For those of you who have been following along with the blog postings, you know that I have dubbed this the year of reinvention. Part of that reinvention is finding my "happy place" both mentally and physically. I'm not going to lie to you. It is by no means easy. I'm struggling big time.
I will share one small self discovery ----- I have realized that my bar is set waaaaaay too high (for myself as well as those around me). This leads to a good deal of disappointment. My own fault. Part of the reinvention process. I can change that. I'm already actively working on it.
As far ramping up my exercise......slacking. Big time. I am still not making myself the top priority. I am still not making my work out the most important "appointment". It's hard. Not only to juggle a busy schedule...but to get motivated to go to the gym after work. I have to find a way to be excited about it.
Eating healthy? Yes and no. I'm not consistent. I'll do really good all day....will get to dinner time and I overdo it. It doesn't help that my husband is a fabulous cook. NO, I'm not blaming him. He's not forcing me to overeat!!!!
It's a mindset. I'm talking the talk. I'm only walking the walk maybe 70% of the time. That's not enough. I don't expect to have perfect results...I doubt that my effort will ever be at 100%. I would be very happy to be at around 85%.
This post sounds more like a rant. Not meant to be. I know that there are others out there reading this who have shared with me that they are going through similar struggles. I just want to be honest with you. It's not all puppies and unicorns. What does help is knowing that I am not alone.
Let's keep going people.......baby steps are better than no steps at all!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sunday Dinner ~ Tofu Stir Fry and Coconut Rice
Some of you reading this are probably shaking your head thinking tofu? gross! EXACTLY what I thought the first time I came across this recipe. Since it was in the "official" cookbook of our house~ Cook's Illustrated ~ decided to give it a try. I am so glad that we did because for the last 4 or 5 years this has seriously been one of my favorite dinners. Sounds funny coming from a girl who loves steak and potatoes.
I'll let you in on a little secret... with the tofu coated/fried like in this recipe, you would be hard pressed to know that you are not eating chicken or pork. The tofu takes on the flavor of the glaze/sauce. It's a great way to get in a lot of veggies! I like to serve coconut rice along with it.
If you are new to tofu - I highly suggest giving this a try. Let me know what you think!
COCONUT RICE
MAKES 3 CUPS
TOTAL TIME; 30 MINS.
Bring to a Boil; Stir In:
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk (do not confuse with cream of coconut and do not get sugar free!)
2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup jasmine rice
Finish with:
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Bring broth, coconut milk, sugar, and salt to a boil; stir in the rice. Cover, reduce heart to low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before stirring.
Finish with lime juice and butter. Fluff with a fork and serve.
I'll let you in on a little secret... with the tofu coated/fried like in this recipe, you would be hard pressed to know that you are not eating chicken or pork. The tofu takes on the flavor of the glaze/sauce. It's a great way to get in a lot of veggies! I like to serve coconut rice along with it.
If you are new to tofu - I highly suggest giving this a try. Let me know what you think!
TOFU STIR FRY
What you will need:
1 package extra firm tofu (HAS to be extra firm)
1 large carrot (grated with vegetable peeler into thin slices)
cauliflower florets (we use about half of the head of cauliflower) or broccoli if you prefer
1 small onion sliced
sugar snap peas
baby bok choy (cut the white/bottom parts off and separate from leaves. stack all leaves on top of each other, roll, then cut into thin strips. cut the white pieces into small strips)
corn starch
honey
low sodium vegetable broth
soy sauce
vegetable oil
2 tsp FRESH ginger (peeled and grated with micro planer)..do NOT, i repeat DO NOT use dried ginger...blechy.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Easiest way to do it....first prep all of your vegetables by washing and cutting them. Set them aside on a serving platter.
Make your sauce and your glaze and set aside.
Glaze:
Whisk together..
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup low sodium vegetable broth
Sauce:
Whisk together...
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3/4 cup low sodium vegetable broth
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 tablespoons honey
In a separate bowl, mix garlic, ginger and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Set all three bowls aside.
Prepare your tofu. Take tofu “block” out of wrapping (careful, there will be water in there that you will need to drain off). Place it on a cutting board and cut in half horizontally to form two rectangular planks. Cut each plank into six squares. Then cut each square diagonally into two triangles.
Heat about 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a non stick 12 inch skillet. While oil is heating, sprinkle about 1/3 cup corn starch into baking dish. Place tofu on top of corn starch and turn with fingers until evenly coated.
When skillet is hot, add tofu in single layer and cook until golden brown (4-6 minutes). Turn tofu with tongs and cook until other side is browned (4-6 minutes more). Don’t rush this part - you want the tofu to be crispy (slightly browned) on the outside and creamy on the inside. Add glaze ingredients and cook, stirring until glaze has coated all tofu (it will essentially absorb into the tofu)....1 to 2 minutes. Transfer tofu to place. Wipe skillet clean with damp paper towels.
Heat 2 tsp. vegetable oil in now empty skillet over medium high heat until beginning to smoke. Add onion, cauliflower and carrots. Stirring occasionally until beginning to brown (2-3 minutes). Add 1/2 cup vegetable broth and cover skillet. Cook until fork tender - 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover and cook until liquid evaporates (about 30 seconds). Transfer vegetables to plate.
Heat 2 tsp. vegetable oil in now empty skillet over medium high heat until beginning to smoke. Add snap peas and bok choy (white part and leaves), stirring occasionally until beginning to brown and soften - 1 to 2 minutes. Push vegetables to center, add garlic-ginger mixture to clearing and cook, mashing mixture with spoon or spatula until fragrant (my favorite part, the fresh ginger smells amazing) - 15 to 20 seconds. Then stir mixture into greens.
Return all vegetables (onion, cauliflower and carrots) and tofu to skillet and add sauce. Toss to combine and cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened and vegetables are coated (2- 3 minutes). Ta da!!!!!
What you will need:
1 package extra firm tofu (HAS to be extra firm)
1 large carrot (grated with vegetable peeler into thin slices)
cauliflower florets (we use about half of the head of cauliflower) or broccoli if you prefer
1 small onion sliced
sugar snap peas
baby bok choy (cut the white/bottom parts off and separate from leaves. stack all leaves on top of each other, roll, then cut into thin strips. cut the white pieces into small strips)
corn starch
honey
low sodium vegetable broth
soy sauce
vegetable oil
2 tsp FRESH ginger (peeled and grated with micro planer)..do NOT, i repeat DO NOT use dried ginger...blechy.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Easiest way to do it....first prep all of your vegetables by washing and cutting them. Set them aside on a serving platter.
Make your sauce and your glaze and set aside.
Glaze:
Whisk together..
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup low sodium vegetable broth
Sauce:
Whisk together...
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3/4 cup low sodium vegetable broth
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 tablespoons honey
In a separate bowl, mix garlic, ginger and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Set all three bowls aside.
Prepare your tofu. Take tofu “block” out of wrapping (careful, there will be water in there that you will need to drain off). Place it on a cutting board and cut in half horizontally to form two rectangular planks. Cut each plank into six squares. Then cut each square diagonally into two triangles.
Heat about 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a non stick 12 inch skillet. While oil is heating, sprinkle about 1/3 cup corn starch into baking dish. Place tofu on top of corn starch and turn with fingers until evenly coated.
When skillet is hot, add tofu in single layer and cook until golden brown (4-6 minutes). Turn tofu with tongs and cook until other side is browned (4-6 minutes more). Don’t rush this part - you want the tofu to be crispy (slightly browned) on the outside and creamy on the inside. Add glaze ingredients and cook, stirring until glaze has coated all tofu (it will essentially absorb into the tofu)....1 to 2 minutes. Transfer tofu to place. Wipe skillet clean with damp paper towels.
Heat 2 tsp. vegetable oil in now empty skillet over medium high heat until beginning to smoke. Add onion, cauliflower and carrots. Stirring occasionally until beginning to brown (2-3 minutes). Add 1/2 cup vegetable broth and cover skillet. Cook until fork tender - 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover and cook until liquid evaporates (about 30 seconds). Transfer vegetables to plate.
Heat 2 tsp. vegetable oil in now empty skillet over medium high heat until beginning to smoke. Add snap peas and bok choy (white part and leaves), stirring occasionally until beginning to brown and soften - 1 to 2 minutes. Push vegetables to center, add garlic-ginger mixture to clearing and cook, mashing mixture with spoon or spatula until fragrant (my favorite part, the fresh ginger smells amazing) - 15 to 20 seconds. Then stir mixture into greens.
Return all vegetables (onion, cauliflower and carrots) and tofu to skillet and add sauce. Toss to combine and cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened and vegetables are coated (2- 3 minutes). Ta da!!!!!
MAKES 3 CUPS
TOTAL TIME; 30 MINS.
Bring to a Boil; Stir In:
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk (do not confuse with cream of coconut and do not get sugar free!)
2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup jasmine rice
Finish with:
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Bring broth, coconut milk, sugar, and salt to a boil; stir in the rice. Cover, reduce heart to low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before stirring.
Finish with lime juice and butter. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sunday Dinner ~ Food Trucks
As some of you know ~ one of mine and Casey's dreams is to have our own restaurant "someday". We spend hours talking about what we would serve, what type of employees we would have, even the type of artwork we would have on the walls. We both realize it's a pretty far-fetched dream...but hey dream big right?
Lately we have seen an abundance of shows on the different cooking channels that involve food trucks. Last night we had a very interesting conversation about starting up a food truck vs. a restaurant. As someone who works in Brookfield, I feel that there isn't much of a variety for lunch options. We discussed how it would be cool to have a food truck parked in one of the corporate parks (Amileigha?). I agreed with Casey that it would be something worth looking into (and quite clearly less start up cost than a restaurant). What we did not agree on was what we would serve out of the truck.
So hit me up with your ideas (let's call it informal market research). If you had access to a food truck (and I don't mean a nasty "carnie" type food truck, I am talking about quality food) near your business for lunch style food- what would you want on the menu? Nothing is too crazy - so be honest!
~As a little side note, many of the trucks we have seen on the cooking channels have some sort of "gimmick". My suggestion was that we could hire one of my my friends to do an acoustic "thang" outside of our truck. No one is doing that! I'm sure that would attract attention. Casey was all for it until he asked me how much a solo act gets for a gig. Needless to say my husband never paid too much attention to the details when I was booking acts. He was completely blown away. It was actually pretty funny to hear him go on and on about it. And yes....in spite of Casey's comments, I would most definitely find a way to put a boy with a guitar in front of my food truck :)
Lately we have seen an abundance of shows on the different cooking channels that involve food trucks. Last night we had a very interesting conversation about starting up a food truck vs. a restaurant. As someone who works in Brookfield, I feel that there isn't much of a variety for lunch options. We discussed how it would be cool to have a food truck parked in one of the corporate parks (Amileigha?). I agreed with Casey that it would be something worth looking into (and quite clearly less start up cost than a restaurant). What we did not agree on was what we would serve out of the truck.
So hit me up with your ideas (let's call it informal market research). If you had access to a food truck (and I don't mean a nasty "carnie" type food truck, I am talking about quality food) near your business for lunch style food- what would you want on the menu? Nothing is too crazy - so be honest!
~As a little side note, many of the trucks we have seen on the cooking channels have some sort of "gimmick". My suggestion was that we could hire one of my my friends to do an acoustic "thang" outside of our truck. No one is doing that! I'm sure that would attract attention. Casey was all for it until he asked me how much a solo act gets for a gig. Needless to say my husband never paid too much attention to the details when I was booking acts. He was completely blown away. It was actually pretty funny to hear him go on and on about it. And yes....in spite of Casey's comments, I would most definitely find a way to put a boy with a guitar in front of my food truck :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Rainy Days and Mondays ~ The Year of Reinvention
So here's the scoop. I gave up on New Year's "resolutions" years ago. Seems to me that declaring that I am absolutely going to do something by such and such a time has always set me up for a let down. Why go there? Maybe I just don't like the word resolution. Maybe I don't want to be held to something? Who knows. Here's what I will say -- I have a vision for 2011. I am looking at it as the year of reinvention. Here are the things that I will be focusing on...
I have spent the better part of my life supporting others and helping them achieve their goals. I'm a great "cheerleader". Please don't misunderstand me. I don't think that there is anything wrong with that. It's who I am and I will continue to cheer all of you on as best I can. My point is that in doing so, somewhere along the way I lost sight of my own dreams. This year I plan on reinventing myself and bringing some of those dreams back into focus.
I don't only want to talk the talk, I want to walk the walk as well. I became a member at Crosspoint at the beginning of last year. My biggest goal for my reinvention is to find ways to be an ACTIVE member of the church. I have a few ideas (thanks to the suggestions of others) that I am working on to achieve this goal.
Health is also at the top of the reinvention list. Time to ramp it up. The goal is to figure out a way to stay motivated. To make eating healthy and working out FUN! First thing on the list is to try out at least one of the classes my gym offers...zumba will be first. Once I have a bit more strength and more confidence - I'd love to try kick boxing. As far as the eating part----finding a way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables is my top priority. If anyone has any healthy snack ideas that they can share.....I would appreciate it!
I will be looking at ways to embrace my passion of music. Honestly, I had all but given up on the idea of ever being in a band or a duo. No one has told me I cannot do it....I just get in the way of myself. I'm friends with so many talented people - I compare myself to them and think I just don't stack up. Part of the reinvention is a different mindset. I CAN hold my own and there is no reason why I can't use my God given talent of singing! Keep your ears open people....I'm throwing it out there to the universe!
Lastly I want to focus on doing things that will continue to broaden my horizons. This spring I will be taking a sign language class. Who knows where that will lead to!
The biggest thing about reinvention is that it's a working plan. There are no rights and wrongs. It's a plan that is constantly in motion. Here's to the year of reinvention!
I have spent the better part of my life supporting others and helping them achieve their goals. I'm a great "cheerleader". Please don't misunderstand me. I don't think that there is anything wrong with that. It's who I am and I will continue to cheer all of you on as best I can. My point is that in doing so, somewhere along the way I lost sight of my own dreams. This year I plan on reinventing myself and bringing some of those dreams back into focus.
I don't only want to talk the talk, I want to walk the walk as well. I became a member at Crosspoint at the beginning of last year. My biggest goal for my reinvention is to find ways to be an ACTIVE member of the church. I have a few ideas (thanks to the suggestions of others) that I am working on to achieve this goal.
Health is also at the top of the reinvention list. Time to ramp it up. The goal is to figure out a way to stay motivated. To make eating healthy and working out FUN! First thing on the list is to try out at least one of the classes my gym offers...zumba will be first. Once I have a bit more strength and more confidence - I'd love to try kick boxing. As far as the eating part----finding a way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables is my top priority. If anyone has any healthy snack ideas that they can share.....I would appreciate it!
I will be looking at ways to embrace my passion of music. Honestly, I had all but given up on the idea of ever being in a band or a duo. No one has told me I cannot do it....I just get in the way of myself. I'm friends with so many talented people - I compare myself to them and think I just don't stack up. Part of the reinvention is a different mindset. I CAN hold my own and there is no reason why I can't use my God given talent of singing! Keep your ears open people....I'm throwing it out there to the universe!
Lastly I want to focus on doing things that will continue to broaden my horizons. This spring I will be taking a sign language class. Who knows where that will lead to!
The biggest thing about reinvention is that it's a working plan. There are no rights and wrongs. It's a plan that is constantly in motion. Here's to the year of reinvention!
Friday, December 31, 2010
What a Long Strange Trip its Been...
Let me start out by saying I am blessed. I have my health, a terrific husband, a loving family, and the most amazing friends a girl could ever ask for. This past year proved it to me once again - that even at the lowest of low times, we always need to remember to count our blessings.
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes.....how do you measure a year in the life? Man o man so much can happen in the course of a year...
My first memory of 2010 was attending the funeral of my lifelong friend Beccee Kujawa. No one single event in my life has made such an impact emotionally on me. It was the most surreal feeling walking into the sanctuary for the first time. Being completely grief stricken yet feeling totally "at home" all at the same time. Beccee brought me back to the church and I became a member at Crosspoint this year. The outpouring of love that day was indescribable. Hundreds of people from all stages of Beccee's life were there to pay their respects to a friend that had made such an impact on their lives. I remember giving Ron a hug in the receiving line and thinking he looked so broken (wouldn't we all?). At this time I hardly knew Ron...pretty much just from our time together planning the benefit. As I said, things can really change in the course of a year :) I remember Carol as she was leaving with the family. We made eye contact and she stopped and gave me the biggest hug ever. I know that there is no way that I could have, but if there was a way I could have taken away even one small portion of her pain and sorrow that day I would have done it in a heartbeat. It was bizarre to see faces from my "other" life so long ago...the Mirgage guys, Benet, Lisa, etc. I remember the video playing at the end of the service with Beccee singing. I literally could not move. I could not take my eyes off of the screen. Even though I know with complete certainty that Beccee was taken home to be in Heaven....saying goodbye completely broke my heart. Beccee's passing has affected me profoundly. Not a day goes by where I do not think of her or pray for her family. Beccee's light continues to shine in my life....I imagine it always will.
In January I became a Supervisor! Go figure! I am very fortunate to have a team of people who are dedicated to their jobs. I'd still drop everything in a heartbeat for a job at Summerfest (in case anyone is connected) - but I honestly am lucky to have a job that pays my mortgage and puts food on our table.
My friends continue to amaze me with their "wonderfulness" (my blog, I can make up words if I want to!). I just can't express how cool it is to be surrounded by such amazing individuals. Some friends I am lucky enough to see on a regular basis - but even those that I see only occasionally continue to be a HUGE part of my life. Know that each and every one of you plays a very important part in my life. Thank you for putting up with me. I know that I'm opinionated and relatively (ok VERY) impatient...but I mean well :) I am also excited about the new friendships that developed this year. It's always very interesting to me how certain people are put into our lives.
It was a tough year in the job department for Casey. This put a lot of stress on us emotionally and of course financially. I won't drudge it all up - but I will say that I am very happy that he has settled into the job at Nona's.
I "retired" from my (very small) role in the music business. I had been managing Majestic Mudd as well as booking them and a few other acts from time to time. I said I would get out when it wasn't fun anymore and that's what it boiled down to. We all know I don't like to chase people (musicians, bar owners - anyone). It just wasn't a good fit for me anymore. Now I'm a fan....and please do not call me a groupie ha!
Where one door closes, another one opens. My dear friend Laura Kiley asked me to work with her on her latest business venture localstopp.com. We will be going full force come the new year....it's a brand new website devoted to all things Lake Country. The backstory is what I find most endearing. Laura came up with a business to fund a foundation to help others. She's my hero. More to come on that soon.
I've been bouncing around an idea to start an online bakery business.....thoughts?
Of course the year was filled with seeing live music......Amileigha and Mike,Majestic Mudd, Keith, Ryan, Phil, Rebel Grace, the Love Monkeys, Erin and Matt, Ron and Droopy, Old Mil, and the list goes on and on! Love me some live music!
I no longer make resolutions (Brea and Debbie will remember our NYE at Cactus Jacks writing resolutions on bar napkins!). I will say that I am very excited about the new year. I'm calling it the year of reinvention. Stay tuned!
I hope all of you are doing something special to ring in 2011. Here's to a happy and healthy New Year for all of us!!!!
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes.....how do you measure a year in the life? Man o man so much can happen in the course of a year...
My first memory of 2010 was attending the funeral of my lifelong friend Beccee Kujawa. No one single event in my life has made such an impact emotionally on me. It was the most surreal feeling walking into the sanctuary for the first time. Being completely grief stricken yet feeling totally "at home" all at the same time. Beccee brought me back to the church and I became a member at Crosspoint this year. The outpouring of love that day was indescribable. Hundreds of people from all stages of Beccee's life were there to pay their respects to a friend that had made such an impact on their lives. I remember giving Ron a hug in the receiving line and thinking he looked so broken (wouldn't we all?). At this time I hardly knew Ron...pretty much just from our time together planning the benefit. As I said, things can really change in the course of a year :) I remember Carol as she was leaving with the family. We made eye contact and she stopped and gave me the biggest hug ever. I know that there is no way that I could have, but if there was a way I could have taken away even one small portion of her pain and sorrow that day I would have done it in a heartbeat. It was bizarre to see faces from my "other" life so long ago...the Mirgage guys, Benet, Lisa, etc. I remember the video playing at the end of the service with Beccee singing. I literally could not move. I could not take my eyes off of the screen. Even though I know with complete certainty that Beccee was taken home to be in Heaven....saying goodbye completely broke my heart. Beccee's passing has affected me profoundly. Not a day goes by where I do not think of her or pray for her family. Beccee's light continues to shine in my life....I imagine it always will.
In January I became a Supervisor! Go figure! I am very fortunate to have a team of people who are dedicated to their jobs. I'd still drop everything in a heartbeat for a job at Summerfest (in case anyone is connected) - but I honestly am lucky to have a job that pays my mortgage and puts food on our table.
My friends continue to amaze me with their "wonderfulness" (my blog, I can make up words if I want to!). I just can't express how cool it is to be surrounded by such amazing individuals. Some friends I am lucky enough to see on a regular basis - but even those that I see only occasionally continue to be a HUGE part of my life. Know that each and every one of you plays a very important part in my life. Thank you for putting up with me. I know that I'm opinionated and relatively (ok VERY) impatient...but I mean well :) I am also excited about the new friendships that developed this year. It's always very interesting to me how certain people are put into our lives.
It was a tough year in the job department for Casey. This put a lot of stress on us emotionally and of course financially. I won't drudge it all up - but I will say that I am very happy that he has settled into the job at Nona's.
I "retired" from my (very small) role in the music business. I had been managing Majestic Mudd as well as booking them and a few other acts from time to time. I said I would get out when it wasn't fun anymore and that's what it boiled down to. We all know I don't like to chase people (musicians, bar owners - anyone). It just wasn't a good fit for me anymore. Now I'm a fan....and please do not call me a groupie ha!
Where one door closes, another one opens. My dear friend Laura Kiley asked me to work with her on her latest business venture localstopp.com. We will be going full force come the new year....it's a brand new website devoted to all things Lake Country. The backstory is what I find most endearing. Laura came up with a business to fund a foundation to help others. She's my hero. More to come on that soon.
I've been bouncing around an idea to start an online bakery business.....thoughts?
Of course the year was filled with seeing live music......Amileigha and Mike,Majestic Mudd, Keith, Ryan, Phil, Rebel Grace, the Love Monkeys, Erin and Matt, Ron and Droopy, Old Mil, and the list goes on and on! Love me some live music!
I no longer make resolutions (Brea and Debbie will remember our NYE at Cactus Jacks writing resolutions on bar napkins!). I will say that I am very excited about the new year. I'm calling it the year of reinvention. Stay tuned!
I hope all of you are doing something special to ring in 2011. Here's to a happy and healthy New Year for all of us!!!!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday Dinner ~ soup is your friend
With Casey starting his new job, I've had to be very careful about keeping the grocery bill in check (this is one area that we tend to go a little crazy because we do so much cooking). There might be a few of you out there that are watching your budgets as well...so I'm here to tell you....soup is your friend. I love making a couple soups on Sunday for the week. They are inexpensive and they are (usually) pretty easy to make.
This week we are having creamy potato leek soup and sweet potato peanut soup.
I have oodles of recipes so if you are looking for some ideas let me know. Here are the ones that I can think of off the top of my head:
butternut squash
carrot ginger
chicken pot pie
beef vegetable
french onion
creamy tomato
chicken dumpling
chicken corn chowder
And no, I don't have a recipe for mulligatawny (hell I don't even know how to spell it)...but all of you Seinfield fans will know what I'm talking about! Let me know if you are interested. I'm always happy to share!
This week we are having creamy potato leek soup and sweet potato peanut soup.
I have oodles of recipes so if you are looking for some ideas let me know. Here are the ones that I can think of off the top of my head:
butternut squash
carrot ginger
chicken pot pie
beef vegetable
french onion
creamy tomato
chicken dumpling
chicken corn chowder
And no, I don't have a recipe for mulligatawny (hell I don't even know how to spell it)...but all of you Seinfield fans will know what I'm talking about! Let me know if you are interested. I'm always happy to share!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Missing You...
Because Beccee has been on my mind so much lately, today's post is dedicated to her. One of the questions I have been asked probably more than any other in the past year is "how do you know Beccee?" ~ here ya go!
Hands down, one of the biggest influences in my life was my friend Beccee. Let's start at the beginning~first of all, I met her when she was still "Becky" (ha!) We both went to Horning Middle School. We must have been 12 or 13 when we met. What I remember most about her from that time was her outgoing personality. Yes, even back then :) I remember that even then, she was so comfortable in her own skin. She was so sure of herself. I am fortunate to have a group of very loving friends NOW, but back then ... not so much. I was kind of a loner. I was NOT popular by any stretch of the imagination. Beccee had this gift of making me feel good about myself. She didn't care about what other people thought. Not even a little. I never had a chance to tell her this, but her acceptance of me really helped shape me into the person I am today. I don't always succeed, but I honestly make a point of trying to be accepting of all people and make them feel special.
When it was time to move on to high school Beccee went to North and I went to South. In all honesty we lost touch for several years. This is where it gets interesting. One of those things you look back on and say, yep...that was meant to be.
This is the part where we get to the story within the story. Anyone who is currently reading this blog probably knows me well enough to know that my passion is music. More specifically - live music. When I turned 21 and was able to go out (ok let's be honest, go out LEGALLY), I was introduced to a band called LONDON USA. The guys in the band and their friends were a great group that I spent a lot of time with. A LOT of time with. I was at pretty much all of their shows. I have no idea where I found the money for that! Anyhooo, I digress.
At one of their shows at the City Club (for those of you too young to remember this club, it was downtown on Broadway and Wells) I remember running into Beccee (yes, now she was two cc's and two ee's). Turned out that we had a few mutual friends. It was so nice to see her. Because of this chance meeting, we managed to reconnect. Turns out that Beccee was in a band called GERARD. When she found out about my dream of working in the "biz", she said that the Gerard Office was looking for a secretary...she would hook me up.
And so it began. I have shared this sentiment many times. I give Beccee all of the credit for me getting introduced to the music business as well as introducing me to some wonderful people who in turn introduced me to more wonderful people. You've probably heard of that game where people trace their degrees of separation to Kevin Bacon? I can do that with Beccee. Seriously. I can also play the Kevin Bacon game but who really cares! ha!
I got the job at the Gerard Office and started going out to see the GERARD band. Gerard Entertainment booked many of the local bands. Through this job I met so many wonderful people... and no I'm not going to name drop all of them. Quite frankly there are just too many. However, I am going to name drop one of them ~ Keith Pulvermacher. You may have heard of him :) He is another very important piece in this puzzle. We'll get to that later.
There have been many bands and musicians that I have befriended over the last 20 years. Each and every one of them can be traced back to Beccee. I'm glad I had the chance to thank you for that Beccee. Not just musicians either. Let's not forget all of the wonderful people that I have met by going out to see said bands. The circle just gets bigger and bigger. It's really crazy.
Beccee and I managed to keep in touch over the years. I don't know this for certain but I think we had a special relationship because she knew I wasn't a "musician" and was not interested in getting knee deep into all of the drama. We were always very open and honest with each other.
There is a very distinct memory I have from -- gee it must be about 5 years ago? I was headed out to see Keith play at Rooters. I invited Beccee to come out. She hadn't seen Keith in years. I remember that night they were chattin' like crazy because Keith had recently moved to Oconomowoc. Beccee was telling him how she saw him riding his bike past their house. Beccee was telling Keith that they had lots of girls clothing that she could pass onto him and Tammy for Isabella. I believe that is the night that THEY reconnected after many years. It was cool to see.
Fast forward to 2009. We find out that Beccee has lung cancer. Keith had a vision to throw a benefit for Beccee and her Family. He enlisted some people to help him and the rest is history. The Love for Life Benefit was one of the most glorious days EVER. I have never literally felt such an outpouring of love. You could actually feel it in the air. It was amazing to see Beccee's face light up as she saw friends from all phases of her life. There was definitely something larger than any of us going on that day. I will NEVER forget that day or the smile on Beccee's face.
Due to my involvement with the Benefit, I was blessed to meet so many wonderful people. Once again, all can be traced back to Beccee. Funny how that works.
Beccee lost her very courageous fight on December 30, 2009. She continues to make an impact on my life through all of the people that I have met because of her. I cannot tell you how many people have shared with me that they have been inspired by her....some of those people never even had the chance to meet her face to face, they have been inspired by her story.
Beccee will always hold a very special place in my heart. She was a beautiful soul and I miss her very much. I will continue to draw inspiration from her and live my life with an open heart and an open mind. I love you Bec.
Here is where you can find her story....caring bridge
Hands down, one of the biggest influences in my life was my friend Beccee. Let's start at the beginning~first of all, I met her when she was still "Becky" (ha!) We both went to Horning Middle School. We must have been 12 or 13 when we met. What I remember most about her from that time was her outgoing personality. Yes, even back then :) I remember that even then, she was so comfortable in her own skin. She was so sure of herself. I am fortunate to have a group of very loving friends NOW, but back then ... not so much. I was kind of a loner. I was NOT popular by any stretch of the imagination. Beccee had this gift of making me feel good about myself. She didn't care about what other people thought. Not even a little. I never had a chance to tell her this, but her acceptance of me really helped shape me into the person I am today. I don't always succeed, but I honestly make a point of trying to be accepting of all people and make them feel special.
When it was time to move on to high school Beccee went to North and I went to South. In all honesty we lost touch for several years. This is where it gets interesting. One of those things you look back on and say, yep...that was meant to be.
This is the part where we get to the story within the story. Anyone who is currently reading this blog probably knows me well enough to know that my passion is music. More specifically - live music. When I turned 21 and was able to go out (ok let's be honest, go out LEGALLY), I was introduced to a band called LONDON USA. The guys in the band and their friends were a great group that I spent a lot of time with. A LOT of time with. I was at pretty much all of their shows. I have no idea where I found the money for that! Anyhooo, I digress.
At one of their shows at the City Club (for those of you too young to remember this club, it was downtown on Broadway and Wells) I remember running into Beccee (yes, now she was two cc's and two ee's). Turned out that we had a few mutual friends. It was so nice to see her. Because of this chance meeting, we managed to reconnect. Turns out that Beccee was in a band called GERARD. When she found out about my dream of working in the "biz", she said that the Gerard Office was looking for a secretary...she would hook me up.
And so it began. I have shared this sentiment many times. I give Beccee all of the credit for me getting introduced to the music business as well as introducing me to some wonderful people who in turn introduced me to more wonderful people. You've probably heard of that game where people trace their degrees of separation to Kevin Bacon? I can do that with Beccee. Seriously. I can also play the Kevin Bacon game but who really cares! ha!
I got the job at the Gerard Office and started going out to see the GERARD band. Gerard Entertainment booked many of the local bands. Through this job I met so many wonderful people... and no I'm not going to name drop all of them. Quite frankly there are just too many. However, I am going to name drop one of them ~ Keith Pulvermacher. You may have heard of him :) He is another very important piece in this puzzle. We'll get to that later.
There have been many bands and musicians that I have befriended over the last 20 years. Each and every one of them can be traced back to Beccee. I'm glad I had the chance to thank you for that Beccee. Not just musicians either. Let's not forget all of the wonderful people that I have met by going out to see said bands. The circle just gets bigger and bigger. It's really crazy.
Beccee and I managed to keep in touch over the years. I don't know this for certain but I think we had a special relationship because she knew I wasn't a "musician" and was not interested in getting knee deep into all of the drama. We were always very open and honest with each other.
There is a very distinct memory I have from -- gee it must be about 5 years ago? I was headed out to see Keith play at Rooters. I invited Beccee to come out. She hadn't seen Keith in years. I remember that night they were chattin' like crazy because Keith had recently moved to Oconomowoc. Beccee was telling him how she saw him riding his bike past their house. Beccee was telling Keith that they had lots of girls clothing that she could pass onto him and Tammy for Isabella. I believe that is the night that THEY reconnected after many years. It was cool to see.
Fast forward to 2009. We find out that Beccee has lung cancer. Keith had a vision to throw a benefit for Beccee and her Family. He enlisted some people to help him and the rest is history. The Love for Life Benefit was one of the most glorious days EVER. I have never literally felt such an outpouring of love. You could actually feel it in the air. It was amazing to see Beccee's face light up as she saw friends from all phases of her life. There was definitely something larger than any of us going on that day. I will NEVER forget that day or the smile on Beccee's face.
Due to my involvement with the Benefit, I was blessed to meet so many wonderful people. Once again, all can be traced back to Beccee. Funny how that works.
Beccee lost her very courageous fight on December 30, 2009. She continues to make an impact on my life through all of the people that I have met because of her. I cannot tell you how many people have shared with me that they have been inspired by her....some of those people never even had the chance to meet her face to face, they have been inspired by her story.
Beccee will always hold a very special place in my heart. She was a beautiful soul and I miss her very much. I will continue to draw inspiration from her and live my life with an open heart and an open mind. I love you Bec.
Here is where you can find her story....caring bridge
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