My husband and I have never really been big Valentine's Day people. In fact, I feel like we used to pride ourselves on not celebrating the silly Hallmark holiday. For some reason, this year was different. I've been traveling and preoccupied with MPB "stuff", he's been working long hours and spending lots of time working on our basement project. I find myself stopping, watching him and feeling warm and fuzzy. I know I'm lucky. Very lucky.
My husband and I spent the first 4 1/2 years of our relationship long distance. We learned much more about each other being apart than I think we ever could have learned in the same city. He prefers to be at home, keeping busy with projects and creating his masterpieces. I prefer to keep busy with friends, social engagments, volunteering and cooking. He's the engineer who would much rather spend his days with tools and gadgets rather than people. I'm in sales - making my living off of engaging people in strategic conversations and presenting new ideas in front of an audience. To many we are polar opposites.
But he balances me. He brings me back down to earth from my crazy hectic schedule. He doesn't complain when I tell him I'm headed out of town ....again. He doesn't question when I tell him I've been asked to sit on another board, or signed on for another event. He knows it's how I thrive. He knows it's what keeps me sane. He knows I'll come home to him, give him the debrief and then snuggle up - in our cozy little home, our cozy little life.
He honestly is the best thing that ever happened to me. Ever.
Life with me isn't easy. I know, hard believe, huh? Honestly though, I'm high strung, stubborn, always on the go and often times more stressed than I need to be. He quietly listens (or pretends to), let's me air it all out, and then puts on college basketball. He totally gets me.
We love opposing sports teams, our families and upbringings were the exact opposite and, to this day, we still lead completely different lives. Yet the goal is the same. We both contribute to this marriage in our own way - each bringing qualities that the other fell in love with 8 years ago. Growing, learning and loving.
Some days are easier than others, but every day is work. People who tell you marriage is easy are lying. Marriage isn't easy - that would be boring. Each and every day I choose him. I wake up and know that at the end of the day, he's got my back. I honestly don't know how I got so lucky, but I thank God that I did.
So, this year is a little different. Maybe it's because we've had a lot going on, maybe it's because we know that 2013 is bringing lots of exciting changes...I don't know. But this year we got a little cliche - he bought me flowers and I cooked a romantic dinner. Then we watched a DVR-ed episode of Californication - I started blogging and he went to work on the basement project.
A day like most days, I suppose, but I wouldn't change a thing.
Mustard Crusted Salmon with Braised Greens
serves 4
Salmon:
4 wild salmon filets
4 T stone ground mustard
2 T tamari/soy sauce
1 t sesame oil
Braised Greens:
olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, minced
1 t dried thyme
1 can diced tomatoes
3 large handfuls of mixed greens (I used Trader Joe's brand with collard, mustard, turnip greens and spinach)
1 c cooked lentils
salt and pepper
My husband and I spent the first 4 1/2 years of our relationship long distance. We learned much more about each other being apart than I think we ever could have learned in the same city. He prefers to be at home, keeping busy with projects and creating his masterpieces. I prefer to keep busy with friends, social engagments, volunteering and cooking. He's the engineer who would much rather spend his days with tools and gadgets rather than people. I'm in sales - making my living off of engaging people in strategic conversations and presenting new ideas in front of an audience. To many we are polar opposites.
But he balances me. He brings me back down to earth from my crazy hectic schedule. He doesn't complain when I tell him I'm headed out of town ....again. He doesn't question when I tell him I've been asked to sit on another board, or signed on for another event. He knows it's how I thrive. He knows it's what keeps me sane. He knows I'll come home to him, give him the debrief and then snuggle up - in our cozy little home, our cozy little life.
He honestly is the best thing that ever happened to me. Ever.
Life with me isn't easy. I know, hard believe, huh? Honestly though, I'm high strung, stubborn, always on the go and often times more stressed than I need to be. He quietly listens (or pretends to), let's me air it all out, and then puts on college basketball. He totally gets me.
We love opposing sports teams, our families and upbringings were the exact opposite and, to this day, we still lead completely different lives. Yet the goal is the same. We both contribute to this marriage in our own way - each bringing qualities that the other fell in love with 8 years ago. Growing, learning and loving.
Some days are easier than others, but every day is work. People who tell you marriage is easy are lying. Marriage isn't easy - that would be boring. Each and every day I choose him. I wake up and know that at the end of the day, he's got my back. I honestly don't know how I got so lucky, but I thank God that I did.
So, this year is a little different. Maybe it's because we've had a lot going on, maybe it's because we know that 2013 is bringing lots of exciting changes...I don't know. But this year we got a little cliche - he bought me flowers and I cooked a romantic dinner. Then we watched a DVR-ed episode of Californication - I started blogging and he went to work on the basement project.
A day like most days, I suppose, but I wouldn't change a thing.
Mustard Crusted Salmon with Braised Greens
serves 4
Salmon:
4 wild salmon filets
4 T stone ground mustard
2 T tamari/soy sauce
1 t sesame oil
Braised Greens:
olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, minced
1 t dried thyme
1 can diced tomatoes
3 large handfuls of mixed greens (I used Trader Joe's brand with collard, mustard, turnip greens and spinach)
1 c cooked lentils
salt and pepper
Turn your broiler on low. Mix the mustard, tamari and sesame oil in a bowl. Spread over each salmon filet. Broil for 10-12 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook your lentils (1 c dry lentils and 2 cups broth - bring to a boil and then simmer for about 15 min or until tender). Heat oil in a fry pan and saute onion, garlic and thyme and cook until onions are soft - about 2 mintues. Add tomatoes, cook for another 1-2 mintues. Add greens, salt and pepper. Cook until the greens begin to wilt - but still hold their shape so they have a little bite. When the lentils are cooked, add to the greens.
Serve the salmon over the greens and enjoy.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Oranges
serves 4
5 oz organic dark chocolate (I used Nibmor Daily Dose of Dark in mint)
1 T butter - can use coconut milk if dairy free
1/2 t vanilla extract
dash of cinnamon
1 pint organic strawberries
1 navel orange, peeled and segmented
In a double boiler (use a medium sauce pan, fill with about an inch of water and top with a glass bowl - make sure the water does NOT touch the bottom of the bowl). Add the chocolate to the bowl and heat over medium heat. When the chocolate is almost melted add the butter or coconut milk, vanilla and cinnamon. While the chocolate is still hot, dip the strawberries and orange segments. Place on a flat surface and cool in the fridge until the chocolate sets. Make sure to pat your orange slices with papertowel or the juice will not allow the chocolate to stick.
If you find that your chocolate is too thick, reheat it or add a tablespoon of water, then reheat.
Meanwhile, cook your lentils (1 c dry lentils and 2 cups broth - bring to a boil and then simmer for about 15 min or until tender). Heat oil in a fry pan and saute onion, garlic and thyme and cook until onions are soft - about 2 mintues. Add tomatoes, cook for another 1-2 mintues. Add greens, salt and pepper. Cook until the greens begin to wilt - but still hold their shape so they have a little bite. When the lentils are cooked, add to the greens.
Serve the salmon over the greens and enjoy.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Oranges
serves 4
5 oz organic dark chocolate (I used Nibmor Daily Dose of Dark in mint)
1 T butter - can use coconut milk if dairy free
1/2 t vanilla extract
dash of cinnamon
1 pint organic strawberries
1 navel orange, peeled and segmented
In a double boiler (use a medium sauce pan, fill with about an inch of water and top with a glass bowl - make sure the water does NOT touch the bottom of the bowl). Add the chocolate to the bowl and heat over medium heat. When the chocolate is almost melted add the butter or coconut milk, vanilla and cinnamon. While the chocolate is still hot, dip the strawberries and orange segments. Place on a flat surface and cool in the fridge until the chocolate sets. Make sure to pat your orange slices with papertowel or the juice will not allow the chocolate to stick.
If you find that your chocolate is too thick, reheat it or add a tablespoon of water, then reheat.
Happy Valentine's Day!
XoXo,
Nicole
XoXo,
Nicole
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