Month: May 2020

Summer 2020

The Bride Test

by Helen Hoang
Vietnamese American engineer Khai Diep is convinced his ability to feel emotions is dysfunctional. His family criticized the way he expressed himself when a cousin he was close to died, and he’s never been in love. At best, all he can manage is a mild irritation when people move his things or touch his skin the wrong way.
Khai has autism, so his mother knows he’s wrong: He’s not defective; he just processes emotions differently. So she returns to her hometown in Vietnam to do for Khai what he refuses to do for himself—find him a wife.
Single mom Esme Tran is a hotel cleaning woman in Ho Chi Minh City, desperately trying to make ends meet. When Mrs. Diep offers Esme cash and a free plane ticket if she’ll just come to America and do her best to convince Khai to marry her, Esme can’t refuse.
The plan backfires in more ways than one, however. While Khai makes room for Esme in his home and actually seems to enjoy her company, he refuses to believe he can ever return her (pretend) affection. But Esme’s pretense soon gives way to genuine friendship—and then something more. Her fake feelings become all too real when she finds herself falling for Khai.
Written by Helen Hoang, a Vietnamese American author who discovered as an adult that she had mild autism herself, The Bride Test is a sweetly charming story of two people who discover there’s than one way to love.
Note that this book is a bit steamier than the ones I’ve recommended in previous issues, but two students who read it for their final project in my Romance Fiction class last semester also gave it a big thumbs up for its inclusive, compelling storyline and deep characterization.

—Tracy Fernandez Rysavy, Driftwood Advisor

Summer 2020

Exercise Outdoors

Due to the recent pandemic, many people have been itching to get back outside and back in shape. Listed below are some fun ways to do both of these things at the same time, since the weather is starting to warm up.

• Walking, running, and biking are all great ways to get in shape; however, badminton is another outdoor hobby that will help you burn some calories and have fun. This activity allows you to be competitive and keep your distance from your opponent at the same time. Another bonus is that Walmart sells badminton nets that are cheap and easy to install.

• Longboarding is another excellent hobby to take up while bored at home. Longboarding is similar to skateboarding; however, the board is longer and meant for cruising down the road rather than doing tricks. Walmart and Amazon sell longboards at affordable prices. This hobby will definitely substitute for “leg day” at the gym. On top of stronger legs, you can go for a cruise down scenic roads on your new board.
• If you’re new to the area or just looking for new places to go for a run, try using Map My Run. This app has pre-mapped routes in cities across the US, including Marinette, that are recommended for runners. This will allow runners to find the best places in town to go for a nice jog. Another app that might come in handy is Sweatcoin. This app allows runners to earn Sweatcoin currency when they go for runs. The further you run, the more Sweatcoins you make, which you can then use to buy products from companies like Skullcandy, Audible, or Tidal Music.

Then, Rehydrate

While outside trying out your new hobbies, one of the best things to do for your body is to stay healthy and hydrated by drinking fruit smoothies. Below are my two favorite easy-to-make smoothies.

• Strawberry-banana smoothie: Start by adding one cup of each fruit to your blender, plus one cup each of milk, yogurt, and ice cubes. If you enjoy the smoothie just as it is, that’s great; however, Jack’s grocery store in Marinette sells all sorts of smoothie sweeteners that you can add for more flavor.

• Orange smoothie: Last but not least, this smoothie requires two cups of oranges, and one cup each of ice, yogurt, and milk. If you’re not looking to impress anyone with a summer body this year, then feel free to add a cup of ice cream to make it taste exactly like an orange Dreamsicle.

—A.J. Corey, Sports Editor

Summer 2020

Wonky Brains and Summertime

Congratulations, everyone, we finished the semester! This is a time of celebration, so throw yourselves into your summer endeavors and rest easy at night knowing that nothing is due in the morning (unless you’re taking summer classes). Open your windows and let the light into your homes while you put away your school things.

Self-care will look a little different in the following days, since many of us will be working more than we were during the academic year. Remain mindful of your mental health as social distancing stays in effect. In the lonely hours, it is hard to see outside of yourself and easy to slide down the slope of despondency. Moreso if you’re inside all day with no stimuli to shift your focus, so go put your shoes on and step into the sunshine. Let the warmth sink into your muscles. Let your feet carry you where they will, down to the pier or the river or the secret fort you built in the woods. You have no other obligation than to breathe and rest and renew yourself before returning to whatever awaits you at home.

Your strength has carried you this far. Don’t let inactivity make you careless. It’s tempting to sink into the void of Netflix and turn your brain off for the next few months. Do not neglect your need for relaxation, but do not let it consume you either. Balance is vital to maintaining good mental health. Keep in contact with classmates now that we are all going our separate ways. Keep on creating and making and adding your unique mark to the world. We need you.

—Indigo Ramirez, Self-Care Editor

Summer 2020

Self-Care Resources for Summer

Summer sunshine always provides a good pick-me-up. But if you find yourself needing to put a bit more into alleviating stress and providing self-care, the following resources may help:

• Bookbub: Sometimes, sinking into a feel-good novel can help lift you up. Sign up for Bookbub’s e-newsletter, and you’ll receive a daily list of e-books that are on sale for $2.99 or less, or even free! Choose which genres you want included in your newsletter; then, Bookbub will send you recommendations for books from all major publishers, as well as high-quality self-published novels.
• Chirp: Prefer getting lost in audiobook? Chirp provides a daily e-mail newsletter similar to Bookbub’s, except it features free or super-cheap audiobooks from large and small publishers.

• The Calm app: While the paid version of this app can get a bit pricey ($12.99/month or $59.99/year), there is a free version. You won’t get as much variety, but what you will find are guided meditations, soothing music for relaxation or studying, and all of the above geared toward improving your sleep. Available for iOS, Android, and PC.
• Essential Oils for Relaxation: Many of your Marinette faculty and staff can attest to the benefits of essential oils. Aromatherapy with oils can help with everything from stress to skin imbalances to headaches, and more. Buy a cheap diffuser and infuse your home with scents you love. Or dot some oil on your pulse points. You can even just burn a candle that’s scented with essential oils.
  Lavender is a popular go-to oil for relaxation, or try bergamot, jasmine, or patchouli. You can find other suggestions in the article, “Managing Stress with Herbal Support,” by herbalist and nutritionist Tricia Macauley.
  Be sure to do a patch test first before applying oils to your skin, to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. Essential oil companies will often provide usage tips and contraindications for each oil, so check their websites to properly use the essential oils you decide to try.
  To avoid toxic chemicals, look for 100% pure essential oils, preferably certified organic.
• Exercise: Don’t forget about exercise. “Regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem,” according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Consider trying some of the workout recommendations from Driftwood Sports Editor A.J. Corey, which included exercise videos from BollyX, Orangetheory at Home, iBodyFit.com, and UREC on the main campus, or you can hit the Marinette hiking trails and get fresh air and exercise in one go. (See the section above for A.J.’s recommendations for other outdoor exercise options.)
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• The 10% Happier app, book, and podcast: When ABC Nightline anchor Dan Harris experienced a panic attack on national TV, he knew he needed to make some changes. He committed to setting a small goal of becoming 10% happier and embarked on a journey to discover ways to do just that. Even though he considered himself a “fidgety skeptic” when it came to meditation, he found that through regular practice of mindfulness meditation, his anxiety—and his life—improved considerably. In addition to writing a book (called, wait for it, 10% Happier), Harris has a website, a podcast, and an app that provide guided mindfulness meditations and conversations with experts about the practice of mindfulness. Right now, the website has a “Coronavirus” section with free meditations and resources for navigating pandemic-induced stress.
• Yoga with Adriene: Texas-based yoga instructor Adriene Mishler offers free yoga videos on YouTube for everyone from beginners to advanced yogis. Only have a few minutes? Try a ten-minute video. Want a more extensive stretch? Go for the 45- to 60-minute videos. There are literally hundreds of video yoga sessions available for everything from enhancing your creativity to relieving tension to helping you cope with chronic pain.

Summer 2020

Posters by the Bay

At the end of each school year, Marinette campus students usually showcase their class projects at our Best of the Bay events. These generally include a poster session and research presentations. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit before we could hold Best of the Bay this year. However, campus Academic Librarian John Kuhlmann and Student IT Support Specialist Danielle Roberts found a way to showcase the visual projects.

Kuhlmann and Roberts compiled student posters into a Posters by the Bay- 2020 PDF file. The  PDF features posters from the students in the following classes: Dr. West’s Oceans of Air: Weather and Climate, Dr. Warwick’s Disease and Society, and Dr. Warwick’s GPS Spring Seminar: Culture and Identity. Click on this link to view the PDF archive:  Posters by the Bay- 2020.

Summer 2020

In the Kitchen with Breanne: Summer Edition

No-Churn Blueberry Graham Cracker Ice Cream
(Total time: 25 min. + freezing)

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 4 whole graham crackers, coarsely crushed

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer until mixture begins to thicken, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool completely. Refrigerate until chilled.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add in condensed milk; beat until mixture thickens. Gently fold graham crackers into cream mixture. Transfer to freezer containers, allowing headspace for expansion. Drop blueberry mixture by tablespoonsfuls over ice cream. Cut through ice cream with a knife to swirl.
3. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight before serving.
4. Enjoy!

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings; Spicy Sriracha Onion Rings
(Total time: 1 hr. 45 min.)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. bacon
• 3 sweet onions
• 2 Tbsp. black pepper
• ½ cup sriracha hot sauce
• 2 Tbsp. mayo
• 1 tsp. lime juice

Directions:

1. Cut onions into ½-inch-thick rings and pop the internal rings out until you have a nice sturdy onion ring.
2. Brush onion with sriracha hot sauce.
3. Wrap each onion ring with bacon and secure with a skewer or toothpick.
4. Heavily cover the onion rings with pepper and grill for about 90 minutes at 250-350 degrees or until dark brown.
5. To make the spicy sriracha mayo, combine 2 Tbsp. mayo, 1 Tbsp. sriracha sauce, and 1 tsp. lime juice. Mix well.
6. Enjoy!

Campfire Cones

Ingredients:
(All toppings are optional; pick your favorite toppings and ingredients!)

• Sugar ice cream cones or waffle cones
• Aluminum foil
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter or Nutella
• Your favorite treats: Oreos Andy’s Mints, Cookie Dough bites, caramel bites, wafer cookies, Reece’s, etc.
• Favorite Fruits: Optional, but strawberries and bananas are yummy!

Directions:

1. Begin by dropping or spreading a few chocolate chips (or whatever chocolate, peanut butter, Nutella, etc. you choose) into the bottom of the cone.
2. Put a layer of marshmallows on top of chocolate.
3. Start stuffing your favorite treats and/or fruit in the cone.
4. Wrap entire cone in aluminum foil.
5. Place around campfire on hot coals for about 3-5 minutes (Do not place directly into fire and try to sit it upright if possible).
6. Rotate cone halfway through cooking to make sure ingredients are melted evenly. 
7. Enjoy the sticky goodness!

Asian Pepper Steak Shish Kabobs
(Total time: 30 min. -refrigerating time.)

Marinade Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. chopped ginger

Brushing Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. sesame oil

Pepper Steak Kabob Ingredients:

• 1 lb. flank or sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 1 large bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion (red preferably), cut into 1-inch pieces
• Metal or wooden skewers
• Optional garnishes: green onion and sesame seeds

Directions for Marinade:

1. Whisk all ingredients together until combined.

Directions for the Brushing Sauce:

1. Whisk all ingredients together until combined.

Directions for Asian Pepper Steak Kabobs

1. Combine prepared marinade and steak pieces in large bowl and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate to marinade for between 1-4 hours.
2. Heat grill to medium-high heat. Thread skewers alternately with steak, peppers, and onions. Brush each skewer liberally with marinade (NOT BRUSHING SAUCE).
3. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, or until steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
4. Brush each skewer with brushing sauce.
5. Enjoy!

—Breanne Bedgood, Food Editor