Most everyone takes time to be thankful this time of year. The rest of the year caught up in daily life, we coast along, many by just existing. I have been one of those who have taken much for granted.
With the holiday season kicking off I feel guilty. Guilty that I at times told my 3 patriots " not now" and missed precious moments with them. I feel bad that I never wrote to extended family I intended to keep in touch with. Putting friends off because I was so "busy". Wasting time envying others' talent, causing me to miss my own that I never knew existed. I'm guilty of worrying over trivial things, abandoning the small wonders and just frankly wasting time.
Now, that my personal world is greatly changing I realize how foolish I have been. So, I'm starting my New Year resolution now. I will try not to worry about the silly stuff, stuff I can't control. I am trying my hand at a new talent adventure at the urging of a friend. I am making time for friends, savoring each laugh and tear shared. I'm putting projects down and answering the call of my precious boys who are growing so fast. Taking some "me time" when needed. I'm reaching out to fellow mankind as I can, however small the gesture. I'm going to spend quality time with my parents.( I never know how long I'll have them.) I will embrace whatever life throws at me as a chance to learn. Sometimes it will be in hindsight, but always an opportunity. I'm going to live rather than exist.
I'm not waiting another year to be thankful. I will savor each new day and be grateful just to have it. I'm not naive to think I won't have trials. I just won't let them consume me. I won't give up.
In the words of Albert Finney as Scrooge, " I'll begin again. I will build my life. I will live to know that I've fulfilled my life. I'll begin today."
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
old blog post #3
Maybe I should start listening to myself. My old self, or the me I gave up? Point is it's action time. Make the decision or suck it up up!
Entry for June 27, 2007
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choice-noun-The power, right, or liberty to choose; option.
Growing up I always heard a certain phrase in our household. Yes, it most always pertained to me. It bugged the heck out of me! It would always hurt me. As I got older and moved away I thought I was numb to it. Then whenever faced with a major decision, the tape reel in my head would play that phrase. Now facing major choices in my professional and personal life I just want to scream “shut up!” Was this what my family had intended? Was this their way of ensuring I thought things through? I have had the worst pit in my stomach lately. Feeling as if people are staring at me like Regis Philbin asking, “final answer?”. Where’s my lifeline? Do I really need one? Looking back when I made spontaneous decisions I never felt sick. Does that mean I should just trust my instinct and go with my first choice? Go with the decision I truly want or what I think everyone else thinks I should choose. That kind of contemplation (or coercion) has gotten me where I am now. Not entirely regretting decisions made, but wishing I had better choices.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Twitter Food Challenge #2- Halloween/Fall Food
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| 1st Stop, Clarke Farm |
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| Potatoes for roasting. Squash and Zucchini for another day! |
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| Fresh Virginia Apples! |
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| 2nd and final stop, Full Quiver Farm. We picked up our organic pork and eggs here |
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| Free range egg laying hens |
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| My new friend, Snickers. I love this Goat! |
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| Sweet potatoes, carrots, white & red potatoes with olive oil and herbs ready for oven roasting |
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| Roasted root veggies, pork chops, gravy and stuffed acorn squash |
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| Iowa Wine from customer. Very Good! |
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| Festive Centerpiece |
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| Sausage, apple, wild rice stuffed in acorn squash. Sausage from Full Quiver Farm |
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Friday, October 29, 2010
Remember when and just go?!?
Another post from my old Yahoo blog. Timing was appropriate again. Many more thoughts floating in my head. I'll write about these thoughts as soon as I collect them. I'm making new memories with long ago and new friends this weekend while participating in Twitter Food Challenge #2- Halloween/Fall Food edition! What will your choice be?
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Blog Home> Entry for June 13, 2006
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Entry for June 13, 2006
What prompts one to reminisce? Could it be a particular song, or a certain smell that triggers a fond memory? An old T-shirt? Is it when you find out that a friend has three months to live or you get the prognoses yourself? Is it a good thing or a waste of time? Can we use it to determine our outcome in life?
We could dwell on past and let our current lives slip away in a sense of loss & longing. We could use them to try and recreate, often ending in more disappointment. Maybe we should pick apart those events and find what truly left the impact.
Most of us wouldn't change our current lives, but if you could throw in dashes of the "good old days" we would. Okay,we still have to be adults and can't be as carefree as in our youth. However, we can learn to worry less.We can still dream big. We can giggle and play pranks on friends. We can turn up the car stereo and sing out loud. We can make new friends and memories. Find past ones and make more memories. Better yet, introduce your new friends to your old friends.
Whatever it is that we are holding on to, it's for a reason. Life is made up of moments. We all want a great life. Question is do you want it to constantly be remember when, what if, or let's do it!
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Blog Home> Entry for June 13, 2006
Previous | Next
Entry for June 13, 2006
What prompts one to reminisce? Could it be a particular song, or a certain smell that triggers a fond memory? An old T-shirt? Is it when you find out that a friend has three months to live or you get the prognoses yourself? Is it a good thing or a waste of time? Can we use it to determine our outcome in life?
We could dwell on past and let our current lives slip away in a sense of loss & longing. We could use them to try and recreate, often ending in more disappointment. Maybe we should pick apart those events and find what truly left the impact.
Most of us wouldn't change our current lives, but if you could throw in dashes of the "good old days" we would. Okay,we still have to be adults and can't be as carefree as in our youth. However, we can learn to worry less.We can still dream big. We can giggle and play pranks on friends. We can turn up the car stereo and sing out loud. We can make new friends and memories. Find past ones and make more memories. Better yet, introduce your new friends to your old friends.
Whatever it is that we are holding on to, it's for a reason. Life is made up of moments. We all want a great life. Question is do you want it to constantly be remember when, what if, or let's do it!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
real friends kick butt!
I have a feeling this is going to be a confessional. I have had all these thoughts running through my head since about 9pm. Some were conscious. Some were played out in last night’s dream so vividly that when I woke this morning I was almost disappointed. I say almost, because I’m certain the next scene would have held me accountable. Not sure how comfortable that would have played out. So here I am.
Yesterday I woke up (way too early!) with a huge chip on my shoulder. It was early as I took my parents to the airport so they could go to Colorado. I wanted to be the one traveling on a mini escape. The day prior was my birthday. I was already not feeling the getting older part since so much on my “life to do list” is unchecked. Next, add my own pity party (more like a one woman rave) because I felt I was forgotten on my birthday. Yep, the same one I didn’t want to celebrate.That can lead to a big ol’ boulder on my shoulder. Okay, so you get the start of my mind set. Fast forward several hours…a tweet came through from a friend whom I admire. I (and my boulder) took it personally. Tweeted back a sarcastic comment and that’s when my conscience kicked in about an hour later.
I’ve always thought a lot of this long ago friend. Even the times that our immature antics would make it appear we could be mortal enemies. He was always a true winner personified in my head. Why? Because I never saw him ever really give up. He was quick witted. Yes, sometimes at my expense. See the above mortal enemies comment. Persistence and cool could very much be used to describe him. On my brief 1995 move back “home” my best friend and I visited with him on a porch. I was mentally smiling and in awe. I couldn’t display it then because I had to keep up appearances and the timing wasn’t appropriate. Truly, I couldn’t face a quick witted quip just in case. I even wrote to my mom about it and said how I should have spoken up. Fifteen years later we’ve been able to get back in touch and it was me who threw the sarcastic dagger? Silly little girl, go back to 6th grade!
With my words and attitude haunting me, I dug down deep. Briefly! Exhausted and not willing to face what I was excavating I went to bed. While dreaming, in a tone and smirk I very much recognized, long ago friend was there to set me straight via my subconscious. Okay, I got it! While the tweet/posts may not have been aimed at me personally I took it that way for very simple reasons. I think long ago friend and I have always “clicked and clashed” personality wise. In a good way you know? Like thunder and lightening, oil and vinegar, David Addison and Maddie Hayes. We knew how to push buttons to make people think, to push them out of the comfort zone. I knew better than to throw my pity party and I assumed he was purposely pushing my buttons. Wishful thinking maybe, but either way it worked.
Parties are fun. The clean up afterward can be a drag. Especially a drag if it’s not a celebration party. Now I have some clean up to do. Long ago friend, I’m sorry if I seemed bitter yesterday. I’m sorry that I was a little jealous that you are climbing closer to your dreams. I truly think it’s exciting and well deserved! True friends encourage as well as hold each other accountable in all aspects of their lives. Whether yours was intentionally personal or not…thanks! This proves you are on the right path. I’m sorry I regressed (is that a real word?) this weekend, but am looking forward to next weekend for sure!
Yesterday I woke up (way too early!) with a huge chip on my shoulder. It was early as I took my parents to the airport so they could go to Colorado. I wanted to be the one traveling on a mini escape. The day prior was my birthday. I was already not feeling the getting older part since so much on my “life to do list” is unchecked. Next, add my own pity party (more like a one woman rave) because I felt I was forgotten on my birthday. Yep, the same one I didn’t want to celebrate.That can lead to a big ol’ boulder on my shoulder. Okay, so you get the start of my mind set. Fast forward several hours…a tweet came through from a friend whom I admire. I (and my boulder) took it personally. Tweeted back a sarcastic comment and that’s when my conscience kicked in about an hour later.
I’ve always thought a lot of this long ago friend. Even the times that our immature antics would make it appear we could be mortal enemies. He was always a true winner personified in my head. Why? Because I never saw him ever really give up. He was quick witted. Yes, sometimes at my expense. See the above mortal enemies comment. Persistence and cool could very much be used to describe him. On my brief 1995 move back “home” my best friend and I visited with him on a porch. I was mentally smiling and in awe. I couldn’t display it then because I had to keep up appearances and the timing wasn’t appropriate. Truly, I couldn’t face a quick witted quip just in case. I even wrote to my mom about it and said how I should have spoken up. Fifteen years later we’ve been able to get back in touch and it was me who threw the sarcastic dagger? Silly little girl, go back to 6th grade!
With my words and attitude haunting me, I dug down deep. Briefly! Exhausted and not willing to face what I was excavating I went to bed. While dreaming, in a tone and smirk I very much recognized, long ago friend was there to set me straight via my subconscious. Okay, I got it! While the tweet/posts may not have been aimed at me personally I took it that way for very simple reasons. I think long ago friend and I have always “clicked and clashed” personality wise. In a good way you know? Like thunder and lightening, oil and vinegar, David Addison and Maddie Hayes. We knew how to push buttons to make people think, to push them out of the comfort zone. I knew better than to throw my pity party and I assumed he was purposely pushing my buttons. Wishful thinking maybe, but either way it worked.
Parties are fun. The clean up afterward can be a drag. Especially a drag if it’s not a celebration party. Now I have some clean up to do. Long ago friend, I’m sorry if I seemed bitter yesterday. I’m sorry that I was a little jealous that you are climbing closer to your dreams. I truly think it’s exciting and well deserved! True friends encourage as well as hold each other accountable in all aspects of their lives. Whether yours was intentionally personal or not…thanks! This proves you are on the right path. I’m sorry I regressed (is that a real word?) this weekend, but am looking forward to next weekend for sure!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tradition, Tradition...Birthday Bellies
I am long overdue with a post I know. I owe a special lunch box edition to a long ago friend. However, I'm going to write about Birthday Bellies. Sounds weird huh? I'll explain.
Growing up it was a tradition in our house to pick our birthday dinner and cake. It was funny because each of us usually rotated several meals. I usually did pork chops or a curried chicken rice ring if at home. If we went out I went the exotic route. My seventeenth birthday I had a dinner party with new friends from my 3rd, yes 3rd high school. Indian was my choice when I turned 18. I think I see a trend with the curry! Anyway, the point is we got whatever we wanted. Most years it was my mom fixing one of my favorite meals and cake request. Cakes would usually be some form of carrot cake or a Jello poke cake. Even as an adult my parents have carried out this tradition when able. When I started doing the same for my patriots, it was my youngest who put the the spin to it. Something about our stomachs being happy from our favorite birthday treats lead to his proclamation of birthday bellies. This year he chose authentic dim sum. I am so proud of him, my little adventurer! Although, I couldn't bring myself(or anyone else)to try the duck tongue. Where is this going you ask? I'm going to share my absolute number one favorite main course. I do a variation of it through out the year. The exact recipe is normally saved for a special occasion. I cheated and made this a few weeks ago ahead of my actual birthday. Well, I didn't follow the recipe precisely to stay safe. No bad birthday Karma here. Besides, I don't have those anymore, only anniversaries of my 29th birthday. The recipe is written verbatim from my mom's recipe card. So, yes this is special! I hope you enjoy! Italics signals my modifications
Orange Pork Chops
6 Pork chops 1" thick trimmed
2TBSP flour
1 1/2 tsp curry (I use a little more)
1/2 tsp pepper
3/4 cup orange juice
3/4 tsp coarsely chopped orange peel
1 TBSP seasoned salt (I now use A. Vogel Herbamare)
3/4 tsp paprika
2 TBSP shortening
6 whole cloves (I often leave out due to patriots' request, but miss them)
6 thin orange slices
Combine flour, seasoned salt, curry, paprika,& pepper. Reserve 1 TBSP of mixture. Roll chops in remaining spice mixture. In large skillet over high heat, brown chops in shortening. Reduce heat, add orange juice, cloves and peel. Cover, simmer until tender, turning chops occasionally. During last 15 minutes add orange slices. Remove chops and orange slices to warm platter. Skim off excess fat. Strain remaining liquids;discard cloves and peels. Return 1 cup liquid to skillet -add water or chicken broth to make 1 cup if needed. I use OJ or broth. Combine reserved flour & 2 TBSP cold water ( I use chicken broth). Pour slowly into liquid, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Spoon over chops.
Start this recipe about 1 hour 15 minutes before serving time.
I like this with a plain rice or mashed potatoes, and of course we have apple sauce!
Growing up it was a tradition in our house to pick our birthday dinner and cake. It was funny because each of us usually rotated several meals. I usually did pork chops or a curried chicken rice ring if at home. If we went out I went the exotic route. My seventeenth birthday I had a dinner party with new friends from my 3rd, yes 3rd high school. Indian was my choice when I turned 18. I think I see a trend with the curry! Anyway, the point is we got whatever we wanted. Most years it was my mom fixing one of my favorite meals and cake request. Cakes would usually be some form of carrot cake or a Jello poke cake. Even as an adult my parents have carried out this tradition when able. When I started doing the same for my patriots, it was my youngest who put the the spin to it. Something about our stomachs being happy from our favorite birthday treats lead to his proclamation of birthday bellies. This year he chose authentic dim sum. I am so proud of him, my little adventurer! Although, I couldn't bring myself(or anyone else)to try the duck tongue. Where is this going you ask? I'm going to share my absolute number one favorite main course. I do a variation of it through out the year. The exact recipe is normally saved for a special occasion. I cheated and made this a few weeks ago ahead of my actual birthday. Well, I didn't follow the recipe precisely to stay safe. No bad birthday Karma here. Besides, I don't have those anymore, only anniversaries of my 29th birthday. The recipe is written verbatim from my mom's recipe card. So, yes this is special! I hope you enjoy! Italics signals my modifications
Orange Pork Chops
6 Pork chops 1" thick trimmed
2TBSP flour
1 1/2 tsp curry (I use a little more)
1/2 tsp pepper
3/4 cup orange juice
3/4 tsp coarsely chopped orange peel
1 TBSP seasoned salt (I now use A. Vogel Herbamare)
3/4 tsp paprika
2 TBSP shortening
6 whole cloves (I often leave out due to patriots' request, but miss them)
6 thin orange slices
Combine flour, seasoned salt, curry, paprika,& pepper. Reserve 1 TBSP of mixture. Roll chops in remaining spice mixture. In large skillet over high heat, brown chops in shortening. Reduce heat, add orange juice, cloves and peel. Cover, simmer until tender, turning chops occasionally. During last 15 minutes add orange slices. Remove chops and orange slices to warm platter. Skim off excess fat. Strain remaining liquids;discard cloves and peels. Return 1 cup liquid to skillet -add water or chicken broth to make 1 cup if needed. I use OJ or broth. Combine reserved flour & 2 TBSP cold water ( I use chicken broth). Pour slowly into liquid, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Spoon over chops.
Start this recipe about 1 hour 15 minutes before serving time.
I like this with a plain rice or mashed potatoes, and of course we have apple sauce!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Why do they call it Stay at Home Mom?
I was writing the last post last Wednesday when I had to dash out for a Doc appointment. I finally posted it yesterday. My new discovery is that "stay at home mom" is just a silly title. Almost as silly as "working mom". We all work, just in different areas or specialties some more frazzled than others . I was hardly home my first week "at home". Running the patriots to and from school, karate and more patriot errands. Then I was at the various stores picking up where I left off about 6 months ago with my diverse shopping list. Then one day I just hung out with my mom. I'm very blessed that I am able to still do that! Now, I am really in need of addressing our nest. I have discovered things that should have been tossed long ago. Our garage sale will hopefully happen in two weeks. Then I can start with the decorating.The craft room is last on my agenda. Then, then, then... It's an eternal to do list, but one I'm grateful to take on. I'm just happy to be home just chirping along.
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