Brass Tacks...

Time to get back to brass tacks.  I have strayed from my daily training.  I lost my way.  It is easy to slip and  fall into a Lazy Boy recliner or make a lame excuse for why you didn't get in your training miles.  The time for excuses is gone... I have 32 days till my Journey in Arizona begins with my sister by my side.  So, back to getting the miles in, one at a time.  I started going back to the gym to supplement the daily miles that I am currently walking.  The last few days I have been frustrated with the current news coming in about two women that I know that are fighting with every fiber of their being.  They don't take a break or take a day off to veg. on the couch or call it in or come up with a lame excuse.  So, neither will I... They didn't have a choice to get breast cancer. I have a choice about getting out and doing something about it... This is for Taylor, Bridget and everyone else that is Fighting, has Faught & for those who gave their all while Fighting and unfortunately lost.  You are not forgotten, and I will continue to do all I can so that we can find a cure. XoXo  

Tides...

Upon waking up this morning I can tell you that the tides from yesterday have not calmed.  I found myself today going between knotted, churning, crashing waves.  To moments of calm, melodic, rhythmic moments. I keep thinking what can I do for Bridget, Taylor & Bernice~ (who is my mother in law's sister.)  I don't want to approach these Strong, Beautiful, Warriors with Sadness, Pity or Questions that they have been asked a million times over.  I want to make a difference in their lives as they have done for countless others.  Unfortunately, I am geographically challenged to be of much help to Taylor and Bridget.  I am still out there doing all I can to get out the awareness and raise money to help find a cure that these women, men and so many others need.  I am beyond frustrated.  I know that there are different kinds of cancer and everyone takes things differently. Hence, why there is not one cure all drug, at least not for cancer at this time.  I wish I could give all of my worldly wishes for them.  So they could wake up, as if from a horrible dream.  So they could get on with their lives that have been so rudely interrupted.  So they could have a life that is not filled with pain and so many medications.  I used to pray to God to help me with little things, that seem so very insignificant right now.  Now, I pray for healing of these woman and all that are effected.  To give them Peace, in the Midst of Chaos.  To feel Love and Security when things seem to be spinning out of control.  And to know that they are not alone in their struggles.  Tonight as I still struggle with all of this... I hope that you will take a moment to lift up our Warriors as they continue to Fight.  To hold on to the Precious Memories of those who so Valiantly have Fought.  And for those who have Battled and who are our Survivors, wrap your arms around them.  Tell them how much they mean to you & how you cherish every moment that you have been given with them...  XoXo

If your just tuning in...

Yesterday, I spent 14 hours working with Chris & Courtney and their team at Bridge Street Pizza.  We had a very successful first ever "Slice of Hope" event.  It was wonderful to see everyone come out and have a great evening.  I managed to get a little "Pink" standing outside all day selling 50/50 tickets, Alpha-Pink-Omega T-shirts, Angel of Grace Bracelets,  & Dog Tags made by Moser's Custom.  Monday I will have the total number for the event.  Today, I got wonderful news from my PINK Family.   Tammy, who is Judy's daughter is expecting their first child in April. Congrats to the whole family as a new child is such a wonderful blessing.  Then I got the crushing news.  Bridget, who I have written about before.  Her battle has become dire.  I will let you read her words as they are far more eloquent than I could ever try to write.  Bridget's Story in her own words...  After reading her words, I came to realize why there are so many shades of PINK... There are some for when you are Happy, there are others that are reserved for when you are Sad & yet others for when you are Angry... I am a sea of emotions right now.  On the surface, I am gentile waves, that are caressing the beach as they keep their rhythmic motion.  Underneath, I am a churning.  Undertows, and currents that are holding so much power as they twist & swirl.  I pray, I have been praying harder & longer than I have in years.  Taylor is another woman who I have written about who is fighting, her cancer is aggressive as well.  Taylor's Story These two beautiful, amazing women are in their 20's.  I struggle every day to try to make a difference.  I started this journey, when I started I never knew that it would would have the effect on me that it has. Tonight I hit my knees and Pray...

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~ Mexican 5~ Layer Dip

Mexican 5-Layer Dip

Finally! A guilt-free 5-layer party dip! Have a fiesta with fresh flavors that won’t make you hesitate to dip your chip again and again.  I like adding Roma Tomatoes instead of just regular tomatoes.  Also, if you can find Vadalia Onions, if they are in season, I like them better as they are sweeter and not as strong.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 1 small white onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 to 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• 3/4 packed cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, divided
• Juice of 2 limes, divided
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus additional to taste, divided
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
• 6 oz reduced-fat cheddar cheese, grated (about 1½ cups)
• 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat sour cream

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Rinse beans in a colander and pick through, discarding any debris or small stones. Place in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover beans. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and let beans rest for 1 hour. Drain beans in a colander and rinse. Wash saucepan, return beans to saucepan and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low to maintain a steady simmer. Cover and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are very tender. Reserve about 2/3 cup cooking liquid, drain beans and set aside to cool. (Or, cover and refrigerate beans in their cooking liquid for up to 4 days. Reserve 2/3 cup liquid and drain before proceeding with recipe.)
2. In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeños and about two-thirds of cilantro. Squeeze juice of 1 lime over tomato mixture and season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, remaining cilantro and remaining juice of 1 lime. Purée until slightly chunky. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Set aside.
4. Place beans and 1/3 cup reserved cooking liquid in a food processor (or use a powerful blender or mash by hand with a potato masher). Process until you have a slightly chunky purée, adding additional cooking liquid, 1 tbsp at a time, as needed to reach desired consistency. Add 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper. Pulse several times to combine. Transfer beans to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish or large glass bowl and spread into an even layer.
5. Sprinkle cheese evenly over beans. Dollop scoops of avocado mixture over cheese and use a spatula to spread into a thin layer. Dollop scoops of sour cream over avocado and spread into a thin layer. With a slotted spoon (to drain any liquid), spread tomato mixture evenly over sour cream. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 4 hours.

Nutrients Per 1/4-Cup Serving: Calories  86, Total Fat 4.5 g, Sat. Fat 1.5 g, Carbs 8 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugars 1.5 g, Protein 4 g, Sodium 87 mg, Cholesterol 8 mg

By Julie O'Hara | Photo: Michael Waring Posted on February 11, 2011 Clean Eating

Slice of Hope...

Tomorrow we will be kicking off "Slice of Hope".  It will be going on at what used to be known as Ashtabula Harbor's Bridge Street Pizza Shop.  Not long ago it was bought out by Bruno Brothers and re~ designed.  So, if you have come to love their pizza and other amazing creations as we have, you are in for a treat!  Courtney has been baking away getting lots of wonderful, tempting treats ready for tomorrow's event.  We will be there from 11am till 10pm.  If you are local and can join us please do!  It will be a great time & supporting a wonderful cause.  10% of all the sales will go directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  If you can't make it but would still like to donate you can follow this link & make a donation.  Susan G. Komen Donation Hope to see you there!