Not dead yet
Its been a while.
Life has really crashed here for me. Can’t get into much detail on line, but understand that it really sucks. I’m working on it, but its not going well at all. I spend a great deal of time finding ways to pump my motivation up and keep me looking forward and not downward.
I run a day a week or so. Obviously its not enough to keep off the 10 pounds I dropped. That sucks.
The weather is getting more yucky and I find I don’t have the drive to go out in the dark and run. Its getting dangerous now. I get home so late, that I won’t be able to run in the daylight during the week until May or June now. I would need to switch to the gym for running. I’m not into that right now. Its hard to get home so late and race to the gym. Bleh.
I made truffles the other day with the new batch of Valrhona Caraque. Its sweet stuff. Such smoothness and so easy to temper. Its damn expensive but good. I ended up buying it from the wrong source and paid more than I should have. Next time I will remember. I bought some cocoa butter from Chocolate Alchemy. What a fabulous site! If I had a million dollars I’d buy one of everything. If anyone out there has won a million dollars? Please buy me one of everything.
I made the truffles for a friend of mine who is leaving to go live in New Jersey (I know, who leaves anywhere to go live in New Jersey?) But she’s getting a fabulous new job for tons of dough and she’s getting married too. I don’t have many (1 or two?) real life friends so its sad to see one of them leave. I’m going to miss her alot. The truffles were actually for her birthday and I’m hoping to make more before she leaves. In all my spare time.
I have two small cacao plants coming in the mail. I bought them on Ebay and hope that they survive the cold passage here. We’re supposed to have low 50’s temps this week so maybe they will be ok. I’m really excited about seeing them grow. I’m hoping they will produce pods in a few years.
I wanted to give a big shout out to Andy at Running Down A Dream. I had promised to link to him about a month ago before falling into the abyss. Please go say Hi on Andy’s site and tell him I sent you so he doesn’t think I’m a total bum.
I want to say thank you to folks who commented in the past month. I appreciate your visiting and I’m sorry I didn’t respond. I’m always happy to get comments on my posts.
November 13th, 2007 22:33
Yay! I’m so sorry to hear that you’re still struggling over there, but I am SO HAPPY to hear from you and to know that you’re still plugging along. Sometimes, that’s all we can do. Whatever is happening, just know that I think of you often and I’m wishing you well. xoxo Mia
November 14th, 2007 01:38
Commenting, to make you smile :) Sorry to hear all that crashing around you - know that your friends here in the computer care, eh?
When I win the lottery? I will buy you one of everything, Jon. Heck, I’d deliver them in person.
November 14th, 2007 02:01
When I win a million you will be very high on my list. When I win 20 million you can be head of R & D at my cacao plantation - of course I would be the chief tester ;-)
November 14th, 2007 11:27
if i move to jersey, will you make me some truffles too?
i missed your posts, hang in there.
November 14th, 2007 12:22
Hey Jon,
Sorry to hear about your troubles. I’m having some of my own so I can empathize. Take care.
November 14th, 2007 12:42
It’s good to hear from you. I hope things improve.
November 14th, 2007 13:08
Nice to hear from you again…
November 14th, 2007 13:28
I’m sad for you - I hate it that your world is dark right now. I hope things turn around for you soon.
November 14th, 2007 13:29
ps - the best motivation to run is that overcoming lethargy is a triumph and when times are dark every triumph is a plus - it gives you strength. Just toss yourself out the door on a regular basis. This comes to you from someone who has fought the bed monster (depression due to being overwhelmed with life’s suckage) on more than one occasion.
November 14th, 2007 14:54
Sorry to hear you are down. Winter is hard enough to keep perky in with all the darkness.
The truffles sound wonderful. Hopefully some cacao happiness will have you feeling better soon.
November 14th, 2007 15:07
This is the worst time of year for a runner, there are fewer daylight hours and for many of us the temperatures are dropping.
I hope that things get better for you and I hope that you find the motivation to get out and run, it often helps me to solve my problems… or at least to forget about them momentarily.
November 14th, 2007 16:37
Why is it, exactly, that you have never made me truffles? No no, don’t even try to explain it, there is no excuse.
November 14th, 2007 18:51
WHEN I win a million you’re the first on my list. Glad to see you’re still kickin’!
November 15th, 2007 00:35
Best wishes on interviews, etc.
Shoes and sunlight make everything better.
And pinewood’s coming up…
November 15th, 2007 09:57
tell me again, exactly, why you are not in the chocolate-making business?!?!?!
hang in there jon. When life gets bad, you have to just trust that it will get better. eventually. :)
November 16th, 2007 16:12
If i fly OVER New Jersey, will you make me truffles? didn’t think so. sad to hear things are tough — you’d made such a great recovery over the summer. hang tight and know that we do miss you.
November 17th, 2007 00:23
Sorry to hear about the life issues, Jon. I hope things pick up for you soon.
November 17th, 2007 05:05
Tag.
November 17th, 2007 16:53
I miss you and as soon as I get that million, one of everything is in the mail. You are the best, never forget it. I am the Beth that has had some of your truffles!! Who is this other Beth, huh? :)
November 17th, 2007 17:19
I assumed you were in hiding after the chicago marathon committed read your blog….between you and me and the internet, I agree with you but they’ll never pin it on me!!!
If you need a place to stay….don’t call me…but good luck!
November 26th, 2007 14:53
If I had a million dollars, I’d buy you one of everything IF you send me a box of delicious truffles. = ) Happy week after Thanksgiving, Jon!
November 30th, 2007 13:12
What is it about New Jersey? My daughter moved there and doesn’t want to come back here (not that I can blame her for that). But it is very expensive living there, as she is beginning to find out. It is a beautiful state though, and I especially like visiting since they live on the water.
December 1st, 2007 20:20
Hang in there, Jon. I’m sorry that things are tough right now. I wish that I could help in some way. Hugs to you.