Dress Your Countenance With: #1 Determination

Ralph Lauren Jacket: Macys
Lauren Jeans: Macys
White Blouse: Langford Market

Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. – Denis Waitley

Yesterday’s post seemed to touch a chord with many of the readers. As I said, these are interesting times we live in and the struggles with our professions and the economy are more widespread than ever before. This all gave me the idea to focus this week on a few of the character traits which will assist us in persevering through these trials.

Today, I wanted to speak about determination. Determination is really about a stubborn resolve to get through no matter what. I actually teach this in my journalism class. Reporters must be determined to get a story even when door after door slams in their face. If the reporter is weak willed or easily discouraged, then they will show up at deadline time with nothing….except a huge scowl on an editor’s face.

Cejon Scarf: Marshalls
Bracelet:  Blanco, TX Boutique

I have signs in my room which read, “Thou Shalt Not Whine!” My student reporters know that I will not accept whiny excuses for not getting a story….as Tim Gunn would say, They Must Make It Work. I realize this is much harder when dealing with the loss of a paycheck. But whether we fill the bank account as a Wal-Mart Greeter or cash register checker, we must determine that we will make it. Joy is a decision and can be found in any occupation. My husband and I have determined that we will be open to whatever comes our way….we must choose to put behind us what other family members or people think; we must choose to enjoy each day that has been given to us; we must choose not to allow financial success define who we are; and we must choose to focus on the real priorities of life…not just what we would like our material possessions to be.

You need a good pair of cowboy boots to dress with determination and go
kick some bo-honky!!

Dress with Determination this Day!!

Here is a great soup recipe from this past week…I took it and made it

low-fat and it turned out delicious!
Low Fat Baked Potato Soup

2 – 3 baking potatoes (such as russet or Yukon gold)

3 Tbsp. diet butter  (I like Smart Balance, http://www.smartbalance.com/)

½ cup chopped onion

¼ cup chopped celery

2 gloves crushed garlic

3 Tbsp. all purpose flour

½ tsp. dried thyme, crushed

¼ tsp. sea salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

4 cups non-fat half and half, or non-fat milk

1 ¼ cups of Weight Watchers shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup fat free chicken broth

Garnishes (if you like): crumbled bacon, fat free sour cream, thinly sliced green onion

First, put the chicken broth in a small pan. Add a tsp of Mrs. Dash garlic & herb seasoning. Add a small amount of the chopped onion and celery and thyme. Simmer, covered for at least 30-60 minutes.

Scrub the potatoes; pat dry; pierce with a fork. Bake at 425 degrees for 60 minutes or under tender. Cool. Peel. Chop and set aside.

In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook and stir about five minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in flour, thyme, salt and pepper. Add half and half all at once. Cook and stir for 5 to 6 minutes until thickened and bubbly. Add potatoes, and 1 cup of the cheese and the broth and stir until the cheese melts. Slightly mash the potatoes with the back of a spoon or a potato masher.

Garnish if you like and enjoy!!!

8 Comments

  1. Determination and potato soup. This is a heavenly post. I love both of those things! I am a determination junkie, and love reading stories about people who have it in abundance. Then I use that knowledge as leverage on myself when I am feeling lazy or sorry for myself. My latest determination crush has to be Steve Jobs after the interview with his biographer last night on '60 Minutes.' I will be reading that book asap! XO, Jill

  2. Hi Pam, i have been away for a while now catching up on blogs, love your attitude, never gave up! I am on sick leave for 1 month, acute tendinitis so will have ample time to read you, love your outfit Pam. I will be posting my pics from NY city soon! Lots of friendship Ariane x

  3. Your soup reminds me of the Irish.

    I was reading that their economic measures have paid off and they aren't as troubled as several other European countries, despite a huge crisis.

    I wonder if it's because life for the Irish has always been tough. When things got tough they didn't whine and put off what they had to do, they faced it because they've always faced troubles.

    We may not have cash for the latest and greatest or the fanciest, but that doesn't mean your hair can't be done nicely, your nails well tended and your smile highlighted by the best make-up that WalMart has to offer.

    When things get tough put on your red lipstick.

  4. 1. I am coming in the night to steal those boots!
    2. Making that recipe very soon and can't wait
    3. I say determination, husband says stubborn! 🙂
    brett

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