No one will probably know how excited I was when I saw two of the holidays that lined up today: Different Colored Eyes Day and Simplicity Day. It seemed too crazy to be true and let me tell you why...
This is my very best friend Jay Valle
As you can see in this photo, He has two different colored eyes. It is pretty sweet. He has a million stories that he tells people as to why they are that way and they are each incredibly hilarious. Jay is also the person that has taught me the most about finding joy in the simple things of life. He taught me about the things that are most important in life and he has influenced a lot of who I am today.
He loves brown paper packages. His idea of a good time is red box and frozen pizza. He also loves just going to the farmer's market and walking around. He loves taking pictures and spending time with family. He loves music and happens to be extremely talented at composing and playing piano. He is also a brilliant percussionist. He is passionate about what he does. He is simply dedicated and obedient. He loves to keep things simple and personal. He loves to make people laugh and see them happy. He is always himself. It is inspiring. I have a pretty cool best friend.
It is also Pecan Pie Day. First off, I am not a fan of pecan pie. So i began to search for another alternative. Pinterest offered a solution....these little babies.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and finely chopped
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla
7 ounces dark chocolate
Preparation
1. In a medium bowl, stir together pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and salt until well combined. Add maple syrup, bourbon and vanilla, stirring thoroughly. Use your hands to make sure the mixture becomes fully incorporated.
2. Form mixture into walnut-sized balls, then place on a cookie sheet and freeze for 2 hours.
3. In the top of a double boiler or in a medium stainless steel bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water, melt chocolate. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip the frozen balls into the melted chocolate, then place onto prepared baking sheet. Let sit for 15 minutes or until firm.
Yield: 24 truffles.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/08/health/20101108_thanksgiving.html#Pecan_Pie_Truffles
But, it was simplicity day as well. I didn't think it would be wise to slave over this rather expensive dish since only one person in my family would actually eat it. Ha. So I went the lazy route and didn't even make anything with pecans. Maybe that was just a pathetic excuse but it works for me! I did get to enjoy some simple pleasures of life though. I went for a run in the morning. Then I was able to just relax and watch TV (I don't do this very often, especially at school). I also took a walk with my dog and spent over an hour playing the piano. I read an amazing talk from General Conference. Pure Brilliance. It is a top 5 for me. David A. Bednar - The Tender Mercies of the Lord
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng
Today's (since I am yet again publishing this late) holidays are:
Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
Embrace Your Geekness Day
National French Fry Day
Enjoy (:
