. ²In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4

The chorus of the song her family sang:

"You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship you"

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

No reason.

I feel like I owe you an explanation. But I don't have one. It's not like I've been really busy with anything. I've just been enjoying life.

I don't have any big projects in the works. I don't even have any little projects in the works. I haven't been sewing anything or knitting anything. I've just been enjoying life. But I have been planning to do a lot more with my Marianas Touch bath and body (available now at Expressions on Capitol Hill - also available at Expressions: gourmet cheeses and delectable chocolates). And I'm working out the details of a regular contest on Ayorátá.

Also? I started a new job! Yeah! I know, right? So that's been keeping me busy too.

~~~

Bride Wars - It made me laugh. I may or may not have planned my wedding when I was a kid. I don't remember. But I'm sure that the wedding I had was not the wedding that I may or may not have have planned as a kid. James and I basically spent pennies on our wedding - and I loved it! If we were millionaires, I still wouldn't have done it any differently. Well, maybe I would have hired a photographer and gotten a tan first.

Gran Torino - Whoa! I had no idea what it was about when we started watching it. Clint Eastwood is amazing! This may or may not have been my first Clint Eastwood movie. I don't remember. It was good!

New In Town - I like it! I like the simplicity of it. I like the lack of vulgarity in it. I like the wholesomeness of it. I like how cute Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr. look! And I've never really been a fan of Renee, but I like her in this. And OMGosh, watch the making of features. I would not survive that kind of weather. I could watch this kind of movie all the time. You, however, may not like it as much.

~~~

Dinner Do and Dinner Don't

Dinner Do: meatballs with gravy on rice
Dinner Don't: macaroni with spaghetti sauce, spam, and spinach (not terrible, but not great)

Garlic and Ginger Beef with Snow Peas


Yellow Split Pea Soup with Carrots and Pasta

And maybe some zucchini. I can't really remember.