Meal Time - My Super-star Dinner Hack -

 My granddaughter, Sam, reached out this week asking for meal suggestions that are gluten and dairy free. Interestingly, I read her email as I was preparing this meal, my weekly quick healthy go-to that hits her requirements as well as being vegetarian if desired. 

I like to call these Power Bowls, yet in the 70s, 80s, and perhaps even today some may call them casseroles, and by adding liquid, they could be soup, and by placing on a bed of a variety of lettuces, a salad! 

So here's how I make these Power Bowls in less than 30 minutes, and it's easy to cook extra for leftovers: 

1. Rice, quinoa, or pasta - cooked. 

I use the microwaveable bags of rice (any type will do) or I even cook an entire bag of rice, rice blend, quinoa, then put it in sandwich-size ziplock bags and freeze, microwaving them when I need them.

I rarely use pasta, but I do use coucous or orzo on occasion.

2. Vegetables - stir-fried. 

The veggies I use depend on what's in my refrigerator and what is appealing to my taste at the time. Some combos are: zucchini, green pepper, onion; green onion or leek, broccoli, cauliflower; cabbage, onion, mushrooms, asparagus, diced carrots, diced sweet potatoes, diced squash, or whatever else you'd like to add; I oftten add spinach just before I serve the meal. I dice these into small bite-sized pieces, and saute them with some olive oil and an occasional spritz of sesame seed oil if I want an Asian or Thai flavor. You can also buy already diced veggies at TJ's and half the work is done (they are typically seasoned with fresh herbs). 

3. Seasonings

I like to decide if this is going to be French, Italian, Mexican, or all-American, and add seasonings to fit the desired taste; I always add garlic or garlic salt, (often add some chicken bouillon to the rice). I add these to the veggies as I stir-fry or saute them. 

4. Meat 

I'm not an avid meat eater, and yet I will add: diced apple/turkey or Italian sausages from Trader Joes,  small ready-cooked packages of chicken from Costco, shredded or diced chicken from a previous meal, or small diced pieces of ham, you could likewise add a ground meat. I put this in its own bowl for serving at the table. 

5. Decorations! 

I like to top the bowls with Trader Joe's Curry, a Teriyaki or Soyaki sauce, fresh Pico or canned salsa, again, depending on the flavor I'm after, and used at the table (although Scott swears by Chik-fil-a sauce). 

Pumpkin seeds, peanuts, diced fresh tomatoes, cilantro, basil, parsley, finely shredded cabbage (raw), cheese, crushed corn chips, all add texture and a distinct flavor to the dish. 

Here's what the final bowls look like - 

Ronda's with Yellow Curry

Scott's with Chik-fil-a sauce

Power in a bowl - low in fat, high in protein, healthy carbs, filling, with lots of textures and flavors. Enjoy! 

World Cancer Day -

Every once in awhile (well, daily), it's good to remember, and to count blessings. 

2025 Mantra -

Christmas Day 2024 was perhaps the best Christmas I have had in years. No rush to go anywhere, see anyone, "take it all in for tomorrow we go back to work" mentality, just time to relish the day - the simple gifts, simple food, good music, great company. 

And then 12/26 came, and I was blasted tired, all day, and alone (while Scott was doing his daily routine). I slept, read, put things away, and thought, "What next?" My thoughts ran this way - "Well, I've done everything I've ever wanted to do, seen what I've wanted to see, watched our children grow into incredible adults with their own children, had amazing careers, two good marriages, and now, well, I'm good." As I went to sleep that night, I was a little down, wondering what the rest of my life is supposed to be, what do I want for 2025 and beyond? 

And then I reminded myself that I was very tired, and that I needed to sleep before pulling myself into a "woah is me" spiral. 

While the thought was still with me 12/27-31, I was more awake, which also means I realized just how tired I really am. 

In fact, fatigue is probably a better word, having not quite felt this much emotional fatigue since September, 2003, while going through my divorce. So damn tired that sleeping for a month or two would probably be a great idea. Not depressed, just exhausted from so much life. 

Which then got me thinking about New Year's Resolutions, Mantras, Goals, Words to Live By; I've had my share, and every single year I come up with something that will motivate me throughout the year. 

You can find one every January for the past twelve years on this blog. Whew! 

As I've reviewed them, the thoughts that get me again and again are desire/resolve to Be Still, Let It Be, and Take A Breath. 

So here I am, really ready to do absolutely nothing - 2025 - breathe, chill, let it go, and this new thought: 

"Maybe the happy ending is that you fall in love with your life - eat your favorite foods, admire sunrises and sunsets, pick up the book you want to read (and read it), dance to your favorite tunes, bring your mind back to the blessings you have." 

I keep thinking back on my journeys and awakenings and reflections and meditations and pauses these past two and a half years - and these messages - No More, Be, You Have It All, All is Well, Beckon, Soak, Stillness, Be Nice to the Animals, Water, all have the same theme - stop and be present. My snorkeling experience in November pulled all of these together as I spent time with my head in the water, my eyes wide open, floating, along the animals, with nothing else to do - be present. 

So with the help of a little magic, a little therapy, some time in the water, time away from my new day-to-day world and the remnants of the past, some time on my deck, walking with friends and animals, time alone, time together, and a woman in front of my at a line at the Wiamea Farmer's Market, my fatigue, sorrow, reflection, desires showed up in these three words: 

Grace, Love, Awe. 

Shorthand for the women I love, Blue for the blue-eyed people I love, Flowing like the water I love. Happy New Year - may you find something, someone, some words to guide you.