Fight or Flight: November 2020 Recap + What I Learned: Fall 2020
What I Watched:
1) Somebody Feed Phil. In the midst of all of the crazy, this show was a welcome respite. I'd do some homework, monitor the rainfall, and then take a break by watching an episode. As always, Phil Rosenthal displays childlike innocence and delight, and I especially appreciate his focus on community. While it's a delight to see what he eats and where he visits, it's also nice in COVID times to remember what it feels like to sit down together at a long, full table. This season, he travels to Singapore and the Mississippi Delta. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised that this show also caught Raúl's attention enough to watch it together.
2) Knives Out. I watched this on the plane coming to the US. I knew it had been a big hit, but I didn't really know much about what it was about. I had plenty of options on the plane, but I just wanted to watch something that could make me laugh or think. This movie was pretty fascinating, and I know it's good when I can't call the twist ending from the middle of the movie. Ana de Armas was delightful. It was nice to see Chris Evans do something very different than being Captain America. All in all, great entertainment.
3) The Big Sick. I had wanted to watch this movie for a while. I love a cultural clash movie because it makes my husband and I feel normal. He seems to enjoy them too. This movie was written by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon about their own love story. It follows how their cultural clash initially kept them from getting together but how an unexpected illness united them at last. It's heartfelt especially since it is based on a true story, and it's really funny. Be advised that it does have strong language. The movie stars Kumail Nanjiani as himself along with Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, and Zoe Kazan.
4) The Crown. Here's why I'm drawn to this show--I love watching people find ways to embody someone iconic. The accent shifts, the subtle bodily mannerisms, the way these actors carry themselves--it all just amazes me. Plus, because I know that there are creative liberties taken, I also feel compelled to do my own research and learn about UK history that I wasn't taught in school. I loved Claire Foy in seasons 1 and 2, and I love the actors in this season, particularly Josh O' Connor as Prince Charles and Emma Corrin as Princess Diana. The acting craft is just as much of a draw as the story itself.
What I Ate:
1) Lasagna. This is comfort food at its best, but I don't often make it in Honduras just because of the cost and because it's better for a crowd. It's one of my Dad's favorites though, so we made it happen. This is a good recipe for reference: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/23600/worlds-best-lasagna/
Photo by Rick Bella
2) Mexican Street Corn Salad. We had a Mexican feast for my Dad's birthday. I didn't actually make this dish, but it is one I've made several times before. My sister's version hit it out of the park. Here's a recipe for reference:
https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/mexican-street-corn-salad/
3) Horchata. I had never made horchata before because I have it readily available and made by someone else where I live, but in honor of my Dad's Mexican birthday feast, I made some. I probably should have let the rice and almonds soak longer since it tasted more like pozole than horchata, but it was good. It was also less of a hassle to make than I expected. Here are some recipes I used for reference:
https://www.mylatinatable.com/authentic-horchata-recipe/
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/141828/lolas-horchata/
https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/horchata/
4) Nannie's Pecan Tarts. This is a family recipe from my paternal grandmother. Many years ago, she made us all a cookbook of family recipes. When Thanksgiving was upon us, and we knew for sure we wouldn't be spending it with Nannie because COVID sucks, my sister and I decided to make these tarts--a staple at Nannie's Thanksgiving dinners. They turned out perfect, and we all ate far more than we cared to admit. It was fun to recreate a recipe that has become so connected with tradition, home, and family even if we couldn't be with our family. They're already on deck for Christmas.
Photo by Bernadette Wurzinger
5) Salted Caramel Apple Punch. This was our Thanksgiving beverage of choice. I used ginger beer instead of ginger ale because we like more of a kick around here. It was a hit. Here's the recipe:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/salted-caramel-apple-punch-4147280
What I Read:
1) Messenger by Lois Lowry. This was the third book in The Giver series. I read The Giver in high school, so that's been quite a while ago, but I really appreciated that this book finished the ending of that book. This book picks up where Gathering Blue left off--observing Matt's life now that he lives in a new village with the blind man. As the environment and attitude in the village shifts, Matt discovers a power he has that may change everything. We also get to see Kira again.
2) How People Grow by John Townsend and Henry Cloud. To be truthful, this was a re-read for grad school. My normal reading goal is three books a month, and this was the first month that grad school overwhelmed that goal. This book is a good one, and I did glean some good information and perspective the second time around. I especially appreciate the perspective that it offers in terms of how most Christians view growth and how psychology can be integrated with theology when understanding growth.
What I Learned: Fall 2020
1) What a quenelle is. I learned this via The Chef Show. It's basically using one or two spoons to make an smooth, oval shape as a presentation technique for soft food like ice cream.
2) "We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior." - Stephen Covey
3) A bunch of stuff about counseling theories. Let's be honest. This is where most of my brain power has gone this past season. It's been incredibly interesting, but it's also limited the outlets I have for other learning. But, I am happy to report that grad school is going well so far.
Photo by Alison Marras
4) That buttermilk-marinated turkey is the best. I love Samin Nosrat's buttermilk-marinated roasted chicken, so it made sense to apply the technique to a bigger bird. You can Google to find a recipe where she has specifically adapted her method for turkey. I altered her recipe to my liking and our larger bird. Some of the best turkey I've ever had.
5) So much about Princess Diana. I can still remember where I was when Princess Diana died even though I was only 8. Even then, her story was captivating. After watching The Crown, I did a deep dive into documentaries and interviews with her. Her story was so tragic, and her charisma seemed palpable.
Photo by Dilyara Garifullina
6) Chocolate brioche is amazing. I don't eat a lot of pastries, but my go-to in a coffee shop is usually a chocolate croissant. I bought this on a whim on a snowy day, and it was a game changer.
The word "bittersweet" has taken on new meaning this year as I find myself swinging on the pendulum of deep grief and deep thankfulness. I don't have great answers. Some days I have much hope, and some days, I'm just tired. What I can muster in this moment is the petition both to God and ourselves--that we would choose to stay close to Him even in our brokenness and that He would be our home, our salve, our joy.
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