Kerry Patterson Pt. 2

Generally speaking, my hair does whatever it wants: I can totally sympathize with this comment. You can have the nicest flat iron or the most expensive curling product, but if it's not a good hair day it just isn't.

I am political: Although I myself and not particularly political I just love how Kerry spells it out exactly how it is. She will probably take you on in debate - and do a good job at it.

My laugh is inappropriately loud: It's the best when everyone in a gathered area stops their conversations and looks. I am not trying to get attention, I am just really enjoying myself.

My favourite colour is green: I love it too, especially lime green.

I am a feminist, an anti- racist, pro-GLBT, pro-union, pro choice and I make no apologies for my beliefs: I love love love this statement. There is no fence sitting for this girl and she's not interested in being sorry if her beliefs offend you. I definitely agree with what she has said here - I think unions are great and I have NO jurisdiction to tell people who they can or cannot be in love with or be married to as far as gender/sex goes. I think racism is just a way for people to put hate on other people for internal dissatisfaction. In short, while I think that "killing babies" is not ok, I think women need to have choice and control over their bodies and no person can make that decision for any other person. I think people that are pregnant need to be supported for whatever choice they make.

More to come later...

Kerry Patterson

I volunteer. I recycle. I vote. I read. A lot. I pay it forward. I really enjoy school. Generally speaking, my hair does whatever it wants. I enjoy chai lattes basically anything with espresso in it. I like languages and Saturdays. I am political. I love scarves. My laugh is inappropriately loud. I actually enjoy watching Baseball. I enjoy discussing philosophy. I like burnt popcorn. I love acoustic guitar. Chipped nail polish irritates me. I love flowers. I don't like jam. I enjoy concerts and Jon Stewart. My favourite colour is green. I am a music enthusiast. I love brunch. I am a feminist, an anti- racist, pro-GLBT, pro-union, pro choice and I make no apologies for my beliefs. I love to dance. I give the benefit of the doubt. I believe in humanity, and I believe in peace. I don't hold grudges. I believe success is measured by how happy you are, not by your bank account. I think vegan cupcakes are just better. I am always up for a laugh. I like adventures. Be kind to me and I will return the favour.

-Kerry Patterson

I am going to be strait up and say that I directly copied this quote/paragraph from my friends facebook profile. I no way do I claim to have authorship of it's values or ideas.

However, that being said, I find this description to be very inspiring and something I would (read: did) print out and put on my bedroom wall at home. Here are some parts I particularly like and what they mean to me/ how I would like to apply them to my own life.

I volunteer: Hey world, I may not have a lot of cash but I will dedicate my time to a cause I believe in

I recycle: The earth is beautiful and this is a way I can contribute to keeping it that way. It's worth the extra three steps to put something in the blue bin rather than the garbage.

I vote: I have a voice and I will use it.

I pay it forward: Karma is amazing. Kindness doesn't spread itself on it's own.

I really enjoy school: Learning is awesome. Love what you do.

More to come on my next study break (rock mechanics is not going to learn itself).

Photos

You can check out some of my favourite photos here :)

Dear, My Body

The past few weeks have been pretty great. We've been doing a lot of hot yoga together and it has had nothing but positive effects. You're more flexible, and becoming stronger with each class. It has been so nice to connect with you and get to know you better.

I know things have been going well, and this is the main reason to apologize to you for last night. I wasn't expecting the prof to be so generous. 8+ shots in I realized that doing this wasn't really fair to all of the hard work I have been putting into you, but 8+ shots in is not a good place to be making choices about when to stop drinking.

On that note, I hope you enjoyed the walk home from geo pub night. It was a beautiful, warm night and we made it safe and sound. Also, because I didn't have to spend any money on drinks (Thanks Civil Department and Prof. D!) I can spoil you with lovely fresh fruits and veggies.

I would like to take this time to thank you for your loveliness and your hard work. You carry me around and get me to where I need to go. Your internal systems are absolutely astounding and incredible. I often marvel at your ability to heal. Thank you for putting up with my abuse. For putting up with not enough sleep. For putting up with being fed KD instead of a real meal. Thank you for giving me signals to let me know that I am not treating you properly.

You, body, are incredible. I would never trade you for another body, nor would I have reason to. You are wonderful and perfect just as you are.

Thank you for being my body.

Butternut Squash

I tossed this together, thought it was pretty tasty, and super easy. The recipe started with some help from a house mate (thanks Robyn!) then I worked on it from her inspiration.

Ingredients:

• One medium to large butternut squash
• Two cloves of garlic
• Olive Oil
• 1 tbs of cream cheese
• 1 tbs of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbs asiago cheese (or extra mozzarella)
• Parmesan to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
• Peel the squash and cut length ways, cutting a little bit off of the ends so there are no stem bits left
• Scoop out the seeds and throw out
• Brush both halves with olive oil (front and back)
• Place on a baking sheet covered in aluminum foil or on a cooling rack on a baking sheet with the scooped out end facing up
• In the divot on the end of each half of the squash place a squished garlic clove and brush the clove with olive oil
• Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes
• Put the squash and (now) roasted garlic into a pot on low heat and mash (like mashed potatoes) with the cheeses (except the Parmesan)
• Sprinkle with Parmesan

If needed this dish can be tossed into a casserole dish with a lid and kept warm in the oven.

Alternatives:

• Add a tsp to a tbs of pesto
• Add a bit of tomato sauce
• Add some salsa and don't use Parmesan
• Instead of cheeses use roasted red pepper and chili paste with sesame seeds
• ... let me know if you come up with other cool stuff to add =D

Here is why it's good for you