Adaptability

     If anyone of you has ever taken a Strengths Finder quiz, iI hope you found it is amazing as did!  Just a whole different thought process on how to look at success through what one does well.  Adaptability has always been a strength for me.  I seem to manage and accept change well for my personal and professional life. 
     That being said, I still am saddened by change, such as the way life makes people grow apart, or as relationships change with people.  I realise that this could be good or bad thing,  but I've found that it is usually not as preferred.
     A VERY good friend was suppose to fly in for New Years 2010, and she cancelled three hours before the flight.  She needs to be with her family, and I completely support her.  What saddens me is that even though I consider(ed) her a sister, I don't know what is going with her anymore.  She moved from the "hometown" over a year ago.  Since she doesn't like to chat on the phone, its hard to talk, catch up and bond.  I just wish we were as close as we once were.  That is what I don't like about change, and even though I have a strong ability to accept change, in this instance, I will be doing it with feet dragging. 

Chickpea, Spinach, and Squash Gnocchi & Daniel Craig update.

I've been feeding myself very well for the past couple of days!  Todays dinner was very tasty. 
http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/chickpea-spinach-squash-gnocchi-recipe-ew0910
And in the process I learned something new, how to cut up a squash. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbecyb7TgDE

Here is the offical fancy-pants picture:

Here is my finished product:

I used whole-wheat gnocchi.  This was MUCH more filling then the Quinoa dish, but also, more calorie rich. 

It's a good thing I'm working out!  Speaking of which, writing about Daniel Craig a few days ago, I saw something new!  He's dating Racheal Wiesz!  (whom is seperated from Darron Aronofsky - Black Swan director, See it!!) What a lucky Girl! :) 



5:30am and strange noises!

I awoke this morning with some strange sounds!  It was a bit scary, so I was really quite listening, grabbed my mace, and turned on lights.  Nothing.  I couldn't find a damn thing.  Then, I hear a very quiet "Meow".  Kwasie, my cat, had somehow got locked into the spare bedroom!  How the heck that happened - I have no clue.  Poor baby!  We promptly got some food, and went back to bed. 

Christmas Dinner!

Merry Christmas! 
  Since this was a very low key Christmas for me, I made myself something a little different, and new! I had: Warm Quinoa Salad with Edamame and Tarragon.  http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/warm-quinoa-salad-edamame-tarragon-recipe-5643

I have been waiting to find a good Quinoa recipe, and to wait until the quinoa was on sale too (Quinoa is expensive!) So, when the stars aligned, and I had a free day, I got busy in the kitchen.  The recipe is pretty simple. This is actually the first time I've cooked with tarragon, and it is GOOD!  I also ran out of vegetable broth, and needed little less than a cup, so there wasn't a cooking emergency. 

Here is the official websites photo:

And here is my version:

The verdict:

Delicious!! The lemon and tarragon really make this flavorful!  The roasted red peppers are a perfect addition to the quinoa, spinach and edamame.  I recommend it! 



Gym update!!

I ran 2.6 miles in thirty minutes!!  Also, Casino Royale was playing on the TV as well.  Nothing like Daniel Craig to raise ones heartbeat.  Oh My. 

Reality Shows

   So...I'm not really a reality show person per-say.  But, I have happened to of watched two shows based on obesity and weight loss. 
    What is interesting is that the first of the two shows is titled Ruby.  Essentially, she's gone from 700pds+ to 350pds (at end of season two).  It's amazing to observe how she thinks.  Never being morbidly obese myself, watching her learn to be an "average" person is eye-opening.  I've never thought about the fact that beds break at a certain weight point, chairs, with arms, a no-go, no high heels of any sort, having cement blocks under the bed to support the frame so the bed doesn't collapse or simply just walking.  I have to admit, seeing people that overweight can be a sight, but as Ruby has explained it, she put herself into that position, and has taken herself out.  But, at no point does she deserve to be treated like she isn't a human being.  
    I've also seen the latest (and only season I've seen) season of Biggest Loser.  Inspiring - the final four have to run a marathon!  If they can do it, going from 200pds-300pds in a matter of three months, makes me wonder what I could do.  Not that I want to run a marathon! ;) 


  It was so eye-opening to these people that have both taken accountability for their weight gain and have opened their personal lives and battle to the public - I applaud them, and it helps me keep motivated myself. Bravo! 

Gym Time!

     I've decided to do a fitness program titled the "Skinny Jean" routine.  Those of you that know me, there is this one thing that will never fully allow me to be in skinny jeans, not that it's a bad thing, just really is well rounded. ;)  I've decided to do this particular routine because it will allow some muscle back in my legs, which are something I think I usually rock. 
     I'm completing week four on the 1-4 routine and ready to move onto the program week 5-9.  Since I've been in the gym, I've seen quite a few interesting things.  My gym is a  neighborhood place, and I'm sure of these people live very close to me.  (Which in hindsight, is a very particular reality)  First off, the muscle-heads that that are there every time I'm there - which is every other day.  It's mostly the fact that they have to yell out/grunt with every rep or squat.  And this is with headphones on!  Seriously guys.....it's doing nothing for the ladies, in fact, it's lowering you in our minds.  I feel bad saying that - but its true.  I'm sorry! 
     I do cardio every time I'm in there, and the other day, there was a woman on the treadmill that seriously had ADD.  Which was interesting in itself, but the fact that she ran for, at most, two minutes, before having to stop to stretch, was odd.  I wonder if she was able to work up a sweat or heartbeat, since she last for maybe 15 minutes.  I tend to observe people, and this kept me entertained while working it on the elliptical.  I tried actually running on the treadmill about five day ago, and I was able to run for two an half miles in little over half and hour!  Woot!! Except for the tender neck and shoulders for four days afterward.  Anyone ideas on how to avoid in the future?  I'm ready to run again tomorrow.  Wish me luck!