Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Germs, Germs, Germs...

Sick little girl and sick hubby.  Fun times people.  Actually Sky is still pretty pleasant, she is still running around and playing, but there are buckets and buckets of snot dripping non-stop, and sometimes flying across the room when she sneezes.  I bet you're glad I shared. 

Supper thankful the parents still took her for a few hours today.  It allowed me to get her some shoes in the next size up, me some sweat pants to lounge in (being a stay at home mom requires way more chillax clothing!) and got some grocery shopping done.  Thank you! 

The only good thing about Mark being sick is that when Sky is sick all she wants is her Daddy, so him being home means they can be miserable together. 

We did make it to stroller group today and Sky was a trooper.  She wasn't fussy at all...totally pleasant the entire time!  I love my little running partner! 

No pics today, it's been a very unglamorous snot filled day.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Sky Fly

Just finished a 5.26 run with the run club, and feel pretty good.  Blisters are an issue again tonight, but sadly I'm used to it.  So hopeful that new shoes will help...next week...I can hardly wait! 

I was looking at my training log and noticed I more than doubled my miles this month.  Answers the question in my mind as to why my feet are giving me more issues the last week or two.  Blisters, bruising and a little tendon pain in the arch on the same foot that bothered me for my 1/2. 

The good thing is I feel good, not too tired, legs are not overly sore, I feel like I can decide to run up to 10 miles on a whim and be ok, so that is good.  I have changed my form and stride drastically but not the brand and model of shoe, so I really think/hope that getting fitted and seeing what shoe is now the best for me will help with the couple of issues I am having. 

Stroller group in the morning, then rest day Thursday.  I'm so looking forward to that!  Even though rest day means workout instead of running, at least it's a break from running.   

Thought I would share a picture of our brave little dare devil of a girl.  This is currently her absolute favorite thing to do.  She will free fall onto the pillows, jump up, climb back up and free fall again over and over and over.  Her lack of fear is starting to worry me a bit.  ;-)

 
Notice the apron...it's mine again.  She insists on putting hers on every time I put one of mine on to cook, which means hers is in the wash a lot, so she ends up in mine more than I do!  I'm waiting for the day she wants to wear it out and about. 


Monday, February 25, 2013

Happy Monday

Yesterday's 6.65 miles went well!  We kept a 9:30 ish pace (we had stretches that were closer to 8:00!) for all but miles 4 and 5.  That was because we started fast and had nothing left when the hills hit.

I have come to learn that it's import to know when to push through and when to stop and recover.  I have pushed through many times and was trying to do so yesterday, but it just wasn't happening.  So, when Elya said let's walk I almost dropped to my knees and kissed her feet!  When your runners shuffle is slower than a walk then it's time to walk it out for a bit and pick it up again when you can.  We ran fast leading up to those two miles, and we ran fast after. 

I felt great about our pace, even with the walking.  I hesitate to say what I think our goal should be for our 10K, but it's a good one.  It's a flat course, so who knows what will happen, but I have a good feeling that we are going to be fast!  

Wireless Saturday update...it's going well!  I actually love being free from all of it.  It has led me to deleting the games off my phone, so I'm not sucked into wasting time that way during the week.  I'm reading more, getting things done, and projects are being accomplished.  Not to mention that Sky is getting more and more attention from us. 

I have to say I think everyone should pick a day and disconnect! 


Yesterday Sky wanted her blocks, I was out of the room for 1.5 seconds and this is what I came back to...her on top of her table pleased as can be. 


For a 21 month old her ability to focus on something for extended lengths of time, and her patience to persist and try and try again until she is able to accomplish what she wants it pretty impressive.  I lost track of how many attempts it took, but she finally built this tower to her satisfaction. 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Sunday Morning Run

Up early and ready to get 6 in the books!  I was kicking myself all day yesterday though.  It was beautiful and sunny out, why oh why didn't we do this yesterday?!  But, given we had 20 plus people in the house for a bbq (Sending Jordan off to the AF!) it was good it was nice so we could spill outside. 

At least it isn't raining, for now anyway.  I am excited for another sunrise run with Elya.  Our last one was so amazingly beautiful that I still can't stop thinking about it.  I may just have to take a photo this time around if it's as pretty as last time. 

Looking forward to the Daytona 500!  Anyone else watching it?  Thank goodness for College Basketball and NASCAR otherwise I would not survive the end of football season! 

I hope it's a safe race with no trips to the hospital for anyone!  Thoughts and well wishes to those injured in the crash yesterday.  I can't imagine how horrific it must have been to see car parts coming at you and not being able to get out of the way.  As a fan at a sporting event you just don't think about things like that  happening.  I hope they all fully recover!   

A few Sky pics...She LOVES her Pooh Bear and she loves to draw.  She is so good at recognizing shapes and basic objects that we draw for her. 

 
Practicing her Supermodel look, or is that her get your camera out of my face look?
 

Friday, February 22, 2013

From The Kitchen...and a few other things

It's national margarita day!  And I am meeting a friend to drink one or ten.  I do love me some margarita! 

Check out this link: Link so see what I had to say about the Fleet Feet Stroller Group.  It was posted on their blog!

Today was a Frog N Kiwi day for Sky and I.  Rain and wind all day, but she needed out of the house for some play time. 

  She loves the slide so much!!!!
 
 
Not much running the last few days.  Still dealing with blisters and pretty bad bruising on the bottom of some toes.  Wanted to take it easy before doing a 6 mile run Sunday.  Plus the crap weather kind of sucked the desire to run right out of me.  I'm glad I have 6 miles planned with Elya though...somehow knowing we are going to be getting rained on together makes it so much better!  I did get some Tracy Anderson, and some Pilates in the last few days though. 
 
Now, for a new recipe.  This was so good we had it two nights in a row!!!  Try it!!!   
 
 

Crispy Baked Orange Chicken Wings Recipe

 
Ingredients

For the chicken:

2½ pounds chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (used ground ginger powder the first time, fresh the second and we liked the powder better)
2 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
3/4 cup orange marmalade (I used fresh squeezed orange juice instead of marmalade, didn't want it to be too sweet)
1/4 cup hoisin sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF.

2. Rinse wings and drumettes and pat dry. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with vegetable oil, salt and pepper. Position wings on baking racks in a single layer ensuring that wings aren’t touching.

3. Bake, rotating pan half-way through, until fully cooked, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove wings from oven and transfer to a large bowl.

4. Add the sesame oil and olive oil to a small saucepot over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes until golden brown.

5. Add the red pepper flakes, orange marmalade and hoisin sauce, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

6. Pour the orange sauce over the wings, tossing to thoroughly coat, and serve immediately.
 
 
Have a great weekend and go drink some margaritas!!! 
 
 


Thursday, February 21, 2013

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for our big old cuddly love bug of a dog Bishop. Sky loves Oh Boy, her name for him, so much. 

When I suggested we let him in this morning she started twirling in circles while running to the back door at the same time. 

He is big enough that he could easily put an end to the eye poking, chasing with the stroller, hair pulling, using him as a pillow, chasing him around the house, kicking him out of his napping spot behind the couch, constantly having fingers stuck in his mouth to check out his teeth shenanigans that Sky pulls with him on a daily basis.

But he doesn't.  He LOVES the attention (except for the darn stroller chasing) and really loves all the cuddles, and kisses, she gives him.  They are best friends and I love him for putting up with toddlerhood so well. 


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Missing Toenails and Strange Bruises

Ran the new route with the Stroller Group today, and didn't get lost!!!  Proud of myself for that.  Also proud of Beth, one of the walkers, who ended up being the only walker today, so joined us on the run instead.  She did great!!! 

It's hard to make that jump unexpectedly, especially when there are 3 other runners ready to go, but she was brave and she did it!!!  It was a good pace too. 

Thank you to Elya who was kiddo free today and took turns pushing our strollers, she is such a team player! 

3.08 miles with an 11 minute pace.  Not bad at all for a bunch of stroller pushing mommies! 

It's funny to me that I'm losing toenails and have nasty, nasty, nasty looking bruising on the bottom of some of my toes.  The last time that happened I was 1/2 training and my weekly mileage was the highest it had ever been, so totally understandable.  Although, last week I almost doubled my miles, and felt great doing it, so I guess it's understandable. 

It is a bit shocking to take the dark polish off and get ready to file the nails down and have two of them disintegrate in front of you eyes!  They don't hurt, but I'm faced with the dilemma of do I paint the skin so it looks like a toenail, or do I leave it bare and have toes with no color on them?

What do others do, would love to hear how you handle losing your nails.  I'm not a girly girl by any means, but one thing I like, and do every 2 weeks, is paint my toenails and file them down so they look nice, and so they don't bother me while running.  It's almost flip flop time so I need to figure this out!!! 

As for the bruising it's the same toes as during 1/2 training and while it looks nasty it does not hurt at all.  As long as it doesn't hurt I'm not worried about it! 

Have not been taking any cute Sky pics the last few days, sorry.  I will work on that tomorrow though.  We have a full day of no plans and just staying home and playing, so there should be some good ones. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Totally Random

When driving down the freeway, or as a passenger, do you scope out which underpasses would be good to live under?  Taking into consideration wind gust potential, protection from snow and rain, trees/shrubs for sound buffering, the closest public bathroom. 

You know, just in case you end up having to live in a cardboard box?

 
 
 
Umm, me neither, I never do that at all. 
 
 
 
BTW - Costco has the Kirkland athletic tops that I love so much on sale right now.  $9.99 down from $12.99.  Go get em while they last!!  

Monday, February 18, 2013

Kitchen Gadgets

Kinda took a blog break for a few days.  Been busy running, playing with Sky, hiking, going to a movie with Mark, and enjoying him having today off!     

I have gotten a few new kitchen gadgets that I love so much I just have to share! 


I actually have a nice, big, food processor, but most the time I only need one onion chopped, or a few things chopped that are going into a one pot meal.  I wore out my little 2 sup chopper that was really only good for 1/2 an onion at a time.  I got this Ninja chopping system to replace it and I love it!  It came with 4 containers and they stack on top of each other nicely.  I thing I have used it every day since I got it! 

These cute little measuring cups measure up to 4 liquid tablespoons.  Did you know that liquid measuring cups measure things different than non-liquid?  Meaning a cup of water in a liquid measurer is a different amount than if measured in a measuring cup that you would use for flour.  I do a lot of marinades and am constantly measuring 2 tablespoons of oil or vinegar or fish sauce and have been using measuring spoons until now!  Now I have mini liquid measuring cups so I will always have the exact right amount!  Found them at World Market.        



So this one is kind of silly.  I think I have one recipe that called for a mortar and pestle and I didn't have one.  I forget now what I did instead, but I'm sure I found a workaround of some sort.  When I was at World Market I saw this mini set and thought that I should probably have it, you know to have a fully functional kitchen and all.  Actually I made something the other day that had saffron I it, and I thought I would need to crush the saffron to use it, but ended up I didn't.  So now I have this and am not sure when/if I will ever use it, but it is a mini set and was only a few $ so I'm ok holding onto it.    



I love these containers. Did you hear me?  I LOVE these containers.  OXO Pop Top food storage for things like raisins, crackers, chips, rice, flour, sugar, pasta etc.  Only problem is they are expensive.  From $7.99 up to close to $20 per depending on the size.  I was so excited that Costco had a set of 8 for $50.  I already filled up those ones and am going to get another set next time I'm there. 


Lastly I got more measuring spoons.  My pampered chef ones died a slow and painful death in the dishwasher, and I regularly need 2 to 3 full sets when I'm cooking.  Now I'm all set!   

Speaking of the kitchen...I'm off to make roasted chicken legs and risotto.  Oh, and enjoying wine, it's national drink wine day! 


Friday, February 15, 2013

Brown Eyed Girl

Just had to share...



Oh those eye's...she is going to break hearts with those eyes some day. 

Thankful Friday

Since I missed yesterday's Thankful Thursday post I'm making it Thankful Friday, because I think being thankful is important. 

Things I'm Thankful For:

-That grandpa's surgery went well yesterday.  While he had a slight issue with blood pressure and heart beat during the surgery he is fine, and the surgery was a success.  We are now waiting for pathology results. 

-I was very thankful that Dad gave me some $$ so I could get some shopping done.  Since I was up there, and Dad and Grandpa were on their way home before lunch, I took advantage of the alone time and popped over to U Village and the Athleta shop! 

I got this running skirt: Running Skirt in dress blue and I got this hiking/travel skirt: Hiking Skirt in raspberry, and I love them both!  I so wish we had an Athleta store in Tacoma! 

Sorry for no pictures...haven't had time to do it.  First time I put them on I will get some pics. 

-I was also thankful for finding a pizza place in the village to have lunch and read my book.  It had a tiny little bar with 4 bistro tables so I pretty much had it to myself.  Best part was I have been craving pizza for weeks and weeks, so was nice to have a few slices of the good stuff! 

-I'm also thankful that Mark and Sky got to spend the day together at the zoo.  She LOVES her daddy! 

-Only half joking I was also very thankful for a great bottle of wine last night.  After a very early start to the day and lot's of driving it was nice to relax with Mark over a bottle of wine. 

I'm looking forward to a 3 day weekend with Mark and whatever fun the weekend brings our way! 

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Chilling Out

This was all Sky wanted to do this morning...


She was so chill in her chair.  But I had other ideas.  Had to get our stroller run on.  Spent some time working on the blisters so they wouldn't kill me on the run.  We had a great group today and best part was Winnona joined us!  Gave me the incentive I needed to get it done.  Plus we did a new route.  The N end is so pretty that the 3.03 miles went by quickly and my feet didn't even register.  They hurt now though.  :( 

Taking a running break until the weekend.  In comparison I have had much, much worse blister issues, so a few days of rest and I should be good to go. 

Now just waiting for Grandpa and Great Grandpa to get here.  Sky will sleep well tonight after playing all afternoon with those two.

Surgery is tomorrow for Grandpa.  Not looking forward to the early check in time, but at least there won't be any traffic at 4 something in the morning! 

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I'm Fast...Hahaha

Run club tonight, 5.09 miles in 49 minutes, and one of those miles was 8:34!!!  That is crazy fast for me.  I have a feeling my legs will hate me tomorrow at the stroller group run, but I feel like it's good training. 

Still dealing with blisters all the time.  So sick of it.  I get new shoes next month and am contemplating a complete overhaul with inserts and socks.  I just can't keep doing what I'm doing because my feet hurt from the constant blisters.

My shins and calves love my compression socks though, so I hope with new shoes I can keep the socks.  But, if not, they will have to go...I need blister free feet! 

Can I just say ladies...pay up and get the good running bra!  I am in love with mine and am kicking myself for waiting so long!

Ok...enough about running...some Sky pics for you to enjoy. 


She loves the aprons Aunt Candy and Uncle Paul got her and I for Christmas!  Hers was missing for a day so she insisted on wearing mine!  Looks like a dress on her. 


I LOVE this outfit.  It is so cute on her!  Thank you Grandma Jackie!  It fits perfectly!  I tried to get a "good" picture of her in it, but she was not working with me today on that. 


Monday, February 11, 2013

Play Date Cuteness!

Today's workout Pilates.  I'm kicking myself for not sticking with it when I was going to the Y. 

Man it's hard to get back into slow, controlled, strength building moves, and the mental aspect is something I have to get used to again as well.  But, I feel stronger and like my running is getting stronger so it's doing what it's supposed to! 

Check out this video!  Sky and Reagan are pretty funny together...it's worth the watch! 

https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10151445809199933

I hope the link works...I'm having zero luck figuring out how to post video on the blog. 

 
 
 


Sunday, February 10, 2013

Sunny Morning Run

Today started with my alarm going off way too early, but I was looking forward to an "early" morning 5 Mile Drive run with El.  It's really only early because I have to get up so darn early to eat etc before running. 

All I'm going to say is I was late leaving the house and had to stop at the golden arches on the way all because my tummy was upset.  So, it's no surprise I felt like crap most of the run, but we ran it 2 minutes faster than last time.  So, bring on the crappy run I guess. 

Actually I will give all the credit to El, she got my butt up the hills when I felt chills and like I was going to pass out.  Got it done, and it was absolutely beautiful blue sky, sunny, and pretty views of the water.  Lovely way to start the day! 

I was also test running my new running bra.  Moving Comfort Juno.  It's amazing, I LOVE it!  It's tricky to get into, but it's pretty great once you do.

Sky pics from the weekend...



She LOVES being with Mark outside and in the garage.  If he has gloves on then she must have gloves on as well.  They look so silly on her hands and she can't do a darn thing with em on, but it's still adorable! 

Friday, February 8, 2013

From The Kitchen

This is what Sky helped me make yesterday for dinner.  It was super yummy!  Going to add it to our normal dinner rotation.  Best part was mine turned out looking just like the picture!  Love it when that happens. 
 
 



This recipe is from: gimmesomeoven check out the blog...there is some good stuff!

Apple Cider Baked Chicken

Ingredients
  • 1 large onion, peeled and cut into eighths
  • 1 large lemon, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 cups apple cider, homemade or storebought
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
  • 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 6-8 chicken legs or thighs (I used all thighs)
  • 2 large apples, each sliced into eighths
  • 1 lb. small, red or Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
Method
Place a gallon size heavy-duty zip-top bag into a large bowl. Place the onion and next 10 ingredients into the zip-top bag, combining well. Add the chicken to the marinade. Close the bag, place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the chicken pieces in a large roasting pan skin-side up. Pour all of the marinade, including onions and lemons over and around the pieces. Tuck the apples and potatoes around the chicken. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to re-coat everything with the marinade.
 
Arrange chicken and potatoes on a platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme.
 
Most exciting part was I forgot to marinade, so I got to use the marinade function on the new Food Saver and use the new marinade container I ordered...it was quick, easy, and tasted amazing! 
 
So looking forward to an unplugged day tomorrow!  I'm finding that by the time Saturday comes around I'm so ready to be done with the phone, computer, tv...all of it.  I love our "organic" Saturdays.  Also, really looking forward to running 5 Mile Drive Sunday! 
 
Have a great weekend all! 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Thankful Thursday P.S.

 I LOVE Thursday's with Sky.  It's the day I try to keep it slow and easy and stay home, or maybe head to Frog and Kiwi.  But, regardless I try not to run errands or do other things that have to be planned around snack time and nap time. 

Today, Sky helped (not in the sarcastic way...she actually did really try to help) with laundry, dishes, and dinner. 

We pretty much had an all day dance party.  Girl breaks it down no matter what music is playing.  Today she kept changing it to the Old School R&B station and was slow dance swaying all over the place. 

She threw the ball for Bishop, which I think she enjoys more than he does, but he plays along and takes the ball back to her.  She also got some balance bike time in, and ran laps around the kitchen while pushing her stroller. 

I'm thankful for a day home with my girl.  It's nice to have some calm before things get busy in the next few days. 

 
Snack time after helping me get dinner in the oven. 



Loves her bike!

 
Loves her stacking toy as well!
 


Thankful Thursday

-Awesome Customer Service!  I ordered this tank from Oiselle knowing full well it was a back order item and I would have to wait for it. 


Well because I had to wait 4 extra days, which they emailed me and let me know and I was fine with, this shirt was included in my order...for FREE!!! 


Totally unnecessary, but totally appreciated!  I was already in love with the clothing line, the sticker and pin that is sent with every order, but now I'm over the top!

-A day at home to get "things" done.

-Non-running day breakfast!  My favorite...extra coffee and BACON!

-A non-running day...my legs need the break!



Wednesday, February 6, 2013

A Girl and Her Blanket


It must go everywhere with her.  She drags it around all over the place.  Thankfully Grandma made a back up, so I can alternate washing them! 



Tuesday Night Run Club

I test-ran this beautiful and colorful top last night...


...another Athleta top that fits great and stays in place.  Loved it!  Thank you Dad for the backordered Christmas gift. It's kinda fun getting unexpected things in the mail like that.  :)

Michelle and I laced up our big girl running shoes and joined the 6 mile group last night.  Totally unplanned and unexpected.  Good for us!  That group scares me they are fast, and I have heard they don't wait for the slower runners.  So, if you don't know the route you are SOL, and we don't know the route and we are slower than the group! 

Thankfully last night Matt was running clean-up and making sure everyone made it back.  He also let us know there was a 5 mile short cut, so we agreed we would do that since this was totally spur of the moment.  We took the 5 mile short cut and the 6 milers still finished before us...go turtles!  :) 

Matt was great, he is one of those runners that can talk no matter the wind in your face, rain and hills.  He got us through the 5.08 miles no problem.  I actually felt much better than expected.  Most of my runs have been 3 to 4 miles and unmotivated, so I was surprised at how good I felt.  Next week we are doing the whole thing! 

Hello 10K training! 

Now, to get myself ready and out the door for Stroller Group.  I have a feeling my legs are going to hate me today! 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

SUN!

That is right...there is sun outside right this very moment!  Wish I were running this morning, but we have Play to Learn and that is just as important. 

Hoping to get some grocery shopping in during nap time, since Mark is home today.  I have learned that being a Mom means kiddo free grocery shopping is such a luxury! 

Registered for a road 10K in March, so now I have the needed motivation to get my running in gear!  Money paid makes it real! 

Run club tonight, it's short, but focusing on speed and arm form. 

Also will be test-running a new top.  Love back ordered Christmas gifts!  :)  Will post pics later.

I really hope we get to play in the sun after lunch today...please stick around sun, please!  

Monday, February 4, 2013

Super Bowl Wrap Up

My thoughts (because people care what I think)...

-Hands down best commercial of the SB (in my opinion best commercial ever) the Ram Farmer commercial.

-All the hype about the "Geek Kissing" commercial is offensive to me.  The negative and derogatory reaction borders on bullying.  It's brilliant because it's all people are talking about, but some of the comments I have heard are just inappropriate and mean.

-Fans need to understand that every football game has "bad" or "missed" calls, things like the power going out happen etc.  Stop bitching about it!  Yep, it sucks, but it's a game being run and called by imperfect people therefor mistakes are going to happen.  Every team has one job and one job only, play well enough and score enough points that none of that "looses" the game for you.  Bottom line is every team wins or looses based on how well or bad they played. 

-Steelers still have the most SB wins!  Thank you Ravens for that. 

-While I think all the musical performers have beautiful voices and sounded good I didn't care for any of them.  Jennifer Hudson is a Diva with a bad attitude and it bothered me she was who was singing with the children's choir.  Alicia did a good job, but it was WAY TO SLOW, and she added her own twist at the end...the National Anthem isn't a song you should change at all.  Beyoncé, it was just too long.  She sounded good, there were no wardrobe issues, the stage show was flashy, she looked beautiful, but all that aside I am so sick of her and Jay-Z both.  They think they run the world, but they don't. 

-It was really fun watching the game with Gentry and Jan, and the Louisiana Red Beans and Andouille sausage turned out really well.  Not sure I love it over rice, but I can play with that. 

Before the game Sky helped Daddy outside...


 
 
...and she was nice enough to share her chair with Grampy...
 

 
 
All in all it was a good day of football.  I'm excited for Kaep...yeah they lost, but I think he has a bright future ahead of him.  I just hope the Steelers get a SB win before the 49'ers get their next one!  :)

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Drank

Last night was Michelle's birthday dinner at the Girl From Ipanema in Seattle.  A steak  meat house that brings hunks/sides/whole animals on a spit and slices off pieces of it onto your plate to try.  All different cuts of beef, wild bore, pork, turkey, shrimp, grilled pineapple with cinnamon, cuts of meat wrapped in yummy bacon, and on and on. 

I did a great job of limiting what I tried, because as someone who loves grilled meat it is way, way too easy to overeat and be sick to your stomach.  I was actually hungry at 3 this morning because I ate so little. 

All the great food aside here is what impressed me the most!  Aside from the birthday girl that is.  :) 



I must find this wine, or find how to order it.  Amazing!  So good I would like to take a bath in it!!! 

On tap for today...




Voo Doo beer to go with my authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Andouille sausage for the big game! 

Contrary to popular belief we/I don't drink non-stop, and are very rarely ever drunk. 

And, I have not been paid and did not reliever any free samples for mentioning the above beverages.  While I wish my blog led to free samples and paid endorsements, it doesn't.  I share what I like out of the goodness of my heart.  :) 

Friday, February 1, 2013

A Few Things

Cute pic alert...


I so wish I knew what Reagan was pointing at and saying, but Sky sure was paying attention to her whatever it was. 

- Does anyone really care of the singing is live or not at SB?  Who even watches the half time show?  The last time I watched one was when Aerosmith performed. 

-I totally get the winning a ring for the player that is retiring thing...hello Steelers and The Bus!  So why is it so f'ing annoying with Ray Lewis and the Ravens?  I'm so SICK of RL and so over it! 

-Kaep is a visual quandary.  He has the components to be good looking (beautiful skin tone, good bone structure, fit etc) yet things are put together in a way that makes him not as good looking as he should be, or as I want him to be. 

Cute Pic alert...


She was just keeping it warm for Harrison!

-Registered for a 10K in March.  It will be my first "road" (it's the Orting trail, but it's a paved trail) 10K, so is an auto PR.  That is always a bonus!  I'm running this one with Elya and we seem to know how to get the best out of each other, so I'm anticipating a decent time on this one. 

-Looking forward to getting dressed up and going out to dinner tomorrow night, Sky free.  I love her, but sometimes you just need a break.  Plus, we get to celebrate Michelle's B-day.

Cute Pic alert...


I love this pic of Reagan...I'm not sure what that face means, but it cracked me up.  There are way more pics from today that Jodi took with her camera...I just haven't had a chance to upload them yet.  I will do that in the next few days. 
 
-Unplugged day is tomorrow, and it has me seriously considering turning FB off for good.  I have to say I kinda love not checking in and not seeing every random thought/activity/opinion that is posted.  The less I check FB the more I actually have to talk about with people when I see them in person. 
 
-After last nights Relay team meeting I'm actually excited for the event! 
 
-My efforts at being a better cross trainer are paying off!  I'm sore in places I haven't been sore in a long time, and my running clothes are starting to feel big.  That's good, and bad...there is a lot of $$$ in my current running wardrobe! 
 
-I use ... a lot!
 
-So looking forward to enjoying the last Football Sunday of the season.  Can't wait to cook some traditional Louisiana style food and enjoy some beer!  And, all the commercials.  SB may be the only football game all season that I wait for the game to take potty breaks! 
 
Who do you want to win the big game?  Me...my crush on Kaep (despite the looks issue stated earlier) and Mark's brother Brian being a BIG 49'ers fan dictate we are 49'ers all the way.  Even though I will be watching the game in my Steelers stuff.  :) 
 
Happy running to those running this weekend and enjoy the big game!     





From the Kitchen

Grilled Pork Chops with Basil-Garlic Rub

YUMMY!!!  Mark and Sky both liked it as did I.  This is going to be part of my regular rotation! 
 

Ingredients

4 pork bone-in rib chops, 3/4-inch thick (our chops were much thinner, and still tasted great!  Mark adjusted the heat and time for the thinner chops.)

Basil-Garlic Rub:

2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 cup fresh basil, packed
2 tablespoons lemon juice , fresh (used bottled)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Directions

With machine running, drop garlic through feed tube of food processor to mince.  (I used my mini 1 1/2 cup food chopper and it worked great!) Stop, add fresh basil, and process until chopped. Add lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper and process to make thin wet rub. Spread both sides of pork chops with basil mixture. Let stand 15 to 30 minutes.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in grill. Brush the grate clean and oil the grate. Grill chops, over direct heat, turning once, to medium rare doneness, 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a 3-minute rest time.

Makes 4 servings

Recipe is from: http://www.porkbeinspired.com