Happy Anniversary to Us!

Today Beren and I are headed out of town to celebrate our Anniversary, the first "offical" one since it falls on Leap Year Day! We will be spending tonight and tomorrow night at a beautiful hotel on the water in St. Augustine! I'm so looking forward to some downtime with him, it's been a hectic, stressful few months and we are way overdue for some laid back couple time. 

Sunday we intend to put on our wanna-be biker garb and head to Daytona for Bike Week before returning home.

I have the champagne chilling and my overnight bag packed with Victoria's Secret, what more could we possibly need?

On My Hearth: Gingery Shrimp and Couscous

You all know how much I love shrimp so this simple recipe with the addition of ginger, another one of my favorites, is right up my alley!

Gingery Shrimp and Couscous
from Real Simple

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped ginger
1 cup white wine
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces snow peas, cut in half on the diagonal
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 10-ounce box (1 1/2 cups) couscous

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook 2 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Nestle the shrimp in the onions and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the snow peas and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the shrimp are bright pink and cooked through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Meanwhile, cook the couscous according to the package directions. Divide the couscous among individual bowls and spoon the shrimp and snow peas over the top.

Upgrade: Replace the couscous with brown rice or barley for a healthy whole-grain lift.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 499(14% from fat); FAT 8g (sat 0g); SUGAR 4g; PROTEIN 34g; CHOLESTEROL 172mg; SODIUM 419mg; FIBER 5g; CARBOHYDRATE 65g

Replenishing the Well

After a wonderful fun-filled weekend I find myself exhausted & fighting a cold, Lily having already succumbed to it herself. She spent the day in bed which is what I longed to do but, alas, I had to bring home the (veggie) bacon.

I really value my alone time; part of the reason I work only part-time is so that I can come home and enjoy a couple of hours to myself while the kids are in school and my sweetie at work. Since I've been putting in a few more hours ath the office lately that's cut into my precious solitude and I am really feeling the affects.

So tonight it's going to be soup & sandwiches for dinner, a couple of hours flopped on the couch and then early to bed for this party girl! I have to rest and rejuvenate before the coming weekend but more about that later.

February 25, 2008
Replenishing Your Energy Well
Leo Daily Horoscope

You may feel compassionate toward others today, and spend time helping family members and friends. Your assistance might take the form of emotional support, helping with physical chores, or even monetary support. Because these activities can be draining physically and emotionally, you may find it beneficial to set aside some time to be alone and replenish your energy today. If you focus on activities that rejuvenate you and lift your mood, you will have more resources to share with those you love. Good activities might include immersing yourself in a period of peaceful solitude to write your thoughts in a journal, stepping out to enjoy some brisk physical activity to boost your energy, or engaging in creative activities that inspire and fulfill you.

Honoring our need for personal time lifts our spirits and energizes us, providing the stamina and enthusiasm we need to help others in meaningful ways. Though a desire to help our loved ones can encourage an abundance of energy, too much focus on others can quickly deplete our inner resources. By taking time to honor our own needs for rest, relaxation, and personal fulfillment, we automatically increase the amount of energy we have available. Not only does this allow us to more effectively help our loved ones, we are able to keep giving from a well of energy that is continuously replenished. With a focus on meeting your own needs first today, you can generate the energy you need to assist those you love.

Lip Service

Beren and I are headed out tonight to meet up with friends at one of the biggest literary events in Miami, Lip Service. I can't wait to see Rachel, have been reading her and lusting to meet her for so long! *wink*
It's sure to be a titillating, exciting evening, will post pics and details tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Lily!

I can't believe my little girl turned 18 today...sigh...
Happy Birthday, Lily -
you will always be in the middle-of-my-heart.
I love you!

A Belated Valentine Treat

Because Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday (really, it is!), I'm extending the celebration a bit. Beren brought me a quart of huge luscious strawberries for V-Day, with the request to dip them in chocolate and enjoy them...um...at a romantic occasion. No problem! *wink* I'll be using squares of Godiva chocolate purchased at an after-the-holiday sale, makes them even more delicious!

Kahlua Chocolate Strawberries

6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup Kahlua
2 pints fresh strawberries

In top of double boiler, melt chocolate over simmering water. Add milk.

Remove from heat. Add Kahlua; whisk until smooth. Cool until thickened (about 1 hour).

Makes about 1 cup sauce. Use only firm dry strawberries.

Hand dip. Can be refrigerated up to 4 hours; excellent served chilled. Or, have guests dip their own!

Kids Who Cook = Kids Who Eat?

I just read an interesting article in my local paper about children who love to cook, little aspiring chefs who spend their afternoons watching the Food Network instead of cartoons, who pull stools up to the kitchen counter so that they can actively participate in the preparation of the family dinner. Fascinating to me especially since all of the children featured appeared happy, healthy, and within their proper weight range. With our nation's obesity rate growing at an alarming rate, especially in children, this article gave me food for thought. Is there a link between cooking and a healthy relationship with food when it comes to children? Do they eat better when allowed and encouraged to plan & prepare their own meals? I think so, as do the experts listed in this article.

Personally, I have a couple examples of my own, starting with my own cooking history. As an only child of a two-career couple, I was expected to cook dinner several times during the weeknights, if only to get things started and then Mom would finish up. This wasn't a chore to me, I enjoyed it. We weren't fancy eaters by any stretch of the imagination but every single night we had dinner together at the table, no tv, no phone calls, no distractions. Our house was filled with fruits & vegetables at all times along with a reasonable amount of treats, all in good balance. Once a week we ate out, and fast food was a novelty, not a daily event. Once I had my own children I did much the same, filling them with fresh produce and lean meat, ending each meal with fruit instead of heavy desserts. Cookies and treats were part of their diet but not the primary focus.

Now, my first married home with Lily & Bambi's dad was very small and the kitchen closed-in, unattractive and barely functional. I managed to cook basic meals but was rarely adventurous. After all, I had three kids under the age of 6, two of them in diapers at once, not exactly time for gourmet feasts! Still, we managed, for 10 long years! (The photo above is of Kali helping me make bunny-shaped rolls for Easter). But once we moved to our new house with the much-larger kitchen and more open floor plan, I was in heaven! I started collecting cookbooks, poring over meal plans each day, baking and cooking to my heart's content. My kids were old enough to appreciate the effort and dinnertime became the main event of the day. I was in heaven. During these years my girls helped when they could and they were exposed to all different kids of foods and cooking techniques. As a result they are now all good cooks, creative and skilled in the kitchen. Lily has even expressed an interest in culinary school in addition to her Journalism career. They are all a very healthy weight and have a respect as well as love of food. So, that being said...

We have a couple new members of our family who have not had the same experience. Their mom rarely cooked and they never sat down to dinner together as a family. Meal times were hit or miss, each member doing for his or her own self, the dining room table sat unused as they dined at the bar or in front of the t.v. I'm not judging, truly I'm not, but I do believe it has had an impact on their relationship with food. They rarely eat fruit or vegetables and are seemingly unaware of proper table manners. They are hesitant to try anything new and would be happy to exist on chicken fingers and french fries. They aren't comfortable sitting down together and simply dining, it's foreign to them. I shudder at this, of course, and do my best to encourage and inspire. Though they are both thin and in no immediate danger of malnutrition, I wonder how long that will last? Will this poor diet eventually take it's toll on them in the form of poor health and/or obesity? And is there anything I can do about it? At ages 12 and 14, is it too late? Should I take them into the kitchen and teach them about cooking, cajole them into helping? Is it even my "job" or responsiblity? I really don't know, but I am concerned and not sure how to proceed from here. Thoughts?

To sum it all up, I'm just really pleased that my girls are good cooks and eaters, and even if I have a bit of extra baggage to show for it..grin...I am the same. I'm encouraged by the young people who are taking the time to make their own meals instead of hitting the drive-through. Food is such an integral part of our lives, we might as well take joy in every aspect of it!

Valentine's Day

That was then...

..and this is now!

Hot Date - Summer of 1981

Valentine's Day 2008


When Beren and I dated the first time around, back in the early 80's, we spent a wildly wonderful summer together. He was finishing his first year of college and I was ready to enter my senior year of high school...we were young and madly in love, spent every possible moment together, dreading the end of summer when he had to return to college. One night, after a long day at the beach, he pooled his summer-job income and treated me to a "fancy" dinner at local themed restaurant called The Ark. I remember how excited I was, how romantic the whole evening...well, almost 27 years later we sought out that restaurant again to celebrate Valentines Day. It's still there, though the crowd had changed and bit and the interior slightly worn, and though we ourselves are older and grayer and a bit faded ourselves, it didn't matter. I was still just as thrilled to be there with him, even more hopelessly in love than the first time around, ever-so-grateful that we found each other again.

Thank you, Beren, and Happy Valentine's Day. I love you..then, now, always.

poking my head in....

I still want to share some inspiration when it occurs even though I'm on "vacation"..grin...

Very powerful message for me today as I am around people on a regular basis who complain seemingly just to hear themselves speak, and I have certainly been one of those people myself! Complaining is a bad habit, especially when done without means to an end. It's something I'm working on, goes along with generally being more positive and focusing on the good things in my life.  Whatever you put your attention to tends to grow and multiply, would much rather have that happen with happiness & beauty, right?
A nice example: Yesterday I was feeling kinda down on myself, have been a little under the weather and was just worn out and that's when the negative voices start chattering in my head. "not good enough..blah..blah..." Well, in the midst of my busy workday I take a break, check my Myspace and find that a new friend has left me a very sweet comment on one of my pics. Well, let me tell you, that just made my day and turned my mood around! Funny how a little bit of kindness from a virtual stranger can make such a difference, huh? Makes me realize just how powerful we really are, and makes me even more determined to spread some kindness of my own today.


February 12, 2008
Tearing Down To Rebuild
Rethinking Complaining

We all know someone who has elevated the process of complaining to a high art. Sometimes funny, sometimes exhausting, these people have the ability to find a problem just about anywhere. In its more evolved form, complaining is simply the ability to see what's not working, in one's own life or in the external world, and it can be quite useful if followed to its natural conclusion—finding a solution and applying it. However, many of us don't get that far, and we find that complaining has become an end in itself. In small doses, this is not a big problem, but if complaining has become a huge part of our identities, it may be time to take a good look at how we are spending our energy.

Complaining is a person's way of acknowledging that they are not happy with the way things are. In a metaphorical way, when we complain or criticize, we are tearing down an undesirable structure in order to make room for something new. But if all we do is tear down, never bothering to summon the creative energy required to create something new, we are not fulfilling the process. In fact, we are at risk for becoming a stagnant and destructive force in our own lives and in the lives of the people we love. Another issue with complaining is that we sometimes tend to focus on other people, whom we can't change, as a way of deflecting attention from the one person we can change—ourselves. So transforming complaining into something useful is a twofold process that begins with turning our critical eye to look at things we can actually do something about, and then taking positive action.

When we find ourselves complaining, the last thing we need to do is get down on ourselves. Instead, we can begin by noticing that we are in the mode of wanting to make some changes. But rather than lashing out at somebody or an organization, we can look for an appropriate place to channel this energy—not our neighbor's house, but possibly parts of our own. Finally, we can ask ourselves the positive question of what we would like to create in the place of whatever it is we want to tear down. When we do this, we channel a negative habit into a creative process, thus using our energy to change the world around us in a positive way.

A Blogging Vacation

I'm going to take a break from blogging, dear friends. I find myself with little to say publicly lately, just need some time to focus on other areas of my life..nothing bad, just craving quiet.

Please feel free to e-mail me, I don't want to lose track of my friends in cyberspace!
Hugs and love to you all...bye for now.

Today's Inspiration: Stepping Back From Anger

February 4, 2008
Stepping Back From Anger

When we find ourselves in an argument, we may feel like we are losing control of emotions that have taken on lives of their own. When we can become aware that this is happening, taking a deep breath can help us step back from the situation. Once we can separate ourselves from the heat of the moment, we may find that the emotional trigger that began the argument has little to do with the present situation, but may have brought up feelings related to something else entirely. Looking honestly at what caused our reaction allows us to consciously respond more appropriately to the situation and make the best choices.

We can make an agreement with our partners and those closest to us that asking questions can help all of us discover the source of the argument. The shared awareness can result in finding simple solutions to something physical, like low blood sugar or even a hormonal surge. Maybe we are taking ourselves too seriously, and we can just laugh and watch the tension dissolve. We could also discover that perhaps we are addicted to the excitement that drama brings and the chemicals that our body creates when we are angry. But there may be a deeper issue that requires discussion, understanding, and patience. The more we allow ourselves to step back and examine our reasons for arguing, the easier it becomes to allow real feelings to surface and guide us toward solutions that improve our lives.

When we can be clear about our feelings and intentions and communicate them clearly, we have a far better chance of getting what we want than if we lose control or allow our subconscious minds to manipulate the situation. We might take our frustrations out on the people closest to us because we feel safe and comfortable with them, but misplaced anger can cause more harm than good. Arguing for what we truly believe can empower us and help us to direct our passions toward greater life experiences. Truly knowing our reasons for arguing enables us to grow emotionally in ways that will affect our whole being.


Today's Daily Om hits home on a couple of levels...last Monday I had an argument of sorts via e-mail, went on throughout the day with no resolution and not only ruined the day but perhaps ended a friendship as well. If nothing else, we are taking a much-needed time out. She and I have done this several times in the past few years, and each time I think it's over, the relationship is irreparable, but time heals and history is strong..we've been friends for 25 years, not easy to just walk away. I hated how angry I was, hated the whole situation, but I truly don't think there was another way to handle it. No amount of talking or discussion can cure the reason for our disagreement, I think that perhaps we have grown differently and no longer fit into each others lives or belief systems. Very sad, but I need to accept it and move on.



Secondly, my two youngest daughters had a nasty fight on Friday night which stretched throughout the weekend. It broke my heart to see them at odds and I truly didn't understand it. It is so hard for an only child such as myself to understand sibling dynamics, I just want to beg and plead and remind them of how lucky they are to have each other. There is nothing like a sister, no replacement for her. Anyway, I stayed out of it as best I could and they worked it out..I think. Like me, they communicate best through writing and I know that there were emails and live journal entries exchanged back & forth throughout the day but I am not privy to that information. All I know is that there is at least discussion happening, and a bit less tension coming from their end of the house. We are family, and no matter how much we may fight that doesn't change. We are forever connected, we don't let go, we don't give up on each other. Not ever.

I hope this week will be less dramatic, less anger-filled, more peaceful. Conflict is inevitable, of course, but I'm going to ask the Universe for a bit less of it in the coming days...thank you..

Weekly Weigh-In

I finally got to a WW meeting Sunday morning, didn't expect a loss since it's that time of the month and..well, we all know that means bloating and other miseries. I was surprised that I was down after all, only .6 pounds but that gave me a 5.2 total loss and got me my 5 lb star! *smile* Slowly but surely, I'll get there!

Here's a pic taken Saturday night, don't think the weight loss is showing yet, no one except me and possibly Beren has noticed.

A New Day

I've been taking some much-needed ME time this week, consciously relaxing, trying to get my nerves (and the subsequent tummy ache) under control. (Stress is so not a good thing!) Wednesday I went to the movies with Bambi, watched a wonderful movie called Juno, then yesterday after work I curled up on the couch and popped in another dvd - Waitress. What a fabulous flick! The cooking scenes were sooo sensual, ooh-la-la! They made me want to dash into the kitchen and whip up a pie! No time for that, though, as my Sweetie and I had other plans.

After enjoying a yummy dinner at one of the only  Italian restaurants I enjoy (yeah, I'm a food snob), Beren and I headed over to the west coast for a combination business/pleasure trip. The drive over was uneventful, got checked into our room by 10 pm at which point we opened a celebratory bottle of bubbly and had some cuddle time. This morning we sipped coffee and watched a gorgeous sunrise, appropriate as we feel that we have indeed started a new day, a new chapter in our lives together.

Today's plans are to work from the hotel room, hit the fitness center, then lunch in Naples before heading back home. In between I have a stack of books & magazines to dive into should I become bored.

Self-Indulgence is a wonderful thing, I intend to do much more of it in the future.

February 1, 2008
Indulge Yourself
Leo Daily Horoscope

You may feel a bit indulgent today and want to spend time enjoying yourself. Perhaps you feel the need for self-pampering and rejuvenation. You may also be attracted to the thought of indulging in sensuous pleasures. These desires could reveal a deeper need for a little tender loving care, especially if you've been feeling stressed or worn out lately. By setting aside time to honor yourself today, you can release stress and relax. You may want to make an appointment for a massage or spend time on a restorative physical activity like yoga. You could also focus on restoring your mind-set by spending time journaling and getting clear about your life. You may just want to rest by indulging in pleasant daydreaming.

Devoting loving attention to our own self-care can help recharge our batteries and restore our peace of mind. Many of us tend to believe that taking time to pamper ourselves is a selfish, frivolous activity. If we can learn to see our own self-care as part of being alive, we will begin to understand that taking time to pamper ourselves will prevent many problems. Not only will we feel more balanced and happy, but we will be better able to cope with stress. We become more productive in our work and more present in our relationships. Allowing yourself to indulge in restorative activities today will rejuvenate you and positively affect your life.