Month: February 2023

The Real Me Is Who You See

So much of what we see on social media is curated and controlled. We all know that life is crazy and chaotic and that is what is below the surface. Not many people want others to see that side of their lives. However, it’s what makes a person more interesting. Seeing warts and all makes for a better story because it means you are trying to learn and grow. I think people hope they can be something different online at least. I cannot pretend to be anyone else. I am not that good of an actor.

Over the past few years, I have experienced loss, we all have. We experience things that change who we are. I used to be an overwhelmingly positive person and a people pleaser. Now I am a little jaded and kind of grouchy. You know that is OK because people and life change daily. I experience depression and anxiety and I am getting help with that. More men need to do that sort of thing.

None of that changes my desire to be kind. Being a jerk to me is not an option but it does mean I reserve the right to be flawed. Everyone struggles and it’s not cool to add to that struggle.

My friends, I try to be who I am in my physical existence in my virtual existence. Don’t expect perfection because there isn’t a perfect person who posts to this blog or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Being genuine and real means something or at least I hope it still means something.

E-Z V-8 Soup

An easy and delicious soup full of vitamins and other good stuff.

The Soup Diva

This is an amalgamation of about 8 different versions of the Cabbage Soup Diet soup. I know I have several cabbage soup recipes already (like this one and this one and even this one), but this is different enough that it deserves its own post.

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced*

  • 4 medium carrots or parsnips, chopped or sliced*

  • 2 stalks celery, diced*

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped

  • 1 large bottle or can tomato-based vegetable juice (V-8)

  • Small jar roasted red peppers

  • 1 cup dried red lentils

  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauté first 4 vegetables in oil until softened and add cabbage; allow to wilt to about half volume. Add rest of ingredients and simmer until vegetables and lentils are done. Serve with a splash of apple cider vinegar and/or fresh…

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