LOVE: BY THE NUMBERS My Life With Toph
When I showed up to a blind date in January of 2011, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But today, six years, three kids, two dogs, and one cat later, I know that I was taking a leap of faith that would land me exactly where I was supposed to be. Originally from upstate New York, I came to Ohio to get a little shelter from my hometown after graduating from nursing school. I found that shelter and so much more. From the very beginning of our relationship, I knew Toph wanted more in his career. My whole adult life, I’d always done what I loved by working with those in need at children’s hospitals, but Toph never wanted to be a part of the corporate world; he couldn’t find peace in that. I always saw beauty in paving your own way and working to build something up until you can be happy with your work. Today, we’ve done just that. Toph has always been the financial planner in our lives, and I was happy to leave him to it. We’d made an unwritten rule early on where I’d handle most of the homestead while he took on the numbers. Whether it was our accounting or our dealings with the IRS, we were both happy to find that compromise. It wasn’t always so set in stone though. At the start of our relationship, he was working under someone else and couldn’t stand being unable to spread his entrepreneurial wings. So, after many long talks about our family’s future, he pulled the trigger and ventured out on his own. There was never a moment of doubt in my mind that he would make something out of his newfound freedom. That was just the way he worked. He has the brain of a businessman and the skill set to back it up. After paying his dues and finding his niche, he’s made it easier for us to enjoy the life we want. The transition is always rough, but the ultimate destination is a sight to behold.
Today he’s able to choose his own hours to fit my routine. When I’m not at the hospital, we revel in our ability to do what we love together
every single day. We strap the kids in their strollers and carriers and take them to enjoy the outdoors with our dogs.
Frankly, we can’t tell who enjoys it more. We’ve grown to love hiking together, and our personalities give just the
right amount of push and pull to make the most out of our leisure time. Toph loves playing golf, so I’ll drive the cart and read a book while he’s at it. He’ll watch the kids if and when I need a seldom moment of rest. We find ways to make it work. There’s never a wrong time to take a leap of faith. Whether it’s finally deciding to get your finances together, leaving your dead-end job, or even going on a blind date, I’m sure glad we did.
–Ashley Sheldon
EVERYTHING POPCORN
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine.
Ingredients
• • • •
3/4 cup popcorn kernels 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
• • • •
2 teaspoons granulated garlic 2 teaspoons granulated onion
1/3 cup canola oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1.
In a small skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds. Shake skillet often and cook until white seeds are golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and add garlic, onion, and salt. In a large saucepan, combine popcorn kernels and oil. Cook over medium-high heat, covered, until popcorn kernels start to pop. Once popping, continue cooking
and shaking the pan intermittently until popping ceases, about 3–5 minutes. Transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Pour in butter and toss to coat. Finally, add seasoning, toss again, and serve.
3.
2.
Solution on page 4
• 3 WWW.TOPHCPA.COM
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