Reduce, Reuse, Rejoice: A Spiritual Guide to Waste Management

Several months back I published a post about the waste we humans produce due to our eating habits (Click Here To Read). A lot of what I learned while writing this piece has stuck with me, influencing the way I think and feel, and consequently, the way I eat. At times I'm overwhelmed by this knowledge; I struggle with guilt brought on in part by my own, and in part by my fellow species, decision to exist in a way not consistent with nature. But as I continue to ponder these decisions, I'm beginning to realize something quite extraordinary.

Eat To Live & Live To Give

Now that I have cable again (uggh!) I've been bombarded with cheery commercials all promising unparalleled holiday joy. As a wise woman once sang, “I am a material girl” and it’s painfully obvious that I am “living in a material world”.

Every year we spend billions “making merry”. As a culture we tend to overdose on materialism. I think it's okay to enjoy the finer things in life, but in moderation. After all, what are we working for if not to be happy, enjoying food and gifts with our loved ones? 

With that being said, I still empathize with those that have grown disenchanted by the holidays, those that look around and see selfish, instant gratification-obsessed, unhappy people. So while I think nothing wrong with the enjoyment of giving and getting the material things in life, it’s no secret that for many people, the holidays have become the least wonderful time of the year.

Did Someone Say "BBQ" ?

A certain special friend of mine loves bar-b-que's. He loves them so much we have a running joke that despite his various academic degrees and accolades, all that really goes on inside his head is the word "BBQ" over and over again, at least for the summer months (maybe in winter the word changes to "turkey" or "eggnog").

As you can imagine, we derive many jokes and laughter at this friend's expense, but all joking aside, who doesn't love a BBQ? Summer has always been my favorite season and a big reason for that is the fact that during the warm summer months, more than any other time of year, we treat ordinary days like holidays, which means lots and lots of BBQ's. Yes there are some actual holidays, like the 4th of July,  but even after, all we really need is a day (or afternoon) off from work, sunshine, a few friends, and simple, yet delicious food to throw on the grill.

Many people associate nostalgia with summertime, and for good reason;  most of us spend more time using our senses for pleasurable experience in the summer than in any other season. Think about it, we are outside (which is already a sensory plethora) with the sounds of birds singing, ocean waves crashing and if we're lucky, music and laughter. Now add the scents and tastes of flame grilled corn, melted butter, and a juicy steak smoking over a fire. Who wouldn't be nostalgic?

Cooking over a flame is the essence of cooking. Using fire to create food is how the human species survived and evolved over thousands of years. There is no experience that makes us feel more human, more connected, than the act of cooking with fire, outside, with others. And what else is a BBQ but this act? No wonder my friend can't stop thinking of them.

Last week in the Poconos... I'm really enjoying my Smores!!

Two thirds of summer is already gone, and with it the opportunity to slow down, unwind, and spend much needed time with our friends and family. But there is still some time left and however busy you are, it would be nothing short of tragic to let it slip by un-celebrated or un-enjoyed.

I haven't been writing much (as you can probably tell from the lack of blog posts), but that's because I've been out enjoying life, which I hope is the case for you too. As much as I love writing, I love living more. And so far, I've had a pretty amazing summer! Take a look...

Me, enjoying a lovely afternoon on the beach, back in June

At the Biergarten on the NYC High Line

Surprise! Happy 78 Grandma!!

Does this shot really need a caption?!

     

Good times with friends "glamping" in the Poconos :)

     

Finally! ...Meeting my sister for the first time (it only took 13 years!)

Happy 13 Years to this couple!

... I guess 13 is my lucky number ;)

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Earlier this week my friend Brian Muro (AKA Ms. Muro) came for a visit. With the sun finally shining, we hit the boardwalk on our bicycles and road all the way to Ocean City and back. Along the way we made time to stop for (my favorite) homemade ice cream at the one and only Margate Dairy Bar in Margate...

First taste of summer: homemade soft serve ice cream!

Taking a well earned break and enjoying the view...

After nearly 3 hours of battling the winds whipping off the ocean, ice cream never tasted so good! It gave us just enough energy to get home and cook dinner. In a rare reversal of roles, Ms. Muro took the lead in the kitchen and prepared an exquisite creation consisting of salmon, broccoli, string beans, onions & garlic bread...



For years now, every time I cook for Brian, he says to me: "I really have to cook for you" but talk is cheap my friend and as Ms. Muro herself would say, the proof is in the pudding, or haricots verts as the case was this week.

All is well that ends well though and my tastebuds would have to agree that this scrumptious chef d'oeuvre was worth the (oh so long) wait. But anyone who knows anything knows that perfection cannot be rushed, which is why freshly peeled and chopped garlic, hand prepped veggies, fresh herbs (more turmeric!), and patience were the key ingredients here. The result?

Pleasure of the purest kind...

As you can plainly see, our trip and cuisine were both phenomenal. And as usual, we enjoyed one another's company to the max! Most of our time was spent being silly, as was the case here:

Ms. Muro sporting the shirt I got him for his birthday

But what makes each others company so rewarding is that it exists as a dynamic balance between gay (pun intended) merry making and fruitful activity. Our friendship is a perfect coming together of imperfect and chaotic energies that have the power to excite, inspire and challenge our preconceived identities; this connection feeds off good fun, good food, and a willingness to explore the uncharted territory before us.

Life isn't perfect, but find a reason to smile (laugh, cry, scream, dance...) anyway and keep looking straight ahead, or as Brian says, "gayly forward".  There will always be time for work, but be sure to enjoy all of life's pleasures and the people you share them with, along the way.

Sometimes, girls (and guys) just wanna have fun :)