The End Result of Learning to Cook and Eat Chinese!

Chinese culturecookinglab2010

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Oh love..

Tuesday nights are beautiful. I set out on the 45 min drive to the farm with my mind full of everything I needed to accomplish when I got home from riding but in the end someone else was looking out for my mental health. He is constantly taking care of me even when I don't give him enough of my day! :)

I was assigned as a side walker for Hannah whose diagnosis was ASD(Autism) and i went almost an hours trying for even a single word and even though by the end she was still quiet- her smile was enough. Then came Eddie whom was direct and told me that he just needed me to walk next to his horse but he could ride by himself- Melanie the director just smiled at me and silently directed me to assist him with a leg-hold.

These kids/young adults just blow me away and I am thankful for their willingness to step outside their own comfort zone as they climb up onto a huge horse.
Finally it was my turn to ride and I think Melanie was laughing so hard because I resembled a child in a candy store. Wide grin with an almost half laugh continuously for the 1/2 hr she allowed me to play with Duke. I was so happy and my ride ended with an invite to come on Saturdays and ride!! Life is complete! :)
Here are a few cute pictures:

Me, Johanna, and Duke

And as we left I was given some free range eggs by one of the parents to say thanks! 

:) life is good!

Sunday

Catholic Student Center!

I found the most amazing church today! Lisa and I couldn't stop smiling!!! Fr. Gary Braun is amazing!!! The church is a mixture of Wash U student from 18- graduate students, alumni, families that support student life and so much more. I learned from a fellow parishioner that the beautiful building in which the CSC is housed once belonged to a Jewish family. The local priest was great friends with the family and after hundreds of afternoon visits the family converted and gave their house to his cause. Today it is one of the largest Newman Centers.  I feel so blessed that I was led to this community. The energy is amazing and I can't wait until Friday!!

:) <3
Also I finally got a small tour of the Danforth/Main Campus of Wash U! OMG is it beautiful! I was in awe! I can't believe my campus is so beautiful especially after you see how ugly my medical campus is! ha

Update..

Yesterday was the first part of a 3-day weekend but it was defiantly my busiest Friday yet. I met with Troy from out catholic student center this morning and he is awesome. He told me all about the center and it is one of the largest Newman’s center in the USA. I am just happy I have a new church that doesn’t have high mass at every mass! Ha. Catholic Student Center

Then I had my cooking lab. On Thursday 3 of the girls and I went to two different Asian markets to get ingredients. It was an experience to say the least. At the seafood market, I got to pick the sea bass I wanted the guy reached in grabbed it and then killed it right in front of me. I thought I was going to pass out as he slammed the huge knife onto the cutting board, gutting and descaling the fish. The worst part though was the chicken! The butcher had to grind the chicken… that is a sound I will never forget. However it was an experience and if I ever have to work with a Chinese client I will understand their shopping/ food culture.

Chinese Market

Right before he killed this live sea bass

 Geucheng, aka Song, whom was our Chinese expert on cooking, helped us cook 6 different dishes.  It was amazing. I learned how to make spring rolls, dumplings, 2 different stir fries, steamed sea bass, and spicy tofu. My favorite was spring rolls and shrimp dumplings. We paired it with almond milk, plum wine, and jasmine tea. So good!!! It was amazing to cook for 4 hours straight especially when we learned so much about Chinese culture.

My Chinese Cooking Lab Group

Steamed Sea Bass

Spring Rolls

Making Dumplings

Our Expert cooking!

And after all this, I had CP Basketball. I love basketball. Louis, my favorite kiddo, when asked about his favorite part of basketball he said it was ME!!! It made my day!

OT Theory Tree

Wow..grad school stress has offically started.

Quick note... I had my first test today which in grad school one test can be worth 20% of your overall grade BUT my test went great, I hope. :) and from here on out I have a test or a paper or both or many due every week. Next week I have: 1 anatomy check out, 1 essay due, 1 occupational interview paper, 1 biomechanic activity analysis of Upper Extremity  and Lower Extremity, 2 case studies, and a cooking project due. Plus normal reading and studying. Thank goodness for energy drinks and pita chips with hummus and red vines!

Oh but 2 great things to look forward to Greys Anatomy Party on Thursday and St Louis Cathedral Basilica's Community Festival on Saturday!

Ok back to my long night of trying to fit all my thoughts on client centered care into 3 pages and studying origin, insertion, action, and nerves of the back muscles.

:) love amanda

The Great St Louis Hot Air Balloon Race!

This weekend a few friends and I went to the great hot air balloon race... it was like nothing I had ever seen. 67 Hot Air Balloons which included the largest hot air balloon in the US took flight over our Forest Park. It was beautiful!!!

 

 

Allison and I in the sticky heat of St Louis Septembers!


Wish you were all here to see it!!

love
amanda