2013 Goals

Wow, another year has passed. It always astounds me how quickly a year can seem to pass in the Macro. Maybe not so fast in the micro. A few years ago an acquaintance told me he did 50 pull ups everyday but when he started several months before he couldn't do one. I was impressed because as a former competitive swimmer I recognized the discipline it took to acquire the upper body strength to do so many repetitions. I have made it a priority to stay in shape but have never enjoyed strength training. However, I recently decided that a little extra effort to get stronger would be a great goal. I went to the gym and was shocked that I couldn't do even one pull-up. (The back story here is that I was a collegiate All -American swimmer, swam Masters and have had significant upper body strength for most of my life so it was quite disheartening.)

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao-tzu   (604 BCE -531 BCE)

My goal for this year is to be able to do 10 consecutive pull-ups. Honestly, that seems like a thousand mile journey but I'm starting with a single step. I will keep you posted. What goal do you have that seems like a huge journey? What small step can you take today to reach your goal?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thoughts

The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (A.D. 121-180)


So true. It is not what happens, it is our thoughts about what is happening that shape our experience. A perfect example is the weather. It may be raining. The rain is just what is... it is the thought that we assign it that will give it meaning. I may be thrilled that it is raining because I have just planted a tree that needs plenty of water. Another person may be distraught because she hadn't planned for rain that day. We can choose our thoughts and therefore set the tone of our lives. Thoughts are important! Choose wisely!

project 365 app

It is hard to believe but 2013 is already knocking at our door. Last year at this time, my son in law introduced me to a great application for my iphone that I have enjoyed all year and plan to continue. The App is Project 365. Everyday at 5 pm my phone beeps and a note appears reminding me to take a picture that may represent the day. If I haven't already snapped a photo, I look for one I would like to "memorialize." Along with the photo is an opportunity to write about your day (if you choose.)

There are many things I like about this Project.

1) It is easy
2) I get a daily reminder
3) It is fun
4) I have a running photo diary of frames in my life
5) I can write and then remember about some of the things that happened that day.

Something to consider if you like to keep a record of your days!

It isn't over

Well, 2012 is almost over but that's not what caught my attention. I have seen a couple of versions of this quote and decided that I like a compilation. I apologize to the author(s) because I don't know who you are so I can't give you credit but I appreciate your thinking.

I don't want to spoil the ending 
but everything is going to be ok

If it's not ok, It's not the end

Enjoy the rest of 2012. 

Merry Christmas

I wasn't going to eat it

Rabbit: No, no, no, no, no! Not one drop! 
Winnie the Pooh: But Rabbit, I wasn't going to eat it. I was just gonna taste it. 
Rabbit: I'll taste it for you! 

AA Milne

I have always loved this line by Winnie the Pooh, "I wasn't going to eat it. I was just gonna taste it." That's how I like to approach all of the Holiday goodies. I can enjoy just a taste and not feel like I'm depriving myself. After all, I wasn't going to eat it! 

Thanks Pooh! I love that thought! Enjoy the sweet in you life! Happy Holidays! 

Christmas morning egg casserole

One of our favorite traditions is to enjoy a delicious breakfast casserole Christmas morning. Everyone loves this easy dish (even the cook) because it is tasty and can be assembled the night before. This recipe is a combination of a few different takes on the same dish added together. The breakfast is completed with grapefruit (on an ambitious year I will broil them with a touch of brown sugar) and some type of sweet coffee cake.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Morning Egg Casserole
8-10 servings

Ingredients

1lb hot sausage
6 eggs
12 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (to taste)
1tsp dry mustard (this isn't critical so don't worry if you don't have it.)

2 cups half n half (I use whole milk to be a little healthier)
3-5 pieces white bread (Be creative. Sourdough, white mountain, whole wheat, etc.)


Cook sausage in a large sauce pan. Transfer to a paper towel to drain. Tear bread into pieces and line them in the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Add cooked sausage. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, mustard and mix well.  Pour mixture over sausage and bread. Add cheese. Cover casserole dish and place in the refrigerator overnight. (One year I didn't get it made the night before so I let the egg mixture soak into the bread for about an hour before putting it into the oven.) In the morning at least 30 minutes before you plan to cook the casserole, take it out of the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until browned and fluffy.  We are ready to eat our "brunch" after enjoying coffee and opening some presents. Perfect timing for a stress free morning!

                                                                     

Holiday Expectations

This is the time of year we are bombarded with so many ads depicting the perfect Christmas or the perfect gift. I do enjoy the spirit of the ads because my favorite part of the holiday is gathering family and friends. Family gatherings can be stressful and a hotbed of dashed expectations. Let's face it, when you get a large group of people together who have a history together (good and bad) anything can happen! I find in any situation, family or otherwise, if I drop any expectation of "how it should be" or "how they should act" and focus on being positive, happy and helpful, that attitude contributes to the overall success of the event. Others usually "catch" the optimism and pass it on. It always amazes me how one person (either positive or negative) can set the tone for the whole group. Just a small change in attitude can change the entire trajectory of the gathering!

We have been fortunate enough to enjoy some early celebrations with family and look forward to several more as the season continues. I love the quote, "Be the Change you want to See." If you want to add to the celebration or even head off some negative encounters, Be the CHANGE! Try it. It is a great experiment with the potential for wonderful results.

Yummy Oatmeal Cookies!!

A big thank you to my friend Joanne who shared her family's oatmeal cookie recipe with me and agreed to let me share it with you! Lots of ingredients but definitely worth it. They make a great Christmas gift, care package or just treat to have when you want a great cookie. Thanks Joanne!

PS. I bet Santa would love them!

OATMEAL COOKIES

1-1/2 stick unsalted butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1-1/2 cup all purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups oatmeal (not instant)
1 cup Golden raisins
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 tsp good quality maple syrup

Mix sugar and butter very well. Add eggs and blend well. In
separate bowl mix dry ingredients, then add to sugar mixture.
Mix well (by hand). Add maple syrup.

Add oatmeal, nuts, raisins and mix well by hand. Pick up
pieces of finished cookie dough with hand. Make into a very
loose ball and drop onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at
350 degrees for 10-13 minutes. Scrape the warm cookies with
a metal spatula before they cool so you don't break them. When
cool, (after initial scraping) put cookies in a glass jar with a good seal.
Tip* a few marshmallows in the jar will keep the cookies fresh!!

Avondale

What do white bags filled with sand and candles, Santas, reindeers and elves riding bikes down the street? Carolers in robes singing with 6 piece instruments in accompaniment, cars decorated with Christmas lights, horse drawn carriages, sleighs with people throwing candy to children,traffic backed up for miles and people walking up and down "The Avenue" all have in common?

Cars decorated

Christmas floats 

Carolers with instrument accompanyment

Great house decorations

Its LUMINARIA sunday in Avondale. A fun if not crazy street celebration of Christmas. Ever year, a Sunday before Christmas is designated Luminaria night.  White bags, sand and candles are set up on curbs all along the neighborhood. Families will sometimes make a party out of putting the bags together. Neighbors help each other finish the task before it gets dark. It is heartwarming to see young people helping older or sometimes infirm people by setting up their bags or helping with the lighting. It is a community effort and a community event that Avondale shares with everyone! Worth a look next year. But be warned, It may be easier to find a place a few blocks away and walk.

power vs force

Power vs Force is the title to a book one of my favorite author's, David Hawkins, has written but this post is about a great line I just heard while watching the movie, Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter. Before there is any confusion, this is not the movie Lincoln that is winning all of the acclaims and awards. If you can get past the gore,violence and fantasy of vampires, this movie has much to say about power, resolve, commitment and leadership. The quote that stuck with me is "Real power comes not from hate but from truth."

As humans, we all deal with overactive egos at times. The emotions of hate and vengeance are fairly easy to access when we are pushed to our edge. The story line of the movie gave young Abe every reason to feel hate and seek vengeance but as he reached deeper into his consciousness, he found a much more powerful tool; Truth. He aligned himself with truth and not the baser nature of hate. It was definitely more than a fun movie for me. Liberties were taken with the historical aspect, but hey we ARE talking vampires here. The moral? Be FOR what you want, not AGAINST anything.

Brussel sprouts

Brussel sprouts. Love 'em or hate 'em try this recipe! Not only is it delicious there is the added benefit of eating a super healthy dish. I know I am ready for something healthy after enjoying the holiday fare all month!

photo by Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/GettyImages

Brussels sprouts are one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. These leafy green
veggies are low in calories and fat, yet high in fiber. They are packed full of
vitamins and minerals you need, and they can also reduce your risk of disease.
Learning how nutritious Brussels sprouts are may leave you craving them at
your next meal.  
 http://www.livestrong.com/article/512313-why-are-brussels-sprouts-nutritious/

Ingredients
pkg brussel sprouts
olive oil
good balsamic vinegar

Directions
Wash sprouts, trim root end and cut in half
Place flat in roasting pan
Drizzle olive oil on sprouts
Drizzle balsamic vinegar
Roast at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until tender
*****************************************
For a little more zing but a few more calories try adding bacon. Cook 3 or 4 pieces
of thick cut bacon in an oven proof skillet. Remove bacon and set aside.
Add brussel sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Put skillet in the oven
and roast for 30 minutes. Transfer brussel sprouts to a serving dish and crumble
the reserved bacon into the dish. Enjoy!

Join the stream!

A week ago I posted about a Secret Santa idea. One of my observations was "I have found that the more I give, the Universe gives back even more." It has not even been a week and the Universe did not disappoint. As a backstory, a few days ago I was in a doctor's office checking out when the woman beside me was explaining to the assistant that her husband was out of work and she needed a little time to make some payments on her bill. It wasn't a large amount that was due that day so I told the assistant  I would like to pay her copay. The woman was completely taken off guard but very grateful. I didn't think about it again until today.

I was Christmas shopping and had decided on an additional item as I was waiting for my gifts to be wrapped. The young woman behind me also wanted the item I had picked out but it was the last one. In a friendly gesture, I insisted that she make the purchase. She thanked me and we both went about our business. As I was leaving the salesperson handed me a $20 bill and said that the young woman wanted me to have it. It was such a powerful reminder to me that I truly do get what I give, usually in a totally unexpected way. That $20 is going back into the stream of compassion to help keep the gift of giving alive and well! JOIN THE STREAM!

Exams

As we near the Holidays many young people are studying for the "dreaded" exams before they are out for the year.  There are some, no doubt, who may enjoy the process but in my experience, most would rather have something akin to a root canal than spend many hours studying. A big shout out to my oldest daughter, Annie, who just finished her last law school exam for 2012 (only one more semester to go!) And again, I am borrowing from her blog because it is so appropriate. She quoted Oscar Wilde who asserts that you can never be over dressed or over educated. Another great quote I love is, "Don't hate school, LOVE information." Information is power. I don't know if young students will be interested in the wisdom of these quotes but you may plant a seed if given the opportunity!

The Christmas tree!

I love this time of year. I was especially thankful that Thanksgiving was a week early because it softened the time crunch to start preparing for the Holidays. Back to the tree (it's always about the tree for me.) Our home was built in 1904 so we enjoy some fairly high ceilings. As a result, we have always shopped for a tall tree. The fragrance it gives off is wonderful and I really enjoy the soft, ambient light it offers. In the great light debate (white vs colors), I go with white lights. I keep the decorations simple with red bows, some shiny silver and gold ornaments and photos of our children. The warmth of the space makes it a great spot to just relax during the rush of the season.  I love having a tree with lights so much that I found a little tree that had been returned to the lot. I put it in our family room and in full view from the kitchen. I decorated  it with white lights, angels and maroon bows! I call it our Charlie Brown tree because it is about 4ft tall and was rejected!

"Charlie Brown" tree looking good!

Hope you find some simple pleasure in the preparation. It is the journey I try to enjoy. So far so good! Happy Monday!

Please Vote for Gateway

I borrowed this post from my daughter because it is for a worthwhile cause and it has a time component.


Gateway Community Services is a nonprofit in Jacksonville, Florida that offers support to individuals and families struggling with many forms of addiction.  From prevention, to detoxification, to family counseling and transitional care, Gateway Community services provides care and support to individuals and their families when they need it the most. 

Performance Painting Contractors is currently accepting votes for a nonprofit in Northeast Florida to receive a free makeover, including painting, labor, and materials.   Please take a moment and cast your vote for Gateway Community Services (#2) to receive the makeover!

Hurry though, voting ends Sunday, December 9. 

For a more thorough explanation and information, visit annelliott.blogspot.com

www.performance-painting.com/vote

Artichoke Dip!

If you are looking for an easy, delicious appetizer to take to a holiday party, you are in for a treat! Artichoke dip has three ingredients but tastes like a labor intensive dish.

Artichoke Dip

2 cans artichoke hearts (I like them quartered)
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1 cup shaved or shredded parmesan cheese (use fresh parmesan)

Drain the artichokes and cut them into bite size pieces. (I cut them up in the casserole dish they will be served in.)

Place in casserole dish. I like mine a little thicker so I use a smaller dish.

Add the mayonnaise and cheese and mix well. Reserve some cheese to layer on top.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Serve with a neutral cracker so you can enjoy the full flavor!

ENJOY!

                                                                           

The butterfly

                    


            "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls the butterfly"

                                                                      Richard Bach


I love this quote by Richard Bach. I first came across it when reading his book, Illusions. It always reminds me that I don't have the big picture. With a limited understanding or certain thoughts about an experience, it can be interpreted as a negative event. With an open mind and a dose of optimism, it can be interpreted very differently.  If an infant could tell of the birth process, I'm sure it would be a story of the end of the world. I, like the infant and the caterpillar, do not have the "full story." We are all operating within our own realm of understanding. What we think may be the end of the world could truly be a new beginning.

Secret Santa

I love giving gifts anonymously, a Secret Santa so to speak. It is a wonderful feeling to give without a thought for anything in return. I try to give surprises incognito, but sometimes I am just giving as a stranger. If you feel the urge to make someone's day there are as many ways to surprise someone as your imagination can dream up to join this powerful stream. I have found that the more I give, the universe gives back even more. Here are some fun ideas:

1) Make lunch for a colleague and put it in the office refrigerator with their name on it.
    (Be sure to let them know it is there with a teaser note from their Secret Santa)

2) Take flowers to a nursing home and ask the front desk to give them to a resident.

3) Pay the remaining tab for someone who is just short in the checkout line.

4) Send a small gift to someone by mail or leave it at their doorstep.

It really is a fun and fulfilling activity. And thank you to whoever sent me this book today.

Turkey Tetrazzini

I discovered a delicious recipe enhancer by accident. As I was making my traditional turkey tetrazzini after Thanksgiving, I realized I was out of the chicken broth required. I DID NOT want to go to the grocery store so I scoured my pantry for a hidden source of chicken broth. No luck. I did, however, find a possible alternative and, hey, I was desperate! To my great delight, the substitution of chicken broth with Thai coconut curry infused chicken broth was wonderful. I used a recipe from allrecipes.com  with adjusted quantities to match the amount of Turkey I had leftover.

Turkey Tetrazzini

5 cups cooked turkey in bite size pieces
1 box fettucini pasta (cooked and drained according to directions)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup baby bella mushrooms
1/4 cup flour
1 cup Thai coconut curry chicken broth
1/4 cup broth to reheat
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
4Tbs butter


Melt butter in a large pan. Saute mushrooms and onions until tender (about 3 minutes)
Add flour and stir until paste
Add liquid (stir until well blended and a creamy consistency)
Add turkey and pasta
Mix and serve immediately. If you are serving later, add entire mixture to a lightly sprayed (canola oil) baking dish. When you are ready to eat, add 1/4 cup broth and heat until warm

Enjoy your turkey leftovers with this delicious twist on tetrazzini.

What day is it?

"What day is it,?" asked Pooh.
"It's today," squeaked Piglet.
"My favorite day,"said Pooh.

Wow! That says it all. Today is ALL there is. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't real yet. I was at lunch with friends today and the conversation turned to several tragedies they had heard about. They were all unexpected and happened in an instant. It was a reminder to me that NOW, this very moment, is to be loved and enjoyed. It's my favorite!

No Fuss Hair

Ok, I admit, I'm really dating myself but I remember my mother going to the "beauty parlor" once a week to get her hair done. She would come home with hair that had been washed, styled and set so thoroughly with hair spray that it would be like a helmet! I was always amazed that the "hairdo" would last a week at which time she would go and repeat the ritual.

Here is my confession, and to some, maybe a new idea. When I am going to an event, I will go to my

"beauty salon" and get my hair washed and "round brushed out". Since I have frizzy hair, the stylist will use products to reduce the frizz, a flat iron and some light hair spray after she washes and dries it using a round brush. I work hard to protect my hair from moisture so I wrap it around my head and secure it with a bandana when I shower. This is very effective in keeping my "hairdo" intact for several days. I did have to "train" my hair not to need to be washed so often. Before you insist that you need to wash your hair daily, I will tell you that it only took a few days for my oil glands to adjust. The result is there is absolutely no hair maintenance involved for a few days. It is WONDERFUL, especially if I am  scheduled for several events in a row that I need a good hair day! I do protect my "style" from moisture by wrapping it around my head (acts as a giant roller) and securing it with a bandana. If you have a special event this season and have occasion to get your hair styled, it may be a great time to see how long you can keep the look with just a few maintenance steps. (Protect your hair from moisture and use dry shampoo when needed.)

Day 3

Hair wrapped with bandana

 

Day 7 after using dry shampoo