Author: Raspberry Stethoscope

I woke up this morning with a craving for leftover Indian food. It had been sitting in the fridge for a few days, but I just warmed it up and it was actually a delicious breakfast.
Normally I crave sweet food in the morning, but today I wanted savory.

Before I even woke up, I debated with myself whether or not I would do my run in the am or pm. If I postponed it until tonight, would I even go? I might lose motivation!
Around 9, I decided to just suck it up and get my ass out to the trail to begin Week 5, Day 1 of the Couch to 5K! This is the week I’ve been…dreading? I think dread is too strong of a word. Let’s just say intimidated.


But first, on the way to the trail, driving down the incredibly busy road that I live on, I saw a red-eared slider turtle in the middle of the road, literally inches from tires as they zoomed by. He was about a foot long, just trying to make his way to the other side…which happened to be a median! yikes! I drove past in the lane next to him and immediately did a U-turn and parked back into my apartment. I ran down the street and into the road when it was safe from speeding maniac cars and grabbed the turtle. He shut himself quick into his shell and gave a little hiss.
I wasn’t scared because as some of you may not know, I had a slight obsession with turtles growing up. My first red-earred was named Asik. He lived about 2-3 years.  I was 10 and didn’t know much about proper care, but Asik went everywhere with me. He would sit in my pocket as I road my bike and swim in the pool with us!!
Over the years I had numerous box turtles and more red ears and yellow belly turtles.
When I was in my early 20’s, I also had some turtles. They grew pretty big and I eventually had to give them away when I moved away for nursing school. Luckily, I found a nice guy who owned a fish store who took them in for me:

Let’s just say I have rescued numerous turtles from the streets of Florida.

After that fiasco, I almost gave up on my run, but convinced myself, “I never regret doing it, but will regret if I don’t.”

The plan was to run 5 minutes, walk for 3, run 5 minutes, walk for 3, and then run for 5.
I honestly felt strong. Even though it was sweltering hot and my entire outfit was drenched in sweat, there was not one time during the way that I thought, “omfg, please let this last minute hurry up.” I mostly just enjoyed myself and thought about how far I’ve come since that first run.
The other cool part of my run was the dolphin! During the first 5 minute run over the bridge, I saw him come out of the water and then it helped to distract me during the run. Dolphins are powerful and I convinced myself I was a dolphin!

I am actually growing pretty fond of running because I am seeing results. Honestly, I did not think it would ever get easier or I would progress, but I am. Slowly, but surely, I am gaining stamina. And I am not completely out of breath after running 5 minutes.
However, I still get envious on my way to a run when I get to the trail and see someone unpacking their road bike. I love cycling first.

—
On Monday, my lovely Mirza turned 25 and we celebrated with cake at his house. His mother is a wonderful baker (and RN, like me!). His sister helped to decorate.

I got home around 8:30 this morning and realized I had already swam and ran. Now it is 9am and the day is still long. I go back to work tomorrow after being off for 11 days:/
This morning I went to a Master’s Swim class. I had no idea what this would entail and I was super anxious and nervous. It is always intimidating to walk into a new place and try something you’re clueless about. The woman coach told me if I wanted stroke instruction, then it would be better to come on Tues and Thurs. For today, she suggest I just get in the water and get used to it. She then suggested I do some practice with the board to get my breathing right. I have a lot of difficulty with breathing. I need a lot of work. She just kept saying, “Don’t worry, everyone starts where you are.”
This whole time, I thought that running would be the most difficult part of tri training, but now I am thinking it might be the swimming portion!!aaah.

I stayed for about 40 minutes, trying not to look like a dummy and doing my little exercise drills. Barely.
I was feeling a bit defeated and hopeless, to be honest, so I decided to go ahead and do my last exercise of the WEEK 4 COUCH TO 5K.

Funny that to boost my confidence, I went on a run. That was not me 4 weeks ago.
I am now looking forward to week 5!! POSITIVE THINKING! Week 5 is supposed to be the most challenging with three different work outs each session, ending with a 20 minute run with no walks on W5D3.

As for today’s run? I felt stronger than usual. I attribute it to training, but also going out there an hour earlier. The sun was not as high and it was not nearly as sweltering hot. I could actually breathe!

I refueled with some oatmeal:

I leave you with some random eats from the past couple of days, as well as some photos from DC.
But first, I want to wish my wonderful boyfriend of 7+ years a HAPPPPPPYY 25TH BIRTHDAY!!! We’ll be spending the rest of the day eating cake:)

Yesterday I set out on my 12 mile bike ride with my new clip in shoes/pedals.

I start at a mile marker 7 on the trail and then go to mile 13 and turn around. When I got to mile marker 12, I was like, “woohooo one more to go and then i can turn around,” but I swear it felt like I was going forever. I kept cursing, “where the hell is 13?~!”
Finally, I came upon mile marker number 14. #$% what the hell, I thought! I missed it!?
Well, I turned around and finally came up mile 13, which had been ripped from the ground and put kind of out of sight…soooo my 12 mile ride turned into 14.
That’s okay though because I felt great. I absolutely love my new pedals and shoes. I wish I would have gotten them sooner.
I finished in 1 hour and 11 minutes. It would have been shorter if I hadn’t stopped at 234 red lights and stop signs. maaaan!

Still smiling after 14 miles:

After my ride, I drove to Publix for some snacks because my kitchen is absolutely bare.
I was getting odd looks from people because my padded butt shorts were soaked with sweat. Totally flattering, right? I didn’t care. Food was my mission.
Refueled with some yogurt, local blueberries, and a bagel. One with cream cheese, the other with peanut butter.

After my ride, I drove to a local recreation center to get a 6-month  membership card. I plan to go early tomorrow morning to a Master’s Swim class to decide if it’s something I want to join to help with my tri training. Swimming for a triathlon is just so foreign to me and I want to make sure I am pretty comfortable for that portion of my race. Also, I need to step it up with my swimming. I haven’t done any since my private lesson and almost feel like I forget everything he taught me! 


This morning I completed Week 4, Day 2 of the Couch-to-5K program. Still difficult, but getting “easier.” The bad part is that I looked ahead to Week 5. um, shit?

Here are more photos from DC:

Traveling is tiring!
Sunday morning we made it to Washington, DC for my nursing conference. Like I said, 7,000 critical care nurses; truly amazing.
As some of you may remember, I won an all-expense paid trip from a scholarship at my hospital. I was more than grateful to receive this wonderful opportunity. Also, I was way, way more than grateful to be staying at the GRAND HYATT!!
We walked passed many hotels in DC on our voyages to the monuments, and we both concluded that no other hotel was as swanky and awesome as ours…

More photos from DC later.
Let’s get to the good stuff, besides nursing/nation’s capital.
Triathlon training!
Yesterday I started week 4 of the couch to 5k program. It was definitely the most difficult run yet. We had to run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run FIVE minutes, walk 2 and a half minutes, and then repeat that AGAIN. Let me tell you, during that last 5 minute run, I was dying. I read all of these blogs of people running marathons and they run forever, but five minutes for me is a huge, huge deal. I kept telling myself, “Pain is temporary, Quitting lasts forever.” It actually worked, too because just the thought of quitting and feeling bad about myself is enough motivation to help me tolerate being hot and out of breath! Since the beginning of the program, I have definitely advanced because there is no way I could have run for 5 minutes straight during week 1!! no way!

After my run, I had one goal in mind: clip-in pedals+shoes for my bike!
I thought about it constantly during my trip.

The bike shop was helpful and the dude let me try on a bunch of shoes. I decided on black so they won’t look so dirty!

He installed everything for me, then gave a small demonstration and set me on my way outdoors! I was so nervous!! I felt like a bird leaving the nest, thinking, “wait, you’re not coming with me? waaah.” But I put on a brave face and went to the back of the building with less cars.
For the first minute or two, I could not clip in. I just couldn’t “find it,” but once I got over the initial panic of feeling like a loser, I clipped in fine and began to ride. WOW!! I LOVE THEM. So much more efficient and comfortable!!
After riding around for a bit, I asked if he would watch me ride and tell me if my seat should be adjusted. He happily obliged and raised my seat probably over an inch more.

Does this make me hardcore now??? 🙂

I’m about to go on my first ride with my new pedals this morning. My goal is 12 miles under 60 minutes.
Wish me luck!

ps: I would also like to officially ANNOUNCE that I have officially gone vegetarian! It’s been a gradual process and for the past probably month I have been following a vegetarian diet, but now I am making more of a constant effort. I think that visiting the farm, and reading, “Eating Animals” definitely solidified my decision to actually label myself. As you may remember, I did not want to label myself before. So yes, *stands up* hello, I’m Nicole, and I’m a vegetarian. *sits down*

The following is a photo account of my trip to Kindred Spirits Sanctuary in Ocala, Florida.
“Kindred Spirits is a non-profit farm animal sanctuary that helps neglected, abused, unwanted, or displaced farm animals.”

This will be a 6-part series broken down by animals because each animal deserves their own spotlight.

Part four is horses!

Does this not look like a unicorn??

(As a side note, I was NOT asked by the sanctuary to provide this information on my blog. I’m only doing it because after my visit to the sanctuary, I truly believe in what they’re doing, and I know if my blog readers could visit that they would feel the same way. All of the information I’ve posted here is from my own personal account with visiting the sanctuary, and information from their website.)

Hi Folks,
I arrived safely in WASHINGTON, DC yesterday for NTI (a huge critical care nursing conference with 7,000 nurses!).

Here’s an update with a few photos. The internet is kind of slow in my awesome hotel, so expect a full update on Thursday or Friday.

No backing out now!!
I just filled out the registration and PAID for my first sprint triathlon!

I will also be doing one in September, but I am waiting to register for that one until my next paycheck because it is significantly more! It also sounds more much exciting since it is all women, at Disney, etc.

In other related news, I am more than likely going to be joining this Triathlete training program for SWIMMING. The coach and I spoke on the phone and I have two options, so I am ruminating through those. He also does about 6-8 open water swims each month, so it is perfect. Details to follow when I come to a final decision.

I purchased a swim suit today, too! Actually, I bought one last night, but I hate it. I am not comfortable in it at all. I’m debating whether or not to post a picture of me in my ONE PIECE suit. How do they size these things?? It makes no sense! I found a nice, solid black one today. It is classic and basic, I like it!

I’m sure everyone can guess what I did as soon as I got home from the triathlon on Sunday…
Yes, I looked up triathlons for me!
I’m sure if you remember in February when I first got my bike that I was quite excited about doing a sprint triathlon. I had planned to do one in June that my hospital puts on, but then I lost enthusiasm and got caught up in issues at work/home/etc. I also seriously questioned whether I could ever do one based on my fitness level. I realize this is just stupid because I need to train for this event. Obviously, I cannot just wake up and expect to be able to do this!! Plus, I’m 25, in good shape, eat healthy, so there is NO REASON that I cannot do this!!

Watching St. A’s tri truly inspired me to venture out of my comfort zones and do the sprint triathlon.

Currently, I am looking at these:

This one is at Fort Desoto in August:

Family Fitness Weekend

This one sounds awesome because it is sponsored by Trek (my bike), it is all women, and it is by Disney in September:

Trek Women’s Triathlon series

My sister mentioned doing them both. She thinks the first one can be like a practice–to see how it works, get comfortable, and then the second one will be better.

As you can see, I’m giving myself plenty of time to get used to all three events. I’m also looking into these open water swim nights from a local triathlon club. I have also e-mailed a swim coach about possible coaching.

I’m not going to let anything stop me this time, not even the fear of the water or the HEAT (August/September in Florida=HELL ON EARTH).

Yesterday, I went on a (approximate) 8-9 mile bike ride. It took me 38 minutes. Baby steps, baby steps!!

I park my car at a local Target and jump on the Pinellas Trail from there, which is right in the back.
When I come back from Washington, DC in mid-May, I am going straight to the bike shop to get the clip-in shoes/pedals. I would do it sooner, but I need the money for my vacation:)

After my ride yesterday, I refueled with a big green monster, and then got to baking! I was craving blueberry muffins!

(I love my apron)

(Recipe was derived from Jenna: http://eatliverun.com/good-stuff-all-around/ . I used frozen berries since the organic ones were cheaper than conventional fresh)

Later, we went downtown and sat on the bench for awhile.

Friendly dog who came over to say hello!

Other random photos:

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To continue with my triathlon post, today I started the Couch-to-5K program!!
I successfully completed work-out 1. I wasn’t going for distance, just the time intervals that they specify in the program for work-out 1. I did 1.71 miles on the treadmill. I know this sounds like nothing, especially compared to all of the marathon runners out there, but like I said–BABY STEPS!!
I am not a runner. But maybe someday I will be. I am trying to be enthusiastic about running, tricking my brain/emotions into thinking that I LOVE RUNNING, but I would much rather not be doing it, hehe. POSITIVITY!!

Here I am before my “run,” in all my glory, bahaha.

See below if you missed part 1!

After the first male pro-athlete passed me on his bike to begin his run, I hung around the bike start/finish area for quite awhile. It was truly uplifting to see everyone push themselves so hard. At one point, all I could hear was CLICK CLICK CLICK as everyone clipped into their bike pedals. However, there was one guy who appeared kind of flustered and I think he may have clipped into both pedals without getting a little bit of a start and then he just toppled straight over onto the pavement! I felt so bad because you could tell he was freaking out a little bit, trying to get up and out of the other biker’s ways. When he finally got his footing and pedaled away, I yelled, “YOU ROCK, DUDE, KEEP GOING, YOU’RE AWESOME!!!”

I wanted to get a good spot for when the runners came in. Found a nice place right at the finish line.

Here’s a video. I apologize that it is turned sideways, but in my excitement, I did not even realize.

Cameron Dye 1:48.44. He beat the 2nd place finalist by 20 seconds. yikes!

I watched as the top 10 male ran in…but I was mostly just waiting for the females!!

The announcer informed us that it might be neck-and-neck for the top spot for females.
Eventually, at 1:58.49 Sarah Haskins made it over the finish line! 
I must be honest, when she ran past us, I almost wanted to cry. Tears welled in my eyes. It was  EPIC!  The enthusiasm from the audience was mind-blowing and really made you happy just to be watching such an amazing accomplishment. The human body and mind are amazing.

And here is my crappy video. Obviously I did not film her very well because I was too busy screaming, haha!!

Insert any word for “inspiring” here!

Hello! It’s been a few days. I’ve been working, yawn.

I specifically made sure I was not scheduled for yesterday though because of St. Anthony’s Triathlon. It seems like every year it comes and goes and then I hear about it and kick myself for not remembering to go watch. This year, however, I wrote it on my calendar!

But first, here is a ridiculous story: my alarm went off early since I wanted to see the triathlon from beginning to end, at least with the pro athletes.  When I walked out to my car it was still dark, and I thought I saw something two cars down from mine, so I stopped, and then realized it was a person crouching down, hiding behind a car. My heart started immediately racing and I imagined all of these terrible scenarios of someone hiding and ready to pounce on me. I hauled ass up the stairs and fiddled with my keys, thinking someone might be after me! I was freakin’ scared!!!! I slammed the door locked behind me and went into my room to look out the window.
Stupid me, turns out it was just one of the neighbors getting ready to go fishing. It looked like he was hiding because he was picking supplies off the ground to place in his truck. hahah! Well, I followed by instincts anyway. –>paranoid freak!

Besides that fiasco, I was super excited to go to the triathlon. I couldn’t get Mirza to  wake up that early, but that’s okay because I had fun by myself.

Watching all of the marked tri-athletes walk to the water was exhilarating. I started questioning whether I could do something like that, and imagining what it must feel like to walk to the starting point.

Finally, the guns went off and the pro male athletes started. I honestly could not see them in the water.
I walked out far, too; close to the end of the wall until it ended, but I could not see anyone swimming!?
I know they were out there!

I decided to walk over to the bikes, hoping to catch the first person, but he was too fast for me!! I got close to the Vinoy and then I heard the sirens and saw a white SUV leading a definitely serious pro-triathlete through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg! It was inspiring because there were hundred of people cheering and screaming.

After that, I spent a long time over by the bikes watching them head out, until I had to walk back to my car to put change in the meter.

Snapped these on my way to the car

I love downtown St. Pete. We used to spend so much time there when Mirza and I first started dating, but then it just got kind of old. Even over the past 7 years, it has changed tremendously. There are a lot more shops and restaurants. I lived downtown about 2 years ago while finishing up nursing school. I would definitely love to live there again, but it is far from my job.

It was also a perfect day. Not too hot, with a breeze. But I’m sure the wind kind of sucked for the participants.

I made my way back to the race site. As I was walking back, I heard the sirens again around the same spot and sure enough, it was the male pro athlete in the lead coming back from his 40k bike ride!! grrrr, he was too fast for me again.
I did manage to film a quick video, but it is bad quality.
Other random photos:

This post is beginning to get long and photo-heavy. Look for part 2 later this afternoon with the results of the race and pictures of the top athletes running towards the finish line! totally epic.

So, on Saturday, we ventured over to the Red Mesa Cantina .

Waiting anxiously for food.

I actually WAS anxious because I ordered a tofu taco! I have never tried tofu, so I was scared that I might not like it. I’m big on textures.
I got two of the tofu tacos, which are “Tamarind marinated tofu, rajas, pineapple, jalapenos, jack cheese”
I opted not to get the cheese since I had a red bean quesadilla at home earlier in the day. On the side, I had my favorite: yuca fries~

Verdict? Not bad! Mirza said it was like mozzarella cheese! I also found it quite filling, but it may have been the yuca fries with chipotle ketchup…;)


Mirza ordered the Alambres with beef. He’s been eating all vegetarian lately with me, so I think he felt the need for meat lol.

We somehow managed to save room for dessert (not really, we forced it) because we LOVE their banana split. From their website: “Chipotle chocolate and dulce de leche gelatos in a crisp sugar & cinnamon sopapilla with fresh bananas, strawberries, pineapple topped with cajeta caramel, mexican chocolate sauce and whipped cream”
Words cannot describe.

We hated it, obviously:

Earlier in the day while Mirza was teaching guitar, I picked up my CSA share.

And Sunday was a lazy rainy day. I love the rain when you have no place to go or be!

 I got in a great upper body work out from my apartment’s gym. I’ve been using it a lot more since they added free-weights and got new machines. I actually might not renew my membership to Shape‘s because I have the gym here, my bike, the pools, and I honestly have not been using the classes there much anymore.


After my work out, I had big plans to try the infamous Cherry Chocolate Bomb Shake! 

Everything went into the Vitamix and out came a delicious concoction. I was mostly excited to try out my new Glass Dharma straws.

I love these glass straws! They actually make drinking smoothies easier and more enjoyable! 
I will definitely be ordering more. I want some with the colorful decorative dots. I highly recommend these if you love smoothies as much as me!
As for the Cherry Chocolate Bomb Shake? Amazing! So chocolatey and rich. Lots of protein, too!


—



In other news, as some of you may or may not know, I was lucky enough to win a scholarship from my hospital for an all-expense paid trip to NTI and Critical Care Exposition, which is in Washington, DC this year. I am so thrilled to go, and will be staying at the GRAND HYATT HOTEL!! Everything has been paid for by the hospital. All free to me. aaah.
Since everything is FREE, including flight, it just made sense to buy a ticket for Mirza to come along, too! His birthday is the following week, so this is kind of a birthday gift to him. We’ve been together for 7 years, and we have never been anywhere on vacation together, besides family outings, so touring the capital and staying in a beautiful hotel for free feels like the perfect getaway!

Whoa, where did the time go? it’s been a week since my last post?

Where did we leave off? oh yes, that’s right…food! where else?

Still haven’t had any animal flesh and have no real desire to, either. I’ve been enjoying tons of healthy food, and I feel really great physically.  And I’ve been LOVING my Vitamix.

We’ve been making sorbet’s, soups, etc.

Last Sunday, we went on a fun walk on the Pinellas Trail.

love.

The last week was mostly just spent working. yawn. Although I like my job and what I’m doing on most days, there are times when I dream about winning a large chunk of change, moving, and enrolling in the Natural Gourmet Institute. Maybe someday? They do have part-time programs. I could even work and go to school. I honestly think I would love this.

I guess I should continue playing the lottery?

$52 million…I didn’t win. shocking.
—

More later on my CSA and our delicious dinner. Let’s just say the best MOST AMAZING banana split was consumed. Folks, you do not want to miss this!!!
Also, I have some VERY EXCITING news about my trip to DC!

Okay, so I’ve kept everyone hanging for awhile since my last post regarding if I have become a vegetarian or not…

And the simple answer is…there isn’t one!

What it all comes down to is labels. I have a real difficult time with committing to label myself “vegetarian,” “vegan,” or even “flexitarian.” I love food. I love good food. And I can say that within the past two weeks, I have actually made some substantial food changes. Granted, I have always been eating a healthy and well-rounded diet, but the past 2+ weeks I have been eating strictly vegetarian and probably 90% vegan. And for me, it’s been easy!! I love to experiment and try new things. The important thing is not to think about what you’re not eating, but all of the other amazing options out there. In addition, I feel like I’ve had more energy and even a better attitude, despite whether or not this can be attributed to my food intake or just general life, it doesn’t matter.

I’ve really struggled with this topic and this post for awhile. Do I want to tell everyone I’ve gone “all the way” and label myself into a specific genre of food eaters? What if I change my mind? What if I want a big, juicy steak!? or a big hunk of cheese??

I have so much respect and admiration for all the vegans in the blog world. I love to make “vegan” meals and they make me feel great after I eat them. Also, I know in my heart that a plant based diet is the best for me and for the environment. When I see ANY animal, I know they have emotions and thoughts just like us and it makes me incredibly sad to think of all the torture they go through just for US. As if we’re any more special or better than them!! Not to mention how meat consumption effects the environment.

Still, despite all of this and every valid point or reason for going “all the way,” I still do not want to commit to the label.

So, for now, I am just going to continue eating the way I have been the last two weeks, and continue to choose the most healthy choice if I am given two roads. If someone wants to call that vegetarian, then hey, I guess I am one!

This video pretty sums up my feelings:

Thoughts?
—

In less serious news, but OH SO EXCITING…my Vitamix has arrived!!!!!!!
It was on my doorstep when I came home from work on Friday, but I was so exhausted that I chose to leave it for the morning, like Christmas!!

Unfortunately, I learned that I do indeed have an oral allergy syndrome to raw peaches:( Everytime I eat them, my lips swell and become itchy. I learned this again last night when we made peach sorbet in the vitamix. damnit.

not cool!

I’ve been missing in action the past few days. I guess I just feel like it is pointless to post in this thing at times since no one reads, haha. oh well, I like to do it, so I will just do it for myself.

In my last post, I photographed 3 books that I purchased–vegetarian and vegan. Have I decided to change my eating habits? Read on to find out more…

—————

I worked the weekend, and then on Monday, I was invited onto a boat with my aunt, uncle, mom, and stepdad. We drove all throughout Tierra Verde gawking at the mansions and giant boats.

We anchored at a shell island for lunch

I think kale chips are perfect if you’re part of a CSA and subsequently have tons of leftover kale….however, that will not be an issue for me any longer.

why?

I BOUGHT A VITAMIX!


I mulled over what to spend my team award on. It was generous this year, for sure. In all reality, I should have saved it, but let’s face it, there’s a lot of things I should be doing and usually I DO, but I just kind of want to do something for myself.  I received the shipping email this morning: 

Your Vita-Mix product is on its way so you can start enjoying the health benefits immediately! 

Today was a good eats day!!

I started the day with oligatory oatmeal and peanut butter toast, not pictured.

For whatever reason, when I woke up this morning, I was in a total funk. Just felt down. Luckily, Mirza pulled me out of the funk when he stopped by Nature’s Finest to pick us up some smoothies and salad!!

I was in a much better mood after eating. Good food always makes me happy.
At 3pm, I ventured over to my CSA  to pick up my veggies. It’s been a rough season for them this year with the unusually cold weather, but their greens are still in full swing. I love to support my local farmers/growers. It makes me feel like I’m doing “my part,” even if small.
 I only take what I need or want. Not a fan of the red mustard, so I stopped taking it.

I love my CSA because you can just kind of wander around and pick the herbs they have scattered around in pots. And they are always saying, “Come back if you need more!!”

For dinner, I wanted to try some of the black bean burgers from Veganomicon . Along side, I boiled some small yellow potatoes and then tossed them with lemon juice, greek yogurt, garlic, pepper, and fresh rosemary. We also had some lemony carrot dill salad from Eatingwell.com. It’s a go-to recipe!
Lately, we’ve really been utilizing this chipotle ketchup. I am not a ketchup personal AT ALL, but I love this!

The black bean burgers were good, too, but I think I will make them bigger next time since my buns kind of overpowered them. We also used some of the lettuce from the farm.

Lunch tomorrow will be delicious. I love leftovers for lunch, anyone else?

My awesome lunch box; it holds a lot!

While I cleaned the kitchen, Mirza ironed my uniforms for the next two days! He is wonderful! First salad and smoothies and then chores…is he trying to butter me up for something? haha! Nope, he just rocks.

And dessert was chocolate cheesecake from the bookstore!

yeaaaaah!


Tonight I did something I never do…I purchased books!! I know, it isn’t weird, but for me, it is! I love the library and saving money. But today? just did not feel like caring anymore and went through and picked out some new cookbooks. When it comes to cookbooks, borrowing from the library can be helpful when you’re looking for something specific, but you’re under a time constraint of having to return the books, so you can never just enjoy them!!

Hmmm??? Post to follow with explanation of the cookbooks:)

Lunch was more leftover snobby joes…
And dinner was breakfast, as in french toast:

I love breakfast for dinner.

In other news, we’re supposed to be receiving a still-undetermined amount of money from our team awards on Thursday. It is supposed to be big this year. I’m thinking in the $500 range? Not sure!! maybe less with taxes.
What should I so with the cash?
-NEW CAMERA!!
-Vitamix
-Save!!!
-put towards car




Any thoughts?

I just came back from a lovely bike ride on the Pinellas trail over the water and then I took a venture off into a neighborhood by Bay Pines VA. It was absolutely gorgeous outside. I wish I had room to bring my camera on rides. Florida definitely wins the prize of awesome weather today.

I’m trying to ride my bike more now since the weather is picking up. As for endurance and speed, let’s just say I have none. I am SLOW and I do not ride for very long (half hour). I used to feel guilty and bad about this, but I don’t care anymore. As long as I am moving and enjoying my time, then all of those other things will come with practice. Once I get more comfortable, I want to get the clip in pedals. Actually, it is time for my 30 day bike maintenance check-up with the bike shop. And today while pumping up my tires (a work out in itself!), I somehow bent the end of the valve on the tire. um, shit? I hope it holds air. Definitely will be getting that looked at.
The only thing I hate about riding my bike is preparing to go. I have a small Toyota and I stuff my beauty into the trunk. Good thing she is light.
 I need a bike rack!!

I also wish I had someone to go riding with, like Mirza. Although I do love the alone time, I know another person would probably help to motivate me to go longer and harder.

Before my ride, I made banana oatmeal with hemp milk! Anyone try it before? It had a slightly nutty flavor, but since I added walnuts to my oatmeal, it was kind of hard to distinguish.

This had: one banana, 1/2 cup hemp milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract (cap full), 3 tablespoons organic whole rolled oats, and for toppings: local Florida strawberries, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey.

I can’t believe I spent so long eating packets of instant crap/sugar filled oatmeal. Nothing compares to this. I <3 oatmeal. People who don’t love oatmeal, just don’t “get” it, you know?

Tonight’s meal was brought to you by “Veganomicon!”

And holy yum, it was delicious.

(I found the copes of the recipes online for your viewing pleasure, as well, but used my book when cooking).

We had  “snobby joes” with a baked potato, and a lovely romaine salad with a mediterranean olive oil and lemon vinaigrette .

I was nervous because sloppy joe’s have a pretty distinct flavor, but I was feeling ambitious. These were made with lentils.
I used these buns:

Final product:

The only thing not vegan about this meal was the butter/greek yogurt for the baked potato and I did grate some pecorino romano cheese into the salad.

Onto dessert, also taken from Veganomicon:
Chewy, chocolate raspberry cookies (that is a copy of the recipe I found online. didn’t do any filling as it wasn’t part of the book).

One day off in between work is not enough time. I have to work Saturday and Sunday now. I’m just tired and desperately need a break.

I tried to think of something I could make for dinner that would last the weekend, so I could have lunches. Since last week I made mushroom burgers using this recipe , I decided I wanted to somehow utilize the leftover “meat.” I made these same burgers in December and they were amazing . I highly recommend them for a good vegetarian meal.
I decided to make a baked penne pasta dish. I mixed the penne with a leftover jar of tomato sauce, freshly grated pecorino romano cheese, organic arugula from my CSA chopped into tiny pieces, whole milk mozzarella on top and bread crumbs. I baked it at 350 for about 20 minutes.

Dessert was a leftover “green splash” smoothie from this afternoon:

Anyone going to watch Jamie Oliver’s “Food Revolution” tonight on ABC? I watched the preview last week and it looks awesome.

I’ll be watching until I go to bed, which is like..9pm! My job starts at 5:30, so I’m up a little after 4am:( *sigh*

I recently purchased Pollan’s “Food Rules.” Here are some of my favorites:

Eat only foods that have been cooked by humans.

 Don’t ingest foods made in places where everyone is required to wear a surgical cap.

If it came from a plant, eat it. if it was made in a plant, don’t.

 It’s not food if it’s called by the same name in every language (Think Big Mac, Cheetos, Pringles.).