My wife and I have been reading this book, the Blue Zones, about where in the world various people live long, happy lives, and believe it or not, they span the entire globe. There are even people in the US who fall into this, in California, no less. While the requirements to live long are way too complicated to explain, there is no complete answer, a few things came up with every situation that just so happen to fall in line with our thinking, namely the presence of a strong community, quality time spent with family and friends, and the absence of meat in their diets.
We've been trying to develop a less meat centered diet for years, we believe in it. In fact, we do a vegan night for dinner at least twice a week, and sometimes more, but it ain't easy. Meat just makes a meal much simpler, and people, especially kids, love it. Just add salt, and you've got a meal.
Eating vegan takes a lot more thought and work, at least with children. I could get by with black beans and rice, but try getting your children to eat that every day. There would be mutiny. So the quest to find good vegan meals is not easy, but we couldn't just give up on it. While we'll still eat meat on occasion (we've got a freezer full of the stuff), our goal is to eat a majority of our meals without it. We'll compensate the loss of protein with legumes, eggs, and some dairy, but for the most part, it's going to quite the adventure.
And it all begins with Moosewood. Personally, I'd found in the past that the book is daunting to the point that I avoided it. Too many esoteric ingredients, and in the end, I found vegan dishes left me flat. They were bland, but the problem with cookbooks is that there are too many of them, it's ridiculous, really. Since my wife has the Moosewood, I decided to go for it.
My biggest obstacle was selling it to the kids.
Our first dish on our new healthy eating plan was Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew, which required cannellini beans, of which I had none. I figured that a lot of the specialized stuff, which is easy to find if you live in New York, but more of a challenge in Vermont, I could substitute with whatever I felt was a close facsimilie. I used white beans, I forgot what kind, instead of what they recommend, along with the lentls.
The recipe called for sherry and wine, and though I love both, they give a dish a unique flavor that I'm not sure appeals to kids. It was too late, though, we were moving forward. In the end, it helped that we were starving after a day of skating. We served the stew over brown rice and steamed some broccoli for the uber-healthy, high fiber (uh-oh) meal. I had the backup hot dog or veggie burger in case there were no takers.
But you know what? They actually liked it. They could have been humoring me, but that's fine because they ate their dinner, though N was a little less enthusiastic. A even had seconds. We found the key was a big dollop of yogurt on top, it cut the edge a little and with a little salt, tasted great.
AND, we had no meat. So we got lucky for our first day, I figure we dodged a bullet, and for all their approval, I'm not sure how soon I'll go back to this recipe.
Today our plan is for an Incavolata, a rustic bean (what else is new?) soup, with some fresh vegetables and bread. The problem is, we'll have to make bread and rolls, which is always a bit of a chore. Kneading dough is a pain, but we love the idea of fresh, homemade food, especially bread, something I never grew up with.
We'll see how this one goes. At the very least, the kids love fresh bread, so they're bound to eat something.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Over-Parenting 101
Something really came to light to me the other day when we went skating with C, and that was that we over-parent. No two ways around it. The bright side to it is that it's never too late to change, and being more aware of it help us to change un-constructive behavior.
What happened was that C was over and we were going to the skating rink. Now usually I grab our big LL Bean bag and pack all the skates and stuff in there, and we're off. Unfortunately, this encourages kids to not have to think about how to deal with life, it's all done for them, and they develop undesirable qualities like not asserting themselves, expecting life to handed to them on a platter, and the inability to resolve problems. Now granted, I'm over-dramatizing this, but I'm just getting my point across.
What really struck me was that C took care of all her own stuff. She carried her own skates and was responsible for all her gear. The only thing she needed help with was tying her skates on, but even I need help with that. Our kids, on the other hand, just walked out the door without a care in the world.
The crazy thing is, most kids, ours included, jump at the opportunity to be responsible, it makes them feel like big kids. I've found our kids love helping out and even enjoy making breakfast of cooking. It's just much simpler doing it myself, not to mention quicker. But therein lies the point-it's a good lesson for kids to learn responsibility and not take things for granted, and it's a good lesson in forcing me, the parent, to lighten up and not try to control everything.
So with all this in mind, we now have bags for our kids to carry their skates, they make their own breakfast and pour themselves their own beverages (we help out by setting things up, but the act of serving is in their hands), and it is no longer acceptable to just drop their jackets, hats and gloves on the floor and be on their merry way. Responsibility. It's something you have to teach your kids, and it not only makes them better people, but it actually makes your life easier.
How's that for a lesson in parenting? Until the next time, thanks for reading.
What happened was that C was over and we were going to the skating rink. Now usually I grab our big LL Bean bag and pack all the skates and stuff in there, and we're off. Unfortunately, this encourages kids to not have to think about how to deal with life, it's all done for them, and they develop undesirable qualities like not asserting themselves, expecting life to handed to them on a platter, and the inability to resolve problems. Now granted, I'm over-dramatizing this, but I'm just getting my point across.
What really struck me was that C took care of all her own stuff. She carried her own skates and was responsible for all her gear. The only thing she needed help with was tying her skates on, but even I need help with that. Our kids, on the other hand, just walked out the door without a care in the world.
The crazy thing is, most kids, ours included, jump at the opportunity to be responsible, it makes them feel like big kids. I've found our kids love helping out and even enjoy making breakfast of cooking. It's just much simpler doing it myself, not to mention quicker. But therein lies the point-it's a good lesson for kids to learn responsibility and not take things for granted, and it's a good lesson in forcing me, the parent, to lighten up and not try to control everything.
So with all this in mind, we now have bags for our kids to carry their skates, they make their own breakfast and pour themselves their own beverages (we help out by setting things up, but the act of serving is in their hands), and it is no longer acceptable to just drop their jackets, hats and gloves on the floor and be on their merry way. Responsibility. It's something you have to teach your kids, and it not only makes them better people, but it actually makes your life easier.
How's that for a lesson in parenting? Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Plugging Away
I recently expressed some disappointment about my possible writing venues, and I wanted to clarify that I am bummed that certain things haven't worked out as I planned, but wanted to say that I'm not in despair. After all, as any writer knows, rejection and disappointment are a way of life. If anything, they're the norm, and if you can't deal with it, than you're in the wrong field.
My biggest problem is I tend to look for the path of least resistance (can you blame me?), and the easy way out is not always, if ever, the most satisfying. In the end, I need to focus on the writing that means the most to me, and do my best in those areas, rather than sweat over worrying about the small stuff. Sure, I'll do my best, but I can't lose focus on the big picture, and need to deal with it and just do it.
With that in mind, I confess that I was bummed that AC didn't pan out as I had hoped, but I was the one who dropped the ball on that one, and the truth is, they'll still take my stuff, just won't pay me for it. So I have to allocate my time accordingly, i.e., I can't spend weeks writing a piece for them. It just doesn't make sense.
I will say this-I've made a new friend in my rantings, and for that I'm grateful. When you get a chance, check out the Book Chook for some valuable and thoughtful insight into the world of children's literature. You won't regret it, it's a great place to get some advice about books for kids and to share your own thoughts, keeping in mind that your kids cannot read too much!
The reality is, I know what I need to do, and I know that I'll stumble and face assorted obstacles, many of them, too many to count, along the way, but it's all part of the process, and if anything, it builds character and forces you to find value in what you're doing. You never appreciate the things that are handed to you, so sometimes a little freebie now and then can't hurt.
And most importantly, you have to enjoy the process. Find value in what you're doing, rather than focusing only on the end result, because as Henry Miller said, writing, like life, is a journey of discovery. For me, the only way to realize this is to be open to all the possibilities, both good and bad.
With that in mind, I think I'll go work on my query letters. Until the next time, thanks for reading.
My biggest problem is I tend to look for the path of least resistance (can you blame me?), and the easy way out is not always, if ever, the most satisfying. In the end, I need to focus on the writing that means the most to me, and do my best in those areas, rather than sweat over worrying about the small stuff. Sure, I'll do my best, but I can't lose focus on the big picture, and need to deal with it and just do it.
With that in mind, I confess that I was bummed that AC didn't pan out as I had hoped, but I was the one who dropped the ball on that one, and the truth is, they'll still take my stuff, just won't pay me for it. So I have to allocate my time accordingly, i.e., I can't spend weeks writing a piece for them. It just doesn't make sense.
I will say this-I've made a new friend in my rantings, and for that I'm grateful. When you get a chance, check out the Book Chook for some valuable and thoughtful insight into the world of children's literature. You won't regret it, it's a great place to get some advice about books for kids and to share your own thoughts, keeping in mind that your kids cannot read too much!
The reality is, I know what I need to do, and I know that I'll stumble and face assorted obstacles, many of them, too many to count, along the way, but it's all part of the process, and if anything, it builds character and forces you to find value in what you're doing. You never appreciate the things that are handed to you, so sometimes a little freebie now and then can't hurt.
And most importantly, you have to enjoy the process. Find value in what you're doing, rather than focusing only on the end result, because as Henry Miller said, writing, like life, is a journey of discovery. For me, the only way to realize this is to be open to all the possibilities, both good and bad.
With that in mind, I think I'll go work on my query letters. Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Some Thoughts on Eating
We are a reasonably health conscious family, at least I like to think we are. Being the person who is responsible for shopping for food and cooking, I have the most say in the matter, though as a team, we are in constant discussion over the foods we eat. With this in mind, we made a conscious decision to make our diet more fruit and vegetable focused, and when I look around me at all the people we know, I have to say, we eat more fruits and vegetables than most. Fresh fruit at every lunch, and we try to center every meal around a veggie, which is a lot different than when I grew up, where everything focused on meat.
In fact, when I think back on when I was younger, it's amazing to me what I ate. I would go days without even a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable, and I basically lived on fast food. It's no wonder, coupled with nicotine, alcohol, and other assorted contraband, that I felt like crap ALL THE TIME. I used to be addicted to multi-vitamins, they really gave me a boost, but now I've stopped, and I realize that they made me feel better way back when because my diet was terrible.
Either way, I think kids come to appreciate fruits and veggies when certain conditions are met. First off, as parents, you have to set the example and eat them yourselves. I can't tell you how many of our friends, usually the guys, who don't eat vegetables. It's amazing, and must lead to an amazing level of constipation, another unhealthy consequence. They complain about their condition and yet refuse to do a thing about it.
That's their choice, however, and in the end, has no bearing on us. We are very conscious of what we eat, and have in the last few years made big strides in reducing our meat intake, but I wonder if we could do better. The idea of eating more vegan is daunting, because meat makes a meal that much simpler. Just cook and add salt, and voila, you have a meal. Veggies, for the most part, are a little more bland, and we've found we have to spice them up a bit, which translates into more work, but hey, such is life. Nobody said being a parent, or for that matter, being healthy, was easy.
So we'll give it a go, and make a more concerted effort to remove meat and fats from our diet. I have to quit eating so much ice cream, and that won't be easy, but I'm determined. As for our meals, our guide will be the Moosewood cookbook, because it's the one we have. It should be interesting, and definitely more of a challenge, but could be pretty cool. Besides, I think that eating more veggies is cost effective, but could be wrong, especially when you consider that fish can be expensive.
The inspiration for all this came about because my wife is reading the book, The Blue Zones. It's all about different cultures around the world who live long, healthy lives. A few of the hallmarks of their longevity are close-knit families, strong communities, plenty of fresh air and exercise, and NO MEAT. Believe it or not, none of them eat meat. Contrast that with the standard American diet where people eat a one pound steak, and it's pretty amazing.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
In fact, when I think back on when I was younger, it's amazing to me what I ate. I would go days without even a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable, and I basically lived on fast food. It's no wonder, coupled with nicotine, alcohol, and other assorted contraband, that I felt like crap ALL THE TIME. I used to be addicted to multi-vitamins, they really gave me a boost, but now I've stopped, and I realize that they made me feel better way back when because my diet was terrible.
Either way, I think kids come to appreciate fruits and veggies when certain conditions are met. First off, as parents, you have to set the example and eat them yourselves. I can't tell you how many of our friends, usually the guys, who don't eat vegetables. It's amazing, and must lead to an amazing level of constipation, another unhealthy consequence. They complain about their condition and yet refuse to do a thing about it.
That's their choice, however, and in the end, has no bearing on us. We are very conscious of what we eat, and have in the last few years made big strides in reducing our meat intake, but I wonder if we could do better. The idea of eating more vegan is daunting, because meat makes a meal that much simpler. Just cook and add salt, and voila, you have a meal. Veggies, for the most part, are a little more bland, and we've found we have to spice them up a bit, which translates into more work, but hey, such is life. Nobody said being a parent, or for that matter, being healthy, was easy.
So we'll give it a go, and make a more concerted effort to remove meat and fats from our diet. I have to quit eating so much ice cream, and that won't be easy, but I'm determined. As for our meals, our guide will be the Moosewood cookbook, because it's the one we have. It should be interesting, and definitely more of a challenge, but could be pretty cool. Besides, I think that eating more veggies is cost effective, but could be wrong, especially when you consider that fish can be expensive.
The inspiration for all this came about because my wife is reading the book, The Blue Zones. It's all about different cultures around the world who live long, healthy lives. A few of the hallmarks of their longevity are close-knit families, strong communities, plenty of fresh air and exercise, and NO MEAT. Believe it or not, none of them eat meat. Contrast that with the standard American diet where people eat a one pound steak, and it's pretty amazing.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Crash and Burn
My big plan to make money writing on the internet is crashing and burning. I though writing for AC was a given, but one or two, or both things have changed. They are either cutting back on expenses because of budget issues and no longer pay for assorted content, or they are punishing me for being absent for so long. Whatever be the case, it may no longer be a viable option, which in the end is my big loss. I have to come up with a different plan.
Now I have to go on the hunt and find somebody willing to pay me to write for them, which ain't gonna be easy, because I know mags are all scaling back. Bummer.
In the meantime, I did finally return to PS, only to notice that the regular writers haven't been really writing. I think the last post was about two weeks ago, which makes me wonder what the future holds for PS. Also, being the only guy who really writes for them, I never seem to get much traffic, even though I like the community of writers. I enjoy writing about parenting issues, it's closer to my heart, but not my wallet.
C is over for a sleepover, and I'm thinking it's going to get a little complicated as the day progresses. I was a little bummed this morning when my wife informed me that she was going to work, leaving me alone to fend for myself. It's tough being the one at home sometimes, and I have to confess to having a bad attitude at times. I realize this makes it hard on her and everyone else for that matter, but sometimes I just gotta be a baby. Maybe it's just a guy thing.
I'm so bummed about the writing thing, I really thought it was a sure thing. That's what I get for being cocky, cut down to size, and it's not the first time.
I did finally get some contact info for DOC, for all that's worth.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Now I have to go on the hunt and find somebody willing to pay me to write for them, which ain't gonna be easy, because I know mags are all scaling back. Bummer.
In the meantime, I did finally return to PS, only to notice that the regular writers haven't been really writing. I think the last post was about two weeks ago, which makes me wonder what the future holds for PS. Also, being the only guy who really writes for them, I never seem to get much traffic, even though I like the community of writers. I enjoy writing about parenting issues, it's closer to my heart, but not my wallet.
C is over for a sleepover, and I'm thinking it's going to get a little complicated as the day progresses. I was a little bummed this morning when my wife informed me that she was going to work, leaving me alone to fend for myself. It's tough being the one at home sometimes, and I have to confess to having a bad attitude at times. I realize this makes it hard on her and everyone else for that matter, but sometimes I just gotta be a baby. Maybe it's just a guy thing.
I'm so bummed about the writing thing, I really thought it was a sure thing. That's what I get for being cocky, cut down to size, and it's not the first time.
I did finally get some contact info for DOC, for all that's worth.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Facebook Connections
I've recently become hooked into Facebook, and I'm amazed how it's taken on a life of it's own. I've connected with people I haven't seen or heard from in 20 years, and it's really cool. It's interesting to see how people are doing and to correspond with old friends and neighbors.
In fact, this is a little crazy. I was trying to locate an old friend and neighbor, Casey, and asked a mutual friend who said she hadn't been in touch for years. Literally two hours later Casey contacted me after speaking with another mutual friend who had suggested me as a contact. It was an amazing coincidence.
Of course, we communicated for a few moments, and probably won't talk again for another ten years, but it was fun while it lasted.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
In fact, this is a little crazy. I was trying to locate an old friend and neighbor, Casey, and asked a mutual friend who said she hadn't been in touch for years. Literally two hours later Casey contacted me after speaking with another mutual friend who had suggested me as a contact. It was an amazing coincidence.
Of course, we communicated for a few moments, and probably won't talk again for another ten years, but it was fun while it lasted.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Happy (Cold) New Year... sort of.
The temp is around 2 degrees with wind chills hovering at -20. Happy New Year-this is, BTW, completely sincere. I love the cold weather.
So the new year, sometimes I'm not sure what to make of it. I think it's nice to take a step back and reflect on your year and where you've been and where you're going, but again, it all seems a bit misguided, in line with the flawed idea (my opinion) of spending your life in anticipation of a few key days every year. These include weddings, birthdays, holidays, and yes, New Year's Eve. My only issue with it is that we seem to put our lives on hold until a few key days each year, when in fact we should be living every day as if it were special, because it is. This is something we want to teach our kids, that they should look forward to each and every day, and that Sundays are not days to be dreaded, and that they shouldn't put their lives on hold waiting for a moment, when in fact, that moment is now.
I think about most people and how they hate their jobs and can't wait for a vacation, as if a couple of weeks of enjoyment make up for the rest of the crappy days of their lives. I know this is just the reality of life, and I've lived it myself, but wouldn't it be nice to celebrate life more often? Or even just not dread each day, like going to a job you hate, or SCHOOL. Did you ever notice how so many kids hate school, and yet, they have to go for 12-13 years? What kind of life is that?
Anyway, just some food for thought. My point is, I'm happy and excited for the new year, but that doesn't mean that we've put our lives on hold for it, or for that matter, anything much is going to change from this day henceforth. If you want to change, why wait for the new year to do it?
On that note, we had a nice new year's eve. C came over and we went skating, and man is she a good skater. Makes sense, she's a hockey player. It was a lot of fun either way, and we had the rink all to ourselves. We came home and I'm proud to say that nobody, not even once, asked to watch a DVD, an issue that often comes up and sends us into battle.
That evening, my wife came home just as we were making won tons, and it turned into a fun family affair. I started out making them on my own, figuring that the kids were too tired and distracted to want to take part, but they both wanted to jump in, especially A, and surprisingly, N. He usually doesn't like getting his hands dirty, and it's messy work, but he jumped in head first and did a great job.
R came home about the time we were half finished, and she quickly joined the fray, and it was a lot of fun, just hanging out at home, making New Year's dinner together. I love it.
We'd decided to have a picnic on the living room floor, something we do often, though the idea of eating dumplings with soy sauce on a blanket was daunting. Especially when you have cats. Sure enough, in an effort to shoo them away from the food, I managed to knock over someone's lemonade. Then, in a brilliant move to clean up the spill, I managed to knock over another, as well. What a big klutz I am. I ruined our picnic, and we decided to move to the table. The kids were upset, but they calmed down and we had a great meal.
R picked up Horton Hears a Who, and we sat down to our annual movie/junk food fest. At one point A said it was the best New Year's ever, but she could have just been trying to make me feel better after having ruined the picnic. Thanks to our daughter for her empathy.
We loved the movie, and ate lots of ice cream, M&M's, kettle corn and lemonade. The kids were thrilled, and it was a really nice celebration, just our speed, just the family. You can't beat it.
One quick note, our son found the piece of my glasses that had broken off, and the glasses themselves are very fixable, so a good moment was had. Thanks. He found this piece in three feet of snow, mind you, and had the wherewithal to save it and give it to me. How cool is that?
So it was a good day. I finished my piece for WAHM, and we had a nice family celebration. Today we'll have a nice breakfast, maybe waffles and sausage, and then maybe venture out and get ourselves some 2009 calendars, always nice after Christmas because you get the 50% off.
Until the next time, Happy New Year and thanks for reading.
So the new year, sometimes I'm not sure what to make of it. I think it's nice to take a step back and reflect on your year and where you've been and where you're going, but again, it all seems a bit misguided, in line with the flawed idea (my opinion) of spending your life in anticipation of a few key days every year. These include weddings, birthdays, holidays, and yes, New Year's Eve. My only issue with it is that we seem to put our lives on hold until a few key days each year, when in fact we should be living every day as if it were special, because it is. This is something we want to teach our kids, that they should look forward to each and every day, and that Sundays are not days to be dreaded, and that they shouldn't put their lives on hold waiting for a moment, when in fact, that moment is now.
I think about most people and how they hate their jobs and can't wait for a vacation, as if a couple of weeks of enjoyment make up for the rest of the crappy days of their lives. I know this is just the reality of life, and I've lived it myself, but wouldn't it be nice to celebrate life more often? Or even just not dread each day, like going to a job you hate, or SCHOOL. Did you ever notice how so many kids hate school, and yet, they have to go for 12-13 years? What kind of life is that?
Anyway, just some food for thought. My point is, I'm happy and excited for the new year, but that doesn't mean that we've put our lives on hold for it, or for that matter, anything much is going to change from this day henceforth. If you want to change, why wait for the new year to do it?
On that note, we had a nice new year's eve. C came over and we went skating, and man is she a good skater. Makes sense, she's a hockey player. It was a lot of fun either way, and we had the rink all to ourselves. We came home and I'm proud to say that nobody, not even once, asked to watch a DVD, an issue that often comes up and sends us into battle.
That evening, my wife came home just as we were making won tons, and it turned into a fun family affair. I started out making them on my own, figuring that the kids were too tired and distracted to want to take part, but they both wanted to jump in, especially A, and surprisingly, N. He usually doesn't like getting his hands dirty, and it's messy work, but he jumped in head first and did a great job.
R came home about the time we were half finished, and she quickly joined the fray, and it was a lot of fun, just hanging out at home, making New Year's dinner together. I love it.
We'd decided to have a picnic on the living room floor, something we do often, though the idea of eating dumplings with soy sauce on a blanket was daunting. Especially when you have cats. Sure enough, in an effort to shoo them away from the food, I managed to knock over someone's lemonade. Then, in a brilliant move to clean up the spill, I managed to knock over another, as well. What a big klutz I am. I ruined our picnic, and we decided to move to the table. The kids were upset, but they calmed down and we had a great meal.
R picked up Horton Hears a Who, and we sat down to our annual movie/junk food fest. At one point A said it was the best New Year's ever, but she could have just been trying to make me feel better after having ruined the picnic. Thanks to our daughter for her empathy.
We loved the movie, and ate lots of ice cream, M&M's, kettle corn and lemonade. The kids were thrilled, and it was a really nice celebration, just our speed, just the family. You can't beat it.
One quick note, our son found the piece of my glasses that had broken off, and the glasses themselves are very fixable, so a good moment was had. Thanks. He found this piece in three feet of snow, mind you, and had the wherewithal to save it and give it to me. How cool is that?
So it was a good day. I finished my piece for WAHM, and we had a nice family celebration. Today we'll have a nice breakfast, maybe waffles and sausage, and then maybe venture out and get ourselves some 2009 calendars, always nice after Christmas because you get the 50% off.
Until the next time, Happy New Year and thanks for reading.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
