The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way. - Robert Kiyosaki and Carrots, Brussel Sprouts and Red Onions

Photo by Susie Nelson

I’ve been gone for a while concentrating on finalizing the deal for a house we were interested in.  This is not my first rodeo with regards to home ownership so I knew what to expect when it came to paperwork. Still, either I’ve gotten older and my memory fading or obtaining the deed of title comes with even more red tape today than it did fifteen years ago.  Plowing through the mounds of signature pages and initials, each day we took a step closer to our desired goal. So sure were we that the loan was going forward I lined up movers, measured the rooms in the new house for furniture, and did everything but have our mail rerouted.  Even with all this preparation some little sniggerer in the back field of my mind kept wagging an index finger in my direction and saying “not so fast, Blondie”.  Not one to take excitement over the top until the ink is dry on the deal, I asked my friends and loved ones not to ask me to discuss details until I had keys in hand. In the end, this was a wisely placed request.

Cresting the last wave with land in sight, my agent announced she needed an extension to tie up all the loose ends with respect to the paperwork.  Could there be more paper work?  Really? I’d be surprised to find  a single tree left standing on the west coast after all this.  Assured an extension was SOP, or at very least a common practice in the house procuring biz, I signed the extension paperwork. “If God is willing and da creek don’t rise” the house was to be ours the end of this month.  Okay, I may have done a little jig at this juncture but still I held back on going completely ballistic.  So much time have we invested in finding this property, surely it was to be ours.  As I said, “not so fast, Blondie”.

It seems the seller’s agent was not privy to the SOP/common practice portion of the program and when she received the news of the requested three-week extension she let off a little steam herself.  Next thing we knew the seller’s agent advised us unless we met the original closing date it was sayonara pretty little home in the forest, hello rental.  Sigh.  As the loan paperwork couldn’t be completed by that deadline, I was asked by my agent if I had a friend or relative who was sitting on $200,000 they didn’t need for a few months because if so it was still a go.  Really?  Do I have enough fingers to count all the people I can think of who qualify under that statement?  Yes, and ten to spare.

I would be disgusted but that would be an upgrade from what I am feeling at the moment.  However, part of the wisdom which comes to you when you have some life miles behind you is you must accept those things you cannot change with as much grace and good spirit as you can muster.  My modus operandi when faced with a disappointment is to languish in a full day of self-pity. Generally this involves consuming more than my share of the chocolate and a Cadillac margarita with salt, possibly two.  Once done, I pick myself up, grab a firm hold on the baton and get back in the race.  To quote one of my favorite book titles by W. Mitchell, “It’s Not What Happens to You, It’s What You Do About It”, kin to “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”.

Too trendy?

This does present us with some interesting problem areas at this juncture, however.  Mainly, our house here is sold and although I’m sure it’s nothing against us personally the buyers are resistant to us homesteading with our two cats and mountains of boxes while we find suitable replacement digs.  Some people are so self-absorbed.

Tomorrow I will go out and begin to search for a rental to keep the rain off our heads.  Our two felines may have to sneak in wearing big glasses, moustaches and bushy eyebrows to avoid detection, but for enough cat treats our two pirates would pose as lhasa apso’s.

Life sometimes will not cooperate when you most wish is to. Perhaps if the universe keeps throwing roadblocks in your pursuit of a goal, you come to realize down the road a piece there was a reason for such diversion.  Thus, I have stowed my pity pot beneath the bed for the time being, and am facing the world bravely, rental application in hand. Wish me luck!

Oh, I’m full of quotes today, or full of something.  Like this one as well.

With money you can buy a house, but not a home. With money you can buy a clock, but not time. With money you can buy a book, but not knowledge. With money you can buy blood, but not life. With money you can buy sex, but not love. So what can you buy with money???  – Prem Rawat.

I love this combination of vegetables, two of my favorites.

Glazed Brussel Sprouts and Carrots

2 Tbsp. butter, divided
1 large shallot, minced
1/3 cup orange juice
1/2 red onion, sliced thin
1 lb. brussel sprouts, halved
3 carrots, peeled and sliced in 1/2″ pieces
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
2 tsp. cider vinegar
Salt and pepper

Place brussel sprouts and carrots in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 8-10 mins. until crisp tender. Drain and set aside.

In large skillet melt 1 Tbsp. butter over med-high heat. Add sliced onion and cook until onions are translucent; about 5 mins. Add shallot and cook for 2 mins. until fragrant. Add orange juice to pan.

Add 1 Tbsp. butter and vegetables to pan and add brussel sprouts and carrots.

Cook for 3-5 mins. over med. heat until lightly browned, turning often. Stir in cider vinegar and maple syrup. Cook for 3 mins. or until brussel sprouts are tender. Season with salt and pepper.