See this kitchen?
Kinda stinky right? That’s okay though. It’s ours and we’ve learned that you don’t need an entire set of kitchen cabinets to survive. We serve tons of people food from our kitchen and they’ve all gotten used to our chaotic style. When they taste the food, it doesn’t matter that there is no cabinet….no range hood…no fancy stuff.
I was all well and good with that thought process until I got an email from Polly Campbell, a professional food critic and writer for the Cincinnati Enquire – asking if she could come to my house with a photographer to write a story about my cooking.
I said, “SURE!! Sounds like fun!!”
And then I pooped my pants a little.
You know how some people say “Um” or “Uh” a lot when they’re nervous? I don’t do that.
You know how some people sweat profusely when they’re nervous? I don’t do that either.
I do this:
I lay awake at night thinking things like…She reviews all of the best restaurants in the city and I don’t have kitchen cabinets hung up over my stove.
And so I lay there…coming up with a plan, until it all comes crashing together in my mind and I can finally sleep. I woke up yesterday at 6am and whispered to my wife, “Is it okay if I paint part of the kitchen a really dark grey or slate color?” – She said, “hmmmugh…hmmuh…that’s fine.”
Polly was scheduled to be at our house around 3:30pm. I was waiting for the paint guy to show up at Lowe’s at 6:45am to sell me some “cooled lava” paint so I could get to work. I got home and in a Caramel Macchiato-induced tornado I did drywall work. I cleaned. I painted. I hung cabinets. I hung pictures. I rearranged things that a writer from the Enquirer would never notice…but I did it anyway.
Oh, and eventually I cooked a gigantic meal of Chicken Tikka Masala in front of Newspaper people while they asked me questions. Monday night is small group night where we have about 20-25 people come over for dinner each week. Once the guests started arriving, Polly Campbell headed out and hopefully the restaurant de ryan will get a good review.
I asked her to describe me in the article as 6’1″, of Mediterranean descent, and extremely charming. 170lbs. We’ll see what she comes up with.
My favorite part of the evening was when my sister-in-law Andrea prayed for us before dinner. She asked God to use this newspaper opportunity for His Kingdom. That maybe someone would find my blog and be introduced to God in some way.
Bono, the lead singer for U2 once said that…
“if influence is currency, how will you spend it?”
I’ve got some ideas.
For whatever reason, this blog is growing. I have to come to grips with the fact that it’s gaining influence in some way, shape, or form. What started out as a project to not forget those fleeting thoughts, ideas, and memories has turned into something bigger than that. For that, I am truly grateful. I have no idea where this whole thing will end up…but I do know where it’s going to be in March.
Kenya.
I am absolutely honored and overwhelmed by a offer that recently came to Allison and I to travel to Kenya with Compassion International for a blogging trip.
It was an offer that I simply could not refuse. What an incredible opportunity and privilege. Shaun Groves has been in communication with me for a little while now to work out the details and it’s official. We’ll be blogging from Kenya March 4th-10th.
If you tweet or follow those who do:
http://twitter.com/theshaungroves/compassion-bloggers-kenya
More bloggers will be joining this group as well, but I am excited to meet the people going with us. It’s going to be nothing short of a life-changing experience…and it looks like I’ll knock something huge off of my goals list.
We will be using our influence to do something important…get kids sponsored through Compassion. More details to come…your prayers on this would be cherished.
Wide-eyed and mystified,
Ryan
Congrats Pastor Ryan! What an awesome opportunity! And your kitchen looks amazing! Love the colors….on the computer screen the paint looks like a dark chocolate brown….giving me some ideas! And looking forward to more of your wonderful recipes! Ina
{reply}
Congrats on the Kenya trip (from one of your many new readers)
{reply}
I’m so excited for you! What an awesome opportunity. I can’t wait to read all about it.
And the kitchen is pretty impressive too
{reply}
Congrats on both! I’ve been following here and twitter since you went to PW’s ranch but don’t think I’ve actually commented here yet. I guess we have talked on twitter once or twice though.
I love your blog and can’t wait to read your stories from Kenya. Glad to see you are on the list! Maybe if I can teach myself to actually blog consistently I can get on for next year.
Can’t wait to hear about the cooking review!
{reply}
I have just one question…
Can I babysit?
{reply}
Ryan, I think I can explain why your blog is gaining influence. It’s inspiring.
I began this new year with a plan to make it the year I stepped out of my comfort zone. I’m going to be 35 years old this year and yet I haven’t lived any of my adult years. Does that make sense? I’ve worked at the same job since I graduated from high school and I’ve worked my way up through a company that was once a small family owned company that treated the employees like family and has turned into something much different and not in a good way. My work is what I AM and I don’t like that about myself anymore. I am many other things when I’m willing to admit it: a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister (albeit not a very good one).
So far, from what I’ve been able to read of your blog has been truly inspiring. It is causing me to take a good, hard look my relationships and to remember the things that I want to do with my life and things I want to try and the things that I like to do, because these are things that have all been pushed aside in pursuit of something that will end up being meaningless in the end. After I’m gone, I don’t want people to remember me as that person who worked all the time. The end.
So you keep writing and inspiring and I’ll keep reading.
{reply}
Caramel macchiato induced frenzy. Oh how I have missed those! I used to go to Starbucks for one every morning when I worked and when I was in college. And everytime the Army moves us, I map out the routes to all the local Starbucks. Then I got pregnant, and the doctor informed me that I could no longer partake in the beauty that is the caramel macchiato induced frenzy (gestational diabetes, yay). So today, I live vicariously through you. Because it is possible to do great and wonderful things under the influence of a caramel macchiato.
*whimpers into her sad cup of decaf*
{reply}
I’m so excited to see such awesome things coming to your family! Thanks for sharing bits and pieces of your journey with the rest of us.
You worked your kitchen magic in less than 9 hours including paint shopping time? Whaaaaat? That is crazy!! I admire your tenacity and mad skills, because that kitchen ROCKS!
{reply}
Great job on the kitchen! Love the color. Hope you post a link to the article.
{reply}
So awesome! God has blessed you with some great opportunities. I hope one day we can travel to Rwanda to visit our little guy that we sponsor. I would love to spend at least a day with his family.
By the way, you inspired my husband and I to write out 2010/Life Goal list. I found out things that were important for him to accomplish and hopefully I’ll make at least one come true. I’m buying him a certificate to redeem to go Skydiving for our anniversary! So excited!
{reply}
TheDan says:
January 13th, 2010 at 10:03 am
@jenn3250,
Skydiving is awesome. You should go with him. It’s one of the funnest things I’ve ever done.
{reply}
I’m awed by your ability to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time…and the kitchen looks great!
Going to Kenya WOW! It has been a dream of mine to go on mission there…send lots of pictures for us vicarious ones left behind…
{reply}
Aw – i’m so happy for you guys Ryan! My little brother has had the opportunity to travel to Kenya on several occassions for a charity close to his heart where he teaches the children of Kenya how to play music since that is his gift. It has most definitely been a life changing experience for him, but I feel like I don’t really KNOW about his experience b/c he’s not as good at the “sharing” side of things. I feel like it’s just his memory. But I am truly looking forward to reading about your experience b/c I know that your talent IS sharing with others and you will come up with a creative, personal and thought provoking way to blog about your time in Kenya. Can’t wait for your trip to come to fruition and to read all about it here!
{reply}
Figured you’d get tapped to go on a Compassion blogging trip- I’ve met the totally BEST bloggers through Compassion – and felt like our household has changed the world of two little boys in Bangladesh. Compassion is one of a handful of international organizations which we can support wholeheartedly.
On a totally different topic – kitchen is fabulous – you are my kinda man (my DH does total room renovations because I say “that bathtub is miserable”) Might I suggest – to sponsor a child you only have to give up 10 grande frapuccino’s or perhaps a coffee and those overpriced muffins every week – $38 is cheap for storing up your treasures in heaven where thieves, rust, moths and caffeine addiction do not destroy.
Good on you and Allison for going to Kenya – you’ll take us with you!
{reply}
beautiful. wow.
{reply}
rawk!!!!!
{reply}
What a blessing! And my answer as one of your anonymous reader minions is that you ask those questions of how to use the currency. You have a beautiful family, a beautiful outlook, and encourage such a refreshing perspective.
{reply}
What an awesome job. Would you like to come over and redo my kitchen for me?
I think you should just keep doing what you have been. That’s all your readers really want anyway.
http://asthefarmturns.wordpress.com/
{reply}
Okay I know it was a new coat of paint and a few cabinets, but the transformation is amazing!! I’m hoping when I save up some money I can make our teeny tiny bathroom look this nice.
Congrats on the new readers!!
{reply}
Fantastic!! The kitchen is amazing…love the paint color…and the trip to Kenya!! Amazing!! Kristin has been to Africa on a mission trip and loved it! Another Minnesota blogger, MckMama, is going to be going on your trip as well. (I’ve met her once) How many of you are going? Looks like 2010 is going to be a special year!! Congrats, Chris Ann
{reply}
Umm holy! Like how in the sam heck did you pull that off?? That’s like……..whoa!
You know how they say “Rome wasn’t built in one day”. I think you may just beg to differ.
Well done.
http://www.visiblevoice.ca
{reply}
wah! no way! love the look of the kitchen, even though i wished you’d not been so insecure about its looks and let the food speak for itself–which it does because i wowed fellow coworkers with tikka masala last week–and am thrilled for you that you and allison are going to get to go on a blogging trip with compassion!!!
btw, you mentioned that one of your goals is to make $5K with this instrument. i’d like to know how that works…
{reply}
Congrats on your trip to Kenya. I know you have traveled before and hope you will give us Allison’s perspective on the trip as well. BTW, the kitchen is awesome. Hubby and I have a 1930s bungalow…it has no base cabinets or countertops. When we moved in the wall cabinets were metal, the floor was bare. We put up two modern wall cabinets and laid down laminate flooring. We hope to do more work in the future. As for cooking, we prep off of an old kitchen table with drop-leaves on each end. Even after 16 years of cooking in this kitchen it’s difficult and sometimes frustrating but we do it. So you are certainly not alone. I especially love the color of the walls and the magnetic knife holder.
{reply}
The kitchen redo is suave in general, but extra fabulous considering the time frame. Well done, sir.
Congrats on the Kenya trip; i can’t wait to read about it.
{reply}
What an AWESOME opportunity for you and your wife! I have dreams of going to South Africa to work with Kerus Global in their Orphan Care Center.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us!
{reply}
Did you have the cabinets?! Amazing…I can barely think through my recipe list and grocery shop in that time span, and still manage to shower….but remodel too?!
{reply}
Excellent work on the kitchen! I tend to do things just like that….to the amazement (and occasional horror) or my husband!
The continued influence you have through your blog is no surprise to me — God is at work — and you are stepping up to be his hands, feet and words in this world.
LOVE that you are going to Kenya! What an awesome opportunity.
Our prayers are with you…
C
{reply}
HE works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform!
{reply}
Oh my word! I sent Compassion a message recently to say that I thought you’d be absolutely ideal for a blogger’s trip.
I’m sure they didn’t need the suggestion from me because this was probably in the works before I sent my message, but I’m thrilled to see that they saw the same potential for you being a part of what they do. I can’t wait to read about your experiences, while at the same time, I dread it. (I dread it because I know I will be challenged and thrown out of my comfort zone.)
Also, you will be going with another of my favorite bloggers – MckMama! I’ll have to see who else is going – maybe I’ll discover another blog or two to add to my favorites.
You are such a great picture of what Christians (and the church) should be, especially in this day and age. It’s real life, redeemed. Thanks for being real, and for being an encouragement and an inspiration.
{reply}
Congrats on the chance to go to Kenya and use your blog to make a positive difference, which it without a doubt will! Also, your kitchen looks great! Love your blog, its inspirational and has positively impacted my walk with God!
All the best!
Katie
{reply}
Congrats Ryan. I retweeted this post!
{reply}
That is so cool that you get to go to Kenya! Influence is currency and it is amazing to see how you are using yours!
{reply}
been following you for a while, from PW site, love your site and beautiful family. What a great oppty for you!
{reply}
wow and wow again!
the kitchen makeover was not only fast but impressive – love the grey!
and how amazing for you & allison to be able to do this kenya trip – what an opportunity!
and on the topic of influence – i remember how andy stanley’s message about influence (a few years ago at catalyst) completely switched around the way i think about influence. i love that your blog is genuine – in your portrayals of family, church, friends, food – and most importantly God. your lack of pat answers and cliches speak so powerfully to what an incredibly complex God we serve, and i think it’s because of this that your blog is a place of influence!
{reply}
Man oh man! How do you do it? Ok, you are younger than me but still, redo a section of kitchen the day of an interview, w/2 little ones, a wife and a job and people coming over later that night!? Wait, and dogs, don’t you have a dog or dogs? How do you do it? I’m impressed, and glad your blog is growing in readers and that you are living such an incredibly blessed life w/the opportunities you are being allowed to embark on. What an interesting place the internet is, and I’m sure Kenya will be too!
{reply}
Aren’t knife magnets lovely?
What an amazing opportunity for you and your family to travel to Kenya…and for a great cause. I look forward to your posts during that time.
{reply}
Ryan, what a great job you did on your kitchen!!! Kudos to you on that. I am so happy you are getting to travel to Kenya. May your blog continue to touch people and grow. I dont even know you and your family but feel like I do. Love your blog and what you and your family stand for. Bless you!
{reply}
Dude.. that is so cool.. I have to say not only am i envious of your cooking skillz.. but also your carpentry skills. I wish i could type that I “hung some cabinets”
Also very excited for you to be heading to Kenya. Will be praying for everyone who is going. I am sure it will be an life changing experience… and I am looking forward to reading your perspective on all of it.
{reply}
Looks awesome! Just started one up and use some of your ideas as a starting point…trying to keep it from being too similar
Keep the good stuff coming!
{reply}
(a blog that is)
{reply}
The kitchen looks great and I’m sure the dinner was too. I love your Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.
{reply}
Woe, I’m impressed. With it all. Go Ryan.
{reply}
Your kitchen job is awesome!
{reply}
Love it! It’s passable, even for the press! I see your Trudeau electric pepper mill. I just ordered one..and the Williams Sonoma salt pig? I had to pass on that…that sucker was way too much! Love the new look! Good job!
{reply}
Great job Pastor Ryan! Now you have a fancy kitchen to go with all that fabulous food you cook. I hope that the article Polly writes brings you more that you could have imagined.
Love the Bono quote, it’s one of my faves.
{reply}
Cool! Your kitchen, the article, the Kenya trip, your blog – all so cool!
{reply}
AWESOME Pastor Ryan….people REALLY do not care what your home looks like..when you have the gift of hospitality that’s all that matters! But it does look amazing…good work!
Keep on serving for Jesus!!
{reply}
You and your family are a constant reminder of my faith in God. Thank you for that.
{reply}
I lay awake the other night doing something similar…rearranging/painting furniture in our garage and house. But…it still looks the same today as it did then. Poo.
Congratulations on your article.
{reply}
Great news; know it will change you forever. I just got back from Kenya three weeks ago. We took a team of 18 and headed to Busia for 9 days. AMAZING people. And the kids are awesome. You’ll love it. Let me know if you need any tips. I’d be glad to share. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmyoB-PIHVE
{reply}
Gratz on the speedy kitchen upgrade, I really hope you should the interviewer your before photo! Can’t WAIT to read about your adventure in Kenya =)
{reply}
When I walked in your house and saw the reporter and photographer, I had no idea who they were. Funny thing is, I didn’t even bother to ask. I thought maybe they were getting marriage counseling or something.
{reply}
The kitchen looks great! What a wonderful opportunity to visit Kenya. My husband works for a huge non-profit and over the years we have had the opportunity to visit some of the poorest countries – it an experience that never, ever leaves you, that keeps you awake at night praying for answers of how you can help.
CC
{reply}
ENJOY Kenya…it’s a wonderful place, it’s home. Have FUN, look forward to reading about your trip!
{reply}
So I guess I’m the only reader who thought…”my, Alison must have some contacts. How else to get the kitchen completed than to pull out some stops, invite some high-profile people over. . .” Just kidding. . .sorta. Sometimes that’s what it takes!!!
Hey, soooooooo excited to read about your trip to Kenya. Just read on Kristen’s blog, We are THAT family, that she has the opportunity to go on this trip too. How cool.
Glad to see God at work in your little “corner” as you have called it. . .
{reply}
Quick question about your stove! (I sure hope you tread this comment!:) I am about to re-do my kitchen, we have no gas hook-up in my neighborhood and I have never liked the looks of a smooth surface electric stove….the only people I know with them DO NOT cook…..but YOU DO!!!! so can you tell me what you think of it? would you recommend one?
Can’t wait to read Polly’s article!
{reply}
Ryan says:
January 13th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@Karen,
I like it a lot better than a standard electric stove, but I’d still prefer a gas range!!
{reply}
Karen says:
January 14th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
So you would say choose this kind over a coil stove? Thanks! maybe when MY kitchen is done I will invite you for a great meal!
{reply}
Love the kitchen and I am sure the article will be wonderful! Congrats on the trip to Kenya, how fabulous!
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us, I don’t comment often but thought I would today. I’ve been reading your blog since you went to the ranch to visit with the Pioneer Woman and I love it.
{reply}
People keep reading your blog because it’s awesome. We flock to you because you are real, are preaching the word of God and encourage us to be better people. I could go on but these are the reasons I follow
{reply}
LOVE-absolutely love the color.
{reply}
wow! i can’t believe that you did all that in one day… amazing! i’m sure that you’ll get an awesome review from the paper, i love all of your recipe tutorials (ooo perfect timing, i just made your roasted carrots tonight and they were sooo good!)
and people will be influenced by your blog, no doubt. i love how i can come here and be reminded that there is so much more than the stressful bits of life… that there is beauty and there is God and there are people like you that live such meaningful and ridiculously cool lives
{reply}
look at that super-fantastic speedy kitchen remodel! nice work!
congrats on the article, review, yummy food, & blessings on the mission trip. very exciting stuff!!
{reply}
What amazing news about you heading to Kenya. Whereabouts are you going?
Jen
I spent last summer in South Kenya, a tiny village that took ages to get to in the middle of a Maasai area and it was fantastic and truely eye opening. Whereas I’m worrying about my student loan those girls were worrying about circumcision, being married off, their cows dying, AIDs and much more.
There’s an amazing charity – Light of Maasai – that work in the area led by a fantastically impassioned woman, Elaine.
I’m excited to hear more about the trip.
{reply}
kinda off topic ans self serving here but…i have a black wall in the kitchen too and it rocks. nice job
{reply}
[...] the fact that my wife and I will be leaving for Kenya on March 2nd. If you are just catching up, Allison and I have been invited to go with Compassion International for a week-long blogging trip. Several of these trips have already taken place with other bloggers [...]
I had cut out your recipe for Chicken Tikka from the Enquirer and finally got to make it tonight. This was after going to birthday dinner at Ambar and ordering Chicken Tikka and falling in love with it. I was inspired to try it at home and found the recipe was absolutely as good as Ambar! What a thrill! Thank you!
{reply}