The old local legend is that 'if you don't like the weather in Essex county, wait 15 minutes.'
Well that was certainly proved today! I wouldn't kid about something so serious as the weather, after all it
is the one subject anyone can bring up without feeling awkward. But really! Within one hour, I saw all of the following: cloudy skies, sunny skies, snow, sleet, rain, and what sounded like hail. The wind was gusting from all directions, and none at all.
Days like this cause me to think seriously about the patients that come in to the emergency room. Did I lose you just there? Let me clarify. We all know that allergies will flare up with the seasons. We are more susceptible to the cold or flu during a change in the weather. During the late fall, winter, and early spring, the sun's rays are not strong enough for North Americans to receive enough vitamin D through absorption. This strongly affects our moods.
Also there is the full moon phenomenon. This is a subject that is joked about all the time. Again, allow me to explain myself before you think that I am thinking far too spatially (although there's nothing wrong with that way of thinking, but if you follow my blog you should know that I like to start my day with a great big helping of common sense; more than is expected in that school of thought. Hm, it's called
common sense, but it doesn't seem to be all that common!). If the moon controls the tides through gravitational pull, it must therefore control us as well. How you ask? The human body is composed of a variety of lovely things, but 60 - 70% of our composition is water. If the movement of the moon moves entire oceans, surely things happen to us as well! Could it be that there is an upward movement of blood throughout our bodies, causing a higher amount of fluid to the brain?
Mostly, when there is a full moon it is known that this is when the 'crazies' come out. If we believe that the gravitational pull has something to do with this, I would like to pose another question. What happens during a new moon? Would it be harder to maintain the chemical balances that dictate our health? Ever since I have asked myself these things, I have noticed one continuous trend. Full moon means up, new moon means down. Up means an increase in tempers (more bar fights), an increase in passion (more teenagers canoodling in the corners of the waiting room), and an increase in blood pressures (chest pain, and anything cardiac related). Down means a decrease of consciousness (falls for no particular reason, confusion), a decrease of pain tolerance (headaches, stomach aches, etc.), and a decrease of appreciation for life (higher rates of alcoholism, overdoses, and suicide attempts).
So what is snow, rain, sleet, sun and clouds going to do to the general populace?
I think I'm going to hide out at home for a while.
I cannot explain to you how gratifying it is to be part of a production that has the power to cause change within a community.
I cannot estimate how we will have impacted the lives of breast cancer survivors, or those who are struggling with it presently.
I cannot show you the enjoyment of the crowd, or the pleasure that we as actors get from playing off their emotions.
but mostly,
I cannot wait for the day that it is purely out of fun and love of theatre that a similar production will be held, because this disease will no longer be a threat.
Using a sharp knife, cut your rectangle into strips that are about 4 centimetres wide. Length is completely up to how large your counter space is!
Always remember that it is very simple to add a touch of extra flour if need be, but quite difficult to add more water. 
It is time to plop your dough onto the counter when it is to hard to stir with a spoon anymore. It does not really matter how sticky the dough still is, as long as you have quite a thick layer of flour on the counter ready for kneading. This is another excellent time to add modifying ingredients to your recipe. I'll be using this dough for garlic twists, so I have added 2 minced cloves, about a tablespoon of garlic powder, and close to 3 tablespoons parsley.
Now it is time to knead. What a wonderful way to release stress, perhaps this is why I am such a pleasant person. Did that driver that cut you off this morning make you angry? Did a family member lie to you? Did a co-worker get the raise that you deserve? Make sure that you haven't beaten your dough to a pulp, and check to see if you need to add more flour. You will know the dough is finished by the way it feels. It should have become more 'elastic-like' in the way it holds shape, it will no longer blob all over the counter. I have been told that the dough should feel like your earlobe, but I have another body part you could refer to. Get your mind out of the gutter. Your cheek. Open your mouth very wide into an 'o' shape and poke the hollow of your cheek. This is how your dough should feel if you poke it, soft but elastic.
