Category Archives: running

One of THOSE Days

*sigh*

You know those days where everything is a little bit more challenging than it should be?

I’m having one of those days.

I woke up nice and early to jump-start the bizillion pages of paperwork needed to complete the hiring process for my new Pilates instructor gig.  First the printer shot out three copies of the first three pages (which, incidentally, I didn’t even need to print) and by the time it got to the important stuff the ink was running low.  Time was getting tight and in my haste I copied a few things upside down (does moving quicker ever really make you more efficient?).  I gathered my 5 forms of ID, my void checks and routing numbers, my paperwork checklists, and my completed bizillion forms and jumped on my bike with moments to spare.  Upon arrival my bike lock ceased to function and I squeezed in the door frazzled and sticky only to find out that my appointment was at the other location, 9 miles away.   Well, at least the very sweet front desk worker thinks it was there, we couldn’t get in touch with the women I was meeting.  After 3 previous appointments for this position at the downtown location and no mention of meeting elsewhere I assumed it was there.  On the way home it started raining on my bizillion pages of newly completed paperwork.  Crap.

Breath.

My morning stress was almost all user error but it is just one of those days where everything is a little extra challenging.

On a MUCH happier note, my birthday came early this year!

Isn’t she B-U-tiful!?

Thank you Grandma and Zayda!  I will carry on the tradition of taking pictures of every possible occasion (and non-occasion :))!

The lovely folks at Hometown Seeds  sent me a little something also.

Their Kitchen Herb Value Pack comes with ten seed packets, including Purple Ruffles Basil which is the one I am most excited about.

It’s still a little early to plant most herbs around here but I did start two yesterday.

The bag said to soak the seeds so I followed some online advice and soaked the bity seeds by wrapping them in wet napkins.  The napkins make the tiny seeds easy to handle.

After about 24 hours of soaking I tore the napkin into little pieces and planted the seeds, napkin and all.

I’ve never really grown herbs from seed before so I am unsure of how this will go but I do love me some herbs!  I’ll do my best to nurture these little babies into some fabulous meal come harvest time!

Time to run off some of this ridiculous angst/stress and learn to use this A-MAZ-ING camera!

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Filed under gardening, goals, running

Bake, Bike, Grill

These gorgeous Spring days energize me.  Yesterday I walked and ran and before I knew it I’d covered 10 miles!  150 miles? I got this.

Good food energizes me as well.

Corn ‘n Beans Bread Muffins

Makes 12  Pre-heat oven to 365*

  • 1 c. white whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 c. cornmeal
  • 4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 eggs
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1/4 c. applesauce
Mix dry. Mix wet (if your applesauce is chunky like mine was then puree first in the food processor).  Add dry to wet.  Let sit while you prepare the beans.
  • 2 c. white beans
  • 2 T. olive oil
  • 1/2 chopped onion
  • lots of fresh ground pepper
  • red chili flakes
  • minced chives
  • minced fennel fronds
Sauté onions in oil over medium heat.  When onions turn translucent add beans.  Continue to stir and cook for a few minutes so beans soak up the onion-oil flavor and begin to brown.  Add herbs and spices, turn off burner, stir thoroughly.
Add beans to batter and mix.  Butter 12 muffin cups, fill, and bake for 30-40 minutes.  The muffins are done when the tops are slightly brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
A meal in a muffin!  These guys are dense, moist (why do so many women have a problem with that word?  I kinda like it. Moist.), and quite hearty.
I made these up for a potluck dinner party we attended on Saturday night but there ended up being loads of food and I got to bring at least half a dozen home with me.  Love leftovers.
The muffins are going to go great with all the grilled squash and asparagus in the fridge.
Um, yeah, that’s a mountain of veg to feed two people.  Leftovers. 🙂
I tossed the veggies in balsamic vinegar, a wee bit of olive oil, fresh ground pepper, and loads of rosemary.
Did you know that adding rosemary to your marinade can greatly reduce the risk of carcinogens in your grilled meat?  Vegetables don’t create carcinogens when grilled  like meat does, I added rosemary because I love the flavor.   If you grill meat consider cultivating a love for rosemary grilled meat.
After my 10 miles yesterday I am feeling less than motivated to hit the pavement today.  My exercise for the day may be biking back and forth to the clinic a few times and a mat Pilates class.
Thanks to Song for turning me onto my current favorite band, The Weepies!  They are perfect for playing in the clinic!  Here’s one of my favorites for your Monday morning listening pleasure.

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Filed under baking, goals, recipes, running