Pay It Forward part 2

So I was thinking as I wrote the title that I may have already used the title for another post, I checked and I did but since it was just a short post I thought I would make a part two.

Lately I've found myself irritated with my roommates and have told myself I was ready to be done living with roommates, well that's never going to happen and I don't really want it to because living alone would not be fun. Then in my wanting to be married mind set I had for a moment, I decided I just wanted to be done with girl roommates that have different personalities than me and hormones, but then I realized that if/when I ever get married I will just have a guy roommate that thinks like a man aka NOTHING like me. Upon thinking about all my problems, I remembered words of wisdom that were giving at a BYU devotional(I don't remember which one) that counseled us to look outside ourselves and our problems and focus on what you can do for those around you. This remembered counsel combined with family members posts on Facebook to Pay It Forward, seemed to be commanding me to change my view. And so I'm making it a goal to serve my roommates more and really anybody around me. I'm going to do the challenge that some posted on Facebook on my blog and at some point in 2012 I will make something handmade for those who comment on my status and promise to do something nice for someone. (also you should subscribe to my blog if you haven't, sometimes it bums me out that I only have 10 subscribers) I will be in Arizona and Utah this year and if you live in a different state I will try my best to get you my service. It's only a comment and a commitment to ONE service, I guarantee it will be worth it.

As you all know something else that makes me feel better about life is food. Last week I was really wanting some 'beany salad' as I call it, and so I got all of the ingredients at the store but didn't get around to making it until tonight. It's a recipe that my mom found in a newspaper leaflet years ago and I LOVE it. It's healthy but flavorful. The original recipe is in the family cookbook but I've made some changes mostly because I'm lazy.

1/2 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup long-grain brown rice
1 can black beans, drained*
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 cup corn kernals, cooked
1/2 cup chopped green onions (I don't actually measure)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (I don't measure)
1 red bell pepper, chopped

Dressing:
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar**
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup olive oil**

In a large sauce pan, bring 3 1/2 cups of water to boil, stir in barley and brown rice, cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes until they are tender. (originally it had you cook the brown rice and barley separately, but I'm not about to dirty 2 pans) Drain off excess water and cool. In a large bowl, combine barley, rice, beans, corn, onions, red bell pepper and cilantro. Mix well. Mix all dressing ingredients together to make dressing and toss with salad. Chill

*originally the beans were one cup each but then I had to figure out what to do with the rest of the can
**with this I just make sure I have 3/4 cup of liquid and that it's either a 50/50 mixture or I have more oil than vinegar. It  can also be just plain vegetable oil if you don't have lots of olive oil.

I like it best when it has set and chilled but usually I'm want it so badly that I have a small bowl right after I've made it. Today I had an avocado I needed to use, so I topped my salad with that and it was delicious.