#girldad

I think Kobe Bryant’s death hit most people hard in its suddenness and the fact that his young daughter was with him, compounded the tragedy.  Also, it is well documented that he had an amazing and supportive relationship with this oldest daughter and they were in fact going to her basketball
practice, which he was involved in coaching.

We have two daughters and from the minute they were born, my husband has shown that he too is an amazing girl dad.  There was no wishing for a boy or gender roles being played out.  They were just as likely to be serving him tea at a tea party, as playing basketball in the driveway or hockey at the back yard pond. They went water and snow skiing together, took crazy rides on our jet ski and threw the football around in the yard.

He attended every sporting event and while they didn’t participate in the most macho of sports, he cheered them on in gymnastics, diving and pompon with enthusiasm and support.  Golf is something our whole family shares and he was so proud when Megan shot her best score at her high school state golf tournament.  He coached CYO basketball for Melissa at one point and while it was clear it wasn’t her thing, she was proud to have her Dad as the coach.

It’s so important for girls and their confidence to have a strong father and to feel that unconditional love.  At Megan’s wedding, in my husband’s father of the bride speech, he shared how every night before the girls went to sleep, he told them “ you’re pretty, you’re strong and you’re smart and I love you with all my heart”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Volunteering

In Michigan, I lived in a tight knit community with many opportunities to volunteer.  It was the norm and I even have a good friend who started a non profit when she saw a need.  I was involved in my daughter’s parochial school activities from room parent to brownie leader.  I designed and sewed costumes for school musicals and served on boards and committees from elementary to high school level.  Even my last job had a element of volunteerism in recruiting and scheduling workers for a city wide festival.

Now in Florida, I feel like I haven’t missed a beat.  I live in a new development with an active HOA and I have gotten very involved.  But it is landscaping related, which I am passionate about, so I do enjoy it.  The city I live in is somewhat small and by also volunteering for a hard working landscape group, I have met great people and feel really connected to the area, even after living here only a short time.

After retirement (early for us) there is a period of finding your way in a new normal.  You do need time for yourself, but there are a lot of hours in the week to fill and as long as I get my golf and yoga in, there is time available.  Volunteering is rewarding and really there is something out there for everyone.  Communities need volunteers and I find those who get involved to be the best kind of people.

My husband told me the other day that I was working way too hard on a volunteer job.  But, isn’t there a saying - do what you love and it’s not work.  That’s me right now.

Happy Thursday!

Empty the Fridge Fried Rice

I love fried rice, but I have never attempted to make it myself.  There was some leftover rice in my refrigerator from the gumbo I made over the weekend (make my recipe - it’s delicious) and I decided now was the time to try.  This recipe can be modified based on what you have and I had containers of chopped green onions and tomatoes, so that’s what I used.  Next time, I would not use tomatoes, but probably add broccoli and carrots and some type of onion,  all of which I usually keep on hand.  Also, I prefer brown rice.

The method remains the same, no matter what you use and I love something quick and easy like this for lunch rather than a boring sandwich.  I also usually have frozen shrimp on hand and if you wanted protein, how easy would that be.

Enjoy!

Heat 2 T olive oil in a large skillet.  Add 2 cups leftover rice, 1/2 cup chopped veggies (any variety and mixture). Heat through and add about 3 T soy sauce.  Make a well in center and add 2 eggs, beaten.  Scramble eggs within the well, and then mix them together with rice and veggies.  Add more soy sauce if desired.