Italian Beef. It's What's for Dinner.

Some days are just frustrating. Truly. I have been sitting here for a long while now, working on this blog post that I really, really liked. Talked about my friend Julie, from college, who taught me more than I can possibly say. And tucked in this story was a recipe I hoped you would really like. Just before I posted it all, I hit a button... don't know which one... and all of it disappeared. I am computer savvy enough to know full well that all I wrote must be here somewhere... but try as I might, I cannot find it at all. Some days are just frustrating.

Today began that like that, in a million little ways.

-Benjamin was mad that the shirt he wanted to wear was washed but not dried.
-The kids took for granted the fresh muffins I made for breakfast today.
-I had to clean up after our octogenarian dog.
-The ipod I use to keep me interested in working out was completely uncharged.
-The food of choice for my two 'tweens is gone so they sullenly packed something else for lunch.
-My blog post disappeared.

I could keep whining but I will stop. It is little things that do us in, isn't it? The messes, the attitudes, the endless amounts of work. It is the tiny irritations in any regular day that zap our positive energy and leave us sputtering and stewing and feeling pretty off. That is today for me. So, maybe my warm, fuzzy thoughts about mealtimes and memories is not what we needed today. Maybe you, like me, are tired and frustrated and just a little bit sad.

What's hard for me is that through it all, I have to keep right on going. If I sit on the couch and count my troubles, at the end of the day there will be more to count. Chores undone, meals uncooked, children un-hugged and a longer list to face tomorrow. So, like you, I have to get up and do the next thing and find some way to improve my view because at least then I am making a choice. I am choosing to continue. I am choosing to do. I am choosing to love, to act, to look for better in even a frustrating day.

So, what did I do? I made dinner. Want the recipe? Easy Peasy...

Italian Beef (or Pork) Sandwiches

Ingredients
3 pounds beef chuck roast (or pork roast)
1 (1 ounce) package dry Italian salad dressing mix
1 cup water (or more as needed)
1 can beef broth
1 (16 ounce) jar pepperoncini peppers
1 small jar mild giardiniera
Crusty Italian rolls
Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese

Directions
1.Place the roast into a slow cooker, and season with Italian dressing mix. Pour in the broth. Add the peppers and giardiniera, including juices. Cover, and cook on High for 6 to 7 hours. During the last hour, shred the meat with two forks - if it does not shred easily, cook longer. Serve on rolls, topped with cheese.

Other Info:
1. You can cook this overnight, as well. Start it at bedtime for the next night's dinner. Cook on low.
2. I rarely use a roast for this. Instead, I save my Sunday roast leftovers, including gravy, in the freezer. When I have several pieces, I make this dinner. Excellent use of extra meat! Can be used with beef or pork roast.
3. Don't be afraid of the peppers. They cook down and add amazing flavor to the meat. My kids like this, too! : )

My crock pot is on and the house smells good. There is one less thing to do. I don't know why we have days like these but I know I am not alone. And maybe, just maybe, if I can keep on going, I will find a little pocket of time to sit and relax and breathe and regroup. It is just one day... 24 hours... and tomorrow I will start anew. You will, too.

Blessings on your day.