"Resolutions"

Instead of making a New Years Resolution, I am going to challenge you to pick 3 words that you would like to embody...  I am doing this on my Facebook page ( if you want to find me to join in you can find me under Malinda Humes ) & having people post their words with a picture of themself... So far, it is really cool to see everyone that has done it...  don't believe in Resolutions, because most people only make them to break them.  I believe in making life changes.  Committing to make life better, easier or ( fill in the blank ).  To move life in a positive direction.  Everyone has to do what is right for them.  What may work for one, may not work for another. The longer I live, the more I have come to realise that you can't be someone else.  You may wish, want or even try to reproduce that person's life, but why?  You are wonderfully, spectaturally, naturally you.  Live your life, not someone else's.  You have to be comfortable in your own skin, with your thoughts and feelings.  You need to be proud of that fact.  So many of us are willing to be so accepting of others, but not ourselves... Why?  I know that I am no exception.  I am my harshest critic, to the point of being brutal.  I used not to be able to take a compliment, I am better at it, but I still have times that I catch myself.  We all have things that we want to be better.  So pick one or two things and make that positive change in your life.  No one will magically do it for you, and if you don't do it.  Wishing, wanting & waiting won't bring about the change.  Oh, one other thing.  You are never too Old or Young to get what you want!  Don't be swayed by a "No" or by not getting the responce you want or are looking for.  Consider it a hurdle or a wall.  It just is there to challenge you.  To make you stronger, more determined and to make you periodically take a look at your goal.  Is it still what you want?  Or do you need to tweak your goal?  Do not let anyone chose your destination, happiness or success.  We each are a unique gift.  For that gift to be properly appriciated, we have to first see the value of it first.  My wish for each and every one of you in 2012 is to see your own value and to cherish your worth.  We all have an area of opportunity to work on, but are we willing to make the sacrifice to achieve it?

 

30 Things to let go of... So, you can be all that you were meant to be... 

P.S.  Thank you for coming to my blog & reading my posts.  It has been an Amazing Year & I am Blessed & Better, for having each one of you in my Life...

Thank you Lisa for making the 2012 picture for the Blog~ Love it, Love you...    

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Salmon with Warm Tomato-Olive Salad

I decided for the last recipe selection for the year I would go with something to make your taste-buds cheer!  I hope that you have enjoyed the Fantastic Foodie Fridays of 2011.  

I wish you & yours a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous New Year!  

XoXo

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• 4 6-ounce salmon fillets (about 1 1/4 inches thick)
• 1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives
• 2 medium beefsteak tomatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup sliced celery (inner stalks with leaves)
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh mint

Directions

Preheat the broiler. Line a broiler pan with foil and lightly brush with olive oil. Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon vinegar, the honey, red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Put the salmon, skin-side down, on the prepared pan and brush the tops and sides with the honey glaze. Broil until golden brown and just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the garlic on a cutting board and sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt, then mash into a paste with the flat side of a large knife. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon vinegar, the olives and garlic paste in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until bubbling, about 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the tomatoes, celery and mint. Season with salt and toss to combine. Serve with the salmon.

Per serving: Calories 433; Fat 26 g (Saturated 4 g); Cholesterol 97 mg; Sodium 982 mg; Carbohydrate 10 g; Fiber 1 g; Protein 38 g

Photograph by Antonis Achilleos

I would like to think...

I can honestly say that I don't understand everything that happens.  Sometimes it takes time and distance away from a situation to give you clarity and new perspective.  Time to let the raw emotions settle and to let the new- ness of a situation fade.  Other times, no matter how much time and distance you put between yourself and the situation, it never seems to make it any easier.  You are most likely trying to figure out what sparked this blog tonight.  Over the last 24 hours I have been enlightened by events that have taken place.  Neither situation am I directly involved in, but both I find that I am the recipient of the ripple effect.  So, when I found my picture tonight it fit.  Almost too perfectly.  When I write my blog entries, they are about what comes to me at that moment.  Unless I have spoken to someone ahead of time and they know that I am using them in the blog, and they have consented.  I just pick random thoughts or use a headline that"speak" to me.  I hope that with my entries you can find something useful, humorous, enlightening or even something new to try.  I want this to be a blog that people enjoy.  Yes, I talk a lot about the 3-Day and cancer related topics.  The reason behind this blog coming to life was because I was chosen to be an on line ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, but I want it to be something that everyone can feel like they can take something away from, hence, the Fantastic Foodie Fridays.  I may not always have the most inspiring entries, but they always come from the heart and I hope as you read thru the different entries you can feel that.  Sometimes, you just have to keep smiling even though your heart is breaking.  Put on a brave face and hold your head up high knowing that you have done all you can do to make a difference in a positive way.  Some people will be receptive to all of your efforts and others it will fall def on.  We can't change how someone will react to something.  All we can do is keep showing people by our actions that we are who we say we are, and we mean what we say.  If you love someone, keep loving them.  Even during the times that are the most difficult and even if they try to shut you out.  If you truly love someone...Eventually, in time even if you never find out, they will come to realize that you loved them.  As much as people want to debate it, I believe with my whole heart that everything happens for a reason.  We may not know at the time, why or to what purpose it serves, but eventually we find out.  Sometimes it is to teach a lesson, sometimes it's to learn the meaning of that lesson and other times it leads us to find the lesson.  I believe that one day we all will have the opportunity to see the story of our life and how it unfolded.  Lingering questions will be answered and everything will make sense.  So, tonight as I lay my head down I will pray.  That those people that I love, even though we are separated by distance, know that the connection we have by heart will never be severed... One day, all of our questions will be answered... Until then, have Faith... Even if it is the size of a mustard seed...

XoXo

Reflecting...

As we get closer to the end of the year, I am sure that I am not alone in looking back at what the year was like.  This year has been no exception.  I have had some amazing highs and some devastating lows, but with each one I learned something new.  Not just about the situation, but about my self and how I am evolving.  This year I started writing in this blog, pretty much every day.  Let me tell you, it is a challenge.  I try to make it something that you can hopefully come, learn, share and even take something away from.  I know that in the beginning I had no idea what I was doing.  Then somewhere along the way I learned how to change the page settings, then how to put in pictures, manipulate the fonts and so on & so forth.  It in some ways has made me break out of my shell.  To challenge what I have been told and to over come my fears.  I had made a goal for myself this year to try to find the positive in things.  This is also not an easy task to adhere to.  It is far easier to let my little Marine come out.   I found that many times people are just reacting to your attitude as sometimes we are to theirs.  Case in point.  You wake up in the morning and smile at a stranger, 9 times out of 10 they will reciprocate with a smile, nod or a pleasantry.  You try this scenario again.  This time be a nasty grump.  Most likely what you send out will come right back to you.  Sometimes thru no fault of your own, people are just going to be how ever they are, regardless of your award winning smile or positive attitude.  Then that is on them.  This year I have had to learn a painful lesson.  Sometimes you need to walk away from a friendship.  I have always  been the one in the past that has hung in there thru thick & thin.  Usually, being the one that people end up leaving for one reason or another.  This year, for my own well being and my families, I had to make a difficult decision & stick to it.  Many times I have wanted to pick up the phone, but I don't.  I have to think of my children.  When you are younger you don't mind ( as much ) your life being drama filled.  It almost seems like a rite of passage.  As you get older, it becomes not only physically wearing but emotionally.  I would rather take that time, effort & energy and spend it on our children.   This year I have really come in to my own.  I have defined myself more than I think I ever have before, and it's a culmination of everything I have done to this point in my life.   So, as I prepare to greet 2012.  I do so with great excitement and anticipation.  I am looking forward to all of the adventures and challenges that await me.

XoXo

Lessons to Learn...

As the year comes to a close I have loose ends that I am trying to tie up.  At the same time I am looking forward to a New Year an the limitless possibilities that are out there waiting to be discovered.  I know that if you have followed this blog for any amount of time, you know that my passion is the 3-Day walks.  I eventually would like to walk in all 14 Cities in one years time.  With that desire, it will take a lot of help and donations.  I am up for the challenge, I just have to ask & keep moving forward.  Tonight I am going to ask you.  If you want to make a charitable donation before the end of the year & you want to make it go forward two fold, please think about donating towards my walks for next year.  One, it will help in the fight against breast cancer, and two, it will help me bring about awareness as I walk in different cities and meet new people.  I think you know that I am not afraid to put my self out there and talk to people.  So, if you want to make a donation, or you know someone that would be willing to... Please send them to this link, it is a secure site and it goes directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, into my "Account".  I have already signed up for two events ( Boston and Cleveland ) and I have two more that I would like to do (Washington DC and Tampa ).  With your help you can make that dream a reality.  Together, we can help find a Cure.  As you can see from this blog, I have poured my Heart and Soul into this & I will continue to do so, until their is no longer a need for me to.  Thank you for taking the time to read my blog entries and for your feedback.  This year has had it's challenges, that I have had to overcome.  It has brought about changes, in my life that has made me grow.  Most importantly it has brought some new friends into my life that I am, and will be forever grateful for...  

XoXo

UnWrapped!

All the presents opened, the wrapping scattered all over like a hurricane attacked our front room.  Bows hanging off of the couch or where ever they haphazardly landed in the tornado of ripping & shredding all preformed by our two little angels...  The look of shock and delight as they found out what Santa had left for them.  Then we were off to spend time with family and friends.  Today became the day to get things back in order.  I spent time cleaning and getting the laundry done then it was time to experiment with the new toys and have fun just playing.  It was like being a kid again seeing things thru our children's eyes.  Snapshots of moments and memories that will never be forgotten...  Blessings... I count them each and every single one of them...
                                                      XoXo 

Merry Christmas~ 2011

Today as you woke up, ( or as you were woken up ) by kids jumping up & down excited that Santa had arrived.  The feverish excitement of getting to open up all of the presents that are in the stocking and under the tree.  To see their eyes glistening, while their faces light up with excitement as they unwrap each present.  Priceless... Today we were blessed to have had time to spend as a family with those that we love & those that we had never met before.  We counted our blessings as we remembered those that couldn't be with us, and our friends that are struggling with their health issues.  My heart especially is going out to my friends that have lost loved ones this year and some, their children.  No words can I say that will ease the pain, or hole that has been left by their passing, but I hope that you can find comfort with this poem that I found.  You are not alone and know that you are being held in thoughts & prayers.  Tonight,  I am wishing you all a Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday Season.  XoXo
This poem was written by a 13 year old boy who died of a brain tumor that he had battled for four years. He died on December 14, 1997. He gave this to his mom before he died. His name was Ben.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless
Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
was always most important
the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other,
my Father said to do.
I can't count the blessing or love
has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and
Wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year

Random Acts~ Part Twelve...

As tonight is Christmas Eve and the end of my 12 days of Random acts I wanted to do something really special.  As most of you know I was in the Marines.  I am Red, White & Blue thru & thru but I bleed Pink... I had a few "irons" in the fire to get something done tonight, but it didn't pan out for one reason or another so I set my sites on doing something else.  Tomorrow as we make our way to a friends house we are going to swing by and pay a visit to a Veterans Hospital.  I have spent the greater part of the day going through ( mostly my clothes ).  I managed to clean out 5 garbage bags full of clothes, that I either no longer fit in because I lost weight, don't like the style any longer or just couldn't see me wearing it again.  I washed all of it and then folded it all up & sorted it by size into the bags.  I know that their are not many female Vets that are there but I am hoping that they can find something to use, & that they might like.  If not I have included a note asking that they just pay it forward to a non-profit venue.  I don't want it going to The Salvation Army or Goodwill as there are people out there that really need the help or items and don't have the money to go in & buy it.  Even at a reduced rate.  On the way home we are also, as a family going to stop into a retirement community and spend a little bit of time sharing with those that can't spend their Holiday with loved ones for one reason or another.  I want the boys to see that their are people out in the world that deserve help, but some are too proud to ask for help.  We all need help at sometime in our life.  There is no shame in asking for help, there is no reason to feel small because you accepted help.  We all need to help out our fellow Man, Woman or Child if they are in need and we are in a position to do so.  Sometimes it doesn't even cost us a dime.  Sometimes it is as easy as spending our time with them.  Share a Smile, a Warm Hug or even a Kind Word.  Every gift given doesn't have to be in a big box or wrapped with a perfect bow it just needs to be delivered with love.  My wish for each and everyone of you tonight, is that your gift is received in and with Love...
                                                                                     XoXo

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~

Santa’s Super Skinny Cocktails

  

Usually, I would stick to my healthy recipes, but with the holidays about us I am going to digress ( with your kind indulgence ) just a bit.  If you need to think of these two as "healthy" think of all of the calories you will be saving if you drink these instead of another alternative.  With all the parties, food and alcohol, it can be hard to keep your waistline in check without feeling like you’re missing out. But this year Christmas came early with these two cocktails. At only 150 calories each, you can enjoy the festive cheer without over~indulging. Cheers!

Seasonal Sangria

      

Ingredients

1/2 oz pomegranate liqueur

1/2 oz cognac

1/2 oz spiced rum

4 oz apple cider

2 oz shiraz – to float on top

Assorted fruits

Orange garnish

Directions

Mix the pomegranate liqueur, cognac, spiced rum and apple cider together. Pour the shiraz on top of the mixture, and add in your desired fruits and the orange garnish. Enjoy!

Merry Martini

Ingredients

1.5 oz vodka

1/2 oz ginger liqueur

1/2 can lychee juice

8 mint leaves

Lychee & mint leaves garnish

Directions

Mix the vodka, ginger liqueur, lychees and mint leaves together in a shaker. Add the garnish to desired taste. Enjoy!

Cocktails by Darryl Robinson aka DR Mixologist

Random Acts~ Part Eleven...

Today was spent trying to say Thank you to all of my donors that supported me this year with their generous donations.  I got through most of them, but some left work early.  I always try to do things face to face as I find that people really like the fact that you take the time to do it.  It's like taking that extra little step.  I can't do what I am doing without their support & I want them to know how truly grateful I am for their generosity & encouragement.  So far all of my donors have told me to come back next year as they can't wait to see what I will be up to next.  Some even want to talk about expanding their support, which in this economy is a wonderful blessing.  As I went store to store and spoke to the owners I got to see so many people last minute shopping.  You could literally feel their stress.  So, I would take a step back and wait for the owners to take care of their customers before I would talk to them or I would offer for the customer to go first as I knew that I would be talking to the owner for a bit.  It's fun to see the reactions of people when there is a line or something and you tell them to go ahead & go first.  The look of shock and bewilderment is great to see because they are just not expecting it.  Especially when they are so impatient to get what they want/need and get out and on to the next thing on their " To Do List".  While I was waiting at one place I had a customer that was just thrilled to see me pull out my Iphone 4S.  She started asking me how to do something and I showed her how to do it and she was just so happy!  When she got it she didn't learn all the in's & out's of it and was really quite grateful to have learned how to do it.  It is sometimes really eye opening to see what is important to one person, can mean absolutely nothing to another.   It is such a wonderful feeling to replace the negative stress with positive energy.  Tomorrow is Fantastic Foodie Friday!  So, I won't be posting what is going on tomorrow as far as the Random Acts go, but don't worry I will catch you up on Saturday!  I hope that as you go about your daily life you take time to notice the little things.  Sometimes just showing that you care means so much. Grand gestures are great, but little random ones seem to go so much farther... 

XoXo

Random Acts~ Part Ten...

Ok, let's be honest... How many times are you driving around running errands or what not. ( I see this especially during the Holidays ) and you are just plain annoyed or not in the best of moods?  Well, today it was raining for the fourth day in a row.  I decided to break the routine and convinced Chad & Tyler to take a trip with me.  After posting about Mulled Cider it got me thinking.  So, we packed up & trekked down the road to stock up on some of our basic spices for the winter and even got a few new ones to try at Penzeys Spices in Beachwood.  As we were driving down the road I noticed how generally unhappy and just plain stressed out people were looking as they were headed where ever they were going.  We are only a few days away from Christmas & people look so unhappy.  So... I had to make this little sign to "lighten" the mood... As Chad drove I whipped out my black sharpie, took the bottom out of my reusable shopping bag and made this sign.  Seriously, the reactions were "Priceless"... I gifted people a smile... May not be much, but one smile can generate another & so on & so on... Plus, people really do look better wearing a smile!
XoXo

Random Acts~ Part Nine...

Today I decided to give a gift that will live long past today, and may help more than one person in need.  I made an appointment to give blood.  I know that may not seem like a whole lot, but if you are ever in a serious accident, like my sister was earlier this year you would know that it literally can save a life.  I know that some people are scared to give their blood or just don't like to do it.  Some people never give blood because they were never asked.  So I am asking you now, if you are able to, please find a donation site and give the gift of your blood.  It will only take about an hour of your time & most places when you are done will give you a really cool sticker & snacks!  ( Lol, trying to be a little light hearted. )  If you are un-able to donate for whatever reason, donate your time.  Every bit helps.  You never know the power of the gift that you give until you see the end results.  I can tell you that without someone's most generous gift.  I might have been an only child this Christmas.  It is a bold and sobering statement all in one.  Here are two of the commercials that Red Cross has put out there lately that I think are worth the time to watch.  Wishing you & yours a most joyous Holiday Season... Holiday Gift Giving with Fred 2011 & 
The Perfect Gift 2010 
XoXo

Random Acts~ Part Eight...

Have you ever had a day when you just didn't have the time or maybe the patience to deal with anyone? That was me today... I am on day 3, of having a migraine & all I want to do is sleep in a nice quiet & dark place.  The pounding in my head is almost more than I can bare at this point, but I know that it will pass.  I just have to be patient... So, I had just finished my appointment at the dentist and I had to run a few quick errands before heading home.  I ran into Walmart which was packed, and started to collect up the things that I needed before I made a dash for the check out.  I happened to walk by the jewelry department where I saw an elderly gentleman who had a cane, trying desperately to get a pair of earrings down.  Try as he might he just couldn't reach them.  I went over and asked if I might be able to assist him with something.  We got talking and he told me that he was hunting for a few things but just was running out of energy and his hip was hurting him.  Apparently, all of the motorized chairs at the entrance were being used at the time.  So, I started to help him.  We ended up spending almost an hour together.  We got everything that he wanted to get, and then I got him to the check out counter.  He Thanked me, and then offered to talk to my Manger to tell them what a wonderful job I had done, & it was the best service that he had ever gotten ( especially at Walmart )... I had to laugh... I told him that I didn't work there, I was just helping him out.  He was genuinely shocked.  He couldn't understand why I took the time to help him out.  I told him that somewhere in his life he had helped someone out, "just because"I was returning the favor.  I thought he was going to cry right there.  He offered to pay me & I refused.  I told him that one day, I might be in a similar situation & I hope that someone will take the time to help me.  He got the biggest smile on his face.  He told me that the earrings were for "his girl".  Apparently they had just moved into a retirement community and she had given away all of her good jewelry so he wanted her to have something that sparkled for Christmas.  I told him that I was glad to help & hoped that she would enjoy them.  Simple acts of kindness... It took me an hour longer than I had planned on & I wasn't at 100%, but it was still good enough to help him with his needs.  He left with a smile & I left with a warm feeling knowing that I had made his day a little brighter...

XoXo

Random Acts~ Part Seven...

Today I spent the day inside watching the snow falling outside, and dealing with "after shock" headaches.  At times drifting in and out of sleep.  Trying to keep the random acts going, I made a few cakes today and a bunch of cookies that will be delivered tomorrow.  I also worked on getting my Thank you letters to all of my supporters and sponsors done.  It is amazing to think that this year is almost over.  I hope as you count down the final days leading up to the New Year you can look back and smile.  Enjoy the events, live in the moment, and don't forget to tell those that you love how much they mean to you.  

XoXo 

Random Acts~ Part Five & Six...

     

I am sad to report that I got derailed for the last two days.  I suffer from debilitating migraines and I got one that was epic.  So I guess the kindness that I have been trying to share with others, I had to give to myself.  I find it hard to be grounded, especially when I have something in mind that I am trying to do.  With migraines, or at least with mine, they are very unforgiving.  I have to pretty much stop whatever is going on and just be quiet.  I have spent the greater part of the last two days in bed, in the dark and begging for silence.  Tonight, I just wanted to let you know that even thought I have been down, I am not out...  

XoXo

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~Heart-Healthy Smoothie & Cocktail...

        Heart-Healthy Drinks
Seeing that we are doing many things from our heart this season. I thought that this Smoothie & Cocktail combination would be a wonderful addition to your recipe collection!  Clogged arteries can force your heart to work harder than it should, causing a multitude of health problems. Here are two drinks that are sure to keep your ticker in tip-top shape and your blood flowing smoothly.


Circulation Smoothie
Get your blood pumping with this easy smoothie recipe. It’s chockfull of ingredients with antioxidants that boost blood flow and can help to keep your arteries clear.

Ingredients:  

1/2 cup pomegranate juice

1/2 banana

5 strawberries

1/2 cup yogurt

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a blender, and blend until desired consistency is reached. Enjoy!

Heart Attack Prevention Cocktail

The cranberry juice in this cocktail is packed full of antioxidants, while the stevia will work to relax your blood vessels. Drink this cocktail in the morning.

Ingredients

1 part pure cranberry juice

1 part flaxseed oil

4 drops of liquid natural stevia

Directions

Take a shotglass. Fill half the glass with the cranberry juice and half with flaxseed oil. Top off with 1-4 drops of stevia in liquid form.