Things I Take for Granted

Over the past few weeks, I have read and heard stories that made my heart break into little pieces. Prime example – a memoir I read recently called Breaking Night by Liz Murray. The book is an intense account of a girl who was raised by two drug addicts in the Bronx in the 80’s, and puts herself through high school and Harvard… all while being homeless. I finished it in less than a week, which is pretty fast considering my reading speed is equivalent to that of a snail.

While reading it, I began to feel thankful for all the wonderful things I’ve been blessed with. I felt thankful for all the wonderful and loving relationships I have in my life, but also the little things like always having a warm bed and plenty of food at my disposal.

I decided to make a list of things that I take for granted every day, and would sorely miss if they were taken away from me.

Banana Bread

I started using my wonderful kitchen more to create both healthy and unhealthy concoctions. One thing I love about banana bread? You use what would have been discarded bananas to make heavenly-goodness. And considering the truly horrific produce assortment at my local grocery store, this is very easy to come by. 

Even better than banana bread?
Banana-chocolate-chip bread.

Witty People

I saw this on a sign outside a restaurant near me on Valentine’s Day. In case you can’t read it, it says “Oysters = Sexytime *And if that doesn’t work… booze ‘em up!” Thank you funny person who made me giggle on my walk home.

Meals with Friends

Good friends, good gossip, good cocktails. I can’t think of a better combination.



Grace and me at Parea Bistro for her birthday!

 New York City

Due to my job, I end up running a lot of errands around the city. In addition to getting acquainted with the subway (we are frenemies), I also see a lot of cool things on my trips. While strolling near SAKS last week, there was an ice skating event happening at Rockefeller Center. I just love this city.

Living Alone

Two nights ago, after riding the subway home from a meal with a witty friend in the city, I found myself in my apartment with no agenda at all (a rare occurrance). I found solace in going through my pantry and rearranging my shelves (breakfast items – bottom shelf, cupcake-related paraphernalia – above the oven. How did I end up with so many cans of chickpeas?). I just stepped back and thought, how great is it that this is all mine?

Do you like my handy skillz?
If the frames look crooked, it's in your head...

Traditions with Family

Random – yes. But I was scrolling through my phone, and I found a pic of this plate of Polish Kruschiki that my dad and I made over the holidays. It’s yummy, it reminds me of Christmas, and we make it every year. And I spelled the word Kruschiki right on the first try.

Running

Would it be a post if I didn’t talk about this? I went for a run yesterday morning, and tried to appreciate all the good and bad things about it. It was a bit cold, and I never pop out of bed with a smile on my face before 7AM, but it was really nice being out on the road first thing. To put it simply, I love running.

Have a wonderful weekend! And more importantly, a great St. Patty's Day!