Today’s Observations
I flew back home to Laguna Beach today from my parent’s house in Castle Rock.  As it turned out, the most challenging part of my visit was not eating raw, but dealing with my parent’s dial-up internet connection, which moves at the speed of molasses… on a cold, bitterly cold, winter day.  Just trying to get my mom set up on Facebook was painful.  After waiting 5 minutes for her picture to load, we finally bailed out.   Is it bad that I’ve learned to expect things to move at the speed 12.5 megabytes per second?  Not only do I expect it, but in fact, my daily life has come to depend on it – Skype, Facebook, GoToMeeting, google searches – this is where I live.  I love technology, and I happen to think it makes our lives better, more productive, and more efficient.  But theirs is a different kind of life in Castle Rock.  Its simpler and slower paced.  Focused less on technology and more on tradition.  The fact is, they love their life, and I love mine.  Neither is better, just different.  And I suppose that’s not a bad lesson to learn… even if it did take 28 kilobits per second to learn it.

Today’s Menu
Apples and pears for breakfast
Coconut, mango, raspberry smoothie for lunch
Cucumber Mint Gazpacho for dinner
Apples and avocado for snacks

Today’s New Recipe
I wanted to give this recipe from Raw Living Foods a try… but I didn’t really like it :(  A little too bland for me and a little too hot (from the Jalapeno).  But I kept it and will try to doctor it up a bit with Pineapple (it needs some sweetness) and some cilantro – which makes anything better :).  This version of the recipe is for 1-2 people.

Cucumber Mint Gazpacho (2 Yums)
2 english cucumbers peeled and cubed
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 jalapeno
1/4 red pepper
10-12 mint leaves, cut into thin strips
Salt and pepper to taste

Blend the cucumber and lime until smooth.  Place in a bowl and add the other ingredients.  Mix and serve.

Today’s Affirmation
I am grateful for the growth that is available through difference.