Minor to Major

The sports analogy is an overused mechanism to explain so many things in life. That is totally *not* going to stop me from doing so again here. I just can't resist this Jeremy Lin story. This is a kid who attended Harvard. (Heard of it? Yeah? But, probably not for its basketball prowess.) He's been cut by two NBA teams, spent a couple of years playing in the D-leagues and was buried so deep in the Knicks line-up this year that he was sure he'd be cut again and was spending the nights sleeping on a friend's couch. Then, last week, the Knicks decided to give him a chance. They let him into the starting line-up. The rest is history. He has ignited the Knicks, made even the coolest New Yorkers wax poetic and owned the NBAs best players including Kobe Bryant. His jersey is selling out. In short, this is Lin's moment.

As all the sports pundits, players and fans will tell you though, the best part of this story isn't the winning or the cinderella story or the accolades. It's the message behind it: Lin never gave up. He worked his butt off in the minor leagues, practicing his skills, assessing his strengths and weaknesses, building his confidence. He believed his moment would come, and he wanted to be ready. When it did, he poured everything into it. In an interview, Lin said, "When I'm on the court, I try to play with all my emotion and all my heart. I don't really hold too much back."

You can see where I'm going with this, right?

I get Jeremy Lin. When it comes to dating, my approach almost mirrors his career strategy. I'm all about that relentless optimism. About staying sharp and learning as much as I can while I wait. About working hard to achieve the vision I have for my future. About giving it all I have to offer when the moment comes. Especially that last one. I love that Lin didn't just believe that opportunity *would* come but he SEIZED it when it did. He didn't stop to think, "let me ease into it a little" or succumb to fear of something new or really even hesitate AT ALL. He played like he deserved it; like he'd earned it; like he knew that opportunity doesn't always grant you time to stop and think. Will it last? Who knows? But Lin will have no regrets about how he handled the moment.

Last night, in a game in Toronto with 5 seconds on the clock and the game tied, Lin got the ball. He dribbled it down the court. He set up behind the 3-point line. With time expiring, he sunk it.

And one day, so will I.

RECIPE
I hosted a kickass Single Girls' Valentine's Day dinner last night. Honestly, I didn't miss men AT ALL. (Sorry, guys.) There were laughter, beauty, conversation, joy and so much BUTTER at that table. These sorts of evenings are definitely how I stay mentally "ready" for my moment. Practicing love, appreciation and acceptance in friendships is incredible preparation for any relationship. Anytime someone special comes into your life, it's important to revel in the moment. And these ladies, well, they're worth reveling for.

PASTA WITH CREAMY RED PEPPER SAUCE AND FRESH MOZZARELLA
adapted from a Food&Wine recipe
Serves 8-10
This recipe is super easy. The sauce can be made in advance in a blender and is so easy and creamy. I left the mozzarella out of the serving for one friend to keep it dairy-free and vegan.

1lb of pasta (use some type of shape)
4 whole roasted red peppers (I used jarred since they are out of season)
1/2 cup olive oil
About 4 sun-dried tomato halves (add 4 then taste and decide if you like the flavor)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2-3 garlic cloves
18 large basil leaves
Kosher salt/pepper
1 lb of fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1. Follow directions to prepare pasta.
2. (This step can be done in advance. Store in refrigerator until ready to use). Puree red peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic, 6 basil leaves in a blender until smooth. Season with salt/pepper.
3. After draining pasta, return to hot pan and pour sauce over it. Stir to combine. Pour into serving dish and toss with mozzarella pieces and remaining 12 basil leaves (either cut them with kitchen shears into pieces, tear into pieces or chiffonade).

Seize the moment.