Passenger.

A passenger on the open road.

A passenger in the big blue sky.

A passenger on a ship.

Passenger.

We are all passengers in this life. Sometimes we are lucky and get to choose our mode of transportation. Other times, even the very journey we must embark on is chosen for us.

Over the past couple of months, my journey has actually been chosen for me.  We had to vacate our condo of five years stat. I could have become a drama queen and thrown a hissy fit. I could have become disappointed, angry, or heck, even sad. But! In the twenty-nine years that I have been a passenger in this life, I’ve learned that the end of day, you may not have the control, but you do have control over how you respond.

Sure, your everyday experiences you have control over whether or not you should brush your teeth (which I highly recommend). You do have control over whether or not you’re going  to wear jeggings or tights today with that new blue tank top. And you do have control over the amount of sugars you put in your coffee.

But what if someone made fun of your jeggings outfit? Do you decide to never wear the outfit again? Do you try and uppercut the person with your fist Mortal Kombat style? What if you’re at Starbucks and you spill the entire container of sugar all over the floor? Do you walk away? Do you tell the barista behind the counter your mistake?

Being a passenger of life doesn’t mean losing control when things go awry, but gaining the wisdom and understanding to respond better to the situation. Case in point. Mr. B and I are up to our ears in moving boxes. We move next week and amongst all that, we may have a job transition, and I’m working on my new website. Things are bananas.

Even though things seem out of control, I try to keep my sanity by choosing how I respond. I knew things would be busy and I wouldn’t have time to cook so I brought out the ol’ crock pot to make these pulled pork tacos. Let me say for the record, if you’re ever questioning your sanity, make these pulled pork tacos. The large, crazy waves of life will die down a bit after your first bite.

I whipped up these pulled pork tacos up on Sunday, and for the first time in a long time Mr. B and I both smiled. This dish is simple, spicy, and full of flavor that will make any path or journey you are on, feel like your choice all along.

Print Recipe

Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Ingredients:

1 lb pork tenderloin
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ jalapeno, deseeded, diced
salt and pepper

Directions:

Place pork tenderloin out at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will help it cook evenly. In the meantime, stir all ingredients in a medium bowl. Place tenderloin in the base of slow cooker, add water,and pour spicy tomato mixture all over the tenderloin. Cook on low for eight hours. Flip at the four hour mark. When the tenderloin is finished cooking, place it on a cutting board and using two forks, shred the pork.

To serve: place pork in a warm tortilla and top with romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, jarred jalapenos, and your favorite salsa!

adapted from Can You Stay for Dinner?

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