Tag Archives: brussels sprouts

Veggie Loading

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14

I seem to have lost my workout mojo. No fooling.

I’m not that concerned about it though, I know it will return. I’d planned on moving taking up a lot of my free time in the coming months but now that I’m not sure when I’ll be moving (again) it seems I may have more time than I thought.

I’m still going to be quite busy with work trips, the part-time job and other randomness – but I feel ready for the working to resume with some regularity.

I planned on starting back up last night, but I was exhausted. Instead, I veggie loaded.

In addition to that glorious plate of vegetable goodness, I also ate a bowl of Cheerios and about 8 clementines. It was a fiberous evening to be sure.

I tried to workout, but it resulted in one push-up (the shoulder is still effed), about 5 minutes of ab work and 5 minutes on the elliptical. It was a start?

I guess I’m suffering from delayed post-race blues. I didn’t have time immediately after the half to worry about my fitness, but now that I do I feel a bit undermotivated.

But, like I said, I’m not all that concerned. I’ll find my way.

This weekend is the first one in a month where I have no plans. So I plan to do as little as possible and totally catch up on my rest and alone time. It’s much needed.

I’m pretty sure it will be just what I need to get my mojo back.

Have you been fooled today? I can’t remember the last time someone fooled me. I kind of miss it.

Busy or lazy weekend ahead?

I come alive in the Spring time

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27

Yesterday was a wonderful day in Oklahoma. The weather wasn’t just Spring-like, it was positively Summer-like.

Warm weather and sunshine awaken my lighter, more carefree side. I love it.

After a good day at work, I headed home for the evening prepared for a relaxing night in.

I fired up the oven and chopped up some lovely brussels sprouts for my dinner.

Those quickly became these.

roasted brussels sprouts

I’m officially obsessed with roasted brussels sprouts. They’re like a treat to me. Roasted with olive, salt, pepper and garlic and dipped in ketchup – try it.

I had a muenster grilled cheese to go with them.

muenster grilled cheese

Fabulous meal.

garlic roasted brussels and grilled cheese

Isn’t the light gorgeous? I can’t get enough of it.

roasted garlic brussels sprouts and muenster grilled cheese

Okay, I’ll stop, but it really does make me happy.

After I finished dinner and two bowls of dessert cereal, I went about prepping two breakfast casseroles for work this morning. For new readers or those who forgot, we take turns bringing in breakfast at work every Friday morning.

As soon as I got that finished and started cleaning, the phone rang.

It was the SIL and my brother who were three blocks away and asked me to join them for a green beer.

Normally, I would have said no because my kitchen looked like this:

Those who really know me are aware that I never leave dirty dishes in the sink. It drives me absolutely crazy. I can’t leave dishes strewn about the house either. I’m OCD about it – as soon as I’m done with a dish I wash it and put it away.

However, the copious amounts of warmth and sunshine made me say “screw it” and go anyways. Besides, when I move to D.C. I won’t be able to spontaneously spend time with my family – gotta do it while I still can.

green beers

I cropped the brother out because he’s not a fan of having his picture posted on the Internet. Actually he’s not a fan of the Internet in general, but whatever.

And when I got back home, I immediately cleaned up the kitchen. There was no way I was going to leave it over night.

We won’t talk about the fact that I had to get up at 4:30 this morning to pre-heat the oven, and then again at 4:45 to put the casseroles in to bake.

We can talk about the fact that they were quite tasty.

chile and cheese egg casserole

I made two of the same casserole and also brought bananas and clementines. I usually go to greater detail when it’s my turn to bring in food, but I just didn’t have the time this week.

It made for a nice, well-rounded breakfast. Perfect for the post-holiday hangover that I’d bet several of my coworkers are dealing with.

breakfast plate

Well, I’m off to seize another Spring-like day. Adios!

Are you an immediate dish washer or a dish leaver?

I ask deep questions y’all.

No substitute

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27

Even though I cut my run short yesterday, I still had the usual post-run stomach issues – upset stomach, lack of appetite, etc.

It was a few hours before hunger set in, and I really wanted to eat ice cream. However, I had no ice cream in the house so I settled for charred brussels sprouts with ketchup.

Don’t let the exterior fool you, these may have been the most delicious brussels I’ve ever eaten. Slight burnage is the key. Dipping them in ketchup is optional, but it’s how I roll.

And because brussels do not a dinner make - I followed them up with a baked sweet potato and melted muenster cheese.

sweet potato with muenster cheese

There may have been ketchup added to this plate post-photo. I was in a ketchupy place last night.

Then, I still wanted ice cream. So I ate cereal + yogurt instead because I didn’t want to go buy any. Not pictured because the sun had already gone down and the lighting in my apartment sucks.

Then, I started watching the Oscars (meh, Mila Kunis was a goddess but overall kind of boring), and I STILL wanted ice cream.

So I went and got some.

Still no pictures because I inhaled it.

Moral of the story: When it comes to ice cream – there is no substitution.

It’s probably good that I ate some vegetables before the ice cream though. I suppose.

What was your favorite/least favorite part of the Oscars (if you watched)? I really liked Melissa Leo’s speech, and Kirk Douglas was adorable although kind of sad. I’m on the fence about James and Anne’s hosting performance, but enjoyed the wardrobe changes. And like I said, I thought Mila Kunis won the red carpet hands down.

Phone home

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15

First of all, I’m loving all the comments on what you love about yourselves yesterday. It made for one great Valentine’s Monday I’ll tell you that right now.

Also, some of your self injury stories were hilarious, so thank you for that as well. My lip still hurts today, but my pride is slowly healing. That’s all a girl can ask for.

Yesterday was a busy day at work. I’ve got a lot on my plate these days, but it’s stuff I enjoy doing so it’s all good.

After work I cross-trained on the elliptical for a little over 3 miles and then went home to talk to all my family members. I spent over an hour on the phone.

If you know me, you know this is a big deal. I hate talking on the phone. It was really nice to catch up with everyone though, and wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day.

By the time I was phone-free I had whipped up a quick and easy meal of love.

Diana sent me some black wild rice awhile back and I finally got around to cooking it up. I topped it with some roasted brussels sprouts, which I’ve been craving like crazy lately.

Thanks for making my dinner last night possible Diana :)

I was exhausted after dinner and headed to bed quite early, which is good because I was awoken at 2:22 a.m. to the worst neighbor fight yet.

I could have sworn someone was being killed, but then I thought maybe I had dreamed it. So when I fell back asleep, of course I had nightmares about my neighbors killing me. Lovely.

I hope I can find a quieter living space someday. Probably not likely to happen in D.C. though.

Do you like talking on the phone?

Snow days are lame

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26

I don’t like snow days. They sound good in theory, but when you have a ton of work to do they lose their appeal very quickly. I spent most of my day here:

Yes, that’s the coffee table and not my desk. My desk is in the coldest room in the apartment plus my ex put it together (two exes ago) and it threatens to fall apart when I actually put heavy objects on it. I guess I should get a new one of those when I move.

When I woke up this morning and looked out the window, I didn’t think we’d gotten much snow. Yeah, that’s because I didn’t have my glasses on and I’m blind as a bat. We got the snow.

After I figured out it was actually a blizzard out there, I hopped back in bed for an extra hour. Then I stayed in bed even longer to check my email and blog before getting up for the day.

I didn’t really properly stock up for the storm, but that’s okay because there’s always toast.

One slab with Earth balance + apricot jam and the other with peanut butter.  With a side of coffee of course.

Then I worked for a long time. Eventually, I started feeling jittery and wanted to do a workout. Throwback time.

That’s right Denise Austin. Today was supposed to be a 3-miler plus Body Pump but the gym was closed. And, let’s be honest, I wouldn’t have gone even if it was open.

Lunch was super weird.

Leftover quinoa, steamed brussels sprouts, Kefir caesar dressing and hot sauce. It was surprisingly delightful.

Then… more work.

There was also some Twittering, some chocolate, and now… some wine.

But, I’ve got to get back to work. Sigh.

Snow days are lame.

What did you do today? (even my questions are lame today)

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Bad mood: Conquered

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36

Yesterday was a weird day. I was lethargic and in a mood. The passing of time was agonizingly slow. I was hungry all. day. long and couldn’t seem to quell the beast.

It just wasn’t the best day.

After work I almost went home and surrendered to my crabbiness. I may or may not have eaten ice cream and watched some American Idol.

I actually kind of like the new judges. I’m surprised. I always fast forward through the bad singers. I just like the good ones. And Jennifer Lopez is so stunning it’s shocking. I had forgotten.

But then I kicked myself and realized that by loafing on the couch yet again, I was only feeding into the negativity of the day. So I got up and went to Body Pump.

A sweaty hour passed by and I felt revitalized. I needed that workout. Bad mood: conquered.

When I got home, I decided to have something resembling an actual balanced meal for dinner.

That’s hard to do when you’re in desperate need of groceries (and when am I not anymore?). But there are always eggs.

More specifically eggy cheese toast. I also decided to add some green vegetables.

Even though I’m partial to my brussels sprout cooking method, I was feeling lazy so I just roasted them in balsamic vinegar and a bit of agave. They were still quite tasty.

After eating I cleaned, started some laundry, watched more TV, talked to my mom – and before I knew it was after 9:30. The 8:30 bedtime is no more!

I got to thinking about it yesterday, and I think I’ve been going to bed so early to shut off all the stress and pressure I’ve been dealing with lately. Plus, I was sick. So I don’t feel as lame as I originally did.

And sleep really is good for the body and mind. I’m not complaining.

It’s Friday! Not complaining about that either. Lisa and I are going to do our long run for the half together after work, and then I plan on taking it easy again tonight. Hey, I never said I was a party animal.

Maybe Saturday… maybe.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Do you watch American Idol? Thoughts on the new judges?