You Are The One Who Gives Me Hope

Life is still upside down and twisty but this weekend was perfect. We had Grady's first birthday party and I could not have wished for a better day. The room was full of people I love celebrating the little person I love most in this world.

I mean, it would have been nice if it had been sunny instead of rainy, and my day would have gone a bit smoother if I'd actually tried on my dress before the day of the party so I'd have realized it was inappropriately low-cut for my child's birthday party but, eh. What can you do, right? Grady's mind was blown over and over (balloons! cupcakes! Grandma and Grandpa and Nanny and Grandpapa all in the same room at the same time!) It was a perfect day.

(And now I'm back to hyperventilating at work but soon - SOON! - it will be done and I can breathe again.)

Step By Step

I quit my job last week. I stood up in the middle of a confrontation that had turned from professional to deeply personal and I walked out.

I wish that I could talk about what happened but I can't. Not right now. My boss asked me to come back and yesterday I did. I'm back at work (for now) and that limits what I can say about my situation. Trust me when I say it was horrible and it was insane and one day I will tell you all about it.

* * * * * 

Grady took his first step on Sunday. It was just one step so I can't say that he's walking but he's on his way. I don't think I've ever been prouder.

* * * * * 

Shawn and I are trying to get back to our healthy habits after eating nothing but comfort carbs during Grady's illness. Last night I wanted falafel but they're fried (mmm fried) so instead I whipped together a sort of falafel-esque baked chickpea patty. They were so yummy.

First I mashed up two 19oz cans of (drained and rinsed) chickpeas.

Then I buzzed an onion, four cloves of garlic, and the juice of a lemon in the food processor until it was a paste.

 Next I mixed together (approximately - I don't measure) two heaping tablespoons of flour, one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of coriander, and two teaspoons of cumin.

I mixed the chickpeas into the flour mixture and then added the onion paste and stirred it well.

I formed twelve patties and put them on a foil-lined and lightly oiled baking sheet, then baked them in a 400-degree oven for 10 minutes. I flipped the patties and baked for another 10 minutes.

I served the patties with whole wheat pita bread, lettuce, red peppers, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and tzatziki.

I Wanna Be The Rain I Am A Red Balloon I Got A Book Of Dates

Just in case you need a little smile: