"Always do what you are afraid to do"~RWE

     What are you resolved to do? My resolution is not to sit on the sidelines anymore. I am getting in the game. I am resolved to act more like a kid, because they are blissfully free from the pressures of the world. Kids, in the big picture of things are wise beyond their years, we can learn from them and stress less, because it is counterproductive and have more fun, because you sleep better.

     As silly as it sounds, making New Year's resolutions seems a bit trendy. But have ever wanted to join a group completely outside of your comfort zone. In my case, drive to Keene all by myself and visit a very dear friend of mine. 

     Some might argue that having resolutions sets you up for failure. But I disagree, because you make a conscientious choice to not follow what you have set up for yourself. I have done it myself, you get complacent, you settle. I have settled for at least the last 15 years, listening to that inner voice tell me "your too old", "your a parent", "your too heavy", "don't be silly" and "you don't have time for that". My resolution is to hog tie my inner voice and take control of life once and for all.

     I am resolved to remember how very blessed I am. In love, work, and friendship. To be grateful in all things that I do. To be humble and receptive whenever possible. Always use the "I can..."or "I will.." statements. Only because in the past, I have said "not now", "maybe later", "I'm tired" and "I am busy". I have pissed away wasted so much time. I woke up and I was in my forties, literally.

     Being a chef has been a huge blessing, I have had a love affair with food, but in the process I misplaced the things that made me smile. Like ice skating, sledding, swimming, sliding down a curly slide, playing hide and seek, and catching fireflies on a June night. Ever have those moments in life, when you exhale and regroup. I am regrouping.

     When I was living on my own, single with no kids. I used to make a mexican pizza that I could curl up on my polka-dotted couch with, my kitty, remote and a scary movie was the life for me. Here is my noshings.

Paige's Mexican Pizza

1 package of flour tortillas
1 can refried beans
1 can green chiles
1 16oz jar of salsa
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 package Taco Bell taco seasoning
1# ground chicken
1 16oz sour cream
4 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar mixed
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 tomato diced

1 avocado diced

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Cook the chicken and add the taco seasonings and green chiles. Heat the refried beans and set aside. Spray a pizza pan and start with the flour tortilla, spread with refried beans add some chicken, kidney beans, and cheese, top with flour tortilla and spread with salsa, dot with sour cream and cheese. Reserve some ground chicken and salsa for top. Repeat until there is one tortilla left. Spread with remaining salsa, chicken and cheese. Bake in a 350F oven until golden brown and cheese has melted. Garnish with lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro and avocadoes.

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.~Herm Albright, quoted in Reader's Digest, June 1995