The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window

The adventure of the ordinary day

January 10, 2013

Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. Winding down now from the busy holidays and enjoying the quiet, aurorean mornings. Now that all of the Christmas décor is packed away, the house looks somewhat bare and I've been lighting candles and hanging framed photos and cleaning where dust has gathered.

I've had some time, too, to catch up with friends and have good long conversations and hear stories of adventures. One friend got on a plane yesterday for a short trip to Paris to visit the Mona Lisa. She's writing poetry about the portrait, and I admire her brave heart for such spontaneous adventure all on her own. Another friend just returned from a trip a few weeks back where she walked El Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James in Spain, a pilgrimage she took herself along which she had conversations with God. And yet another friend is enrolling in a degree program which will make her, after the journey, a certified social worker. Helper of those who need help.

I find my adventures not far from where I sit. Sometimes it's a question about math. Sometimes a complaint about a teacher. Sometimes it's just tears. This week, a long goodbye to a boyfriend sworn into the army, a passed driver's test, and oral surgery resulting in two buried teeth finding light. They each have their issues, and their glories.

One day I'll go on a big adventure myself. Never have seen the Grand Canyon, and a road trip like that would be just right. Some days that thought keeps me going. But for now, I'll take the adventure of the ordinary day, of adolescence, of finding the blue shirt that was hanging up in the closet yesterday. I'll find it, son, I tell him. It's what I do.

Here's a simple one, for a weekend afternoon when you don't feel like doing much but you're craving something good.

Crock Pot Beer Chicken

2lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts (I use 8 breasts, about 4 oz each)
1 bottle or can of your favorite beer
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp dried oregano
½ tsp black pepper

Place all ingredients in the crock pot, and cook on high for 4-5 hrs, or low for 6-8 hrs. Feel free to change out the spices and herbs and use whatever you'd like.

Enjoy!

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