It's About to EXPLODE!

As many of you know, I do clubs [link]. Most of my clubs focusing on improving English-speaking skills and preparing for FLEX exams [link]; however, J and I have recently branched out.

That's right, we have branched out to other types of clubs. Mostly because service is as much about the Volunteer as it is about the community. If all you do is try to meet your community needs, you may lose yourself - not to mention, you won't introduce your community to who you are and your interests (which may inspire them to try something new).

Anyway, J and I have started a science club. In Az, most science classes shy away from hands-on experimentation - which probably makes for a very long science lecture. Some of my fondest memories revolve around Andre's Honors Chem class and the titration tests we used to do.

Of course, here in Az, hydrochloric acid is not readily available - so J and I are trying out the small fun things. Our first club, we played with eggs and different liquids (such as coke, tea, and water). This last club, we used vinegar and baking soda to make mini-volcanoes. This week, it's oobleck [link]!

Any suggestions for next week?

I'm A Little Nuts

Last week, Jessica and I peeled, quartered, and seeded 40 + lbs of apples. 10 lbs went to apple sauce and apple pie filling [link]. 30 lbs went to my cider making experimentation [link].

Next weekend, I am doing it all again. I really like apples.





Löki's Pot Licking Apple Sauce Recipe
3 lbs of apples (I use mostly green, but you can mix it up)
1 cup apple juice or cider
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice (optional)
2 - 4 Tablespoons honey

Peel, quarter, and seed apples. In a large pot, combine apples and juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer for an hour. Remove lid and stir. The apples should be slightly mushy. Continue to simmer, without the lid, stirring every 15 minutes (breaking up apple pieces). When the sauce has almost reached your desired consistency, add spices and honey. Allow to cook for another half hour or so and serve. Personally, I like some apple chunks in mine, but if you want a smooth sauce, run it through a food mill.

An Ode To Jessica

So, by now, you all should know my Az7 site mate, Jessica.

She is pretty fantastic. My mom is always yelling at me for treating her like my [baby] sister, but hey, she is like my sister. She puts up with my constant advice giving, my intense mood swings, and is always willing to lend a hand when I decide to do something ridiculously crazy (like peel and core 40 lbs of apples).

Jessica has seen me at my worst and still talks me (at least once a day). She definitely is a key figure in keeping me sane, especially over the last month where everyday I question whether extending is really the best decision (it is, it is just hard).

She never gets mad at me and whenever I get too self righteous, she just ignores whatever I said and still does what she knows is best for her.

She is pretty fantastical. Definitely the best Az7 site mate for me.