P-P-P-Protein

    As I traverse the world of nutrition day by day; there's only one element of it that I truly understand; protein! I have a lot to learn when it comes to eating clean, but there's just something about the process of taking in protein that envelops me in delight whenever I eat. Now I may be wrong as to how much I require, or the effectiveness of the source, but my body takes it and builds off its makeup nonetheless. Let's be honest here, the wonders of protein don't sound nearly as exciting as carbs or fats. Protein is just that guy. With that out the way, here are my preferred sources of protein ranked in a YouTuber-like tier list. 

A Tier: Eggs, Lamb Chops, Chicken

    Eggs, eggs, eggs. What more can we say about these guys that hasn't been said? Regardless of the inflation; diners across America, and households urban, and rural alike need their eggs! Not to mention their track record in versatility; scrambled, sunny-side up, fried, omelet, over easy, poached, boiled- but how boiled? Soft, medium, hard, there's French-style, Ameri- man it just keeps on going! I love eggs, you love eggs, we all love eggs. Enough said. 

    Lamb is actually a meat I've only come to know recently. But even in the few times I've had the pleasure of eating it, I always felt like royalty. There's just something that wakes up inside of me when I peel the meat away from the hot bone with ease. I'm convinced this stuff can actually take away some of your hunger from just looking at it. Serve some of this with a side of steamed veggies, and mashed potatoes and you got yourself a meal fit for a king. Throw in some boiled eggs in there too while you're at it. 

    Besides the fact that chickens are decent people, these guys are the ones that make the eggs! That alone puts them in A Tier. Just like their offspring, they can be cooked in countless ways, and it never disappoints. There may actually be something fundamentally wrong with your cooking if you mess up with chicken. Please for everyone's sake, stay away from the kitchen if this is you. 

B Tier: Steak, Chobani Yogurt, Peanut Butter

    We all know A Tier is for the creme a le creme; but what about B Tier? Well, I like the sources of protein that are in this category too, but I feel a slight guilt come over me when I eat them. For example, steak; for those who don't know this is known as red meat. According to both nutritionists and doctors; the consumption of red meat is linked to cancer, heart disease, weight gain, and a whole range of nasty effects. Google says lamb is a red meat too, but I don't have it in me to accept that. I love a good steak, but the not-so-fun facts give me reason to keep my distance. But, whatever the experts say, I never let them ruin a carne asada for me.

    I only wish I had come across Greek yogurt sooner; many more of my burnt oatmeal days could've been saved. I think. Anyways, Chobani produces a myriad of flavors, and ways of consuming this stuff so you know they're not kidding around. Watch out for the products on the higher end of the sugar scale, and you should be in the clear. 

    My relationship with PB has been complicated, to say the least. There was one point in middle school when I thought I was allergic to this stuff! No one could really explain why the skin on my face was practically bubble wrap after eating a Jiff sandwich. All it took for me to recover was to take a three-month-long break from the food, and I was on my way. From then on I've had a PB phase every year, where each phase consisted of two months every year of me eating as many Jiff sandwiches as I could within twenty minutes or less. I ended this practice a while ago though because I found out peanut butter makes you fat, and fast! Out of the jar, and onto some bread, I can taste it with just having the thought in my head; it's peanut butter, a treat so sweet it is truly like no other.    

 
C Tier: Protein Powder, Tuna, Turkey

    If you mix in the right protein powder with the right coffee, the results will be fantastic. But it has to be iced coffee, or else your concoction will explode and you'll end up with unremovable coffee stains on your ceiling. Other than that, there are just better ways of taking in protein than by some artificial substance in a plastic pot or bag, cmon people. 

    Tuna is a great source of protein, if you're a loser. Seriously though, you need some mayonnaise or seasoning with tuna to get a kick out of it. No amount of protein from a certain source is justifiable enough to eat if there's no flavor. Similar to the powder, humans weren't designed to eat from cans. 

    Another culprit of lacking flavor is our friend Turkey. Sliced turkey is a different game, but a whole turkey? Unless you're Jeremy from Phineas and Ferb, or it's Thanksgiving; there is no great reason for eating Turkey. 

    I'd like you all to know that I have exaggerated my statements on some of these foods for comedic effect. These are all solid options of protein that should be given a shot and enjoyed in moderation. While you make some healthy choices today, I'll be on the lookout for the nutritional knowledge to come.

    Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 

- 1 John 4:11

Goose Story

    Have you ever taken the time to concentrate on how someone walks? I'm not just talking about the style in how they move, but their pace, their cadence. Whenever I catch myself doing this, I look away for a few seconds, then turn back to see where the certain someone is again - and it gets me every time! Moments like these remind me that I still struggle with the thought of time moving along for all of us. 

    A few years ago, when taking a walk between classes; I noticed this goose in solitude; naturally, I wanted to get a closer look. It wasn't until I was within handshake distance of the goose that I learned the poor thing only had one leg! The sighting gave me cause to take a picture to remember the encounter. These actions felt like the only thing I could really do for the animal, apart from wiping away the tears that came out in my sympathy. 

    I just wonder where this goose may be. I wonder where my pet turtle Speedy is, considering how I released him in the wild. It's just brain-boggling to me that in the way we are forced to move forward, these creatures that are so vulnerable and pure; have to as well.

    This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

 - 1 John 4:10

Jonas would listen to Pink Floyd

    Way back in my days in middle school; I was assigned to someone who would excuse me from class and read me various kinds of books. I was never told explicitly why I was cut into this deal, but any questions I had were buried under the feeling of pride due to me being the only one. That feeling I got brought upon memories of fraternizing with the STEM groups in elementary school, being part of an exclusive team. Middle school was a very alienating period for me; so a little familiarity went a long way in uplifting my spirits. 

    In this case, it was only me, the Reader, and her book. With time, this pattern made me believe I was behind in some way. Mind you, I was left in the dark as to why I was even going through this; and even if I had been told, I'd forget so by now. Each session became less stimulating for me in my ever-increasing lack of interest. I failed to see the value in having someone read to me when I could've been in class with the other students. Regardless, the day came when the Reader told me she'd be leaving, and that she enjoyed having the chance to meet me. 

    Not much comes to mind when I brush up on this day, but what I can remember is that I was already in a sour mood before her announcement. Whether it might've been due to a cold, or a run-in with a bully; I can't remember. As she was getting ready to leave, she handed me a paperback of The Giver by Lois Lowry and said she hoped I'd give it a read. In my seat; my reaction, or lack thereof was quiet and cold. I'd like to think I at least said my goodbyes at that moment. 

    As the years passed by, the book collected dust, and my guilt for my behavior on that day grew. It took a long time, but I'm glad to share that I'm two days into the novel and nearly finished. I'm not sure why it took so long, so because of that, I don't think there's a need to squeeze some kind of life lesson into this story. If anything is certain; I'd take the time to apologize for being rude and give thanks to the Reader for sharing that time with me, even if I didn't see the value of it at the time. I understand now that some gifts take time to reveal their worth; but this experience, in particular, makes me think if there's anything I'm overlooking something in the present day. 

    This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 

- 1 John 4:9

Picture Perfect, Also Not

    Look at the nature in this frame I took; the gray clouds don't sit perfectly between the two rocks. The rough edges of this canyon aren't identical, yet they're breathtaking. Nothing in this world is perfect, but it doesn't have to be. The very same rule applies to us. The little things we see as flaws; the uneven smile, stretch marks, and anything that can be sought in change, make us unique. These so-called imperfections are reminders that we are handcrafted and intentional the way we are. 

    In a world where every detail is observed and scrutinized, it can often feel like we are never enough. The faces upon us will never be symmetrical, our bodies won't ever match the exact look we imagine, and life won't ever align precisely with the plans we make. Despite all this, in God's eyes, we already fit within his design. The Bible states we are made in His image, in His love for us. Take a step back from the pressure to be impossibly more. See yourself through the eyes of God, who made you with care and purpose. Nothing will ever be "perfect" by human standards, yet everything is exactly as it should be. 

    Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
- 1 John 4:8

Damn, my outlet isn't working! Let me go to the Jose Of The Day blog.

     

    Is your outlet not working? Then please call a licensed electrician before you go and do something you'll probably regret. Also, it's the right thing to do if you are uncomfortable making these repairs yourself. I have no idea how these things work in the legal sense; so just know your well-being is in your hands here. Otherwise, here are some go-to fixes you can try before giving up! 

    1.) Check and Reset the GFCI Outlet. GFC-What??
    
    GFCI outlets are the same as regular ol' outlets but with two buttons in the middle: one that says TEST, and another that says RESET. These things are designed to protect us from electrical shock by shutting off power when it detects a minor fault like exposure to water. If you can find one of them near the wonky outlet, press the RESET button firmly to see if that does it. 

    2.) Not fixed? Let's Review your Circuit Breaker Panel. OoOo scary!

    Another one of the most common reasons could be a tripped circuit breaker. This only means that a breaker (the switches that make up the bulk of the inside of your breaker panel) detected an issue, and has shut off in response. This usually happens when you're using more power than you're supposed to, or have poor wiring. Your breaker box can either be found in your garage, basement, laundry room, hallway closet, kitchen, or near an electric meter if you're in an apartment. This isn't as straightforward as resetting GFCI outlets, so here are the steps to go by. 

• Before opening the panel door, ensure you're standing on a dry surface.

• Inside, you'll locate the switch that is tripped (a switch that's stuck in the middle; between ON and OFF)

• Turn the tripped breaker OFF, then turn it back ON. If you hear a click when you do this; power should be returning to the outlet.

    A few notes; don't force a reset if the breaker won't budge, and call for an expert if it trips immediately. If anything else goes wrong during any part of this repair, I had nothing to do with it. 

    3.) Okay, that didn't work either? Well, let's replace the outlet. 

    First, always turn off the power at the breaker panel before inspecting your lame outlet. For security, use a tool called a voltage tester to check for any live electricity. Remove the faceplate (with a screwdriver) and unscrew the outlet to check inside its box for any loose wires, burn marks, or funny smells. Generally, green wires go to your green screw, blacks to your gold, and whites to your gray. Use a tool called a needlenose plier to connect these wires to their proper place by forming the end tip into a hook that can sit under the head of the screw. You can follow this routine to see if that does the trick; and if not, take your connections out and install an entirely new outlet before putting the faceplate on.

 
    Well, that's it! These were three quick fixes you can give a shot at if you're hesitant about calling the pros. Please reach out to them if you notice recurring burn marks, constant breaker trips, buzzing sounds, sparks, or anything out of the ordinary! Stay safe out there. 

    Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

- 1 John 4:7

No, My Mom is not in the National Museum of Natural History

    After a certain point, I've noticed that most of those who've been and still are my supporters have one thing in common: ladies. They've been my teachers, counselors, career planners, advisors, business consultants, you name it. Obviously, I can't forget to mention the unconditional love given to me by my own mom; the buffalo of the bunch. 

    Now I can't speak on any of the statistics drawn up in accordance with women in these workplaces, but I'm aware of the character they bring to the table. It was always like my teachers to make time to show they saw potential in me. And, my counselors throughout the years were always happy to help me navigate my curriculum. Say what you will, but I'd have a hard time believing men would approach this work with the same level of patience and nurturing as women do. You can even consider that values like that are exactly what young, growing minds need. 

    Of course, that's not to say men can't do this work. I'll always back up my brothers; hell, I still consider my 5th-grade teacher Mr. A, to be one of the greatest mentors I've ever had! But, my personal experience makes way for discussion on this topic. So, is it a natural strength? A societal expectation? I don't have all the answers, but I know what I've seen. 

   To close off, I'd just like to conjure up one big thank you to all the ladies who helped me become the man I am today. Thank you for your patience, your guidance, and for believing in me when I needed it most. I wouldn't be here without you; literally. 

    For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

- Psalm 84:11 

Read Me if You're Vegan

    A goal that I have been working on this year is to read more. If you didn't know, reading can help reduce stress, expand your vocabulary, and serve as a form of entertainment. The way I see it, reading allows you to visualize and process the content yourself, rather than everything being spoon-fed to you. Not to say films and shows are evil, but these mediums while powerful in their own right, often condense narratives, potentially losing some of the depth found in their original texts. With that being said; here are some literary works I'm set to get into. 

    1. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

    I'm pretty sure all have heard about this classic novel to some degree, but I assume we've always avoided learning more about it because of how intimidating the length of this read is. However, I've come to figure out that Don Quixote explores themes of humor, character development, and imagination; things we can all relate to. It also turns out that in terms of Western literature, this book is considered to be the first modern novel according to scholars and critics alike.  

  

     2. 1984 by George Orwell

    For some reason, this book seems to sell out everywhere whenever Trump becomes commander-in-chief. But even without that factor, copies of this bad boy always fly off of the shelf. Why, you may ask? Well, the tale of a government peering into its citizens' lives through surveillance and control of information can resonate with many in our modern world. I hope that after I'm done with this one, I can take a look around and think "Well, at least I'm not in 1984 by George Orwell".

    3. Confessions by Saint Augustine

    St. Augustine was a theologian who lived during the 4th, and 5th centuries, and was one who struggled with doubts and a search for meaning. According to scholars, Confessions gives us an intimate look into his thoughts of loss, guilt, and redemption in his conversion to Christianity. I believe this synopsis can encourage others to read this piece to reflect on their own lives and beliefs. 

    Ultimately, reading is a journey of discovery, both of the world around us and of ourselves. I'm excited to see where these titles will take me; perhaps I'll consider letting you all know what I thought about them when finished. 

    Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails.

- Proverbs 19:21

I Hope You're Okay

 

    When people leave our lives, we are left with what they gave us—life lessons, characteristics, treasured moments, and, if we're lucky, a picture or two. In the case of G, a few good laughs put together a bond that I believe to be lighting caught in a bottle. The fact that I didn't grow up with a brother could have had something to do with amplifying the friendship I had with him. Regardless, this was someone who came to me in his downpour moments, pondered on the beyond, and could joke about every little thing we could see. Not to say his comedy was demeaning, but it overshadowed any chance I had to establish a meaningful connection in terms of either meeting his family or coming over for a game session. 

    If I were to put the blame on what caused our divide, I'd say it was the newfound pace of high school and the shifts in our social circles. The sense of humor I had then has changed, and so have my priorities; but, notably, G comes across my mind even after I've now graduated from college. That being said, I've met G-like runner-ups, but none of them clicked with me telepathically to laugh about a random noise that no one else would notice, or something as plain as a slice of bread. 

    There are others with whom I've never had proper closure, but this post is dedicated to G because I am genuinely starting to forget him. Every few months, he'd show up in my dreams just to pop in and share his say; but he appeared differently every time. At first, it was small noticeable changes in his face, and then he would end up looking like a completely different person but with the same voice. These new dream G's showed to only maintain his hairstyle and skin color, but lacked any of the other original features that made him up. Before getting up today, I dreamt that I was in an auditorium, and G stopped by - but not as usual. This time, it was just his words echoing through the ceiling and ricocheting off the walls. The speech had no real substance, but I could tell it was G from the pattern of his dialogue and tone of voice.

    Maybe one day, G will stop appearing altogether, and his voice will fade with time. Despite this, I won't forget that he taught me that I can find a joke out of any setting. Some of the relationships we have will simply drift apart due to change, and that's okay. It shouldn't make one's impact in your life any less meaningful. 

    They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

- Psalm 22:5

Oh wow, that's a good picture

    This picture is pretty good, right? I wouldn't ask for a better camera, and even if I had one it should be known that no lens can ever capture the beauty of -- ahh whatever. But yeah, for now, I'll have to choose pictures taken on my phone instead of my camera because of the fear of putting wear and tear on my memory card. The camera is a recent purchase of mine to replace the one on my phone. This isn't being done in celebration of minimalism but rather mindfulness being shown through photography. In revelation, every shot is more inclined to have intention behind it. 

   

    An analogy that helped me realize this was - "Think of your phone being a multi-tool okay, now would you rather use a multi-tool to do handy work or an actual screwdriver built for the job?" The screwdriver is more deliberate, precise, and reliable just like a camera compared to a phone. I can understand how some people have a stronger discipline against the distractions of a phone, but you have to admit there's something sacred about an elder in your family dusting off the photo album. There's a process to it, the printing, storing, and organizing convey an effort made to cherish the memories they represent. If some consider this practice to be an inconvenience, fair enough; but maybe that's what makes it all worth appreciating. Give it a try by starting with a disposable camera, just to see how it feels. 

    Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

- Psalm 1:4

It's Not Just Mexico, Lo Sabias?

 

    As much as I would like every post to be a message of hope or enlightenment, there are pressing issues within my community that deserve the spotlight. To make things clear, I would never rub dirt on the name of Mexico itself, for my pride in our country is strong. However, I feel compelled to speak on the state of our people's relationships.

    To begin, several pervasive misunderstandings hold us back: therapy is not a scam, skin color does not determine one’s worth, and our cultural traditions are not exempt from reexamination as time progresses. These three core issues are so deeply ingrained that each could warrant its own blog series. Yet, if even one of them were widely acknowledged and addressed, it could transform us as a nation. While not every family struggles with these problems, and metropolitan areas tend to handle them better, the effects are still undeniable—and they reek. 

    Pitfalls alike run through my household, so I know having these conversations are difficult to have; but as I've stated the tool of reflection is a powerful thing. Instead of reviewing the painful historical context, and pointing fingers; let's begin to understand how damning these beliefs really are. Friendly rivalry with other countries can be tolerated, but hatred among ourselves will only hold us back. I don't expect change to come from my words, but I'm certain I'm not the only one who thinks that our healing can result in a Mexico that can tackle anything. 

    He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 

- Psalm 1:3

I Almost Killed Larry

     

    Today, a cold from hell was placed in me, as for what woke me up was a morning cough powerful enough to practically launch me off my mattress. Naturally, I was forced to stay home, bundle up, and recover with the help of menthol drops and cough syrup. Even though I'm a viable candidate for a doctor's note, I couldn't help but feel guilty for skipping Mass. Oh, and having to make do with indoor shots for today's photo wasn't great. 

    Nonetheless, I was so tapped into today's failures, that I've dismissed to practice what I preach. For context, there's a three-foot-tall Sansevieria that sits on top of a dresser that's placed in front of my bed. The problem was that one of the leaves turned limp with a visible brown shade, and the rest of them appeared to have a sand-like hue that only ended up spreading throughout the week. In response, I panicked and went online to buy anything that could've helped me save Larry Lengua. While each of the tools of plant care were being delivered to me, my efforts gave no results until the day my last order came in; a moisture meter.

    As it turns out, I've been waterboarding Larry this whole time! However, I'm glad to report his leaves are teaming green after a weekend spent in sunlight. Living things benefit from taking time to recharge, and perhaps I ought to understand that. Life can certainly become overwhelming with all of our commitments, so a day where we do nothing is productive in its own right. 

    Blessed is the one... whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 

- Psalm 1:1-2

Fun Fact: The Sun is a Star

 

    Many people wait for the right moment to put something into play, even if it's something as important as their career, or lifestyle. I'm glad I've taken steps in my education and prospective work through my studies; but what about my own backyard? There is no need to wait for the stars to align to make a change, for our sun in the sky is always aligned for someone. That fact is something nice to think about don't you think? The motivation I get from it makes me want to clean up my room. Although it's a chore, I'll be able to do it more efficiently over time. 

    This same frame of mind should be applied to our own space of living, and relationships with loved ones. It's never too late to rebuild trust, reconnect with that one relative, or learn to forgive some people who may never change. No matter how sorrowful or cheery the episodes we play in are; they'll pass, and the sun will rise once more. It isn't as easy as I put it, and I'm sure some situations are just impossible. But hope will always be there, and know you're never alone. 

    Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.

- Psalm 1:1

Como Agua Para Avena

 

    ENERO ~ Avena Para Uno

    INGREDIENTES: 

• 1 Vaso de Avena 
• 1 Yogurt de Chobani
• 1 Banana
• 1 Manzana
• 1/2 Cucharada de Canela en Polvo

    MANERA DE HACERSE: 

        

    Within the confines of the Holy Bible in Leviticus 25:23, the phrase "The land is mine" expresses that God is the ultimate owner of the earth and that humans are mere inhabitants. This text made me reflect on how we treat the vulnerable in our country, including migrants, refugees, and anyone in between. As the debate on our immigration policies unfolds, this verse offers a lens through which to judge these laws and rethink this land as a gift from God. Look at the condition we're in now. I mean where has our compassion gone? It hurts me to share with you all that I have met a level of fear that makes me question if there ever was any. 

    Regardless, I must state that I've recognized a pattern in my moments of solace; stability. I've emphasized the significance of grace being found in the everyday gifts of God's creation, and stability is one of them. It can be felt in experiences we are all able to have; a good book, a laugh shared with others, and even a warm bowl of avena in the morning. These pastimes not only serve as rocks that keep me grounded but also as a ticket of equity to the human condition. Simply put, when I get dressed in the morning, brush my teeth, and eat my morning oatmeal; for those few moments, I forget about the oppression and division set against people who look like me. Every day, there's a reminder that I too am a steward of this shared earth that God has given us. 

    Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

- Psalm 29:2

A Haircut Can Make A Big Difference

 

        Amid all the chaos surrounding us, do we ever really stop to think about how good things are going? Even when unforeseen weather can bring about inconvenience in our work, there's always a silver lining with the added time we are given from the delays as a result. Anyone can cram a certain amount of tasks into an hour, but it's how we really feel about doing these tasks that matter. Minutes spent doubting ourselves are minutes wasted, and investing our energy into these thoughts can veer us off our path.

     I say we should take a moment to remind ourselves of all the things we're fortunate to have, our achievements met through hard work, and even the simplicity of being able to get out of the bed in morning. There are cases in which our so-called mediocre lives are considered a luxury to others, and if you took time to meet someone new; they'd be fascinated with what you're capable of! So, if you have that ability to just pause and reflect, your personal wealth is far greater than you think. Break your routine, let go of something, or try out a new hairstyle. Any man I know can tell you that a haircut can make a big difference. 

    

    But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 

-2 Corinthians 12:9

Hello, my name is Jose. Welcome to my blog.

 

       

     To anyone who stumbles upon my blog, I welcome you. My name is Jose Garcia. The picture I have above me is one I took just a few seconds ago. Looking back, I know it seems a bit ominous, but I just wanted to put something here to get things started. I set this site up so I can use it as a creative outlet, and share anything interesting I come across. 

    Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

- Romans 5:9-10