Wednesday, April 6, 2011

April is National Grilled Cheese Month!

I was browsing around Facebook this morning and to my complete and utterly happy surprise, an acquaintance posted that April is National Grilled Cheese Month!

Sometimes the simplest things get me all excited. After enduring what has been a six month long winter here in Indiana, I can honestly say that one of few comforts available to us is THE GRILLED CHEESE.

As a kid, my mom always served us grilled cheese sandwiches with Campbell's Tomato Soup. Classic. Simple. No need for alterations. Exquisite deliciousness if you ask me. That said, as I've grown up, I've discovered all kinds of ways to make grilled cheese gourmet.

See the following link for tips and ideas regarding this delectable sour day snack:
http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/04/april-is-national-grilled-cheese-month.html

Now, as someone who is CONSTANTLY managing or struggling with weight loss, the grilled cheese is not necessarily the healthiest food in the world, but it's certainly worth celebrating. Add some veggies and healthier bread (see high fiber, high protein) and you're golden.
Ah, golden like a grilled cheese.

And though I like to wax poetic on everything that vexes me in the world, it's important to focus on life's simple treats. The grilled cheese is a nostalgic one, one that makes me feel like a kid again, even if it's dolled up and served in the best of restaurants. Nurturing one's inner child can always be a productive exercise, I think. ;-)

So many of us - we get bogged down by all of Life's blows. Stress has become the "norm" and a "way of life" for most of us and it's crucial to remember little bits and pieces that bring us inner peace and comfort. For some of us, it's a favorite food, a book, a friendly chat, a nice day,...and so on.

Simple pleasures. There exists nothing like them.
Here are a few of mine:

*A great book
*A strong, hot cup of black coffee (maybe a bit of whipped cream on top)
*A gourmet grilled cheese with veggies and a hot cup of soup
*A great work out
*A reciprocating, genuine long chat with a good friend
*Cuddling
*Writing
*Sitting outside, enjoying the weather
*A great song
*Driving the car with the windows down
*The first flowers coming up during the spring (see tulips, daffodils, lilacs)

I could go on and on...
Today's assigment: think about the little, splendid things in your life that bring you joy - not the big ones. We all have those.
Think about those things today as you embark to conquer Life's frustrations, barriers, and challenges.

It's Grilled Cheese Month.
Can I get a "Hell yeah!?"