A year in Pictures and a few goals

2009 was an interesting and extremely busy year. In 2010 I plan to pay more attention to my health.
Not just weight loss and fitness (those of you who know me KNOW those are at the top of my list!) but health in other areas too.
I do intend to re-focus on my healthy eating and working out. I miss it and I know I look and feel better about myself when I am trying to live healthfully.
I intend to spend more time with Eric and the kids.
Less time stressing about things I cannot control.
And I intend to be more forgiving - of myself and of others.
2010 will be a challenging year! But then - who doesn't love a challenge??

Oh this was DOUBLE good!

We had our cast party for ECS (Every Christmas Story Ever Told and Then Some) last night. I decided to try and bring something that was both extra healthy and hearty and hopefully - super delicious!! Thanks to Diana Dyer's website I was able to easily modify one of her Great recipes for my purposes. Diana is a THREE time cancer survivor and encourages healthy eating as a major preventative measure in the fight against cancer.

Here is what I made:
Lentil Soup with Sausage and Kale

1 teas olive oil
1 pkg. Italian Turkey Sausage
1 med. onion
4 large carrots
4 red potatoes
1 large bunch (about a lb) Kale, washed and torn from the stem
1 cup rinsed lentils
10 cups veggie broth
1 teas sea salt

Brown sausage and use spatula (or other) to crumble into bite sized pieces. I had Eric run the onion and carrots through the food processor for a quick and easy prep. You can do this or chop by hand. Add veggies to sausage and soften. Add lentils, broth, salt and potatoes (rough cubed). Finally add Kale. Bring to a boil for about 60mins. Keep warm either on the stove top or transfer to crockpot until ready to eat.

It was a rich chunky soup with great color! ABSOLUTELY yummy and healthy!!!

My 100th post!!!!

I should really do something spectacular for this one right??

But I can't really think of a spectacular post - so I'll just say that blogging and reading blogs has become an interesting and fun part of my computer 'life'. Cheers to all of you bloggers that keep it up faithfully! As for the rest of us . . . . lol.

And so a couple cute pics that mean absolutely nothing other than I like them!

New Crockpot!!!!!

I am so easily excited!

It is sad to report that the Birthday Crockpot cracked and died. I was a bit miffed about this as I have not yet had it a year . . . . I went online to see about replacements and sure enough I could get a new crockery for free!! As long as I included the $25 in shipping.

And so, I'm proud to introduce my NEW crockpot - on sale for only $17!!! (I love me a good deal!)

The maiden meal:
6 red potatoes rough cubed
2 Lean Smoked Turkey Sausages rough chopped
1 package sliced mushrooms
1 can healthy request Cream of Mushroom soup
1 tbs. olive oil
Kosher salt and Black pepper

What does Christmas mean to you??

It has been a heck of theatrical year for me! I have had the great fortune to direct some of the most difficult and inspiring plays of my directorial career (thus far) Steel Magnolias and WIT - being heart-wrenching and lovely and hard among them. In addition I also played Susie in Wait Until Dark and had to study and learn all the intricacies of being blind - fending for myself in the dark and facing some personal demons (on the home invasion front and the short skirt wearing front)! A blog for another time . . .

Currently I am at the directorial helm of a Christmas Comedy - and unbelievably enough, unlike most Christmas fodder - its a genuinely hysterical, touching, laugh out loud, wipe your eyes, hold your sides, think about it after you go home, dang GOOD, Christmas show. Christmas and FUNNY dont always go together - but this script happens to weave the hilarity of X-mas silliness with the loveliness of Christ's selfless birth all together in a seamless blend of festive frivolity.

If you are anywhere NEAR Vancouver - come on out and see this show. Seriously funny. And Surprisingly touching. God Bless us Everyone!

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some)! Runs Dec. 3-19th at the Magenta Theater. 606 Main St. Vancouver WA.