Heart Healthy Recipes

BROCCOLI PENNE

1 8 oz box Whole Wheat Penne Pasta - cooked as per instructions on box
2 cups Fresh Broccoli Heads - steamed
1 Bunch Flat Leaf Parsley - chopped
1 Tbs Garlic - chopped
18 Grape Tomatoes - cut in half
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Dash Salt and Pepper - optional
Olive Oil - for sautee

Begin by cooking the pasta as per instructions on the box.  Steam the broccoli lightly.  Once both are done, combine and add the remaining ingredients in large skillet lightly coated with olive oil.  Stir til heated and flavors are combined.  Toss lightly and serve.

Optional:  For those who eat meat (my husband), we have found a way to incorporate this into the recipe... Marinade (Teriyaki gives a nice flavor) cut of meat of your choice.  Cut in strips.  Brown on top of stove while the above ingredients are cooking.  Once meat is done, add the finished ingredients above.

Serves 4.

  

If you try it, please let me know what you think.  Enjoy!

S.

Tennis Anyone?

I'm not quite sure what I was thinking when I agreed to get out three mornings (very early mornings, mind you) to meet up with friends to play tennis in an effort to get some exercise!  It's times like these that I'm reminded how limited I am right now and I find that very frustrating!  I know I've mentioned these emotions before, but there's just something that happens each time I have to face another physical challenge.  It's like this unrelenting brick upside the head that taunts me... like the other day when I went back up to the hospital to workout for the first time after almost a year.  I won't go into details, but it ended with me cutting my session short, heading into the locker room and having a melt down.  It was not pretty and I couldn't get out of there fast enough!

As for my attempt at tennis today... let me start by saying that I love to play tennis even though my skills leave something to be desired, I've still always enjoyed getting out there and hitting the ball back and forth.  Maybe it's the actual hitting something that I find therapeutic.  Whatever the reason, I just like it so I do what I can.

After playing (or chasing balls, I should say) for a while, I knew it was time to take a break.  I didn't want to sit down, but I've learned that when my breathing is labored, my vision is getting distorted and there is ringing in my ears, it's probably best I find some place to sit for a bit.  It was about this time that the frustration began to set in.  Even though it was early and my legs felt like lead, I was still somewhat excited to get out and, hopefully, be successful at this activity so that I can do something I actually enjoy and get some benefit from.

As I took a break, watching the others play, we noticed there were people gathering on the two courts next to us.  Trying not to be obvious and stare, I also noticed this group was mostly made up of retirees who came to play some serious tennis.  We're talking, sweeping off the court, stretching out, swatting at imaginary balls in the air, etc.  It was then that the second wave of frustration began to try to settle in over me. 

Thought #1:  "Look at them... they must have at least thirty years on you and look at the way they move so effortlessly!"  (Self-pity)

Thought #2:  "Wonder how many of them have been through what I've been through."  (Rationality)

Thought #3:  "Wish they'd quit looking over here."  (Shame)

Thought #4:  "I hope my socks and tennis shoes aren't messing up my pedicure."  (I know, random...)

Thought #5:  "Lord, please don't let any of them collapse at the same time I do, because I have a feeling they'd get taken in before me!"  (More randomness)

Thought #6:  "I have so much left to do.  I'm really not ready to die, yet."  (Delerium)     

Long story short... it wasn't a total fail, but it certainly didn't go as I had hoped.  By the time I got home, I was dragging emotionally and physically.  Once I sat down, that was it.  I was worthless for about three hours!  When I finally managed to work my way into a vertical position and start moving, I felt a surge of energy so I decided to jump on it and get some things done around the house.  Still feeling beaten, emotionally, I realized I needed to grab hold of those thoughts and begin to try and replace them with more positive and encouraging thoughts of recent accomplishments such as:

I managed to repaint my office and trim... no small task for me.
Hosted a family get-together for the in-laws.
I detailed my car in this heat... not once, but twice.
I kept my five-year-old granddaughter for three, fun-filled days.
I prepared homecooked meals each night last week... again, no small task.
Have begun the redecorating process in my bedroom.

to name a few.  I know that these things may not seem like much to some, but to me, they are huge.  Besides the physical, I'm learning to reign in the emotional when it starts to creep in and overwhelm me.  I can't say that I succeed everytime, but I do see progress in the right direction.  Hopefully, as I continue to show up for tennis, I'll see improvement in my stamina, attitude and overall fitness level over time.  Like all successful programs, it's just going to take time and my willingness to work for it.  Although I can't help but wonder, where is that easy button when I need it???


S.

Seven Hundred Thirty

730 days ago you came in and forever changed my life.



You lurked and waited for just the right time to try and take me down for good.



You nearly succeeded.



Our fight has been up and down, back and forth.



You not only affected my life, but those of the ones closest to me.



You managed to steal my joy for a while.



You managed to steal my confidence, too.



You managed to nearly break my spirit.



You caused much confusion in many areas of my life.



You led me into some very dark days and nights.




However, had it not been for you, Heart Disease and all the heartache that accompanied you, despite your intentions, I am quite certain that had I never faced such opposition, I would not know what it is to persevere and realize the gift of each new day and all the possibilties that lie therein. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my faith would never have been stretched to such great lengths had you not pushed me to realize who God created me to be. Had you never shown your hand, I would never have known what it means to die to my old life, my old thoughts, my old habits, my old expectations and dreams. I went down one person and have come up in all things new. For those things I am thankful. I take great joy in seeing what this new chapter of my life holds.



Today, as I celebrate the second anniversary of my new life, I'm not sure what I'll be doing or where I'll be going, but you can rest assured that I'll be lovin' every minute of it, flying by the seat of my pants, with camera in hand and without a plan or a care in the world.

'Courage'

A beautiful gift from my sister-in-law.

xo

Happy Heart Month

This is it. It's here. The month I have now officially dubbed as Heart Month. I know it's not THE official Heart Month, but it's MY Heart Month, well, one of two Heart Months, actually. The other we'll celebrate in September, but for now, next week we'll be celebrating the two year anniversary of the biggest wake up call of my life and it all revolves around my heart.

Who would have thought this tiny, little organ could make or break you. It's function is so intricately created, it's truly amazing. It can bring grown men to their knees and cause them to re-evaluate life in a way they never expected. It can take even the hardest, coldest individual and turn them into the most loving, sensitive and compassionate of human beings. It is indescribable what this little muscle in our chests can achieve. It is our bodies' source of life. Without it functioning properly, our quality of life is affected. Without it, we cannot go on.

This reminds of a time when I was just a little girl, about the age of 5 or 6, I went to the bank with my dad one day and while standing in line, waiting our turn at the teller, this young man fell to the ground and began rolling around, screaming right there in the bank lobby. My dad immediately tried to shield me from seeing him as it really was quite a frightening sight. Later, once everything had calmed down and we were on our way, I asked what had happened to that man and the response my dad gave was, "I think he was having a heart attack." This would be the very first time I'd ever hear these words. For some reason, I've never forgotten that moment in time.

Life as I know it has changed, but for the better... for the most part. I have learned that we are not promised a tomorrow so we'd better get out there and make every day count for something. I have learned that it's much easier to forgive and move on rather than rehash and hold on to past offenses. I have learned to see the good in people and have even found that loving others is coming easier with each passing day. I have learned that whatever our dreams are or have been, what better time than now to begin to work toward seeing them become a reality. I have learned to value and appreciate family and friends like never before. I have learned to smile and laugh more. And most importantly, I have learned the true meaning of making sure my heart is right with God at all times as there are no do-overs when it comes time to stand before Him. I have also learned to take joy in the fact that I have so much ahead of me. Every day is a new day and I get excited about the possibilities that each one holds. The only limits are the ones I allow.

So much has taken place since that day. I often wonder why me and why now. However, even if I was given the answer, it probably still wouldn't be enough for me. And, for now, I have to be content with that. If I spent all of my time going through all the 'what ifs' and 'if onlys', I'd never get out of bed, ever again and there is way too much life yet to be lived! If I could give anyone advice on how NOT to live (hmmmm.... nice topic for another blog in the future!) it would be this: Don't wait. The time is now and now is the time! What are you waiting for???

Happy Heart Month and Happy Fourth of July!

xoxoxo