Small Successes

Success is a funny thing. Sometimes it's measured in big purchases (cars, houses), life events (marraige, kids)....and sometimes it's stuggling through a single day that's so difficult you don't think you're going to make it through. Yet somehow, you wake up the next morning and another day has arrived. Those are always my greatest successes of all..

Song of the Day

Hey world
what you say?
Should i stick around for another day or two?
Don't give up on me,
I won't give up on you...
Just believe in me,
Like i believe in you...

~"Hey World" - Michael Franti ~

Looking Back

I was just looking back at my post about remaining positive and my goals for the next few months. Guess what? One of them was "take a cooking class".

CHECK!

I'm so happy that I accomplished something on my list. Moreso than that, it reminded me what a wide world of culinary arts there is to discover. Go me :)

Buddha Leant Me His Hand

I was wandering around Central Market (because that never happens on a rainy Sunday..) when I decided to stock up on some produce. I was immediately drawn to the strangest looking fruit I'd ever seen in the citrus section..

Apparently, this little guy is a Buddha's Hand (which made me want to buy it even more). I winced when I saw it cost me $3.60 for the smallest one I could find, but it was worth investigating. A little bit of research revealed that it is technically a "finger citron". It's primary use is to be candied for pastries and candies. I was like "No wonder this made it into my shopping cart!".

So, in addition to all the tasty treats I'm planning for Matt's birthday tomorrow, candied buddha's hand just made it onto the list. Haha!

I Heart Chocolate!

Truffle Trial #1 after my class last week was a complete (albeit messy) success!

The tempered chocolate mess after filling the molds

Top part of the truffle poured into the mold and dried

I missed taking a picture after piping the whipped coffee truffle centers into the mold and capping them with some more tempered chocolate, but here is the finished product

Yum!

The Best Things in Life...Aren't Things..

Work has been very stressful the last few weeks, as a doctor recently left the practice and we as management staff have to cut hours to prevent having to lay people off. That being said, Matt has worked diligently during the times when I'm not at work to make me feel extra special. All the work we've been putting into our guitar kits (today I'll hopefully get my last coat of paint on and several layers of clear lacquer) and finding some cooking classes to encourage my epicurious side. I was really bummed that my 8 week course was canceled, but I did make it to the truffle class. Matt asked me all about it when I got home that evening and listened intently. We spent the next two nights enjoying all the delectable creations as I discussed the various techniques we had used.

When I tripped over the chair in the living room, Matt was the first to suggest I keep a close eye on my foot in case I really hurt myself. When my little toe swelled up like a grape and turned purple, he demanded I go to the doctor. Good thing, since I had broken it and would still be slowing the healing process walking all over it and wearing tight-fitting shoes. He has since followed me around, reminding me to stay off the foot as much as possible and wear my silly shoe to keep my toe well-supported.

My time, however, was Saturday night. Matt and I were watching Food Network and discussing our day. We got on the topic of our trip to Hotel Monaco a few years ago as a Christmas present to one another. That lead us into a discussion that spanned numberless wonderful memories we've collected together over the last 4 years. Our first drink together at Canyons, our first date at Baccus (which has since closed), and our dreams for the future. After all the "things" have broken or been given away, the only thing left is what matters most, a big mental book of happy memories. :)

Another Year Older

Where did that year just go? I was in Hawai'i this time last year.

When I turned 25, I felt like "What am I doing with my life?" and "Is this all I have to show for all this time?".

Tomorrow means another year has passed, and I feel somehow calmer and at peace with where I am. I know my current job is the same for me as it is for most others there: a stepping stone on the walkway to finding what I was ultimately meant to do. I also know that try as I might, I can't force Matt's injury to magically get better. It has been nice to find things we can enjoy in the evenings and the Drive-In was great for summer date nights.

Then there were all the hurdles last year brought: my dad's mom passed away, Rocky got diagnosed with hip dysplasia, Widget had a urinary blockage, Matt received the final "there's nothing more I can do for you.." from his current specialist.

But all that seems less painful in comparison to all the good things that happened: moving to a nicer, newer apartment, Widget becoming a part of our family, Matt rediscovering his passion for playing his guitars and getting a sound board so he can finally record his music, and me rediscovering my lifelong passion for cooking.

Matt works tirelessly every year to find something I'll appreciate for my birthday. Every year, I try to dissuade him, and every year, he tells me it's not up to me. I've never been disappointed, and each year has a new and different sentimental value to me. This year came with a surprising combination of things. First was a nod to the past (his and mine together). On my 22nd birthday (the first year we were together) Matt took me to Guitar Center and helped me pick out an acoustic guitar. We found me a simple Ovation Electric Acoustic so I could hear it when I was playing it unplugged but also had the option to practice with the amplifier. I love the guitar, but had fallen out of practice in the last year and a half. Matt has been great about re-starting our weekly lessons and harassing me until I practice like I'm supposed to. Anyway, this year he bought me a Stratocaster guitar kit. The box comes with a pre-cut neck and body and all the necessary electrical equipment. I now have a project to keep me occupied on my birthday and a reminder of my past.

On the other end of the spectrum, Matt also set aside some money and asked me to find some cooking classes at a local school. He knows that I've always loved to cook and keeps telling me that I should explore that passion more. I decided to take two classes, one on chocolate truffles that's just a one time thing, and a separate set of 8 classes on "home cooking essentials" at a local technical college who offers programs in culinary arts. I'm excited to have something (besides work) that I can look forward to making a part of my schedule each week. And who knows, it might really be something worth trying for a career in.

I love the idea of past a future coming together like that. :)

Here's to another year of trials, tribulations, laughter, love, and hope.