Recipes Update!

Good evening everyone! I know that I have been remiss in posting about my recent meals, so here goes!
 

My hubby-to-be, Grif, is a carnivore (herbivore, but meat is a must). Every week when I make the grocery list and ask what he would like, he always mentions meat. So, I was surprised when I completed a week's meals without meat as a main course and there were no complaints! The first is the Barley Tex-Mex below (yes, I took a picture of a picture). Made only with barley, black beans, tomatoes, jalepenos, with crushed tortilla chips on top, Grif loved it! Plus, it had enough protein for both of us despite use of less meat this week.

 

Barley Tex-Mex

 After a couple of days, I then made Farro Mac & Cheese, using the Farro that I got from the farmer's market a couple of weeks ago (which does have bits of bacon in it, so not completely vegetarian). Grif loves bacon (who doesn't, really?) and we both enjoyed this meal. Next time though, I need to cook the farro like I do barley and make sure to cover it; it wasn't specified in the recipe and it was my first time cooking it and the farro was a bit tough. Despite that, it was tasty - bacon and super cheesy!

Farro-Bacon Mac and Cheese

The previous two meals were delicious, but honestly I learned something extremely important: barley and farro are HIGH IN FIBER. Next time I will be sure to spread out these meals and not cook them in the same week! Well, I think enough is said on that subject!!! ; )

It's great to try new things; in fact, I I have three inch, 3-hole-punch binder filled with recipes that I collect - it is full too! I like to try one new meal a week, but today I made a tried-and-true recipe: some comfort food that G and I love!

Below is a picture of Pasta with Sausage and Peppers; today I used Fusilli (because I had some in the pantry and cannot stand to waste food), but I usually like to use Penne pasta (the sauce holds to it better). Another great part of this pasta dish is that G and I enjoy spicy sausage with crushed red peppers - we like a little kick to our meals - as well as cream cheese, which makes it nice and creamy! Yum, yum!

Sausage & Peppers Pasta

Later this week I am trying another new recipe, so stay tuned!
I hope you enjoyed this post - as usual, feel free to ask about the recipes!

Back to Nature - Back to Basics

Whenever I feel stressed out, I find it helpful to return to basics - to spend some time in nature. This morning I took the time to go for a walk along the trails of Peace Valley park. Don't you love that name?!



Here are some pictures I took while walking -- I love how beautiful nature is all on it's own.

Not sure what these plants are called; they looked like
large cabbages though!



Did I take the right path? Very cool!

I love how the roots of the trees come out of the ground
and into the water - beautiful!

 

This was reminiscent of my time in Germany, Austria, and
Switzerland where I took many pictures of the wild flowers.

 

I couldn't get any closer to this beautiful bird; it wasn't a robin,
not sure what it was other than AMAZING!

My favorite of the day - the TWISTY tree!

 How do I feel now? Relaxed, awe-inspired by natural beauty, and rejuvenated! I love nature!

In a Slump...

I have noticed that it is difficult to keep things going, not because they are not important enough, but because sometimes there is just a natural slump. For instance, I play on a co-ed softball team and for the life of me, I cannot seem to bat well; I may hit the ball poorly or even swing and miss. It's been a while, but this season, I cannot seem to get on base.

Some other slumps? Well, I haven't been so great about my training for the Las Vegas Half Marathon in November or updating my blog about the meals I cook and the events in my life, even though I cook about 3 meals (most new) per week and stay busy. Or writing down my Sito's family recipes or typing up my stories.

There are so many things that I want to accomplish - why is it sometimes so hard to achieve? In my case, it can sometimes be related to what completing a certain task will mean. Possibly a struggle with saying "good-bye" or maybe a feeling of insecurity. At the end of the day though, when I feel that nagging guilt, it's mostly because I am concerned about others' view of me and what I am doing.

I spent an amazing weekend with some girlfriends from high school - spending time with these girls helps me to gain perspective; these ladies know me from elementary, middle, and high school. I have absolutely grown since my childhood and teenage years. Understandably, back when these girls first knew me, I was still working on figuring myself out. Let's be honest, I still am, as are most people; life is a continual learning experience. However, when I find myself wondering what people are thinking of me or realizing that I feel guilty because I may not be living up to others' expectations of me, I think back to one of my favorite quotes ever:

 

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

 

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

 

IF you are honest, people may cheat you.

Be honest anyway.

 

If you find happiness, people may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

 

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

 

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

 

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.

It never was between you and them anyway.

-Mother Teresa

 

 

As I said, I do not think that any of us are completely self-aware; however, I strive to improve my self-awareness. Realizing that I am trying to please others instead of trying to please myself and enjoy life to my fullest is what I tend to do, whether I am having a proud moment or holding on too tightly to my ego.

 

In times like these, I try to remind myself to let go of my pride, let go of my ego, because in the end it isn't about others. It's about me and my path before I meet my maker. Yes, I love my friends and family; I would give anything to help any one of them. I also hope to help others (acquaintances, strangers, mankind, animals, nature, etc.) to the best of my ability. However, it is important to not lose myself through my journey.

 

So, what is a slump? For me, it is when I realize I am holding on too tightly to my pride and ego, rather than enjoying everything I can about my life. My goal today, this week, this month is: let go and let God. This is how I will get through my slump and enjoy happiness - stop comparing myself to others or worrying about their expectations. Be myself, try my best and love as much as I can. I feel happier already!