Our world joined in heartache today when we learned of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. As we work together to support families, friends, colleagues, and even complete strangers affected by this disaster, I pray we remember the fragility of life. It is easy to get caught up in small, insignificant details--the material possessions that, while nice to have, should not define us. Moments like this serve as reminders us that life is beautiful and rewarding because we share it with others. Let's take time to remember those who lift us up, to give thanks for health and safety. And, if possible, to give back as much as we are able, both in our communities and across the ocean.
{ash} Our world joined in heartache today when we learned of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. As we work together to support families, friends, colleagues, and even complete strangers affected by this disaster, I pray we remember the fragility of life. It is easy to get caught up in small, insignificant details--the material possessions that, while nice to have, should not define us. Moments like this serve as reminders us that life is beautiful and rewarding because we share it with others. Let's take time to remember those who lift us up, to give thanks for health and safety. And, if possible, to give back as much as we are able, both in our communities and across the ocean.
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{angie} I know, here I am talking about the weather again. But really, how many days ago was I complaining about a blizzard? That's right--two. Two days ago I was letting out the dog in six inches of snow. Utah is one of the few places that the weather is not considered a dull subject. Now 48 hours later I'm gladly going outside with her in the sunshine with a high in the mid-sixties and a warm breeze. Now I get excited about a lot of stupid things, but the world's change to spring is one thing that never ceases to inspire me year after year. In the autumn I welcome the crispness that comes with the season. Then in winter any hint of wind makes me want to curl up in my coat and hide my face. I've noticed this even more intensely this year since I have to take Daisy outside to go potty a few times a day. But as spring comes and the world begins to thaw, the first hint of warmth after months and months of cold is so refreshing. Sure, there have been days that were heated up by the sun, but the air has still been chilly when it blows. The first hint of warm air means beautiful days are to come. The wind blows through my hair and I inhale deeply, smelling the young freshness of what is preparing to bloom. Even though I know very well we could have more snow any day, the promise that the world is turning up the heat is all the inspiration I need. {ash} Last Saturday was a warm, overcast day in Salt Lake City (AND a rest day in the good ol' half marathon schedule), so Dan and I grabbed some coffee and took a walk around a local park. When we got home, I noticed these little beauties poking through the my landlord's flowerbed. I took a picture and tweeted, "I believe!" Then it was Monday. And it dumped snow. Yesterday morning I was scraping close to a foot off my car. Fun! (Angie didn't like it either.) I didn't think much more about the flowers until tonight, when I noticed that they're still alive... and still blooming! It may be a silly little thing, but these flowers made me so happy. They're obviously little survivors and yet another example of how nature gives us tons of little inspirations and reminds us that, no matter what, we can weather the storm. (In case you're wondering, it'll be in the 60s here tomorrow. This state is a bit... confused this time of year.) March 20 is first day of spring! ;) Then I promise Angie and I will stop complaining about the weather... maybe. Even Daisy protested the snow. {angie} Yesterday I looked to the sky and cursed the heavens. Why must there be more snow? I am ready for spring sunshine and rainstorms--not six inches of white stuff in the backyard. I was seriously moody about the whole thing and so not inspired. As I drove to the grocery store, I just wanted some nice, warm comfort food. Enter my puff pastry chicken pot pies. But because I'm always trying to make my meals a little healthier, I made sure to keep this as low-cal as possible. This recipe packs a lot of flavor with all the comfort I wanted in the balanced meal I needed. {Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pies}Ingredients 1 package puff pastries (6 shells) olive oil 6 green onions, diced 3 garlic cloves, diced 2 teaspoons oregano 2 teaspoons celery salt 1 teaspoon rosemary 1 teaspoon parsley 2 chicken breasts, cut into chunks 2 cups mixed vegetables, frozen 3 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup skim milk 2 tablespoons flour salt and pepper, to taste Directions Preheat oven and bake puff pastry as directed. Saute onion, garlic and spices in a medium pan. Add chicken and stir until cooked. Add vegetables and broth and bring to a simmer for about five minutes. Pour in milk and sprinkle with flour, stirring until thick. Remove the tops from the puff pastry and spoon in filling. Bake for five more minutes and serve. {ash} I am SO OVER Charlie Sheen. I cannot believe all the attention that's going toward that train wreck, especially when there are actual world issues happening now. Potential Civil War in Libya? Political drama in Washington? Forget it -- Charlie Sheen got fired! You can imagine my frustration when I got on the exercise bike this evening and turned on the TV to find yet another CS story. Sigh. Luckily, Iron Chef America was playing at the same time. I know it sounds silly, but I felt myself relaxing when I found that show. I think I just felt relieved to watch so much talent, to see the beautiful things people can make with simple ingredients. Amazing. Photo credit: Eats.com. {angie} So many times today I thought to myself, "I should be cleaning," "I should be running errands," "I should be organizing the office," "I should be folding laundry." The list goes on. But my brain was overworked and my muscles were sore. When I'm mentally and physically exhausted, some days I need to just forget those responsibilities and take a day to be lazy as hell and sleep. So that's exactly what I did. My chores aren't done, but at least I am rested, which in the long run, I find more important. {ash} Tonight I went to dinner with Dan and my parents to celebrate some professional victories for both my dad and Dan. I have been so very happy for these two amazing men, and have recently been reflecting on how fabulous it feels to watch the people you love accomplish their goals. In so many ways, it's an even better feeling than when I do well. It makes you realize how important and great love is. I've also been reflecting quite a bit lately on blessings. It's been a rough few years in this country, especially when it comes to employment. I've known people who have struggled with everything from having a job they absolutely detest (but kept, because it was still a job) to those who are still searching. It's tough to have endured so much, but amazing to see the inspiration and love that comes out of rough times. This is obviously a much deeper, much more complicated conversation than I can adequately express here on the blog. But it is something I try to remember as I keep walking the path of life. I remember so that I continue to feel nothing but gratitude for my own blessings. We all need time to celebrate victories, large and small, as we come back into the light. {angie} Okay, I don't know about you, but it seems like everyone and their dog is sick (except perhaps me and my dog). My husband, half the people at my work, my friends, the list goes on--it seems that everyone is coming down with something right now. Beware! Because of this, I have been feeling like my immune system needs a bit of a boost to keep unwanted illness away. Being the good wife I am, before my hubby went off to work today, I made a little shake (little did he know it was as much for me as for him...did I mention I don't want to get sick?) So what helps the immune system? Antioxidants. The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E which can be found in some of the more colorful fruits and veggies. You get the best benefit from antioxidants when they are raw--enter my cantaloupe, spinach and orange shake. Sound weird? We'll it's actually quite delicious and contains all three types of antioxidants: cantaloupe has beta-carotene, spinach has vitamin E and oranges have vitamin C. I added in the vanilla protein powder just because I like the flavor and creamy texture it provides, but you can certainly use another smoothie powder or yogurt. When you mix it all up, I'll be honest, it looks a tiny bit scary (try to remember back to art class mixing orange and green paint), but I promise, your immune system will thank you. {Cantaloupe, Spinach and Orange Shake}Ingredients 1/2 cup cantaloupe, frozen 1/2 cup spinach 1/2 an orange 1/2 a scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup water Directions Add all ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth. Quarantine yourself away from sick people or if you're already sick, feel better. {ash} Valentine-themed cupcakes are obviously a few weeks late, but they were SO GOOD I just had to share. We got together with my family the Sunday before Valentine's Day and it was my job to make dessert. A few weeks earlier I had watched Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa) make a drool-worthy coconut cake. I figured cupcakes may be a little easier (and cuter), so I went online to find the recipe. But that clever Ina -- she already had a cupcake recipe ready to go, so all I had to do was shop, bake, and enjoy. These cupcakes are... incredible. There is no other word. I sampled a dangerous amount of batter but I could not stop. I also told Dan about a hundred times that we should have this very cake at our wedding. The cupcakes are chock-full of coconut and have a hint of almond extract. That little surprise is brilliant and completely takes the cupcakes to a new level. My only feedback on the whole recipe is to divide the frosting recipe in half. It makes a TON, and even after coating the cupcakes with it, I had leftover frosting. You know I don't like wasting anything. I can't wait to make this cake again on a warm summer afternoon. Dear spring, Oh how I miss you. I dream of your sunshiney days, floral smells and bright green colors. I miss your pouring rain and pretty flowers. I will even embrace your taunting nature with surprise snow storms, if only I can enjoy your warmth for a few lovely days. Just please come quickly. I'll pack my picnic basket. Thank you. Warmly, {angie} |
in·spi·ra·tionin·spi·ra·tion (ĭn'spə-rā'shən) n. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.
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