Thankful for Breakfast

So we are all aware that the star of Thanksgiving is dinner! Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, green beans, pumpkin pie...the list goes on! But what about the morning? The parade nibbles and the dog show delights? Ya gotta eat something!  Otherwise you are sitting around smelling great smells all day while your belly howls in agony. Plus ya gotta give your tummy a little stretch so you have room for that big huge dinner.
Now I personally step back from my strict ways on Thanksgiving. It's THANKSGIVING!  No calorie counting, no portion control and no worries about how many pieces of whatever you've had. However, I have discovered a delicious breakfast to be had on Thanksgiving or any day...and it is healthy! It's warm, decadent and feels like a real treat, yet is only 460 calories!
I invite you to try out my Honey Wheat Cranberry Vanilla Pancakes!

1/2 cup dry mix Krusteaz Wheat and Honey Pancake mix mixed 1/3 cup water

add 2 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add 1tblsp plain fat free greek yogurt

wisk it all together

add 1/4 cup dried low sugar cranberries (Craisins)

Make pancakes as you normally would

top with 1tblsp REAL butter (yes real!)

1/4 cup sugar free maple syrup

I got three larger pancakes and one mini out of this recipe and that was a HUGE breakfast for me!  It was sweet and filling and warm and fantastic!  The aromatics of the cinnamon, the plump sweetness of the cranberries and the nutty wheat made for a fantastic cold weather day starter!  Fall flavors and quick and easy prep and clean up make this an ideal meal to enjoy on your very special Turkey Day!  May you enjoy your holiday and families and be Thankful for all things including this recipe! 

Black Beauty...Bean, that is!

Maybe it's my Tampa/Cuban influence. Maybe it's the filling protein packed flavor. Maybe it's because it's low calorie and super versatile...whatever the reason, I LOVE black beans!  Dry, canned, slow cooked, stove top sauteed, in burger form or even made into a new kind of bean dip...there are few foods that bring me right back to my childhood like black beans. My childhood babysitter Marta made them at least twice a week...with white rice and palomia steak. My Cuban friends growing up always had black beans on the stove with onions and sofrito. My dad learned to make them too and turned canned black beans into magic with yellow rice.  When I went vegetarian, I ate them several times a week to get my dose of protein and flavor.
This week the black bean was a star in my kitchen with 2 incredible, healthy recipes perfect for heating up my belly as the temperatures cool down.

The first is a single serve black bean chicken chili that can easily be made into a whole pot of awesome!  My recipe measurements are for the single serve and total calories for this big comfy bowl is a stunning 420 calories!

*1 link of chicken sausage with cheddar and jalapeno (I squeezed it out of the casing and ground it up in a small pot) 

*1/2 a cup organic canned black beans with some of the juice

*2 tbsp low fat sour cream

*1/4 cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese

*2 tbsp salsa

*1/2 cup shredded green cabbage

*1 tbsp chili powder

*1 tsp each of adobo powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (less if ya don't want it super spicy)

Brown the sausage in a pot, once cooked add the black beans, salsa and seasonings. Add cabbage and let simmer on med for 5 minutes. Add half your cheese and half your sour cream. Mix and cook an additional 5 minutes until it gets creamy and gooey. Slop in your bowl and garnish with the rest of your cheese and sour cream and ENJOY!

Next we have a breakfast/ brunch that is LOADED with protein.  I like this for after a hike or after the gym, but lets face it...brunch is good anytime!  I call it Black-n-White Hash and this serving has 395 calories and is  a satisfying, if not generous portion! It's also pretty- which is one of my favorite things since we tend to eat with our eyes first!

* 3/4 cup Ore-Ida frozen potatoes O'Brien (potato cubes with onion and peppers)

*3 large egg whites and 1 large egg

*1/2 cup organic raw spinach 

*1/4 cup canned black beans drained

*2 oz simple-truth black forest ham diced

*2 tbsp salsa

*1/4 fat-free shredded cheddar cheese

*2 tbsp low fat sour cream

*1 tsp garlic salt

*1 tsp black pepper

In large skillet cook potatoes as directed after a quick spray of Pam. Add spinach, beans and ham once the potatoes start to soften and brown. Let all cook down until potatoes are fully cooked and remove from heat. In separate pan, Scramble egg whites and egg and add spinach and salsa with spices. Once eggs are scrambled, fold in hash mix and add half the cheese.  Plate up and garnish with the rest of your cheese and the sour cream. DIG IN!

Please enjoy the beauty that is the black bean!  It really is a lifesaver for someone trying to stay full and watch their waistline.  Stay tuned for an upcoming tribute to my other favorite bean...the Garbanzo! Coming soon! 

Totally Engaged!

Forgive me for being "that girl" but I am still just over the moon about my recent engagement! My mind and heart and thoughts and discussions all seem to come back to this very special time and planning the most special day. If I wasn't me...I'd be totally annoyed with me!
John has always given me reasons to shout from rooftops, mountains or anything else...high. Because he just makes me so incredibly happy!  The last 4 1/2 years have provided me with so much growth, adventure, laughter, love, respect and friendship. I don't think my silly little words can come close to describing the love, joy and passion I have for this man every single day.

courtesy of Lola Bird Photography

As we get closer to our wedding day, and I start thinking about writing vows- I have come to realize how difficult this really is.  I totally thought it would be easy and thoughtful to profess this unimaginable way I feel for my soon to be Husband. But that's just it...it's unimaginable. It's beyond words and feelings.  Something so real and true and deep, yet so hard to express in a way that does it justice. We decided together to make our vows funny, witty and totally us...but it deserves some loving, kind words that for whatever reason I can't pull together to make a sentence that matches how I feel inside. It seems so...not enough.

John is so far from typical. He is unlike anyone...ever...in the history of man...or ape. He is one of a kind. I doubt he has even thought about his vows or what he might say, or what songs might play at our wedding, or which shades of pink will stand out in pictures. He likely hasn't given a thought to cake toppers or gifts for his groomsmen. He keeps saying "Whatever you want"  (what girl wouldn't love THAT??!) But many times it's all in what he doesn't say...the way he put so much thought into the proposal and the ring. The way he knows I love poached eggs on Saturday mornings and has them ready when I wake up. The way he remembers what means most to me and makes it happen, the way he is never at a loss for words, but knows exactly when NOT to use them.  He smiles at me in a way that still gives me the shivers. He laughs at how I turn many conversations into song. He respects and encourages my need for a beef chimichanga once every other week. He made fun of my "old lady hands" for months, now I know it was him inspecting my fingers and trying to figure out my ring size. He pays attention to the little things so he can make moments and big things happen.  He supports my dreams and drives me to make them come true. He is unlike anyone...but he is my everything.

On Saturday, March 15th 2014 I get to marry my Viking. The day is shaping up to be better than my most amazing dreams. It's how my life has turned out. Better than I could have ever hoped for. Surrounded by the people who mean the most to us, we will pledge our love and commitment to one another. I guess it won't matter how my dress looks or how the tables are set up, if Harlow happens to piddle as she walks down the aisle or if it's a cloudy day. It won't matter if someone spills a drink or a toast gets way out of hand with the rowdy bunch of friends we have. I am so excited to have a marriage... more so than a wedding. The wedding is just the stage for our monologue into married life. I can't wait to be John's WIFE. I can't wait to call him my husband. Will we really change? Probably not. We will still be us as different as we are... and I am so excited for that. Don't get me wrong...I am stoked about my pink party garden style super fun-ville day that's approaching...I am just looking forward to the every day after that just as much.

Every day I also think about my parents. They are hosting this shin-dig at my family home in the backyard where my beloved and ever so missed Grumpa used to walk and "water the bushes" aka smoke his Winston Lights. Where Raggs... the meanest dog ever aka the love of my life would chase squirrels and run up and down the side of the fence barking with all 13 pounds of ferocious glory. Where he now rests under where my ficus tree used to grow that my favorite Aunt gave me when I was 5. The place is as important as the people we chose to share this day with. Rooted deep in my heart and my memories- this day is all about the love. My parents have given me so much to be thankful for and taught me the true meaning of appreciation. I am honored to have my Daddy walk me down the aisle and I plan to be prepared for the river of tears my Ma is bound to create. Everything about this day is about journeys, love and being thankful. Handpicking the most important people, places, words, songs, foods, moments, memories and more...I can't wait for this day.

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Thankful

Every November I take part in a Facebook tradition of listing daily what I am Thankful for. I suppose it's good to be reminded around Thanksgiving of all our blessings and what we have...but I like to check in to all that I have to be thankful for all of the time. We all get so caught up in things in life and sometimes the stresses of every day life make us forget about all the good things we have.  I like to take a moment every single day to relish in what this day brought me...every day I wake up is a new opportunity to live this amazing life of mine. Today, I have put a little extra thought into what I am most thankful for every day.
I am thankful for my health. There was a time not so long ago that I didn't think I'd ever be okay and healthy. I was scared daily about my heart exploding or my blood pressure bottoming out and going through another surgery or worse, not going through anything ever again. I am so thankful to be better, to be healthy and to be active. I am thankful for my doctors and modern medicine and to my dad and John for quite literally forcing me to stay in the hospital and take care of myself.
This brings me to my Dad. My best friend. He has always been there for me and has always been a voice of reason for me. Even if I didn't want to hear it, he always guided me with truth and honesty. My entire family is something to be thankful for. My mom and I have seen our share of bumps and turmoil but she has never given up on trying to make things better. My niece Alexis is the silver lining to every cloud in the sky. She is so smart and driven, funny and witty, and pretty as a picture...just ask her. Her confidence and strength is admirable and I am so proud of her every day. My sister and I have also gone down a rocky road, but sometimes we find these smooth patches and I am thankful for them.
Despite 2000 miles of space between us...I am so thankful that my best friend Dana and I still talk every single day. We are there for one another even from so far away. She and I have "been to hell and back again, but through it all, you're always my best friend..." (a line from one of our Bon Jovi favorites)  She really is my soul mate and I swear I'd be lost in this life without her.  She is raising 2 beautiful little ladies to be kind, compassionate and loving women just like she is. She really is a hero.
I am thankful for my doggie daughter Harlow. I can't even believe how much I could love someone like I love this dog.  I know it seems ridiculous to some, but that's only cause you have never experienced it. She is my baby and I tend to her as such.  She can communicate, she feels sympathy and she is loyal. There has never been a greater dog. She might be a little human...or I might be a little dog...puzzling...
Finally I am beyond words thankful for love. Real love. True love. Love I never knew existed until John came into my life. The kind of love that changes you. Makes you better. Makes you put someone else before yourself even though you never really have to because you are partners and he is doing the same for you. He really brought life, reality, drive and hope into my heart and every day is a dream come true. I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with the person who made me whole and helps me find the missing pieces of the puzzle of me. I am thankful for his laugh, the way he makes me breakfast on Saturday mornings, his amazing cheeseburgers and how he can go up 5 octaves during a Dave Matthews song. I love his bushy beard, the way he makes animals out of hair after he shaves, even the way he leaves his clothes everywhere but the hamper and carves faces into bars of soap while in the shower and uses all the hot water. I love the way he looks at me and the way he tickles me every time he hugs me.
I am thankful for the simple things...sun showers, mountain views, the smell of Fall, the sunshine on my face, glittery snow falling on a cold starry night, cheese, hot baths, wine, the burn in my legs during a long hike, the way John's beard feels on my cheeks when he kisses me hello, the taste of a cold beer, the sound of water, the way ya feel when ya finally fit in a dress you love, the greatest songs coming on the radio, and the list goes on.  Every day presents you with a gift...a reason to be thankful.  May the spirit of Thanks find you this November and every day!

Calorie Careful Comfort Food

As the temperatures drop, my need for warm delicious cozy food skyrockets! While I am total sucker for classics like baked potato soup, mac and cheese and creamy tomato soup with ooey gooey grilled cheese- I am also still craving to be healthy and keep off the cold weather insulation aka weight gain.
Many times I get asked for recipes...the truth is I never really keep track.  For me, cooking is like painting...I just make it up as I go along and see what inspires me.  I keep track of calories, fat and nutritional value, but never really designed a recipe...until now. 
This week I paid attention! Kept track of ingredients and decided to share with you 3 of my most delectable, most healthy dishes of the week!  Not only are they healthy, low cal and insanely delicious...they are pretty too!  (Since we eat with our eyes first!)

Let's start with my Creamy Curried Chicken Tomato Soup

 

*This starts by baking some boneless skinless chicken breasts in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes. Before baking, dust with garlic salt, pepper, paprika and curry powder.

*Next prepare some Campbell's Classic Tomato Soup with water- I use the healthy choice option with lower sodium

*To the soup, add a minced garlic clove, 2 cups of organic fresh spinach, 1tsp crushed red pepper, salt and pepper

*Once soup is heated and combined, lower temp to simmer and add 2tbls whipped low fat cream cheese and stir until well blended (Kroger offers a Greek yogurt cream cheese that I love!)

*When the chicken is done, shred or chunk and add to soup

*Let simmer for 5 minutes before serving with a dried basil sprinkle on top and a dash of hot sauce for a kick if you like!

TOTAL CALORIES FOR 1 1/2 CUPS SOUP W/4OZ OF CHICKEN: 279 CALORIES

 

 

 

Next- Chickpea Cheese Burger

 

 

This is a totally simple lunch or dinner idea with tons of flavor and protein!

*Toast a Thomas's English Muffin (Multi-Grain Triple Health)

*Heat a Morning Star Mediterranean Chick Pea Veggie Burger in the microwave

*Add 1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese to the burger in the last 30 seconds of heating

*When English muffin is finished toasting, take one wedge of Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb spread and spread over top and bottom

*Place burger on bottom and top with fresh organic spinach and arugula blend and sliced cucumbers

*Dash of Lawrys Garlic Salt

*1 tsp spicy mustard

*Top it, eat it, Love it!

TOTAL CALORIES WITH A 8OZ GLASS OF SPICY V8 ON THE SIDE : 345

 

Finally, the soup I have been eating on ALL week because it's just too good!! Spanish Bean Soup

 

This beauty takes some time and prep, but it's so worth it!  And there is enough to feed ya all week and make recreations!

While canned beans are faster and ok, I use dry beans and let them soak over night in a water bath.

*2 cups beans 1/2 garbanzo 1/2 black

*1 box of chicken stock (16oz)

*Combine in crock pot or slow cooker

*add 3 minced garlic cloves

*Add 1/4 cup sofrito (I used the Goya jar)

*2 tbls adobo powder

*3 cups spinach

*1 diced tomato

*3 red potatoes diced

*1tsp paprika

*salt and pepper to taste

*pinch of saffron

*1tsp cumin

Let her sit and simmer on low for at least 8 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure beans are well cooked before serving.  The first night I ate it, I chopped some chicken sausage into it, the next day was as is after staying on warm in the crock pot overnight again and half the day. Today I am adding some yellow rice.  This can be altered and revamped every day and be just as delicious!

TOTAL CALORIES FOR 1 CUP ORIGINAL: 130

 

 

I promise to keep track of my cooking adventures if you promise to try them and let me know what you think! My goal is to prove that healthy and tasty came be one in the same.

 

 

 





Gifts for Grandmas

I just started a project for John's MorMor and my Mamaw for Christmas presents. I realize it's not even Halloween yet, but handmade love-filled gifts do take time.  
I was taught to crochet a few years ago from a friend at work.  Her name was Brandy and she used to really love to crochet and was very good at it. She told me once she thought teaching people was a waste of time because they never really stick with it.  I kept my word and I continue to crochet even though I only know the one stitch she taught me! (Coasters and scarves for everyone!) I never pick up yarn and a needle without thinking of her. It's funny how people have an impact.  Draw a little picture in your memory that will always have them create a chapter in the story of your life.
Just like these wonderful women who have inspired this post and these gifts. 
Mamaw is my mothers mother. She is very sweet and I don't think I have ever heard her raise her voice. She makes incredible biscuits as any good Southern woman does..and she taught me when I was younger too. She collects pewter and loves shopping at the dollar store. She is getting older and losing her memory a little more every day.  It's a growing fear of mine that someday she won't remember me. I am so excited that we have decided to go visit her as part of our Honeymoon. She lives in an assisted living home and I'd love to see where she is spending her time. I am taken back to her old house when I was small.  She used to put snow in a jar so when we would go visit her in Tennessee she would have some for me.  She had grape vines in the back yard and me and my cousins would go play in between the leaves even though there were dangerous amounts of bees.  One time she saved us the honeycomb and I remember being so excited but not wanting to eat it because I thought it was the bees poo.  Lightning bugs used to sparkle outside the front yard and later on when I was in college, we would go to the Chinese buffet and walk down memory lane.  She is very special and my childhood had some very happy moments because of her.
MorMor and I couldn't really communicate because of the language barrier.  She also couldn't see me.  But we managed to be fond of one another and still find a way.  She wears a bright red sweater and her smile is contagious. Her eyes twinkle and she loves to boil potatoes for dinner. John told me she used to drive a small car like she stole it and work even in her older age at properties they had around Denmark.  She likes to gamble a little and was so tickled when we gave her ink pens with flowers on them so she could feel them when she needed a pen. She likes to talk on the phone and drink coffee. She also likes cookies before bed and will get out of bed for a Danish pastry similar to Kringle!
I am so happy to make them a special gift and remind them that I hope I make a memory for them that keeps them warm. The memories they have given me have warmed my heart and I cherish them always.

Fall in Love with Walking off Fall

It took me a while to really fall in love with Colorado. We have been here nearly 2 years and while winters still make me crazy and clumsy...I really do love the Fall. It's utterly beautiful here with all the leaves changing colors, the cool breeze and the sound of the Aspen trees clicking. It's cool enough to break out the sweaters but warm enough to pair them with jeans and flip flops.

You may or may not know that I have lost a considerable amount of weight in the last few years. What you also may or may not know is that my workout of choice is simple, free, easy and effective...WALKING!  Fall is a great time to bust out the sneakers and sweats and go, well- anywhere!  Winter provides it's fair share of challenges here in Colorado, Summer gets sweltering and Spring is lovely until the rain comes.  While I find days in all seasons to just walk, Fall is consistent every single day.
I also love walking off the calories that seem to start to increase in the fall.  As soon as September rolls around, Starbucks decides to unleash the Pumpkin Spice Latte and tempt me at every corner. While I have found a nice alternative (venti fat free latte with one pump pumpkin and one pump sugar free vanilla with a shake or 2 of cinnamon) to cut the caloric massacre...It still adds calories not normally hanging around my midsection.  So what's a girl to do?  WALK to Starbucks and walk back to wherever you came from!  Or simply enjoy on your walk and take in the season.  For my Floridians...iced and pretend.
Then comes my birthday...end of September and it never fails!  Cake, candies, dinners and drinks...in particular, my beloved pumpkin beer!  It never ends!  And while I embrace getting older, I don't appreciate the repercussions of my eating and drinking habits and how it takes WAY more work these days to undo bad decisions. Walking every day before, during and after tends to fight off the battle of the bulge and reduce the side of guilt I have with every fork full of buttercream. Not to mention sunshine and good ol' vitamin D helps with hangovers...I promise!
Halloween doesn't get me like it used to...unless there are candy corn pumpkins and whoppers involved. Then I better walk extra long distances while enjoying them and watching the trick or treaters and visiting the neighborhood haunted houses. But remember it's only a day and walk without them after that night.
Let us not forget that fall means football!  Every Sunday the temptation of wings and beer consume me beyond control. Pizza makes an appearance in my imagination and chips and dip suddenly become like taste bud gold. A pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Food is the perfect way to round out Sunday night and possibly a treat for Monday Night Football. I am beginning to understand why at one point I was 240lbs... Football doesn't start until 11am Sunday morning so walk on girl! Take a long walk or hike...get into the trees and admire the show mother nature is putting on! Enjoy the breeze and the sun before you enjoy watching athletes instead of being one.
Thanksgiving. Do we really need to go into all that Thanksgiving offers? The many temptations of this holiday are not to be ignored, but enjoyed. The holiday has become more about the food and eating than the real meaning...and it only comes once a year.  Enjoy. But then...take a walk!
Walking may seem to be way too easy...and there are faster ways to lose the weight...but if you are about enjoying life, like me...there is nothing more enjoyable than a good long walk. Add ankle or wrist weights if you choose. Go on a hike with hills...but be outside and enjoy what a simple walk has to offer. You'll also notice that it offers a little extra space in your Levi's too!  (As seen in some photos from the last few Falls below)

Endless Possibilities

   It's been an insane couple of weeks. Many changes have come my way. I lost my job, started this blog, went to Europe, got engaged and now in the less than a week that we have been home, I have nearly planned the entire wedding, lost the 8 vacation pounds I packed on, applied for 22 jobs and even got myself a part time job while I am looking. I also found other creative ways to make a little cash in the meantime by signing up for a research company who pays folks to go to focus groups, taste tests and opinion polls. I have been researching how to make money on my words here through my blog ( ah,hem...please register to follow me on this blog by the way) and I have signed up to see if any of my photography is worth buying. I signed up for the next available volunteer class for the Humane Society and am toying with the idea of hanging "dog walker" flyers in my apartment complex.
   I complain sometimes about my inability to relax, but I am not quite sure I know how to. Maybe I enjoy the constant go go go of being busy.
   This wedding is so exciting I'd rather get it all planned out now so I can enjoy it all during and later. After all, I have only thought about this day a trazillion billion times.
   The quest for a job or at least ways to bring in some cash flow are because I cannot just simply not earn my keep- my pride won't allow it. We have been smart with our money so no real danger or worry is present, but it's beside the point in my eyes. Plus I just enjoy working. I also like to prove that jobs are out there...for all those who say there aren't.  I applied, interviewed and accepted a part-time job all in a matter of 3 days this week. It can be done. I'd rather have a little money I earned than a hand out or nothing at all.
   I am interested to see if my creativity and outlets can turn into a business where I am my own boss. Maybe my silly words are just for me, but I think maybe there are others who feel like I do and might take comfort from the words of a nobody who refuses to be a nobody. I feel the same way about my photographs...I take pictures of food, travel, my dog...the front yard! Life is captured in a photo diary of sorts, but yet,  I still always seem to google an image at least once a day. Maybe my images might be what someone else is looking for too!
   Volunteering just seems natural with time on my hands and I cannot think of anything that means more to me than what the Humane Society does. Be the voice for those who don't have one. Care for those who cannot care for themselves and help the helpless. I wanted to get in this week with the cold snap approaching, but classes are full until after the 8th...that means other people are volunteering too so that brings warmth to my animal-loving heart.
   The point of my rambling is that possibilities are everywhere! Whether it be personal goals, career paths, charity, time, events or dealing with just another day...you are the captain of your own ship. There are always opportunities all around and while clouds may be present- they always have a silver lining. There is always something to be thankful for, fortunate about and something to go after. Bad situations or times are just the fuel you need to drive to the good that's waiting around the corner.  Being busy is being happy...being active...taking advantage of what every day has to offer.

An American Girl in Denmark

Aaaaaand we're back!  Jet lag is crazy and my internal clock is still completely confused, but we are home. To say the trip was magical, incredible, amazing, perfect and wonderful would be understatements. There really are no words to describe it. It was just that good. Denmark is a beautiful country with so much to offer. From seaside villages, rolling hills, farms, cities, fashion, people, food and history- it had it all and then some.


Ocean front...the Danish flag raised in honor of my birthday @ John's Aunt and Uncle's house

The trip started with my first international flight and getting to use my passport. It's such a small simple thing that really shouldn't mean much, but for me, it was exciting!  Handing over that little blue book was proof that I had accomplished getting across an ocean to see another piece of this great big world. While the customs folks could totally use a lesson in pleasantries and customer service, it was an experience I won't soon forget. I found myself several times looking at the stamps and running my fingers over the thick threaded pages just taking in the delicious feeling of having my ticket to roam.
Speaking of fingers...the first day in Copenhagen turned into the best night of my life to date. After a much needed nap, exploring the city and eating the most delectable hot dog ever encased- we headed to Tivoli. I had read about the carousel and how it was classic, bright, engaging and historic. I have always had a soft spot for the ornate carved animals and the music. Something about the twirling spins of a merry-go-round brings back childhood complete with cotton candy smells and squeals of delight. My Johnny was on a mission to find it straight away although unwilling to ride it. I tried to convince him...there was a camel just waiting for us!  Complete with humps and my dramatic interpretation of the "hump day" commercial complete with the "Whooo Whooo!" did little to convince him to hop on. So instead we took a seat on the shiny cobalt tiles that housed beautiful pink flowers and mounds of green plants and watched the camel come around every other second to the sounds of music and in the shadow of the bright twinkling lights.
It was then that he began to ask the most important question I'll ever be asked..." So I was thinking..."  As I saw the cherry red wooden box emerge from his coat pocket, I swear time stood still.  Everything disappeared and I may have gone deaf momentarily. I felt tears running down my cheeks and as he dipped to one knee before me I unraveled into sobs of joy. He spoke the sweetest words I'll never share (they are only ours) and placed a stunning ring onto my left hand. He's made fun of my "old lady hands" for ages and as he placed the ring securely on my finger, I just knew a joke was coming about it...but instead he kissed me and my world became infinitely better as I was now John's fiance. He then followed it up with " We should get some wings...for the rest of our life!" (Our favorite dinner and just about every date night, wings are a staple) I don't even remember if I said yes...he had to ask me again later over ice cream and fireworks to which I know I actually responded this time. YES!

 

 

The excitement continued through fireworks and calling my family and best friend...the best part is we still had an entire vacation ahead and an entire country to see and families to meet! I was so enchanted by all of the family. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, children...and especially...MorMor. She was as cute as can be and had a kind smile. She cannot speak English and she is almost completely blind, yet we found ways to communicate and spend many breakfast mornings with her. Her warmth and her laugh are blessings to me now and I am so glad I got to meet her. She was one of the firsts to learn of our engagement and she told us about how she met her own husband. John was great at translating for me and his relationship with her was touching. I fell even more in love with him as I watched him with her. He played on her piano, rehashed old stories, told me about the little antiques that decorated her apartment that she has lived in for 70 years! We drank coffee and ate pastries and reminisced about the family and past visits. It was such a special time. I am so thankful we took the majority of the time to spend with her and that I was able to get to know the woman John has spoken of so many times.

We had many adventures...delicious foods, sailing a real Viking ship, seeing countrysides and ocean stretches. We saw thousands of jellyfish that glow in the dark cold waters but don't actually sting. We drove over crazy long bridges and dodged a world of bicycles. We enjoyed a quiet bed and breakfast in the country and the beautiful bustling city.  We ate way too much candy and drank our fair share of Danish beers. We visited a free town where artists come together to live an alternative life...complete with marijuana and organic beers and less than conventional ways of living. We toured castles and churches older than the United States. We saw the royal palace. We went to a deer park where huge bucks were feet away from us- completely enraptured in the beauty surrounding them and not at all concerned with us.We went to see the famous little mermaid and then to pay our respects to Hans Christian Andersen at his grave. We went to one of the most famous museums in the world and saw an exhibit from Yoko Ono. We made a wish on a wishing tree overlooking the ocean. We laughed, we strolled the streets hand in hand, we tried to find wifi and more candy, we took pictures, mispronounced many words, made memories and soaked in the place that makes up a little of both of us.

While the differences in language, currency, rules and manners were slightly intimidating at first, I found myself feeling quite comfortable soon after our arrival. This was like a second home to John. He and his warm, welcoming family made me feel so right at home. I saw many faces that resembled my own and my grandmothers.  I felt the spirit of my roots planting deep in this place I cannot wait to visit again.

 

 

 

Farewell! See you in 10 days

It's finally happening. I am going out of the country.  Not that I don't love me some 'Merica, but I have always wanted to see what happens outside of our patriotic bubble. I had to work very long hours and control some very powerful shopping habits to make it happen but here we are!

The beauty of this trip starts with a lovely dame named Hazel...also known as my grandmother. She was first generation American from a little country called Denmark. Many moons later, I would find another first generation American from Denmark, my Viking love, Johnny.  So off we go to retrace some family lineage and meet and visit with Johnny's family that is there today. I am most excited to meet Johnny's grandmother, MorMor as they call her. I have a fondness for the generations that came before us. Johnny has been to Denmark several times and I excited for him to show me around and mingle with "our people" the "Great Danes." He keeps talking about this hot dog sandwich thing...

Now to what I am nervous about...there is going to be a lot of time on a cramped airplane. My sleeping situation is a concern when I am cozy in my own bed...so how may I sleep on a flying piece of metal among strangers and without my cuddle buddy Harlow? I see red wine and benedryl in my future and lots of prayers that I just pass out.  This is also because I am TERRIFIED of airplane bathrooms!! I try to hold it on most flights, but this one may not afford me such luxuries. I have often had fears of my vagina falling off and being sucked into the crazy force of flush. Those tiny hell capsules are scary! Plus, hoovering is hard when unstable footing is an issue... 

All and all I am excited to go on this adventure. I have crammed my fashion forward style in a carry on suit case and a large purse. I planned and re planned every outfit about 6 times, but I think I have it right. Copenhagen is pretty fashionable so I hope I don't stand out too much unless it's for a good reason.

We will be visiting some very cool spots and celebrating my 32nd birthday in Denmark. We will see Tivoli, an amusement park that inspired Walt Disney to create Disney World and Disneyland! http://www.tivoli.dk/en/.  We will see where fairytale boss, Hans Christian Andersen lived and worked on such masterpieces as The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina and The Little Mermaid. We will try new foods, see new sights and enjoy one another in a place that holds so much history for us individually and now as a couple.

Harlow is nervous too. She knows when the boxes on wheels come out, that she is going to be staying somewhere else for a little bit. She is pouting and super clingy.  We will be dropping her off with some great friends who also have a Boxer. Leaving her is always hard, but I am ready to embark on this adventure with an open mind, an excited spirit and hopefully an empty bladder! 

http://translate.google.com/?tl=da#auto/da/goodbye  Farvel!




Harlow


 

The Beginning of a New Chapter

   What's a girl to do? I have been a success. A positive fire work of annoyingly cheerful energy lined in not just silver, but glittery silver. I work hard. I play hard. I look at the bright side of life through neon hipster sunglasses and hit the ground running in my favorite chucks. I may get derailed but my spirit is never broken...this was me up until the last couple months. And now...here I sit.  Creating and writing my first blog. Nearly 32 years old, unemployed as of yesterday, drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper, watching reruns of New Girl while I contemplate my next move. 
   The last couple of months have tested me. I got a new job at a crazy awesome company with tons of growth potential.  Everyone I encountered loved me and I loved them and the excitement was electric.  The ticket to play was passing an insane test called the Series 7. I had been warned this test was a beast and that I would work harder than I ever have before.  NO KIDDING! 10 weeks of 16 hour days studying and taking practice test and practice questions. Reading, rereading, crying, cursing, screaming and not sleeping. I never felt like I had it...and my hard work always works in my favor.  What the ef was happening??! 
   I had a gritty childhood with far too much drama. I used to carry 104 extra pounds in fat and insecurity. I had a few heart problems with a couple sides of heart surgery. I cold turkey left behind a gross 2 packs a day smoking habit. I left my family, friends, job and home to move across the country to start a new life with the love of my life.  And this test was the HARDEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE!
    Yesterday I clicked submit around 2pm and 15 seconds later I saw I had failed.  That little monitor and DOS looking program had this insane ability to make me feel so awful that I couldn't move. I have never worked so hard to feel so stupid. By 4:15pm I was fired.
   It's taken many many tears, hyperventilating, freaking out and reminding myself that I am still awesome and have my first international vacation coming this week to come around and out of my boohoo cryin' state of mind. Ok...it also took 5 pints of beer and a horrible nights sleep.
   I have the support of my love, my boyfriend Johnny.  He has encouraged me to relax...prepare and enjoy our trip to Denmark this Friday. He wants me to take my time and find my bliss.  I pinch myself daily because he is like a dream come true.
   So here we are...beginning a new path to self discovery. Writing not just a new chapter but maybe a whole new book.  I like my rainbow sparkle way too peppy way of life and even though I have no idea what might come next...I am going to dance my way through it and throw glitter in the air while I ride the wave of possibility.