Embrace the Life You Never Planned On

Just before I turned 30 I decided to leave my home in Boston and move to Northern California. I have no idea where my new life will take me...but I'm enjoying the journey.

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Pan seared pork cutlets with a green apple chutney. Mmmm #paleo #21dsd #paleodinner

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Had a wonderful time in Apple Hill with my friend Dean. The beauty that surrounds that place is surreal.

[conditionsband-blog]

To our wonderful fans, friends and family – After many long conversations and a lot of time to think, we as a collective unit have decided that it is time that we walk away from Conditions. At the turn of this year, we will have been a band for 8 years, and feel it’s at that point that we all...

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

This is heartbreaking. I'm just blessed to have gotten the chance to enjoy their music. They are a wonderful group of guys and I wish them nothing but the best.

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Can’t get enough of this. So proud of the #RedSox!!!! 2013 World Champs baby! #dirtywater #dropkickmurphys #RedSoxNation

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Boston Proud. Let’s do this boys!!! Go Sox!!!

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

#bostonstrong #redsox #redsoxnation #worldseries

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Lemon chicken thighs with roasted asparagus and a parsnip puree

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Wall mountain climbers. #bootcamp #upperbody #beastmode (at Brick House Built)

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Fun at John's Incredible Pizza with Laura, Brian and Vanessa

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

“Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won't either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself you tasted as many as you could.”

― Louise Erdrich, The Painted Drum LP

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Guernica by Brand New

Ever since I was young your word is the word that always won. Worry and wake the ones you love. A phone call I'd rather not receive. Please use my body while I sleep. My lungs are fresh and yours to keep,  Kept clean and they will let you breathe. Is this the way a toy feels when its batteries run dry? I am the watch you always wear but you forget to wind. Nobody plans to be half a world away at times like these,  So I sat alone and waited out the night. The best part of what has happened was the part I must have missed. So I'm asking you to shine it on and stick around. I'm not writing my goodbyes. I submit no excuse. If this is what I have to do I owe you every day I wake. If I could I would shrink myself and sink through your skin  To your blood cells and remove whatever makes you hurt  But I am too weak to be your cure. Is this the way a toy feels when its batteries run dry? I am the watch you always wear but you forget to wind. Nobody plans to be half a world away at times like these,  So I sat alone and waited out the night. The best part of what has happened was the part I must have missed. So I'm asking you to shine it on and stick around. I'm not writing my goodbyes. I'm not letting you check out. You will beat this starting now and you will always be around. I'm there to monitor your breathing I will watch you while you're sleeping. I will keep you safe and sound. Does anybody remember back when you were very young? Did you ever think that you would be this blessed?

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Healthified Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Bake a soft taco size whole wheat tortilla (I used Tia Marie's) at 425 for about 3 minutes, or until slightly crisp. Then top with 4 ounces of shredded chicken breast, drizzle 1/4 cup of Franks RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce, 1/3 cup of shredded mexican blend cheese, 2 TBSP of reduced fat blue cheese crumbled and bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until edges are crisp and cheese is bubbly. 

*Weight Watchers Points: 11 (you can reduce it down to 9 points for the whole pizza if you use 3 ounces of chicken and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese) I wanted the extra protein as this was a post workout meal.

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Had a wonderful day at the State Fair with Dean, Laura, Brian, and this little munchkin Nessa. She just loved feeding the animals. 

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Oh just a little light reading my chef friend recommended I dive into before we start our cooking classes. Cannot wait to have him as my mentor. Feeling truly blessed!

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Grilled zucchini, mashed sweet potatoes, herb crusted pork roast and an apple and pear chutney

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Pan roasted chicken, mashed sweet potatoes & roasted asparagus with a balsamic reduction

[createthelifethatyoudesire]

Amazing lineup this year! Pre-bday celebration??! Ummm yes please!!!