Archive for March, 2010

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Just a Minute (March 2010)

March 31st, 2010 by Manda | 7 Comments | Filed in Life

On the last day of every month, I take Just a Minute to reflect on what I’m currently up to.

Frustrated… with group projects. I loathed them in high school and my feelings haven’t changed one bit. Is it really that hard to pull your own weight in a group project?

Excited… for the National Cherry Blossom Festival! I’m hoping to find some time in my schedule to make my way over to the Tidal Basin and bask in the loveliness of the blossoms.

Content… with a certain personal development in my life. ;D

Stressed… over the massive amounts of work I have due throughout the course of April. I don’t think it’s humanly possible to get it all done and leave my GPA intact. I really don’t.

Researching… adventures for when I go study abroad in Beijing next year! Did you know that the Trans-Siberian railway can take you from Beijing to Moscow through Mongolia?

Ecstatic… for the return of Glee on April 13! Oh Glee, how I’ve missed you. Less than two weeks till Cory Monteith will be gracing my TV screen on a weekly basis once again!

Arranging… my plans for the summer. It’s shaping up to be a summer of classes, relaxation, travel, and preparing for my adventures next year.

Savoring… living life in the “now.” I try not to have any regrets and I really don’t want not enjoying the present to become a regret!

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Living in the “Now”

March 30th, 2010 by Manda | 3 Comments | Filed in Life

I’ve always had an issue with spending too much time thinking about the future rather than enjoying the present. I attribute this habit to the fact that I moved around a lot as a kid; as soon as I was settled into one place it was time to move again to the next. A lot of it also stems from the fact that I like planning ahead and being in control. I have some “control freak” tendencies and hate being in a position where I feel absolutely helpless to do anything.

While it’s not necessarily a bad thing to meticulously plan my future, it does mean I miss out on a lot of the “now” stuff. When I transferred high schools (and moved overseas!) my junior year, I always thought, “Well, in two years I’ll be out of this school and into college anyway.” Now, in college, I think, “Well, after this semester I’ll be abroad for a year…” Chances are, when I get my first job I’ll probably think something along the lines of, “Well, once I’m settled in at this office…” This is a pattern I need to break!

I have set one of my goals for 2010 to live in the “now” more than I do. My success with this goal has been so-so; there’s just been so much I’ve had to plan this year to ensure that future years go accordingly that not much has changed in my mentality. Still, I have about a month left of my semester. That means a month to enjoy what’s happening now rather than getting swept up in what’ll happen in future years. That means a month to enjoy my time with friends rather than dreading a year apart from them. And that means a month to enjoy being a crazy college kid when I still can rather than focusing too much on growing up.

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My Love for Jamie Oliver

March 29th, 2010 by Manda | 7 Comments | Filed in Entertainment, Food

The first time I ever saw a Jamie Oliver show was when I was thirteen. It was The Naked Chef, and it was the name of the show that caught my eye. However, soon I started watching any and all Jamie Oliver shows that aired on TV. Jamie’s Kitchen, Jamie’s School Dinners, Jamie at Home… if it was a Jamie Oliver show, you can bet that I’d be watching it.

To fully illustrate my admiration and respect for this man, I should share a story that occurred last summer (August 2009). I discovered that the Food Network was airing episodes of Jamie’s show Jamie at Home every Friday at 8:30a.m. However, I only found this out in time to watch an episode of Jamie at Home on the very last Friday of my summer vacation. I set my alarm and dragged my groggy, half-awake self to my couch, where I watched Jamie at Home episode titled “Peas and Broad Beans.” Have I mentioned that I don’t even like peas or broad beans? Still, anything Jamie cooks is something worth watching!

I just love his energy, his cooking style, and his obvious talent. The man is a genius and can make everything look (and I assume) taste incredibly delicious. I have one of his cookbooks that I absolutely swear by (I use his mac and cheese recipe) and I have never, ever doubted any of his recipes. I’ve never had reason too; everything I’ve ever made according to his recipe has turned out wonderfully. I also wish him the very best of luck with his campaign for healthier meals at schools, as everyone knows the standard cafeteria menu is filled with more junk than nutrients.

If I ever go to London, I will be making a reservation at his restaurant, Fifteen. I don’t know if I’d be able to contain my excitement and anticipation at the idea of eating at Jamie’s very own restaurant!

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