I had the car for an additional day and tooled around Chicago on Monday, loving the freedom of driving and going where I please. I forgot how productive one can be when you're not schlepping your own groceries in bags slung over your shoulder for miles. What's more, the time away from work was incredibly therapeutic - I'm like a different person when I'm not stressing out about meaningless projects and impending trips. I had time to go for long runs outside (to train for the upcoming 8K), read books, catch up with people on the phone, and generally relax. When I'm in this ultra-relaxed state, I feel very strongly about leaving my job for something more impactful, meaningful, and satisfying. Sometimes I think about teaching, but mostly I think about working with kids in foster care. Would it be a difficult job? Heck yes! But would I feel fulfilled by it? Absolutely. My only concerns are the inevitable pay cut and (this is the lamest concern of them all, but surprisingly potent) the loss of prestige. Not that my career now is particularly prestigious, but I've invested a lot of time to get where I am and to chuck it for something that requires less, pays less, etc worries me. But the satisfaction of doing something I believe in, the happiness of feeling like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing would be worth it, right? Agh. I'm working through this, but I'm sure something will present itself/develop when the time is right.
The vegetarian life is going very well. Aside from a few very minor setbacks (a drunken lapse in judgement led me to a patty melt and a week-long bout with food poisoning had me craving meat so badly that I acquiesced), I'm loving the veggie life. I've also gotten creative with my cooking and am finding the whole experience delightful and satisfying. After a marathon shop at Trader Joe's with the car, I crafted this little impromptu dish and it turned out delicious enough to merit sharing. I recommend making double the recipe, inviting pals over on a cold evening, and digging in with lots of red wine, perhaps a lovely dessert and appetizer, and cozy conversation. I enjoyed mine with some crisp chai apple cider and the anthropologie catalogue. Best of all, it's healthy and fast!
Polenta with Mushroom and Walnut Sauce
Servings 3
Ingredients:
- 1 Carton Baby Bella Mushrooms - Diced
- 1/2 Yellow Onion - Finely Chopped
- 1 Clove Garlic - Finely Chopped
- 2/3 Round of Polenta
- 1/2 Cup Creamy Tomato Soup
- 1/2 Cup Red Wine
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1 Tsp. Olive Oil
- 1 Wedge Laughing Cow Cheese, Garlic and Herb
- Hand full of Shelled Walnuts
- Pinch of Chili Powder
- Pinch of Allspice
- Splash of Soy Sauce
- Salt and Fresh-Ground Pepper, to taste
- Parmesan shaved, to taste
In a saucepan, saute the garlic, onion, and olive oil together. Once sweated, add the mushrooms, half of the water, and half of the red wine. Simmer together. Add tomato soup, spices, soy sauce, and remaining wine. For a more pungent, sweet sauce, add more All Spice, or Cinnamon and Clove, if desired. Continue to simmer (uncovered for a thicker sauce). In a separate pan, prepare polenta per instructions adding the remaining water, until it reaches a grit-like consistency. Once cooked, add Laughing Cow cheese wedge, salt, and pepper. Add walnuts to the mushroom sauce (at the end to maintain firmness) and simmer for 5 minutes. Plate polenta and generously ladle mushroom sauce over top. Top with shredded sharp Parmesan as desired. Enjoy!
I'm training for this upcoming 8K to benefit PAWS, an animal shelter here in Chicago. I've been running about 2.5 miles everyday and slowly am trying to work my way up to the full 5 miles. Luckily, the weather is gorgeously autumn-like and perfect for outdoor runs. Megan is coming over tomorrow night for an outdoor run and I'll be whipping something up for us to nosh on afterward. Though most people are moaning about the cooler weather, I'm cheering! I love fall! I can't wait to sport opaque tights, knee-high boots, cozy jackets, and smell that crisp autumn air on my walks to and from work. Here are some things I'm loving right now that really get me in the fall spirit:
- Pacifica Tibetan Mountain Temple Candle (they're a bit more pricey, but the clean burning soy wax and long-lasting fragrance make these candles well worth it)
- The Boden Catalogue (www.bodenusa.com) for its British fashion sensibility
- Naked Chai Apple Cider, the perfect mix of tangy and spicy
- OPI Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow Nail Polish, a black forest green that looks great on toes
- Bikram Yoga, an amazing way to sweat out toxins and tone up (now, if only I was more motivated to go!)
- Old School Herbal Essences Conditioner (Haley and I found some at a Indy CVS and I was overjoyed. The scent reminds me of simpler high/middle school times and it's delightful)
- Icelandic Blonde, the elusive blonde that I strive for. I believe this weekend is the weekend when I will go to this color.
- Neutrogena Lip Color in Poppy Red, the perfect red with an excellent consistency
- Trader Joe's Tahini-Free Hummus, this is a consistent favorite. I adore it.
- Good Earth Herbal Tea. Spicy, Sweet, Cheap.
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