The Birds and the Bees

What a gorgeous day!  So what if it was only 25?  It was sunny.  I slept great.  My legs felt good to go.  So I laced up, and ran to Webster (11.5 miles).
It was awesome.  The wind might have been against me, I might have been a lil chilly, but it was a great run...especially when I saw these guys at mile 6....

What the???  Well, it made me laugh, which works for me!
I sailed into Webster in 1:38, good for 7 seconds under my long run pace.  Sweet!
The hubster brought me my clothes (such a good guy) and the car, I showered up, and we headed out for some refueling...and celebrating!  Mama TFB just got a new job, so we headed out to Applebee's to have a congrats-to-ya dins.

The hubster and Dad G.  Yeah, we thought he would class up the meal.  What were we thinking?  (I kid, I kid.)

Then I was threatened with no dessert unless I ate my meal.  Tragic.  Doesn't she know me?

Twist my arm to clean this plate.  Okay, you don't have to.  Chili Lime chicken-AH mazing!

Now it's time for the sabres dance....go sabres, go!

Marinara-thon

Ahhh, Friday.  I love you so much.  Why does it take 4 long workdays to get to you?  Oh well.  C'est la vie.  On tap-a gorgeous weekend!  What do you have planned (besides losing an hour of sleep?  Boo.)  The hubster and I have a family thing tomorrow, then Sunday is full of spring prep...hopefully it really will be 60 and I can air out our house-love opening the windows for the first time each spring!  I know, I'm a wild woman.
Well, with spring upon us (I hope!) it's time to talk about running.  Again.  The whole balance thing, right? :-)  As the weather gets warmer, I get more amped to be outside-sans gloves, ear covers and full length rights-woot!  Kinda helps with that whole motivation thing when you throw on capris, a tee, shoes and GO, rather than layering up!  Perfect running temps= 40 degrees to 70 degrees and both weekend days look to be promising!
I've got a 12 miler on deck tomorrow...which means I should fuel up with some pasta tonight, right?
One small problem.  I'm not a pasta person.  (I know mom, I'm Italian.  I apologize).
So...what to go underneath the homemade marinara?  Spaghetti Squash?  Been there, done that.  It's good.
Anything else?
Why yes-this little gem.  Now, I'm a big hungry girl fan.  Pooh pooh it, go ahead.  I know, it's not always "real food".  But it tastes good.  And most of the recipes are volumetrics friendly and hey...I like to eat.  I'm pretty sure there's no emotional f*ed upness....food tastes good.  Ya with me?  Read on.... 

So Easy Marinara n Slaw

Sauce:

One 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

Chili Pepper

1 tsp minced garlic

2 oz. tomato paste

1 small onion, minced

Dried Parsley (1 tsp)

Dried Oregano (1 tsp.)

Base:

4 cups broccoli slaw

1 serving turkey pepperoni

Topper:

2 tsp Parmesan cheese

Yep, this is one of those-do I really have to write it down? recipes!  Perfect for a weeknight.  For the sauce, combine all and simmer on the stove for 30 minutes.  Add a bit of water to another pan along with the slaw and simmer until tender, about 5-7 minutes.  Plate the slaw, pour on about a cup and a half of sauce (total yield of the sauce is about 3 cups) and sprinkle on the pepperoni.  Add a dash of cheese and go to town!

Perfection.  Half the recipe (shown above)

has a whopping 175 calories.

So I did what any normal human being would do....

I ate it all. 

With a side of fresh out of the oven Italian bread.

 You didn't think I would forget those carbs, did you?  Yum yum yum.

Are you a pasta person?  Or, like me, do you seek out alternatives?  (Just to be clear, I do like rice, potatoes, oats, millet, quinoa and plenty of other grains....just no pisghetti for this girl!)

What would you save?

Ahhh, I love where I live.  68 degrees yesterday and snow tonight.  Yay Rochester for keeping us on our toes!
So, how did you enjoy your evening last night?  I contemplated calling in sick and getting in a nice long run, but figured my boss would see right through it, so, like a good girl, stayed until 4:30 then headed out to enjoy!  Purely by chance, one of my friends from high school and I had decided to meet up, grab coffee, and hit the Webster bike path for a catchup session.
 I haven't seen Jonathan in about six years, so the 3 mile walk only scratched the surface, but it was great to laugh and see a friendly face from the past.
Now, lest it be one of those "what have you been doing since 2006" predictable reunions, of course, we ended up debating paper vs. plastic, (as a bookstore owner, he is firmly in the paper camp, obviously), communication, the context of relationships, and our obsession with "stuff" as a general population. 
No, I did not spike the coffee.
Clearly, we are terrible with the normal standards of conversation.
And I'm quite good with that.
So, let's talk about "stuff".
The meat of our chat came from his new blog...inaugural post went up on Sunday, so I would say that epitomizes new!  No lame jokes over there....yet (give it time, people).  Rather, a thought provoking post on what we, as human beings, value most-in terms of material assets.
Yep, we're back to the age old question..."If your house was on fire, what would you save?".  Even though we've probably all been asked some variation of that question, I think it's a fun one to revisit from time to time...not only does it tell you where you're at in terms of what you value in your life, but it also gets at what you feel defines you in terms of "stuff". 

By the way, for all intents and purposes, we are assuming that anything that can run on it's own will rescue itself (dogs, cats, your s.o., any child over the age of, oh, let's say 8).
What would you save?
Our theory was that most people would save their laptop, Ipad, or something equally "expensive" (yes, for all us triathlete crazies that would ride our Cervelos out of the fire, that counts).
Me?  I go for the nostalgic.  The stuff I couldn't replace.  I'm sure I have some important files in my hard drive, but there are some things that can't be replaced.
My Ironman medal (the first one, unless I could grab all my medals!)
My treasure chest full of notes/memento's from high school, pictures, old prom tickets, and love letters from old boyfriends and the current one (that I married :-))
Our wedding album.
That's what I'd save.  Of course, all three of these are in different rooms, but hey, this is a theoretical fire, right?  I can make up my own rules!
Wonder what the hubster would save...more than likely, my cat would come out with canned tuna on her back to do rescuez :-)
What would you save?  What has the highest value (to you) in your house? What isn't "just stuff?"
Kinda strange what pops into your mind, isn't it?

Marry me (or something like that)

Rewind back to the weekend....after many unsuccessful attempts (sickness, traveling, flat out laziness...take your pick) I FINALLY made our Valentine's day feast!  Better late than never, right?  If you've never had engagement chicken, you really need to try it.  I'm quite sure my credit is not going to the original source, but I first read about this dish in Glamour magazine about 5 years ago....it's a roast chicken doctored with lemon and herbs and is really quite simple to make, and supposedly "magic".  Apparently, it's the kind of meal that men associate with "wifey home cookin"" and after you make it for your man, magically, he'll put a ring on it. 
Well, back in '07, I made it for my boyfriend....and went from this:

TO THIS!  In less than a week!

WOW! (Yep, blurry photography and all).  Or...not.  Yes, I made it.  Yes, he proposed.  A month before I made it.  Damn.  Now that we're married, a proposal is slim to none (kinda horse before the cart and all) but, stuff it (har har).  It's a good dish.  We also eat Anniversary chicken on days other than August 8th.  We're wild like that.  Need a man?  Got a man, but no bling?  Just like a good chicken recipe?  Here you go!

Engagement Chicken (adapted from Glamour)

One whole chicken (about 3 lbs)
Two Lemons
2 small onions
Fresh Thyme
Black pepper
Salt
Additional Seasonings (optional-I used Adobo, love the flavor)
4 medium potatoes

Rinse the chicken, empty out the cavity.  Slice one lemon into 8ths, place half in the cavity along with one diced onion and half the thyme.

Slice the potatoes into small chunks.  Spray a roasting pan with cooking spray, arrange the chicken in the pan.  Rub under the skin with the remaining half of your first lemon, sprinkle with thyme, pepper, salt and spices.  Arrange the potatoes around the chicken and slice the second onion, arrange around potatoes.  Insert second lemon up the chicken tuckus (yes, that is a technical term in my book) and sprinkle more spices on the potatoes and onions.

Cover with foil and bake at 400 for one hour.  Remove foil, bake for another 45 minutes or until potatoes are soft and juices run clear.  For that extra pretty browned look, broil for 5 minutes...adds crisp, too!  Serves 4, with plenty of leftover chicken for chicken noodle soup!

 Now, I don't know if this'll help get you down the aisle or not, but, whatever, it's a good dinner.  Plus, who can't love something with such a ridiculous name?

Every tried Engagement chicken?  Did it work?  Do you visit a poultry farm every year and subscribe to Glamour in tribute to your nuptials?  Oh dear me, I hope not.

Off to play in the sunshine with one of my old high school pals....catch ya later, pies!

I stop when I'm done.

This morning = 18 degrees.  Tomorrow = 60 degrees.  So, of course, I have a tempo run on deck TODAY, right?  No problem-we'll switch it out to tomorrow and do some speed work on the 'mill instead!

Source

 ...coming right up!  Man, that hurt. 

The Workout

warm up 1 mile (6.7)

5 x 400 @ 6:58, 1' recovery jog

1 mile cool down (6.7)

= 4 miles (34:06)

Truth?  I almost didn't make it there.  I was tired.  I had a bit too late of a snack and my tummy was a bit off.  I forgot my socks (Bless you, Karen, for saving me...I owe you).  I just...didn't wanna.

But I did it anyways.

And even though it hurt, now I feel accomplished.
I felt the same way this weekend....with an 8 mile run on tap...which, (slap me, I know) really isn't too far for me, but is still a good hour and change of running and....it was cold.  I was sleepy.  I switched to decaf, and was missing that pick me up.Name your excuse.



Source

But then....nine times out of ten (and two out of two in the last 48 hours) I lace up.  I head out for the road (or the piece of gym equipment).  And I go.  And inevitably, the first 5 minutes suck.  (which is why they made mp3 players capable of programming playlists IMO....my first song on my player right now?  LMFAO's "Shots".  No judging.  It's lame.  But it's a beat that makes you wanna move....and...the lyrics are oh so complicated!)  After that first half mile or so, though, my spirits lift.  I ease into a pace.  On the road, I see other runners who wave and I wave back, a silent understanding and smile that this....is life.  Our lungs may burn.  That hill may grow a little longer each time (I swear, sometimes it does!)  We may trade fast and not so fast days....easy and not so easy miles....but at the end of the workout, head cleared, face flushed, and muscles worked...we have accomplished something. Our bodies were meant to move.  They might not always be ready for a quick start...sometimes you have to prime the engine with a little mental fortitude.  But, even when I set the 5 minute rule into action when I REALLY don't wanna run....I still run (okay, once, in 5 years, have I called uncle.  But, to my credit, I had gotten hit by a car less than a week earlier.  I'm a freak).
The point.  Sorry, I'm getting to it.  The point is....just do it.  5 minutes. And, almost all the time....it works.  I have never regretted a run, but I surely have regretted not lacing up.  Of dodging the run and hitting up the bike or pool instead (when I'm not injured...just being lazy).  And I can't for the life of my figure out why, when I love to run so darn much.  Really, out of the 3 disciplines, it's my favorite.  But, I think the fact that it requires the most effort has something to do with it?  Not sure.  But, from now on, I pledge to remember how mile 2 feels, instead of mile 1. 
And those are my random thoughts of the day, friends.  Does this ring true with anyone else?  Do you have a passion that takes a bit of talking yourself into or do you just dive in (or sprint out of the gates) head first?

It's how I roll

Whew, what a weekend!  Seems as if it was the weekend of breaks....broken dryer (and $$$ to buy a new one!), broken stove (well, okay, just a fire alarm, but that's fixed), broken pizza stone (as a result of the broken stove), and a broken kindle....yep, right after I wrote a post about how awesome the kindle was, I booted it up, and saw a black line right across the screen.  Fudge.  After some cursing (by me and the hubster) we called up Amazon support, and they reiterated why I think the kindle is the greatest....what customer support!  They are sending out a new kindle on Wednesday and provided us with a return shipping label free of charge.  Awesome. 
With all that madness and a snowy 8 mile run on tap, I relaxed with some pumpkin tea and an actual book last night.  No blogging :-).  But, today, with a new week with NO travels and NO breaking (wishful thinking!) It's time to return to the (virtual and real) world!

Or...just the virtual one.  As I was trolling through the Internets last night, I read some of my favorite blogs, and they all have one thing in common...a blogroll.  As in, blogs that they read and think are worth reading.  (Hey, if anyone wants to be my friend and add me to their blogroll, I'll be forever grateful happy to reciprocate!) I randomly tend to pick the most interesting sounding names when I'm bored and do a lil reading....but it's a complete shot in the dark whether or not I'm actually interested once I get to said blog.  With that...I though I would share some of my favorite blogs with you...ones I read at least once a week and keep me coming back for more!

Sweetest blog:  The District chocoholic.  Victoria is a DC blogger (no kidding) who does daily reviews on her favorite subject...chocolate.  And not the Hershey type stuff, either...the good stuff.  Check it out...but not at 3pm.  It only fuels my afternoon chocolate habit :-)

Snarkiest Blog: Skinny runner. I wish I could hate this girl, but she just makes me laugh too damn much.  A 3:20 marathoner who busts out 7 minute miles like it ain't no thang, with some Jersey Shore attitude and self-depreciating humor.  A light read, but always good for a laugh.

Most relatable blog: Run, eat, Repeat.  Monica blogs for SoCal (so jealous) about running, eating, and...then doing it again.  Ear har.  All joking aside, this girl runs for the sheer fun of it, blogs about her cereal and carb addiction, and how she is trying like heck to lose the last 10 pounds.  She's funny, realistic, and expresses our inner dork that we all try to hide.
Oh no she didn't! Blog:  Little G Spot.  Warning-this is an R rated blog (at best), but is so damn hilarious, you'll spit out your coffee (so wait till after your morning cup to read it).  Gail is a 40 something single mom in SC who blogs about dating, sex, and keepin' it real...with no (and I mean no) holds barred.  Her style is honest, gripping, and completely unique.  Subscribe.  You won't regret it.

Best Blog Name:  Steve in a Speedo?  Gross!  Please.  How can you not attempt this blog?  Steve is your average age grouper triathlete who's raced everything from a sprint to an Ironman, along with plenty of road races.  His humor (tongue in cheek) and diverse style keep me comin' back for more!

Most Informative Tri Blog:  DC Rainmaker. Hands down, the best training resource blog for triathletes.  Ray is a decently talented athlete, and does reviews of both race courses and the gamut of tri equipment.  He has a great storytelling voice, but also is objective, realistic, and informative.  His how to guides completely rock for those of us that are technologically challenged!

Yummiest Blog:  Skinny Taste.  Not only is this blog a mecca for yummy recipes, it also breaks them down into category/course and weight watchers points.  And, quite frankly, no one would know that any of it is weight watchers anyways!  Gina has an amazing eye for photography, and her recipes are easy to follow, don't require a million ingredients, and, did I mention it, really tasty?

Well, there ya have it.  Of course, I have other awesome blogs over on my blog roll (and ever expanding!)  but these are the blogs that I'm really lovin' lately!

Do you have any blogs you read every day?  An great blog I don't know about? Ones that I don't have mentioned or on my blogroll?  Spill!  (I'm always looking for Internet time wasters!)

Paper or Plastic?

No groceries today...just a nice day at home with a trainer ride (rockin out the 2 hour rides now-woot woot), some house cleaning, and snuggles.  With my new love.  My fire.
I've had my toy now for two weeks and took it on a 5 day business trip, so I figure it's time for a lil review....paper (traditional books) or plastic (kindle)?
Let's talk history.
Back when digi-readers came out, I stuck my nose up at them.  Big time.   Who wants to pay $75-$200 for a digital "pad" when you can get books out of the library for free? I thought.  Plus, there's no way that reading from a computer screen is as satisfying as turning the pages of a book, snuggled up under blankets, with a mug of tea.  Nope.  I'm good.
Then people started praising them.  Big time.  I listened, but wasn't sold.  Fine, i thought.  Maybe if you travel alot, it makes sense to save some room in your suitcase.  I get that.  But still, how can you justify dropping $10-$15 on a digital book, when you can get paperbacks (which are actual SUBSTANCE) for cheaper?  Hmmm.

Well, when I found out the number of days I was going to be on the road this year, I looked again.  The hubster is part of a sharing network online, so he told me he could get the books for cheaper...and I started to really peruse.  He found an awesome deal on a Fire (which I had decided on...may as well get the Internet, too, right?) and the sealed the deal.  My valentine delivered my kindle fire, complete with 12 of the latest best sellers on my must read list, 2 weeks before my 5 day road trip to NC and DC.  One I wrestled away the "Angry Birds" addict, it was mine...all mine to play with!
And, after testing it out both at home and on the road, here's what I think:
Pros:
1.  The convenience can't be beat.  It's portable (fits in my purse), stays charged for 8 hours, and you can switch from reading to checking email to updating your status anywhere there is free wifi.
2.  It's easy to maneuver, even for a dummy like me (I am not god with gadgets).  You can change the font size, background, etc., with the touch of a button.
3.  It holds quite a bit!  Right now I've got about 15 books, 2 movies, and a few dozen apps on it.  More functional than a book-plus you can load the magazines you are subscribed to on it as well, which, again, is awesome for traveling.
4.  I read even faster....this is lame, but it amuses me that you can just touch the screen to turn the page.  I finished my first book in 90 minutes.  Clearly, I need more authors!
Cons:

1.  No page numbers.  I know that's kinda dumb, but it's nice to know what page you're on....there's a function that allows you to see how far, percentage wise, you are into the book, but it's not "psychologically" as satisfying (yep, I'm laughing at myself, too.)
2.  You can't bring it EVERYWHERE.  Big fan of bubble baths.  Big klutz.  I think I'll save paper editions for that one :-P
3.  You do need to recharge it.  I've never had a book run out of batteries on me....yet.

And...I'm sure there are more for both sides.  Bottom line?  I adore it.  And for someone so resistant to buying one, that's something.  I'll never trade in my paper library, but until those suckers are on the dollar table at my libraries book sale, digital works for me!

Do you have an e-reader?  What do you think?

Let's talk history.