No such thing as just a girl

This week we will be building the perfect homemade pizzas!  Let's star† out with the crust:
Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough
1 envelope dry active yeast
2 cups warm water
21/2 cups white flour (plus more for dusting)
2 tsp course salt
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
extra virgin olive oil

        Dissolve the yeast in water in a large bowl and allow to stand for five minutes.  Stir in two cups of flour and salt.  Stir in whole wheat flour and wheat germ, then the rest of the white flour, one tablespoon at a time until the dough becomes sticky but pulls away from the bowl.  Knead on a lightly floured surface for ten minutes.  Place in a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat.  Allow to rise for 21/2 hours.  Makes six small pizzas.   Tomorrow:  expect the perfect homemade pizza sauce, followed with delicious new toppings.

        I recently listened to an American reporter talk about her experience wearing a culturally appropriate Burka while visiting Afghanistan.  As most of you probably know, a Burka is a covering from head to toe, leaving only the ability of vision through a screen in the facial region of the covering.  The reporter talked about the cultural aspects of wearing the burka, but she also talked about her personal feelings about being completely hidden behind a burka.  Men in these regions cover women because  women are unimportant and a downfall to society.  But the reporter stated that underneath the covering, though feeling much alone, she found herself being able to make any facial expression that she wanted, look at whatever she wanted, and even found herself daydreaming about her beliefs and her strengths.  No one else saw her, judged her, or interacted with her.  She was alone but was still able to be herself.
        This story made me wonder how many of us pretend to be something on the outside, when we actually feel different on the inside.  I encourage you to spend some time alone and truly evaluate who  you are and what you portray to everyone around you.  All of us have different talents, personalities, and style.  Try to use your gifts to make good choices that lead you down a path of impacting those around you in a positive way.  And be thankful to live in a free country where women can be anything they want to be!

"Don't be a fool.  There is no such thing as just a girl."
                                        - Elissa Schappell