thankful thursday #199

Next week will be my two hundredth Thankful Thursday. (What?! That seems a long time. Two hundred weeks is like four years.)

In any case, the 199th is no less important.

This week I attended a function that's practically my worst nightmare. The one where I go alone. Mingle with a myriad of people I don't know. Wear a name tag. Insert myself awkwardly into conversations (because really, what else is a single introvert to do?).

Tell kind, interested people over and over what I do for a living, which makes no sense to anyone. (That career conversation. It's a laborious broken record. Does this ever stop happening?)

We share a meal together, and mercifully our conversation creeps beneath the surface. I am grateful. Because small talk. Exhausting.

I am thankful to meet new people who welcome me, take interest in me, and don't linger long on the surface of superficiality.

Have you recently had the pleasure of meeting someone like that? Go on, be grateful!

thankful thursday #198

Rhythm is about patterns. Regular recurrences.

On a good day, it is stable and predictable, bolstering me in a world that sometimes feels imbalanced and uncontrollable.

On a bad day, it is boring and routine, stifling any hint of spontaneity I may harbor.

A few months ago, I mentioned I'd been praying for a shift, because my rhythm was more suffocating and oppressive, and less comforting and familiar.

Over time I've noticed some subtle shifts in my rhythm, personally, professionally, spiritually. They are quiet and nonintrusive, like a favorite houseguest. I barely know they're here, but I like 'em being here.

I'm feeling thankful for some slight change this week.

Do you have some subtle changes happening now, or hoping for some on the horizon? Go on, be grateful!

thankful thursday #197

In a person's life, there are times to say hello, and there are times to say goodbye. (Mercy, I hate goodbyes.)

Last week I bid an unexpected goodbye to a dear friend who touched many. She was elegant, and godly, and valued the right way to do things. She loved her family, loved her church, loved her Lord. She poured lovingkindness into the lives of others. She served selflessly.

Oh, that the world would have more people like her.

After that goodbye, as with many, right in the middle of the heartache, there was a seed of gratitude. Thankfulness for having known her, and for having been the recipient of her generous spirit.

You simply can not know when a goodbye will knock on your door when you least expect it. Be thankful for these loved ones.

Go on, be grateful!

a few of my favorite italy photos

Slowly, photos from our trip are getting compiled, and organized, and cropped, and what-have-you. We are not close to having the photo book complete, but these are a few that I adore of late.

This one is from Manarola, the second tiniest town of the Cinque Terre.

These are my favorite travelistas, in our accidentally coordinating outfits.

I think the blue filter is so fun in these snaps from Vernazza.

CP and I are killing time while Meg ordered gelato in Manarola.

And this one from Capri. Can you get over it?

I still can't believe that was my real life.

thankful thursday #196

One of my dearest friends moved away from Birmingham about six months ago. 

(This one. I love her silly side.)

It was a good move for her, but let's face it: I'm selfish, and I was sad.

When I'm lucky, my work travel allows me to cross paths spontaneously with people I love.

Thankful that I'll get to linger with her over a leisurely dinner tomorrow, en route to my hotel for the night.

I'm expecting some belly laughs.

Connecting with friends this weekend, too? Go on, be grateful!

how to resurrect the crock pot during summer {turkey chili}

I've missed the crock. I made some stupid easy sweet potatoes recently, and while that's an excellent use of the crock pot, it's not crock pot magic.

The magic happens with soups and meats and whatever other goodness you mix in, but it's hard to get ramped up for that kind of magic when it's a gajillion degrees outside.

I found this recipe, though, and threw caution to the wind. I'm so glad I did. I've eaten leftovers for days and it's not yet lost its luster. It's hearty but light, and packs a lot of protein. Give it a try, in any season!

Turkey Chili
Serves 8

1 lb. ground turkey
1 T. olive oil
1 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 (16-oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (16-oz.) can chili beans (in mild or hot sauce, your choice)
1 can corn, drained and rinsed
1 T. chili powder
1 c. chicken broth
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 garlic powder
1 tsp. cumin
Greek yogurt (plain) for topping

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, sauté onions until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add jalapeño and garlic, and cook for about 2 more minutes (don't let the garlic burn). Add turkey, and cook until browned and no longer pink.


2. Place turkey mixture into the crock pot. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Cook on low for 2-4 hours.


3. Serve topped with Greek yogurt (or other more fun and fattening toppings of your choice, like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, Fritos, etc.).