Things I love:
rain
windstorms
the beach and the ocean
love
kids
friendship
God
helping people
people that listen
people that help
music
tennis
golf
pool
hockey
cooking
passion
people that care
playing games
creating stories and laughter
being competitive
being a goofy idiot
Things I hate (or strongly dislike):
people who drive in the left lane without getting over
evil
people who don't care
people who hurt kids
disease
pain
suffering
when people pretend to be what they are not
people who can't be real
when i make stupid mistakes i shouldn't
when i lose my temper with my kids
when i let God down
when i let my family down
lack of motivation
people that are rude or impolite
using bad grammar or language just because
This was a total stream of consciousness rant. Feel free to share with me and others what you love and hate. Would love to hear your list! I will probably edit in the future since this was off the cuff and most likely not completely accurate.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
As I sit in a boring training listening to things I have heard a dozen times, my mind tends to wander...
Why is it that people cannot disagree with love? Why do people have to attack those that do not feel the same way as them on an issue? Some of the people I like and care about the most in life, are people that I disagree with strongly on certain issues. I feel that personal relationships should come before agreeing on every issue? What do you think? I am curious.
A related pet peeve is when people learn a little bit about an issue, and then try to preach like they are an expert in that area. The most dangerous people, I believe, are those that learn a little and then stop learning and start preaching. In my experience, the biggest fools have the loudest mouths. Wise people tend to have a quiet confidence and know how much they don't know.
When I was young, I was very brash and cocky. I was very smart, but not very wise (although very mature for my age). As I get older, I am not nearly as 'smart' as I was when I was in grade 11, but I am much wiser. That wisdom has come from experience, a lot of pain and sorrow, and becoming a parent and closer to God. I am much more quiet and reserved than the big (little) kid than what loud and had his head down on his desk for an hour after school everyday.
I am curious if anyone reading this has had similar observations/experiences? Does anyone have any ideas as to help people with this issue? I tend to be quiet about it. I find that confronting people on this only makes it worse. The only solution I know of is to model more Christian and accepting behavior.
Why is it that people cannot disagree with love? Why do people have to attack those that do not feel the same way as them on an issue? Some of the people I like and care about the most in life, are people that I disagree with strongly on certain issues. I feel that personal relationships should come before agreeing on every issue? What do you think? I am curious.
A related pet peeve is when people learn a little bit about an issue, and then try to preach like they are an expert in that area. The most dangerous people, I believe, are those that learn a little and then stop learning and start preaching. In my experience, the biggest fools have the loudest mouths. Wise people tend to have a quiet confidence and know how much they don't know.
When I was young, I was very brash and cocky. I was very smart, but not very wise (although very mature for my age). As I get older, I am not nearly as 'smart' as I was when I was in grade 11, but I am much wiser. That wisdom has come from experience, a lot of pain and sorrow, and becoming a parent and closer to God. I am much more quiet and reserved than the big (little) kid than what loud and had his head down on his desk for an hour after school everyday.
I am curious if anyone reading this has had similar observations/experiences? Does anyone have any ideas as to help people with this issue? I tend to be quiet about it. I find that confronting people on this only makes it worse. The only solution I know of is to model more Christian and accepting behavior.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
I think the reason I love to cook is that it reminds me of my mom. I rarely cooked before college and did not even watch her cook much. I think when I was homesick in college, cooking reminded me of home.
Mom was an amazing cook. Even when we were dirt poor and had no money for food, we always had delicious meals to eat. She loved her kids above everything and one of the ways she showed that love was always having home cooked meals and goodies for us.
Gluten patties are a recipe from my Gramma. I remember the day that I had her show me how to make them. They are a part of our family history and almost everyone in the family loves them. They remind me of big family get togethers at Gramma and Grampa's house. They also remind me of Sabbath meals and spending time together as family.
I think sharing the recipes that Mom and Gramma made special is one way to celebrate their lives and remember them. I plan on posting some of my favorites. Along with the Gluten recipe/video, I hope to share Cottage Cheese Loaf, Slush Cake, and some more. Hopefully, the family will enjoy seeing/trying some of them!!
This is a rough video at best as I was recording with one hand and filming with the other. Except for the portions Micah taped! Also, my editing and captions got lost because YouTube doesn't like mmp format anymore :( I may have to redo it, but I wanted to get this on pronto.
Mom was an amazing cook. Even when we were dirt poor and had no money for food, we always had delicious meals to eat. She loved her kids above everything and one of the ways she showed that love was always having home cooked meals and goodies for us.
Gluten patties are a recipe from my Gramma. I remember the day that I had her show me how to make them. They are a part of our family history and almost everyone in the family loves them. They remind me of big family get togethers at Gramma and Grampa's house. They also remind me of Sabbath meals and spending time together as family.
I think sharing the recipes that Mom and Gramma made special is one way to celebrate their lives and remember them. I plan on posting some of my favorites. Along with the Gluten recipe/video, I hope to share Cottage Cheese Loaf, Slush Cake, and some more. Hopefully, the family will enjoy seeing/trying some of them!!
This is a rough video at best as I was recording with one hand and filming with the other. Except for the portions Micah taped! Also, my editing and captions got lost because YouTube doesn't like mmp format anymore :( I may have to redo it, but I wanted to get this on pronto.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Okay, so for those of you who have not grown up in Canada, traveled on B.C. Ferries, or tried a Nanaimo Bar, this blog is for you. The one redeeming quality of Ferry travel is Nanaimo Bars. They are hard to describe if you haven't had one. A yummy, coconutty crust, smooth, creamy filling, and lovely chocolate to top it off. I finally tried them homemade and they were way easier to make than I thought. As with most foods, they are way better homemade. I kick it up about ten notches by making the filling peanut butter!! You can also add a little Nutella.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/peanut-butter-nanaimo-bar-canada-recipe/index.html
This is a link to the recipe I went off. I usually try a recipe once, and then start to modify. This one uses a little too much graham cracker in the crust layer. You want it to be slightly wet. Try these and let me know if you love them as much as I do, or if I am being fooled by nostalgia. Happy Cooking, peace and love!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/peanut-butter-nanaimo-bar-canada-recipe/index.html
This is a link to the recipe I went off. I usually try a recipe once, and then start to modify. This one uses a little too much graham cracker in the crust layer. You want it to be slightly wet. Try these and let me know if you love them as much as I do, or if I am being fooled by nostalgia. Happy Cooking, peace and love!
Hey there. I had an idea that my next blog would be on my Creed or what I believe in. I think that will take some more thought however. One of my biggest hobbies is cooking and baking. I think I will start to document recipes that I love, try, modify, etc. Feel free to let me know if there is a recipe you have had trouble with or need ideas on. I would love to help, if possible. I also want to make some videos of some of my recipes. I especially want to do one on Gluten for my family. Gluten is a vegetarian family favorite that is a McGill tradition from my Grandma.
Today, I made a thin crust pizza with fresh homemade tomato sauce with sweet onion, beef, and fresh mozzarella and basil for toppings. The secret to a great homemade pizza is keeping it simple, using fresh, great tasting ingredients, and using a super hot oven and preheated pizza stone. My dough recipe for anyone who needs one, is as follows.
PIZZA DOUGH
*Preheat oven with stone inside as hot as you can handle, at least 400, but 500 is even better!
1.5 C. Flour
Pinch Salt
Herbs and seasonings (optional)
.5 C. very hot tap water
1 T. oil
2.25 t. yeast
1 T. sugar or honey
1.) Mix the flour and the salt. Add any dry herbs or seasonings you would like. (seasoned crust can be one of the secrets of a great pizza--experiment with different herbs, season salt, etc. Garlic minced or powdered is quite lovely)
2.) Mix the oil, yeast, and sugar or honey into the water, stir and let sit until it starts blooming. You can tell it's ready when it starts to "puff" up. This is actually the yeast eating and belching out the sugar. This is what "puffs" up dough.
3.) Once the liquid is ready, mix into the dry. You are really out of luck here if you do not have a Kitchen Aid mixer with a dough hook. It makes life so easy. This recipe always seems to run a little dry. Be ready to add a little more water or oil. You will know it is ready when the dough comes together in a ball and is smooth, but not sticky. (you want to add the liquid slowly after the initial amount as it is easy to add too much because the dough takes a little time to absorb the liquid. It is easier to add more wet than more flour)
4.) When you have your "ball" spray a little nonstick spray into the bowl and swirl around so the dough does not stick. Then cover for 10 minutes.
5.) If you want any cooked toppings (ground beef, caramelized onions, etc.), get those going while you are waiting for the dough.
6.) After ten minutes, roll out your dough on a floured surface (silicone rollers with a metal core are very nice for not sticking). Stick the dough on the stone. I like to pre-cook the dough a little with a little EVO and salt, and sometimes Basil.
7.) When it starts to brown, get the rest of your toppings on there and let it finish either on bake or broil. Watch it carefully. You want it to just start to brown, crisp, and singe without actually blackening.
8.) Voila!! Yummy pizza!
Please let me know if you try it and like or dislike it. Also, let me know your favorite pizza tricks and recipes!! Remember, let me know if you have any recipes you want me to try or troubleshoot. Happy Cooking!
Today, I made a thin crust pizza with fresh homemade tomato sauce with sweet onion, beef, and fresh mozzarella and basil for toppings. The secret to a great homemade pizza is keeping it simple, using fresh, great tasting ingredients, and using a super hot oven and preheated pizza stone. My dough recipe for anyone who needs one, is as follows.
PIZZA DOUGH
*Preheat oven with stone inside as hot as you can handle, at least 400, but 500 is even better!
1.5 C. Flour
Pinch Salt
Herbs and seasonings (optional)
.5 C. very hot tap water
1 T. oil
2.25 t. yeast
1 T. sugar or honey
1.) Mix the flour and the salt. Add any dry herbs or seasonings you would like. (seasoned crust can be one of the secrets of a great pizza--experiment with different herbs, season salt, etc. Garlic minced or powdered is quite lovely)
2.) Mix the oil, yeast, and sugar or honey into the water, stir and let sit until it starts blooming. You can tell it's ready when it starts to "puff" up. This is actually the yeast eating and belching out the sugar. This is what "puffs" up dough.
3.) Once the liquid is ready, mix into the dry. You are really out of luck here if you do not have a Kitchen Aid mixer with a dough hook. It makes life so easy. This recipe always seems to run a little dry. Be ready to add a little more water or oil. You will know it is ready when the dough comes together in a ball and is smooth, but not sticky. (you want to add the liquid slowly after the initial amount as it is easy to add too much because the dough takes a little time to absorb the liquid. It is easier to add more wet than more flour)
4.) When you have your "ball" spray a little nonstick spray into the bowl and swirl around so the dough does not stick. Then cover for 10 minutes.
5.) If you want any cooked toppings (ground beef, caramelized onions, etc.), get those going while you are waiting for the dough.
6.) After ten minutes, roll out your dough on a floured surface (silicone rollers with a metal core are very nice for not sticking). Stick the dough on the stone. I like to pre-cook the dough a little with a little EVO and salt, and sometimes Basil.
7.) When it starts to brown, get the rest of your toppings on there and let it finish either on bake or broil. Watch it carefully. You want it to just start to brown, crisp, and singe without actually blackening.
8.) Voila!! Yummy pizza!
Please let me know if you try it and like or dislike it. Also, let me know your favorite pizza tricks and recipes!! Remember, let me know if you have any recipes you want me to try or troubleshoot. Happy Cooking!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Not sure if I should post these now or wait, but what the heh, my past is part of what got me here. These are some good ol' Myspace blogs from about 4 years ago.
a poem:
How do you find self esteem and self worth in this world?
How do you make yourself good when the world is full of evil?
Why do people think they are worth nothing when we are all stained with sin?
We all live a double standard.
No matter how perfect that person seems to you, they make mistakes just like you.
The only value we have is what God sees in us.
The only self esteem is the worth He has placed in us.
The only good we have is sharing that love and value with others to stop their pain...
another poem:
i want to be the one you look up to
the one that makes you care
i want to be the one you care about
the one to make you share
but i don’t know if i can be that person
i don’t know if it will work
everytime i open up and care
someone or everyone gets hurt
how you continue to love and care
how do you follow God’s example
when the good things always bring you trouble
and only being callous keeps you in favour???
This one was written for someone that I cared about very much and admired in a lot of ways. However this person seemed to be afraid to open care for people that their friends or whomever would not approve of. Keep in mind this was strictly a friendship thing. For various reasons I seem to be the person that everyone loves to be acquainted with, the life of the party if you will, but no one wants to connect with on a deeper level. Anyway, that probably doesn't make much sense, as I don't even understand it myself. If I did, I would certainly change it as friendship is one thing I crave and cannot attain in life.
This is a tribute to an amazing young lady that was a student of mine. She passed away tragically and suddenly. It was very painful for me and I wanted so bad to write something to try and pay some tribute to her, even though I felt totally inadequate to do so. Miss ya Brittney!!
a poem:
How do you find self esteem and self worth in this world?
How do you make yourself good when the world is full of evil?
Why do people think they are worth nothing when we are all stained with sin?
We all live a double standard.
No matter how perfect that person seems to you, they make mistakes just like you.
The only value we have is what God sees in us.
The only self esteem is the worth He has placed in us.
The only good we have is sharing that love and value with others to stop their pain...
another poem:
i want to be the one you look up to
the one that makes you care
i want to be the one you care about
the one to make you share
but i don’t know if i can be that person
i don’t know if it will work
everytime i open up and care
someone or everyone gets hurt
how you continue to love and care
how do you follow God’s example
when the good things always bring you trouble
and only being callous keeps you in favour???
This one was written for someone that I cared about very much and admired in a lot of ways. However this person seemed to be afraid to open care for people that their friends or whomever would not approve of. Keep in mind this was strictly a friendship thing. For various reasons I seem to be the person that everyone loves to be acquainted with, the life of the party if you will, but no one wants to connect with on a deeper level. Anyway, that probably doesn't make much sense, as I don't even understand it myself. If I did, I would certainly change it as friendship is one thing I crave and cannot attain in life.
This is a tribute to an amazing young lady that was a student of mine. She passed away tragically and suddenly. It was very painful for me and I wanted so bad to write something to try and pay some tribute to her, even though I felt totally inadequate to do so. Miss ya Brittney!!
Brittney, this is my memorial to you. A place where we can
remember you and say goodbye. I will remember you as a sweet and kind
person who was one of the best students I ever had. You always did your
best and didn't want to let anyone down.
Brittney, why did you have to go...
We will miss your smile and your words,
The way you cared about everyone else.
I try to understand and I ask God why,
Why you had to leave.
You were a straight A student, full of health.
Cut down in your prime.
A great worker, dependable and true.
You were not selfish, were not mean.
and yet, you are gone...
We all love and miss you...
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear
as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. No longer
will there be any curse. There will be no more night. The Lord will give
them light, and they will reign forever. Behold I am coming soon! My
reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to what they
have done. I am the beginning and the end. The Spirit and the bride say
"Come!" Whoever is thirsty let him come; and whoever wishes, let him
take the free gift of the water of live. And he will wipe away every
tear, and there will be no more pain or sorrow. Yes, I am coming soon.
Hey world, whassup? I am a far from simple mind or person and I suppose my blog will be much the same. One of the main reasons I have wanted to blog for awhile now, is that I don't believe in quick assumptions about people or ideas, even though the majority of the world seems to. I like being able to explain my thoughts a little before people rip to shreds.
Even if no one reads a blog, I believe it to be a valuable experience. I have started and stopped journals several times since I was a teenager. I love exploring my thoughts and the crystallization that writing them down can provide. I did not, however, love reading myself later. Much as one hates to hear one's own singing voice when recorded. I also was always afraid that someone would find my honest thoughts and judge me.
I am much older and wiser now and care less about what people think. I also have more to say than which girl I have a crush on. Some topics I would like to broach are: religion, politics, human psychology, golf, humor, dealing with teens/children, and many others. Basically all of the topics that will make me enemies. I hope to find readers that are like me. That is to say people that are open minded and loving. Not quick to judge. People that like to think and be challenged and not simply make simple assumptions.
I love reading comment sections of websites. And I love to troll as well. However, I only love to do it in fun and never to hurt people as flamers do. Very few people listen anymore. Very few really search for Truth.
Some blogs will be very short and I am sure some will be very long. I will close with a little bit about me. My name is James and I am a 36 year old proud father. My children give me my true joy in life. I will talk more about that later. I have always loved sports and being active. Unfortunately, I was pulled away from much of that life against my will. I love Golf, all types of Hockey, Tennis, and Pool (Billiards). I love music and reading (I was reading the encyclopedia and dictionary during recess at grade four). I grew up in Canada and love my home country fiercely, even though I am an American. Just one of many oxymorons in my life. I am deeply spiritual (in the true sense of the word), though not religious in the sense most mean it. One of the things that divides us is misnomers and I will discuss word meanings some other time. I have very strong beliefs and am not afraid of them, although I do not like to share them unless I think someone will actually listen and have the time to not make a snap judgement. Okay, well that is enough for now I think.
Two last quick points and I will close for now. One, I am very sarcastic most of the time, but it is in a loving and not hateful way. I hope to not turn off to many people with my sarcasm, satire, and humor. Secondly, I hope to get lots of comments and dialogue. I love healthy debate and discussion. It is one of the main reasons I want to blog. I love discussion forums and comment sections. I only ask that people, while discussing passionately, never attack, disrespect or belittle. So many people, the minute someone disagrees with them, go into "attack" mode and try to "win". I love people disagreeing with me and often will argue to pull out and understand their points and even end up taking their position in the end. However, I can't stand it when people attack and try to hurt people simply for having different viewpoints than them. It is monumentally naive to think anyone of us has all the answers or completely figured out. We could learn so much if we would just shut up and attend and actively listen once in awhile.
Okay, so that wasn't so quick, but it feels good to finally knock some rust off and take the first step! I hope you will come on this journey with me. Adios for now!
James D. McGill
StalkerJamforx
Jameth McGrillzz
Chiefmoose
Even if no one reads a blog, I believe it to be a valuable experience. I have started and stopped journals several times since I was a teenager. I love exploring my thoughts and the crystallization that writing them down can provide. I did not, however, love reading myself later. Much as one hates to hear one's own singing voice when recorded. I also was always afraid that someone would find my honest thoughts and judge me.
I am much older and wiser now and care less about what people think. I also have more to say than which girl I have a crush on. Some topics I would like to broach are: religion, politics, human psychology, golf, humor, dealing with teens/children, and many others. Basically all of the topics that will make me enemies. I hope to find readers that are like me. That is to say people that are open minded and loving. Not quick to judge. People that like to think and be challenged and not simply make simple assumptions.
I love reading comment sections of websites. And I love to troll as well. However, I only love to do it in fun and never to hurt people as flamers do. Very few people listen anymore. Very few really search for Truth.
Some blogs will be very short and I am sure some will be very long. I will close with a little bit about me. My name is James and I am a 36 year old proud father. My children give me my true joy in life. I will talk more about that later. I have always loved sports and being active. Unfortunately, I was pulled away from much of that life against my will. I love Golf, all types of Hockey, Tennis, and Pool (Billiards). I love music and reading (I was reading the encyclopedia and dictionary during recess at grade four). I grew up in Canada and love my home country fiercely, even though I am an American. Just one of many oxymorons in my life. I am deeply spiritual (in the true sense of the word), though not religious in the sense most mean it. One of the things that divides us is misnomers and I will discuss word meanings some other time. I have very strong beliefs and am not afraid of them, although I do not like to share them unless I think someone will actually listen and have the time to not make a snap judgement. Okay, well that is enough for now I think.
Two last quick points and I will close for now. One, I am very sarcastic most of the time, but it is in a loving and not hateful way. I hope to not turn off to many people with my sarcasm, satire, and humor. Secondly, I hope to get lots of comments and dialogue. I love healthy debate and discussion. It is one of the main reasons I want to blog. I love discussion forums and comment sections. I only ask that people, while discussing passionately, never attack, disrespect or belittle. So many people, the minute someone disagrees with them, go into "attack" mode and try to "win". I love people disagreeing with me and often will argue to pull out and understand their points and even end up taking their position in the end. However, I can't stand it when people attack and try to hurt people simply for having different viewpoints than them. It is monumentally naive to think anyone of us has all the answers or completely figured out. We could learn so much if we would just shut up and attend and actively listen once in awhile.
Okay, so that wasn't so quick, but it feels good to finally knock some rust off and take the first step! I hope you will come on this journey with me. Adios for now!
James D. McGill
StalkerJamforx
Jameth McGrillzz
Chiefmoose
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