Sometimes a simple joy can be a little discovery about myself. I came across a recipe in a magazine for pork chops and pineapple and cilantro rice. I love cilantro and I thought the combination of pineapple and cilantro sounded good. I’m not very creative when it comes to cooking and putting different flavors together. I’m a recipe follower and unlike other rules, I typically follow them when it comes to recipes. I decided to try the rice this week and even though I ripped the recipe out of the magazine, I decided to wing it. I know your thinking, she’s really brave. How hard could it be? I boiled some Uncle Ben’s white rice according to the package instructions, added half a can of crushed pineapple (drained) and some chopped cilantro. Of course my kids didn’t touch it, but my husband and I loved it. I learned I can be more daring and take chances when it comes to cooking. If it doesn’t work out there’s always McDonald’s down the street.
I love the fountain drinks at Quick Trip. I love their crushed ice and their selection of soft drinks and teas. I don’t go there very often, but I was driving past one from a doctor’s appointment I thought I had. It turns out the appointment was from last year and I inadvertently recorded it on this year’s calendar as well. Instead of bemoaning the fact I wasted 20 minutes of my time, I found joy in stopping at Quick Trip to get an iced tea. Not just any old iced tea, but Pineapple Papaya Iced Tea with the best crushed ice ever.
I’m reading the book Wild by Cheryl Strayed and any chance I can get to read it is a simple joy. I’m about 70 percent of the way through it. It’s a true story of Cheryl’s solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail when she was in her early twenties. I love her style of writing and how she intersperses her experiences on the trail with her life experiences. After reading about her issues with her boots and blistered feet, I’m almost 99 percent sure I would not have been able to carry on. My mother-in-law read Wild and said she felt like she was on the trail with Cheryl the whole time. I can’t wait to finish it! Are you reading a good book?
I read Wild also and really enjoyed it! I found myself investigating the PCT and wondering if I could ever do something like that. I think that book helped me say “yes” to this crazy wilderness family trip we are taking to bear country in 3 weeks! Carry everything on our backs for 5 days?? With bears and moose lurking by? If Cheryl can do it with those boots, so can we!
That’s awesome Karen! I want to hear more about your trip. Take lots of pictures! I may want to interview you for a blog post:) I back packed through Europe when I was in college for a month, but that was quite different. I was ready to burn my clothes though by the time I was done.
Pineapple, coconut rice? YUM! And I’m dying to read Wild, too. I will have to do so this weekend! Hope you have an amazing weekend.
I just finished the book yesterday! I think I’m more of a day hiker! However, Paul, loves to hike; his favorite adventure so far has been to attend Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico! He enjoyed all eleven days on the trail! His knees were shredded by end of it! He would go back in a heartbeat! This book helped me to understand Paul’s love of hiking! Can’t wait to hear about other books you love!
Hi Janneil, I agree with you. I think I’m more of a day hiker as well. I love being out in nature and the woods, but I also love the comfort of my bed and indoor plumbing.