Sunrise

South Carolina sunrise.  Just wanted to share...

Friends give friends baked goods

A beautiful thing happened this past Sunday morning...

It had been a great, but very long week and I needed to recharge myself very badly...  So badly in fact, that I was still in my PJs around 11 a.m. and left my husband to make breakfast for us (bacon, eggs, toast.. a balanced and very manly breakfast).

Breakfast was crucial and thoroughly appreciated, but I had a massive craving for something warm, comforting and sweet to go with my coffee.  I ransacked my pantry, fridge, freezer, but came up with nothing that could do the job.  Suddenly, the doorbell rang and my friend's son delivered this:

Banana bread!!!!  Can I tell you how much I love my friends?!?  They are the baked goods in the store of life...  Friendship is not required to survive, but to truly live, one must be blessed by at least one true kindred spirit...

Lovely Lemongrass Pork Chops

I made pork chops tonight and they were so outrageously delicious that my husband made me PROMISE to write down the recipe...  He even took a picture (yes, that is a half-eaten pork chop from tonight's dinner table).

This is a fusion recipe that combines the Vietnamese marinade of lemongrass, green onions, garlic, sugar, black pepper and fish sauce with the browning/cooking technique of the French.

Lovely Lemongrass Pork Chop Recipe

4 bone-in pork chops (medium thickness)
1/2 cup sliced onions
1/2 cup sliced green onions (or scallions)
6 smashed garlic cloves
1 tablespoon of chopped lemongrass (frozen is fine)
2 tablespoons of sugar (plus an extra tablespoon of sugar to make the caramel)
1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper
2 teaspoons of fish sauce (preferably a Vietnamese brand that is lighter brown in color)
1/4 cup of olive oil (or canola oil), divided

Combine all ingredients in large bowl (except for half of the olive oil and a spoon of the sugar) and coat the chops evenly.  Let it all marinate for at least 30 minutes.  Heat a large frying pan with the remaining oil and sugar (between high and medium-high).  Once the sugar turns caramel (dark brown color), place the pork chops in the pan and let it brown.  After about 3 minutes, flip the chops over to the other side and pour in the rest of the marinade from the bowl.  Cover and let cook for about 10 minutes.  Test for doneness by cutting into the part of the chop closest to the bone.  Enjoy!

Caring for my soul

I have been reading Thomas Moore's "Care of the Soul" and it has changed my life...  slowly, subtly and very deeply.  It is one book that I have not finished within a few days because I read it bits at a time to let it soak in.

One of the first lessons from the book include understanding that there should be no division within myself.  For too long have I been fragmented- between the person I want to be, the person others think I should be and the person I am.  Really, it should just be about becoming the best possible version of myself.  Of course, this is easier said than done.

But this is the journey that is worth spending the precious time of my life on...

Empty House

It has been almost a week since I've sent my daughters to Texas to stay with my mom for track-out.  Two more weeks to go and I miss them so much...

Last night my mother called and asked if my brother could babysit the girls overnight at his house.  Now I love and trust my brother, who is a very responsible adult; however, he is my little brother and he is not a parent himself.  I was torn but the girls really wanted to go and he really wanted to spend some quality time with them.  I only called once last night, to wish them good-night.  Then I really had to let go.  Is this how it's going to feel as they are growing up?

All my plans for a romantic weekend getaway with HM?  Out the window (he's recovering from a horrible case of food poisoning anyway).  All my plans to re-stain the kitchen cabinets?  Well, maybe I should do that one so I can take my mind off worrying about my children...

Word of the Year 2011- Breathe

I am inspired to find my word of the year for 2011...  And the word is breathe.

Breathing is the most essential function of living; yet, we forget about its importance and fail to do it properly - especially when we need it most.  So may this year be a breath of fresh air to remind us to let go of what is not healthy, to be mindful of what is most important in our lives, and to take the time to do the critical things properly.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

White Christmas

White Christmases are rare where I live in North Carolina.  The snow usually arrives sometime in January, but this year, the timing is perfect!

As I ventured out of my neighborhood today to pick up friends at the airport, I saw the most magical winter landscape out on the street...  It was as if someone has covered the usual drudgery with lovely fairy powder. The light was soft and hushed, and there was a sense of peace and wonder.  It was amazing.

I am grateful for the small moments that make up my life.  This holiday has been one of the best in recent memory.  We did not travel but stayed home.  We did not make mad shopping dashes but spent time with friends in a prayer novena.  We did not do anything just because it was expected of us but were thoughtful in how we spent our time.  The result?  Lovely dinners, meaningful mass, comforting brunches, fun-filled game nights, snow ball fights, exciting Santa visits, and time spent with people we love...

May this feeling of Christmas lasts throughout the year and remind all of us what is important.