Master Chef

In the six decades I have been alive, I have been cooking and baking for five of them.  My first exposure to cooking was when I was in 4-H.   We studied measurements, different types of ingredients, how to read a recipe and how to safely use the stove/oven.  When I was in junior high (which then was grades 7-9) I took Home Economics.  Not only did I continue to learn how to prepare food, I also learned the basics of sewing.

My brother and I were quite adventuress when it came to trying our hand at new things in the kitchen. One major memory is when my two uncles were in Kansas visiting, Erik and I decided to make them breakfast.  At that time the eggs were prepared over-easy (something Madison wouldn't even recognize because I gave that up long before her time) and we fried the bacon.  My recall is that the meal was an amazing success.  We were probably around 13-14 years old.  Mom's memory will be slightly different.  Since we were preparing this feast before school (and she was already at work), when she came home she saw all the "failed" attempts.  There truly is more than one truth to a story.

Mini meatloaf with
Roasted green beans w/almonds
Roasted cube potatoes

Fast forward just a couple of years and Erik and I also became quite familiar with the Betty Crocker cookbook for kids.  We quickly became fans of baking and not just cookies and brownies (which we promptly divided equally among us five kids and bagged separately).  We left nothing to chance on equality.   We baked a castle cake.  This was quite a project and I believe it was for Mom's birthday.  I only wish we had pictures (and that old cookbook) now.

Through my adult life, I have gravitated more to baking.  All my girls learned to cook with me and know their way around the kitchen.  Again, baking seems to resonate with all of us.

Until now!

Lemongrass Pork Burger with
Sweet Potato Fries
Margarita optional

Yes, just when you think there can be no more new experiences in life, I have been introduced to "Hello Fresh".  This opportunity has been wonderful.  Not only are we clean eating, healthy, fresh foods, I have been exposed to ingredients I have never used before.  Not only new ingredients but new ways to prepare that chicken breast that we have been eating regularly for too many years to count.

Every Tuesday my Hello Fresh box arrives complete with three new recipes and all the ingredients needed to make these three dinners.  For example, last week we enjoyed Pan-Seared Chicken with Herbs De Provence served over a warm Farro, Mozzarella and Tomato Jumble.  NO, we were not eating in a restaurant - this is K's kitchen going on.  And when I plate this ensemble, my photos are not FAILS when compared to the original.  If I do say so myself, I have got it going on.  And what the heck is Farro?

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

This Tuesday the box had not arrived when it was time to begin dinner.  Okay, Kari, get out the frozen boneless chicken breasts you keep on hand for this emergency and pop them in the oven. While those were baking I also decided on broccoli florets along with quinoa and bulgar.  Wow, I didn't even know how to prepare those a few weeks ago - now it graces my pantry.  Still concerned that the chicken would lack in flavor, I quickly tossed together a sauce to serve over the meal.  WHO AM I?  I promise you, before, I might have slapped a bottle of barbecue sauce on the table.

Meals used to be something that just needed to be prepared and eaten. Now I relish the prep time. Apparently I have become a Master Chef.

Special thanks go out to my sister Katy and niece for introducing me to this phenomena.

Until next time,
#sizzlingbeefstirfrywithbokchoyoverjasminericetonight

Your pal,
Kari, M.C.
#masterchef

What answer are you looking for?

Maybe my memory doesn't have the same recall as it did when I was younger, but I seem to remember that there used to be only one answer for every question asked.  Well, I admit there was some confusion over "feed a fever, starve a cold" and "which way the toilet paper was supposed to go on". So obviously I am being VERY general when I say one question/one answer and I am not even saying that the ONE ANSWER given was necessarily the correct answer.

But here is what I find in today's world.  If I have a question that involves morals, ethics, hair styles, parenting advice, dieting, sleep habits (anything but blatant historical facts), if at first I don't find the answer I preferred, I may need to keep looking.  Because I guarantee you, it is out there.

I am a frequent listener of pod casts (I love them).  When I am not frequenting a courtroom drama or true crime (think Dateline - audio version) I like to listen to question/answer type shows.  They cover all kinds of topics; major life issues, relationships (all kinds) etc.  A question that was sent in by a listener involved adultry.  In a nutshell, this person had an affair-it was over-it was a mistake-should they tell their significant other? This person was racked with guilt.  The two people (male and female) hosting the session absolutely agreed that this information needed to be shared.

Now, I don't have a problem with this answer but just a few days earlier on another talk type show, picture the same scenario.  (Unfortunately it seems to be a popular topic)  Except this time the answer was - No.  Absolutely not.  You are just trying to assuage your guilt at the expense of another person. Hmmm.  I don't know about you but this would be a pretty big deal to differ on.  And part of me dismisses the "topic" and wonders why anyone would trust a complete stranger with the answer anyway.

My favorite question

Thankfully I have no dog in that hunt, but it did cause me to ponder all the other types of questions, issues, concerns, that come up and subsequently the VERY diverse answers.  Particularly since we have been saturated with political and social concerns over the past (feels like) six billion years, we have all had the opportunity to hear why one issue is ABSOLUTELY right... and maybe on the next channel...ABSOLUTELY wrong.

When my sister Katy and I both had little girls within a few months of each other, we often talked about "the right way to do things".  I am sure she remembers the conversation we had regarding a particular practice with babies.  She told me her doctor recommended X while my doctor recommended Y.  Both very different directions. Without missing a beat I told her "let's just do it my way so we know we will be doing it right".

Most who know me will tell you that my attitude hasn't shifted much.  Once I believe I am on the right track, I want others to join me.....there.

So I ask you - what answer do you want?  Before you start searching, think about the question you are asking and why you are asking it.  Do you already have an answer in mind?  If you do, you will find it.  Just make sure it's the right answer.

Until next time,
#ijustwantoknowwhy

your pal,
Kari

Discipline -for the win!

So I have been thinking about the whys and wherefores of discipline lately.  There are many forms of discipline, with the effectiveness solely dependent upon the recipient.  I have also been thinking about the rewards of discipline (and this should also be why we do it).  It sounds like an oxymoron, but we want discipline to result in something positive being gained.

When I would discipline my kids when they were growing up, I wasn't much for spanking but could dole out a thump that would be a real attention getter.  It's like my arm would stretch out like a super hero to deliver the goods.  I must have got that genetically since that is what I remember my grandpa threatening.  I rarely raise my voice in anger but tend to go quiet(er).  Regardless of volume, my girls would always say "quit yelling at me".  The tone was (is) so important!  Remember the old adage, "if you want to get someones attention...whisper"

Because I appreciate structure and have gained knowledge not only from being disciplined but delivering it too, I recognize now how it carries on throughout our life.

#discipline

Let's talk about habits - good and bad.  Neither happen without some form of discipline.  MANY years ago, I used to smoke.  I tried quitting many times but lacked the "discipline" to get it done.  I knew what the reward looked like - better health, money savings, cleaner teeth, etc etc.  But until I was ready to follow and stick with the imposed discipline, I never realized the benefits.  Now, 20+ years later, I can't imagine being a smoker.  Another habit is exercise.  So easy to talk about doing but it can be so hard to accomplish.  Yet we want the rewards.  A "summer ready" body, again-health benefits, lower blood pressure, stress reliever...blah blah blah.  Finally, how about eating healthy. I believe all the same benefits from exercise could apply.

Why does ice cream have to taste so good?

It's not that I don't like my green vegetables, because I do.  But there are so many things out there that taste so good but must be consumed in moderation.  The other day Mom made a lemon meringue pie from scratch.  I love that stuff.  Since I had a "heads up" that dessert was coming, I spent additional time on the treadmill (prior to eating) before I had the pie.  That takes discipline.  I don't always have the amount I need.

#lemonmeringuepie

Discipline in how we talk to others and treat people in general is called on at times.  There is a huge benefit to be gained in relationships when we think before we speak.  Just simple manners can go such a long way.

In this age of "everyone is a winner" maybe we need to step back and once again, require the discipline early, to reap those benefits for a life time.

Until next time,
#moderation/drive/commitment

your pal,
Kari

Where is your home?

Today I was listening to a podcast that revolved around finding the right "location" for your home.  I don't mean a specific zip code in a given area but more specifically, finding where you feel like you have "come home".

I have never really thought about my location in that sense before.  Though I will say that both Terry and I love Texas and feel very much at home here.  And truth be told, initially Terry was a little apprehensive about making the move.  But before we got here, I wasn't longing to find a place where I would find my "home".  

In fact, every time we visit a new place, I envision what it might be like to live there.  I have lived "many lives" in my imagination.  And I really can't think of one place where I thought....not here. Some places have more to offer than others, but even that particular thought is subjective.    It's like finding your soul mate.  If we were all looking for the same thing, there might be trouble.

Where Madi's heart is!

Some people talk about their "home" as in where they came from, or grew up.  Maybe if you grew up in one town, (even one house) for an extended period of time, I get that.  While I was born in Colorado and lived there for about seven years, most of my growing up was in Topeka.  But after age 18, I moved around a bit and enjoyed experiencing different places.  When I was younger and living away from "home", I was very "homesick".  Not necessarily for where I lived, but for family I was missing.

Yet I recognize that everyone thinks of home differently.  I was talking to a friend the other day and she indicated Texas doesn't feel like home to her any longer.  She will relocate to a place where she believes the community will be a kinder version.  I understand that.

I am sure my siblings have different versions of home than I do (even though we all started in one home together).  I smile when I think of how our "kid" versions talked about growing up and all living in one big house when we got older (somewhere).  At that time, we couldn't imagine any other type of home.

Over the years, our family has gotten bigger (and more scattered).  I am fortunate to have a couple of kids living close (and my mom next door), but thanks to the joy of flying, everyone else is just a few hours away.  

At this stage in my life, my version of home has become very fluid.  Terry and I enjoy travelling together and this year our goal is a "trip of the month".  Many of these trips will involve seeing our extended family.

But at the end of the day, while I am here of Earth, as long as I am with my husband (where-ever)....I am home.

Until next time,
#homeiswheretheheartis
#heavenultimatehome

your pal,
Kari

Time passages...

When we are first born, our time here on this earth is measured in days, then weeks, then months, and finally years.  I think we make a solid switch to years when we reach the age of two.  That is when we also focus on those half years.  This usually carries on to about twelve.   Once we hit that magic number, we say we are twelve....until we cross whatever point in the twelve month cycle that represents itself as "almost 13". This goes on until we are 29.  Then we are 29 until the VERY DAY we turn 30.

When I was young(er), I looked with great anticipation to arrive at those signature years; 18, 21, 25 (for car insurance purposes) and even 29 (the first time).  I don't know what I thought my life would look like, or even who I would be, but those were earmarked as important years.

As a teenager, I think I thought 25 was surely old and mature.  I used to believe I would be able to handle things better..."when I was older".  Specifically I thought this when I was 16 and my grandma died.  She was the only grandparent I really knew, as my dad's mother died when he was a toddler and his dad (who lived in Norway) died when I was around 5.  My mom's dad died when I was 6 or 7; I have vague memories of him but remember him more from pictures.  My specific memory is of him saying to my brother, "I'm going to thump you".  So now I know where I get that specific talent.

Grammy was my first significant loss.  At the funeral, I was appalled to see people visiting, laughing, eating, etc. at the meal after the service.  That is when I thought - maybe we handle things better when we are "adults".

My dad died when I was 28, followed by my son when I was 29.  That was when I understood that age has NOTHING to do with preparing for loss.

#newbeginningsat40

The only birthday I ever really dreaded was 35.  At that point I realized I was closer to 40 than I ever would be to 30 again.  I thought it would all be "downhill" from there....

But what a blessing 40 turned out to be.  By then I had met, dated and married my "gift" and he threw a surprise party for me.  What a great night with friends and family.  And did I mention that our "yours and mine family" was soon to include an "ours"?  We moved to Kansas City and settled into a new home and a new normal.   I really didn't think life could get any better.

Yet it did.  By the time I turned 50, I was ready to throw my own party.  After a couple of health scares, my appreciation for life helped me embrace my birthdays.  The prior decade represented so many accomplishments -not only graduating from college, but I had also completed my Masters in Counseling Psychology.  My career path had taken an unexpected turn and I was on a new path that I truly enjoyed.

#sixtyhereIcome

Then came 55.  Notice, this is the year when I began recognizing birthdays in five year increments, rather than decades.  Along the way there were many more losses.  Now I had an even  greater appreciation for life.

This is the year of sixty.  I am days away from leaving 59 (which for me is the new 29).  I wonder what it will hold?  I still think I will count by 5 year increments (unless something changes).  I will gladly say "I am 60" when asked.  I will embrace this birthday  and any others I am blessed to have.

We will be celebrating in Mexico which means I will turn 60 an hour earlier than I would here.  I used to wonder what 60 would feel like?   Now I know that it feels like every other year.   With the exception of my knees.  They truly feel sixty years old.

Until next time,
#59for2moredays

your pal,
Kari

Tis the Season....

I have lived in Texas for about five years now.  I love the VERY mild winters, spring and fall are great and the heat of the summer days is not that different from the Midwest.  Given that, it has taken me about five years to figure out the dress code here.  And it has nothing to do with the actual temperature and/or weather conditions.

This past February has been unseasonably warm.  It will probably be a record setter.  Nothing wrong with that in my book - warm is my choice versus cold.  However.  How does one dress in February for this warm weather?  Particularly when the office you work in could be likened to a frozen tundra.

#Februarymorning

This year clarified it for me perfectly.  And the answer is.....however you want.  Initially my attention was drawn to those women who would wear jackets, tights and boots (even winter boots) when it was 71 degrees out.  And I am not talking about a high of 71, I am talking about 71 degrees as I enter the building around 6:30ish every morning.

Once in the lobby, the temperature plummets to around 40 (or so it feels) but by the time I am on my floor, we start at around 65ish.  This temperature is not constant as my sweater or jacket will come off, be put back on, and then off again as the day progresses.  It is also dependent upon which meeting room we are in.

So, my observations.  Native Texans tend to dress for the "season" rather than the temperature.  While I am not quite native, I have taken advantage of this practice.

For example, in Kansas/Missouri, tights weather (along with jackets and boots) are definitely in by November but may start as early as October.  In the Midwest, we are so delighted to have a warm snap during the cold season, we instantly "dress down" to take advantage of it.

On the side of that coin is Texas. We need to have some cold weather clothes on hand for the 3-5 days each year we might actually need them.  However, those clothes will NEVER get worn at that rate. So starting in November (and sometimes as early as October), out come the long sleeve sweaters, jackets, hoodies, boot, tights, etc. which now can be worn through March.  Regardless of the temperature.

An advantage to this is you never really need to check the weather each morning, unless it is raining.  And then you just add an umbrella, swap out winter boots for rain boots and grab your rain jacket versus your winter coat.  So easy.

I know I am not the only Midwest girl who arrived here and struggled with "fitting in".  I've got it down now.

Until next time (or at least mid-March),
#bootswiththefur

your pal,
Kari

Eye on the Prize

I was talking to a guy I work with the other day and he "schooled" me.  But in a good way.  He is retired military and was formerly active in the investigative unit.  He shared some things he remembered specifically while taking an evasive driving class.  He told me that if you focus on an obstacle while driving, you will hit that obstacle.  In a nutshell, what you focus on is what you make happen.

"You are a BadAss"

Of course, I needed to ponder this for awhile.  And this thought he shared reoccurred to me as I have been reading "You are a Badass:  How to stop doubting your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" by Jen Sincero.

I am always reading (and will be glad to recommend) all types of thought provoking self-help books and I truly believe I benefit from them.  If nothing else, it causes me to think in different ways. I say "I have a book for that" like today's generation says "there is an app for that".  Name your poison and I can help.  Anyway, back to what's happening.

What IS happening in your life?  I ask this because if you believe you deserve more than what you currently have, your thought process (and subsequent actions) must line up with that belief.  I remember when my kids were young (er) and if frustrated they would say "I will never get this right...be able to do this...learn this...whatever it was.  And I always told them, "No, you sure won't. Not with that attitude.

If you believe something will NEVER happen, it never will.  If you believe you will NEVER meet the right person, you never will.  Our beliefs are like a night light.  When it is really dark, if you have a night light on - that is all you see.

So what am I believing in this year.  I believe in planning.  Because here again, if you don't plan it, (whatever it is), I guarantee you, it won't happen.  I am planning for changes in my life that will allow me to get done what I want to get done.  (one small example, cleaning out at least one cabinet or drawer every week-it's happening)  I am also writing down on the calendar what I want to do this year.  This could be accomplishments, visits to family, trips with my honey and/or piano lessons.  I am writing things down and assigning dates and times.  This is my "focus."

Sometimes it is as simple as how we might frame a thought.  Tonight will I say "I hope I get to work out?" or will I say "I am going to work out tonight."  See what I did there?

What do you believe?  About yourself?  This world we live in?  God's plan for you?

Until next time,
#makeithappen
#anythingISpossible

your pal,
Kari

Mark 9:23
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth"