a winter reset
A post I couldn't put off
Thank you, Minnesota
Countless times the past few days, my kids have caught glimpses of the news segments because my fingers haven’t been fast enough to hit Netflix.
“Did they just say Minnesota?”
“Hey, that’s Minnesota! What’s going on?”
We have a personal connection to the St. Paul/Minneapolis area - our extended family, including a grandparent, great grandparents, and cousins live there - and we visit about twice a year, once during the summer and then during the holidays. My kids look forward to trips to Mall of America, sledding down hills, hanging out at the local museums and parks, and soaking up the natural beauty of the state.
To see the city we love turned into a war zone has been gut wrenching. To see our government completely disregard life, family, and any concept of humanity has been infuriating. To see the people of Minnesota respond, bravely, unfazed, and even sacrificing their safety and lives has been - inspiring.
The people of Minnesota have always been kind - even to my family who doesn’t look “traditional” - we may stick out with our brown skin and funny names, but never once have I felt unwelcomed or out of place. I have often found myself wondering the past few weeks if my neighbors in Texas would respond to the injustice of ICE similarly.
I hate to admit it, but I know deep down the answer is no.
I’m still processing feelings and there’s a general dark cloud over my head that I cannot seem to shake. The only words I can muster is “thank you, Minnesota”. You have inspired me into action. You’ve shown me hope and that there are people that will fight and sacrifice to protect others.
Palette cleansers
It’s hard to think about anything else right now, but I’m sharing what got me through a never-ending January. Why is this month so long?
What I’ve cooked
My fatal flaw is that I cannot cook the same meals for dinner more than 2 or three times. I’ve tried to stick with categories like Meatless Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, etc. But I inevitably get bored and end up pouring through my cookbooks and online recipes to find something new. On average, I try a new recipe a week and on average my kids hate 99% of the stuff I cook. It is what it is, but I do find joy in chopping vegetables and recreating Instagram worthy meals. Here’s some of my recommendations from this past month that turned out great and I will try to slide into my rotation.
Miso Ginger Salmon - This was a winner for BOTH of my picky eaters - my son was like “I like pink fish now”. I personally loved the miso flavor and am looking for more ways to cook with it. This was a relatively easy, straight forward meal, that felt healthy and complete.
NYTimes Lentil & Chicken Soup - I’m starting Soup Sundays for the cold months (much to my kids dismay - why don’t they like soup!?). My son did eat some and I loved the flavors and how hearty it turned out for a very cold Sunday.
What I’ve read
The House in the Cerulean Sea - I’m so glad I picked this as my January read. I needed something easy, simple and a story where nothing bad happens. But life imitates art and this quote from the book came up right as 5-year old Liam Conejo Ramos was kidnapped and detained by ICE.
“All children, no matter their... disposition or what they’re capable of, must be protected regardless of the cost.”
“It doesn’t matter where he came from. Or what he is. He is a child, and your job, as much as it is mine or Arthur’s, is to protect him. And all the others.”
Highly recommend as a light, but meaningful read! 10/10.
What I’ve Watched
Bad Sisters on Apple TV- My sister recommended this to me a while back and I finally got time to watch. And this is so good - total Big Pretty Lies vibes. If you have a sister, you’ll recognize the bonds, the conflicts, and drama. And if you need a villain (*a prick*) you hate so much, you just can’t wait till he finds his awful death, this is a perfect watch.
Here’s to moving on to February.