You know that feeling when you realize the reason you can’t find jeans that fit right has less to do with the jeans, say, than it has with your expanding abdominal porch?
Yeah. That feeling.
Here I sit, watching Kung Fu Panda 2 with my daughter and shifting my muffin tops to a less restrictive position. Reminiscing about the days when the side-angle pose part of my yoga flow didn’t crease my flab, and my thighs didn’t rub while walking. Aaaah… Those were the days….
Once I get through this crazy weekend, meet my assignment deadlines, and set up some programming to keep my crew busy during spring break, I’ll figure out a training schedule that can work around my insanity state of constant motion. In the meantime? Let’s eat:
Cranberry Scones, From "In My Mother's Kitchen" by Trish Magwood
These were soooo good. The kids didn’t like them – for unknown reasons, they prefer my lemon scones with butter and jam. Their loss! (Though, I have to admit, I am a little flattered. *giggles*)
Grill Pan Rib Eye, With Roasted Red Peppers (Also from "In My Mother's Kitchen")
Do you SEE those bits of mushrooms, and bacon, and perfectly grilled red meat?!?! *swoons* The roasted peppers were just the perfect side for the salty, savoury meat. Seriously, people: You need this in your life.
Astro Lime Yogourt
Not good. Too much sweet. Not enough tangy. Get the cappuccino kind, instead. Or, better yet? Go to Sabor Divino and order a Dona Irene.
Mongolian Beef, Takeout from Blue Willow Chinese Food
Like takeout beef and broccoli, except with more vegetables and a bit of heat…. Meh.
Shediac Cape Jamaican Chicken Curry, From "In My Mother's Kitchen"
This was so good. Mike mixed up a Jamaican curry spice blend instead of the paste the recipe suggests, and could only find “light” coconut milk at the grocery store. But still. It was perfect. And even better reheated the next day!
Sweet Potato Soup, From "In My Mother's Kitchen"
Best. Soup. Ever. The dollop of sour cream is totally unnecessary. The recipe has very few ingredients that magically transform into simple perfection. I’ll say it again: You need this in your life.
Beef and Tomato Fried Rice, Takeout From Blue Willow Chinese Food
Not good. Like rice baked with tomato soup, or snoodles, or canned spaghetti with meatballs. Far too sweet and processed-tasting. Blech.
Summer Sweet Red Pepper Soup, from "In My Mother's Kitchen"
You know, this one was not bad. I think I used not quite enough red peppers and a bit too much buttermilk – so inadequate sweet for the sour – but as far as recipe malfunctions go, I’d give this one a passing grade. One of my girls absolutely LOVED this stuff. Me? Not so much. But, overall, I am very impressed with that cookbook. I picked up In My Mother’s Kitchen at the library on impulse, and I am surprised at how well its recipes work for my picky, food averse, highly-allergic, marginally lactose-intolerant family. Simple, great tasting food. For real! I might just have to buy myself a copy for Mother’s Day ;-)
So, what is that, now? Ninety-four? I’ve got something new and delicious marinating for supper tonight, and a trip planned to the Bon Ton Bakery later this week. I’m already eight days over my 100 day deadline, but I’m feeling pretty proud of myself all the same.
Small victories, my friends. (And learning how to cut myself some slack.)
Woot!
