Milestone

Well, it's that time of the year again when the odometer of my life bumps up one.  And this year is even a minor milestone.   Yet, I don't feel anything significantly different.   It's actually been a pretty difficult past year; and I'm hoping this coming one will be much better.   Yet, I'm encouraged that with challenges often comes maturity and growth; and I do think that I have grown in new areas.  Maybe it has even helped me to be more empathetic and understanding.

Considering my busy schedule, it's kind of fitting that today is the one day this week that I can actually rest after work.   The rest of this week, I have responsibilities, people to get together with, and places to go.   So, it's nice to have a "free" evening.

I've never made much of a fanfare of my Birthday, even as a child.  So, it is actually special and meaningful when people remember and take the time to spend with me or the thought to buy a gift or send a card or call.   I am blessed and grateful.

28-Aug:  My parents took me out for Thai food the other day for my Birthday.  My favorite dish was still the Pad Thai.   This week, I was inspired to make a couple of dishes related to Thai food.   We had ordered some Thai BBQ chicken.  It was a little dry, so with the leftovers, I boiled the bones for a soup base; and for the soup, it used the chicken pieces with corn and spinach.   It helped the meat to not be so dry; and it was a good, and fairly healthy meal.   I also made a green fish curry.   I stir-fried some green onions and ginger, added curry powder, and then coconut milk.  Then, added fish chunks when boiled, simmered, and seasoned with some fish sauce, salt, and pepper. It was pretty good served over rice.  An easy way to cook fish without a lot of fishy smell in the house.