Can we just do it?
You may be familiar with the slogan “just do it”. Nike brought it into the public domain in 1988. You may not know that the guy who came up with the slogan based it on the last words of Gary Gilmore, famously, one of the most high profile executions of the 1970’s. As he sat before a firing squad, his last words were “Let’s do it”. Dan Weiden, a partner in the advertising firm hired by Nike says the slogan “Just do it” was a variation on Gilmore’s last words. What does this have to do with today? Well, today is Just do it day. And, this highlights how that term can be re-interpreted. In different circumstances asking “can we just do it” has vastly different meanings.
When the Beatles sang why don’t we do it in the road, it meant something entirely different from when Michael Jordan broke records as one of the best basketball players of all time. And, both examples deviate vastly from Gilmore’s Variation. Nobody wants to be looking through Gary Gilmore’s eyes. But, Just do it, in the context of today’s holiday is just what it should be. You know all those things you keep saying you’re going to do. Well, this is a good reason to finally do them. What better time than now to find that new job, write that book, poem, song, or just stop being a couch potato? This is as good a day as any to refer to yourself in the third person plural and ask “Can we just do it”?
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Who will answer the question “Can we just do it”?
In politics, what the current administration is doing is answering that question with an affirmative. Damn the consequences, costs, procedure, precedent, or legality. If it turns out to be wrong, good luck undoing it. While this is a vastly unethical, immoral, and damaging use of the just do it concept, it does show initiative. Dangerous, reckless, and damaging to the fabric of our country? Surely. Imagine if every president did even half of what this one is doing. Every four years we’d have a completely new country. There’s a reason we have checks and balances, rules and regulations, and a division of powers. We don’t attack nearby countries for their resources. And, we don’t threaten our citizens because we don’t agree with them on certain matters. When it comes to protecting the rights of people, slow and deliberate is the only way. Just do it is not appropriate here.
Similarly, on a personal basis, there is a time and place for Just do it. Quitting that unfulfilling job is a just do it moment. But, walking off the service line in the middle of dinner service is not an appropriate time to “just do it”. Only you can answer the question of can we just do it. But, much like with our government, you should give it some deliberation. Always wanted to tour Europe? Sure. Just do it. But, can you take the time away from work, pets, and family? How will you pay for it? And, if you wait, can you do it cheaper or better? In some cases, taking a chance and going when you think of it is liberating and brings you an experience you would miss out on. Dealing with the costs and consequences later is part and parcel of life.
You’ve done enough analysis
Perhaps taking some unknown drugs with someone you don’t know who just handed them to you isn’t the best idea. But, most of ur just do it moments are things we have considered in the past. And, it’s that mulling over a decision or analyzing that prevents us from taking chances that could have big payoffs. Yes, it’s a gamble. But, you already know all the downsides. Stop being a negative Nelly and pull the trigger. When you go to the doctors, they do a cost benefit analysis. They prescribe a heart medicine that affects the kidney because kidney issues can be dealt with. But, if the heart stops, it’s game over. So, if you don’t want to quit your job because you’re afraid of losing income, consider the possibility (and probability) that you could get a better job with less stress and more pay.
Yes, it’s a gamble. But, that’s how progress is made. If you stay in the mediocre job that’s sucking the life out of you, it could cause long term damage to your mental and physical well being. Leaving this job presents an opportunity to find a job more suited to your wants and needs. You now know better what you want in a job. Maybe you just want a change of venue. Or, maybe you want a total change in field. This is one of those times to just do it. You’ve had an idea for years. The world needs a digital AI smart avocado peeler/meme generator/lamp polisher. Time to leave your job as an accountant to become a lion tamer.
baby steps
While making big life changes like moving across the country or starting a new career does require more thought, it still requires that just do it moment. But, today doesn’t require that grand a gesture. It can. But, there are plenty of just do it things you can do short of turning your world upside down. When was the last time you did a deep clean of the bathroom, stove or refrigerator? That light switch in the study has needed a replacement for some time as well. And, there’s that long list of friends and relatives you haven’t spoken to in months (years in some cases). And, let’s not forget those overdue bills. Unlike with Gary Gilmore, Just do it doesn’t have to be a life and death decision.
Being food focused, we have an idea (surprise) that you could learn to cook, or improve your cooking skills. Never made your own bagels? We’ve got you covered. Or maybe you just need to learn the basics of how to stock, maintain, and organize your kitchen. Yes, we talk a lot about random, I mean, grand and important holidays like today. But, we also have pages dedicated to guidance, instruction, and motivation. And, isn’t that what today is all about? The only thing holding us back is fear. So, today is a good time to pose a question and command: can we just do it? Let’s answer with a great affirmative! Here are some recipes to help you on your way. Mageirocophobia (fear of cooking) has no place here today.
Home made bagels
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Dry active yeast
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (not too hot, around 100 degrees)
- 4 cups Bread flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- Assorted toppings
- oil for coating
Instructions
- Stir together the yeast, sugar and water. Let that bloom at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes until it starts to foam up.
- Mix the flour and salt together in a separate bowl.
- Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, mix all ingredients together at slow speed until all come together and form a dough. Once a dough has been formed, increase speed to medium. Continue kneading for about 5 minutes. Then remove dough from mixer, coat with oil and cover it in a bowl. Leave it in a warm place. Let it rise for about an hour. The dough should double in size.
- When the dough has doubled in size, "punch it down" until it deflates. Cover again. Let it rest for about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Separate the dough into equal portions. You should get about 8 to 9 dough balls. Form the balls into perfect rounds. At this time, you should start to preheat your oven to 425 and put a large pot of water on the stove to boil.
- Dip your fingers in flour, flatten each dough ball and press your finger through the center of each one. One at a time, work your fingers through the hole in the center and form rings out of the dough balls. Place the raw bagels on an oiled sheet pan.
- Drop the bagels into the boiling water and move them around carefully, so they don't stick to the sides or bottom of the pan. make sure they don't stick to each other either. Don't over-crowd them. If you need to do a couple batches, that is fine. When they hit the water, it will no longer be boiling. Bring them back up to a boil. Then taper off to a simmer. Let them simmer for about 45 seconds, then flip over to cook on the other side another 45 seconds to 1 minute. Carefully move them from the water using a slotted spoon or strainer "spider". Place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment and pan spray or a non stick pad.
- Right after they come out of the water, add your toppings while they are still wet. This way, the toppings will stick better. If you don't get the toppings on while they are wet, you can brush them with a little egg, and put the toppings on then.
- Bake at 425 for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. check them at 20 minutes and reset the timer if you want more color.
- Allow them to cool for at least 20 minutes. Serve with a schmearor whatever else you want to put on them.
Vegan Mexican chocolate Pave with Kiwi Salad and Grand Marnier berry drizzle
Ingredients
- 1 Lb vegan chocolate
- 1 can coconut cream
- 1/4 cup Agave syrup or raw honey
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 mini chili Fresh or dried
- 1 each cinnamon stick
- For drizzle
- 1 Tbsp Grand marnier
- 1/2 pint Strawberries or raspberries
- 1/4 cup Simple syrup
- For Kiwi Salad
- 1 Tbsp Grand Marnier
- 2 Tbsp sugar in the raw
- 2 large kiwis
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries or other berry
- Fresh Mint to garnish
Instructions
- Put all the chocolate ingredients in a large metal bowl and set it over a pot of boiling water to create a double boiler. Stir occasionally to make a smooth chocolate. Turn temp down a bit and allow the cinnamon and chili to infuse their flavor into the chocolate for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the chocolate from the heat and pour it into a mold lined with plastic wrap. Put in the fridge and allow to set at least 2 hours.
- Make the Drizzle. Blend berries, grand Marnier and syrup at high speed. If it is too runny, add more berries and puree more. Strain seeds if they are evident.
- make the kiwi salad: Put kiwis and berries in a bowl and toss with sugar and grand Marnier. Allow to absorb the flavors for at least 20 minutes.
- Unmold the chocolate and cut slices. Serve with kiwi salad,, berry drizzle, and garnish as you see fit. A sprig of mint is always nice.
New England Indian Pudding With Salted Whiskey Caramel
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Light Cream
- 1/2 Cup Molasses
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Cornmeal
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- For Caramel Sauce:
- 1 Cup Turbinado Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Whiskey
- 1/2 Cup heavy Cream
- 1/2 tsp Kosher or sea Salt
- Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream
Instructions
- pre heat Oven to 350.
- make the syrup: Heat sugar over medium heat in a heavy pot until it melts. Allow it to lightly caramelize. Stir constantly. Add in the whiskey and flame off the alcohol. Then add the heavy cream and whisk until smooth and an even color appears. Add a little salt and taste. Don't add all the salt at one. Just what tastes good to you. Set aside.
- Mix the cornmeal and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Heat the cream, molasses, and brown sugar in a pot over medium high heat. Bring to a simmer. Then remove from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melt. Fold the liquid into the dry ingredients. Then transfer the mix to a sprayed and sugared oven proof crock or casserole dish. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. At that point, take it out and give it a stir. Return it to the oven and cook for another 20 minutes until it sets up firmly. Serve warm with the caramel syrup and ice cream and/or whipped cream.