Marginalia (Or How I Met My Ghost Teacher)

Marginalia (n., pl.) - notes in the margin of a book, manuscript, or letter (source)


I had borrowed a few books from the library earlier this month. Soon after reaching home and flipping through them, one book in particular stood out – The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. For one, it wasn't a glossy, newer print like the other books in the stash. It was older, more used but still in excellent condition. More importantly, it had light notes and markings in pencil on the margins of some pages.

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I am one who never defaces a novel. I can't bring myself to write anything in those beautiful leaves which transport you to a whole different world. Textbooks, though, are a different matter. I underline important passages. I jot down small points on the margins. Sometimes, I even draw some pictures in it… Maybe I'll do a whole separate blog post about this later.
 
This novel bears some one-word notes on the margins at some places, as well as a few marked paragraphs in every page, all by a very light hand, in pencil. I reckon this is by a student, the way it's done; someone who read it as part of their school or college curriculum.

I was rather surprised I didn't find it as disturbing as I'd expected. In fact, by lightly marking out certain paragraphs and words, the person has succeeded in making me pay a little extra attention to those parts. I find it is quite like having my own friendly ghost teacher, encouraging me to read and understand the book on my own, but still gently pointing out the parts I should pay more attention to so I can eventually understand the plot better. I am now halfway through the book and am eager to finish it, even if only to find out if my ghost teacher is pointing me in the right direction and making me take more note of the details that will eventually prove to be the important ones all along.

Tonight again, I'll be curled up on the sofa, book in hand, with my ghost teacher silently watching my progress. In the end, I'll see if I'm disappointed, shaking my head at her for distracting me throughout, or quietly nodding in agreement and smiling when all the highlighted passages finally come together and make sense.

Lately I've Been...

I've not been blogging as often as I'd like, of late. I have the ideas in my head, I have quite a few potential topics noted down in my trusty cell phone, but it just doesn't seem to translate itself to paper...or word file. If only my posts would write themselves..! Is this what writer's block is like?

So instead of writing something deep and meaningful, I thought I'll give you a run down of what's been occupying me lately.

I've been baking. I made We made a tiramisu cake last week (I can't claim I made it all by myself! Having a baking partner is fun...and quicker.). Yesterday, we made "Kalter Hund / Hunde Schnauze", a no-bake dessert, which is basically like a giant chocolate wafer. I haven't transferred photos of our own chocolate brick to my laptop yet, so this googled photo will do just fine. Ours is pretty much the same, minus the white chocolate drizzle on top.

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There was a double batch of banana loaf cake and carrot cake muffins before this. Plans to bake a coffee cake are on the way as well. And maybe something fruity too, while we're at it. We decided to scratch the chocolate souffle idea, because really, so much chocolate in so short a time can become a little too much even for someone like me.

Looking back at the huge helpings of dessert I've been shoveling in this month, I feel aghast. Forgive me, waistline! Can we please be friends again? :(

I've been brainstorming, and have a few ideas lined up for the blog! A new series is on its way... stay tuned!

After meaning to go to the library since a few weeks, I finally paid a visit. I had compiled a long list of books I intent to lay my hands on. I found only five of those, but that will keep me happy for the time being. I'd be delighted if you leave me some reading recommendations!

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I finished one novel today; I might review it later on the blog. I'll just say, instead of helping me go to sleep earlier by keeping me away from the internet, like I'd hoped, it had the exact opposite effect - I stayed up reading till the crack of dawn, oblivious to the time.

Speaking of books, this is something I can wholeheartedly identify with.

While we're already including external links, may I point out this as well. (Warning - could cause over-stimulation of lacrimal glands.)

I'll be off now, to finally supply some much needed repose to my sleep-deprived self.

One Ingredient Ice Cream

You read the title right.

As improbable as it sounds, this is true. Ice cream. Soft-serve style. A single ingredient. No ice cream maker necessary.

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I came across this “recipe”, if it can be called that, in the videos of two youtubers (bubz and blogilates), and subsequently, in the weekly newspaper supplement. That was a sign that I had to try it out!

If you’re looking for a fat-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, egg-free, fuss-free healthy tasty vegan ice cream recipe, this is it. Even if you’re not looking for one, you should try it!

What is this wonderful ingredient with such super powers?

Presenting….

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The humble Banana!

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Enough talk, now let’s get to it.

One Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe

(Serves one)

Ingredients

1-2 Ripe bananas

Method

1.     Peel, slice and freeze the bananas for a few hours till they’re solid.

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      2.     Place the frozen banana slices in a blender, blend for a minute or two till creamy. Scrape down the sides while blending to give all banana slices an equal chance.

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That’s it!

(Oh, and Step 3: Eat.)

Trust me, this is very tasty! Frozen blended banana gets the exact texture and taste of soft-serve ice cream, if not better.

A few points I’d like to specify:

• The bananas should be sliced. I slice them into one-centimeter thick pieces. Big pieces or uncut frozen bananas won’t blend well, and they might harm your blender’s blades.
• I personally prefer slicing the bananas before freezing. You can do it the other way round, and slice them when frozen, but that results in frozen finger syndrome. Not comfortable.
• Do not over blend, as the friction from the blades will warm the ice cream up and make it runny.
• If you're making bigger batches, I recommend using a really powerful blender (I prefer making small batches.)

You can customize your ice cream in any way you want. Add fresh or frozen fruits, chocolate chips, vanilla, nutella, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, peanut butter, nuts, honey…whatever rocks your boat!

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I added a handful of frozen raspberries, and a little sugar to compensate for the resulting sourness, to mine. Perfect raspberry coloured, raspberry flavoured bowl of healthy frozen goodness! Yes, this definitely counts towards your five daily servings of fruit. Technically, you're eating fruit, but actually it's ice cream. Couldn't get better than that!

This one-ingredient ice cream freezes well, and can be stored in the freezer just like regular ice cream. Freshly made, the texture is delightful, just like soft serve. Frozen, it gets the texture of regular ice cream. Still delightful.

If you’re trying to reduce your intake of refined sugar, dairy, fats, or going vegan, this is perfect for that sweet-tooth. Or if you have a couple of bananas just lying around, waiting to be transformed into delectable ice cream ;)

Let me know if you try this recipe!

(Disclaimer: Photos are not mine; I was too involved in making and devouring my own creation)

Rendezvous With The Dentist

I had a dental appointment a couple of days ago. Nothing major, just a routine semiannual check-up and cleaning.

Despite knowing my teeth are in good condition, I was a little apprehensive. I always am, before going to the dentist. What will he say this time? Will I have cavities? Will I need drilling?? I’m at ease going for any other kind of check-up to the doctor: regular all-round check-ups, dermatology appointments, even to the gynaecologist. But going to the dentist? It freaks me out every single time.

Is this fear innate or learnt? It has got to be learnt, but it sure as heck doesn’t feel like it.

Yesterday’s appointment was at a dentist’s I’d never been to before. The place was small, but felt welcoming. I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, it helped that I couldn’t hear the sounds of drills drillin’ away; I feel like I get tooth ache by just hearing the drilling noises.

The check-up went quick, and the routine cleaning was just the way it’s always been. I survived a scare of potentially having to get my molars pulled; the x-rays showed they needn’t be. The thought of having to maybe get rid of two (or four!) quite healthy teeth with humungous roots did nothing to ease my intimidation of dentists and dental anything.

This time, however, my visit to the dentist was much more satisfactory than it usually is. I'll tell you why at the end.

The overall verdict was good. I was told to keep doing everything I already do: brush half an hour post meal, and floss daily. I was also told that since I don't have any cavities or immediate risk thereof (touchwood!), I can schedule my biannual checkup annually. That is good, because:

1) Have you seen how much dentists charge?? 

2) Health insurance does not foot the bill.

And

3) I don't like visits to dental clinics (so I will take care of my teeth).

Now, the reason why this visit was more satisfactory….
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I had THE handsomest dentist ever!

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Young, friendly, and attractive. I am already looking forward to my next appointment. The wonders having a good-looking dentist can do!

I'm sure we're all unanimous that eye-candy puts one in a good mood. Especially when the said eye-candy looks, smiles and talks to you (and you're allowed to look back!).

...That Is Life

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 I was on the platform,

all this time,

but I missed the train.

I stood by,

watched it rumble past,

without uttering a word of protest.

I could have boarded that ride,

could have gone where I wanted,

but I let it slide.

I was so close,

and yet I let the chance slip,

due to nobody's fault but my own.

The passengers who managed

to board that train

have made it.

They have reached the same place I'd dreamed of,

had initially set out for.

Now I can only wait and see,

if another train to the same destination will arrive.

If it does,

you can bet I will be the first one to jump in.

If it doesn't,

I will have to change my destination.

That is life.

Flower Power

I am no beauty or nail polish blogger, but I couldn’t resist sharing what’s on my nails this week! Well, what’s a girl to do on a rainy afternoon when she’s bored out of her mind?

Like I said, I’m no nail polish blogger, so I don’t have fancy close-up pictures. This photo of my nails “in action” is all you’re going to see.

Alright, here's one more photo because you asked nicely (or because I'm a show-off).

I'll stop right here before I embarrass myself with more photos of my chubby fingers, short nails and unprofessional photos.

My nails make me think of quaint English tea cups. I adore things like that! A friend, though, said my nail art reminds her of the print she saw on a push up bra! There you have it – proof that nails can be sexy ;)

I have a confession – that bored girl on a rainy afternoon I mention above? That’s not me. That’s my sister, and I volunteered my nails as her canvas. (My conscience won’t let me take credit. Trust me, I tried not to include this detail!)

Fireworks: The Ugly Truth

This week included a pretty important day for Country A. There were big celebrations, and obviously, there were fireworks. Now, I like watching fireworks once in a while, but they don’t hold any special significance for me. And I have no problem whatsoever if there aren't any.

 

Photographing fireworks is HARD.

Fireworks are filled with chemicals, including toxic heavy metals like barium, lead, mercury salts, antimony, copper, and strontium. Where do they go? They don't just magically disappear after they're let off, or get burnt and converted into harmless steam. No, these poisonous substances stay in the atmosphere, they percolate the soil, they contaminate the water. Eventually, all those beautiful fireworks work their way to your system, into your food, your water, and least controllably, into your lungs. The air smells putrid after a firework show. It causes breathing problems in people without them, and exacerbates it for asthmatics. Let's not forget about the carcinogenics either.

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What about the big bang most make? It almost feels like there's a mentality of "the louder the bang, the better the firework.” Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels causes hearing loss. Regular conversation takes place at around 60 decibels. Compare this to fireworks, which at their peak can reach up to 150 decibels! (The higher the decibels, the shorted the time exposure required to cause hearing loss and related problems) A big concern for me are also the animals and birds. Usually, fireworks are let off at night, which is when most animals and birds sleep. They get scared by the noise; get woken from their sleep; baby birds fall from their nests. They get startled, and it sends them to panic. Pets get extremely unnerved too. A large number of dogs and cats are reported missing shortly after festivals which incorporate fireworks. My late German Shepherd dog used to make a racket every New Year's eve. I'd stay awake with him till 4 a.m. every time, till the noises subsided and he'd calmed down. I could see how much it affected him.

One more thing we hardly give a thought to are their production and storage. Fireworks contain lots of explosives, and that, coupled with the harmful chemicals, make for a horrendous combination for workers in factories producing them, and for people handling them.

Do we really need all these fireworks? Do they serve any purpose? Yes, they look pretty when they light up the sky. The sheer variety leaves me flabbergasted. The colours are beautiful. The sparkles are magical. Is it worth all the poison and contamination, though? Is it fine to disrupt the lives of all other living beings around us for our entertainment? To pollute our environment to this extent?

As much as I'd like to say we should eliminate fireworks all together, I fear it isn't a feasible option for many, at least not yet. A good alternative to having hour long displays of fireworks and lots of extremely loud bangs, would be to let off just a select few low-noise ones, which will be enough to satiate the crowd's hunger for a good show. After all, who watches a firework display beyond the first few minutes? After that, it's all the same.