Food, Glorious Food

We stopped getting our produce box for a couple of months as we tried to get back into a normal eating schedule, but the last two weeks we've been going full force again. Since it's been a while since I did a food post, I figured a snowy Sunday was as good of a time as any.

Spinach Risotto

(loosely based on Giada's lemon risotto)

Grilled Sesame Broccoli

Frosted Blueberries

(based on something we saw at The Grille)


Deconstructed Chicken Soup

Easy Cream Cheese Danishes

Apple Pear Salad w/Poppyseed Dressing

January Top Ten

A friend at church on Sunday asked me how I was doing then commented that she didn't know what I'd been up to since my blog has been kind of lacking in posts and updates lately. I didn't realize it, but she's right. So here's a quick recap of the top ten things I did in January (other than the half-marathon, which I did write about).

1. I became sick of Pot Belly after my office moved locations.
2. I said goodbye to our good friends who moved to Miami last week.
3. I got two manicures, a pedicure, and my eyebrows waxed.
4. I got the timing belt on my car changed. For $200 less than next door.
5. I bought myself two new sweaters at Kohls for $6 and $9.
6. I got Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, Brooke White, Elisa albums.
7. I ran around at work for two days straight trying to meet a deadline.
8. I watched 24. And American Idol. And Grey's Anatomy.
9. I decided that the five compliments I get every time I wear my hair down to work aren't worth the 30 minutes of sleep it takes to dry it.
10. I said no to funfetti frosting, famous pumpkin pie, smore's souffles, a chocolate milkshake, and Mike & Ikes.

You want to hear more about any of these things? I'm happy to write all about them, I just didn't think any of them were really things people wanted to hear about. I promise February will mean more excitement and with that, more blog posts.

100 in 2010 Update: Books 1-5

I'm off to a strong start with my 100 in 2010 challenge with having already read five books. My full reviews are on my book review blog, but I will put a summary of the books and my reviews on here every five or so books. So here go books #1-5.

#1 - Simple Compassion by Keri Wyatt Kent - 3 stars
I loved the first half of this book that gave tips and ways to treat our friends and neighbors better and make our communities better. However, the second half was a little too global for me (e.g., visiting Africa, housing a refuge).

#2- Dreams that Won't Let Go by Stacey Hawkins Adams - 4 stars
I liked the third book in this Julibant Soul series about a family that goes through problems and pulls together to get through them. In this one in particular, the sibling problems are the focus as the older brother moving back home with his wife causes tension for his sisters. This was probably my favorite of the three, but I'm still not addicted to or in love with this series.

#3- Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton - 3 stars
Don't hate me. I know this is a classic and a book that most people read in high school, but I really didn't like it. Maybe this is one of the reasons I don't read classics, but this book bored me.

#4- The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve - 3 stars
This book is about the wife of a pilot who after finding out he died in a plane crash also finds out he is not at all the person she thought he was. The book was easy to read and an intriguing idea, but I found it somewhat predictable and not as interesting as I was hoping it would be.

#5- If Tomorrow Comes by Sydney Shelton-4 stars
If the language and sexual content had been toned down in the first few chapters, I would give this book a resounding five stars. This book is about a woman who is conned by the New Orleans "mafia," and comes back after conning as the queen of conning herself. Think Catch Me if You Can meets Ocean's 11.

Out of the first five books, If Tomorrow Comes was definitely my favorite, and I will definitely be picking something else up by Sydney Shelton in the near future.

Just a Little Journalistic Insight

As part of the Joy Equation, I've been writing in a journal every day using their provided prompts. The prompts have been all over the place but I've found them very useful into learning a lot about myself.

In answer to the question, "Write about a specific experience that made you feel wonderful, joyous, or positively alive..."

I don't have one particular memory but most of my best memories have two things in common. 1- I feel irrevocably loved by the people I'm with. Memories of me with friends and family I know love me for the good and the bad. Moments where I get to show my completely goofy side without the fear of judgement or reproach. And 2- I feel loved, wanted, and needed for me and nothing else. I'm not the host, I'm not the girl that was invited because I was standing there during the invitation- these are moments where it's all about me and the people around me enjoying ourselves with no reservations."

In response to the question, "What surprised me about the answers I wrote down to the question, 'How do others see you?'"

"The thing that surprised me the most was how when I didn't think and just wrote. I wrote all sorts of happy and positive things about myself but as soon as I let my mind start to work and thought about what I was writing then the negative juices begin to pour in and invade my writing. So maybe I just need to live the life that's really in there without all of the self-doubt and criticism."

And finally, after writing a story in the day of the life of me in 10 years (in which I even went far enough to name my two kids)...

"It wasn't hard at all to imagine having kids and being a stay at home mom ten years from now. The words just kind of flowed out of what my perfect day looks like. And the other thing that surprised me about my story was that most of my wants and things that brought me joy are surrounded by emotional needs rather than physical needs. I want to have a family but I don't care what my house looks like. I want to sing cartoon theme songs while watching TV with my daughter, but I don't care how big my TV is."

Maybe I'll look back at this post in a couple of years and see if my feelings and answers are still the same. For now I'll just keep writing how I'm feeling now.

Race Weekend

I've been pretty anxious about this weekend for a while now. Run a half-marathon without training? Not me. No way. When we got to Phoenix we came up with one goal for the race and weekend.

Have. Fun.

And I may not have PRed, but I definitely met that goal and had a great time with friends and family over the weekend. It all started with lunch with my good friend Lisa and her two kids who moved from DC last summer. I got in an hour before my dad and sister got there so we had about two hours to catch-up.

Then I met up with my dad and sister and went to the race expo. Definitely one of my favorite parts of any race, and this one did not disappoint. I came home with three new running shirts (including the technical shirt that came with registration), a running headband, and more granola bars and power drinks than I could eat in a week.

We finished up the expo then went and saw Lovely Bones, which I found to be even weirder than the book. I was really excited to see it from the previews, but it just didn't hook me at all. But I didn't love the book either. After the movie we had the standard pasta dinner with my good friend Dave from BYU that I haven't seen in three years then hit the sack for a good eight hours of sleep.

But our 6AM alarms still came way too early. We got ready for the race and took the Light Rail over to the start line. On the way we of course had to document our journey.

Playing with the cactus

Entering corral 11

And watching the Kenyans start the marathon.

And then it was time for the race to start.

Go team!

We ran the entire thing and finished in 2:28, 2:35, and 2:45 but that included excursions to do things like...

...High five the cheerleaders

...And watch the bands rock out.

We all three ran the first six miles together, then Briel dropped back and dad and I continued running together until about mile nine. At mile nine Dad took off, and I slowed down (stupid legs). We may have been exhausted, but we all three eventually sprinted across the finish line. It was not a pretty sight but we made it.

And have our finisher's medals to prove it.

After the race we went over to the stadium to watch the Everclear concert take a nap while Everclear played.

Then we went back to the hotel and hit the hot tub then took yet another nap. And finally, we ended the night with a cowboy stunt show at a little place called Rawhide. I took a bunch of pictures of my sis and me all dolled up but accidentally took them on my dad's camera so you probably won't ever actually get to see those.

Monday we finished the weekend strong by driving to In-N-Out for lunch. Briel and dad ordered everything animal style, and I attempted to eat my grilled cheese while being nauseated by the smell of the onions mixed with whatever they're mixed with. And of course they both got milkshakes (and dessert at dinner) and tortured me all weekend with my no sweets goal.

Overall it was a great weekend and Arizona has now been knocked off the half-marathons in 50 states list. Only 43 more to go. Utah is getting knocked off in April but more to come on that tomorrow. Hope everyone else had a wonderful three-day weekend.

100 Books in 2010?

I saw this idea on my friend Jaclyn's blog and just had to jump in. I love to read and thought this would be a fun way to try and hit 100 books. So the idea is that in 2010, I'll read ten books within ten different categories of my choosing. And eventually read 100 books in total. If anyone has any great ideas in any of these categories, I'm open to suggestions.

1- LDS non-fiction books (stole this category)
2- Classics (because as an English major I really should have read these)
3- Historical fiction (fell in love with these after Cleopatra's Daughter)
4- Books from Oprah's book club list
5- Books written in 1985 (the year I was born, stole this one from Jac too)
6- Books that were made into movies (or vice versa)
7- Books I'm sent to review by publishers (since I'll do this anyway)
8- Books that have the number ten in the title
9- Books set in DC (at least partially)
10- Books from the 2009 NY Times Best Sellers List.

With Richie studying for the bar this summer, I think this is the year I can do it. I'll keep you updated as I go.

Knocking Off #7 with My Favorite Running Buddy

Eight months ago I wrote what ended up being one of my most commented on posts about how I'd found myself again through running. It was one of those posts that I wrote for myself and no one else.

But the best part about that post wasn't the post itself, it was one of the comments. A comment from my dad about why he started running with me when we both had grown up avoiding it at all costs. It was one of those insights that only a parent can give, and it made that post even more special to me. It will be getting printed out along with all of my favorite posts when I eventually get around to printing out my blog.

So why am I telling you this now? This weekend I'm running my 7th half-marathon and even though I'm scared to death because I haven't trained AT ALL, I'm so excited because it means I get to share another race and another finish with my dad. And that's worth the the pain 13.1 miles brings. Our goal is to run half-marathons (since he won't do a full) in every state. This will make seven different states with only 43 more to go. And hopefully I'll have my favorite running buddy - my dad - next to me for every single one of them.

P.S. I promise to take pictures and bring a full race report next week.

Three Steps to a Successful Shopping Trip

Step 1: Use coupons on top of sales to get great deals.
Step 2: Put all of those great deals in your cart and watch the savings add up as you check-out.
Step 3: Pay for your groceries with the money you brought with you.

Can you guess which of these three steps I didn't do? I'll give you a hint. After coupons all of these groceries only cost $34.

Another hint? I watched the price drop $70 as the cashier scanned my coupons.

And then I reached into my purse to pull out my wallet and realized that it was not there. After frantically searching my pockets, jacket, and purse for another minute I told him to just stop my purchase. But luckily I live close enough to the store that the manager just transferred my purchase to the customer service desk and let me come back and pay 20 minutes later. Just another reason I love Harris Teeter.

Next time I spend hours clipping coupons, I'm going to spend an extra two seconds checking to make sure I have someone to pay for all of those groceries.

Life Update #1

Sometimes I forget why I write on this blog when I try to come up with funny and clever ideas to write about. But the main reason I write on this blog? Well I guess there's two. The first is because I like to write. And the second - to tell people how and what we're doing. So here's what we've been up to lately.

Enjoying grilling stuff with our new grill pan.

Grilled eggplant rolls stuffed with arugula, bacon, and goat cheese.

Grilled chicken and zucchini

Crossing things off my 24 in 24 list.

I'm starting this classic soon.

And watching lots of movies.

Transformers 2 – just okay

Up – liked this one more

Avatar 3D – LOVED!

Playing in Puddles with Purple Nails

As part of The Joy Equation, I wrote down a list of things yesterday that make me happy. As I thought about it a little more today, that list just continued to growing. Here are some of the simplest things that make me happy right now.

- Talking to my nephews on the phone, especially when I can tell that they know who they are talking to.

- Dancing in my cubicle at work (right now to Bad Romance) when I think no one is watching. And when I know people are watching.

- Having my nails painted a deep dark purple.

- Playing games. It doesn't even matter what kind of games.

- People coming by or calling just to say hi.

- Getting real mail - the kind that comes in the mailbox I open with a key.

- Lightning. Playing in puddles. Catching snow flakes in my mouth.

- The first bite of a Boston Cream donut. And the second one too.

- Sleeping in until my body decides it's time to wake up.

- Smiling. Skipping. And staying positive when other people can't.

What keeps you smiling? Happy Friday!

Joy in January

January is going to be a great month. I can just feel it. I'm on day five of my no sweets and even though I've been tempted with birthday cake (thanks a lot Darcee), rice krispy treats, and milkshakes...I'm been doing great so far and haven't even come close to slipping. Someone asked me why I'm doing it, and I really couldn't tell them anything other than just to say I did it. I put it on my 24 in 24 list and just like to cross things off.

Oh and then of course there's the Phoenix half-marathon next week (and yes, there is a reason I haven't been talking about it).

And finally, I was asked about a month ago if I wanted to review Joy Equation, a 30-Day Guide to Living Life on Purpose. It's basically a 30-day program that includes free sessions with a life coach, a cool journal, journal prompts, and steps for living a more joyful life. Because I'm not one to pass up a great opportunity and an excuse for having to write, I said yes. My Joy Equation started yesterday...as I continue over the 30 days you'll probably hear a little more about it but this is really all I know for now. Even if the program doesn't teach me how to find joy, I'm hoping to at least do some great reflecting on my life and where I want to go in the years to come.

So here's to a joyful January.

Workout Gift Basket Ideas

I was sitting here tonight trying to think of ideas for a monthly prize for our workout competition and the one thing that kept coming to my mind was some type of gift basket. And one thing led to another, and I just kept coming up with all sorts of gift basket ideas. Most of these would be great as rewards for working out, but they can also be used for anything else. These are easy to put together but because they take a little thought, I think they are more fun and unique than just buying a gift card. So here are my ideas for different gift basket ideas. When I saw night off gift basket, I was thinking a night off from working out (for the workout competition).

• Healthy treats- chocolate milk, fruit, baby carrots, string cheese, yogurt, granola
  
• Homemade dinner - rolls, salad, main dish, dessert
  
• Homemade goodies - cinnamon rolls, cookies, cupcakes, muffins
  
• Night off #1: Movie Night - Blockbuster/Netflix/Redbox gift card, popcorn, movie candy, drinks, snuggie or fleece blanket
  
• Night off #2: Game night - pizza gift card gummy bears, playing cards, any board games, written out instructions for games like mafia, Chex Mix/snack food, drinks
  
• Night off #3 - good book, snuggie or fleece blanket, hot chocolate, treats
• Breakfast in Bed - cute vase, breakfast tray, breakfast recipes, muffin mix, juice, fruit
  
• Pamper/Girl's Night - chick flick, bubble bath, nail polish, foot lotion, face mask
  
• Spa Day - massage lotion, candles, chocolate/nuts, neck wrap, relaxing music
  
• General Workout - water bottle, towel, workout DVD, workout music, magazine
  
• Yoga - yoga mat, yoga socks, resistance bands, yoga balls, yoga DVD/cards
  
• Walking/Running- water bottle/pack, pedometer, gloves/hat for cold weather, socks, iPod armband, chocolate milk
  
• Baking - silicone spatulas, cupcake tins, mixing bowls, measuring cups, apron, favorite recipes or a cookbook
  
• Sweet and Salty Treats - Chocolate covered pretzels, trail mix, popcorn with M&Ms, chocolate/yogurt covered nuts or sunflower seeds, granola bars
  
• iPod Goodies- iTunes gift card, iPod cover, headphones, speakers, armband

As I come up with more ideas, I'll add them here or add them to my running blog where I'm keeping track of my workout reward ideas. Hopefully I'll actually get around to earning some of these rewards this year.

100 in 2010

My goal is to read 10 books in each of the 10 categories below before the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2010. I'm open to any recommendations you have.

1- LDS non-fiction books (stole this category)
2- Classics (because as an English major I really should have read these)
3- Historical fiction (fell in love with these after Cleopatra's Daughter)
4- Books from Oprah's book club list
5- Books written/published in 1985
6- Books that were made into movies (or vice versa)
7- Books I'm sent to review by publishers (since I'll do this anyway)
8- Books that have a number in the title
9- Books set in DC (at least partially)
10- Books from the 2009 NY Times Best Sellers List.

And here's what I've read (and my reviews) so far:

1. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (Best Sellers/Number)
2. The Associate by John Grisham (Best Sellers)
3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (Best Sellers/HF)
4. The Girls from Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow (Best Sellers)
5. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (Best Sellers/Movie)
6. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (classic)
7. The Queen's Fool by Phillipa Gregory (historical fiction)
8. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton (Oprah/classic/historical fiction)
9. The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve (Oprah)
10. If Tomorrow Comes by Sydney Sheldon (1985)
11. Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin (movie)
12. Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (movie)
13. Dreams that Won't Let Go by Stacey Hawkins Adams (review)
14. Simple Compassion by Keri Wyatt Kent (review)
15. Secret and Lies by Rhonda McKnight (review)
16. Fifteen Years by Kendra Norman Bellamy (number)
17. Devil's Food Cake by Josi L. Kilpack (review)
18. Truth - Next Exit - by Michele M. Paiva (review)
19. Cardboard: A Woman Left for Dead by Fiona Place (review)
20. The 7 Gifts that Came to Earth by John Mellor (number)
21. The History of Lucy's Love Life in Ten and a Half Chapters by Deborah Wright (number)
22. Love Mercy by Lisa and Ty Samson (DC)
23. Kissing Frogs in Cyberspace by Dianne Sweeney (Review)
24. Take Three by Karen Kingsbury (Number)
25. Palace Circle by Rebecca Dean (Historical Fiction)
26. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich (Number)
27. The Gettysburg Approach to Writing & Speaking Like a Professional (Review)
28. The New Rules for Mortgages by Dale Spiegel (Review)
29. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Best Seller)
30. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Best Seller)
31. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (historical fiction)
32. Take Four by Karen Kingsburg (number)
33. Aspire by Kevin Hall (Review)
34. Great and Terrible Series #1 (DC)
35. Great and Terrible Series #2 (DC)
36. Great and Terrible Series #3 (DC)
37. Great and Terrible Series #4 (DC)
38. Great and Terrible Series #5 (DC)
39. Great and Terrible Series #6 (DC)
40. Innocent Traitor by Allison Weir (Historical Fiction)
41. The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick (Movie)
42. These is My Words by Nancy Turner (historical fiction)
43. Bury Me Deep by Megan Abbott (historical fiction)
44. Chocolat by Joann Harris (movie)
45. Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs (NYT Best Seller)
46. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay (historical fiction)
47. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (DC)