Sitting at Crystal Cove in my beach chair on this perfect California day, I kept thinking it was far too perfect. It felt more like the Caribbean than California. This Independence day weekend promises to be fine for all of our tourists. Funny that so many Californians head up to the mountains to "get away from it all." We just all trade places, like the people on the trains in the Little Prince.
I've been reading a book for a little while now, called Beauty School in Kabul. It is a great read, and time passed quickly in the sun. So glad I took my brollie and sunscreen or I'd be charred. As it is, I am nicely toasted.
With my job, I usually have my summers off to do some sort of crazy project. This is the first year I don't have anything lined up. I thought my baking business would see me through, but I think that is on hold--not given up, it is still a valid option, but not what I want right now. This morning, my dentist suggested another cycle tour. I'd love that, but want to go foreign--like Cuba or Amsterdam. Right now I find myself in the danger zone of a serious case of ennui--bored crazies. Not yet, but I have a whole month until my work starts back up. Suggestions? Help me get into some trouble!
When I got to JE's work this evening, it was still fairly warm out there. We had a good run, until mile 4.5, when I ran out of water and would have given my kingdom for a bucket of drinking water. We walked the rest of the way and guzzled a liter of water when we got back to the car. It was a fun run at any rate.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Day 272:
(Blogger was down last night, so I couldn't post. Sorry)
There was a moment this evening when I was transported back to my cycle tour. It was just as the sun set, the light in the sky right now is almost exactly the same as when I was out there. Who knew that I'd be getting a lifetime of amazing memories with that. Glad I did it, so glad.
At sunset, JE and I were riding down the trail toward the back bay. The sky was brilliant with orange melting into blue. The river reflected it upwards. So beautiful. Twenty miles today, nice and easy.
Just before I rode to JE, I did my swim. Forty eight laps with a speed lap every 4th lap. During my second set, every first lap was a recovery lap exaggerating my rotation and reach. Second lap, a right arm pull. Third, left arm and last was a speed lap.
As I was finishing up my swim, a couple girls stood at the gate of my condo complex pool asking to be let in. Association members have pool keys, but we get a lot of riffraff from a nearby trailer park. I ignored them and kept swimming but someone else let them in. Of course when I see them, they are running topless to the hot tub. When I look at them again they were sitting in the hot tub eating McDonald on the edge. Walking back to my house I stopped by the clubhouse and found a meeting going on there. I spoke briefly with the board about what I had just witnessed and was told to go call security. I was also told that on Friday, we would be getting new security who would be getting out of cars to check the pool, etc.
My association bill had just come today, so I opened it up to find the number for security. I was already feeling like I pay far too much money for that kind of crap to go on around here, but when I saw the bill (JE takes care of bills around here), our association fees have gone up $40, plus a "special assessment" adding yet another $43 per month. Grrrrrrrrr.....
Get this: When I called security, I was routed to a voice mail box that hadn't been set up yet. Yah, I'm grumpy about that. Really really grumpy. Why are we paying all of that money?
Perhaps I should only swim in the early morning.
Chipotle for dinner.
There was a moment this evening when I was transported back to my cycle tour. It was just as the sun set, the light in the sky right now is almost exactly the same as when I was out there. Who knew that I'd be getting a lifetime of amazing memories with that. Glad I did it, so glad.
At sunset, JE and I were riding down the trail toward the back bay. The sky was brilliant with orange melting into blue. The river reflected it upwards. So beautiful. Twenty miles today, nice and easy.
Just before I rode to JE, I did my swim. Forty eight laps with a speed lap every 4th lap. During my second set, every first lap was a recovery lap exaggerating my rotation and reach. Second lap, a right arm pull. Third, left arm and last was a speed lap.
As I was finishing up my swim, a couple girls stood at the gate of my condo complex pool asking to be let in. Association members have pool keys, but we get a lot of riffraff from a nearby trailer park. I ignored them and kept swimming but someone else let them in. Of course when I see them, they are running topless to the hot tub. When I look at them again they were sitting in the hot tub eating McDonald on the edge. Walking back to my house I stopped by the clubhouse and found a meeting going on there. I spoke briefly with the board about what I had just witnessed and was told to go call security. I was also told that on Friday, we would be getting new security who would be getting out of cars to check the pool, etc.
My association bill had just come today, so I opened it up to find the number for security. I was already feeling like I pay far too much money for that kind of crap to go on around here, but when I saw the bill (JE takes care of bills around here), our association fees have gone up $40, plus a "special assessment" adding yet another $43 per month. Grrrrrrrrr.....
Get this: When I called security, I was routed to a voice mail box that hadn't been set up yet. Yah, I'm grumpy about that. Really really grumpy. Why are we paying all of that money?
Perhaps I should only swim in the early morning.
Chipotle for dinner.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Day 270: Perseverance
In a brief chat, via text with a friend, I discovered a whole train of thought on perseverance. He was saying he has no talent for music. Talent or no, the man can play a mean guitar and a killer keyboard. The reality is: if he puts his mind to anything, it gets done and done very well--including med school. He took it as a personal challenge when someone told him he would never get through med school, he now works as an ER doc.
I have another friend who is a high water mark of living for me. One day he told me that he recognizes that I could do anything I put my mind to. So flipping flattered by that. But right now, right this moment: I don't know what I want. I do know that I do now want to be in charge of baking 200 pies every day. I am not a factory worker. The fun is in the discovery and problem solving of something rather than recreating it, again and again. Re-creation, holds no power for me. I guess I am a one hit wonder, of a sort. I will perfect recipes, trial and error until I find perfection and that will be enough. But how do I build a business on that principal? Yes, I have a gift and talent for baking, but do I have the perseverance to build a business around it? Perhaps I just do what I can as I am able and worry about having to make 200 pies when I have an order for 200 pies. For me, it is all about the adventure--as pointed out by friend RH while waiting for JE's haircut.
I think that is the reason I love my job as a tailor for theaters. I have never made the same thing twice. Each show, I work with different designers, fabrics, designs, even venues and people. Actually that is not true--I once made the same dress x3 in varying shades of green--it was floral print--the exact same dress--the exact same placement of each flower x3. yes, I get obsessive, sometimes...
This evening JE had a haircut in Dana Point. After his appointment, we drove down to the marina and went running. The jetty is covered with birds at night. There was so much ruckus from them and a few sea lions. The marina is crawling with rats-I wouldn't eat there if I were you!
I have another friend who is a high water mark of living for me. One day he told me that he recognizes that I could do anything I put my mind to. So flipping flattered by that. But right now, right this moment: I don't know what I want. I do know that I do now want to be in charge of baking 200 pies every day. I am not a factory worker. The fun is in the discovery and problem solving of something rather than recreating it, again and again. Re-creation, holds no power for me. I guess I am a one hit wonder, of a sort. I will perfect recipes, trial and error until I find perfection and that will be enough. But how do I build a business on that principal? Yes, I have a gift and talent for baking, but do I have the perseverance to build a business around it? Perhaps I just do what I can as I am able and worry about having to make 200 pies when I have an order for 200 pies. For me, it is all about the adventure--as pointed out by friend RH while waiting for JE's haircut.
I think that is the reason I love my job as a tailor for theaters. I have never made the same thing twice. Each show, I work with different designers, fabrics, designs, even venues and people. Actually that is not true--I once made the same dress x3 in varying shades of green--it was floral print--the exact same dress--the exact same placement of each flower x3. yes, I get obsessive, sometimes...
This evening JE had a haircut in Dana Point. After his appointment, we drove down to the marina and went running. The jetty is covered with birds at night. There was so much ruckus from them and a few sea lions. The marina is crawling with rats-I wouldn't eat there if I were you!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Day 269: Vacation
Friend Swantje (Svanteeya) has a house near the Backbay. While she is away, she has asked that I tend her little garden in the back of the house and pick her pole beans. I cycled there this morning and spent some time on her garden swing. She is one of my favorite people of all time. When her garden is producing, she disappears into her garden and comes back with a handful of this or that and throws it all together. She has a knack for food. My favorite are her pickled beets.
The marine layer was low and cool as I headed toward the Newport Backbay and then up to Huntington Beach boardwalk. Even though my cycling jersey and bike are all red, pedestrians seem to get confused and not see me. So many times today, I had to shout out to people as they stepped in front of me--facing my direction. Vacation brain=nothing bad can happen to me because I am on vacation! The worst was a skateboarder who was looking straight through me and seemed to be hypnotized by my clanging bike bell. It wasn't until I was within 10 feet of him, shouting 'Heads Up!' that he jumped off his board, flipping it up to catch it. He missed the catch and bailed it in the middle of my path. Me, screeching my breaks, swearing my best good-girl swear--'Sheeesh!' His friend totally mocked me for that one. Can't say I blame him...
Lots of observations and people watching. Huntington Beach is great for that. There are some strange people in our world! Summer brings it all to the beach. I forget how crowded the boardwalk can be in summer and holidays.
Tonight, dinner: Chicken sausages, but I also found beretta in the market and bought some tomatoes and crusty bread. Just add basil from my "garden" and good olive oil. Caprese is one of my favorite things in the entire world. I also picked up some beautiful peaches and made a peach pie--JE's favorite. I have to admit, it was an experimental crust--100% whole wheat pastry flour. It was OK, not quite marketable, but tasty.
The marine layer was low and cool as I headed toward the Newport Backbay and then up to Huntington Beach boardwalk. Even though my cycling jersey and bike are all red, pedestrians seem to get confused and not see me. So many times today, I had to shout out to people as they stepped in front of me--facing my direction. Vacation brain=nothing bad can happen to me because I am on vacation! The worst was a skateboarder who was looking straight through me and seemed to be hypnotized by my clanging bike bell. It wasn't until I was within 10 feet of him, shouting 'Heads Up!' that he jumped off his board, flipping it up to catch it. He missed the catch and bailed it in the middle of my path. Me, screeching my breaks, swearing my best good-girl swear--'Sheeesh!' His friend totally mocked me for that one. Can't say I blame him...
Lots of observations and people watching. Huntington Beach is great for that. There are some strange people in our world! Summer brings it all to the beach. I forget how crowded the boardwalk can be in summer and holidays.
Tonight, dinner: Chicken sausages, but I also found beretta in the market and bought some tomatoes and crusty bread. Just add basil from my "garden" and good olive oil. Caprese is one of my favorite things in the entire world. I also picked up some beautiful peaches and made a peach pie--JE's favorite. I have to admit, it was an experimental crust--100% whole wheat pastry flour. It was OK, not quite marketable, but tasty.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Day 268: Rest day
Just got off the phone with my mom and dad. Mom has been in the hospital all week, crud in her lungs and she isn't a really well person. Dad isn't doing well either. I know it sounds callous, but my mom has spent a good portion of her life in hospital. It is motivation for me to keep on top of my own health. There is a lot of bad stuff that can happen by not making good choices daily. I need to keep those fun feast days at a minimum!
My dad was commenting that he really needed to get up on a bicycle and do something, but he just gets so winded. He has forgotten that our bodies build up the ability to go longer distances over time and with work. Plus he is old; quite possibly the oldest mas of his age I have ever known. Poor guy. But he still has a remarkably positive outlook.
We are going up to see them by the end of summer.
Plan for the week to move this body. This is my last week of plateauing. And I got my bike back with some sweet new gear! I know I lost my 80 miles in June running challenge, but my knee is still hurting--hate that!
Plan for the week:
Monday: AM: Yoga
PM: Go for a long spin!
dinner: Chicken sausage and Swiss chard which I grew myself!
Tuesday: AM: Run--long 6.5 miles
PM: Swim Long 2500 yds
Dinner: Potato Gratin and spinach salad
Wednesday: AM: Yoga
PM: Bike--recovery--easy does it
Dinner: pizza--akin to Mozza. Yummy!
Thursday: Run--recovery 5 miles
PM: Swim--speed--48 laps, every 4 intervals
Dinner: Teriyaki tofu with green beans and rice
Friday AM: Yoga
PM: Swim--recovery 48
Dinner: Pasta with pesto. Oh snap! I love summer basil!
Saturday: AM Run--speed work 5 miles
Dinner: Apricot chicken and rice
My dad was commenting that he really needed to get up on a bicycle and do something, but he just gets so winded. He has forgotten that our bodies build up the ability to go longer distances over time and with work. Plus he is old; quite possibly the oldest mas of his age I have ever known. Poor guy. But he still has a remarkably positive outlook.
We are going up to see them by the end of summer.
Plan for the week to move this body. This is my last week of plateauing. And I got my bike back with some sweet new gear! I know I lost my 80 miles in June running challenge, but my knee is still hurting--hate that!
Plan for the week:
Monday: AM: Yoga
PM: Go for a long spin!
dinner: Chicken sausage and Swiss chard which I grew myself!
Tuesday: AM: Run--long 6.5 miles
PM: Swim Long 2500 yds
Dinner: Potato Gratin and spinach salad
Wednesday: AM: Yoga
PM: Bike--recovery--easy does it
Dinner: pizza--akin to Mozza. Yummy!
Thursday: Run--recovery 5 miles
PM: Swim--speed--48 laps, every 4 intervals
Dinner: Teriyaki tofu with green beans and rice
Friday AM: Yoga
PM: Swim--recovery 48
Dinner: Pasta with pesto. Oh snap! I love summer basil!
Saturday: AM Run--speed work 5 miles
Dinner: Apricot chicken and rice
Day 267: Feasts
My posts seem to be getting hung up in my email. I sent this last night. Sorry!
Los Angeles again today. We are traveling home currently, and have
utterly exhausted ourselves. Je and I walked all over the area between
the convention center, the historic center and the fashion district.
So many of the buildings in the historic center are really beautiful.
Los Angeles again today. We are traveling home currently, and have
utterly exhausted ourselves. Je and I walked all over the area between
the convention center, the historic center and the fashion district.
So many of the buildings in the historic center are really beautiful.
We took our guests to Griffith observatory and took twenty million
photos then headed down Hillcrest to Little Doms. Apparently Dom's is
a star-studded hotspot. While we were waiting for our food, Ryan
Reynolds pulled up in a Nissan Leaf with Olivia Wild in the passengers
seat. While we were eating, Larry David walked out and waited for his
car from valet. The parappadel with fennel sausage and peas was really
good and it wasn't as pricy a venue as I would think considering the
clientele.
After dinner we chased down the Kogi truck for second dinner. Our
guests are leaving tomorrow and had a weeks worth of eating to do in
one night. After Kogi? Pinks of course! 'Frankly' I think pinks dogs
aren't worth the rave. Dogs, when steamed in a natural casing, get
really chewy--kind of yucky. Better to grill the suckers.
Training? I feel like a gustatory athlete which I equate with feeling
nauseously overfed on far too rich foods. Maybe I'll try out a
watermelon diet for a few days just to settle things down...
My body aches from apathy and walking around so much. I'm guessing I
walked about nine miles today.
From a tiny little handheld piece of technology with more power than
O'Hera would have known what to do with
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Day 266: Foodie's LA
Savuer Magazine dedicated an entire magazine about food-crazed Los Angeles. This issue has been read thoroughly by both JE and myself, and left in the car as a reminder of all those amazing little places to go visit whenever we get up there. There is a problem with this issue, however. There are SO MANY MORE amazing places to find really interesting and good food, I can't imagine having to edit for that issue. What got cut?
Today, we, with our house guests, made our way to LA-- to places I hadn't been before. That beloved magazine became part of our tour guide. The cover shows a pizza covered with baked squash blossoms and burrata. Yes, that was delish, but the chicken livers with capers and bacon? Holy Cow!!! A-maze-ing! I got the speck and olive tempanade pizza with buffalo mozza. So good. During our caprese course, I may have shed a tear--I don't think I have ever had anything so good in my entire life. They roast sweet little tomatoes, still on the vine and add a little pool of pesto and excellent olive oil to the oh-so-fresh-mozzie. Part of what made this place so amazing, was our server/bar tender. He was so kind, helpful, and generous with his time--and they were super busy!
After our meal, we headed up to the Chinese theater. What a beautiful building! We wandered around the Hollywood wax museum, and took a few fun photos. I'll post later on this entry, but right now it is really late.
We wandered Hollywood Boulevard, people watching and taking in the walk of fame and all of its craziness. I counted three Michael Jacksons sharing the same block of cement!
Around 7, we loaded onto one of those topless vans for tourists and went cruising around Beverly Hills, Belle Air, and Hollywood. There was a weirdie on a bicycle who had decided to take issue with someone sitting in the back of the van. He chased us down 3 times, before we finally headed up a long slow hill, that proved to be too much for him. But he had been giving us the finger, riding by screaming obscenities, and calling out berating names. The rest of the tour was fun, not great, but fun. Ya get what ya pay for, and we had a hugely discounted fare.
On the way home, we stopped at another place from the magazine. This one in Korea town called Kyochon. The idea is Korean fried chicken. We ordered fairly simply, but it took about half an hour or more to get out food. Something was amiss, the whole place reads like a fast food joint. The chicken was good, though the best Korean fried chicken I have ever eaten was in Korea. JE and I wandered into this little hole in the wall restaurant because in the front window was a vast display of hot fresh fried chicken. We got the full chicken deal and as we sat waiting for our chicken, we started seeing a familiar mustachioed, bespectacled man in a clean white suit and little black bow-tie. We got our chicken to go, and went to the park and devoured it. It was crisp and hot and running with juice. The chicken itself was very small and tender, unlike any KFC stateside!
Not much in the way of training today. I had some orders that went out this morning before we left, including a carrot shaped carrot cake to honor Mo the dog, who was voted as runner up a best bike shop dog competition. Carrots are Mo's favorite food.
Today, we, with our house guests, made our way to LA-- to places I hadn't been before. That beloved magazine became part of our tour guide. The cover shows a pizza covered with baked squash blossoms and burrata. Yes, that was delish, but the chicken livers with capers and bacon? Holy Cow!!! A-maze-ing! I got the speck and olive tempanade pizza with buffalo mozza. So good. During our caprese course, I may have shed a tear--I don't think I have ever had anything so good in my entire life. They roast sweet little tomatoes, still on the vine and add a little pool of pesto and excellent olive oil to the oh-so-fresh-mozzie. Part of what made this place so amazing, was our server/bar tender. He was so kind, helpful, and generous with his time--and they were super busy!
After our meal, we headed up to the Chinese theater. What a beautiful building! We wandered around the Hollywood wax museum, and took a few fun photos. I'll post later on this entry, but right now it is really late.
We wandered Hollywood Boulevard, people watching and taking in the walk of fame and all of its craziness. I counted three Michael Jacksons sharing the same block of cement!
Around 7, we loaded onto one of those topless vans for tourists and went cruising around Beverly Hills, Belle Air, and Hollywood. There was a weirdie on a bicycle who had decided to take issue with someone sitting in the back of the van. He chased us down 3 times, before we finally headed up a long slow hill, that proved to be too much for him. But he had been giving us the finger, riding by screaming obscenities, and calling out berating names. The rest of the tour was fun, not great, but fun. Ya get what ya pay for, and we had a hugely discounted fare.
On the way home, we stopped at another place from the magazine. This one in Korea town called Kyochon. The idea is Korean fried chicken. We ordered fairly simply, but it took about half an hour or more to get out food. Something was amiss, the whole place reads like a fast food joint. The chicken was good, though the best Korean fried chicken I have ever eaten was in Korea. JE and I wandered into this little hole in the wall restaurant because in the front window was a vast display of hot fresh fried chicken. We got the full chicken deal and as we sat waiting for our chicken, we started seeing a familiar mustachioed, bespectacled man in a clean white suit and little black bow-tie. We got our chicken to go, and went to the park and devoured it. It was crisp and hot and running with juice. The chicken itself was very small and tender, unlike any KFC stateside!
Not much in the way of training today. I had some orders that went out this morning before we left, including a carrot shaped carrot cake to honor Mo the dog, who was voted as runner up a best bike shop dog competition. Carrots are Mo's favorite food.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Day 265: Noodles!
It was one of those days that reminds you of how good life can be. Meri, Neesha and I spent some time at Crystal Cove staring out at the sea. Eventually, I did go for my run an ran the entire length of trail across the park. I put on a bit more distance by running down and back each of the scenic overlook trails. I figure I ran nearly six miles.
We lunched in pre-boxed salads from Trader Joes. Their salad with the big couscous and currents is delish!
Dinner was ramen an Sticki Picky, with a Yogurtland chaser. I haven't seen JE laugh so hard in a long time!
Far too tired now
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day 264: Cleaning day
After a day of playing 'The Mighty Huntress' by chasing down dust bunnies of mega proportions all over my house, I baked a batch of brownies to take to a friend's graduation dinner party. Caitlin H. is one of my favorite people and her mom is one of my best friends. Since I have known the H. family, Caitlin has been writing a book. Her goal was to finish it before she graduated high school. About a month ago, she showed me her completed manuscript. Additionally, Caitlin is a very accomplished artist and one of her works of art was chosen by a local community to be exhibited during an art show. Caitlin can do anything, and I am so glad to know her!
At the party, I talked with Linda C, who is Caitlin's grandmother and who also owns a catering company. She encouraged me to get my website up and to just do the few things I do really well--well. It was inspiring to talk to her. I talked to the baker yesterday about not coming in this week while I have company, but I will be back there next week. Linda made some important observations and recommendations about some of the goings on in the shop--such as not to let the baker get overly reliant on me; which is what is happening. He asked me to come in on my own one day this week. He has court. I have company. No can do, Mister Mustafa!
Yes, and because I have company, we left the party and came home to meet JE's sister and her sister in law. We went to Baja Fish Tacos and then down to Laguna Beach. I had been cleaning all day, so my opportunity to run came at the beach. I headed up through Heisler park and then down the PCH to Blue Bird Canyon and back down. It was only a 3.5 mile run, but it sure felt good. It's so interesting that this thing that had been so difficult all my life, now is something I love to do. The more frequently I do it, the more I love it.
At the party, I talked with Linda C, who is Caitlin's grandmother and who also owns a catering company. She encouraged me to get my website up and to just do the few things I do really well--well. It was inspiring to talk to her. I talked to the baker yesterday about not coming in this week while I have company, but I will be back there next week. Linda made some important observations and recommendations about some of the goings on in the shop--such as not to let the baker get overly reliant on me; which is what is happening. He asked me to come in on my own one day this week. He has court. I have company. No can do, Mister Mustafa!
Yes, and because I have company, we left the party and came home to meet JE's sister and her sister in law. We went to Baja Fish Tacos and then down to Laguna Beach. I had been cleaning all day, so my opportunity to run came at the beach. I headed up through Heisler park and then down the PCH to Blue Bird Canyon and back down. It was only a 3.5 mile run, but it sure felt good. It's so interesting that this thing that had been so difficult all my life, now is something I love to do. The more frequently I do it, the more I love it.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Day 263: Time
Ever wonder where a second comes from? That one single measure of time that when added in groups of 60 creates minutes, which then in turn for hours, days, weeks, months. Every single moment can be captured in a tiny measure of time, never to return, never to be relived. It is such a beautiful thing. I love getting older, and that it takes all those tiny seconds and minutes to build experiences Someone said that time is what keeps everything from happening all at once.
OK, truth be known, I watched Benjamin Button the other day. I sort of hated the movie, but like that it instigates thoughts on aging. It was really sad that Cate blanchett's character couldn't come to terms with growing older. With something (like time and aging) that will move forward and will never stand still, the best thing to do is dance with it, embrace it and enjoy it.
JE told me tonight that he read a book on measuring time and that the Chinese measured time in a drop of water. One drop at a time over the course of a day. I'd have hated to be the slug who had to count that.
The light emitted from the sun reaches earth in about 8 minutes. This morning with a clear and beautiful sky, I swam with my chronometer flipping digital hundredths of seconds. I swam 1200 yards in about half an hour.
This evening, under the last vestiges of our summer solstice light, we ran 6.38 miles. It was a very strong run. There were coyotes about 10 feet from us on the other side of a fence, and they drew a crowd as we were finishing up our run. It was a strong run, filled with dreaming of our future, chatting about music and laughing together.
Dinner was a quick bowl of Ramen at Ajisen Ramen on Jamboree and Alton. So good! And we found bing! When we were in Taiwan, our favorite thing to eat was fresh fruit bing--a pile of shaved ice covered in fresh berries, melon, pineapple, then drizzled with sweetened condensed milk and brown rice syrup. Guppy House was selling huge bowls of the stuff! Sometime, when I'm not wet with sweat and freezing half to death, we may have to treat ourselves.
OK, truth be known, I watched Benjamin Button the other day. I sort of hated the movie, but like that it instigates thoughts on aging. It was really sad that Cate blanchett's character couldn't come to terms with growing older. With something (like time and aging) that will move forward and will never stand still, the best thing to do is dance with it, embrace it and enjoy it.
JE told me tonight that he read a book on measuring time and that the Chinese measured time in a drop of water. One drop at a time over the course of a day. I'd have hated to be the slug who had to count that.
The light emitted from the sun reaches earth in about 8 minutes. This morning with a clear and beautiful sky, I swam with my chronometer flipping digital hundredths of seconds. I swam 1200 yards in about half an hour.
This evening, under the last vestiges of our summer solstice light, we ran 6.38 miles. It was a very strong run. There were coyotes about 10 feet from us on the other side of a fence, and they drew a crowd as we were finishing up our run. It was a strong run, filled with dreaming of our future, chatting about music and laughing together.
Dinner was a quick bowl of Ramen at Ajisen Ramen on Jamboree and Alton. So good! And we found bing! When we were in Taiwan, our favorite thing to eat was fresh fruit bing--a pile of shaved ice covered in fresh berries, melon, pineapple, then drizzled with sweetened condensed milk and brown rice syrup. Guppy House was selling huge bowls of the stuff! Sometime, when I'm not wet with sweat and freezing half to death, we may have to treat ourselves.
Day 262: Sufjan Stevens
JE woke me, gently to tell me he was going in early to work. I got up and dressed and went with him. He went to work, I went running on the trail with JE's phone. He has a GPS tracker on it to give me mileage and music on a program that collects data and gives running time, mph and average pace. Running was fun and easy today, partly because of it was early morning and partly because I was plugged into music. There were several ducklings on the river and I stopped to look, then walked up the hill. When I got to the top, I checked the program to see how much further I had left to run. Across the top of the screen it read, "I walked." I was a bit surprised and a little affronted that this little device would remind me that I hadn't been running as we had previously agreed. It was my morning after all, and I could do with it as I chose. However, as I listened to the music I realized that the song title was being displayed. I Walked by Sufjan Stevens.
When JE got home today, he told me that he was affronted by the same program during his noon run. He hadn't been walking, and had the phone on mute so there was no music playing to clue him in.
85 Degrees for dinner and went to visit BC. Fun night.
My Word With Friends friend, CH, played the word, 'yammered' for 116 points. Youch!
When JE got home today, he told me that he was affronted by the same program during his noon run. He hadn't been walking, and had the phone on mute so there was no music playing to clue him in.
85 Degrees for dinner and went to visit BC. Fun night.
My Word With Friends friend, CH, played the word, 'yammered' for 116 points. Youch!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Day 261: Rest day
We headed to the beach this afternoon and walked the length of Crystal Cove. It was a glorious evening, fulled with light and even dolphins. Lovely.
There is some stuff going on with my family right now, and I'm not sure how serious it is. I've been feeling like I need to go up there soon, but with the car being incapacitated, it hasn't been an option. And yes, we have the car back now, but the engine light came on as we were driving home. Something is amiss with it, so travel is on hold.
Quite possibly, I may be done with the bakery I am working at. It was very disturbing last week when the baker asked me to tell someone (the board?) that he is seldom at the bakery and that I help him with his baking because he is taking care of his mother when in reality, he is there for about 16 hours a day and I do no baking but my own, once a week for a few hours. Smacks of fraud. I told him I'd try to be vague, but I couldn't lie. The day after, he treated me coldly, hardly talking to me and not looking me in the eye. Too bad, I was enjoying working there, but I will find somewhere else to go. I don't need to put up with that garbage--along with some other crap.
It is going to be a tough week to focus on workouts, as JE's sister will be here, but I will do my best. Perhaps June just needs to be a bit of a rest month, and pick up the more rigorous training in July. But my plans for the week are: Go for a long ride up the coast, run often--perhaps daily--go for the 80 miles in June challenge. Right now it would be 5.1 miles per day average for the next 10 weekdays and Saturday. Perhaps that is where I will put my focus, since my bike is in the shop and it will be easy to do this first thing in the morning while I have company.
Plan for the week:
Monday: AM: Run 5 miles. Dentist
PM: If my bike is ready, go for a long spin.
dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder
Tuesday: AM: Run 5 miles.
PM: Swim Long 2500 yds
Dinner: Pad se ew
Wednesday: Run 5 miles
Bike--recovery. Dessert for Caitlin's grad party, prep for SIL
Dinner: Chicken sausage and salad
Thursday: Run 5 miles
PM: Swim--speed
Dinner: Open
Friday: Run 5 miles
In LA at the Dwell show
Dinner: Open
Saturday: AM Run 5 miles
PM:Swim--recovery
Dinner: Open
There is some stuff going on with my family right now, and I'm not sure how serious it is. I've been feeling like I need to go up there soon, but with the car being incapacitated, it hasn't been an option. And yes, we have the car back now, but the engine light came on as we were driving home. Something is amiss with it, so travel is on hold.
Quite possibly, I may be done with the bakery I am working at. It was very disturbing last week when the baker asked me to tell someone (the board?) that he is seldom at the bakery and that I help him with his baking because he is taking care of his mother when in reality, he is there for about 16 hours a day and I do no baking but my own, once a week for a few hours. Smacks of fraud. I told him I'd try to be vague, but I couldn't lie. The day after, he treated me coldly, hardly talking to me and not looking me in the eye. Too bad, I was enjoying working there, but I will find somewhere else to go. I don't need to put up with that garbage--along with some other crap.
It is going to be a tough week to focus on workouts, as JE's sister will be here, but I will do my best. Perhaps June just needs to be a bit of a rest month, and pick up the more rigorous training in July. But my plans for the week are: Go for a long ride up the coast, run often--perhaps daily--go for the 80 miles in June challenge. Right now it would be 5.1 miles per day average for the next 10 weekdays and Saturday. Perhaps that is where I will put my focus, since my bike is in the shop and it will be easy to do this first thing in the morning while I have company.
Plan for the week:
Monday: AM: Run 5 miles. Dentist
PM: If my bike is ready, go for a long spin.
dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder
Tuesday: AM: Run 5 miles.
PM: Swim Long 2500 yds
Dinner: Pad se ew
Wednesday: Run 5 miles
Bike--recovery. Dessert for Caitlin's grad party, prep for SIL
Dinner: Chicken sausage and salad
Thursday: Run 5 miles
PM: Swim--speed
Dinner: Open
Friday: Run 5 miles
In LA at the Dwell show
Dinner: Open
Saturday: AM Run 5 miles
PM:Swim--recovery
Dinner: Open
Day 260: Way too late
Cleaned the house and went for a run in Woods Canyon. It was so beautiful. 5 miles round trip, we left off the last mile for fear our car getting locked in the gated parking lot. Felt really good to run, like my body was just craving all that movement.
Those pork burgers were a disappointment. The coleslaw and corn were the best part of the meal.
Those pork burgers were a disappointment. The coleslaw and corn were the best part of the meal.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Day 259: Valogi
After my deliveries this afternoon, I dropped by Irvine Bicycles and dropped off Little Red. She needs a new center chain ring and a rear cassette. As an alternative ride, today, I test rode a Valogi bike. It is a super light frame with a shallow rear base. The configuration is interesting. On JE's bike, I feel stretched out and comfy. On the Valogi, I don't know... It's tighter somehow for my 6'3" frame. I really liked the quick smoothness of the Shamano gears and breaks and the disc breaks kick butt. The strangest part was the wind factor and how unsteady I felt with a gusty cross breeze because of the lightness of the frame (little Red is a tank--even when fully loaded with panniers on front and back it only moved as much as this bike did with just me on it). It was, however, so much smoother going over the rough patches on the trail--and that is because of the frame. It's good to know this stuff. Someday, hopefully sooner than later, I would like a new road bike, and the only way I will know what I want and what works is to ride everything!
I decided to treat yesterday as a rest day, and today was my ride. I'll be missing my long ride this week, but need to be OK with that. That race in September is coming, but still comfortably far away.
I decided to treat yesterday as a rest day, and today was my ride. I'll be missing my long ride this week, but need to be OK with that. That race in September is coming, but still comfortably far away.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Day 258: I want it all
I'd hardly say I was lazy today, just busy in different ways. The sad part is that I was just explaining to JE that it is those core 9 workouts each week are the most important of all the workouts I have planned for myself throughout the week. Unfortunately, I have missed two of them already this week. I am jonesing for a bike ride--a long ride in view of the sea. I was thinking tomorrow would be the perfect day, but a whole heaping helping of things--business related, keep popping up. Maybe I can make my delivery early and fly away for a bit. Ugh, and a long run tomorrow night may get pushed to Saturday. I want it all, NOW!
The baker. The bakery. Generally Thursdays has become my baking and prep day for orders. Today, however was so slammed, I didn't get to start my own stuff until 2:45. Good for the baker, bad for my training.
What would you do if someone asked you to lie to cover their own lies? Not something I ever thought I would be faced with, but it happened today. What a thing to ask a person to do... Especially in something that could bring me liable.
This arvo, I worked a tiny bit on my website, and ate. It is such a weird thing to work around so much food. I find myself unwilling to eat most of the day, and then voracious once I get home. Today I wasn't home until after 4, then put my feet up in a cathartic food coma. I'd planned to ride to JE so we could go straight to Tim to pick up the car. We wound up at dinnner with friends and are now ready to crash, though I keep thinking I should go running--The only problem with that is that I need to get up early and go finish my baking before 9 tomorrow and I have quite a bit to do. I will figure out how to balance all of this. Like I said, I want it ALL!
The baker. The bakery. Generally Thursdays has become my baking and prep day for orders. Today, however was so slammed, I didn't get to start my own stuff until 2:45. Good for the baker, bad for my training.
What would you do if someone asked you to lie to cover their own lies? Not something I ever thought I would be faced with, but it happened today. What a thing to ask a person to do... Especially in something that could bring me liable.
This arvo, I worked a tiny bit on my website, and ate. It is such a weird thing to work around so much food. I find myself unwilling to eat most of the day, and then voracious once I get home. Today I wasn't home until after 4, then put my feet up in a cathartic food coma. I'd planned to ride to JE so we could go straight to Tim to pick up the car. We wound up at dinnner with friends and are now ready to crash, though I keep thinking I should go running--The only problem with that is that I need to get up early and go finish my baking before 9 tomorrow and I have quite a bit to do. I will figure out how to balance all of this. Like I said, I want it ALL!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day 257: Raspberries
It was a super fun day, filled with all kinds of happenings, including: running around for the baker and delivering baked goods samples to restaurants in the area, returning to the bakery to find the place filled with little old ladies all wanting lunch, the craziness that ensues when a dozen or so little old ladies need lunch in a hurry and then several other customers come in rapid fire succession also wanting lunch, returning home and breaking my record distance swim--I achieved my goal swim of 2,500 yards--it just wanted to be done today. I had invited a friend to come over and asked if she would help me with my web site, so when I got out of the shower, she and another friend were in the house, waiting for me. We went over navigating Wordpress, and I am so excited to really dig in and get some things done! Randi has been setting it up and it is looking really amazing. SO excited!
The three of us went to Sticki Picki and I introduced them to the wonders of the Asian photo booth. It was really fun. Afterward, we went to 85 degrees, and I think I took them off guard by how much I could eat--I hadn't eaten since my 10:00 breakfast and I had just swam 1.42 miles. We sat and chatted for a while and then they dropped me at JE's work. He worked late and I fell asleep waiting for him. He borrowed the company truck, as our car is STILL OUT!!!!
When we got home, we changed clothes and left again to go for a run on the trails in Irvine. Just as I was going into my last half mile I tripped on a sprinkler head and went down hard on my hands and knees--even got an elbow raspberried. I'm more bruised than anything else.
Someday, I will go shopping and buy some groceries to accomplish this weekly meal plan--we had left overs for a 10:30pm dinner.
The three of us went to Sticki Picki and I introduced them to the wonders of the Asian photo booth. It was really fun. Afterward, we went to 85 degrees, and I think I took them off guard by how much I could eat--I hadn't eaten since my 10:00 breakfast and I had just swam 1.42 miles. We sat and chatted for a while and then they dropped me at JE's work. He worked late and I fell asleep waiting for him. He borrowed the company truck, as our car is STILL OUT!!!!
When we got home, we changed clothes and left again to go for a run on the trails in Irvine. Just as I was going into my last half mile I tripped on a sprinkler head and went down hard on my hands and knees--even got an elbow raspberried. I'm more bruised than anything else.
Someday, I will go shopping and buy some groceries to accomplish this weekly meal plan--we had left overs for a 10:30pm dinner.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Day 256: Hatching
This afternoon, as I was driving the baker's van up the 55 freeway, I had this sweet moment of pause where I just felt like--This is life. Just sweet, this sense of gratitude and appreciation for the recent events that have taken place. Wheels are turning, things are moving. I made that happen with a series of tiny movements, and my efforts are blessed.
Last night, I received an email from a cousin in Australia, asking me to let my mother know that her great aunt had passed away. While I did not know this aunt,this has been looming in my mind all day, and causing me to stop and be grateful for the people in my life. Thank you for being in my life, friends!
The Baker needed a few items from some places that he couldn't get to before they closed. He asked if I would mind doing it. I visited a German Deli on Chapman called Mattern Sausage and Meats. What a friendly little place! Last night, to help relieve our fridge of some of the cakes and pies, we had friends over to eat. We got talking about hot dogs and how on occasion, we all crave a good snappy dog. Well, Mattern has these beautiful natural casing "frankfurters." Don't dare call them hot dogs, or you will be corrected (in a friendly sort of way). (Such good franks, I bypassed the hummus and went for steamed cabbage, carrots and oven fries with franks and mustard.)
After Mattern, I went to Restaurant Depot. This is a very surreal place, filled with all sorts of foods, but nothing to eat. Industrial sized cans of this and that line the shelves. My favorite part is a walk in refrigerator that could fit 5 Trader Joe's Markets inside. It is so big, they have to offer coats at the entryway, to prevent their customers from crawling into corners to go to sleep from hypothermia. Inside that fridge is huge loaves of cheese, loaves of lunch meats, whole goats--slaughtered and hanging from their feet, 5 gallon buckets of ice cream, frozen prepared foods of all kinds. It is a bit overwhelming, especially while trying to steer an unwieldy pallet cart--the smallest cart they offer.
When I finally got home this afternoon, I put on my bike gear and.... fell asleep on the couch. I did get out for my 36 mile bike from home to the back bay and back.
There was a huge onshore flow, which required constant vigilance and endurance. It was tough going on the way out, and nice on the way home. My sets happened today, rather than yesterday. Fun day!
Last night, I received an email from a cousin in Australia, asking me to let my mother know that her great aunt had passed away. While I did not know this aunt,this has been looming in my mind all day, and causing me to stop and be grateful for the people in my life. Thank you for being in my life, friends!
The Baker needed a few items from some places that he couldn't get to before they closed. He asked if I would mind doing it. I visited a German Deli on Chapman called Mattern Sausage and Meats. What a friendly little place! Last night, to help relieve our fridge of some of the cakes and pies, we had friends over to eat. We got talking about hot dogs and how on occasion, we all crave a good snappy dog. Well, Mattern has these beautiful natural casing "frankfurters." Don't dare call them hot dogs, or you will be corrected (in a friendly sort of way). (Such good franks, I bypassed the hummus and went for steamed cabbage, carrots and oven fries with franks and mustard.)
After Mattern, I went to Restaurant Depot. This is a very surreal place, filled with all sorts of foods, but nothing to eat. Industrial sized cans of this and that line the shelves. My favorite part is a walk in refrigerator that could fit 5 Trader Joe's Markets inside. It is so big, they have to offer coats at the entryway, to prevent their customers from crawling into corners to go to sleep from hypothermia. Inside that fridge is huge loaves of cheese, loaves of lunch meats, whole goats--slaughtered and hanging from their feet, 5 gallon buckets of ice cream, frozen prepared foods of all kinds. It is a bit overwhelming, especially while trying to steer an unwieldy pallet cart--the smallest cart they offer.
When I finally got home this afternoon, I put on my bike gear and.... fell asleep on the couch. I did get out for my 36 mile bike from home to the back bay and back.
There was a huge onshore flow, which required constant vigilance and endurance. It was tough going on the way out, and nice on the way home. My sets happened today, rather than yesterday. Fun day!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Day 255: Artichoke, Sweet Artichoke
Of all the food on the planet, can you think of anything that requires as much time and concentration as eating an artichoke? Peeling away the leaves and running them through your teeth, each one individually; gently pulling back the thistle choke to expose that vibrant heart, not to miss a morsel. There is no hurrying an artichoke. And so, at 10:30 this evening, I finally was able to eat dinner--one simple, beautiful artichoke. I stood at the kitchen counter, feeling the need for something not cake or pie but having no patience for boiling noodles. Though I did find time to reheat 3 meatballs. I was afraid to sit down and enjoy my food, for fear that I would be too tired to eat it once I started.
This morning was an early morning. I knew it was going to be a busy day, with all the baking I needed to do. The pool is a very cold place to be at 6:30 in the morning. But I soon warmed up and really enjoyed my short swim.
We rushed to get JE to work, so I could get my shopping done and start baking. The thing with baking isn't necessarily the time spent prepping, but the time spent cooling and finishing. These things I am doing all require so many steps, individual processes that make my products exceptional. There is no hurrying good baking.
I arrived at the wine bar around 3 and was greeted warmly. When I laid my wares on the counter, I realized that I had brought far too much. How could anyone try all of that without feeling sick? Apricot pie, berry pie, zombie bars, coconut cream pie, fresh strawberry pie, hazelnut torte, carrot cake. Yes, I baked my guts out. And it was really well received. The greatest concern is shelf life, because it is all so fresh and doesn't keep long. However, they are totally interested and will be contacting me soon. The Zombie bars were a huge hit. May need to rename them... Posh bars?
I missed my run today, there was no down time, all day. So glad I got my swim in this morning!
This morning was an early morning. I knew it was going to be a busy day, with all the baking I needed to do. The pool is a very cold place to be at 6:30 in the morning. But I soon warmed up and really enjoyed my short swim.
We rushed to get JE to work, so I could get my shopping done and start baking. The thing with baking isn't necessarily the time spent prepping, but the time spent cooling and finishing. These things I am doing all require so many steps, individual processes that make my products exceptional. There is no hurrying good baking.
I arrived at the wine bar around 3 and was greeted warmly. When I laid my wares on the counter, I realized that I had brought far too much. How could anyone try all of that without feeling sick? Apricot pie, berry pie, zombie bars, coconut cream pie, fresh strawberry pie, hazelnut torte, carrot cake. Yes, I baked my guts out. And it was really well received. The greatest concern is shelf life, because it is all so fresh and doesn't keep long. However, they are totally interested and will be contacting me soon. The Zombie bars were a huge hit. May need to rename them... Posh bars?
I missed my run today, there was no down time, all day. So glad I got my swim in this morning!
Day 254: Rest Day
Laguna Beach was crowded this afternoon. It always catches me off guard when summer comes and so do the tourists. As we walked Heisler park, we heard languages from many lands. The tide was really high, crashing on the beach and flowing all the way to the cliffs. The water is so cold right now, too cold to wade let alone swim. Yet, there were people in the water.
Earlier in the day, we went to church. Our good friend Allan is going to Fresno to serve as a missionary. We got to hear him talk, he is a great young man. He has been so concerned with learning how to be a good missionary, but has been feeling overwhelmed by how much he thinks he needs to know. So much of everything we do, is just simply doing it. Yes, there are figurative dues to be paid in advance, but there is nothing like doing something to actually ease the mind and heart that we are indeed adequate for the task at hand. It's how we really learn and gain confidence and trust in ourselves and God.
Sink or swim. I prefer to swim.
Plan for the week
Monday: AM: Swim for 35 minutes--recovery. I need to pick up some ingredients and bake my guts out until 2...
PM: Run--Speed intervals for 4 miles. Sets*. Drop off rental car--hopefully pick up our real car?
Dinner: Meatballs and pasta in red sauce
Yogurtland with LaBrue family
Tuesday: PM: Bike--speed intervals--add a mile per every 5 minutes for 60 minutes. Nike Training Club
Dinner: Pita and Hummus, Cucumber salad, pickled beets, green salad
Wednesday: AM: Swim--Speed intervals for
PM: Run--recovery (an easy 4 miles). Sets*
Dinner: Fish with oven fries and steamed vegetables
Thursday: PM: Bike--recovery--back bay loop. Yoga
Dinner: Steamed red potatoes and cauliflower with cream sauce and Cheetos (I like mine with boiled eggs, too--JE says it's icky)
Friday: AM: Long swim--54 laps 2160 yards
PM: run--long. 6.5 miles-Live Strong! Sets*
Dinner: Pork burgers with coleslaw
Saturday: AM: Cycle--
Dinner: Pad See Ew (one of these nights is dinner at Pete's, where he will make us Thai Curry and I will make him this dish!)
Stake conference
* Sets= 100 tiny crunches on the exercise ball, 50 oblique crunches, 100 tiny crunches. 60 walking lunges with 20 pounds of weights. Squat thrusts with an 8 pound medicine ball. 30 push ups. Lateral squat walk the living room x4 with elastic band at ankle. Wet pants living room x 4. Leg lifts x20 with elastic. Plank 30 seconds x3.
Earlier in the day, we went to church. Our good friend Allan is going to Fresno to serve as a missionary. We got to hear him talk, he is a great young man. He has been so concerned with learning how to be a good missionary, but has been feeling overwhelmed by how much he thinks he needs to know. So much of everything we do, is just simply doing it. Yes, there are figurative dues to be paid in advance, but there is nothing like doing something to actually ease the mind and heart that we are indeed adequate for the task at hand. It's how we really learn and gain confidence and trust in ourselves and God.
Sink or swim. I prefer to swim.
Plan for the week
Monday: AM: Swim for 35 minutes--recovery. I need to pick up some ingredients and bake my guts out until 2...
PM: Run--Speed intervals for 4 miles. Sets*. Drop off rental car--hopefully pick up our real car?
Dinner: Meatballs and pasta in red sauce
Yogurtland with LaBrue family
Tuesday: PM: Bike--speed intervals--add a mile per every 5 minutes for 60 minutes. Nike Training Club
Dinner: Pita and Hummus, Cucumber salad, pickled beets, green salad
Wednesday: AM: Swim--Speed intervals for
PM: Run--recovery (an easy 4 miles). Sets*
Dinner: Fish with oven fries and steamed vegetables
Thursday: PM: Bike--recovery--back bay loop. Yoga
Dinner: Steamed red potatoes and cauliflower with cream sauce and Cheetos (I like mine with boiled eggs, too--JE says it's icky)
Friday: AM: Long swim--54 laps 2160 yards
PM: run--long. 6.5 miles-Live Strong! Sets*
Dinner: Pork burgers with coleslaw
Saturday: AM: Cycle--
Dinner: Pad See Ew (one of these nights is dinner at Pete's, where he will make us Thai Curry and I will make him this dish!)
Stake conference
* Sets= 100 tiny crunches on the exercise ball, 50 oblique crunches, 100 tiny crunches. 60 walking lunges with 20 pounds of weights. Squat thrusts with an 8 pound medicine ball. 30 push ups. Lateral squat walk the living room x4 with elastic band at ankle. Wet pants living room x 4. Leg lifts x20 with elastic. Plank 30 seconds x3.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Day 253: Rest
Had a great day, filled with rest and eating well. The eating well part, I feel great about. I really wanted a corn dog, but went for light and healthy instead. And tonight, I really didn't want to swim, but swam my 48 laps and felt happy. Time for some much needed sleep.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Day 252: Zombies
For some reason this failed to show up last night:
Most of my morning was spent finishing my orders. Apricot pie,
chocolate hazelnut torte, cheesy mushroom tart. When I stopped my my
first delivery, the girls at the counter got really excited and told
me about how well my last delivery was received.
When we were on St Kitts, we found a tiny churchyard cemetery. The
most prominent headstone read the man's name followed by the word,
Sugar Baker. Of all the people buried there, that was the only
headstone baring a profession. He must have had similar experiences to
what I had today.
When I delivered my next delivery, one of my clients took about two
dozen of my Zombie Bars. The outsides of each of the boxes were
labeled with large letters in silver permanent marker, "Zombie Bars."
The unfortunate thing is that she was taking them to a funereal.
Rode 22 miles day on the back bay. About half way down my left knee
started really aching. I think the configuration of JEs bike may be
the issue. At any rate, it ruined me for my run. It's still stiff and
sore. The same knee I fell on last winter. It's getting worse.
Most of my morning was spent finishing my orders. Apricot pie,
chocolate hazelnut torte, cheesy mushroom tart. When I stopped my my
first delivery, the girls at the counter got really excited and told
me about how well my last delivery was received.
When we were on St Kitts, we found a tiny churchyard cemetery. The
most prominent headstone read the man's name followed by the word,
Sugar Baker. Of all the people buried there, that was the only
headstone baring a profession. He must have had similar experiences to
what I had today.
When I delivered my next delivery, one of my clients took about two
dozen of my Zombie Bars. The outsides of each of the boxes were
labeled with large letters in silver permanent marker, "Zombie Bars."
The unfortunate thing is that she was taking them to a funereal.
Rode 22 miles day on the back bay. About half way down my left knee
started really aching. I think the configuration of JEs bike may be
the issue. At any rate, it ruined me for my run. It's still stiff and
sore. The same knee I fell on last winter. It's getting worse.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Day 251: What Irises do best
Fun morning at the bakery, though it was so quiet! There were very few people coming in and it made me glad today was a baking day for my little bakery.
This afternoon, I spent baking at home--experimenting with recipes. Peanuts are apparently not good with wine, so I adapted a peanut butter recipe and refitted it with roasted hazelnuts. Tasty! JE's workmates have become my guinea pigs (so to speak). I'll also take Apricot pie and Zombie bars.
My mind was whirling today, as I was thinking about what on earth to take Monday for samples. I started reading all these new recipes and getting anxious that I hadn't tried them and would not have time before then to try them out. It dawned on me that even though these recipes that are so familiar to me are--well, so familiar to me, they will be all new to someone else. I make a fine pie, and cake, and zombie bar... I am good at that.
Ran tonight. My diet sucks right now. Every time I go the the bakery, I forget to eat. Not eating leaves me energy-less and unable to complete things without feeling tired. Also dehydrated. Not a good combo. Somehow I need to figure out a way to get my veg in during the arvo. No yoga, darn it. But it was a great day anyway, and my run was fun. Speed intervals with JE. My last interval, JE said I was running a 6 minute mile, if only I could sustain that for a mile!
This afternoon, I spent baking at home--experimenting with recipes. Peanuts are apparently not good with wine, so I adapted a peanut butter recipe and refitted it with roasted hazelnuts. Tasty! JE's workmates have become my guinea pigs (so to speak). I'll also take Apricot pie and Zombie bars.
My mind was whirling today, as I was thinking about what on earth to take Monday for samples. I started reading all these new recipes and getting anxious that I hadn't tried them and would not have time before then to try them out. It dawned on me that even though these recipes that are so familiar to me are--well, so familiar to me, they will be all new to someone else. I make a fine pie, and cake, and zombie bar... I am good at that.
Ran tonight. My diet sucks right now. Every time I go the the bakery, I forget to eat. Not eating leaves me energy-less and unable to complete things without feeling tired. Also dehydrated. Not a good combo. Somehow I need to figure out a way to get my veg in during the arvo. No yoga, darn it. But it was a great day anyway, and my run was fun. Speed intervals with JE. My last interval, JE said I was running a 6 minute mile, if only I could sustain that for a mile!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Day 250: Skinny
Recently I posted a photo of myself online. Several comments were about my thinness. I am not thin--at all. Loads of muscle and plenty of fat cells lay in the way of the true definition of skinny. Recently, I decided I don't like that word and the connotations of it. In this culture, skinny is perceived as a compliment. But skinny is, what exactly? A long body with some skin draped over it? Emaciation? A friend of mine commented about how she hates fashion magazines because of the host of frightened little girls dressed like zombies with their dark eye make up and blue or black finger nails and lips. Our culture is so weird. Anything resembling health and vitality is mocked as being cheesy. I like cheese. Cheese can kick skinny's butt any day of the week. (Would it be contradictory to celebrate the fact that I have lost about 3 pounds since I started focusing on weights and running?)
The bakery needed a new flyer, so I spent quite a bit of my day at my computer today. My bakery is getting a website soon! So excited! and I have Randi Cate to thank for helping me there. Sometimes things seem daunting without someone to show the way. I will continue to work on it tomorrow, but I have a couple orders to fulfill for Friday.
I make a bar cookie-chew thing, packed with dried fruit and nuts that is in high demand right now. It was dubbed by one good church-going lady as "the best thing I have ever put in my mouth." I finally came up with a name for them: Zombie Apocalypse Energy Bars, or Zombie bars. The rational is that if the Zombie Apocalypse were to happen, you'd want all the energy packed into one of these. Also, they would be the absolute best thing to eat as a last meal...
Writing cover letters is a difficult thing, but writing a Hey-Please-Buy-My-Stuff-Letter is far more difficult. I finally wrote to the wine bar today and asked for a sample-my-wares-meeting. Feeling emboldened by that, I swam my 52 laps, fixating on new embellishments for such a savvy venue. Time flew, laps flew. It was a wonderful thing!
The bakery needed a new flyer, so I spent quite a bit of my day at my computer today. My bakery is getting a website soon! So excited! and I have Randi Cate to thank for helping me there. Sometimes things seem daunting without someone to show the way. I will continue to work on it tomorrow, but I have a couple orders to fulfill for Friday.
I make a bar cookie-chew thing, packed with dried fruit and nuts that is in high demand right now. It was dubbed by one good church-going lady as "the best thing I have ever put in my mouth." I finally came up with a name for them: Zombie Apocalypse Energy Bars, or Zombie bars. The rational is that if the Zombie Apocalypse were to happen, you'd want all the energy packed into one of these. Also, they would be the absolute best thing to eat as a last meal...
Writing cover letters is a difficult thing, but writing a Hey-Please-Buy-My-Stuff-Letter is far more difficult. I finally wrote to the wine bar today and asked for a sample-my-wares-meeting. Feeling emboldened by that, I swam my 52 laps, fixating on new embellishments for such a savvy venue. Time flew, laps flew. It was a wonderful thing!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Day 249: The Why
An older couple wandered into the bakery this morning and found a table before I could help them at the counter. I took their order and chatted with them for a moment. Their food was ready, and I delivered it. As I approached their table, they were engrossed in a rich conversation embossed with gentle hand gestures. They were splitting a Black Forest Ham Sub with a side of macaroni salad.
Food has a unique way of bringing people together. It is one of the most social things we do, in almost any culture.
As a tailor in the theatrical world, I often work in open workrooms. This allows people to converse when we work, sometimes from across the room, more often from across the table. However, when I am home sewing things to sell online, my only company is news radio until I feel like the whole world is in utter chaos and I have to turn it off. oO books on CD if I remember to pick some up at the library. And online social sites, like Facebook.
My hope is/was that as a baker, I would bring people together, and to myself. I like people, generally. I am a nurturer by nature and love to know that someone is enjoying something I made for them, particularly food.
Last weekend, I had determined to give up this baking idea. Perhaps because I was disenchanted by the realities of what some bakers do to cut corners, perhaps because I didn't think it could be successful. Today, with a level head and a little hope, I returned to the bakery and helped. I talked with the baker about what he does and what he hopes to accomplish. He has a rich background in baking beautiful breads. He adds a lot to his menu that he cannot bake himself, but that can fetch a good price. His wallet needs that augmentation to pay off. I have been trying to encourage him to bake the breads that are so natural to him, stick with what you love and you will find success.
So, today, as I was hunting around for inspiration in one of my foodie magazines, I found yet another successful and thriving pie shop in Seattle. Simple. Just good pie. Whole food made with real ingredients, by people who care about quality and passion. Inspiring! I have nothing else lined up for the bulk of this summer and aside from missing an opportunity to go crazy doing absolutely nothing, I have time to build a bakery. And learn a hell of a lot in the process.
This afternoon, I met JE at his work, riding his bike to his work. We mostly ran and walked a bit of 4 miles on the trail near there. It wasn't a strong running day for me, but I did kick butt at Nike Training Club. I forget how much I enjoy that, I was pouring sweat!
Food has a unique way of bringing people together. It is one of the most social things we do, in almost any culture.
As a tailor in the theatrical world, I often work in open workrooms. This allows people to converse when we work, sometimes from across the room, more often from across the table. However, when I am home sewing things to sell online, my only company is news radio until I feel like the whole world is in utter chaos and I have to turn it off. oO books on CD if I remember to pick some up at the library. And online social sites, like Facebook.
My hope is/was that as a baker, I would bring people together, and to myself. I like people, generally. I am a nurturer by nature and love to know that someone is enjoying something I made for them, particularly food.
Last weekend, I had determined to give up this baking idea. Perhaps because I was disenchanted by the realities of what some bakers do to cut corners, perhaps because I didn't think it could be successful. Today, with a level head and a little hope, I returned to the bakery and helped. I talked with the baker about what he does and what he hopes to accomplish. He has a rich background in baking beautiful breads. He adds a lot to his menu that he cannot bake himself, but that can fetch a good price. His wallet needs that augmentation to pay off. I have been trying to encourage him to bake the breads that are so natural to him, stick with what you love and you will find success.
So, today, as I was hunting around for inspiration in one of my foodie magazines, I found yet another successful and thriving pie shop in Seattle. Simple. Just good pie. Whole food made with real ingredients, by people who care about quality and passion. Inspiring! I have nothing else lined up for the bulk of this summer and aside from missing an opportunity to go crazy doing absolutely nothing, I have time to build a bakery. And learn a hell of a lot in the process.
This afternoon, I met JE at his work, riding his bike to his work. We mostly ran and walked a bit of 4 miles on the trail near there. It wasn't a strong running day for me, but I did kick butt at Nike Training Club. I forget how much I enjoy that, I was pouring sweat!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Day 248: Discipline
The last time I rode with DA, we had several very pertinent conversations, things that I have been mulling over in my mind for the last week and some. When I told him about my swim, he told me that there is a scientific explanation for my response to the water. Apparently, as some athletes get into the cool water, it triggers a fear response--something a bit primal. He also said that there was a trick for it. Enter the water 5 minutes before the race and acclimate your body to the cooler temperature. My response to this was that the whole thing is a mind game. All that mental toughness is what makes people do triathlons.
Another thing we discussed was discipline. This is something I think a lot about. My feeling is that my happiness hinges on my own discipline and how readily I adhere to the things I know I should be doing. Things like waking up early, making lists of things I need to get done and doing them, exercise, cleaning, bill paying, eating healthy, saving money, working on something (and earning what I need to earn), fulfilling promises or agreements. If I procrastinate or ignore those things, I find myself unhappy. Unhappiness is a nasty little spiral stairway that can plunge straight to hell.
Today I woke up feeling great. It was 6 am, my body's natural waking point. I rode with JE to his work (in the car) and then took off around the Back Bay on his bike.
His bike is a custom baby blue Surley cyclocross with a honey colored Brooks saddle and brown handlebar tape. The ergonomics are amazing to ride. My bike is so upright, his bike demands a long reach. By the end of my 25 miles, my deltoids were on fire. The first 18 miles, I just relaxed and enjoyed the smooth flow of the bike, getting to know its configurations and components. The last 6 miles of my ride, I opened up and found that speed I have been lacking in my rides on my bike. It is the bike. There is both relief and a bit of sadness in that statement. I love my bike, but she is slow!
I took a little break at a park overlooking the back bay. The tide was out, so the only water was a river coming straight down the middle between muddy flats. When I first saw the coyote, she was pacing the shore near the wide river. Eventually, she waded out and continued pacing. Then she started swimming for the opposite shore. Egrets and cormorants were swooping low and circling, screeching their worst swears at the invading predator. When she reached the other side, she swam back and forth, looking for safe mooring, but the birds were standing sentinel all along the shore, refusing admittance. She stayed out in the water for quite a while, so long that I lost track of her. When I looked back, she was nowhere to be seen.
The rest of the day, I spent making a guitar case for JE's base, so he can safely haul the thing around to band practice, etc. He loves it. A length of bright and beautiful handmade embroidery from Uzbekistan runs the length of the case on one side and loaned itself for external pockets. I am pleased with it.
Tonight, we swam as the sun set. It was a fun swim, with the challenges of a speed lap every 4 laps. My best time was 43 seconds for 40 yards. This is a 6 second drop for the same distance. My average pace was a 50 second lap. All of my in between laps, I spent trying to reduce my strokes per lap-lengthening and pivoting in the water. It feels good to swim like that!
Another thing we discussed was discipline. This is something I think a lot about. My feeling is that my happiness hinges on my own discipline and how readily I adhere to the things I know I should be doing. Things like waking up early, making lists of things I need to get done and doing them, exercise, cleaning, bill paying, eating healthy, saving money, working on something (and earning what I need to earn), fulfilling promises or agreements. If I procrastinate or ignore those things, I find myself unhappy. Unhappiness is a nasty little spiral stairway that can plunge straight to hell.
Today I woke up feeling great. It was 6 am, my body's natural waking point. I rode with JE to his work (in the car) and then took off around the Back Bay on his bike.
His bike is a custom baby blue Surley cyclocross with a honey colored Brooks saddle and brown handlebar tape. The ergonomics are amazing to ride. My bike is so upright, his bike demands a long reach. By the end of my 25 miles, my deltoids were on fire. The first 18 miles, I just relaxed and enjoyed the smooth flow of the bike, getting to know its configurations and components. The last 6 miles of my ride, I opened up and found that speed I have been lacking in my rides on my bike. It is the bike. There is both relief and a bit of sadness in that statement. I love my bike, but she is slow!
I took a little break at a park overlooking the back bay. The tide was out, so the only water was a river coming straight down the middle between muddy flats. When I first saw the coyote, she was pacing the shore near the wide river. Eventually, she waded out and continued pacing. Then she started swimming for the opposite shore. Egrets and cormorants were swooping low and circling, screeching their worst swears at the invading predator. When she reached the other side, she swam back and forth, looking for safe mooring, but the birds were standing sentinel all along the shore, refusing admittance. She stayed out in the water for quite a while, so long that I lost track of her. When I looked back, she was nowhere to be seen.
The rest of the day, I spent making a guitar case for JE's base, so he can safely haul the thing around to band practice, etc. He loves it. A length of bright and beautiful handmade embroidery from Uzbekistan runs the length of the case on one side and loaned itself for external pockets. I am pleased with it.
Tonight, we swam as the sun set. It was a fun swim, with the challenges of a speed lap every 4 laps. My best time was 43 seconds for 40 yards. This is a 6 second drop for the same distance. My average pace was a 50 second lap. All of my in between laps, I spent trying to reduce my strokes per lap-lengthening and pivoting in the water. It feels good to swim like that!
Day 247: Rest Day
what do you do when you just feel burnt out? I've been working so hard for so long. I do not want to slide backwards, I think that is key. Remember why I am doing this:
I want to be fit
I want to have a cement goal to reach toward
I want the confidence that comes with this sort of work
Before I left on my cycle-tour, friend BC warned that when I returned, I would probably go through a sort of withdraw depression. Actually, I got slammed with it pretty hard back then and when I started to come back out is when I decided to fulfill my goal of triathlon. Yes, I think this is what is happening again, but this time, my arsenal is still full. Last summer, I ran out of road, this year, I still have training everywhere and anywhere. The trick it to haul myself up and out of the house to get it done. The whole thing is totally exacerbated by not having a job lined up for the summer.
Plan for the week:
Monday: Bike to work with JE--in my hardest gear, because that is all I have. Swim--Speed intervals 1600 yards
Weighted lunges, squats, sit ups, pushups with a short run (1.5 miles) to warm up
Dinner: Leek and potato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches
Tuesday: Bike to work with JE. Run--recovery 4 miles
PM: club Nike
Dinner: Spaghetti with red sauce
Wednesday: Bike if possible, otherwise, run. Swim--recovery 1200 yards
Weighted lunges, squats, sit ups, pushups with a short run (1.5 miles) to warm up
Dinner: Stir fry with chicken and rice
Thursday: Bike if possible. Run--Speed 4.5 miles
PM:Yoga
Dinner: Vegetarian Chili and corn bread
Friday: Bike if possible. Run--distance 6.5 miles
Weighted lunges, squats, sit ups, pushups with a short run (1.5 miles) to warm up
Dinner: With friends
Saturday: Long swim--52 laps/2080 yards
Dinner: With Gram in San Diego
I want to be fit
I want to have a cement goal to reach toward
I want the confidence that comes with this sort of work
Before I left on my cycle-tour, friend BC warned that when I returned, I would probably go through a sort of withdraw depression. Actually, I got slammed with it pretty hard back then and when I started to come back out is when I decided to fulfill my goal of triathlon. Yes, I think this is what is happening again, but this time, my arsenal is still full. Last summer, I ran out of road, this year, I still have training everywhere and anywhere. The trick it to haul myself up and out of the house to get it done. The whole thing is totally exacerbated by not having a job lined up for the summer.
Plan for the week:
Monday: Bike to work with JE--in my hardest gear, because that is all I have. Swim--Speed intervals 1600 yards
Weighted lunges, squats, sit ups, pushups with a short run (1.5 miles) to warm up
Dinner: Leek and potato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches
Tuesday: Bike to work with JE. Run--recovery 4 miles
PM: club Nike
Dinner: Spaghetti with red sauce
Wednesday: Bike if possible, otherwise, run. Swim--recovery 1200 yards
Weighted lunges, squats, sit ups, pushups with a short run (1.5 miles) to warm up
Dinner: Stir fry with chicken and rice
Thursday: Bike if possible. Run--Speed 4.5 miles
PM:Yoga
Dinner: Vegetarian Chili and corn bread
Friday: Bike if possible. Run--distance 6.5 miles
Weighted lunges, squats, sit ups, pushups with a short run (1.5 miles) to warm up
Dinner: With friends
Saturday: Long swim--52 laps/2080 yards
Dinner: With Gram in San Diego
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Day 246:
Feeling a little thwarted these days, with the car still in the shop. The engine has been replaced, but the car still has no power. It could be the catalytic converter... Big, expensive, ugly. Ugh.
My bike came out and went back into the shop today, too. The rear wheel needed re-spoking and the chain was replaced. Unfortunately, the rear cassette and middle chain ring need to be replaced now, too. Found this out, after a 30 mile ride was decreased to a 3 mile ride up and back from Shady Canyon.
There are so many bright sides to this. It's an amazing thing that as I feel the free-fall of unemployment, there are kind people there to assist however they can. Thanks Josh, for taking on my wheel to re-spoke it. There probably isn't a more capable person for the job in all of Orange County, and I am so grateful for that kind service. Thanks Boyd for buying my cookies. Thanks David for buying my pies. Thanks JE for working so hard for our life together. People are good and kind.
Shifting focus from the negative to being able to see the positive, takes so much work sometimes. Lack of sleep does not help the effort. I lay in bed until around 4 am last night, without sleeping, and have been up since 8. Time for sleeping and beating away these blues.
My bike came out and went back into the shop today, too. The rear wheel needed re-spoking and the chain was replaced. Unfortunately, the rear cassette and middle chain ring need to be replaced now, too. Found this out, after a 30 mile ride was decreased to a 3 mile ride up and back from Shady Canyon.
There are so many bright sides to this. It's an amazing thing that as I feel the free-fall of unemployment, there are kind people there to assist however they can. Thanks Josh, for taking on my wheel to re-spoke it. There probably isn't a more capable person for the job in all of Orange County, and I am so grateful for that kind service. Thanks Boyd for buying my cookies. Thanks David for buying my pies. Thanks JE for working so hard for our life together. People are good and kind.
Shifting focus from the negative to being able to see the positive, takes so much work sometimes. Lack of sleep does not help the effort. I lay in bed until around 4 am last night, without sleeping, and have been up since 8. Time for sleeping and beating away these blues.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Day 245:
I don't think I have ever gotten the house party ready in such a quick period of time, as I did this morning. The grad students from the UCI costume program came over this morning for what was meant to be a pool part, but only ever blossomed into a tree-house party (my name for my my second floor condo overlooking a treed green belt). It was a lovely event. One of my favorite sandwiches is curried egg salad (just add a bit of curry powder to the egg salad without any mustard). Nice. It was good to see them, it was good to have a party--it has been a couple years.
My bike is almost ready. It has been at the shop some of the week, but I had it for a little while with strict instructions to not go too far from home on it. Very inhibiting instructions. My total mileage so far this week is 21 miles, mostly running. How cool is that? 6 strong and liberating miles tonight under the stars. It is great to be alive!
Weights and core strengthening stuff as well. feeling my muscles in my legs, feels good.
My bike is almost ready. It has been at the shop some of the week, but I had it for a little while with strict instructions to not go too far from home on it. Very inhibiting instructions. My total mileage so far this week is 21 miles, mostly running. How cool is that? 6 strong and liberating miles tonight under the stars. It is great to be alive!
Weights and core strengthening stuff as well. feeling my muscles in my legs, feels good.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Day 244: Finders Keepers
As I entered the gym in my community, a small solarium with a few free weight stands, treadmills and an elliptical machine, I heard one of the 3 men there talking workout in a voice that was meant to be heard by all of us. Not wanting to be part of it, I plugged into my music and ran a mile on the treadmill. (I hate treadmills. Why bother having them in a place that has sunshine on average 340 days per year where the temperature seldom drops below 50 degrees?) Afterward, I picked up the ten pound weights and did some lunges and squats. Mr. Chatty looked at me and said, "that's what I should have done!" Right, instead he laid face up, on the bench with his legs above his head, spread eagle--wearing short running shorts. Perhaps I should change his name to Mr. WILL-BE-HEARD-and-seen. A short while late, he started running on the treadmill which overlooks a green space. He was non-stop beratement of everyone who passed by. Finally, sick of hearing him, I told him that he oozes negativity. And guess what he did in his defense? Oozed more, with worse language. No surprise there. Eventually I told him (in not so many word) to just shut up--it was more like, 'I came here to workout, not listen to you go on and on.' He did shut up, by the way.
I firmly believe that you find what you look for. In his case, all he could see in our community is the dysfunction of the Home Owners Association. And while I do admit that our HOA is a bit whacked out,I see a group of condos that are fairly well maintained and quiet. All he saw, looking out that window, was lack of this that and the other.
About half an hour later, I jumped in the pool. The sun was bright and cast a million fractured rainbows onto the bottom of the pool.
Today was a long swim, I swam 40 laps in the 25 yard pool. A total of 2,000 yards. To make things interesting, I tried to slow my pace, reach further and take as few strokes as possible to cross the pool. I have been swimming 21 strokes per length, that is 7 breaths from one end of the pool to the other. My average-slow long haul- lap was around 1:08 seconds. Using this new technique, I was able to swim the length of the pool using 5 breaths, with 16 strokes per length in 58 seconds. It wasn't consistent, but it was breakthrough stuff with so much less effort.
Oh, the baking business. I am being humbled. this morning, I was able to make cookies for an order in no time flat. I put them in the oven and discovered that I hadn't quite gotten my recipe doubled in the correct proportions. I ended up with cookies that look and taste more like a chocolate chip biscuit. That was an awful feeling, knowing how much my ingredients cost and that I would have to buy them all over again. My margin of error is huge right now, such a stupid mistake. I am trying not to make that margin any bigger by allowing myself to feel like I am not allowed a margin of error. I keep reminding myself of when I started sewing... Whew, there is some terrible junk in the world made by my hands!
I firmly believe that you find what you look for. In his case, all he could see in our community is the dysfunction of the Home Owners Association. And while I do admit that our HOA is a bit whacked out,I see a group of condos that are fairly well maintained and quiet. All he saw, looking out that window, was lack of this that and the other.
About half an hour later, I jumped in the pool. The sun was bright and cast a million fractured rainbows onto the bottom of the pool.
Today was a long swim, I swam 40 laps in the 25 yard pool. A total of 2,000 yards. To make things interesting, I tried to slow my pace, reach further and take as few strokes as possible to cross the pool. I have been swimming 21 strokes per length, that is 7 breaths from one end of the pool to the other. My average-slow long haul- lap was around 1:08 seconds. Using this new technique, I was able to swim the length of the pool using 5 breaths, with 16 strokes per length in 58 seconds. It wasn't consistent, but it was breakthrough stuff with so much less effort.
Oh, the baking business. I am being humbled. this morning, I was able to make cookies for an order in no time flat. I put them in the oven and discovered that I hadn't quite gotten my recipe doubled in the correct proportions. I ended up with cookies that look and taste more like a chocolate chip biscuit. That was an awful feeling, knowing how much my ingredients cost and that I would have to buy them all over again. My margin of error is huge right now, such a stupid mistake. I am trying not to make that margin any bigger by allowing myself to feel like I am not allowed a margin of error. I keep reminding myself of when I started sewing... Whew, there is some terrible junk in the world made by my hands!
Day 243: Burnt
When making caramel, it is important that the high ratio of sugar to water becomes a clear liquid before it is allowed to come to a boil. This ensures the sugar crystals have dissolved and will not become grainy in the cooled liquid. Once the sugar dissolves, boil it until the liquid starts to change color. Slide on and off the heat to allow the color to change slowly (it goes quite rapidly, otherwise and will scorch and become unusable in no time flat). Keep it going until you achieve a deep golden amber, then remove it from the heat and get it out of the pan quickly to use in your recipe.
Almost every good thing comes at a cost, whether that cost is time, commitment, work or whatever. For about 9 months I have been training my body to go faster, longer, better and harder. Recently, I did some self analysis and discovered some areas I need to improve. Rearranging my focus, I plan on building my training program to make me stronger, thereby making me faster. My schedule is to run everyday, and I added more weights to the mix. I wanted to wake each morning with salutations to the sun, but it is too much, too soon and I feel toppled like one of my rock stacks. I feel nigh unto burn out. Yoga is about balance, and I am out of balance right now.
Slide me off the heat for a little while and I will be fine. I have decided to allow myself a little time before my next event--in September. I'd like to see what I can achieve between now and then as far as my goals go. I have a good sturdy base, I want to build speed into that base and I have a plan to do that. I will regain my yoga, but not as a daily event, not right now. I just need to feel joy in training, again.
Ran my 4 miles today, light and easy, down at Crystal cove. It was an amazing night with a high surf. Some waves reached the treeline. For dinner, I made fresh green enchilada sauce from tomatillos and pasilla chiles, and cooked the chicken in it, and served it on whole wheat tortillas with guacamole and corn chips. We ate it at the beach, overlooking the Great Pacific from a picnic on the edge of a bluff.
I sort of failed my swim, tonight. I'll swim tomorrow, maybe. Sliding off the heat...
Almost every good thing comes at a cost, whether that cost is time, commitment, work or whatever. For about 9 months I have been training my body to go faster, longer, better and harder. Recently, I did some self analysis and discovered some areas I need to improve. Rearranging my focus, I plan on building my training program to make me stronger, thereby making me faster. My schedule is to run everyday, and I added more weights to the mix. I wanted to wake each morning with salutations to the sun, but it is too much, too soon and I feel toppled like one of my rock stacks. I feel nigh unto burn out. Yoga is about balance, and I am out of balance right now.
Slide me off the heat for a little while and I will be fine. I have decided to allow myself a little time before my next event--in September. I'd like to see what I can achieve between now and then as far as my goals go. I have a good sturdy base, I want to build speed into that base and I have a plan to do that. I will regain my yoga, but not as a daily event, not right now. I just need to feel joy in training, again.
Ran my 4 miles today, light and easy, down at Crystal cove. It was an amazing night with a high surf. Some waves reached the treeline. For dinner, I made fresh green enchilada sauce from tomatillos and pasilla chiles, and cooked the chicken in it, and served it on whole wheat tortillas with guacamole and corn chips. We ate it at the beach, overlooking the Great Pacific from a picnic on the edge of a bluff.
I sort of failed my swim, tonight. I'll swim tomorrow, maybe. Sliding off the heat...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Day 242: the Chase
Somehow I forgot to set my alarm. I woke at five. Far too early to
actually get out of bed, not when sleep came so reluctantly last
night. When I woke the second time, it was closer to eight than I
would have liked. I got dressed quickly and headed to the bakery,
feeling tired and grumpy that I had missed my first day of sun
salutations.
actually get out of bed, not when sleep came so reluctantly last
night. When I woke the second time, it was closer to eight than I
would have liked. I got dressed quickly and headed to the bakery,
feeling tired and grumpy that I had missed my first day of sun
salutations.
At the bakery, I learned that it is actually only the 31st of May.
Tomorrow is my really first day.
I'm not feeling terribly committed to much right now. The baker who
owns the place does not have a terribly high standard for his products
and was telling me that I should use mixes instead of all scratch and
butter.
Did you know that you cam buy Danishes that are defrost and bake
things made with hydrogenated oils? Most butter-cream frosting comes in
5 gallon buckets? As do cherry filling, apple filling, chocolate
filling and even custards. All preprocessed in some factory somewhere.
We have all become so used to buying cheap food that we don't question
where it comes from or what is in it. At least most of the general
public.
When someone does something extraordinary, and marketable it goes on
the map. When that something has to do with food, people hold onto
that map and seek out that thing. I call it destination dining. I have
driven 45 miles (and beyond) for dinner on the recommendation of a
friend or magazine.
That's what I want my bakery to be. But for now, I'm learning about
what I want and some things about marketing.
I'm feeling really physically drained this week. I ran 4 miles and did
my sprint intervals, increasing in speed at each interval. My
imagination runs a bit wild sometimes, so I try to convince myself
that I am being chased. The code word to start sprinting is
'velociraptor!'
Weight training is fun, but sucks the next day...
Had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, the Kettle with friend BC.
From a tiny little handheld piece of technology with more power than
O'Hera would have known what to do with AKA iPhone
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