It feels like Fall is creeping into Iowa these past few weeks, and I haven't heard one person complain. After such a hot hot hot summer (and continuing drought) we all welcome rainy days (still too few) and cool nights. Miraculously, lawns are turning green again, and my two butterfly bushes have bloomed! I actually mowed yesterday. First time in probably 2 months.
But, there are casualties from this summer. I am heading out now to hack away at my hostas. Too fried to make a comeback before it's too cold. It takes a lot to knock out a hosta, so I am treating them kindly, knowing they'll be back again next spring. But I am really tired of looking at those wilty plants.
I have such a list for the next two weeks for my house and yard. It's time to get rid of the curtains in the living room and replace them with something new. Dishes are past their peak, and I've finally found something I like to replace them. The old dishes have served me well for the past 10 years, but it's time for something fresh and new. The old dishes will be boxed up and taken to Goodwill. Along with the curtains. And whatever I see around the house that I haven't thought about or cared about for at least a year. I love that rule! Makes detrashing much easier.
The detrashing will extend to my basement and garage; quite frankly, I am frightened. Frightened and dreading both areas.
There are spiders everywhere, and I can't walk two steps without wandering into a spider web. I don't like to wear gloves cause I have a hard time finding a size for my wee hands, but I may be forced to use a pair to tackle these jobs. I do not want to touch anything that may move or did move. I shudder just to think about it.
Of course I have wasted the whole summer not doing anything on my list until this week, when I have a deadline--surprise visitors at the end of next week. Not a surprise to me, but to many other people. This means frantically cleaning, washing, and gutting the house. Planning snacks and menus. Making ice cream. Organizing the booze in the basement. Important things.
But I can get a lot of shit done under pressure. Now if only I could compress a marathon training schedule into 2 weeks, I would be pretty damn happy.
Oh Fall, I can't wait to meet you again! And folks, if you hear me cursing and freaking out--don't worry. At the end of this 2 weeks of "fun" I will be relaxing and enjoying some down time.
Now off to gather my clippers!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
A Few Great Things About Tuesday
In my on-going efforts to let a little sunshine into my pessimistic and, quite frankly, poopy head, I've discovered a few things about today--this particular Tuesday, that make me happy:
1. The mop on my head will be cut, colored, and bedazzled this afternoon. I cannot stand one more second of floppy, poofy hair.
2. My dear Bud will be stopping over tonight for supper! I'm thinking a shrimp dish is on the menu. And a bottle of chilled white wine.
3. We are finally going to watch the two Netflix movies I've had for the last two weeks. Olympics are over, back to normal life.
4. My never ending quest to contain my books at home has led me to finding books on shelves I didn't know I had--for the past 3 years. The pages are a bit yellow, but I shall read them! It's like having my very own bookstore right in my living room. And bedroom. And dining room.
5. Going out for a run. It will be short, but I get to listen to my new songs on the wee-pod.
6. I have added to my stack of BOOKS I HAVE READ AND MUST LEAVE THE HOUSE PILE. A few more days and I'll be taking them away to find other readers who just don't know they need these books until they see them.
7. Hatch chiles are on sale this week! Today was my first official ad sighting from the local grocery store. Making plans to purchase giant amounts to roast, peel, chop, and freeze.
Wow. I found a lot to be smiley about today. What's making you happy today?
Thursday, August 9, 2012
This May Be A Good Thing...
Wondered just when the YMCA was going to take this month's membership out of my account. Checked my membership, and found it "inactive". Oops. It expired last month. I had no idea. I guess I thought they would keep taking money out of my account until I told them to stop.
So I find myself suddenly without a gym for the first time in 8 years. I don't know how I feel about this. Granted, I have been very lax in going to the gym for the past few months, but it was a bit like a comfort blanket. I always knew I could run to the Y and ride a bike, lift some weights, or run on the treadmill. Or even get the class schedule and try a class or two.
But it was always there. I always kept up that membership.
The universe always works in funny ways, and a few things have popped up to remind me that sometimes change is a good thing, and sometimes we need change to take a leap forward. I have been thinking of trying Crossfit. It's a program that involves group workouts--but it's tailored to your fitness level. It's different every time you go, and it kicks your ass. My niece does Crossfit, and tells me it's addictive, but very hard. I've seen her and she looks amazing!
I have discovered that in order for me to feel like I have done any kind of workout, I need to feel like I want to throw up, pass out, and hurt all over. Then I know I've given it my all, my muscles are rebuilding themselves, and my lungs are getting stronger. I don't feel like I did a half-ass job working out.
I also just read a great post from Amanda at Runninghood. She's got such a great outlook on life, family, and running. Another gentle nudge from the universe to "feel the fear and do it anyway." I like change, but quite frankly it does scare the hell out of me sometimes. And while changing my work out routine may seem rather unimportant to some, to me it's a big deal because it means the difference between finding a potential new passion, or staying the same and slowly succumbing to that self-loathing that is sure to follow.
I think Crossfit may do that for me. I have heard so many positive things about Crossfit, and I'm so lucky to have one here in my city--and only a few miles from work and home.
I have a decision to make: rejoin the Y, try Crossfit for 6 months, or do neither and do my own thing at home with workout videos and run/bike outside until the weather keeps me from it. What should I do??!!
In the meantime, I will keep up that running log and enjoy the cooler weather before the snow flies and the clock changes.
So I find myself suddenly without a gym for the first time in 8 years. I don't know how I feel about this. Granted, I have been very lax in going to the gym for the past few months, but it was a bit like a comfort blanket. I always knew I could run to the Y and ride a bike, lift some weights, or run on the treadmill. Or even get the class schedule and try a class or two.
But it was always there. I always kept up that membership.
The universe always works in funny ways, and a few things have popped up to remind me that sometimes change is a good thing, and sometimes we need change to take a leap forward. I have been thinking of trying Crossfit. It's a program that involves group workouts--but it's tailored to your fitness level. It's different every time you go, and it kicks your ass. My niece does Crossfit, and tells me it's addictive, but very hard. I've seen her and she looks amazing!
I have discovered that in order for me to feel like I have done any kind of workout, I need to feel like I want to throw up, pass out, and hurt all over. Then I know I've given it my all, my muscles are rebuilding themselves, and my lungs are getting stronger. I don't feel like I did a half-ass job working out.
I also just read a great post from Amanda at Runninghood. She's got such a great outlook on life, family, and running. Another gentle nudge from the universe to "feel the fear and do it anyway." I like change, but quite frankly it does scare the hell out of me sometimes. And while changing my work out routine may seem rather unimportant to some, to me it's a big deal because it means the difference between finding a potential new passion, or staying the same and slowly succumbing to that self-loathing that is sure to follow.
I think Crossfit may do that for me. I have heard so many positive things about Crossfit, and I'm so lucky to have one here in my city--and only a few miles from work and home.
I have a decision to make: rejoin the Y, try Crossfit for 6 months, or do neither and do my own thing at home with workout videos and run/bike outside until the weather keeps me from it. What should I do??!!
In the meantime, I will keep up that running log and enjoy the cooler weather before the snow flies and the clock changes.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
August, I Like You!
So far, so good. August has been alright! I know I have many more days, but I can't complain. Fingers crossed it continues in a positive mode.
First thing: I ran today. Yippee!! It wasn't pretty, and it wasn't far, and it involved walk breaks, but I did run for the first time since June. The leg felt pretty good but started to hurt after 2 miles so I stopped. I know this will be a long road, but I've got nothing but time the rest of the year to improve slow and steady. I have to admit not having any races lined up has taken pressure off of me that I wasn't aware of until it was gone. Yes, it's important to have goals, and races usually are a great way to get me moving and motivated. But sometimes this can create a stress for me to do better and better--which, let's face it--isn't going to happen. I've been running for almost 10 years and I'm slower, rather than faster than I used to be. If I worked really hard and let running be my main focus, I probably could improve quite a bit. But do I want to? I don't know. I just want to be able to run and enjoy it. So, today was day one! I am going to start keeping track of my running again. This is something I did not do very well in the past year and I can certainly say it really is critical to the mental game. Re-reading past entries reinforces the improvements you feel in your body. So I'm pulling out the running journal and starting with today's run. It also helps that the YMCA is starting their 2012-2013 work-out tracking system today. I didn't do it at all last year, so this year I'm determined to keep adding to it every week--either running or biking.
I have had the past week off--tomorrow it's back to work. I did go bike riding and enjoyed it--except for the near crash on Saturday. I wasn't paying attention. Sorry man on the bike I almost ran into. I promise to be aware next time. It's still hot here, but I managed to get in a few rides before it got oppressive. Compared to the temps we had a few weeks ago, it is not so bad. But it does require air conditioning. I've come to accept that my air will be running for the next few weeks. This has been the hottest summer we've had for quite awhile, and the drought just makes it worse. It's terrible to drive past the corn fields and see the corn all yellow and brown. Hard to miss here--corn is everywhere!
The garden. Oh, the garden. I did find a hollyhock blooming this morning:
Other than that, plants are waving the white flag. I've begun cutting hostas and all my lily plants down. It's a bit early, but they're dead or nearly there. I guess this means I'll be able to spend more time this Fall riding my bike or running since the yard work will already be done. Fingers crossed perennials will pop back up next year.
So what can I expect from August?
* A steady diet of running 3 times a week
* Bike riding
*More ice cream recipes to make. I'm loving the strawberry/banana frozen yogurt I made earlier this week.
*Reading enough books to hit 100 (as of today I have 10 to go!)
*Bombarding Bud with more new recipes. Poor guy.
*House cleaning projects I ignored while on vacation this week.
*Alcohol consumption. This happens everymonth week. Not too much and not every day. Iced tea is still the beverage of choice!
First thing: I ran today. Yippee!! It wasn't pretty, and it wasn't far, and it involved walk breaks, but I did run for the first time since June. The leg felt pretty good but started to hurt after 2 miles so I stopped. I know this will be a long road, but I've got nothing but time the rest of the year to improve slow and steady. I have to admit not having any races lined up has taken pressure off of me that I wasn't aware of until it was gone. Yes, it's important to have goals, and races usually are a great way to get me moving and motivated. But sometimes this can create a stress for me to do better and better--which, let's face it--isn't going to happen. I've been running for almost 10 years and I'm slower, rather than faster than I used to be. If I worked really hard and let running be my main focus, I probably could improve quite a bit. But do I want to? I don't know. I just want to be able to run and enjoy it. So, today was day one! I am going to start keeping track of my running again. This is something I did not do very well in the past year and I can certainly say it really is critical to the mental game. Re-reading past entries reinforces the improvements you feel in your body. So I'm pulling out the running journal and starting with today's run. It also helps that the YMCA is starting their 2012-2013 work-out tracking system today. I didn't do it at all last year, so this year I'm determined to keep adding to it every week--either running or biking.
I have had the past week off--tomorrow it's back to work. I did go bike riding and enjoyed it--except for the near crash on Saturday. I wasn't paying attention. Sorry man on the bike I almost ran into. I promise to be aware next time. It's still hot here, but I managed to get in a few rides before it got oppressive. Compared to the temps we had a few weeks ago, it is not so bad. But it does require air conditioning. I've come to accept that my air will be running for the next few weeks. This has been the hottest summer we've had for quite awhile, and the drought just makes it worse. It's terrible to drive past the corn fields and see the corn all yellow and brown. Hard to miss here--corn is everywhere!
The garden. Oh, the garden. I did find a hollyhock blooming this morning:
So what can I expect from August?
* A steady diet of running 3 times a week
* Bike riding
*More ice cream recipes to make. I'm loving the strawberry/banana frozen yogurt I made earlier this week.
*Reading enough books to hit 100 (as of today I have 10 to go!)
*Bombarding Bud with more new recipes. Poor guy.
*House cleaning projects I ignored while on vacation this week.
*Alcohol consumption. This happens every
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Strawberry-Banana Daiquiri Frozen Yogurt
I'm continuing my ice cream making project this week after a few weeks off. My concoction this week is damn tasty! Once again I found the recipe in this delightful cookbook:
It really does take quite awhile for this to freeze. But when it does, it is like a rock. So plan on taking it out and letting it set on the counter awhile to soften up. I went one step further on the recipe and added chopped strawberries and another diced banana to the mixture as it was nearly done in the ice cream maker:
I am pretty sure Bud won't eat this, so I have 1 quart of this all to myself! It's a frozen smoothie in a bowl. Yum. Just sweet enough with a great tang. I will make this again and probably with different fruit concoctions: blueberries and bananas sound good to me.
 |
| Get it here |
Oh Lord. This stuff is yummy. I was going to make an actual ice cream, but when I saw the price of heavy cream at the grocery store I realized a frozen yogurt was the way to go! Here's the recipe--it's ridiculously easy:
2 ripe whole bananas, peeled and cut into chunks
1 Cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 Cups plain, whole milk Greek yogurt
3/4 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup light rum (you can leave this out if you want)
Put bananas, strawberries, yogurt, sugar, and rum in a blender and blend until smooth. Refrigerate until cold.
Process the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions (my Cuisinart says 20 mins). Put in a container and freeze overnight.
It really does take quite awhile for this to freeze. But when it does, it is like a rock. So plan on taking it out and letting it set on the counter awhile to soften up. I went one step further on the recipe and added chopped strawberries and another diced banana to the mixture as it was nearly done in the ice cream maker:
 |
| I am not a neat cook. |
I will tell you--the greek yogurt gives it a kick! I can't taste the rum at all--just the fruit and the yogurt. And the chunks of fruit in it are delicious:
I am pretty sure Bud won't eat this, so I have 1 quart of this all to myself! It's a frozen smoothie in a bowl. Yum. Just sweet enough with a great tang. I will make this again and probably with different fruit concoctions: blueberries and bananas sound good to me.
Friday, July 27, 2012
God, My Life Is So Damn Uneventful
I suppose this is a good thing. My biggest decision today is whether to mow the yard before lunch, or do it after lunch. Finish my book first, or put away the dishes. I've already made the decision to not ride my bike today, since I did it yesterday with my nephew Cole and the fact that I haven't exercised in a month has shown itself this morning by sore legs and aching shoulders. I have got to stop gripping my handlebars so hard!
And then Bud and I walked all around downtown CR last night, then walked around Czech village and the "Bo" area next to it. We finally sat down at an outside bar and ate cheeseburgers before we went home. RAGBRAI was in town, and we were looking forward to heading downtown and eating lots of vendor food on the bridge. Instead, we walked blocks, got to the entrance, and found out it was $35 per person just to go into this area. Counting Crows was giving a concert at 9 PM and that was included in the price. Well shit! We didn't want to see the concert and there was no cheaper option just to go in, walk around, eat, and check out all the bike vendors. Cedar Rapids, that was really stupid planning on your part! I am sure a lot of people didn't go because of that--forget taking the whole family--save the money and go on a vacation instead of wandering around on one of the bridges that cross the Cedar River downtown. Say, go to Minnesota or Wisconsin and go boating instead. Boo.
Finally one day break in the heat. Feels wonderful outside. If I listen closely I can hear the remaining flowers singing show tunes. They are so darn happy.
Lunch today with C-Joy and nachos planned for supper. Bud and I saw waaaay too many nacho plates last night and now we won't be happy until we eat them ourselves. Tomorrow I will get on my bike early and ride on one of the trails. I have a tentative date again with my nephew Cole to bike ride again on Monday with him. He will go with me if I tell him I will buy him ice cream and promise not to make him ride 10 miles. That way I don't feel guilty eating a chocolate malt--after all, I can't deny my nephew a treat, right?
So vacation day 2. Still not sleeping in until noon. That will never happen. My goal of reading one book a day: ha! I probably could do it if I did absolutely nothing else and became a hermit. Thinking up a game plan to make the piles of books disappear. Only problem is I have to read them first. My goal of 125 books before midnight, Dec 31st is looking good and reachable. Check out my other blog Bookalicious Babe for a book giveaway.
All my blogging friends who are running mucho miles, well--you've got me thinking I should make that a goal next year. See, this is what happens when I have too much time on my hands. I start to make plans that later will make me question my sanity, gnash my teeth, and pull my hair out. So far I have decided to run a lot next year, completely redo my house, and read 200 books. Oh. And write a novel. And master chinese cooking. And have super powers.
Uneventful vacation continues! Have a great weekend everyone.
And then Bud and I walked all around downtown CR last night, then walked around Czech village and the "Bo" area next to it. We finally sat down at an outside bar and ate cheeseburgers before we went home. RAGBRAI was in town, and we were looking forward to heading downtown and eating lots of vendor food on the bridge. Instead, we walked blocks, got to the entrance, and found out it was $35 per person just to go into this area. Counting Crows was giving a concert at 9 PM and that was included in the price. Well shit! We didn't want to see the concert and there was no cheaper option just to go in, walk around, eat, and check out all the bike vendors. Cedar Rapids, that was really stupid planning on your part! I am sure a lot of people didn't go because of that--forget taking the whole family--save the money and go on a vacation instead of wandering around on one of the bridges that cross the Cedar River downtown. Say, go to Minnesota or Wisconsin and go boating instead. Boo.
Finally one day break in the heat. Feels wonderful outside. If I listen closely I can hear the remaining flowers singing show tunes. They are so darn happy.
Lunch today with C-Joy and nachos planned for supper. Bud and I saw waaaay too many nacho plates last night and now we won't be happy until we eat them ourselves. Tomorrow I will get on my bike early and ride on one of the trails. I have a tentative date again with my nephew Cole to bike ride again on Monday with him. He will go with me if I tell him I will buy him ice cream and promise not to make him ride 10 miles. That way I don't feel guilty eating a chocolate malt--after all, I can't deny my nephew a treat, right?
So vacation day 2. Still not sleeping in until noon. That will never happen. My goal of reading one book a day: ha! I probably could do it if I did absolutely nothing else and became a hermit. Thinking up a game plan to make the piles of books disappear. Only problem is I have to read them first. My goal of 125 books before midnight, Dec 31st is looking good and reachable. Check out my other blog Bookalicious Babe for a book giveaway.
All my blogging friends who are running mucho miles, well--you've got me thinking I should make that a goal next year. See, this is what happens when I have too much time on my hands. I start to make plans that later will make me question my sanity, gnash my teeth, and pull my hair out. So far I have decided to run a lot next year, completely redo my house, and read 200 books. Oh. And write a novel. And master chinese cooking. And have super powers.
Uneventful vacation continues! Have a great weekend everyone.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Vacation Coming Up; Food Itch Has Begun
Maybe it's the unrelenting heat, but I think I have snapped in a small way. I am tired of making the same old stuff for supper! I know we all get that way, but I have taken it to the point of not wanting to make anything but "new" recipes. This is a dangerous situation for Bud. He's walking into my house every night, ready to eat a good supper and relax, and Bam! I tell him we're eating bean sprout encrusted goat cheese stuffed pork chops with a red wine reduction sauce, followed by purple potatoes sautéed in duck fat. All he wants is a cow or a pig grilled outside and a cold beer.
Doesn't that pork chop thing sound disgusting? I thought so.
I have made a few new/old things this week: cold avocado soup and savory zucchini pancakes with a sour cream dip. I have left over grilled chicken and some peppers from last night, so I'm thinking of a weird mixture of those, pesto, and maybe potatoes for a salad for tomorrow's "at work supper". I know Bud won't eat that, so it's all mine! We are for sure having guacamole on Tuesday. I will have to restrain myself from pushing Bud away from the bowl and eating it all myself. Tonight I am behaving and making grilled pork chops, grilled asparagus and hobo potatoes. I'm sure you've made hobo potatoes before--here's the recipe I have from my bro-in-law. It's a throw together kind of thing:
Cut up potatoes into chunks and stick in the microwave and cook until nearly done. I put them in a microwave proof bowl with a bit of water in the bottom. I keep the skins on! And any potatoes will do.
Drain the potatoes, then put in the middle of sheets of foil ( I double the foil for the grill). Add chunks of butter or margarine--however much you like, but enough to keep the potatoes moist! Add salt, pepper, and whatever dried herbs you like. I usually use an Italian blend of herbs.
Close up the foil packets and make sure they're sealed tightly. Give them to your boyfriend/husband to put on the grill and watch until the potatoes have a slight brown crust on them. Remove from foil packets, dump into a bowl, and enjoy!
I'm thinking root beer floats may go very well as a dessert. We may be too full for these. Dang it. We never get to the dessert part!
Still not running. My leg is feeling much better, but has twinges that are keeping me from attempting to run. I figure August 1st will be a good start off to get back into running. I can tell you I feel gross not running. Even if I didn't run more than 3 miles on most days, I still felt like I had worked my body a bit. I must confess I am lazy and haven't gone to the gym at all. The bike is still sitting in the garage, waiting to be wheeled out to hit a trail. This is the first summer I haven't run in about 8 years, and I am feeling horrible about it.
I'm on vacation after Wednesday for a week. Fingers crossed the weather is cooler so I can get that bike out, and I can paint the front steps and finish cutting down all of my dead flowers. They are toast. Mulch is down, and pea gravel is down in my corner garden. It looks much better. I have to remember to refresh the gravel every few years, not every 8 years. Oops.
Bud has suggested I dig up all of my iris plants along my garage to make way for a spectacular new yard display that I can't wait to have. I will be asking all my friends if they want iris plants. I don't want to toss them, but it is time for them to go.
So it's nearly August. Wow. Beginning to think of doing NaNoWriMo this November. Last year I bowed out quickly, so I must come back and write a novel this year! No pressure. Nope (she weeps as she types).
Are you looking forward to the Fall? I know I am. I'm already thinking about foodie gifts to give for Christmas. I have to calm down. This is ridiculous.
Doesn't that pork chop thing sound disgusting? I thought so.
I have made a few new/old things this week: cold avocado soup and savory zucchini pancakes with a sour cream dip. I have left over grilled chicken and some peppers from last night, so I'm thinking of a weird mixture of those, pesto, and maybe potatoes for a salad for tomorrow's "at work supper". I know Bud won't eat that, so it's all mine! We are for sure having guacamole on Tuesday. I will have to restrain myself from pushing Bud away from the bowl and eating it all myself. Tonight I am behaving and making grilled pork chops, grilled asparagus and hobo potatoes. I'm sure you've made hobo potatoes before--here's the recipe I have from my bro-in-law. It's a throw together kind of thing:
Cut up potatoes into chunks and stick in the microwave and cook until nearly done. I put them in a microwave proof bowl with a bit of water in the bottom. I keep the skins on! And any potatoes will do.
Drain the potatoes, then put in the middle of sheets of foil ( I double the foil for the grill). Add chunks of butter or margarine--however much you like, but enough to keep the potatoes moist! Add salt, pepper, and whatever dried herbs you like. I usually use an Italian blend of herbs.
Close up the foil packets and make sure they're sealed tightly. Give them to your boyfriend/husband to put on the grill and watch until the potatoes have a slight brown crust on them. Remove from foil packets, dump into a bowl, and enjoy!
I'm thinking root beer floats may go very well as a dessert. We may be too full for these. Dang it. We never get to the dessert part!
Still not running. My leg is feeling much better, but has twinges that are keeping me from attempting to run. I figure August 1st will be a good start off to get back into running. I can tell you I feel gross not running. Even if I didn't run more than 3 miles on most days, I still felt like I had worked my body a bit. I must confess I am lazy and haven't gone to the gym at all. The bike is still sitting in the garage, waiting to be wheeled out to hit a trail. This is the first summer I haven't run in about 8 years, and I am feeling horrible about it.
I'm on vacation after Wednesday for a week. Fingers crossed the weather is cooler so I can get that bike out, and I can paint the front steps and finish cutting down all of my dead flowers. They are toast. Mulch is down, and pea gravel is down in my corner garden. It looks much better. I have to remember to refresh the gravel every few years, not every 8 years. Oops.
Bud has suggested I dig up all of my iris plants along my garage to make way for a spectacular new yard display that I can't wait to have. I will be asking all my friends if they want iris plants. I don't want to toss them, but it is time for them to go.
So it's nearly August. Wow. Beginning to think of doing NaNoWriMo this November. Last year I bowed out quickly, so I must come back and write a novel this year! No pressure. Nope (she weeps as she types).
Are you looking forward to the Fall? I know I am. I'm already thinking about foodie gifts to give for Christmas. I have to calm down. This is ridiculous.
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