Moved

I moved!

#100

Today Jennifer, Billy and I went to Green for lunch.  I ordered the Mexicali burger.  I thought it was going to be a veggie burger but it was a mock beef burger.  Ew :P I don't like the flavor of any fake red meat.  It was even pink like dead cow burgers are.  Without skipping a beat my wonderful husband switched lunches with me.  I had his yummy Original G Spicy Po Boy (spicy buffalo mock chicken, lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo).  He is so very sweet :)

Best six months of my life

Last night Billy and I went to True Food  to celebrate our 6 month anniversary a day early because 12/22 is Billy's mom's Bday.  Tyler gave us some gift cards to use there.

OH MY GOSH THE FOOD IS ***AMAZING***

 From their web page:

At True Food Kitchen, we believe simple, fresh, pure ingredients create the most satisfying and memorable dining experiences. While our menu is packed with nutritious, good-for-you vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, we never sacrifice flavor. You may not notice the difference, but it’s there.

We use seasonal, locally grown, organic produce as often as possible. It tastes better and is more nutritious.
We use healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and expellier pressed canola oil.
We use minimal dairy in our recipes; what we do use is all organic.
Most of our pastas are wheat free and made from brown
and white rice.
Our pizza crusts and pita breads are made in-house with organic flour, spelt and flax seed.
We offer biodynamic, organic and sustainable wine.
We are the only restaurant in the nation to provide Olivello Juice, an extract from sea buckthorn berries. Olivello is full of powerful natural anti-oxidants and other protective phytonutrients. (You can find this ingredient in Andy’s Elixir, Medicine Man, and Orange Olivello Sorbet with Fresh Berries.)
We offer 16 vegetarian, 6 vegan, and 10 gluten-free items on our menu.
We use organic yogurt instead of butter and cream in the sauce for our Butternut Squash Ravioli.
We purify our own bottled water in-house using Natura Water System, which eliminates plastic bottle waste.
Our soba noodle dishes are made from buckwheat noodles that are slow-digesting (low glycemic load) carbs, prepared with little or no fat.
We offer farro, a true whole-grain dish, which is delicious and slow digesting (low glycemic load).
Our house-made natural sodas and fresh juice drinks are sweetened with either agave nectar or erythritol, they are full of health-protective compounds and have less impact on blood sugar.
For those who want a noncaloric sweetener, we offer a natural alternative that will not undermine your health: erythritol.
We use fresh wasabi – a true food – unlike the powdered stuff that contains little or no real wasabi.
We put delicious, organic plum tomatoes from Tuscany on our pizzas.

For our appetizer we got the Caramelized Onion Tart with Smoked Garlic, Black Figs & Gorgonzola. This was so delicious! The creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the figs made this so good!

For our entrees I got the Farm Vegetables, Manchego Cheese, Pistachios & Chili Lime Vinaigrette and added tofu. I didn't see any cheese in my salad so I am not too sure about that. This salad was so good! I would def. order it again. Billy got the Butternut Squash Ravioli with Mushrooms, Savoy Cabbage & Pistachios. HOLY MOLY he gave me a few bites of his and I swear I died and went to heaven. This was by far the best ravioli I have EVER had. Ever, ever!! He also got the sweet potato hash.

When we went to pay I realized I forgot the gift cards at home. Oops! Oh well it just gives us an excuse to go back.

Other menu items we want to try:
- Harvest Chopped Salad, Butternut Squash, Apples, Walnuts, Goat Cheese & Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Local Vegetable Crudités with Tzatziki Dipping Sauce
- Gluten Free Spaghetti, Roasted Shrimp, Eggplant & Tuscan Kale*
- Fresh Tomato, Pasilla Chile & Manchego Pizza
- Curry Chicken with Rice Noodles, Cauliflower & Cashews (Billy, but with tofu. I don't like curry :P)
- Teriyaki Tofu, Local Vegetables, Brown Rice, Sesame & Avocado
- Roasted Root Vegetables, Farro & Celery Root Purée
- Andy’s Favorite “TLT” Tempeh, Lettuce & Tomato on Whole Seed Bread 9

HYPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My steroids make me hyper!!!!  Super duper hyper!!!

I did some Christmas shopping this morning.  At the first store the cashier asked if I was done with my shopping.  I told him this was actually my first day shopping.  I went to a couple stores and then came home because I was starving.  Like eat my arm off starving.  Another side effect of the steroids is increased appetite.  Luckily I only have a few more days of taking them.  For lunch I had a garden burger, broccoli, and vanilla yogurt.

I took my doses this morning and another at lunch.  When Billy walked in the door I was like, "LETS GO TO THE STORE AND BUY SOMETHING FOR THE HOUSE!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)"

Billy said, "Ok."

I said, "Now! " and got my purse and bolted out the door!  Zoom!  Woosh!!

We didn't find anything but I got to channel my nervous energy by walking around the store a million times.

Then I was starving (story of myu life) and had a granola bar and some more broccoli.

I wish I could work out because I could run 123235647655635423342 miles!  Seriously! 

Unfortunately the steroids basically make me have 0% of an immune system.  I decided having three open wounds be saturated in sweat and trapped under my cast would not be good.  The last thing I need is for them to get infected.  I also supposed to avoid people who are sick because I'd get really sick.  

Tonight we are celebrating our 6 month wedding anniversary (a day early because tomorrow is Barbara's Bday by going on a date <3>

Scott graduated!!!

Boo boo

Bruised from the tendon transfer

Allergic reaction...again...ugh
Blue cast this time 

Scott graduated!!!

Surgery Day

I am about to leave for surgery.  Anesthesia makes me so nervous.  One second you are awake and the next several hours have passed.  So bizarre.  Hopefully everything goes ok!

Before...no scars...


Can't wear my rings :(

And the best part.....












I am going to the hospital in a Bacardi shirt. Hey, at least I have a sense of humor :)

Lurking

 704 blog views?  I know my husband and dad read this blog.  Does anyone else?

Please leave me a comment.  I would love to add you to my blog roll and/or comment on your fabulous blog!

Side note: my husband just bought me the Britney CD off of I-Tunes :)

Snacks not meals today - apparently

Regular puffins and cinnamon puffins with almond milk. I've never had almond milk before but it was really good! Def. a keeper!

First of two apples.
First of two 50 calorie cheese sticks
Chocolate chip granola bar.

Aw! And my dad brought me flowers at work today :)

I also had a cookie during a conference call :)

Brrr

It is FREEZING outside!  According to weather.com it is 50 degrees.  BRRRRR!!!

Aw when Billy woke up this morning the first thing he said was, "And the Lord said let there be love.  And then He made Marissa and Billy" Aw :)

Billy woke up and we ran to the gym.  At the gym I:

- 40 minutes of walking reading Twilight

- Foam Roller

- Walked home

My IT bands were super tight today.  I think it was probably from all my cardio yesterday.

For lunch I had a veggie burger, broccoli, and some leftover pasta.

I've been cleaning and doing laundry on and off all day.  I am just lacking the motivation.

Shortly after I ran smack into the tired wall.  So I took a nap.  When I woke up I was starving!  I always wake up from naps hungry.  So I had a tofu egg roll, grapes, and a gingerbread cookie.  

Click here to read an article on the high price of cheap foods.  One of the many benefits of being a vegetarian is I don't go to fast food places.

Dinner was a cheese sandwich, left over pasta, and broccoli.

Cleaning Time

I have no idea how to rotate this.  Please tilt your head :) 

I woke up at 7:30 this morning.  I was hoping to sleep in some but I guess not.  

I like Sundays.  Today I am going to clean.  Once Billy wakes up we are going to the gym and I am going to read Twilight.  I am so excited!

I have been working out since I was a little Marissa

I used to wake up at 5 o'clock in the morning EVERY single morning!   No joke, my mom even recorded it for me.  I was crazy about exercising when I was little!

Hello my name is Marissa and I have a cookie problem

My mom and I baked cookies today and I may or may not have eaten a TON of oatmeal/whole wheat chocolate chip cookies. When Billy wakes up tomorrow he won't have a wife. On his pillow will be a cookie.

Oh my gosh.....so delicious! I have no idea where the recipe came from (Heaven?) but they are awesome.

For lunch I had an egg roll and some broccoli slaw. Dinner? Same. Ugh, boring palate. Whatever. Tofu egg rolls rock my world.

At 6:40am I was eating my leftover Mexican food from the ballet. The rice was icky but the burrito was yummy! I most certainly cannot be the only person eating Mexican food before the sun comes up on Saturday mornings.

Once the sun finally came up I ran to the gym so I could read Twilight.

Workout:
1 mile run
60 min. elliptical
15 min. bike
Lower body exercises
Foam roller <3
1 mile walk

Once again I ran to the gym with my beloved Twilight book in hand. I am sure people driving by thought I was *CRAZY* but I don't care. I made a ridiculous promise to myself to read the glory that is Twilight only at the gym.

Tomorrow I hope to wake up later than 6:30. Billy and I are going to the gym and I am sooooo reading my book! Ahhh!! :)

Christmas shopping progress: um....I need to start.....

Billy: What are you blogging about wife?
Me (as my az glaze over): cookies....

Eats and Fresh and Easy

Organic whole wheat pasta with broccoli and chunky vegetable sauce


Rolls Before. They are crescent dough with alfredo sauce and cheese in the middle


Rolls





My free :) Fresh and Easy Bag <3 onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqQcMvnU4k6l338Yj3DS9rbweXnfiMesDWoqde-PBtZxQ9PQ4lZr5vWNVAa2VfXSv6x0_DsWO_I7UnQDJ4lvJHL9KP-uWi58ZLaV8UlYj1oJF9EcSSGq1R0pWME_7lfLvjogz0ZPpj70/s1600-h/IMG_1827.JPG">

Fresh and Easy Purchases:

- Sierra Mist Free

- Organic Soy Milk

- Almond Milk 

- Apples

- Grapes

- Tofu

Total: $8.55

EW

WARNING: Pictures of my staph infection below. Read with caution.














































(Note the cut covering up my initial stitches from the night before the wedding trip to the ER)

I just realized I will have to wear my wedding rings on my right hand because my arm will be in a cast again. But not a fiber glass cast.

My arm when the cast was on:


Here is my arm once the cast was off and I had a staph (not contagious) infection:


Wahhhh :(

Original cut was itty bitty. Here is post surgery #1 scars:

Letter

Dear Husband,

Please write a blog so I have something to read.

Love,
Your Wife

Soup

Right as I was about to heat my soup up I got a call that I needed to drop a packet of info off. So in the car I ate a string cheese.

Lunch was a bowl of veggie soup (added Tabasco and Sriracha):



Snack:
100 calorie pop corn. I just Googled it to make sure it didn't have whatever that lung cancer chemical was. I am good to go!

I am beyond glad it is Friday!

Tomorrow I am baking holiday cookies with my mom. Plus it's my 7 year anniversary of becoming a vegetarian :)

:)

My surgery is going to be next Thursday.

I will be off from 12/18/2008 until 1/5/09. Sick/Vacation combo time.

The ballet last night was so much fun! I'd never been to a ballet before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Billy had never been either, but it was something we both wanted to check out. It's def. something we will go to again!

After the show we walked around looking for somewhere to eat. We ended up going to a Mexican Food place. There salsa (especially the hot one) were good! Billy got spinach enchiladas and I got a bean burrito with guac.

Right now! ARGHerhsjkfhdlwshjk!

I still have no idea when my surgery is. I called again at 9 and left a message.

This is what I said:

I said this is Marissa X calling again. I’ve already left you several messages. I need to know when my surgery is next week so please call me back right…as soon as you can. Thank you.

I am calling again at 11.

Ha ha I almost said call me me back right now. Considering my orthopedic surgeon is out of town for the last two weeks this month it is IMPERATIVE that I know TODAY when it is!

(I hope you can sense my overly annoyed self through the monitor)

Work out this morning (I got to the gym at 5am because I couldn't sleep)
- 30 minutes jog/run on the treadmill.
- Foam roller :) <3
Distance 2.65 miles
No pain :)

Came home for a little bit more sleep before work.

Once I got to work I had a gingerbread yogurt + cereal. Ahh...tasted like a holiday!

Please tone it down a little

I hate it when I get in the (empty) elevator at work and I smell perfume/cologne.

I am pretty sure you are wearing too much when you are not even in an elevator people can smell that you have been there.

Thank you Outlook

1 minute ago...I looked in my purse for a piece of gum. :( none

1 day ago...I was so elated I can have surgery this year

1 week ago...I went to the gym and ate spicy food

1 month ago...I had the day off because of Veteran's Day :) and finished 100 facts about me

1 year ago...was a staff meeting

3 years ago...was December 2005. I was probably studying for finals.

5 years ago...was December 2003. I was a freshman in college and excited to spend my first Christmas with Billy :) <3

7 years ago...was December 2001. I was a Junior in HS and became a vegetarian

10 years ago...was December 1998. I was in 8th grade, had bangs, glasses, and braces. Oh boy!

Sleep

Workout today:
Sleep in :)

ahh....it was divine! The alarm went off, I got up, put my contacts in, looked at Billy and said, "Lets not go today."

He responded, "OK."

So I went back to sleep for 2 glorious more hours. So very much needed!

Tonight the husband and I are going to the ballet to see the Nutcracker. We are in the third row! It should be fun! :)

I have left two messages with the surgery scheduler to see when next week I'll be having surgery. Still no word...

Opposable Thumb

After work I met Billy at my parent's house. When I walked up to the door there was a glass of Carly Zin waiting for me. Oh how delicious it was! My dad made pasta with some sort of yummy bread. My mom foo-foo'ed up some sort of veggie sauce for me. I asked her what she added to it and she responded back with, "love." After one taste it was clear it contained a whole lot of love!! Everything she makes is like something some 5 star chef would make - only hers is def. a bazillion stars better!

I added red chili flakes, Tabasco, and jalapenos to my pasta. So spicy and yummy! For a little something sweet I took a sliver of fudge and a dollop of fat free cool whip. Billy is currently still at my parent's house watching some Mickey Mouse Christmas something. Today he told me one of the reasons he married me was because of how much he likes spending time with my family. There isn't an AW big enough for that :) I feel just as lucky to be a part of his family too.

I keep thinking about how badly I want to read Twilight! Curse myself for making the rule to only read it at the gym! At least it is motivation to go :)

The doctor's office didn't call me back so I still don't know if my surgery is Tuesday or Thursday of next week. I am really glad my mom is going to be there because it just makes everything seem ok. I am really glad my husband owns his own company so he can be there too (I asked him if he'd be there and then suggested he talk to his boss, lol). The last time they were both in the waiting room and it made me more at ease.

I need a time machine so I can start reading my book! Agh!

Going Under the Knife Again

I am having surgery next week.

Ok, back up, what?

My 6 month follow up (when surgery would be scheduled at this appointment) was 1/3/09. Now that is all fine and dandy except for one *MAJOR* thing...I am about $100 away from my out of pocket max. I decided if I was going to have surgery it should be before December 31, 2008 otherwise I'd be out another couple grand.

Last week I called my orthopedic surgeon left a message saying I needed to schedule surgery. Apparently, people are not allowed to schedule their own surgeries. The rules are you see a doctor and he schedules the surgery. So I made my appointment for today to see my doctor.

He saw me and explained the whole procedure to me and my mom. (My mom was there because she can ask the tough medical questions.) He explained at around 6 months my thumb movement may improve, but only slightly. He said the surgery won't hinder any progress my body would make by itself, it would just add to it.

I am not sure of the order of it all but he takes a tendon from my index finger (did you know we have extra?! we do!) and uses it and do a little wrappy-poo around my thumb and through my hand etc. and bam! I can hold a cup again! I will need physical therapy after wards. I guess when I do a thumbs up sign my index finger will point out (think making a gun with your hand).

I will be put in an arm cast. I won't be getting a fiber glass cast because we all know fiber glass cast + me equaled a staph infection that required 10 days of antibiotics back in July.

Also, every time I move my thumb the tendon will bulge out a little bit. Cool beans!

Some not so great things:
- He needs to avoid my original nerve graft and that whole area to avoid undoing the first surgery
- He needs to avoid my ulnar nerve. If hit, I will get a ZAP! every time I move my wrist
- The tendon could pull from the incision site
- General Anesthesia (freaks me out! it's like you are told to close your eyes and then you open them right away, but really hours have gone by. Also, whatever dumb things I say under Anesthesia. I've heard everyone says dumb stuff, but I am a babbler normally so Lord only knows what I say)

Good things:
- $100 cost vs. $$$$$
- My mom is off all next week and hopefully Billy can arrange his work schedule around this
- I will be able to hold a cup
- Paid sick time off
- The sympathy looks that people give girls in casts

-----------

Workout today (really I just wanted to read Twilight)
- 30 min. elliptical
- 20 min. bike
- Lower body exercises
- Foam Roller

And Repeat

My dinner was completely different the exact same as lunch. Well not the exact same - I didn't have any pineapple

What? Don't judge.

It was even more awesomely delicious the second time around! I made Billy a wrap that contained: fake chicken, organic Cheddar, a little Alfredo sauce, and a whole lot of love. On the side we had some Vegetable Bisque soup. Ick :P There was some flavor it in that I didn't like. So I dumped it in the sink and had a "frozen yogurt." Meaning vanilla yogurt tuck in the freezer.

I am currently waiting for my sugar cookie tea to finish it's thing so I can have myself a little tea party.

Tomorrow I find out if I can have surgery this year (meaning no cost to me because I have met my out of pocket max) or if I have to wait and see if it heals by itself/surgery next year (this will cost me several thousand out of pocket).  I am bringing my mom with me because she is a nurse at the most prestigious hospital in the state.  Ideally my thumb will heal without surgery.  I am going to be cautious about making medical decisions based on money.  I am just stressing that in a couple months they are going to say I need surgery because without it the muscle that controls thumb movement is close to atrophying.   On the flip side, I don't want to have unnecessary surgery if it is not necessary.  I guess I'll just have to wait and see.  After my appointment my mom and I are going to lunch :)

True Love

Dear Oatmeal,

I love you so much. I love your no cholesterol, protein, fiber, 0 trans fat, and all of your other vitamins and minerals. I especially adore you with cinnamon. Plus you're hot!

Always and Forever,
Marissa

(Yes I really did take a picture of my breakfast, add a heart, and M+O)
----------
Today's workout:
- 10 minutes Stairmaster
- 15 minutes bike
- 10 minutes elliptical
- 10 minutes walking
- Foam roller and stretching for 15 minutes

The best part of my work out: READING TWILIGHT :) Time goes by so fast when I am reading it. If I didn't have to go to work today I would probably still be at the gym reading it. The best part is I am only on the first book so I know there are many happy days ahead!
------
Lunch (I cut the wrap in half because I like small plates):


- Sun Dried Tomato Wrap (100 calories, 9 grams of protein, 12 grams of fiber and a whole lot of deliciousness!)
- Veggie Burger
- Pineapple
- Broccoli Slaw
- Pickles
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Newman's Own Low Fat Sesame Seed Ginger
- Love

Wow wow wow. So yummy!

Snack:

Delicious and 14 grams of protein!

Dorky tendencies

I woke up randomly at 4:36am and couldn't fall back asleep.  I really hate it when that happens!  Now Billy and I are headed off to the gym.  I am so excited to continue reading Twilight I can barely stand it!

I am a bottomless pit

oday was one of those days where I felt like I had a little monster in my stomach that needed a lot of food.  Ha ha :)

Tomorrow we are having someone come from the new insurance company (switched because our rates went up.  Wonder if my $22,000 surgery had anything to do with that).  Depending on what my doctor says on Wednesday I am probably going to go with the more expensive monthly plan for a lower out of pocket max.  

On a happier note we got the appraisal back on the condo and us buying half of it is significantly lower than we thought!  Plus we qualify for first time homeowner tax credit :) :) :)

There's a bunch of stuff that we want to change.  Here are some things that come to mind:

- CHANGE THE FLIPPING CURTAINS! Oh how I hate them! 

- Get different carpet in our room

- Turn the area where the trash can is into a pantry with pull out shelves

- Get a new kitchen table - the one we have is UGLIER THAN SIN 

- Change out some of the light fixtures

- Remove the popcorn ceilings

- Paint our room

- ETC

OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY ON OUR HANDS!!!

Santa!

Husband (oh my gosh he is so adorable!)


Me:


?

Santa just told those two kids Christmas was canceled due to the failing economy. (from CollegeHumor)

Pop Crunk

We just got home from the Christmas party at my dad's work.  There were a TON of people there!  Wow!  They had Mexican food out but nothing without meat so my dad had the cook make me a bean and rice burrito with green chile sauce on top :) I brought him a cherry pie Larabar and he loved it!!

I stumbled across this site today.  I will have to add it to my TMZ/Perez Hilton fluff reading list.

Billy wanted a healthy dinner (I am still full from my burrito) so I made him:

- Ramekin of salt free black beans with a little bit of soy pepper jack cheese and hot sauce

- Toasted Fiber English muffin with chunky vegetable Fresh and Easy marinara sauce, fake peperoni, a tad of organic cheddar, and pineapple (and love, obviously)

He ran 7+ miles today!  Wowza! 

I just remembered I have a meeting st 5:30 tomorrow night so it'll be another long day :( ugh....

Adventerous Palate

Trader Joe's Purchases:

- FF Sesame Dressing

- Larabars*

- Greek style pomegranate*

- Creamy Vegetable Bisque*

- 2 bags of frozen broccoli

- Broccoli slaw3 *

- Sweet Potato Fries*

- Veggie Egg rolls

(* Never had before)

I am currently snacking on ff vanilla yogurt that I stuck in the freezer.  Holy guacamole is it good!  I wonder if that kills the probiotics....

It's Official: I am a fan of Twilight

It's cloudy outside and chilly!  What a great Sunday :)

Billy and I ran to the gym.  Today's workout consited of:

- 30 minutes walking on the treadmill (3.0 speed 3-5 incline)

- 30 minutes on the bike

- Lower body exercises

- Lunges

- Stretches I learned in PT

- Using the foam roller (I love this thing!  It hurts really bad, but then I stand up and it's like ahhh...)

While biking and walking at the gym I read Twilight.  I'm officially hooked!  I'm only going to read the book at the gym.  That way it is like added motivation.  When we were running to and from the gym  I wondered how many people drove by me thinking, "Oh look it's a crazy girl that can't even run without the book" ha ha :)

In a little bit Billy and I are going to my dad's work's Christmas party (I have no idea if I used the ' correctly so I apologize in advance)

Sucked into the Twilight Vortex

This morning when I woke up Billy and I went to the gym.  I did 20 minutes on the bike while I read the paper and 20 minutes on the elliptical.  Then I did the foam roller.  I seriously recommend anyone and everyone to use it!  My IT Bands are always tight and this thing works wonders!

After the gym we went to my parent's house.  When we got there I had a spinach salad with roma tomatoes, carrots and fat free Italian Dressing.  In the middle of my salad was a Morningstar Farms Ginger Teryaki Veggie Cake.  So delicious!  Then I took a sugar free chocolate pudding and put a dollop of fat free cool whip and a couple mini chocolate chips on top.  It was way too sweet so I stuck it in the fridge for my dad to have.

Putting up lights didn't happen because my dad was too sore from hiking.  I needed to pick up some shampoo and conditioner so I went to Target.  I also got pickles and the first Twilight book.  I need to figure out what all the hype is about!

Chatty

My dad and Billy made roasted corn quesadillas.  They were so yummy!  Come to think of it the whole dinner was vegetarian.  Usually my parents make two versions of the same thing 

(one meat free or with mock meat and one with meat).  When we got home Billy passed out.  I don't think he is used to waking up as early as he has been lately.  

For some odd reason I am not tired so I went to the store instead of going tomorrow and bought:

Veggie burgers

Vanilla yogurt (put it in the freezer in an attempt to make "frozen yogurt")

Puffins (Peanut butter and Cinnamon)

Peanut butter M&Ms to put in my Christmas bowl

Soy pepperjack cheese (I've never had it before but I figured what they hay I might as well try it)

Dish washing detergent

Fragrance Free Detergent

Then I decided I should do laundry, run the dishwasher and clean the house.  Including sweeping outside and cleaning Scotty and MK's bathroom.  

Time for some randomness...

Brilliant Idea of the Night: My mom got me and Scott an Advent Calendar (oh how I love them).  I just thought of a genius idea!  They should make Hot Sauce Advent calendars...everyday is a new mini bottle of hot sauce!  

Tomorrow Billy and I are going back over to my parent's house.  Billy, my dad, and Evan are going to put up Christmas lights.  Scotty would help but he has to take the LSAT.  Me and my mom are going to get some of the dough ready for our baking day next Saturday (which is also my 7 year anniversary for being a vegetarian).  Last year we drank champagne and baked cookies.  We had so much fun we decided to make it a tradition (and you know I love me some traditions).  

The last few days Billy has been working on some secret Christmas something for me.  I love surprises! :)  

Yays and Boos

Yays:
- It's Friday
- I went to the gym this morning
- My fake ham sandwich that I had for lunch was delicious
- Billy and my dad are making me and my mom dinner tonight
- I have 9 days off this month

Boos:
- My calves are sore
- I am probably going to get stuck late at work. I've worked 60 hours this week (as of 2pm today) so this number will increase
- I am going to have to get gas on my way home
- I am out of oatmeal
- To add Billy to my health insurance would be over 27% of my paycheck (Don't stress I got him his own insurance - basically if something happens we won't have to pay 4.5688787 bajillion dollars)
- I need a nap

Put your pretend cap on!

Billy sent me a text message yesterday while I was at work saying we should cook my parents dinner. Well my dad is on a 2 day trip (Me: Dad why are you going there? Dad: Hiking) so I made dinner for my mom and Billy. After work I went to Trader Joe's to pick up some stuff. On the way to Trader Joe's I thought to myself, "did I just miss my turn?" Then I realized I said it out loud. First step of me going crazy is complete! Next step 20 cats.

My future?
(Actually Billy and I will never own a cat because I am allergic to them.)

OK! I need to focus (sometimes I feel like a Labrador retriever)




What I got:
12 Grain Loaf of Bread
3 Bell Peppers
TJ's veggie rice
Spinach/Cranberry/Blue Cheese/Walnut Salad

Now went I went to take a picture of my lovely culinary creation my camera screen said: CARD LOCKED. I have no idea what this means or how to fix it. However, I am sure you have a wonderful imagination so please visualize with me:

The salad in a bowl with Strawberry and Balsamic Dressings on the side
Baked Bell Peppers cut in half and stuffed with rice (and I added Morningstar Farms fake ground beef) and topped with a little bit of feta cheese
Baked crispy tofu
Warm chewy bread
Nice glass of red wine

Billy and I went to the gym this morning. I did the elliptical for 35 minutes (reading two People Magazines makes time go by fast!) and then cooled down by walking at speed 3.0 and incline of 4.0 on the treadmill for 5 minutes. Next I did some stretches. I tried this stretch for my IT bands for the first time (they tried to show me in PT but too many people were looking at me and I could not do it). I have no idea how to add a video so please click here to see the video.

Oh look something shiny....

Is hot sauce considered a food group?

Lunch today:





The Fresh and Easy Dijon Marinated Fake Chicken comes with two "chicken breasts." There is WAY too much marinade so I cooked the "chicken" and took paper towels to wipe it off.

To my broccoli and fake chicken I added: Tabasco, Sriracha hot chili sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Spicy and Delicious!

Health Benefits to eating Spicy Food:
- A protein receptor binds with capsaicin to manage chronic arthritis pain.
- The consumption of chile peppers increases peripheral circulation and lowers blood pressure.
- Chile Peppers increase endorphin production - those mood-elevating substances which are released when performing aerobic exercise (I knew they made me happy!)
Eating hot peppers can reduce the discomfort of the flu (in part, by promoting sweating). It also opens clogged breathing passages, and functions as an effective expectorant (I am sniffling up a storm as I type this).
- Hot peppers inhibit the growth of H. Pylori, the bacteria that causes certain kinds of ulcers.
- Hot peppers can speed up metabolism and help the body burn calories faster. F
- Many studies have shown that regular consumption of chilies and curry decrease the risk of cancer. The compound, capsaicin, also kills cancer cells by attacking their energy-producing mitochondria without damaging healthy cells.
- Hot peppers may help to improve heart health by boosting the body's ability to dissolve blood clots.

Part of my hot sauce collection can be seen here. I keep part at home, part in the fridge, and part at work.