Day 5 - 53 -- Finding New Viewpoints

Thursday of Reading Week signaled the diminishing time to get through the 'to do' list. Some items left that list today, but it still contains some major items. Tomorrow will bring some serious efforts to make a large dent in the remaining items. I also took some time to cook today making a big pot of curried carrot soup and some sweet and sour sauce -- all to fill the deep freeze and provide some choice when coming home late. I still have two other recipes to execute on the weekend. Then I'll be set for the next 8 weeks or so. Six weeks remain for classes and labs with another couple for exam period. It will be a flurry of activity. Being well nourished can be difficult with lack of time and energy, so the deep freeze greatly helps.

While cooking, I made some alterations when I discovered that I didn't have one ingredient and when I wanted to change the final product a bit. Being flexible -- not a slave to the recipe -- made the process move more smoothly. Learning to find alternatives in a daily routine or project tasks could benefit both the final product and stress levels. Creative problem solving skills take practice and learning to see things from different angles. Use of lateral thinking exercises might support this creative process for individuals and groups. Facilitating problem solving with small groups requires strong communication skills of everyone involved.

A song with lyrics that fit my activities today shows some creativity. A sign in a kitchen sparked an idea. While not a song that would win awards, it does bring some interest and fun. The lyrics have been criticized as being sexist, but I'm not convinced that it refers only to the singer -- trying to be less literal with this one. The 'chip pan' sound at the onset is unique. Enjoy!

Cook of the House -- McCartney and Wings (sung by Linda McCartney)