Hi everyone!
Things are going really great with my internship! I am working at a transitional housing unit for single mothers with children under the age of 12. The women and children really enjoy having me there and have welcomed me with warm hearts. The staff there is also really great people and I am truly inspired by them and their compassion and dedication to getting these single-mother families onto their feet.
On Mondays I work from noon-8pm and the other intern, Bailee, and I make dinner for the women and then we go to Bible study with them. Tuesday-Friday I work from 8:30am to 4pm. Basically the mornings I am either helping in childcare or more often I am doing devotions with the women and then tutoring them in the basics so they can get their GED -- that is a requirement for graduation from our program. The afternoons I co-teach Nutrition classes with my supervisor Amy, she is really great. I also teach computer classes, I teach that solo. The afternoons are filled with random tasks for the office/house too; I am multi-facetted so they use that to their advantage. My experience so far has been really amazing.
Other than that I live at a transitional housing unit for families and also for men specifically. It's not the prettiest place but I have done a lot of work on the weekends to make the grungy old hotel room that my room is into more of a home. My roommate is from CMU as well, Kim, she came down here to the farm w/ me last year. She is cool, easy going.
On spare time I ride my bike a lot, do homework (taking 12 credits right now) or chill around downtown Denver. I also hike and hang out in Golden, CO where Kim and I's friend Jocelyn lives, Jocelyn came down here last year with us as well.
I hope you all are doing great, feel free to message me back and tell me how you are.
Love you!
-Brooke
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
A new page of life...
So this happens often -- where I reach a new level and have to change things fast.
I need to give up a lot and let a lot of things go this week.
My objective is to truly die to myself, to die to this world, to live solely for God.
To stop being so self-absorbed and to instead be focused on God.
I am a bit full of myself sometimes and I need to understand that if I do have talents or abilities it's only by the grace of God and through His power in me.
That's really hard for me.
I also need to work-out this week. I haven't been taking good care of my body at all and that must stop.
No eating after 9pm is the rule of the week.
Palabra.
I need to give up a lot and let a lot of things go this week.
My objective is to truly die to myself, to die to this world, to live solely for God.
To stop being so self-absorbed and to instead be focused on God.
I am a bit full of myself sometimes and I need to understand that if I do have talents or abilities it's only by the grace of God and through His power in me.
That's really hard for me.
I also need to work-out this week. I haven't been taking good care of my body at all and that must stop.
No eating after 9pm is the rule of the week.
Palabra.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Quotes
The following is a personal collection of quotes I have from myself as well as some close friends. I will be adding to this as time goes on.
"The power for change lies within every human being, what truly causes amazement are those that choose use it."
"I am saying equal rights for all people, and the difference is I mean it."
"Your past is like your shadow -- it reflects who you are and gives insight into who you should strive to become."
"When a particular people group is suffering then humanity as a whole is suffering – we all need each other for this thing called earth to work."
"nothing that means anything is easy" -elizabeth sullivan
"all we can do is live, and live in the midst of hurt" -christopher patterson
"The power for change lies within every human being, what truly causes amazement are those that choose use it."
"I am saying equal rights for all people, and the difference is I mean it."
"Your past is like your shadow -- it reflects who you are and gives insight into who you should strive to become."
"When a particular people group is suffering then humanity as a whole is suffering – we all need each other for this thing called earth to work."
"nothing that means anything is easy" -elizabeth sullivan
"all we can do is live, and live in the midst of hurt" -christopher patterson
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Hummus Recipe
Hummus
2 cups dried (4 cans wet) chickpeas
6 cups water (for dried chickpeas only)---(if using canned chickpeas, save 1 cup of the canned juice)
3 ½ teaspoons salt
2 TB olive oil
2 TB chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 ½ ts chopped garlic
2/3 cups lemon juice
¼ cup tahini
½ ts ground cumin
Wash the chickpeas. Soak overnight and cook 1 hr. 15 min. or until soft then add 3 ts salt and cook for 20-30 min. more. Drain and reserve one cup of the cooking water. Let chickpeas cool. ---(or skip the cooking step and use canned chickpeas which are faster but higher in sodium and a little more expensive…)
In a food processor or by hand with a potato masher, combine the cooled chickpeas with 1 cup of the cooking water, remaining salt, and remaining ingredients. Blend or mash until completely smooth. Then grab somethins’ good fer dippin’ and getsta werk…don’t forget to share …
Total cooking time for dried chickpeas 1hr. and 55 min. Soaking time overnight. Makes about 6 cups.
2 cups dried (4 cans wet) chickpeas
6 cups water (for dried chickpeas only)---(if using canned chickpeas, save 1 cup of the canned juice)
3 ½ teaspoons salt
2 TB olive oil
2 TB chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 ½ ts chopped garlic
2/3 cups lemon juice
¼ cup tahini
½ ts ground cumin
Wash the chickpeas. Soak overnight and cook 1 hr. 15 min. or until soft then add 3 ts salt and cook for 20-30 min. more. Drain and reserve one cup of the cooking water. Let chickpeas cool. ---(or skip the cooking step and use canned chickpeas which are faster but higher in sodium and a little more expensive…)
In a food processor or by hand with a potato masher, combine the cooled chickpeas with 1 cup of the cooking water, remaining salt, and remaining ingredients. Blend or mash until completely smooth. Then grab somethins’ good fer dippin’ and getsta werk…don’t forget to share …
Total cooking time for dried chickpeas 1hr. and 55 min. Soaking time overnight. Makes about 6 cups.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
a bit of an update
I never update.
So it's time.
It is 5:53am and I have yet to go to sleep tonight. My schedule has been crazy this week so I figured I would keep it that way tonight.
I have to pull together 3 papers, a presentation and take an exam all by Friday.
Again -- it's Thursday, 5:53am right now... I have yet to go to sleep.
As of recent -- I went tanning with my friend Chris, his 21st birthday is coming up and he wants to be tan for the pic. Legit. Normally I tan outside, in nature, on the weekends while reading for classes.* But I figured since it was Chris, and since my friend Jacquie gave us free tanning certificates -- why not?
So I had been tanning outside a few times and had worked up a pretty good base tan on my arms and legs so I was like, eh I'll go for like 12 minutes. Normally if it had been forever I would go for 8, but as stated previous I had a base.
Now... the issue was that the base was on my legs, arms and face and no where else -- this means everywhere else is burnt to a crisp. Literally I feel like a piece of overcooked chicken.
So since the cost of aloe has gone up dramatically in the past couple of years I decided to go for a home remedy and I just took a baking soda bath to try and balance my pH levels a bit.
Now I just feel like I have sun-poisoning.
I also washed my hair in the sink -- which has become one of my new favorite past-times for when I want to look like I showered.
I have not been showering that much lately.
I have been working out a lot more though. I think it's better this way.
Oh and as for classes, I am in class from 9am to 6pm every week day. I am taking Social Inequality, Islam and Beginning Golf.
-Social Inequality is interesting, our teacher thinks we are in Kindergarden though, and talks like she is constantly winning a million dollars.
-Islam is by far my favorite of all the classes I'm currently taking. I have Dr. Talat Halman whom I had Intro to World Religions with. He is one awesome guy. We talk about Christianity a lot and it's just a big discussion class and the grades are based on participation and papers -- my kind of class for sure.
-Beginning Golf is not what I expected. Our prof grades us based on skill level which is insane. Because I really can't help it if I suck at my full swing? You know, some people just don't get it and you should grade based on participation and trying and practice and attendance -- anything else in a sporting class is unfair in my opinion.
These classes are all 3 weekers, which means I am done on Friday. Friday I am going with my Islam class to the Malt Shop and then I am probably going to move some stuff out of my apartment then maybe go out with Jacquie and some of her friends later.
I love leggings. I am sorry but they are so comfortable. I want to wear them everywhere but I know that is inappropriate.
I have to write this paper about "Who really rules America." It can pretty much be summed up in two adjectives; old and white.
Alas, my kindergarden teacher probably expects something a bit more in depth.
Once Monday is past I plan to spend a lot of time in Glen Arbor with my family.
I also plan to spend a lot of time traveling, I am just not sure where too yet. I might go visit my friend Ismelda in Wisconsin. I would really like to go to Florida but I don't know if that's possible. I need to go to Washington, DC also.
If you would like to go to any of these places with me, let me know!
Shalom,
-Brooke
So it's time.
It is 5:53am and I have yet to go to sleep tonight. My schedule has been crazy this week so I figured I would keep it that way tonight.
I have to pull together 3 papers, a presentation and take an exam all by Friday.
Again -- it's Thursday, 5:53am right now... I have yet to go to sleep.
As of recent -- I went tanning with my friend Chris, his 21st birthday is coming up and he wants to be tan for the pic. Legit. Normally I tan outside, in nature, on the weekends while reading for classes.* But I figured since it was Chris, and since my friend Jacquie gave us free tanning certificates -- why not?
So I had been tanning outside a few times and had worked up a pretty good base tan on my arms and legs so I was like, eh I'll go for like 12 minutes. Normally if it had been forever I would go for 8, but as stated previous I had a base.
Now... the issue was that the base was on my legs, arms and face and no where else -- this means everywhere else is burnt to a crisp. Literally I feel like a piece of overcooked chicken.
So since the cost of aloe has gone up dramatically in the past couple of years I decided to go for a home remedy and I just took a baking soda bath to try and balance my pH levels a bit.
Now I just feel like I have sun-poisoning.
I also washed my hair in the sink -- which has become one of my new favorite past-times for when I want to look like I showered.
I have not been showering that much lately.
I have been working out a lot more though. I think it's better this way.
Oh and as for classes, I am in class from 9am to 6pm every week day. I am taking Social Inequality, Islam and Beginning Golf.
-Social Inequality is interesting, our teacher thinks we are in Kindergarden though, and talks like she is constantly winning a million dollars.
-Islam is by far my favorite of all the classes I'm currently taking. I have Dr. Talat Halman whom I had Intro to World Religions with. He is one awesome guy. We talk about Christianity a lot and it's just a big discussion class and the grades are based on participation and papers -- my kind of class for sure.
-Beginning Golf is not what I expected. Our prof grades us based on skill level which is insane. Because I really can't help it if I suck at my full swing? You know, some people just don't get it and you should grade based on participation and trying and practice and attendance -- anything else in a sporting class is unfair in my opinion.
These classes are all 3 weekers, which means I am done on Friday. Friday I am going with my Islam class to the Malt Shop and then I am probably going to move some stuff out of my apartment then maybe go out with Jacquie and some of her friends later.
I love leggings. I am sorry but they are so comfortable. I want to wear them everywhere but I know that is inappropriate.
I have to write this paper about "Who really rules America." It can pretty much be summed up in two adjectives; old and white.
Alas, my kindergarden teacher probably expects something a bit more in depth.
Once Monday is past I plan to spend a lot of time in Glen Arbor with my family.
I also plan to spend a lot of time traveling, I am just not sure where too yet. I might go visit my friend Ismelda in Wisconsin. I would really like to go to Florida but I don't know if that's possible. I need to go to Washington, DC also.
If you would like to go to any of these places with me, let me know!
Shalom,
-Brooke
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
inspired by a friend
Creating your own 1001 Day Project
The Mission:Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
101 Things in 1001 Days
3/29/2009-7/3/2011
Green Signifies : In Process
The Mission:Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
101 Things in 1001 Days
3/29/2009-7/3/2011
Green Signifies : In Process
Strikethrough : Completed
1. Go back to the Dominican
2. Run a 5k
3. Read my Bible every single morning without fail for a month
4.Visit Colorado
5.Go camping
6.Build a fire
7. Finish Jesus for President
8. Make something for someone I don't know
9. Graduate College
10. Take the LSAT
11. Apply to the University of Florida Law School
12. Go to Africa
13.Talk to the International Justice Mission
14.Visit Grant in Washington DC the Summer of '09
15. Finish an Internship
16. Go Skydiving
17. Send a Postcard to Postsecret
18. Actually learn how to play a song on my guitar
19. Build a tree-fort with my nieces and nephews
20.Go canoeing
21. Leave a gathering of friends to pray
22.Be intentional and show Jesus' love to someone I don't want to
23. Send my sister 1 letter a week for 2 months straight
24. Go on a prayer hike
25. Thank my parents for everything they do for me and for how great they are, you can't do that enough.
26. Stop downloading illegally
27. Fast from secular music for 1 month
28. Stop eating sweets from April to October '09
29. Go to an outdoor concert
30.Go on a spontaneous roadtrip
31. Make all my Christmas gifts one year
32. Read the Bible in a Year
33. Make brownies and soup for my grandma
34. See the Grand Canyon
35. Do something awesome after college, PeaceCorp/AmeriCorp/DR
36. Eat only unprocessed foods for 1 month.
37. Go Snowboarding
38. Watch the sunrise on a beach
39.Make a DR dinner for some DR friends
40.Throw together a big fundraiser for a good cause for no good reason :)
41. Climb a tree
42.Make a Carrot Cake for my dad
43. Drink 2 Nalgenes full of water for 1 month
44. Go camping in the mountains
45. Take a cooking class
46. Get a pro camera
47. Take a photography class
48.Send a package of fun things to someone
49. Not go out to eat for 1 month
50. Put $10 in savings for every task completed
51. Give $2 to a charity for every task completed
52. Get a rosary
53. Learn the rosary
54. Go to a Notre Dame football game
55. Re-read the Screwtape Letters
56. Read Mere Christianity
57. Read the Narnia books
58.Take a yoga class
59. Don't eat fast food for 1 year (1/365)
60. Write in my journal every day for 1 month
61. Take my vitamins every day for 1 month
62. Exercise every day for 1 month
63. Take my mom to dinner and a movie - on me.
64. Take my sister out, my treat.
65. Have a "chalkboard" wall
66. Write 1 thing I am thankful for every night before i go to bed for 1 month
67. Visit my cousin Jenny in Florida
68. Make a LG Cookbook
69. Say Yes to everything for 1 day
70. Give a 100% tip at a restaurant where the bill is over $10 ... and don't make the decision based on looks
71. Take 1 picture a day for 365 days, Post is on Flickr.
72. Lose 30 pounds
73. Give $ to a friend in need ... secretly
74. Have a meal and real talk with my brother Shaun
75. Take all of my nieces/nephews "out" individually for a day that's all about them
76. Watch all movies on AFI's top 100
77. Do something intentionally nice for someone else every day for 1 month
78. Start and finish writing a book
79.Get my bike fixed
80. Visit Ismelda
81. Don't spend any $ for 1 month
82. Fast, watch the Passion, and go to the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday
83. Send Merker a package
84.Participate in PFPChallenge.com
85. Go without white flour for 1 month
86. Make homemade tortillas
87. Do a Polar Bear Plunge
88. Read my personal journal from the Dominican
89. Make home-made sushi
90. Pay for a stranger's dinner
91. Make home-made strawberry jam w/ my mom's recipe
92. Raise 100 pairs of socks for the homeless
93. Donate 101 items to charity
94.Buy Alissa a new water bottle
95. Play intramural tennis
96. Try ear candling with Chris
97.Go to a vegan restaurant
98.Visit Brandae and Rachelle in Ohio
99. Share a meal with a homeless person
100. Give up texting for 1 month
101. Make a new list.
1. Go back to the Dominican
2. Run a 5k
3. Read my Bible every single morning without fail for a month
4.
5.
6.
7. Finish Jesus for President
8. Make something for someone I don't know
9. Graduate College
10. Take the LSAT
11. Apply to the University of Florida Law School
12. Go to Africa
13.
14.
15. Finish an Internship
16. Go Skydiving
17. Send a Postcard to Postsecret
18. Actually learn how to play a song on my guitar
19. Build a tree-fort with my nieces and nephews
20.
21. Leave a gathering of friends to pray
22.
23. Send my sister 1 letter a week for 2 months straight
24. Go on a prayer hike
25. Thank my parents for everything they do for me and for how great they are, you can't do that enough.
26. Stop downloading illegally
27. Fast from secular music for 1 month
28. Stop eating sweets from April to October '09
29. Go to an outdoor concert
30.
31. Make all my Christmas gifts one year
32. Read the Bible in a Year
33. Make brownies and soup for my grandma
34. See the Grand Canyon
35. Do something awesome after college, PeaceCorp/AmeriCorp/DR
36. Eat only unprocessed foods for 1 month.
37. Go Snowboarding
38. Watch the sunrise on a beach
39.
40.
41. Climb a tree
42.
43. Drink 2 Nalgenes full of water for 1 month
44. Go camping in the mountains
45. Take a cooking class
46. Get a pro camera
47. Take a photography class
48.
49. Not go out to eat for 1 month
50. Put $10 in savings for every task completed
51. Give $2 to a charity for every task completed
52. Get a rosary
53. Learn the rosary
54. Go to a Notre Dame football game
55. Re-read the Screwtape Letters
56. Read Mere Christianity
57. Read the Narnia books
58.
59. Don't eat fast food for 1 year (1/365)
60. Write in my journal every day for 1 month
61. Take my vitamins every day for 1 month
62. Exercise every day for 1 month
63. Take my mom to dinner and a movie - on me.
64. Take my sister out, my treat.
65. Have a "chalkboard" wall
66. Write 1 thing I am thankful for every night before i go to bed for 1 month
67. Visit my cousin Jenny in Florida
68. Make a LG Cookbook
69. Say Yes to everything for 1 day
70. Give a 100% tip at a restaurant where the bill is over $10 ... and don't make the decision based on looks
71. Take 1 picture a day for 365 days, Post is on Flickr.
72. Lose 30 pounds
73. Give $ to a friend in need ... secretly
74. Have a meal and real talk with my brother Shaun
75. Take all of my nieces/nephews "out" individually for a day that's all about them
76. Watch all movies on AFI's top 100
77. Do something intentionally nice for someone else every day for 1 month
78. Start and finish writing a book
79.
80. Visit Ismelda
81. Don't spend any $ for 1 month
82. Fast, watch the Passion, and go to the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday
83. Send Merker a package
84.
85. Go without white flour for 1 month
86. Make homemade tortillas
87. Do a Polar Bear Plunge
88. Read my personal journal from the Dominican
89. Make home-made sushi
90. Pay for a stranger's dinner
91. Make home-made strawberry jam w/ my mom's recipe
92. Raise 100 pairs of socks for the homeless
93. Donate 101 items to charity
94.
95. Play intramural tennis
96. Try ear candling with Chris
97.
98.
99. Share a meal with a homeless person
100. Give up texting for 1 month
101. Make a new list.
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