1.30.2012

What I'm Learning About Love

Despite the oh-so-serious state of things in the engagement of Chuck & Kaity, the truth is, we really haven't been together that long. We've been dating a little over a year and we've just begun living together. Like, real living together. Not  "We're living in his hometown so he spends the days at his parents' house and the nights in my apartment". We're in a new apartment, in a new city with only each other to keep ourselves company.

Needless to say, we're still acclimating. In such close quarters and with no other social outlet, it doesn't take much for annoyance and irritation to set in. It's been weird having separately together lives. And because we're no longer an LDR, the butterflies and excitement of a new relationship are slowly starting to fade. As we talked about it tonight, it's almost as if we're nailing shut the coffin in the first chapter of our relationship, and starting to become a more legitimate couple.

Things haven't been fun 100% of the time. Between grad school stress (me), new job anxiety (him), wedding planning (well, let's face it, me) and shitty finances we've got enough outside chaos to make a couple lovebirds cray cray. With every sarcastic comment, with every cold shoulder and with every bodily function I convince myself that this is going to be the straw that broke the camel's back. He's going to finally have had it with me. He's going to see my hormonal, bitchy, ugly side and start running for the hills. He's going to realize I'm not the girl he thought I was and jump ship.

But then, he doesn't. 

Instead, he tells me I'm being annoying. And then tells me he loves me. I guess this is just another lesson learned in the Universe's Book about Love. Love is when your fiance of five months is bewildered and hurt when you come in slamming shit around after he worked to make you dinner, when he is rejected when seeking out affection, when he changes his entire way of life for you to little gratitude...and yet, oddly enough, he sees past it and still wants to meet you at the altar September 2, 2012.

1.27.2012

A FRESH Perspective

As you may recall, a week ago I was venting about the complacent state I've found myself in. More specifically, that I'm devoting thousands of dollars toward attaining a graduate education in Food Studies. My days are spent learning about sustainable agriculture, the social dimensions surrounding food and even dabbling in some cooking and food writing. (Read more about this here.) However, my actions as of late have not reflected my passion for sustainable food and my desire to feed millions of hungry brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Whether, it's my own feelings of helplessness that have paralyzed me or the fact that I've been living with a man whose life revolved around wine, cigarettes and red meat (we're making progress...) remains to be seen. But as of Wednesday night, I've awoken with a FRESH perspective!



I talked Chuck into going with me to Slow Food Chatham's viewing of the documentary, FRESH. As my classmate described it, the film was more of a grassroots approach to what Food, Inc. achieved. The movie followed a couple of industrial chicken farmers, a natural hog farmer and a sustainable farmer, among others. It displayed the vast difference between conventional and sustainable farming and where our food system stands as of yet.

The movie took such a well-balanced approach, showing the ugly, behind-the-scenes footage of industrial chicken farms as well as shining a positive light on farmers who have opted to take a more natural and harmonious approach to farming. I was so happy Chuck was with me to see it because he's been contemplating vegetarianism lately (partly to just make me happy, I think and partly because he's learning more and more the harsh realities of industrial farms). 

Regardless, the film gave me the kick-in-the-butt I've been needing and provided me continued evidence of why it's so important that I keep working to eradicate our unjust and environmentally degrading food system and put in its place one that works with nature (not against it) and has the potential to feed the world over for generations to come.

If you'd like to view the trailer or learn more about the movie, visit their website here.

1.23.2012

Food, Farming and Faith

It seems ridiculous that I've been at a loss for blog material, while I'm discovering new recipes, insight into sustainable agriculture and growing as a writer through my grad coursework. So today will be my inaugural "Sharing What I'm Learning Day!"

One of the classes I've had the opportunity to take this semester is a class entitled, Religion, Community & Food. For the past two weeks we've specifically been looking at agriculture in the Bible. Mostly, looking at authors who are making the claim that as Christians, we in particular, should be some of the largest advocates for sustainable agriculture.

In the very first chapter of the Bible, God creates the heavens, the earth and "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15). It's interesting to note that the world God intended for all of humankind revolved around tending and caring for the garden. In reading Genesis, it's also worth noting three principles of Biblical stewardship that Gary Fick discusses in his book, Food, Farming and Faith: 1: All of creation belongs to God, 2. God has handed over the earth's care to mankind, 3. God holds us accountable for cultivating and caring for the earth.



Obviously, contemporary agriculture is a far cry from this harmonious and beautiful relationship between man and the rest of creation. Industrial farms are all we know and people have become reliant on technology to solve every natural process they deem inconvenient. Meanwhile, the soil is degrading, species are becoming extinct and we routinely subject ourselves to dangerous poisons via chemical pesticides.

One other point that Fick makes in his book that resonated with me is that to invest in a sustainable food system is not only an act of love toward the Creator but an act of love toward our neighbor (in the sense that the term, "neighbor" transcends generations). If we truly desire to follow Jesus' command to love God and love your neighbor as yourself, one of the most important things we can do for both is to protect the environment and "eat today, so that others may eat tomorrow."

We've become so far removed from our food, and so disconnected with Creation all around us. The abusive relationship we've maintained with our environment cannot last. All around us, we are surrounded by beautiful acts of God and it is time we begin regarding it as such.

Just some things that have been on my mind. Stay tuned for more food for thought to come. Pun obviously intended.

1.20.2012

Rediscovering my Voice

Three years ago today, I was in Uganda. In fact, I think at this point I was immersed in a two-week homestay with my Mukono family. I was coming home to boiled eggs, ground nuts and jackfruit as an after-school snack and stuffing myself to the point of being sick (as per Ugandan expectation) on cabbage, rice and fish in broth for dinner. I had only just begun getting acclimated to Ugandan food, as well as being surrounded by the poverty of the developing world.

My niece, Vivienne and I at my Mukono homestay.

Once stateside, I determined that the fact that my Ugandan family was feeding my uneaten supper to my little nieces and nephews while I whined about having nothing to eat in a campus dining hall filled with all kinds of Western concoctions was horribly unjust. The fact that I witnessed Ugandan children picking through the garbage on my Ugandan campus for a scrap of food never having experienced hunger in my own, blessed American life was something I could not stand for.

After much research I determined that our global food system was in shambles, and meat, in particular was a root evil in this problem of worldwide food insecurity. Frances Moore Lappe and Erik Marcus became my personal gurus and I sat in disgust and horror at the tales within the popular diet book, Skinny Bitch. I became impassioned and outraged, determined that my calling in life was to bring justice to our food system, but mostly, justice to the thousands of children dying daily from preventable diet-related causes.

The book that started it all, written by my personal hero.

Upon graduating with a fire under my ass, I accepted a position working with a community garden initiative in Southwestern Ohio. I felt if I truly wanted to know the food system, the logical first step was to learn about production. In the year that I was there, I gained a tremendous amount of gardening knowledge as well as the opportunity to empower the food insecure people of my new home to grow their own food. Shortly thereafter, I received my acceptance to Chatham University in the Master of Arts in Food Studies program, where I find myself today.

You would think being immersed in classes about issues of food access in this country as well as learning how truly unsustainable our food system is and being surrounded by young minds as angry with the meat and dairy industries as I would serve to make me as passionate and outspoken as ever. In reality, it has done the opposite. 

Quite simply, I'm feeling a little hopeless and depressed. After three-ish years, the shock value of witnessing beautiful, albeit malnourished Ugandan babies has begun to wear off. Discussion of factory farm raids and the devastating effects of agricultural subsidies has become commonplace. Last night, I visited my local co-op to get hubby and myself a nutritious, vegan meal. After leaving the store, however, I decided that falafel just didn't sound appealing so I stopped at those evil, corrupt Golden Arches to pick up some french fries, chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers. Who does that?!


I care about these issues, really I do. So much that I want to devote my life to writing about them and being a voice for those who are too hungry to raise their own. But my overexposure to the evils of this world has left me completely desensitized. I need a shove, I need that fire re-lit, anything to give me my voice back. As I contemplate internships and study abroad options, all I can hope is that somewhere unbeknownst to me, God is waiting to remind me, "Kaity, this is your fight. This is why I created you. Bring justice to my kingdom."

1.16.2012

Saying Something

I've been absent. Aside from acclimating to a new life with a new roomie, I've had no desire to write about wedding details, recipes and/or going the complete cop-out route and posting a handful of pictures. Those things are fun, but they're not why this blog exists. I determined a couple months ago, following the resurrection of this blog, that it was my heartfelt desire to incorporate writing into my career. But not only to write. I want to actually say something.

This semester, I'm taking two online writing courses: Writing about Food, and Introduction to Professional Writing. Both have given me the confidence in knowing that writing, blogging and researching are things I love to do. I'm writing all the time and I couldn't be happier. So although, I do get the occasional thrill out of posting a well-received recipe or receiving copious amounts of compliments on an array of subjects, I want to stay true to my vision. I'm not doing myself any favors by writing superficial and empty posts. As a writer, I'm constantly striving to speak eloquently and artfully, but I cannot lose sight of the content of my work.


Therefore, I've accepted that it's okay if I don't post every day with every meal, every photo op and life recap. When I do choose to blog, I want to make sure I'm saying something. My hope is that as you read this, whether you're a friend, family member or someone who stumbled upon this site via the blog community, you will hold me accountable. I've been given a gift and I refuse to waste it on mundane and petty conversation.


From this point forward, my blog will be filled with passion, conviction and integrity. Because that's who I am as a writer, blogger and a woman of God.

1.09.2012

Being Young and in Love

I've been totally spacing on posting lately because things haven't quite settled down from the holidays yet. Mostly because the love of my life is here. As in, in the same state, in the same town and under the same roof as me. While I'm sure it won't take long before I'm thinking things like, "Oh my gosh! Is it time for him to go to work yet?!", in the mean time, I'm on Cloud 9. Distance was a bitch. 

For the first time, I feel like we're starting a life together; like the fact that we live together legitimizes us as a couple. We cook together, clean together, workout together...in actuality, there is very little time spent apart. We're both on a serious love high right now. It's a rough life being young and in love. Although it has been nothing short of wonderful falling asleep in the arms of the man I'm going to marry, I am looking forward to becoming more comfortable and accustomed to life together. If for no other reason than my blogging and schoolwork are pitifully crying, "Hey Kaity! Pay attention to us!"

So although this post is a far cry from a well-thought out and soul-probing response to the world around me, please accept it for the time being. I promise regular and inspired words are on the way, but if they are a tad bit delayed, just blame this guy:

New Years 2011

1.03.2012

Thank You, Sherry

I'm sitting in my living room on the couch watching the snow fall outside and thinking about someone special. It seems so...poetic. However, this someone special is not the usual someone special that I've devoted so much time to writing about. It's my someone special's mom; my future Mother-in-Law.

Let me preface this by saying, for all you who ladies who don't have ideal relationships with your MIL's, I'm so sorry for you. Because the woman I get to call my Mom in 8 months is nothing short of amazing. She is one of the most kind, loving and Godly woman I've known and her spirit is absolutely contagious. I've known her for about a year now and she has opened up her home and her heart to me like no one else has. 

She has provided a cozy bed to curl up in when I want to visit, probably a few too many glasses of wine when I need some girl time and is ever-so-sneakily turning me more and more carnivorous as time goes on. Chuck and I had only been dating for a couple months on my 23rd birthday when she and her husband blessed me with a salon appointment and sang me "Happy Birthday" at the family Easter dinner. She is probably my blog's biggest supporter, praising my writing to everyone who enters the "Mancave" while I sit embarrassed. She and my Dad-to-be have blessed both Chuck and I financially numerous times when we really needed it and I am so incredibly humbled by her continued generosity.

But more than anything, she raised some terrific kids. One, in particular, who I am quite fond of. Chuck is the epitome of chivalrous. I have watched him mirror his father's actions when he opens the car door for me and provide me a jacket when my reptile-like cold blood gets the best of me. He respects and admires me. He supports and believes in me. He has no discomfort with femininity and he's understanding when I have those charming emotional breakdowns of mine. He is 100% a product of his wonderful upbringing and I cannot begin to thank Sherry (and Loren!) enough for creating the man I will be blessed to call my husband.

Love you Sherry!

1.02.2012

A Cliche 2011 Review

january
Nothing says "Happy Birthday Karay!" like a pair of Mickey Mouse ears.
Chuck and I become official. Lots o' birthday celebrations. David Bowie's birthday extravaganza.

february
Annual Elks Charity Ball with some fine lookin' ladies.
Matt and I became full-time roomies! Assorted game nights transpired. Charity Ball at The Elks.

march
Scooby Snacks for St. Patty's Day with my Roomie!
Trip to Nashville. Bradley's visit to Ohio. Brought Chuck home to meet the family.

april
Celebrating the anniversary of my birth with a little public humiliation.
Chuck's 22nd and my 23rd birthday. Jack's Mannequin at the U of Dayton. "I love you."

may
One year post-grad and still as close as ever.
Took a trip to the ER. Chuck moved in. Memorial Day weekend at the Jersey Shore, bitch.

june
Enjoying some live music with my Dad-to-be!
Ended my year with AmeriCorps. Got my grad school acceptance. Started a long-distance relationship.

july
I'd love to pretend like I inhabit this entire building. I live on the 1st floor.
4th of July cookout. Got an apartment in Pittsburgh. Chuck and my Going-Away party.

august
One mile out and we lost our mattress. Moving FAIL.
Moved to Pittsburgh. Mommy & Kenny visited PA. Started my first semester of grad school.

september
Heart and black diamonds? He really does love me!
Labor Day weekend in Cape May. GOT ENGAGED! Finally got tattoo #2.

october
I owe much of my blog-spiration to the lovely Momma St.J.
Resurrected my blog. Got another visit from Mom & Kenny. Began wedding planning.

november
Best Save-the-Date ever?
Mom & baby sister came to OH for Thanksgiving. Holidazzle parade in Wilmington. Got our engagement shots taken.

december
80's Prom-themed birthday party. I love my friends.
Celebrated our one-year anniversary. Sonjane Fest 2011. Christmas in OH and NY.

Disclaimer: Despite evidence to the contrary, I am not an alcoholic.

1.01.2012

Sunday Blessings VIII

I'm finally home! After four hours spent battling wind, rain and a pretty spectacular New Years' hangover I've made it back to Pittsburgh in one piece. School begins on Wednesday and until then, I've got a lot to get done. Bills to pay, an apartment to clean and various school errands to run. However, I feel like I cannot even begin to ring in the new year without shedding light on my holiday blessings today, Sunday, January 1st, 2012!

family
I literally got to see all my friends and family in both Ohio and New York. Usually scheduling these types of reunions can be a trial, but everything came together beautifully and I was able to finally introduce Chuck to some of my best friends!

school
While on break, I finally got my grades in for my first semester of grad school. One "A" and two "B+"s made my final GPA 3.55. I was hoping for straight A's, but honestly, I think I deserve those grades so I'll just have to kick even more Food Studies butt this spring!

newyears
I had every intention of leaving Friday evening to return home because I was stressing about all I had to get done prior to beginning my spring semester. After a freak torrential downpour, however, I turned my car around and headed back to spend New Years' with all my friends, family and my love. So grateful God changed my plans, because it was an EPIC night!

love
Perhaps, our biggest and most exciting news is...Chuck got a job in Pittsburgh! He'll be making less money, but he'll have full benefits, be working for an amazing organization and best of all, we'll finally be living together! A true Christmas miracle!

I hope all your holidays were as blessed as mine. Happy 2012!
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