liquefying

This weekend was dominated by teething and the crying, diaper rash and wet chin mess that goes with it. Poor kid.

In preparation for the great solid food experimentation, I attempted to make baby food which really means making human food and blasting it into liquid form. I used this site for inspiration.

Sweet potatoes: Bake for an hour until skins easily peel off. Mash in bowl. Puree in blender. I could have probably skipped the blender part but I was on a roll.

Pears: Peel and core. Boil for five minutes. Liquefy in blender. I am not usually a huge pear fan but this was delicious!

Carrots: Steamed with rice cooker sans rice. Puree in blender.

I froze everything in ice cube trays and then moved the blocks into freezer bags to store. I am awaiting my Oxo trays to arrive before I make more. Frozen peaches, peas and bananas up next.

We tried a teeny bit a applesauce this weekend. I am not sure if the applesauce was a hit or if it was the cold metal spoon but either way, he wanted more.

More reading: Interesting article from my pediatrician's office on myths of starting solids.

oatmeal: more sugar than a Snickers bar?

Drive through Mickey D's and instead of your usual egg-sausage-lard muffin, you opt for a healthier option and choose the new oatmeal. Yay for you.

But sadly, what you're really eating is basically the same calories as a cheeseburger or Egg McMuffin. And more sugar than a Snickers bar! (source) A typical McDonald's fruit and maple oatmeal includes 290 calories and 32 grams of sugar (source). That's with light cream and no brown sugar (which you know you'll get).

In comparison, this morning I had old fashioned oats. (Boil water, add in half cup of real oats, cook for like three minutes, eat.) I add 1/4 cup of skim milk and a sprinkling of brown sugar (about 1 teaspoon). Total calories = 220 and 4 grams of sugar. And the huge box of oats that lasts me a month costs less than $3. Plus, none of the ingredients in my version include "natural flavoring."

I would argue my version is faster than a drive thru, too. Eating healthy - it's just not that hard!

adventures in 200-calorie snack land

I thought I knew what hunger was after running 12 miles. But good grief, growing a baby is much worse. If I don't eat every two hours, it's like the hunger monster is eating me alive. And I CANNOT FUNCTION.

Last week we went to sign the lease on our new apartment, meaning I wouldn't get to eat dinner until 7 p.m. Unacceptable to the ravenous baby. So we had to go get some of these:

This baby is going to come out Mexican. Luckily I've resisted my incessant need for tacos because they are 170 calories of pure garbage. (Plus, I stopped eating Taco Bell in college when someone on the news found a cockroach in their meat). Though I can tell you writing about them and posting this picture did nothing for my self control nor my ban of Taco Bell.

However, I have found healthy solutions that might give this little babe a chance.

Diced peaches in cups

No cholesterol or fat, barely any sodium and 80 calories. Plus counts as a fruit. Downside: every single time I pull the plastic wrapper off, it squirts juice on my keyboard and can be blamed for my stubborn space bar. The IT department LOVES me.

Dark chocolate almond milk

Lots of calcium (more than regular milk), Vitamin E and B12. Only 120 calories and 3 grams of fat. Totally thick enough to count as a snack.

Whole Fruit sorbet

Better than ice cream (except basically no calcium). No fat or cholesterol and basically no other nutritional value. Lesser of two evils though. Even better if you add chocolate chips, further degrading its nutritional contribution.

Hummus

Usually I eat this with carrots or Melba Toast. It's got a little protein and makes my blood sugar return to human levels.

I also have found apples, yogurt, half a peanut butter sandwich, applesauce, spinach salad, a poached egg and cereal hold me over til meal time. I can't wait until fruit is actually in season.

Ravenous baby or not, what are your in-between-meals snacks? Seriously, I need ideas.

cookie extravaganza

Christmas is about cookies. Apparently. So Johanna and I faithfully followed tradition and made a lot of them. I packed up my baking supplies because when you're married, you have the cool stuff like a really thin cookie spatula.

We started with Oreo balls, which look...gross.

But much better as a finished product. I mean, I think I made a lot of them. I don't really know because three days later they are all gone. Mystery! (clue: they give me migraines, and I do not eat them)

Add in peanut blossoms, iced lemon rounds and molasses cookies.

And the grand finale, and my favorite peppermint bark. Thankfully there was a man around...

Instead of these cookies ending up in cute little tins to hand out to my neighbors and co-workers, it seems they have ended up in my stomach. Stay tuned for cookie extravaganza, part two.

fall cooking desires

When the seasons start to change, I get this strong urge to cook. Despite what the calendar says, it's still in the upper 80s so my soups and chilis might have to wait. That won't stop me from scheduling my favorite fall recipes a month out.


For a chilly or rainy day, this is a great one.

Five Hour Stew 
1 1/2 pounds chuck roast (or whatever is on sale), cut in bite size chunks

1 cup chunked celery

4 carrots, chunked

2 to 3 medium potatoes, chunked

1 onion sliced

1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs

1 20 oz. can tomatoes, diced works nice

1 T salt

2 T sugar

3 T minute tapioca

2 or 3 generous splashes of worcestershire sauce

Sprinkle of oregano (optional, but why not)

Do not brown the meat.  Mix all the above ingredients in a baking dish with a tight fitting lid, or cover securely with aluminum foil.  Bake in a 250 degree oven for 5 to 6 hours.  Do not try to hurry this stew.  The slow oven is the key to its success. Yield:  6 Servings

Other favorites
Breakfast apple granola
Cheeseburger soup
Swedish meatballs
Pumpkin muffins
Apple crisp


What are your favorite fall recipes? Share please!

the best grocery news ever

It's the news I've been waiting for - Trader Joe's lands in Kansas City! I got a text this morning announcing the news that has made this migraine-filled day one of rejoicing. And the best part is I'm shopping there this weekend in Minnesota only increasing the anticipation for one just a few miles down the parkway in 2011.

My very favorite TJ product is the tomato and roasted pepper soup.

Then the different rice and noodle mixes.

But I can't pass up the raw nuts, low-fat cheeses, ranch and parmesan dressing, greek yogurt, wheat pizza dough, hummus, and of course cheap, cheap wine.

Plus, I've never had a bad customer service experience even when the line to check out at the store near my Minneapolis apartment was at least 10 people deep.

What's your favorite TJ product?

random friday: tears and drooling

I'm having a very happy Friday mostly fueled by the knowledge three days of fun are ahead.

I started my day watching this video via A Cup of Jo. And then cried at my desk.

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

But then it got better because I read this article about how Manhattan, Kan. is a tough atmosphere for opposing football teams. And it made me excited especially considering the weather is supposed to be picture perfect for both my 10-miler and then the game.

And I read this blog post from Paris Pastry with fantastic pictures of yummy treats, which is quite unfortunate for me considering I've sworn off desserts until after the half-marathon leaving me to drool at my desk. (Small caveat:  I am allowed to eat my wedding cake topper with Shea and parents this weekend.)

You should try this super delicious barley salad.

It's been a good week in my world, I hope the same is true of you! We're super busy and getting busier everyday, but I routinely reminded I'm happy to be exactly where I am. It's a good feeling.

being beautiful

The book Operation Beautiful comes out this week, all started with a blogger who just wanted to remind people they are beautiful by leaving post-it notes in public places. It caught on big time. You can read notes every day at her blog. Plus, now a whole book that you can buy.The author Caitlin is encouraging people to email, mail or blog their stories on body image, health or beauty. So here's mine.

I don't have a dramatic story of weight loss or exercise transformation. Right now I weigh what I did in early high school probably. I lost weight my senior year in high school because my stomach no longer liked processing food. So sometimes I wouldn't eat at all. Then in college I gained some weight due to 2 a.m. newspaper deadlines and a lot of Dr. Pepper and cheddar and sour cream chips. Then I lost some for the wedding, lost more after the wedding- go figure.

I don't count calories on paper but I do in my head. I read nutrition labels. I don't buy processed foods whenever possible. We eat two to three non-meat dinners each week. I try to listen to my body and eat what it's telling me it needs.

I run regularly and lift weights. I'm training for a half-marathon. I've been running the longest I've ever run in my life. Running has taught me that trying to eat 1200 calories a day and still run seven miles is ridiculous. Calories are coming in second to protein, carbs or fats. I think about meals as necessary fuel rather than something to be controlled.

All this combined makes me pretty happy with my flat, non-six-pack tummy, runner-like legs, size zero waist and less flabby but still womanly arms.

But I still struggle. Yesterday my body was badly in need of some carbs and salt. So I interpreted that as "eat fistfuls of crackers." Then for dinner we had really good coupon so we got pizza. And when I was laying in bed I felt guilty. I know how many calories are in one slice of pizza, and I definitely did not stop at one.

What I have found is that in my late 20s, being healthy is more about how I feel. I eat healthy because when I do I don't get bloated, headachy and tired. When I run, I feel alive, confident and strong. I want to be healthy and strong because I want to be able to enjoy my marriage. I want to have a baby someday and know that my body is prime for newborn cooking. I want to be able to enjoy vacations, weekend adventures, and just laying on the couch without my body getting in the way. I'd rather my health and weight just be a non-factor.

I have a husband that tells me I am beautiful every single day. But he also is clear that my personality, humor and talents are what makes him crazy for me with my outward beauty as second, which is always a nice reminder.

For me, body image is about healthy body and mind. It's about being strong enough in mind to have the self control over my eating habits and the motivation enough to run. But also to know that if I miss a day of working out, gorge on pizza or someday lose my size zero figure, I possess just as much beauty. Because I am smart, a talented writer, a loving wife and daughter, an adventurous cook, a faithful servant and wannabe world-changer. These are the reasons I can look in the mirror and smile.

What makes you beautiful?

random friday: alpha, bravo and ugly art

I've decided Fridays are my lazy blogging, sharing links with you, saying whatever I want days. Hopefully you don't get lost in my ramblings.

Can you recite the ICAO alphabet? Try it out here.  I got four. I take issue with Sierra for S. There are multiple ways that could be spelled and not all would involve S.

I want to see Ramona and Beezus. But I have no little girls to steal and I love Shea enough to not put him through that torture. Though I am not sure how anyone could not LOVE Ramona. So I will wait. The next movies I want to see is Eat, Pray, Love and The Social Network. Yes, a Facebook movie. But it's co-written by Aaron Sorkin (hello, West Wing) meaning failure is unlikely.

I'm really excited to go to this store next week. It's only open once a month, which probably means good things. And we really need something to store our overflow of kitchen items. Oh and overflow of books, clothes, linens, camping equipment. Who knew a girl could lust after storage space?

This is one of my new favorite sites: Awkward Stock Photos. It will brighten your day. Especially if you are feeling suffocated by your lack of storage.

Last night I made Chilaquiles Casserole for my 70-year-old neighbor. It's super delicious and really low calorie. Tonight I'm making barbecued pulled chicken for friends and then banana muffins to take home this weekend. I cannot let black bananas go to waste.

This weekend I am attempting to mat pictures so we can continue on with the bedroom decorating adventure. So far it's involved me holding up old framed paintings and saying "Pleeeeeease can we give this to the poor people?" Followed by me lamenting about how expensive it is to have someone else frame and mat pictures how I want them. I shall take matters into my own (and mother's) hands.

Shea asked me to start a project list otherwise known as honey-do list.

Shea: I want you to make me a project list!

Me: Um. I've got nothing.

Mark this day down in history. You will probably never again hear those words out of either of our mouths. After much thought, I've got this.

Shea's Project List

1. Remove ugly art from apartment and move to storage space.

2. Realize we have no storage and give art to the poor people.

weekend of food, dreams

I think I accomplished all of my weekend goals, which makes my Monday far less grumpier than normal. It also helped that our power was out for two hours, and I got to sit in my chair and read.

I recovered from Friday's long run only to do a 5.6-miler Sunday. I was only planning on three miles but the weather was about 20 degrees cooler than my normal runs, and the difference is amazing. Still dealing with a lot of stomach problems when I run so stocked up on chocolate milk at the grocery store.

Saturday morning we got all this at the City Market for $8.

{The bag is fresh basil just to be clear}

Though I forgot to snap a picture, we determined that Danny Edwards barbecue is good, but does not beat out Oklahoma Joe's. Our quest continues.

Saturday night we were too hot to do anything but rent Brooklyn's Finest which was entertaining but it's most redeeming quality is we rented it for $1. Rent only if it's your only viable option, which there's not a whole lot at Redbox we haven't seen. For dinner, we had root beer floats and popcorn. Yum.

Sunday we redeemed a Groupon  and had a post-run breakfast at Succotash. The highlight of my entire weekend was ingesting these crepes with brandy-soaked peaches and mascarpone cheese.

Seriously one of the best things I've tasted in years. I'm still dreaming about them. Unfortunately they were on special, not the regular menu, so I'm considering stalking the owner for the recipe. Though I have trouble finding feta cheese at my grocery store, let alone mascarpone.

We did finally see Inception. ($4 matinées, who knew such a thing existed. Win!) Unfortunately the coffee and waters caught up to me and I had to pee so bad I could barely concentrate on the complicated plot. The pregnant lady next to me was doing better than I was! I thought the movie was OK during it, but after much post-film hypothesizing, I realized how complex the story really was. Then I liked it more.

Highly recommended, but please remember to pee first because if you allow three minutes of bathroom time, you'll lose significant plot details.

oh hello there, crazy

I convinced the hubs to run four miles with me Tuesday. He hasn't been the same ever since - hobbling up stairs and moaning on the couch. In all fairness to him, it was probably not wise to take him on such a long, hilly route on a first run (in awhile).

I neglected to hydrate because I am too lazy to get up from my desk and fill my cup. So I couldn't run until 6 p.m. last night. When I left the house it was a heat index of 100. Bad choice.

Not only was I dying from the sun, which I swear was beating its rays into my soul, but the crazies were out in full force. One man, who probably still has one foot in the jail yard, stopped to watch me cross an intersection and then covered his mouth to make an odd hissing noise. Not the you're-super-adorable-and- have-toned-legs hiss but the if-there-weren't-so-many-people-around-i-would-cut-you-up-in-pieces-and-eat-you hiss. Or maybe I just watch too much Dexter.

I saw four very large stomachs baring their skin to the world and got called "sweetie" twice. I ran past a group of folks with dreads, baggy pants and LOUD rap music who looked me up and down, then past a group of cigar-smoking gay men, who did not. All in three miles. My neighborhood is a much friendlier place at 6 a.m.

It was the hardest run I think I've had yet even though it was short, and I came home panting and soaked.

Thirty-eight ounces of SmartWater later, I made this zucchini and ricotta galette for dinner. It was super delicious even though mine never look as pretty as they look on other websites.

{Ignore the burned parchment paper}

Ten more miles to go this week and two more new recipes planned. Summertime can be so motivating. And crazy.

it's all relative, plus some greek yogurt

A heat advisory was issued for Kansas City today until 10 p.m. By mid-morning that was downgraded to an "excessive heat warning." During my run this morning, it was 80 degrees with an 88 percent humidity. (Yes, it sucked. Big time.) And currently:

{In Kansas City}

It's not hot enough for a heat advisory even though it feels like "running through warm butter" as someone on dailymile  put it.

However in Minnesota, a heat advisory was also issued. At our condo in Minneapolis right now, it's 84 degrees and humidty in the 70s. Feels like 94. And that heat advisory is going no where.

Do Minnesotan's bodies actually experience heat worse than those of us who are conditioned to experience it more months out of the year? I think not.

Also today, I am trying out Greek yogurt. After the last few days of feeling STARVING, I have determined I need more protein. Greek yogurt has more protein, less salt and less carbs than regular yogurt. 

For my weight and being a regular runner, I need 53 to 74 grams of protein a day. (Find out how much you need here.) This is hard to achieve since I am not a ravenous meat eater. So far today:

1.5 tablespoons peanut butter = 6 grams

small banana = 2 grams

1/3 cup chicken breast (in salad) = 14 grams

1/4 cup cannellini beans (in salad) = 4 grams

1 cup of romaine + 1 peach = 1 gram (ouch)

6 oz. Greek yogurt = 12 grams

Total: 39 grams 

My current plan for dinner is homemade mac and cheese. Shockingly, cheese actually has more protein than you think so I might even meet my goal as long as I have a glass of milk with it.

Other high protein foods include:

• beans
• peanut butter
• eggs
• milk
• cheese
• yogurt
• nuts
• meat, of course.

How do you get your protein?

seed-spittin' craving

All I can think about is watermelon.

I've had little tastes during  meetings where I selfishly fish through the fruit bowl for those watery red cubes. And since we're going camping this weekend where I can let the juices drip all over the ground instead of my clothes, eating as much as possible is my top priority. Plus I am fairly certain I can spit farther than the hubs.

Turns out, watermelon is also good for you and not just for hydration.

Health benefits

- Excellent source of Vitamin C and beta carotene. Also, watermelon is the lycopene king which is a potent antioxidant. The concentration is highest compared to any other fruit or vegetable.

- High in citrulline, which is a necessary amino acid to make other amino acids. It also relaxes the blood vessels along with its partner arginine, which is the same effect of the drug Viagra. So if you're in need...

- High concentration of Vitamin B6, which promotes brain activity that helps you cope with anxiety.

- Sweet taste but very low in calorie = great for cravings!

Or you can infuse it with vodka if you don't care about the hydration factor. Find out how here.

Fun fact: Most commercial watermelons are grown in Russia though the watermelon originated in Southern Africa. Want to know more? Check out the World Healthiest's Foods site for nutritional info and history of what you're eating.

finding a love for healthy food

Like anyone needs to read another thing about dieting. That being said, in the last year we've really developed a rhythm of eating healthy. So to continue eliminating lame excuses, here are the battles I face and why they don't need to be so tough.

Breakfast isn't that important. 
I always thought when I didn't eat breakfast and ate a small lunch that I was doing myself a favor. After all, that's a lot of calories I am eliminating. Turns out, I actually lost weight when I ate breakfast because my body wasn't freaking out that I would lose my wagon's food supply while fording the river. I had to find my magic calorie range that made my metabolism confident it was in good hands. One of my motivations for running in the morning is that I have time when I get home for an awesome breakfast. My favorites: poached egg, half an English muffin with peanut butter and cut up bananas or old fashioned oatmeal with almonds and brown sugar.

I'll start eating healthy tomorrow.
Except you'll say that the day after tomorrow, too. And you've probably been saying that for years. Adding just 100 calories each day will give you 10 more pounds on the scale at the end of the year. That's two cookies, a piece of sliced cheese or a handful of chips. Plus as the years increase, the metabolism decreases. Five years ago I could put away five pieces of pizza and a Dr. Pepper and never gain a pound. Now after a weekend of crap eating, I'm up by three or four pounds. Word on the street is it only gets worse.

As long as it's healthy, I can eat as much as I want.
This is my biggest trap. I'll make whole wheat spaghetti, and then eat double what I would normally. Although it's better when it comes to categorizing carbs and providing energy during my morning run, it's not really any less caloric. Then I try to bargain with myself. "Well I had an apple for lunch so I can have this cupcake for dinner." Which, I can. But, it's all about the bottom line. If I go over my body's calorie needs, I will gain weight. I can run off a cupcake in the morning but two servings of spaghetti plus garlic bread is more than I can run before I have to get to work. So I play tricks on myself. I put away the leftovers before we sit down to the table. I use salad plates instead of dinner ones. I send cupcakes to work with Shea so we only have a few for ourselves. And we just don't buy junk. No cookies in plastic trays, no boxes of crackers (surprisingly horrrrrible for you), bags of chips or juices/sodas. I don't miss it either, and now I've even been known to crave fruit. The thought! 

I don't like how healthy food tastes.
I LOVE healthy food, now that I know what to do with it. I'd never cooked with butternut squash, kale, turnip greens, fresh herbs, whole wheat flour or  ground turkey before this year. But I've learned how to delete and replace. I much prefer the taste of whole wheat to white. I can't tell a different between egg whites or margarine and their higher-fat counterparts. And if it will make a difference? I just don't make it, at least not often. Aside from spaghetti and turkey burgers, I haven't made the same recipe twice in a month. That's how many healthy ones there are out there!

I'd rather enjoy my life than live longer.
I would argue that we enjoy life more now that we're eating healthy and working out. Earlier this week, we went to Coldstone Creamery. But instead of ice cream, I got fat-free sorbet (only 160 calories) with chocolate chips. I don't miss fast food. When I eat healthy, I truly do feel better. My skin looks healthier. I have more energy. I don't get bloated (except when I eat carrots). And when we do get dessert or go on a Sonic run, it tastes 10 times better. Plus, I am more confident and when Shea tells me I have a sexy bod, I believe it.

welcoming summer in style

I don't know if I could have really asked for more in a weekend.

For starters, it's 85 and sunny, which is pretty much my perfect weather. Sadly I didn't think ahead and wore a little t-shirt meaning I have a super sweet tan line across the middle of my arm. Note to self: must get rid of this before I wear sleeveless dress in two weeks.

Friday night we celebrated various occasions such as grad school admittance, passing classes, moving to Italy, and general summer euphoria with a Boulevard Sampler pack, tacos and a dueling piano bar. Somehow I ended up dancing on stage due to a well-intentioned blond girl despite the fact I tried to convince her it was Layne's birthday. Another horrified victim pleaded with me to stay on stage, so I did until I saw my opening and exited stage right.

Saturday, after I got my $1 flip flops at Old Navy, we went to the Great American Barbecue Festival where for an unknown reason we "came at the right time" and got in free. Forty bucks in savings! Woo! Plus there was this dude who kept wanting to take pictures with us. He looks oddly like the guy who won Biggest Loser a couple season ago. If it is you, Jerry, maybe you should stay away from things like barbecue fests.

We ate yummy sandwiches, drank real root beer and people watched, including a rib-eating contest - a great display of American culture.

After the sun and meat, Shea and I headed to KC Juice, which might be our new favorite treat. (Sorry, Sonic Chiller.) It's like Jamba Juice but even healthier. I got the World Cup which was cranberry, raspberry, orange sherbet and bananas. SO good. Kansas City peeps - it's a great locally owned place in Westport. Plus does the body good! Go there.

Sunday after our run, I had brunch with one of my favorite friends, Wendy, at Mama's 39th St. Diner known for their 66 omelet choices which come with "browns or grits." 

LOVE summer. I missed you.

random thoughts friday

Hello there, Friday. I've been waiting for you and  your sunshine all week.

life updates
We're still running. My goal for Sunday is seven miles, which is probably stupid to post here because I am against public failure. Regardless, if I make it, that's 20 miles this week.

I've made a vow to use my crockpot every Monday. We have a small group we go to and knowing dinner is ready when I get home and I don't have to hurry is super fabulous. Our favorite recipe so far is barbecued pulled chicken. We ate it for five meals with sandwich thins (also a new favorite).

My goals this weekend are to eat as much barbecue as possible, go to church to hear about women of the Bible which is appropriate considering immediately following our church service I am vowing to be genuinely excited for the LOST finale watch party. Shea and I are excited for the finale for different reasons, but look at me being all supportive!

deals
Old Navy is having a $1 flip-flop sale. You should go tomorrow. Luckily my feet are oddly small so I do not have to go at 7 a.m. After getting cheap shoes, go by Wal-Mart for free ice cream.  I'm not going, because even I have limits.

Chick-Fil-A might clog my arteries but I do not turn down free food (except at Wal-Mart). Go here and reserve your free sandwich.

need travel advice

We're thinking of going on a cruise as our second honeymoon - which really is just an excuse but in all fairness Disneyworld is not the most relaxing and delicious honeymoon destination. Especially when the groom gets sick and the bride wants to eat nothing but ice cream and popcorn. But fun if your week goal is to fill two autograph books with character pictures and signatures (mission accomplished). Anyway, we can't decide between Norwegian or Carnival. Both would be Western Caribbean departing from either Miami, Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans. Any opinions out there?

boost my self-esteem and follow me!

If you read my blog regularly, you should actually become a follower - check out the box on the right. Why? Because it makes me feel popular and loved. And there are days when I need that.

Happy weekend!

banana toast and diet limeade

Two super awesome discoveries today.

First, Shea made me breakfast this morning. I rejected the usual pancakes and requested bananas and peanut butter toast. Instead, I got an English muffin with peanut butter and cut up bananas on top, which solicited an "ummm...thanks..." from me. But instead, it is quite possibly my new favorite meal. He's goooood.

Then we ran. And ran and ran. I ran an hour or six miles in a gym that was at least 80 degrees. Which, my body is now punishing me with throbbing toes on my right foot. Oh and my legs and back have had better days. Still, very glad to see motivation is back, and aiming for seven miles next weekend.

After dinner we did our Sonic run (hate the food, love the drinks) and there I made my second discovery of the day in diet cherry limeade. A medium has..wait for it... 18 calories. Eighteen, that's it! Love.

my self control went on vacation

I'm usually quite good about my eating habits, and I frequently tout the fact I rarely ever get cravings. Except certain times of the month where I am dying to poor the jar of salt straight into my mouth.

  

So these past few weeks I got kind of lazy with the working out. This was not helped by the fact that when my alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m., Shea magically is awake enough to roll over and pull me in close but not awake enough to work out with me. Last week I actually got up, put my running shorts, socks, and shoes, then got into bed to kiss him goodbye. And then I woke up an hour later with my shoes on. Completely under the covers.

Along with this laziness came the inexplicable need to eat everything in sight coupled with the fact my work had an extraordinary amount of leftover catered food just sitting there, waiting for someone to eat it all. Then I made brownies on Tuesday, and we ate half a pan in one sitting. (I am blaming most of this on Shea because it makes me feel better about myself. Especially since I don't even like chocolate. Ooof.)

In the last three weeks I have gained like two or three pounds. Which is really nothing because I could eat healthy for a week and be back to my normal weight. Or run a few miles and ta-da! And I realize that because my jean size is somewhere between 0 and -1, you think I don't have a right to whine. But now it's all I can think about. And despite this awareness of the fact I am eating like a teen-aged boy, yesterday I still had a 3/4 bag of kettle corn, a cappuccino-flavored cup of sugar and ice (because it was $1, and now that's a good reason to eat something..), a tall beer and banana bread (fruit, right?)

After my whining and moaning of really annoying things like "uhhh, I feel bloated and my stomach is touching my waistband" or "I can't run because I just ate half a pan of brownies for no reason," we made a pact. We're running everyday (or working out in some fashion if my knees give out) until we attend a wedding on June 5.

So far seven miles in two mornings (8 miles for Shea; he's better). The bad news is we have two graduation parties, a camping road trip, and the Great American BBQ Festival before then.

The good news is that my acid reflux/inability-to-digest-normally syndrome is kicking in. So if my mind can't control my appetite, the bubbling acid in my stomach will.

Friday morning thoughts

- Our gym has a bunch of old treadmills that shake when you run, and then two good ones. We always get the good ones because no one else apparently likes running at 6 a.m. However, this morning a new couple walked into the cardio room as I did and took the good ones. And then proceed to "run"only eight minutes. This is deeply irritating.

- As I was driving to work, the Starbucks near us had over 10 people in line at the drive thru and only three of the regular parking spots were full. I guarantee half of those people could have gone inside and gotten their coffee faster if they'd just be willing to use their legs. This is lazy.

- Every morning this week and next week I have to put out treats (cookies, cupcakes, rice krispie bars) for our students who are taking final exams. Then in the afternoon I have to put out granola bars, chips, nuts, fruit snacks and more chips. This is very, very difficult to resist considering I get an intense salt craving at 2 p.m. This task has proven to be very detrimental to my health.

- I would really like to stop hearing about the Tea Party movement.

- Trader Joe's is opening in Omaha and not Kansas City. Ridiculous. If it came to KC, I would be a frequent enough shopper to keep them in business. Just please don't go to the 'burbs.

- I hate when people ignore that racism exists. Evidence in Arizona and Missouri today.

- It's Friday, which is a great way to end a fairly wretched week. Tomorrow we are gardening at a battered women's shelter, shopping at the Farmer's Market, and going to an art fair. Happiness.