Post Divorce Stress

I had a yearly check up with my Doctor yesterday. As is typical, the conversation got around to how are things post divorce? The nurse politely asked this as she was taking my blood pressure. Expounding away on this 'n that of the divorce, when the monitor beeped and she read the numbers and gasped. "Wow, that's really high for you", she exclaimed. Then realizing I'd been talking about my divorce she asked me to breathe deeply and we'd try again. Sure enough the numbers were right on track. Ahh, the effects of stress. Isn't it amazing that one short conversation had my blood pressure up? The moral of this story is, stay positive, and breathe deeply. That's not to say we don't need to express our anger. But after we express, it's good to just let go of it. Happy Weekend!

Fall’s Delights

 

Saw the movie Julie and Julia last night. Delightful! Oh, it made me want to come home and cook! After my divorce I really haven't cooked much at all. Sometimes it seems easier to buy a burrito and make it last for 2 meals. But now I'm craving a good meal, as in the movie. And butter, oh beurre.

When my daughter was two years old, I realized I was going to be in the kitchen for years to come. And I had a thought that I might as well enjoy it. So I signed up for my local cooking classes through retail outlet popular at the time. I really did enjoy the classes and making the homework assignments at home. And for a time, we certainly ate better. But my, there were dishes galore and I spent an arm and a leg on expensive, quality ingredients. I still use many of those recipes, as I perfected more than several of those dishes.

Divorce, however has a way of bringing one to the basics. Now it's a simple stir fry or quesadillas with a pre-made chicken. Breakfast for dinner has become not just a favorite, but a steady friend; eggs are so easy. Not to mention, ok, I'll mention, that I had to let go of many of my fancy kitchen tools like the mandolin. 50/50 sucks even when dividing the kitchen. On the bright side, most of what's in my kitchen now actually gets used!

Food's earthy quality has a way of bringing people together. It's so sensual to sit down to a nice meal with friends. It's spiritually nourishing and filling to enjoy meals together. Time to plan a gathering.