Giving Thanks For What I Don't Have

What's going on at your home this morning - turkey basting, pie baking, family on their way to visit? Things are on the down low at the Rosendahl house today.

We're looking forward to a breakfast buffet at home for three, an early afternoon showing of Catching Fire and homemade spaghetti Bolognese for dinner. The  seasonal what nots are on tap for Saturday and I am going for a thyme/roasted garlic  turkey. Stay tuned. This will be my second time cooking a turkey and the first time was a bust.

Photo credit: iStockPhoto

Photo credit: iStockPhoto

I am thankful for so many things. I am thankful for the things I have yet I am more thankful for the things I don't.

I don't have it all. I am driven by security and have enough doubt for all of us. Because of the things I don't have, I am challenged to be better, to try new things, to break out of the same routine, to see myself through the eyes of others, to learn from my friends, to accept (and work through) uneasiness or fear rather than succumb to the desire to just throw it all away.

I don't have the perfect balance of what I need right here, right now and that's ok. If I did, I wouldn't have geared up to get back into shape, I wouldn't have met Jenny, stuck with CrossFit or been in the shape I am now. I'd still be whining. If I did, I wouldn't be taking a look at what I eat and how it impacts how I feel. If I did, I wouldn't be observing how I spend money (and how I get nauseous when I spend) or accept that I value experiences much more than things. If I did, I wouldn't be focusing on my relationships with others and what I can do better on my end to be present for the long haul, and not just in the moment.

Happiness, and acceptance, to you and yours.

24 Hours in New York City: A Day in the Life Sunday

I was in NYC last week for a quick visit (24 hours on ground) I was able to mix business with pleasure and grab a few hours with my sisters and niece. Coming from Minnesota, Long Island and 23rd Street, we met up in the Flatiron District hungry, thirsty and ready to relax.

NYC2.jpg
NYC.jpg

Eating our way through Madison Square Eats with meatball subs, grilled cheese sandwiches, empanadas, pomegranate lemonade and Macarons, we had a wonderful few hours to catch up, use our smartphones to find our way (no paper maps allowed!) and enjoy the sites and sounds of the city. Stops at Eataly (I could spend the day there) H&M and 16 Handles included, too.

Next time, I bring the husband and kid.​ They were missed.​