Today is a Soup Day

It's cold and wet out and a perfect day for soup. I love soup. Love, love, love it!

This is a pic of some easy soup I made a couple of months ago. Yes, I loved it. That is why I took a picture of it.

It was so simple to make. I used kale for the first time and also a bit of fennel. I started off sauteing some garlic, onions and fennel in a little olive oil. I then added a couple of handfuls of chopped up kale. I cooked this for a few minutes before adding a couple of cans of white beans and a can (or maybe two) of diced tomatoes, some water and a chicken cube. I simmered this for a bit until everything was hot and the kale was cooked.

My entire family liked it so I think it's a keeper. Of course I don't know how much of what I put in the pot but that's the fun part, making it up as you go along.

Also, I don't even want to think about canned tomatoes being bad for me. I guess I could chop up fresh. Or maybe can my own? Gasp. That would be too much work.

daring and graceful

It is amazing how someone can see you in a totally different way than you see yourself. And then how their thoughts, observations and words can have such a great affect on you. This has happened to me twice in recent months and it has given me such a wonderful outlook on certain aspects of my life. It has breathed a bit of new life into me. Two words have caused me great joy and made me see myself a bit differently. Two words.

Graceful. I have never been called graceful. One of my teammates told me I was graceful on my skates. Now I have never thought of myself as being graceful. And I would have never in a million years thought of myself as graceful on my skates. I don't think I am clumsy or awkward but I would have never used the word graceful to describe myself. Graceful just seems so smooth and beautiful. I think of a figure skater gliding over the floor with ease. When I try to glide it is not with ease and it is with a head full of nervousness and negative talk. No more. I am now graceful. I am agile, coordinated and relaxed. I glide across the floor with ease.

Daring. A coworker told me she thought I was daring. It was actually the first word on a long list of wonderful, strong words she used to describe me. It surprised me. I have always wanted to be daring. I have always wanted to do daring things. I don't think I've accomplished that yet. I have tried daring activities. I have stopped before I was successful. This has made me feel more scared than daring. I know I should give myself some credit for even attempting to be daring. I guess I am daring in the attempt. I just drag myself down and don't let myself do all I can do. I have a great fear of failure. This fear seems to keep me from putting forth a great effort. I put forth a little effort but not all I am capable of. No more. I am daring. I will take that challenge and I will give it all I have. I am courageous, adventurous and unafraid. I will do.

No longer The Boss

I am now "The Girl." My mom forgot who I was the other day. When it happened it didn't really bother me. I guess it just took a few days to hit me. She has forgotten who I was before but it has been quite a long time since that has happened.

She was talking on the phone with her social worker and I heard her say, "the girl takes good care of me." It actually made me smile. She may not remember my name or that I am her daughter but at least she thinks I take good care of her.

I did say I was sick of being "The Boss" so I'm not too upset about losing that title. I think I can handle "The Girl." The girl that takes good care of her mom. I'll go for that.

By the way, she woke up the next morning and called out, "Lisa, can I have some coffee?" Another smile.