Finding our way in the kitchen #SOL19

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Two Writing Teachers

My oldest daughter, Lindsey, has become quite the foodie over the years.  She's a power user of Yelp when we travel, finding new and interesting restaurants, including farm-to-table eateries.  My husband can be quite the chef when he's not exhausted from his work travels or uninspired by what's in the fridge.  He would really rather eat out than cook.

Recently, Lindsey has been accompanying me to the grocery store each week.  She's taken an interest in cooking like never before.  Before we can go to the store, we take a look at what's missing from our pantry and fridge, then I'm encouraged to make a plan for our weekly meals.  She provides a little feedback if there's something she wants to make.  Then I make a list (by category) and only then do we head to the store.

I have to say, I've made some tasty dishes lately, even though I'm the one who despises cooking.

I'm no longer grabbing random meat and veggies at the store, hoping to throw something together each weekday.  I've shunned throwing beef and mushroom soup in the crock pot to make a pretty awful pot roast.

I won't say I'm a budding chef, but the more I practice, the better the food is tasting.  I do appreciate Lindsey's help with the groceries (especially when there is no bagger and she jumps in to help) and her company in the store and the kitchen.

Here's a recipe that Lindsey found for Skinny Chicken Enchiladas.  I simmered the enchilada contents in the crockpot all day and WOW these were delish.  Enjoy!

Pinch of Yum: Skinny Chicken Enchiladas

One Little Word 2019 #SOL19

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Two Writing Teachers

Today I did a little inventory on my One Little Words that I have chosen over the years:

finish - listen - thrive - hope - spark - peace.

When I first started picking an OLW in 2011, I picked words that would encourage me to improve. (I have a hard time finishing projects; I tend to talk more than listen). Then I went through a job change and watched my daughters graduate high school and make life decisions (thrive was really survive; hope was for a new job). Spark represented all the new ideas I brought to my new school, and peace was my big goal for myself and the world.

Today I see myself as someone who juggles flaws and fabulous ideas. Someone who can spark a smile in someone who isn't feeling great. Someone who is trying to figure out how to parent young adults (so different!) while getting back to hobbies and habits I had before my husband and I became parents.

After many visits to an online thesaurus, I have decided my word of 2019 is ....

cultivate

(v) to plant, to educate, to encourage

My goals for 2019 include:

• read lots of books to cultivate my knowledge of current kid lit
• help my students find books they can & will read and cultivate their love of reading
• encourage my colleagues to refine their craft by cultivating positive relationships and learning alongside them
• cultivate new hobbies (lettering, bullet journaling) and revisit former hobbies (playing violin, knitting)
• Figure out how to cultivate an interest in exercising and continue to eat well

Sounds easy enough, right?  Happy New Year!