365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 67

I am grateful I got to swim tonight. I had the whole pool to myself and didn't miss a beat even though I hadn't been for any long swims for at least two weeks ........I even started to breathe bi-laterally :):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 47

I am grateful that on this News Years Day 2014 I incorporated two of the lessons from the Los Angeles Environmental Learning Center (ELC).
I filled the sink up with the the soapy water to do the dishes and I brought my reusable shopping bags to the grocery store to buy my green drink ingredients;););)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 41

I am grateful for a terrific Christmas. 

This year was remarkable in that we did zero gift giving ….that is correct, 0.  It was spectacular!

I love gifts just as much as the next person, however, one day a year when you are trying to find things for everyone you love is overwhelming at best.

This year Christmas was so close to T Day that it truly did sneak up on us.  We all proactively made a choice for our gifts to be no gifts.

This was so incredibly liberating………….the day was about the day, the experience and enjoying each other’s company.  There was no frantically running around, late night wrapping, pre formed expectations, wondering if you bought the right thing, did you buy enough……….none of that.

We woke up early and watched the sunrise while sipping coffee, listened to the stillness and calm of the morning.

After making our yummy green drink in the Vitamix, we went for a bike ride to the top of Friendship Park where we took in the incredible views of the city, harbor and all the way down to Orange County.

We then decided we would pack up our swim stuff and the dog and head to Belmont Shores for a swim.  We donned our wetsuits and jumped in……….OMG was it cold. Our faces and heads were freezing at first but we adjusted after the first ten minutes or so ----- I do have to say, the best part was probably getting back out J Note to self, get myself one of those neoprene hoodies for winter swimming. 

My husband then went for a long run and I took the dog out for a stroll in Belmont – it was about 75 degrees and terrific. 

Afterwards we all went and got lunch at a wonderful Mediterranean Restaurant called BouBouffe  ,  eat and relaxed.

Stopped at the store to get dinner makings, came home, made some dinner (wasn’t one of my finest unfortunately) we wished all of our friends and family a  Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and called it a day.

All in all, perfect :):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 35

I am grateful I had green scallions (substitute for onions) so I could make my pea soup :):);)

Pea Soup

1 lb dry spilt peas green (rinse in water)
3 carrots chopped
1 cup celery chopped
1 small onion chopped (can substitute scallions :))
2 cloves garlic chopped
1 tsp oregano
salt and pepper to taste
6/7 cups of water

Saute carrots, celery, onion and garlic for 5 minutes
Add rinsed split peas and 6/7 cups of water
Bring to boil
Simmer for 45 minutes
Eat and Enjoy!!!!!!
So Yummy, tasty and easy :):);)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 33

I am grateful for a claean bill of health from the dermatologist :):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 32

I am grateful for the pungent aroma of arugula ;););)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 29

I am grateful I get to run:):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 28

I am grateful for a good nights sleep ;););)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 27

I am grateful for broccoli soup :):):)

Sauté in pot:

2 large leeks sliced (light green part) till soft

Add

1 chopped garlic clove
2 diced golden potatoes
2 12 oz bags of broccoli florets (roughly 6 cups)

Sauté for about 4 minutes while stirring

Add 6/7 cups of water

Being to boil then simmer for 30-40 minutes (stir every ten minutes)

Add salt and pepper to taste

You can eat as is or emulsify with a hand blender (Cuisinart makes a great one)

Yum!

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 24

I am grateful we were able to sponsor a booth and runners at "Quench the Fire" an awareness run for chronic pain! It is a great cause, was a terrific event, lots of fun and we had great team support :):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 22

I am grateful when I get to recharge my batteries :):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 21

I am grateful that I have been able to breathe deeply for the last 2 days :). Not sure if it is allergies or what, however, for the last couple months deep breathes were not in the cards. It feels so great to be able to take a full deep breath, hold it and release fully;););)

Yummy Mushroom Burritos:

Sauté crimini and button mushrooms in a little black truffle oil
Heat up some organic black beans
Warm some whole wheat tortillas on the stovetop

On whole wheat tortilla add

Mushrooms
Blackbeans
Avocado slices
Spinach
Sliced green onion

Fold and Eat --- easy, inexpensive, yummy and healthy !!!

(All ingredients can be found @ Trader Joes)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 20

I am very grateful I got to work with 2 chronic pain patients yesterday that reminded me of how much Spinal Cord Stimulation can change someone's life for the better.  These patients were beaming!
Both patients from different physicians pracites sharing their story of how bad off they were when they started and how far they have come. These pts had smiles from ear to eat, they are engaging in life and off their pain meds):):):).
I have always known the benefit and that is why I have worked with the therapy so long, however, it is so wonderful  to continually be reaffirmed from the patients themselves and their families :):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 12

I am grateful that our friends and family are all safe, healthy and gathering for T-Day:):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 8

I am grateful for the rain :):);) The rain is amazing with its healing properties, soothing sounds and ability to wash away the soot and leave us with beautiful skies, snow covered mountains and crisp views of the city and ocean :):);)

Don't forget to vote below on what you are grateful for:

"Stunning views from the Central Coast "

365 days of Gratitude Rollover day 7

I am grateful I got to come home to a warm house, a warm bed, my husband and dog and we all cuddled up and watched movies together :):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 5

Today I am grateful I mustered the energy to go running last night, I have been learning a ton of new skills at my leadership class and I can hear the ducks quacking outside of my room :):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 4

Good Moring;)

I am grateful I was able to change from my noisy room and got moved to one on the fourth floor. I woke up to a beautiful silhouette of palm trees with a burst of the sunrise through the clouds behind them.

Quick appetizer or side dish:

Sauté oyster mushrooms (or better yet a combo of oyster and crimini) in a tablespoon of back truffle oil (finally found some at Trader Joes) with a bit of salt and pepper.

Sauté for about 5 minutes and voila ;););)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 3

Hello:). Today I am grateful all the scheduling worked out, everyone was seen on time, met some nice people, I found my misplaced items and I got to the airport with time to spare :):):)

365 Days of Gratitude Rollover day 2

Today I am grateful that I accomplished so much yesterday :):):) I am grateful for the yummy soup recipes that I got from my mother-in-law that I made for dinner last night.  I am going to share it all with you so you too can enjoy.
Anyone have any gratitudes they want to share?

Mama Sue “Lentil Soup and Pea Soup”  Fast/Easy and Super Healthy and Tasty

Lentil:

2-3 carrots diced

1 Cup celery chopped

½ Cup green pepper diced

1 small onion chopped

Garlic, black pepper and oregano

Sauté all ingredients in 2 TBLS olive oil

add 8 oz tomato sauce

6 Cups water

1 lbs of washed lentils

Bring to boil ad lower to Med heat for 30 minutes

Add 1 large or 2 small diced potatoes

Cook for additional 30 minutes

Add salt, pepper ad some chili powder

Stir pot every 15 minutes

Eat and Enjoy – YUMMMMMMMM JJJ

Pea Soup:

Same as lentil except:

Use split peas

Omit tomato sauce, green pepper and chili powder

Note, with pea soup you may need an additional 15 minutes of cooking

Enjoy!!!!!!!