tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67061963744983955932024-03-13T11:26:11.105-05:00Runs With KnivesThe chronicles of a culinary student running her way through life.Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-59014824868391703152012-01-02T12:02:00.001-06:002012-01-02T12:02:18.784-06:00Hey there 2012…<p>And I finally got used to writing 2011 on everything. Oh well, the old brain in my head isn’t always so quick with majors changes like this. </p> <p>Let’s talk resolutions, yes?</p> <p>As some may know, I’m not a resolution person. I told a coworker the other day that I resolve not to murder stupid people. <strong><em>This could get tough. </em></strong>But even though I don’t really make resolutions, I always have goals floating around…</p> <p>If I were to create a real resolution to share with the public, it would be to attend to my blog more. I finally just got a great work-school-friend balance and I could maybe start to sneak in some blog time. But I would much rather spend that time with my friends. I miss all my friends back in Illinois like crazy and got to see them while I was in town for Christmas. But I need to start skyping and g-chatting with them more. Plus my new friends here need Alisa time as well. Luckily I’m on a similar schedule with most of them, so they understand that 9pm is WAAAAAAYYYYYY past my bed time. (Yeah, the loser NYE party ended at<strong> 8:30</strong>, and most of us were asleep <strong>before 10pm</strong>.) </p> <p>So I guess that would be a goal as well, spend more time with my friends. A lot of my Illinois friends and I are planning trips seeing how some even have friends out this way. Guests are always welcome at Casa Alisa (and I will even cook for you!) Also, I want to spend even more time with my new friends and make some great bonds. I feel like I put them on the back burner, because they live close by and I see them all the time.</p> <p>Did you know that the most popular resolution is to lose weight? Go figure, Obese America wants to lose weight. But as anybody who has seriously worked out knows, most of the resolutionaries will be out of the gym before the end of the month. It’s a shame that as a nation, we provide ourselves with a clean slate and have the opportunity to start a great healthy habit, but we fail.</p> <p>To avoid the stress of the resolutionaries (seriously, nobody wants to listen to you yap on the phone while slowly walking on my treadmill), my gym buddy and I are taking to the streets. Because of the mild winter, I was able to talk him into running outside for the next few weeks. Let’s hope that it doesn’t get too cold or start snowing, otherwise it will just be me and G-dog. This convincing took more than just a few minutes. He’s a stubborn one. Luckily, the tiny gym will be ours again in a month.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zh4NNNpSD1A/TwHxKF16_pI/AAAAAAAAARI/Rx_moeHlG7M/s1600-h/G%252520goals%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="G goals" border="0" alt="G goals" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1Nr0-8gVQBQ/TwHxKqTiaDI/AAAAAAAAARQ/pOtrWHV-Wc0/G%252520goals_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="341"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">Are you a resolution maker? Or at least a new year’s goal maker?</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">I think they are silly, but to some they are a big kick in the butt they need. A friend is celebrating her two year anniversary of quitting smoking all from a resolution.</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">What were you New Year’s Eve plans?</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">I was supposed to get together with a friend, but she cancelled on me last minute. After comparing invites, I decided to get together with some friends that were having an early party. Most of us are in the food industry and had to work over the weekend, so it was a nice relaxing evening and I was in bed well before midnight! </font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-17654599990366449762011-12-08T21:37:00.001-06:002011-12-08T21:37:25.033-06:00Feel free to report me to the DBFS<p>The Department of Blog and Family Services… you know, the <em>other</em> branch of the DCFS. Yeah, I ‘m so far past slacking that I have no excuse. None. I’m busy. Really busy. I work full time and go to school full time. I was not prepared for how busy that would make me. But I’m here and I’m going to counseling so the DBFS will give me full custody of this blog back. </p> <p>I’m not going to do a full recap of what has happened, because that’s boring and nobody wants to read that. But I will tell you that the more classes I take, the more I want to do sports nutrition. I’ve aced my first nutrition class, so I’m off to a great start. So what does that mean for you? It means, you should ask me what to eat. Or something like that… I would love to work at the Olympic Training Center or with an NFL team. Or even on the collegiate level. So, in a year or so, I will be able to tell you what to eat and will have a degree that tells me to do so!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m1MQJ_622TE/TuGCaUrbZsI/AAAAAAAAAP8/lbODqgesNW4/s1600-h/P1010203%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="P1010203" alt="P1010203" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k-exocbE6M4/TuGCa35GysI/AAAAAAAAAQE/gnJ_dqCvOeM/P1010203_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="461"></a></p> <p>Since moving out here I’ve dropped 2(!) sizes. Granted a big part of that is my schedule (on my feet up to 12 hours a day), but a bigger part is making sure the athlete in me is happy! I’ve been hitting the ‘mill often (my knees can’t handle all the hills out here). Plus I’ve been trying to eat like an athlete, which makes a huge difference, apparently.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XqMQvpmnR7A/TuGCbsnYICI/AAAAAAAAAQM/XJpbiwSl9Ak/s1600-h/DSC_5162%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5162" border="0" alt="DSC_5162" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J_L6DxzR6mk/TuGCb-Ub4RI/AAAAAAAAAQU/0t_iPKsagDg/DSC_5162_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="283"></a></p> <p>So that leads me to another big thing. I haven’t raced since August. And there’s a weird burning in my legs asking for a race, so I’m shopping around. I found a 5k series in March that I’m going to sign up for, but what about after that? This is where you guys will help me. </p> <blockquote> <p>Do I continue training for shorter distances and get faster? I love doing speed work and those workouts leave me feeling amazing!</p> <p>Or</p> <p>Do I re-train for a longer distance? After August’s disaster of a half, I feel the need for a redemption race, but do I have the time for long runs? </p></blockquote> <p>I will be doing the 5ks (there’s 3 in the series) as fun runs, so I can start training hardcore after those. I am really up in the air on this one. I’m leaning towards the shorter distances (5ks and 10ks) and then come June, deciding on a half or not. And if I do a half, that will take me one step closer to running a full marathon, which is still one of my goals.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fi0EYcx2qIk/TuGCchN5U1I/AAAAAAAAAQc/6XKQ8yQ098Q/s1600-h/P1010090%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1010090" border="0" alt="P1010090" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k00qWkFswhU/TuGCdE8HzaI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ZLSa7r34BOY/P1010090_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="318"></a></p> <p>Finally, I’m going to try to update at least once a week, but if you really need more Alisa in your life, I do update <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/alisaishere">my twits</a> somewhat frequently.</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#008040">What’s your favorite distance to run?</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000">I’m a big fan of the 5k distance. I have yet to race a 10k, but I think I will fall in love once doing it.</font></p> <p><font color="#008040">If you could go back to college, would you study the same thing? Or would you do something totally different?</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Obviously, I would study something different, which is why I’m in school now! But I don’t regret my first time around in college. In fact, my poli sci degree could come in handy (seriously Congress? tomato sauce on pizza is a serving of vegetables?).</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-12036456804565421192011-10-07T19:44:00.001-05:002011-10-07T19:44:24.835-05:00I ramble and then share an awesome video.<p>The title of this post is like an outline of what’s to come.</p> <p>I have a great new idea for The Biggest Loser. Get rid of Anna and hire me as a trainer. And for every five pounds I lose, the team gets one bonus pound. I’m pretty sure I have all the same credentials Anna has, plus I can actually yell (years of being a lifeguard and a camp director have given me no sympathy for anyone’s ears). Plus motivation, what more motivation do you need then to beat your trainer in losing weight? Come on BL, call me up and we can work this deal out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m--HyDIrblc/To-c4rmvRTI/AAAAAAAAAPY/To_cFhcEvew/s1600-h/anna.edit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="anna.edit" border="0" alt="anna.edit" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iJhdVwCR6Wc/To-c5FLcyXI/AAAAAAAAAPc/mAmb8upehYA/anna.edit_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="429"></a></p> <p>I love my Luna and Larry Coconut Bliss ice cream. Obsessed is actually a better term. If this stuff was a person, I would be a stalker outside the window. It’s only sold in the Whole Foods by me, which isn’t a problem, because, HELLO, I love Whole Foods AND I’m glad to have my Luna and Larry close by. But I’m not allowed to go to Whole Foods frequently. It’s my shopping weakness. Any other store (including Trader Joe’s), I can contain myself and at most will buy one thing not on my list. But I walk into Whole Foods and all bets are off. I will buy anything I see and think I need. Like cereal. I love cereal, but I don’t need five boxes. Yet, I step into WF and end up with five in my cart, whoops. So to fix this problem, I stocked up on my ice cream to avoid going to Whole Foods to frequently. I <em><strong>stocked</strong></em> up. And you know what, all five containers have lasted over a week so far!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fdKHOEgb9hM/To-c5a68SWI/AAAAAAAAAPg/2neLoCtYvK4/s1600-h/Luna-and-Larrys-love%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Luna-and-Larrys-love" border="0" alt="Luna-and-Larrys-love" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wKhuc5y4D5E/To-c59ruEGI/AAAAAAAAAPk/0h1dKThVj38/Luna-and-Larrys-love_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="310"></a></p> <p>Have you heard of My Drunk Kitchen? No? For shame. Go <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MyHarto">youtube</a> that biz and report back afterwards. She’s drunk and makes a fool out of herself on the internet, what more do you need? The sad thing is, she will probably make more money off of this, then I will in my life. But either way, she’s good for many laughs. </p> <p>Have you heard of <a href="http://www.songstowearpantsto.com/">Songs to Wear Pants To</a>? This one I will forgive, but again, go look into it. You need a song written? Tell him about it, give it a genre, a rhythm, some lyrics perhaps, whatever you want, and ta-da, you have a song. You used to be able to download songs for free, but they are still amazing and worth your time.</p> <p>So you know what’s really awesome, combine My Drunk Kitchen and Songs to Wear Pants to and you have this:</p> <p><iframe style="width: 485px; height: 294px" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nIvOqHfia2s" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p> </p> <p>I hope you actually read my rambles before you got to the video. If not, I hope you at least joined the video.</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Favorite ice cream flavor… and go…<br></font><font color="#9b00d3">Anything! But mainly stuff with chocolate or Irish cream flavor.</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Thoughts on Anna? How about my plan to be a trainer?<br></font><font color="#9b00d3">Wouldn’t that be awesome if I got a job on Biggest Loser?</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-36327016949414259272011-09-26T11:01:00.001-05:002011-09-26T11:01:42.554-05:00I’m not so good with technology<p>And I keep just saving my posts and not publishing them. Whoops. So instead of posting all my old posts at once, how about I summarize and combine into one amazing post? </p> <p>Recipes: One of my coworkers keeps asking for recipes whenever I cook something, the problem is, cooking isn’t an exact science. I know the basics, but it’s all about how I feel that day or what I have on hand. So I made a vegetarian chili this weekend and it really was a combination of what I had on hand, what was on sale, and the few essentials. I can give you the run down, but there is no set in stone recipe. I get that many people do need recipes. Either they struggle with eye-balling amounts, or they just don’t trust their instincts yet. There are tons of books, shows, websites, apps, etc for these people. One of the best things about culinary school, is that they really do boil it down (really crappy pun intended) to the method, not the exact amounts. </p> <p>Living Alone: Why does everyone assume that because I’m a single female, living alone, that I am worried about my life? I live in a decent area with a variety of neighbors. Plus a dog who would kill whatever person decides to attack me. Should we all live in fear? No. I had my apartment broken into years ago and I moved on. It does shake you up a bit and makes you rethink your living arrangements, but it gets better. The other thing I hear a lot is, are you sad you aren’t married yet? The answer is always no. If I got married before, I probably would not be following my dreams right now. Plus Guinness does not do well with sharing. </p> <p>Running: I’ve been slacking a ton on working out at all. I finally dug deep and found my old exercise dvds and I’ve been doing some of the quick 15 minute segments. It’s nothing great, but it’s keeping the desert pounds off. I think I need to find a race to do so I have to train and keep focused. I found an awesome 6.66 miler (around Halloween, of course). I’m just not sure how quickly I can build up my base again, because I’ve gone out for a run twice since I moved here, TWICE. That’s 2 times, in 1 month. I feel like I’m starting at the old run 1 minute, walk 5. I know I have more in me than that, but this is a giant step forward for me. 1 month to 6.66 miles? I need some serious motivation. </p> <p>Finally, some desert porn, don’t mind the crappy quality, they are from my phone (which I’m not supposed to have on me in the kitchen or dinning room, so shhhh)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HGXJ-rdspjs/ToCh2hRjxUI/AAAAAAAAAPA/lbruagzH4dw/s1600-h/IMG_0871%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0871" border="0" alt="IMG_0871" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hphFl4vsHkQ/ToCh3EyKo5I/AAAAAAAAAPE/BEqjigDkawo/IMG_0871_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="399"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ojGcg6Eavh0/ToCh3kNvi9I/AAAAAAAAAPI/8OXEHNerfC8/s1600-h/IMG_0874%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0874" border="0" alt="IMG_0874" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uiHpMXK4Cvk/ToCh4TDlUjI/AAAAAAAAAPM/pJrq9-Zp2ac/IMG_0874_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="405"></a></p> <p>More pics to come as I sneak more pictures! Those poached pears were life changing and I wish I could eat one a day for one of my servings of fruit.</p> <p>And finally, the most important news in my life lately:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aRL8wR4rRHs/ToCh4xHUJ7I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/UPZE-5OiAug/s1600-h/IMG_0873%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0873" border="0" alt="IMG_0873" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Rh41EPSLwoc/ToCh5SvUccI/AAAAAAAAAPU/O7WsQNc8Bnw/IMG_0873_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="434"></a></p> <p>When I moved, I “lost” my blender, considering it wasn’t mine to begin with. I’ve been living without my smoothies for awhile and it’s been rough. Really rough. I feel in love with the Ninja blender and knew that I wanted one for myself. I’ve been creeping all the stores and found one on sale for $20 off! Amazing, right? Wrong! I also used my store card to get an additional 5% off. Now that’s amazing. Reunited and it feels so good! I’ve made sure to blend something every day since I picked up the new roomie. </p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#ff8040">Best new purchase you’ve made in awhile?</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">Totally my new blender. The Ninja is amazing because it was blades all the way up, plus a great motor, so nothing gets stuck and left as a giant chunk. And it’s affordable for the average guy, unlike the vitamix blenders.</font></p> <p><font color="#ff8040">Do you take food porn pictures?</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">I used to take a lot more, but now I’m more about the flavors and completely forget about the pictures until I’m half way through eating. But these deserts are amazing. I feel the need to bring in my DSLR and frame the pictures.</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-91311181351756400652011-09-21T22:27:00.001-05:002011-09-21T22:27:08.756-05:00Wiping off the dust, adding in some randomness<p>Dear blog, I missed you. Love, Alisa</p> <p>Yeah, it’s been a busy couple of weeks and it will just keep being busy. The way my school works out is that I have five labs that each meet for nine days. So we do one lab at a time for nine days then move on to the next. I’m in class for at least 6 hours a day. Plus I work full time-ish. So you can imagine how crazy things are. If I’m not in class or at work, I’m studying and reminding Guinness that I do in fact live with her. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZS0FPqCceKo/TnqrBVNE7pI/AAAAAAAAAOw/cRQWmrjY35U/s1600-h/G%252520love%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="G love" border="0" alt="G love" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kCxjZiwiJ5w/TnqrB3jX4OI/AAAAAAAAAO0/gOkFLuFxDPA/G%252520love_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="322"></a></p> <p>Harsh. I have to pay for your expensive ways some how, dog.</p> <p>The good news is, they do feed us there and the meals are fancy shmancy. Meals that would cost in the triple digits before you even include booze. Everything is freshly made, bread, soups, salad, dinners, desserts, everything. I’m enjoying getting the chance to eat all this fresh seafood for free. Be jealous. Plus the desserts. OH the desserts. Orgasmic is the best term. Fancy plated, amazing spun sugar, desserts. Real chocolate, and fresh baked pastries, desserts. Need another napkin for drool, desserts. </p> <p>And because I spend all day cooking, I just don’t cook at home. My fridge literally only has apples, spinach, a water pitcher, and dog food. And my freezer is full of meat from the awesome sales I hit up after I moved here and frozen berries for smoothies. But I’m making some amazing vegetarian chili this weekend, so I will share that with you guys once it’s made. And by share, I mean take a picture and pretend to care that you’re drooling. Get excited, because chili is always awesome. </p> <p>Other things to know, my bestie moved out here around the same I did. She claims it’s for school, but I think she just knew she would miss me too much. She already has a masters and is going for at least one more, probably two. She’s weird like that. While I’m working towards another BA, she already has one masters. Gross, who does that? But <a href="http://bethsnewadventures.blogspot.com/">she has a blog</a> and all of you should go visit and make her feel welcome in the blog world.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-npHPsNsnNMY/TnqrCao2LwI/AAAAAAAAAO4/uKt1KSCUaxA/s1600-h/023_1A%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="023_1A" border="0" alt="023_1A" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dXoV21WI6jM/TnqrC7VNK9I/AAAAAAAAAO8/EjUuKD_BjOg/023_1A_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="329"></a></p> <p>This was back when we were young and in college the first time around.</p> <p>One reason I’m so excited for the BFF to be out here is that I’m socially awkward and she puts up with that. My new friends are finally figuring out that I’m not <em>that</em> weird, I just don’t know how normal people act. The best case in point is that I don’t know how to flirt. I just can’t do it. And the other night I was out with some classmates and was “flirting” with a friend of a friend. My friends later told me that I looked as though I was a child molester and he was seven years old. Yikes. (maybe this is why I’m still single)</p> <p>But in more important news, everyone is doing a giveaway, so here’s the roundup:</p> <p><a href="http://www.shutupandrun.net/2011/09/anne-franklin-designs-necklace-giveaway.html">SUAR</a> is giving away some jewels</p> <p><a href="http://misszippy1.com/?p=622">Miss Zippy</a> is giving away some clothing for your naked self</p> <p><a href="http://gourmetrunner.blogspot.com/2011/09/banjee-review-and-giveaway.html">Gourmet Runner</a> is giving away some wristbands to keep all your worldly possessions </p> <p><a href="http://skinnyrunner.com/2011/09/20/in-it-to-win-it/">SkinnyRunner</a> is giving some awesome Mission products</p> <p><a href="http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/2011/09/workout-clothes-giveaway-2.html">HungryRunnerGirl</a> is also giving some clothes because of the great blogger nudist scandal (totally made that up, but that would a great TMZ story)</p> <p>And breathe. That’s a lot of giveaways. How much do you want to bet that I don’t win a single one? I don’t have the DNA for winning. </p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#ff0000">How close does your BFF live to you?</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3"><font color="#8000ff">When we were in Illinois, it was just under an hour to drive to each other’s place. Now it’s almost 1.5 hours. But in New England, curvy unmarked road ways, that’s probably closer to 2 hours.</font> </font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Any other giveaways I’m missing? Don’t hold back!</font></p> <p><font color="#8000ff">There is always at least one floating around. I’m still waiting for the lifetime supply of Larabars and brand new eco-friendly car giveaway. One of these days it will appear in my reader.</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Are any of you socially awkward? Any reformed awkward kids? Tips please!</font></p> <p><font color="#8000ff">I just want to flirt normally! Or at least not look like a pervy old man.</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-5230456421834817502011-09-11T17:16:00.001-05:002011-09-11T17:16:50.151-05:00Tastes like fall.<p>After some crappy cold, rainy days, the weather finally turned around. It’s crisp and warm out here. I woke up yesterday morning knowing that I had to get out and run, first, because it had been so long since I ran and two, because it was perfect running weather. I found a new running path that was pretty packed, but it’s a paved path along the river and right to the ocean. I didn’t go to the ocean, because that would have been about 10 miles further than I wanted to go, and also because then I would have to turn around and come back. 28 miles? Better believe I didn’t do that. But the 4 miles I did felt good. It was the most natural my running has ever felt. Hope I feel that way again soon. Some days the running gods just look down and smile on you, right?</p> <p>It’s strange to see all those fall favorites at the market. I bought a bunch of squash and apples (locally grown, of course). So when I was considering what type of muffins to make for quick, go-to breakfasts, I knew pumpkin had to be included! So, I made some amazing banana-pumpkin muffins.</p> <p><strong>Banana-Pumpkin Muffins </strong>(I will add a picture later on, somebody let my camera battery die. I’m blaming G-dog.)</p> <p>1 15-oz. can pumpkin (get the real stuff, not the filling)<br>4 large eggs<br>1/4 cup brown sugar<br>1/2 cup honey<br>3 medium mashed bananas<br>1/4 cup oil</p> <p>3 cups flour (any combination)<br>1/2 cup quinoa flakes (if you can’t find these, try oats)<br>4 teaspoons baking powder<br>2 teaspoons baking soda<br>1/4 cup flaxseed <br>1 tbls cinnamon<br>1 tbls pumpkin pie spice<br>1/2 teaspoon salt<br></p> <p>1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 muffin tins or use paper cups (I did 1 regular size and 1 mini-muffin).<br>2. Mix eggs, oil, honey, sugar, pumpkin and banana.<br>3. Mix in dry ingredients.<br>4. Pour into pans and bake 15 minutes for mini or 25 for full or until wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. <p> <p>In case you guys were wondering, school is going great. I have my first battle scar too. I chopped a chunk of my thumb off this week. I won’t show pictures of this, but trust me, it’s disgusting, but healing. It’s funny because I have never cut myself on a knife in my life. Until I go to culinary school. The stuff I’m learning right now is pretty basic, stuff I basically know, but now have an actual term for it. I will wow you guys in couple of classes from now. My schedule between work and class sucks, so I don’t know how frequent blogging will be. I still read though! <p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Is it feeling like fall near you?</font> <p><font color="#f3a447">Even though temperature isn’t quiet fall like yet, the whole going back to school thing and squash around every corner is making it feel like fall. Plus, Starbucks has pumpkin spice out, which is a clear sign it’s fall. I love getting the syrup in my doppio espressos, It’s a nice change.</font> <p><font color="#ff0000">Favorite use of pumpkin:</font> <p><font color="#ff0000"><font color="#f3a447">Baked goods! Bread, muffins, cookies, etc. It makes my feel healthier for eating something indulgent.</font> </font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-61442230574549593752011-09-05T17:27:00.001-05:002011-09-05T17:27:52.112-05:00The Tour, Part Dos<p>So <a href="http://arunwithknives.blogspot.com/2011/08/welcome-to-island.html">last time</a> I gave you a glimpse into the beauty I’m experiencing here. Now let’s take a glimpse into my apartment. (Dear creepers, don’t stalk me now.)</p> <p>Please ignore the clutter, some things are still finding a home here and others have yet to be taken to the dumpster (I’m looking at you broken lamp and random boxes.) Also, I still have mismatched furniture (aside from the bedroom set) and I’m totally okay with that. There are some themes slowly forming here, so when the money appears, things will fall into place.</p> <p>So onto the tour: When you first walk in my front door the bedroom is on the right:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MhmTW6RpM1g/TmVMx8seHuI/AAAAAAAAAN0/4iMSaojQ7zs/s1600-h/DSC_5825%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5825" border="0" alt="DSC_5825" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X27Oi5T8pxM/TmVMyVhL1lI/AAAAAAAAAN4/83x9uB9DrkM/DSC_5825_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="319"></a></p> <p>(Don’t you love the wall of mirrors that is my closet? Amazing if you ask me. And totally unflattering.)</p> <p>If you walk to the closet and turn left, there’s my bathroom:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vu4PHvnzgnE/TmVMy69EzNI/AAAAAAAAAN8/szj08FRTWSU/s1600-h/DSC_5879%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5879" border="0" alt="DSC_5879" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-91mZCYn5024/TmVMzcaAKwI/AAAAAAAAAOA/jE64HdV1zKI/DSC_5879_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="468"></a></p> <p>And then the door leads you back out to the living room, while passing a coat/storage closet:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jI0BHKklHCk/TmVM0ENf5hI/AAAAAAAAAOE/CKDn7iy_blw/s1600-h/DSC_5880%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5880" border="0" alt="DSC_5880" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tBqwS89c5Pw/TmVM0Vo96_I/AAAAAAAAAOI/6hCXK-IIclc/DSC_5880_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="330"></a></p> <p>I know you are all jealous of my New York Times newspaper rack! Free! And the best part of the living room?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7qggKMJd0kg/TmVM1KTEzTI/AAAAAAAAAOM/l2gbJE9CFdU/s1600-h/DSC_5881%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5881" border="0" alt="DSC_5881" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mH3_DYq0g7U/TmVM1lnuGTI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/bOZPaniIGeQ/DSC_5881_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="320"></a></p> <p>Squirrel O’Vision playing 24/7 out the window. I even moved that chair so G-Dog could get a better view. She will even lay down on the chair with her head propped up on arm rest. </p> <p>So you keep walking and you hit the dinning room. Which I’m using as a workstation since I don’t really dine much (I just eat).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qPqt9UEkNkQ/TmVM2ESdT4I/AAAAAAAAAOU/q_k6-aeoEAs/s1600-h/DSC_5882%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5882" border="0" alt="DSC_5882" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tpPk5RcpEvw/TmVM2obKL7I/AAAAAAAAAOY/fl9koMJtebo/DSC_5882_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="333"></a></p> <p>Can you spot Hoops and Yoyo? Do you even know who they are? The final spot to visit is the kitchen with the world’s smallest freezer! Seriously, what’s the point of meat going on sale super cheap if you can’t freeze all that bulk. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r0p5zWsjYsE/TmVM3Q8Gn7I/AAAAAAAAAOc/bxK5Fvh4vxA/s1600-h/DSC_5883%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5883" border="0" alt="DSC_5883" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FEyC6pGyZI0/TmVM315RRXI/AAAAAAAAAOg/H85yTPSvL3g/DSC_5883_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="294"></a></p> <p>If you are wondering what’s all over the fridge, that would be my ridiculous magnetic poetry collection. It’s a bit out of hand. And took forever to put up. To the right of the fridge is my laundry room. Full size washer and dryer baby! There is also tons of storage and you can walk into it. They don’t just face out. Amazing. </p> <p>So you’re sick of my tour? Sorry I didn’t feed you. Here’s the door, don’t let the dinosaur guarding my movie collection bite you on the way out!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rNB0rKliW1U/TmVM5EPQVjI/AAAAAAAAAOk/xIQqJ59V2a0/s1600-h/DSC_5884%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5884" border="0" alt="DSC_5884" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DLLlrrtkEa0/TmVM5ou5zRI/AAAAAAAAAOo/zWxI44jbav8/DSC_5884_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="271"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>In reality, I start classes tomorrow. I’m a tiny bit nervous, but mostly excited. I won’t be cooking dinner regularly, which stinks, because I have class until 8 at night, most nights of the week. And then, I work mornings. Eww. </p> <p>Running has been interesting to say the least. I’m experiencing real hills for the first time ever. Not only have I been going a lot slower, but I can’t go as far without my ass giving out. Not pretty. I hurt the first time I did them and only did about 2.5 miles (was supposed to be 4 miles, but I kind of got really lost).</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#0000ff">What’s new with you guys?</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Give me something awesome, I know it’s in you!</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">Have you checked out <a href="http://runninghood-amanda.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-contest-getting-back-to-basics-here.html">Amanda’s awesome art contest</a>?</font> </p> <p><font color="#ff0000">I’m so excited that I don’t even know where to start!</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-15529733205920034372011-08-30T20:46:00.001-05:002011-08-30T20:46:45.301-05:00Welcome to the Island<p>Rhode Island that is. I survived the hurricane and only had to last a little more than 48 hours without power. I feel horrible for those who still don’t have power or worse, don’t have water! If any bloggers in New England need a shower, come my way. G and I will help you out! So needless to say, I haven’t been working out or cooking much. So instead of that talk, how about a tour? </p> <p>Let’s start with the beach! Who doesn’t want to look at water? The day after I arrived in Rhode Island (with the help of my brother) we did some touristy stuff.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lj8hLuHIX64/Tl2SZ5O_7QI/AAAAAAAAANA/NM9I4Ug-MWs/s1600-h/DSC_57725.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5772" border="0" alt="DSC_5772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VlDOZusWr_g/Tl2SaaRndhI/AAAAAAAAANE/WW14UzzK0xE/DSC_5772_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="316"></a></p> <p>This was a rocky beach, but everybody was chilling on it like it was a sandy beach.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3gWV9mB0jNc/Tl2SbJxGGRI/AAAAAAAAANI/XO2hexza5WQ/s1600-h/DSC_57954.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5795" border="0" alt="DSC_5795" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xnODpADIqpo/Tl2Sb8yC_cI/AAAAAAAAANM/aZbh4vtbzTM/DSC_5795_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="308"></a></p> <p>I find beauty in little things, like green beaches…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lD7J9CvZ-FQ/Tl2ScgCl9NI/AAAAAAAAANQ/ouzf0YSXUQo/s1600-h/DSC_58014.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5801" border="0" alt="DSC_5801" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YO_KGYIH_gA/Tl2SdQm6lKI/AAAAAAAAANU/tIavSS5DXNM/DSC_5801_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="305"></a></p> <p>and waves crashing on algae covered rocks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a0IGj3QjJn0/Tl2SeSvjiUI/AAAAAAAAANY/avd29khS1io/s1600-h/DSC_57754.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5775" border="0" alt="DSC_5775" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--n3XjErUkj8/Tl2Se6SOctI/AAAAAAAAANc/wGCPsNJKmP0/DSC_5775_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="307"></a></p> <p>So after a trip to the beach, we hit up an awesome burger bar. I highly recommend <a href="http://www.luxeburgerbar.com/">Luxe Burger Bar</a>. Not only did they have a decent beer menu, but the “build your own burger” was fun. My suggestion, pick a theme and then build from there. My bro did a Greek inspired burger with Kobe beef and I did a spin off of the traditional with a turkey burger (garlic aioli? caramelized onions? YES PLEASE!). The best part? G-Dog was allowed with us on the patio. </p> <p>After stuffing ourselves, we took a tour of downtown PVD. The Guin-pup and I tried to take a family picture on the steps of the State House. It didn’t work so well. The close ups are ridiculous. It’s not even like one of us was prepared. Humans AND dogs can suffer from ADD. So here are some further back pictures, in which you cannot tell that we’re both looking in complete opposite directions.. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dRtU4FtxTPI/Tl2SfuH8MzI/AAAAAAAAANg/3vN77l7Lnxw/s1600-h/DSC_58104.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5810" border="0" alt="DSC_5810" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KM9fyZBlz98/Tl2SgO3jbPI/AAAAAAAAANk/ufeEcSoSTnc/DSC_5810_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="298"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ILba8zc6s1w/Tl2SgvFiBHI/AAAAAAAAANo/g3dWMj3XgXk/s1600-h/DSC_58224.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5822" border="0" alt="DSC_5822" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e-A2aneHYzI/Tl2ShN3NkVI/AAAAAAAAANs/eqlVCjv3btU/DSC_5822_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="447"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The next post will have an apartment tour. Including ghetto cabling throughout all the rooms (I can decorate, but cannot figure out electronics). Get excited!</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">What was the last great restaurant you went to?</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">What’s the most exciting thing that happened to you in the past 4 days?</font></p> <p><font color="#ff00ff">Probably the hurricane, even though it was <em>only</em> a tropical storm by the time it got here. But after that, getting my electricity back!</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-90212040111625119742011-08-08T18:59:00.001-05:002011-08-08T18:59:46.531-05:00Reasons why moving sucks.<p>1. Packing = Cleaning = Dust = Dust mite allergy overload. I’ve been sneezing so hard that I may have peed a little. Yeah, that happened.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MpSeF10hyok/TkB4WhRtI_I/AAAAAAAAALw/WHZuKzoe7kU/s1600-h/DustBunny2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DustBunny2" border="0" alt="DustBunny2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ewLYSsqc_TA/TkB4W_OHpbI/AAAAAAAAAL0/PF7wrqF46N4/DustBunny2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="255"></a></p> <p>2. Living in one place with other people for more than a year means you forget what’s yours and where everything is. I swear I had ice cube trays at one point…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lEYB2lgd698/TkB4XCkfhTI/AAAAAAAAAL4/BvyhKU_IppI/s1600-h/trays%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="trays" border="0" alt="trays" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zNHzv-X1zmw/TkB4XctrCLI/AAAAAAAAAL8/FqqKDtOJ29I/trays_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="289"></a></p> <p>3. Eventually you get to the point where you’re living out of boxes. This assumes that at one point you unpacked when you moved in. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w8Sm9SfZGsY/TkB4X8mgYbI/AAAAAAAAAMA/MhW95qeGH4s/s1600-h/cardboard2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cardboard2" border="0" alt="cardboard2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-reAlupAT5iY/TkB4YP_jPXI/AAAAAAAAAME/eyGVwcxwjdQ/cardboard2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="180"></a></p> <p>4. You get to the point where you realize that you have too much crap and try to downsize, but honestly, I need the ENTIRE BOX of mugs. No really. What if I just stop doing dishes some day? Those 20 mugs will come in handy. And 2 china sets? What if entertain more than 12 people? It will happen. Everyone bring a chair and we’ll be good to go.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NNd9g8Vj_j4/TkB4YY9bowI/AAAAAAAAAMI/LfQxyx4E1Oc/s1600-h/Gwlogo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Gwlogo" border="0" alt="Gwlogo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E1AQcG6qtrM/TkB4YnZDegI/AAAAAAAAAMM/igXnT3IBDBQ/Gwlogo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="258" height="314"></a></p> <p>5. Once you “downsize” you realize that you want new stuff. New desk? New dinning room chairs? New shelving units? New jeans? New hair? I <em>need</em> it all. My credit card will understand.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fYDgaie_48w/TkB4ZDRp_tI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/H7dFEdDeTvo/s1600-h/ikea%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ikea" border="0" alt="ikea" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2WRkALOZ0Iw/TkB4Zaf1MjI/AAAAAAAAAMU/GSv2wdfIrOM/ikea_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="252"></a></p> <p>6. Then you reach the point in which you need more boxes. Let’s not talk about that. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QMMaqoqEBHk/TkB4ZoJzvSI/AAAAAAAAAMY/YbW1_vYye6c/s1600-h/ecoart_cardboardpetit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ecoart_cardboardpetit" border="0" alt="ecoart_cardboardpetit" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-os29QW-b3_Y/TkB4aNGkztI/AAAAAAAAAMc/FtR9LqNZQio/ecoart_cardboardpetit_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="233"></a></p> <p>7. Then your eye starts twitching all the time from the stress of it all. Those cute little to-do lists now haunt you in your sleep.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yTI_3faGreU/TkB4aZ638nI/AAAAAAAAAMg/hS48mj8SHDY/s1600-h/eye-twitching-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eye-twitching-1" border="0" alt="eye-twitching-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NOIEk2gwA1c/TkB4aj-qBgI/AAAAAAAAAMk/kCVphMtLDsQ/eye-twitching-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="279"></a></p> <p>8. You have a nightmare about driving the wrong direction across the USA! Granted I would love to visit <a href="http://skinnyrunner.com/">Skinny Runner</a> or <a href="http://www.blondeponytail.com/">Blonde Ponytail</a>, but that’s not where my apartment is.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V4e7aZ5XCXQ/TkB4axya_5I/AAAAAAAAAMo/b7y0Yz04Pws/s1600-h/wrong-way-sign%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="wrong-way-sign" border="0" alt="wrong-way-sign" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5qqfQ6HH2y8/TkB4bJCP3kI/AAAAAAAAAMs/7AWr7P_UYZk/wrong-way-sign_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="278"></a></p> <p>9. Your dog starts showing signs of stress. Pooping on the carpet is never okay! Seriously G? I’m going to have to charge you rent if this is how it’s going down.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ra9Zc1aj64E/TkB4bqU32HI/AAAAAAAAAMw/kI1E-GT-jFg/s1600-h/IMG_0602%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0602" border="0" alt="IMG_0602" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BAMEHWnI97U/TkB4b_jzR0I/AAAAAAAAAM0/ahoPE2vvbqw/IMG_0602_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="369"></a></p> <p>10. Finally your friends all start calling because they finally realize that you are actually moving. Too bad numbers 1-9 are causing you to never leave the house. <em>There’s just so much going on!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--w6I_NzJVTM/TkB4cH1tFGI/AAAAAAAAAM4/7GkJyeKL_TI/s1600-h/images%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="images" border="0" alt="images" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-njiGU9059jI/TkB4cRRrt_I/AAAAAAAAAM8/N3JxGstagbM/images_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266"></a></p> <p>Moving is one thing, I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again. But moving across the country after putting roots down for 4 years? Never again. I’m going to start developing other nerves ticks. I’m about ready to hire a personal assistant. Anybody up for applying?</p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-22422258552783087222011-08-04T23:07:00.001-05:002011-08-04T23:07:53.611-05:00Angry IBS?<p>So we know I work strange hours and that my schedule changes day to day and week to week, but I’m so glad that I’m almost done. I worked late last night, but I love my Wednesday night crew and there was vodka involved after we left the building. But then at 3am I woke up, nothing too unusual, but still… RUDE… Well, the 3am wake up wasn’t on purpose and it wasn’t a confused body. I had the WORST stomach pains ever. It was like menstrual cramps, on crack, with a sledge hammer. Not okay. I couldn’t even get out of bed right away. I figured, angry IBS, maybe vodka doesn’t work for me. Who knows. But after rolling around for three hours, I finally pulled myself together and figured I should at least show my face at work (one week left… one more measly week). I showed up, got some crap done, left 5 hours later and crashed at home. Stress? Vodka? IBS? Food poisoning? Take your pick. So, moral of the story, I hate my body.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TkyVAUF1upg/TjtslMKFQDI/AAAAAAAAALg/Yyna_0a46Ko/s1600-h/bottle%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bottle" border="0" alt="bottle" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pKhd68pyERU/TjtslqrQWKI/AAAAAAAAALk/DjRJYCy_Veo/bottle_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="112" height="398"></a></p> <p>In other words, I didn’t wake up early to get in a run. I’m sucking it up at following my training plan. What training plan? Yeah, that’s not happening at all. My half is in less than two weeks. Like 10 days. YIKES! How in the world am I going to pull this off? Holy shiz-balls kids! This is really happening isn’t it? </p> <p>Let’s not discuss how I desperately need new running shoes… or how I should man up and buy some technical fabric tanks… or how I still haven’t figured out fueling… or how I haven’t had a run in the double digits. This is now the blog of a freaked out runner. Nervous? No, I’m past that. I’m shitting myself over here (don’t worry, blaming it on the IBS totally works). </p> <p>At least my life is more pulled together than the Jersey Shore kids’ lives! But I do steal their gym routine: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L_dD8Mk1mTw/Tjtsl8dzDrI/AAAAAAAAALo/PzEvZtZtBT8/s1600-h/jwwow%252520gym%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="jwwow gym" border="0" alt="jwwow gym" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q6Uf3bwFAnk/TjtsmE1MX2I/AAAAAAAAALs/vIqzSbtMD4w/jwwow%252520gym_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="253" height="378"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Any mysterious illnesses you feel like sharing?</font></p> <p><font color="#00ff80">I can’t be the only one waking up in the middle of the night in pain.</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Share a story about being underprepared for a race. Please comfort me in this time of pain!</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Any advice you care to share for the next ten days so I can freak out a little less? Tips? Calming mantras? (mine right now is “this is temporary” a little harsh, yeah probably)</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-60346171323528465182011-08-01T11:08:00.001-05:002011-08-01T11:08:56.313-05:00A Weekend in Chicago<p>(edit: when using Live Writer, make sure to hit publish, not post draft to blog. whoops!)</p> <p>My mom’s birthday is next weekend, but because my brother decided that he need to go to Lollapalooza, like he does every year, we celebrated this weekend. My mom loves doing touristy stuff in Chicago, which is great, because my dad grew up in the city and he knows what’s up. Plus my brother now lives in the city, which gives us a free bathroom and somewhere cheap to park. Both good things when it comes to Chicago.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qKi-SQC5XeY/TjbPdPffhnI/AAAAAAAAAKA/pR2L95tOgQA/s1600-h/DSC_5611%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5611" border="0" alt="DSC_5611" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fD4rZyMrXzc/TjbPdglk9vI/AAAAAAAAAKE/saok8tDUXSY/DSC_5611_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" height="355"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ASk2CXWaeoY/TjbPePfaDsI/AAAAAAAAAKI/t_WIeoWbcCo/s1600-h/DSC_5603%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5603" border="0" alt="DSC_5603" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qx2-uc2FJX4/TjbPeoTrivI/AAAAAAAAAKM/W_KDsqRJIKs/DSC_5603_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="261"></a></p> <p>So we took an architectural tour of the city, by boat! I highly recommend this as a fun summer activity. (if any of want to do one, I highly suggest the ones with Wendella or the Chicago Architectural Foundation.) It makes me sad that I will be leaving this beautiful city behind when I move. There is more than enough history here to keep me entertained for years.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UCwws3prqvY/TjbPexF66VI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/HXbBLR8LxSA/s1600-h/DSC_5677%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5677" border="0" alt="DSC_5677" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c2lBXMeEvA4/TjbPfTl0RjI/AAAAAAAAAKU/lOB_HatNzPA/DSC_5677_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="258"></a></p> <p>My dad and I are nerds and have learned a lot about Chicago on our own. So we were those annoying people talking about the buildings before the tour guide even got a change to say something. At least the people around us found us hilarious, so we didn’t annoy them too much. (But seriously, why do boats have to move so fast? Every time I had my light meter lined up perfectly, the boat would move which would either expose or hide the sun. How rude!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7A7qs2Z66C0/TjbPfnUtckI/AAAAAAAAAKY/xK16v_Uhki8/s1600-h/DSC_5670%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5670" border="0" alt="DSC_5670" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cgE9hzzmpso/TjbPfya_KUI/AAAAAAAAAKc/PVSo4JElg3s/DSC_5670_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="261"></a></p> <p> All you Chicago marathoners should consider doing a boat tour. You will get a good chunk of time sitting down, resting your legs, but you will still get to see lots of the city. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u8CFq3jyY8M/TjbPgfGB6DI/AAAAAAAAAKg/R82OwbAwlm0/s1600-h/DSC_5584%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5584" border="0" alt="DSC_5584" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-amHpNZo4aGI/TjbPghxtLoI/AAAAAAAAAKk/WuN75CCM0c8/DSC_5584_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="254"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ofSs1xidocs/TjbPhD_x-oI/AAAAAAAAAKo/eanebAnn59g/s1600-h/DSC_5613%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5613" border="0" alt="DSC_5613" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nGK-ghFqwDo/TjbPhajtcDI/AAAAAAAAAKs/MPF5YZuE8kA/DSC_5613_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="256"></a></p> <p>So after the tour, we started hunting for a restaurant. Thank you smart phones for helping make these decisions. We went with a local Brazilian steakhouse, <a href="http://www.brazzaz.com/">Brazzaz</a>. Twenty-four hours later, and I think my body is still digesting all the yumminess that was presented. I hadn’t eaten for almost 8 hours, so I just went face first and didn’t even think about taking a picture. Sorry guys. But let me tell you, it was amazing. A little pricey, but considering there were oyster on the half shell at the salad bar, it is totally worth it.</p> <p>For those that don’t know, at a Brazillian steakhouse, gauchos (men serving food), walk around with varities of meat and serve you slices when you say yes. It’s pretty cool, everyone at the table has a chip that on one side says no and the other says yes. The gauchos only come to you if your chip says yes. It’s easy to overindulge in a place like this. I don’t eat red meat, but I was still over eating. For dessert, we all had coffee and I had an extra fried banana that are served as a side dish (seriously, I could eat this every day of my life). Again, this place would be great after a marathon. You know, you burn a few thousand calories and you just want food? All you can eat, baby. </p> <p>So since there are no pictures of dinner, let’s look at Chicago some more.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Eia8HMAxa7k/TjbPh3DuhPI/AAAAAAAAAKw/bhA-F8qB6_0/s1600-h/DSC_5626%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5626" border="0" alt="DSC_5626" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x3Xs5oDIPy4/TjbPiA2vCbI/AAAAAAAAAK0/DaXjoV7gaFs/DSC_5626_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="280"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0cNM23wnbh8/TjbPinL5a4I/AAAAAAAAAK4/md9rboFp78M/s1600-h/DSC_5629%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5629" border="0" alt="DSC_5629" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OaXUVBKd70s/TjbPiz0jFTI/AAAAAAAAAK8/CcvLVjxRm8Y/DSC_5629_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="280"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mU3sJB2jZwY/TjbPjctvIvI/AAAAAAAAALA/Y6kSHaM8TOs/s1600-h/DSC_5635%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5635" border="0" alt="DSC_5635" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kA5VwPGT_7M/TjbPjpL2jtI/AAAAAAAAALE/l347nlmhXW4/DSC_5635_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="281"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Lj0uraLB-iI/TjbPkC0EQHI/AAAAAAAAALI/mYYdt1hvdwo/s1600-h/DSC_5652%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5652" border="0" alt="DSC_5652" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aRmPpt3Audk/TjbPkQnlC6I/AAAAAAAAALM/jbe7jGvj204/DSC_5652_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="282"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xMU2AdzqfkI/TjbPkqN4zzI/AAAAAAAAALQ/GvSHrkRh2JA/s1600-h/DSC_5702%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5702" border="0" alt="DSC_5702" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-68lnXmIkOmE/TjbPlL3BKNI/AAAAAAAAALU/ZnaMrfgtFQ0/DSC_5702_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="283"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_jyCcC7Phs8/TjbPltI5rSI/AAAAAAAAALY/wNY1fQgrSOc/s1600-h/DSC_5709%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5709" border="0" alt="DSC_5709" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qb1mHwjUFSA/TjbPl5VDEKI/AAAAAAAAALc/s94GjevVSjk/DSC_5709_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="286"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Even though I’m ready for a change, I’m going to miss you a bit, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osdx8nkXvak">Sweet Home Chicago</a>!</p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-54334370756367685702011-07-31T13:14:00.000-05:002011-07-31T13:14:48.527-05:00Psst...You should totally check out <a href="http://misszippy1.blogspot.com/2011/07/larabar-love-giveaway.html">MissZippy's Larabar giveaway</a>. If you haven't caught onto the trend Larabars are this amazing bites of healthy, deliciousness. They are made from fruit and nuts and contain 9 or less ingredients. The best part, even with about five million flavors, none are over 200 calories! My favs are all in the low 100s. They make for a great snack and I buy them by the semi-truck full.Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-49893814019093726702011-07-28T18:00:00.001-05:002011-07-28T18:00:30.785-05:00Veg it up!<p>My <a href="http://arunwithknives.blogspot.com/2011/07/have-you-done-spinach-swap.html">last post</a> discussed the spinach swap, which got me thinking, what are other great ways to sneak in some extra veggie servings? Because, well, can you ever get too many veggies in? (My IBS says yes… yes, you can get too many veggies, Alisa) So let’s discuss this matter…</p> <p>Salads. Giant bowl. Enough produce to last a lifetime. End of story. (I totally want to end this post here, but then nobody would read my blog.)</p> <p>Smoothies! Amanda at <a href="http://www.runtothefinish.com/">Run to the Finish</a> brought up throwing spinach into your smoothie. I swear, I’m the creator of this idea, I don’t care what anybody says. But have you done other veggies? My mom swears by beets, I personally think they smell like garbage, so even if they taste amazing, I will never try them out. I love carrots. I chop them up and blend well (if you have a sucky blender, microwave your carrots with a bit of water, then blend). I also dig cucumbers! Not just in general, but in the smoothie form. You guys should try cucumbers + watermelon + ice for a refreshing summer bev!</p> <p>Grated. Oh man, life would suck without my graters. Whenever I make anything with ground meat (generally turkey), I grate in a little something-something. (How sad is it that I tried to type somethin’, but I just physically do it? Nerd alert!) Carrots work the best for this. Burgers, tacos, meatloaf, whatever your heart desires! Try it in pancakes too, the carrots add an amazing sweetness! And just like the spinach swap, this is great, because you end up eating less of the caloric foods and more of the veg-tastic goodness. </p> <p>So I’m going to go snack on some veggies and contemplate more ways to eat the good stuff, but I’ll watch <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Justin-Bieber-Never-Say/dp/B004A8ZX1O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311893230&sr=8-1">Never Say Never</a> first. I started the movie already and it’s pretty fantastical. Not gonna lie, I’m starting to get the fever. And I hope that I’m not the <a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/2011/06/19/bieber-fever-jtt-style/">only one</a>.</p> <p>And because there’s a strange lack of pictures in my posts lately, here’s some Guinness lovin!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UDJBHShdDm0/TjHqCXvcrwI/AAAAAAAAAJw/rWnpvtJXDJM/s1600-h/DSC_5375%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5375" border="0" alt="DSC_5375" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AO_5CnpIh_A/TjHqCls_3kI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/wg84CU7CmII/DSC_5375_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="233"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qJvzpghZvFc/TjHqDGSgf9I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/bzm0PPVubCU/s1600-h/Hin2483-R1-011-4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Hin2483-R1-011-4" border="0" alt="Hin2483-R1-011-4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DH92W6h2BX0/TjHqDSKl5cI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/avmYoTxs5Mo/Hin2483-R1-011-4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="404"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#ff8040">What’s the last movie you watched?</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">Currently learning about the Biebs, otherwise the last movie before this was Gulliver’s Travels and I adored that movie!</font></p> <p><font color="#ff8040">Any other veggie tricks you care to share?</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">I know I’m forgetting something good.</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-68498090722133936262011-07-25T18:24:00.001-05:002011-07-25T18:24:10.035-05:00Have you done the spinach swap?<p>No, it’s no the latest dance crave… it’s the latest health craze! But I could create a dance to go with it if you would like!</p> <p>It’s swapping in spinach for pasta in your favorite dish. So you get all the yumminess of the sauce, and less of the calories from the pasta. PLUS you’re adding in vital nutrients from the spinach and the dish tends to be more filling. I hear from some friends out in the LA area that restaurants are even adding this onto their menus (just like restaurants are filling giving the option to get a veggie or turkey burger, instead of the beef one). </p> <p>I love my pasta (hello, my name is Alisa and I’m a carb-o-holic)! So I can’t do the full swap (no pasta, makes me an angry person), but I’ve been doing a variation of this for years! I can eat an entire box of pasta, if left alone, so here are some of my ways to trick myself into eating less.</p> <ul> <li>Sometimes I will put so chopped up spinach at the bottom of the bowl, so I add less noodely goodness.</li> <li>I like to chop some asparagus and throw it into the pot of pasta in the last few minutes, so when I fill up my bowl with the same amount, I get less pasta. (This works great for the penne shape, since they are similar in size and shape to asparagus)</li> <li>Veggie curls! Zucchini works wonderfully, but carrots work too (and there are probably other veggies that I haven’t tried). Again, throw them into the pot of pasta in the last few minutes so they cook up. This is fun with linguine OR even instead of linguine. </li> <li>Simple solution: spaghetti squash! Duh. And that’s a boatload of S’s! Sorry. </li> <li>And my final one: Cook up some squash (of any kind, I love acorn), mash it up with some milk (or white wine!) and mix with pasta! I love to make this, pour into a baking dish, top with some bread crumbs, and bake it up.</li> <ul> <li>For my mac and cheese lovers, stir some cheese in the squash and you get the same rich creaminess, with some of the flavor, and a lot less calories! </li></ul></ul> <p>Now, I know that if you’re really craving pasta-heaven, not all of these ideas will suffice. But they are great ways to “sneak” in more veggies and cut out extra calories. My love handles thank me for this.</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">What are some of your favorite swaps?</font></p> <p><font color="#008000">I love making “milkshakes” by combining a bit of almond milk with frozen fruit and blend away. I also like putting berries into the bottom of my bowl before I scoop my coconut milk ice cream!</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">How much pasta can you eat in one sitting? Favorite way of consuming?</font></p> <p><font color="#008000">Maybe not a whole box, but probably half a box. I love pasta in any form, but for some reason, plain just sings the loudest to me. No sauce, just noodelicious-ness!</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-44401649091598701122011-07-22T21:14:00.001-05:002011-07-22T21:14:55.855-05:00Five For Friday–Summer Edition<p>I fell asleep to thunderstorms last night, so you can only imagine how NOT surprised I was to wake up to thunderstorms this morning. Too bad, it was finally not so unbearable hot outside and the humidity was not horrible either. I waited it out hoping that I could get in a solid long run, because I haven’t done one since June. After an hour of sitting around waiting, I knew I had to work out, because I needed to get stuff done today! Thank goodness that I still have a stash of workout dvds floating around my house and there are lots of available choices on hulu.</p> <p>Of course, it was beautiful out by the time I finished trying out a <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/240953/dance-and-be-fit-hemalayaa-bollywood-boogie">Bollywood</a> workout on <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/240953/dance-and-be-fit-hemalayaa-bollywood-boogie">Hulu</a>, but too bad. This was a fun workout, but I don’t think I got my usual “burn” that I get from running. But I looked like an idiot doing this, so Guinness was happy! All those years of dance class and I still have no coordination!</p> <p>I know I’ve been a downer about summer lately, but I’m usually a positive person, so I’m a doing a FIVE THINGS I like about summer.</p> <p>1. Grilling: Not only is it a healthier option, but everything tastes better on the grill. Right?</p> <p>2. Margaritas on the deck at night: There is no other way to truly enjoy a margarita (well, in the dead of winter, with the heat turned up works too).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yxE1yiFYRK4/TioumKOCu6I/AAAAAAAAAJI/38SLuvQfRVc/s1600-h/P1010008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1010008" border="0" alt="P1010008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zibQZnH32ZE/TioumdxXTRI/AAAAAAAAAJM/rYCtJd8xZiM/P1010008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>3. Dinning al fresco: This goes with numbers one and two! Listening to the birds chirp and feeling the breeze… it makes food taste better. Plus tons of restaurants and bars open up their patios and it just makes going out a little more exciting. Plus, some places allow dogs on their patios! Sunsets + food = Awesome!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UcPcM_Je4wc/Tioum94g17I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/w1nKi3JovEA/s1600-h/DSC_5385%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5385" border="0" alt="DSC_5385" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9SD7I3ibY0U/TiounIFMe9I/AAAAAAAAAJU/HaMMX8PpcI4/DSC_5385_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a></p> <p>4. Locally grown produce (and lettuce and herbs from MY pots!): If it’s not fresh, it just doesn’t taste the same. I could live at farmer’s markets and have become close with some of the farms. And I’m glad the bunny population does not come up on my deck to eat all my lettuce and herbs, I’m use them daily!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uLUrRbJWsXc/TiounVAz4RI/AAAAAAAAAJY/SqLtDcOVrik/s1600-h/P1010002%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1010002" border="0" alt="P1010002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0yNKqr0zn3c/TiounlvlxcI/AAAAAAAAAJc/i7ys0jDqusc/P1010002_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>5. Extra sunlight: This is the only draw back to winter for me. I enjoy going to work at 5am and having the sun be out.</p> <p> </p> <p>Now it’s off to buy some new towels and bathroom accessories! Highlight of my day!</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">What’s your favorite thing about summer?</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0080">It’s totally the produce for me.</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">Do you enjoy shopping for homey things? What are the colors in your bathroom(s)?</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0080">I’m beyond excited to get my own place to decorate! </font><font color="#ff0080">My shower curtain has tons of colors, but I picked out a sage green and chocolate brown that go with the curtain and using very natural accessories. Like a dark bamboo soap dispenser and shower hooks made with hemp. I’ll take pictures once I’m moved!</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-90862636092979370092011-07-19T21:14:00.000-05:002011-07-19T21:15:38.632-05:00Exciting things are happening here!<p>I was having too much fun yesterday playing with Windows Live Writer to actually post! Thank you guys for all your advice on my blogging issues. Feel free to give me more if you think of anything you with you knew back when! Also, if you never saw before, please feel free to answer any questions on my <a href="http://arunwithknives.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-assistance-puh-lease.html">last post</a>. Life is already better with my Live Writer! Whenever I say Live Writer, I think of Ghostwriter. You guys remember that show? </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/86/Ghostwriter%28TV%29.png/250px-Ghostwriter%28TV%29.png"></p> <p>It’s been freaking hot and humid here in the Midwest. If I didn’t need to leave the house, I would know from the complaints all over Facebook and Twitter. It’s ridiculous. I’m pretty sure these are all from the people hating on winter and asking for summer. You want summer? You get summer! I on the other hand do not do well with humidity or heat. I get angry and cranky. I will yell at inanimate objects in front of others. I will growl. All these have happened in the past 24 hours. But the positive is, I still forced myself to run yesterday and today! I sweated off my sunscreen in the first two minutes yesterday. I wish I brought a camera, because it was disgusting. I was supposed to do nine miles, but I called it quits after 4. No use beating a dead horse. Or a dead Alisa.</p> <p>So today I went with a different approach. Short and sweat. I mean sweet. Sprintervals it is! I did a five minute warm up and cool down, but in between was the sweet. 45 seconds all out sprint, 60 second recovery, repeat ad nausuem. or at least ad sweatuem. But what killed it, was my kick A playlist. I made a summer runs playlist in June and just haven’t been feeling it, until this heat wave.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G-HBI37Gyg4/TiY6SHeL8jI/AAAAAAAAAI8/Uf6hY7aaULc/s1600-h/summer%252520playlist%25255B11%25255D.png"><img style="display: inline" title="summer playlist" alt="summer playlist" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vCx6Am6pV7E/TiY6ST4fyWI/AAAAAAAAAJA/xYYDH6-vTa8/summer%252520playlist_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="439" height="249"></a></p> <p>I may have lost about a total of 8 pounds of pure sweat the last two days, but at least I rocked out while doing it.</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">Do you use playlists to change your mood about a workout?</font></p> <p><font color="#f79646">Always! I also use them according to seasons and upcoming events. My Christmas playlist is fantastical!</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3">What’s your favorite season?</font></p> <p><font color="#f79646">Winter, without a doubt. I’m not a huge fan of cold, but I’m a follower of the idea that you can always put on more layers. You can only take off so many before you get in trouble. Spring comes in a distant second, only because I love that moment were everything turns green!</font></p> Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-64485460828448241222011-07-17T22:27:00.000-05:002011-07-17T22:27:20.256-05:00Blog Assistance, puh-lease!So I'm trying to make this blog amazing. I found myself a niche that I'm going to build into, (post tomorrow - how to make healthy, healthier... get excited), I'm playing with layout possibilities (pages? pages! Yeah, I got me some of those now. Still a work in progress though.), but now, to make blogging better, I'm going to ask for advice.<br />
<br />
1) Windows Live Writer - I know a lot of big time bloggers use this. <a href="http://pbfingers.com/">PBF </a>and <a href="http://skinnyrunner.com/">SR </a>are the two that pop into my head right now. Who else uses this? Is WLW as life changing as it seems? Would anybody recommend not going this route with a smaller blog?<br />
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2) Being the Paparazzi - Do you guys really all carry around your cameras and snap hundreds of pictures a day? Am I the only loser with only giant cameras? I treasure my D80 so much that I barely take it out of my house and only for major occasions. And my digital is from the second round of digital cameras, so it's about the size of a brick. It was one of the first ones that didn't use an entire floppy disk to download pictures. Yeah, I'm that old-school.<br />
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3) Interests - What is your favorite part of your favorite blogs? Is it the workout ideas? food porn? personal life tidbits? healthy living advice? funny pictures? general mutual interests?<br />
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4) Is it possible to have too many pictures of my dog on here? Because I don't think so!<br />
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5) Friends and Family - Most of my close friends and family are weirded out by blogging. The claim it's bad to put that much personal information online. None of them have facebook even! This is why none of them are ever shown or named on this here blog. <br />
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6) Have you ever known someone in real life, but discovered they have a blog life too? How did you handle it? I just recently discovered someone who did me wrong in college floating around the blogosphere. I have seen her comment on some of my favorite blogs. It's strange. I feel like I need to hide to avoid some sort of blog confrontation, because our real life friendship ended very messy and I don't want to make a messy situation for any of you. But on the other hand, a part of me feels like everyone is getting jipped, because she's hiding the hurtful side of herself that ruined a part of my life, so I should just come right out and make a scene. (I feel like this is the plot to a really, really bad made for tv movie. If it's not, I'm totally selling the idea.)<br />
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<br />
<br />
Thanks guys! I hope all of you in the midwest are enjoying the horrible heat. I'm just sitting here thinking about snow, winter, temperatures below 70, sweaters.... perfect!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBkMcBldflE/TiOm45vWoPI/AAAAAAAAAG4/eihbI749oBc/s1600/P1010139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBkMcBldflE/TiOm45vWoPI/AAAAAAAAAG4/eihbI749oBc/s320/P1010139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-79796976583692279142011-07-14T23:00:00.000-05:002011-07-14T23:00:42.774-05:00It's good to be back!I had to take a forced break from blogging. I've missed each and every one of you so much!<br />
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I was struggling with my running, so I turned to my ex trainer for advice. He is one of the most patient beings I have ever encountered and he was the first person to take the time to help me learn to run again. So I knew I could ask him for advice. After a long chat over coffee, we came to two conclusions (of which I already knew of):<br />
1) I'm an all or nothing person.<br />
So even though I knew that I needed to step back on my exercise because my IBS was making me really weak, I went extreme and said no running and nothing fitness related. The most exercise I was getting was rolling over on my bed and complaining about the effort.<br />
<br />
2) I don't do well with comparing myself to others.<br />
Some people thrive on it and use that to fuel their own fires. I use it as an excuse to stop, because if I'm not the best, it doesn't matter. I need to stop making running a competitive sport and get back to the point where it was something for me to challenge myself with.<br />
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The solution he came up with to both of those problems was to stay away from blogs. (hushed gasps are heard across blogger and wordpress) Most of the blogs belong to healthy individuals and many (I'm looking at you <a href="http://skinnyrunner.com/">SR</a>) can go run 20 miles on a whim. I struggle with at least doing three miles at a time. Also, my average pace is slow even for a snail. I'm pretty sure walkers are going faster than me (no, really, I've actually encountered that). So I'm sitting here, not running because I have no strength and then I'm sitting more, because, why bother at this point, and I'm reading these blogs of people doing 10 miles at a 7 min/mile pace and it's frustrating. So again, why bother?<br />
<br />
I had to get back in touch with Alisa. And how Alisa runs. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! <br />
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I'm finally back in my groove, I'm not running as much as I should (that's all IBS related now), but I'm not so down and out. And also, as hard as it is, I'm trying to just be thankful that I can run. When I was 16, I was told my arthritis in my knee was so bad that I would probably never run. I hadn't run since I was probably 14 years old. That's over 10 years. This is HUGE for me. Some days I wake up and still can't believe that I am able to run. I'm tearing up just thinking about how amazing that is.<br />
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But to the more important part, I got the text today from my wonderful PT. He said, he thinks I've made enough mental and emotional gains in the past two weeks to start blogging again (let's not tell him how I cheated occasionally, shhhh). But in that time off I've really thought about how to shape this lovely blog of mine. So instead of a random blog of food and running, I had to decide: a running blog that cooks or a cooking blog that runs? Based on what you just read, I hope you realize I picked that latter. And so I'm bringing back some yummy recipes!<br />
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Today was Bastille Day! For those that slept through world history class (don't try to pretend you didn't), it is the day in which the French people stormed the Bastille, which was the big prison in Paris, to gain ammunition. It was the highpoint of the French Revolution. Think of it as the same as our 4th of July. Of course, I had to create a French feast to go along with this wonderful day. And I brought along my friends wine and bread. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Orc89StHgZY/Th-4_3tydQI/AAAAAAAAAG0/fGYPf46-Xow/s1600/P1010010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Orc89StHgZY/Th-4_3tydQI/AAAAAAAAAG0/fGYPf46-Xow/s320/P1010010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the mushroom and shallot quiche. Along with the beans and fennel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Quiche<br />
(I don't have a set recipe for quiche, since my mom has made it since I was born, but this is a good estimate)<br />
<br />
2 frozen pie shells (yes I used frozen and yes I am proud of it)<br />
6 eggs<br />
1 cup half and half<br />
1 tsp fresh ground nutmeg<br />
salt and white pepper to taste<br />
16 oz shredded Swiss cheese<br />
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1. Beat eggs and half and half until well blended. Stir in nutmeg, white pepper, and salt.<br />
2. Split Swiss cheese equally between two shells.<br />
3. Pour egg mixture into pie shells.<br />
4. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes and then turn down temperature to 325 and bake for about 30 minutes.<br />
5. Quiche is done when lightly browned on top, but will still have some "jiggle" in the middle (think, pudding). <br />
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So that's the basic recipe. Today I switched things up a bit and did TWO different flavored quiches, just by adding in a few ingredients. In both versions, add into quiche in step 2, on top of the cheese.<br />
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In one quiche, I sauteed two thinly sliced shallots with one pound finely diced portabello mushrooms. Once all the liquid was cooked off and everything was softened, I stirred in one large clove of garlic, finely diced, and cooked for about thirty seconds. Let cool for a bit before adding to the quiche. <br />
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In the other quiche, I tossed 8oz of pancetta, about 6 thin asparagus spears, finely chopped and a good handful of sun-dried tomatoes diced. <br />
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Roasted Lemony Green Beans<br />
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1 pound green beans, trimmed<br />
2 lemons, sliced into wedges<br />
1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
1. Toss ingredients together on baking sheet. (Go easy on the salt, because lemon and salt tend to activate the same part of your tongue, so it could be a bit much)<br />
2. Roast at 400 for about 15 minutes, stir half way through.<br />
3. Just before serving, use tongs to give the lemons a bit of a squeeze, then mix well with green beans.<br />
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Roasted Fennel (so it's a take off of my new favorite winter recipe, fennel is French, leave me alone!)<br />
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2 fennel bulbs, trimmed, cut lengthwise into 1-inch-wide wedges<br />
1 large onion, root end left intact, then cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-wide wedges<br />
3 tablespoons olive oil<br />
1 teaspoon ground cumin<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
1 teaspoon chili powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon turmeric<div> <div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> 1. Combine fennel and onion with oil and toss to coat. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">2. Mix all spices in small bowl to blend. Sprinkle spice mixture over vegetables and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and generous amount of pepper. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">3. Roast at 450 until vegetables are tender and browned, turning once, about 45 minutes. (that's the original, I did it at 450 for about 30 minutes, then finished at 400 with everything else, about 15 minutes. It worked perfect this time)</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Enjoy!</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div></div>Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-44719927633570692772011-06-30T21:45:00.000-05:002011-06-30T21:45:36.207-05:00More bacon than the pan can handle.I realized I haven't done much on the culinary side on this lovely blog. I just don't think about it. I cook dinner almost every night, but I don't take pictures, because I'm starving when I finish cooking. I have a "get in my belly moment" as soon as it's all done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bestuff.com/images/images_of_stuff/210x600/fat-bastard-11756.jpg?1173338992" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bestuff.com/images/images_of_stuff/210x600/fat-bastard-11756.jpg?1173338992" /></a></div><br />
So tonight I'm sharing a new one: Bacon Wrapped Chicken!<br />
<br />
I borrowed the basic recipe idea from somewhere, but I can't remember. I'm guessing Martha Stewart, because she gives me all the best ideas. So without delay:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8axSgomdkv0/Tg0z73r4-vI/AAAAAAAAAGs/dQJmZyzBpM8/s1600/P1010037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8axSgomdkv0/Tg0z73r4-vI/AAAAAAAAAGs/dQJmZyzBpM8/s320/P1010037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally started eating, then realized I should take a pic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bacon Wrapped Chicken<br />
<br />
4 chicken breasts, cut into long tenders (about 3 strips per breast)<br />
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary<br />
24 sage leaves (or 2 per strip)<br />
12 pieces of bacon (or enough for amount of strips)<br />
<br />
1. Mix rosemary with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle on chicken strips. (Go easy on the salt, bacon is nice and salty already)<br />
2. Place a sage leaf on each side of tender and wrap a piece of bacon around the tender.<br />
3. Place half of tenders in a preheated pan.<br />
4. Cook until bacon is browned, about 6 minutes. Flip and cook until fully cooked, about 6 more minutes.<br />
5. Place first batch in a warm oven while others cook through.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWFW4IBOgBc/Tg0z7AnOgYI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Gdzli9RaoEU/s1600/P1010036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWFW4IBOgBc/Tg0z7AnOgYI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Gdzli9RaoEU/s320/P1010036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A plateful of delicious if you ask me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I served these with a saffron linguini that I mixed with some Kalamata olive oil and parsley. I also changed countries and made a simple onion-avocado "slaw/salad" which was the two chopped up and I made a quick dressing of lime juice, cilantro, pepper, and olive oil. It was a delicious and filling meal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fDVrLLu9rM/Tg0z6T3YtLI/AAAAAAAAAGk/YadF65zgfxY/s1600/P1010034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fDVrLLu9rM/Tg0z6T3YtLI/AAAAAAAAAGk/YadF65zgfxY/s320/P1010034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CULINARY TIP ALERT: If your limes (or lemons) aren't juicy enough, stick them in the microwave for a couple of seconds. Works wonders!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But not too filling. I still had room for raspberries, with some chocolate sauce and a few scoops of coconut water sorbet, raspberry flavored.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CLlm6cICYE/Tg00tUfwkwI/AAAAAAAAAGw/0pviClwD4iM/s1600/P1010040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CLlm6cICYE/Tg00tUfwkwI/AAAAAAAAAGw/0pviClwD4iM/s320/P1010040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Time for bed to get up and run before the triple digit heat kicks in!Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-24188203972875111062011-06-28T22:43:00.000-05:002011-06-28T22:43:13.674-05:00Guinness has a big problem!She's a snacker. She inherited from her mother (me).<br />
<br />
The vet wanted Guinness to lose 2-3 pounds in one year. Not a hefty goal at all. She gained half a pound!<br />
<br />
Granted, the vet agrees with me. She does feel muscular and not too flabby. Come on, she runs with me all the time! The girl has to have something good.<br />
<br />
But she is still a little bit more than her little legs should hold. We don't want her to get arthritis in her leg joints like her mother.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8-yI-7gTrY/TgqeF0CTtLI/AAAAAAAAAGY/6t_-hn5-Taw/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8-yI-7gTrY/TgqeF0CTtLI/AAAAAAAAAGY/6t_-hn5-Taw/s320/IMG_0218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at those tiny back legs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
So, with the vet's help, G and I discussed her eating habits, quality of food, and snacks. It is clearly apparent that her snacking is what's preventing her from being at her ideal weight. We have a plan on action and are prepared to succeed!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWzenEtVOqY/TgqehyXm3ZI/AAAAAAAAAGc/WZ-54YXE4G4/s1600/P1010202%252C+black+and+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWzenEtVOqY/TgqehyXm3ZI/AAAAAAAAAGc/WZ-54YXE4G4/s320/P1010202%252C+black+and+white.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm saving some for later.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So what's the point of this post? Well, it's interesting how my pup gained weight with our increase in running. But what's more interesting is the relationship between Guinness and I. I'm plateauing at a much higher weight than I would want and Guinness is gaining weight. What's the dealio? We're both getting hungry because of the increase in mileage and intensity. And... we both need to really pay attention to what we are putting in our bodies.<br />
<br />
<br />
For Guinness, it's a matter of getting her used to veggies and fruits as snacks. And for me, it's a matter of eliminating sweets as snacks. I love me some fruit and veg, but I still have a fat kid lurking deep inside that craves ice cream and chocolate and chips, oh my! So Guinness and I made a goal and we shook on it. If we are going to have any snacks, no matter the time of day, they have to be produce-centric.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMFyXCLYpBE/TgqfJDjVwPI/AAAAAAAAAGg/gASl6mFhuEM/s1600/P1010176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMFyXCLYpBE/TgqfJDjVwPI/AAAAAAAAAGg/gASl6mFhuEM/s320/P1010176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm so hungry I could eat a dinosaur. And that's just what I'll do!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Let's see how long this lasts!Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-73089052632458044542011-06-24T17:19:00.000-05:002011-06-24T17:19:23.264-05:00FFF - How to prepare for a long run...NOT<br />
<br />
So it's time for another episode of Five For Friday. And today we're discussing how I failed at properly preparing for my long run today.<br />
<br />
1. Go out for happy hour two nights before and stay out late chit chatting and digesting sushi. Then get called in extra early that morning. 5 am? Did that.<br />
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2. Eat your weight in Double Stuff Oreos in one sitting the day before your long run.<br />
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3. Go out with co-workers for karaoke the night before. Because the next day nobody had to work, make sure to lose track of time and close down the bar. 2 am? Fo Sho!<br />
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4. While at karaoke, drink too many beers because they are on special for the night. They might have been out of my favorite, Guinness (not just a dog, but a beer too!), but I thoroughly enjoyed my Newcastle and my Newcastle, and my Newcastle, and my...<br />
<br />
5. In a tipsy state, decide that waking up early to run makes perfect sense, because I can always nap later. When the alarm goes off after 5 hours of sleep, decide to not hit snooze, but reset the alarm for an hour later. In actuality, reset the alarm to go off five minutes later. And continue to fail at this until you decide to just turn off the alarm (it took me multiple attempts). Wake up almost two hours later.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sooooo, the long run didn't quite happen today. I got out and did an hours worth of running in what could best be described as a speed ladder. Or maybe fartleks, only because I like saying fartleks. I was obviously dehydrated while running and my body just ached the whole time. I pushed through and figured, yes, I can always nap later. And I have spent the rest of the day lying around while doing laundry. It doesn't help that it's been a beautiful shade of gray all day. So I'm checking out for the rest of the night. Couch... here I come!Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-55344694387350944542011-06-21T22:15:00.000-05:002011-06-21T22:15:57.534-05:00BFD and tornado sirens!BFD does not stand for:<br />
<br />
Big Furry Dinosaur<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCeSiKddl7f6OnGUChaAlLEO86573McpmqQpKLncXprjALMtvQ2y9MC0Xc6GO1SrFNwsSzDKTk0G-Kttgjt1_-BWshoK4B7Zizbmxh2ridrdEi64qjOSL1t_iNZxWR5A_-LXqGdPN1NI/s200/snuffy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCeSiKddl7f6OnGUChaAlLEO86573McpmqQpKLncXprjALMtvQ2y9MC0Xc6GO1SrFNwsSzDKTk0G-Kttgjt1_-BWshoK4B7Zizbmxh2ridrdEi64qjOSL1t_iNZxWR5A_-LXqGdPN1NI/s200/snuffy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Beautiful Friendly Dog<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCei4d807NM/TgEKbxdN_bI/AAAAAAAAAF4/SuWJbiDHN4U/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCei4d807NM/TgEKbxdN_bI/AAAAAAAAAF4/SuWJbiDHN4U/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
But it does stand for:<br />
<br />
Breakfast for Dinner<br />
<br />
And that's what I consumed tonight. There are a lot of big changes at work right now, so when I get home, I'm too exhausted to make it up the stairs. The big wigs were in today finalizing some plans (both to the business side of things AND the actual building), so I ran around working about 5 times harder than usual. My head hurts and English is hard. I needed easy food that was also comforting. And what's more comforting than blueberry waffles? Nothing. Maybe chocolate chip pancakes, but we're trying to be healthy here. Plus it's the first day of summer, time for berries!<br />
<br />
I threw together a quick batch of these babies with Canadian bacon on the side and a nice big helping of "homemade" strawberry syrup. Yum!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kbFHdmR088/TgFccwza2wI/AAAAAAAAAGI/A8svxcdu0dQ/s1600/p1010020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kbFHdmR088/TgFccwza2wI/AAAAAAAAAGI/A8svxcdu0dQ/s320/p1010020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure to oil up your iron really well. Otherwise you end up with a waffle like this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Blueberry Waffles:<br />
<br />
1 cup AP flour<br />
1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />
1/4 oat flour<br />
1 TBLS baking powder<br />
1 TBLS sugar<br />
2 TBLS flax meal (also labeled as ground flax seeds)<br />
1 TSP salt<br />
<br />
3 eggs<br />
4 TBLS grapeseed oil<br />
1 TBLS honey<br />
1 TBLS vanilla<br />
zest of one lemon<br />
<br />
1 cup blueberries <br />
<br />
1. Sift together all dry ingredients in one bowl.<br />
2. Whisk up eggs in another bowl. Combine all other wet ingredients into the bowl. Slowly whisk dry into wet. Once JUST combined, stir in blueberries.<br />
3. Follow directions with your waffle iron to make waffles. (Made about 6 Belgian ones for us)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycuv9QDaI1c/TgFcrPm1N4I/AAAAAAAAAGM/CoyXkT4lmEU/s1600/P1010022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycuv9QDaI1c/TgFcrPm1N4I/AAAAAAAAAGM/CoyXkT4lmEU/s320/P1010022.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh off the iron!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Strawberry Syrup: This is one of those things I make, but don't have a recipe for. It's too easy to have something formal. I'll try my hardest. <br />
<br />
Slice up tons of strawberries. Throw in a small saucepan with some syrup. Cook on low for awhile. Strawberries will soften and the syrup will taste fruity. Serve on anything! (use as much of either as you want. Like tons of fruit? Use more berries or less syrup. Want to serve a crowd? Throw in more of both. You can even add some honey or sugar and water to stretch it out more.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsUTzF7Em6E/TgFc7Ox51nI/AAAAAAAAAGU/R4Q7FuZctr8/s1600/P1010024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsUTzF7Em6E/TgFc7Ox51nI/AAAAAAAAAGU/R4Q7FuZctr8/s320/P1010024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep dinner in the over set at warm for roommates who want to come home late!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I enjoyed this meal with a nice semi-sweet white wine. A Traminette, to be exact. My favorite type of wine is a Gewurztraminer (trying ordering that after a few glasses...), and the Traminette is a newer varietal of the same family. If you like semi-sweet wines, I suggest trying both. A Gewurtz is really good with Asian food, in case you were wondering.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As I was finishing up this post the emergency warning sirens came on, or as they are known in the midwest, tornado sirens. I quickly turned on the weather report and it said a tornado touched down in the town next to us just a few miles away. I quickly turned off my computer, grabbed my purse, phone, dog, and hoodie and ran downstairs with the roommates. After twenty minutes, the sirens turned off and all was clear.<br />
<br />
This was Guinness's first encounter with the sirens at night and not as a practice the first tuesday of the month at 10am. ON top of us being a little spooked and grabbing all of our stuff and flashlights, we were franticly trying to remember all the stuff we needed to remember. Do we light candles? Do I need to grab a can of soup? I grabbed G's leash and put it on. Safety first, right? Yeah, in dog language purse + leash = car ride = fun. Then she heard the sirens. The poor thing is still confused.<br />
<br />
So, crisis averted. Just a confused dog. I have my fingers crossed that my work was hit and I don't have to go in tomorrow. HAHAHA.<br />
<br />
Pictures from a tornado down the street from me about a year ago (sorry about the crappy phone pictures):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--UHWLBErpAE/TgFahjqpCzI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Jvj_XlpUAbc/s1600/IMG_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--UHWLBErpAE/TgFahjqpCzI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Jvj_XlpUAbc/s320/IMG_0273.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-mx-ZzSmBQ/TgFa9x6oYLI/AAAAAAAAAGA/N_czFVnm9UE/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-mx-ZzSmBQ/TgFa9x6oYLI/AAAAAAAAAGA/N_czFVnm9UE/s320/IMG_0303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8P9rxAMl28/TgFbcH5KVgI/AAAAAAAAAGE/8qKSmw5M3OI/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8P9rxAMl28/TgFbcH5KVgI/AAAAAAAAAGE/8qKSmw5M3OI/s320/IMG_0336.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Tornadoes... something I will not miss when I move away. I think I need another waffle. I burnt a lot of calories running around in panic mode.Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-1198604636946580852011-06-20T16:12:00.000-05:002011-06-20T16:12:51.292-05:00So much stuff.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BTjFKYhgmVs/Tf-160uQ-DI/AAAAAAAAAFo/jbTC0iiR1WQ/s1600/DSC_5523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Why, hello Blog-Buddies! I've missed you so much. Granted, I won't have a day off until Friday, and it feels like years since I had one, but I keep trying to post. So I'll make this as smooth as possible. A list perhaps? I think so.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YeOZboq2Gdg/Tf-xQBYYjiI/AAAAAAAAAFM/3gYLvg8BaBM/s1600/DSC_5423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YeOZboq2Gdg/Tf-xQBYYjiI/AAAAAAAAAFM/3gYLvg8BaBM/s320/DSC_5423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lists? Let's do this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
1. How do you guys handle the work/life/run balance? There are weeks I can't handle the work balance, so adding in life is hard enough. And then running? And general working out? Yikes. I've been trying to fold laundry for a week now. A WEEK! I feel so lazy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBqXSmTmtxM/Tf-xTrq3-KI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/2XnDzULuvJA/s1600/DSC_5424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBqXSmTmtxM/Tf-xTrq3-KI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/2XnDzULuvJA/s320/DSC_5424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're bored already.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I know that running early in the morning is helpful for some. And most of the time, it works for me. But I had to be at work at 4:30 this morning. I'm not waking up at 2:30 to get in a work out, shower, and make it to work on time. Sleep is important. At least to me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI2F8FbXBxs/Tf-xjZMQymI/AAAAAAAAAFU/KX7D2QIbX9c/s1600/DSC_5466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI2F8FbXBxs/Tf-xjZMQymI/AAAAAAAAAFU/KX7D2QIbX9c/s320/DSC_5466.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hear tigers like sleep too. Could be a rumor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>2. Some-puppy had a vet appointment. She literally scratches the walls to get out. That's how much she hates them. And everybody at the office spends a good twenty minutes straight telling her how cute she is. Yeah, my dog is a supermodel. She takes after her mom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEJn9UC6dWQ/Tf-yMYIUTRI/AAAAAAAAAFY/UhEIFhAAagA/s1600/DSC_5400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEJn9UC6dWQ/Tf-yMYIUTRI/AAAAAAAAAFY/UhEIFhAAagA/s320/DSC_5400.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging her lasers. Totally adorable even in attack mode.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>3. My brother and I took my dad to the zoo for Father's Day. It's my dad's fav activity ever. I'm in full support of the zoos that focus on rebuilding dwindling populations of animals. It makes my heart warm.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QH6MJ5u-Nwk/Tf-0OC4--gI/AAAAAAAAAFg/5qAHyTxHO30/s1600/DSC_5446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QH6MJ5u-Nwk/Tf-0OC4--gI/AAAAAAAAAFg/5qAHyTxHO30/s320/DSC_5446.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh man, we're so bored. Shut up now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>4. My family went out for dinner on Saturday and tried the restaurant two miles away from my parent's house that we have never gone to. It was good. I carbo-loaded for a run that never happened. (I used to call it making it a bad choice, but now I call it fueling.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bALIUxzCvko/Tf-z9yzc_QI/AAAAAAAAAFc/zPAyIvpqRE4/s1600/DSC_5450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bALIUxzCvko/Tf-z9yzc_QI/AAAAAAAAAFc/zPAyIvpqRE4/s320/DSC_5450.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Give us more food, or we're eating your shirts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>6. I didn't exercise once this weekend, aside from Friday. I did do a lot of walking at the zoo on Sunday, but the big Icee and giant beer probably counteract that. And I'm not working out today, because, well... I don't need an excuse for you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmxvtvY7j2w/Tf-3FeiQZfI/AAAAAAAAAFw/LRcLRhm8DSs/s1600/DSC_5454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmxvtvY7j2w/Tf-3FeiQZfI/AAAAAAAAAFw/LRcLRhm8DSs/s320/DSC_5454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may be covered in a layer of blubber, but at least I get my miles in every day.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zH0k_GBNyA/Tf-3Tq4AiRI/AAAAAAAAAF0/K8nMgz-vSRw/s1600/DSC_5452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zH0k_GBNyA/Tf-3Tq4AiRI/AAAAAAAAAF0/K8nMgz-vSRw/s320/DSC_5452.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, fattie. We run at least once a day. Not like your once a week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Yeah, a vet visit is exciting for me. Please don't laugh too hard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cESNyj3vBKI/Tf-1mpfIDOI/AAAAAAAAAFk/EKIdScsICRE/s1600/DSC_5515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cESNyj3vBKI/Tf-1mpfIDOI/AAAAAAAAAFk/EKIdScsICRE/s320/DSC_5515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey guys, she's begging us not to laugh.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BTjFKYhgmVs/Tf-160uQ-DI/AAAAAAAAAFo/jbTC0iiR1WQ/s1600/DSC_5523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BTjFKYhgmVs/Tf-160uQ-DI/AAAAAAAAAFo/jbTC0iiR1WQ/s320/DSC_5523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But she leads such a miserable existence.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4asYHC_7oM/Tf-2YwEd9pI/AAAAAAAAAFs/S5zwNRJWNXk/s1600/DSC_5490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4asYHC_7oM/Tf-2YwEd9pI/AAAAAAAAAFs/S5zwNRJWNXk/s320/DSC_5490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not like we do much more...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="color: lime;">What did you do this weekend?</div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</div><div style="color: lime;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Hopefully there are no animals mocking you about your plans!</span></div>Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-61354065888518126982011-06-16T20:06:00.001-05:002011-06-16T20:09:33.089-05:00I have a stalker.So I've experienced my first off running week of my running career (aside from when I first started and hurt every day). I raced Sunday, did a long run Monday, then attempted a run Tuesday. After those two hard days of running, plus working all morning on my feet, I just couldn't run. I did as much as I could, but I took a few too many walk breaks than I would want.<br />
<br />
Then I woke up Wednesday.<br />
<br />
I ached. My joints were crying. My back was too tight to sit up. It sucked. Being old sucks so much. So I did some gentle stretching and then got down on myself. I really wanted to do some speed work. My heart wanted to do some speed work. I finally was able to get out of bed and G-Money was antsy. She wanted to run. My heart broke in pieces when I realized I would let her down too. We discussed some options. Oh yeah, I totally have full conversations with my dog, not crazy. So I threw on some clothes and did a slow mile walk with Guinness.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwzip0a1Ug4/Tfql40W4TJI/AAAAAAAAAFE/oByi5AqISOg/s1600/P1010150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwzip0a1Ug4/Tfql40W4TJI/AAAAAAAAAFE/oByi5AqISOg/s320/P1010150.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get out of bed, close your closet doors, and take me running. Or else I will chew the left foot of all your shoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My body loosened up. Do I run? Shall I head home, change, and risk it? I wanted to. But I chose to cross train. I whipped out one of my old fitness DVDs and did a boot camp work out. It was awesome and just what I needed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ultimatebasictraining.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/air-force-boot-camp-222x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ultimatebasictraining.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/air-force-boot-camp-222x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally did this move and rocked. In my living room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I decided to do another walk today and not run. Guinness and I met a cute dog friend and the four of us (dog + human, x2) walked two miles together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://vidya.dyndns.org/d2/board/thumb/1263880464465s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://vidya.dyndns.org/d2/board/thumb/1263880464465s.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The last half a mile Guinness and I walked ourselves and I encountered a stalker. A bug kept circling around me for minutes. It would occasionally land on me or buzz in my ear. But no matter how many times I swatted at it, that stupid bug would not leave me alone. I finally sprinted for a few seconds and it disappeared. <br />
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Moral of the story: I love running. And hate being old and creaky.Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706196374498395593.post-76690790544413061842011-06-14T17:45:00.000-05:002011-06-14T17:45:11.215-05:00Being An Adult Is Sooooo Hard.Life lessons are learned every day. Today something clicked in my brain while running that as much as I'm an adult, I don't feel like it all the time. Here's why:<br />
<br />
1. I still prefer having my dad's name on my stuff. I'm talking credit cards, bank accounts, apartment lease. Part is because my dad has a credit score that is only obtainable through mafia connections. And part is in case something happens (knock on wood), his name is on there, so it's easier to take control of the situation. If I'm in a coma in the hospital, I don't want my parents stressing out about how to access my credit card.<br />
<br />
2. I hate working 9-5, 40 hour work weeks. I like schedules and regularity. But there's something great about having a morning off one day and a night off the other. I was home at noon today. NOON. That's not something you get at a regular job. Except for prostitutes. And maybe the mafia.<br />
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3. I avoid paying bills like the plague. For the longest time I didn't watch tv, so that I could have one less bill to pay. I have everything on auto-pay so that I don't have to think. Just make sure there's money in my bank account and I'm golden.<br />
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4. Applications confuse me. I'm finishing up my apartment application and I swear I came across the questions "when was the last time you wore stripes and plaid while wearing polka dot underwear?" (probably not.) and also "if train A leaves the station at 7pm going 189.325 mph east and contains corn and cows and train B leaves the station at midnight going .3258 mph going north and the conductor's name is Augustus, what kind of tree is planted in our lobby?" (I answered pine, because everybody loves a good pine tree indoors. I hope that's right)<br />
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5. I still enjoying stealing food from my parents. But come on, who doesn't.<br />
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Enough with this serious shite, here's a cute picture of G-Money:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rZ1j-uL7BU/Tffj8yQdUQI/AAAAAAAAAFA/EVhv20WMG4o/s1600/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rZ1j-uL7BU/Tffj8yQdUQI/AAAAAAAAAFA/EVhv20WMG4o/s320/P1010002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="color: red;">Do you feel like an adult yet? Or am I the only one that feels that way?</div><div style="color: red;"><span style="color: lime;">I'm still convinced I'm not an adult. I don't care what they say. </span> </div><div style="color: red;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red;">Why did I mention the mafia twice in one post?</div><span style="color: lime;">Seriously, why?</span>Alisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01687799181807133616noreply@blogger.com3