Not feeling in a very social mood, I skipped out on the group cycle ride Thursday night. I went by myself instead. It was 5 pm and the traffic was crazy but I was determined to “go forth and conquer” on my bike. The ride wasn’t far, about 8 miles from my house through the golf course, up and around the eagle, back the way I came, and over a couple of side roads. It was hilly but, as with running, all the hills you struggle up, you relax and enjoy the ride down.
I’m still not 100% comfortable with the gears and riding in traffic but a little more time and it will be as comfortable as running, I’m sure.
Next week there is a Wednesday night ride for 10 miles at a speed of 12 mph. I can handle that. It is a ride in silence to pay tribute to all those cyclist who have been hurt or killed biking on area roads. Good cause. We might go.
The other day, something really hurt my feelings. Maybe it shouldn’t have, maybe I’m too sensitive but I felt it was very inconsiderate. That same day, a message came from My Inner World to my email. The words really hit home and were very much needed. They made me feel a bit better by redirecting my mind to healing and balancing thoughts. Let me know if you could use these words to help heal you sometimes.
Every moment in time, we have the opportunity to create anew. This moment however can be obscured by an array of thoughts and feelings that can block our vision. The present moment is often covered by old memories and limited ideas. When this occurs, we lose our energy and opportunity by feeling lost, fearful and confused. Have you ever noticed how heavy a thought can be? Just the mere idea of a certain task or responsibility can suck the life right out of us. How do we stay in the present time so that we are free and conscious? Is there a formula that brings us into balance? How do we refresh our spirit and our point of view?
Staying in the present time requires consciousness and loving insight. We must maintain the highest regard for ourselves even while noticing our shortcomings and inadequacies. ………
Make friends with the present moment. Understand that we are equal to whatever challenge we are facing. Let go of thoughts that are weighing you down. Consciously steer your life the way you want it to go. Notice what is right about your life. Gratitude attracts grace. It allows us sacred sight. When we feel otherwise, we are usually in the throes of limited perception. This perception will try to make us believe that what we are seeing is real and true, when in fact it is limited and biased. What most people call logical or realistic is often their own limited view point. Our five senses are only able to perceive about 4% of the universe. The rest of the universe demands a different type of perception, one that can see beyond the world of appearance. Each moment gives us an opportunity to release a block, create and align with our greater self. Embrace that moment!
“Mr. Ted Cooks Broccoli”. It sounds like a cartoon doesn’t it?
It was kind of amusing watching Ted work his way around the kitchen chopping, measuring, sautéing. The recipe turned out very good.
This is a recipe from Integrative Nutrition recommended by Pam.
Makes 4 servings
- 1 bunch broccoli
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1 TBS olive oil
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Wash broccoli, cut off and peel outside of stalk, slice into pieces and put aside.
Cut the florets into bite size pieces.
Warm the oil in a pan and add stalk pieces. Sauté for 3 minutes.
Add the florets and sauté for 2 minutes.
Add 3 TBS of water and grated carrot. *Notice the BLUE coffee cup Ted used to measure the water?!!!! What a pro!
Cover and allow to steam for 3 – 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the toasted sesame seeds, sea salt, and black pepper. Enjoy!
The broccoli was cooked to perfection: not too soft, not too hard. There was a sweetness about the dish that must have come from the carrots. Did you realize you can use carrots to sweeten sauces? The sesame seeds were a pleasant, yet subtle addition.
Once again, we head into the weekend. Just where does the time go?!
Joanne
That brick wall in the kitchen is stunning!! I didn’t even think about sweetening up with carrots. Thanks for the tip!
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Thanks, Lindsay. That poor wall takes all the olive oil splatter when any sauteing is done.
.-= Joanne´s last blog ..Ted Cooks Broccoli =-.
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You go Ted!
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Ted didn’t find cooking as enjoyable as I do. But when he’s hungry, he’ll turn on the stove or, more likely the grill.
.-= Joanne´s last blog ..Ted Cooks Broccoli =-.
Those are really encouraging words! I love the quote “make friends with the present moment”, sometimes we are too busy worried about what could have been, or what will be but we don’t realize that we are missing out on what is. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Oh, I so love broccoli. I must try this recipe!
Hope you are feeling better about what hurt your feelings.
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I love broccoli but have never tried it like that. I will definately try that soon. Thanks!
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That broccoli dish looks awesome, I can’t get enough of broccoli at the moment! I’ve never though of using carrot as sweetener, maybe because I dont really likes warm carrots… 😀
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Good for you to head out on a ride by yourself! The ride on Wednesday sounds like a great pace and worthy cause. Hope you are feeling better and sorry your feelings were hurt!
.-= Kalli´s last blog ..What a Ride! =-.
Great job completing your assignment Dad!! You are an excellent student.
I hope your other assignments make it onto the blog.
Joanne – Thanks for providing concrete evidence that Dad is practicing what I’m teaching him :). Way to help him stay accountable!!
What great recipes and ideas. can not wait to try them ALL!
I love using grated carrot to sweeten tomato sauce. Works like a charm! http://www.theskinnyondietitians.com