Mocha Dress

I'm a fan of coffee. I drink a full pot of black coffee, every day. On particularly cold nights, I'll make a pot of coffee before bed.

Every trip to Whole Foods, I spend time browsing the bulk coffee bins. I love the smells of the different blends of beans, the varying roasts. I love the sight of those light / medium / dark roasted beans. In buying beans, I look for the shiny coat of oil on the very dark roasts. I sometimes buy the mixed roast blends, just because of the color progression in the bin.

In looking at the "final call" sales from myShape, I came across a very tempting blend. This dress, AGB - Jersey Bubble Dress in Coffee Bean.

A whimsical print and bubble hem add a wonderfully playful touch to this lovely and liquid, light- to medium weight jersey dress. Designed to hit above knee. Flatters proportioned shapes.

I like jersey. The print is delightful. I could probably even put a fitted long sleeve tee underneath it for winter wear - something in a shade of coffee, with or without cream.

It's recommended for my "M" body shape. But, it's a bubble dress. There is no way I could wear a bubble dress without being asked "when are you due?", especially not in mom circles. No amount of running is going to change that.

Sigh.

Still... I'm thinking about it. Over my third cup of coffee. Maybe with the 3" heel boots and these earrings?

Musical Interlude

A friend sent me a link to this video clip of She & Him. "She" is Zooey Deschanel. Followed the "related videos" link to the first music video released from their debut album:



I was pleasantly surprised, then remembered I shouldn't be. My favorite snippet from Elf was her duet with Will Farrel of "Baby, It's Cold Outside". And, since the three days of rainy but warm days here in Atlanta have ended, and I'll be running in a breezy 35 degrees this morning, it only seems fitting to end with:

Frugal Decadence (sort of)

Earlier this week, I was eating crow over my month of utter lack of awareness about my grocery spending. Got back on track, and am doing it just by planning out my meals and shopping a few days in advance. (Crow is not on menu, by the way.)

• Meatloaf, baked ziti and salad
• Roasted chicken breast with aromatic vegetables & cream sauce, mushroom risotto, and spinach, sauteed in butter
• Coconut-lemongrass noodle soup with chicken (thin sliced leftover breast meat from yesterday) and veggies.

I'm half way through the week, and on target for being well under $150 for the week. It's not necessary to cut back on fresh foods to get there. I'll be making macaroni & cheese tomorrow, but it will be a creamy homemade cheese sauce, not orange chemical powder & milk.

Didn't even have to try very hard to find a little space for indulgences. Baked oatmeal & chocolate chip muffins. Have a bag of everyone's peanut butter filled pretzels to go along with apples for kid snacking. As long as the portions aren't huge, there's no pinch. (I'm nowhere near a frugal black belt, but could get there, if it became necessary.)

As for that frugal decadence, mentioned earlier? Well, here it is:

1 Bosc Pear, 94¢1/2 lemon, 12.5¢
1 Tbs dark brown sugar, 2.2¢
Grated fresh ginger, 4.9¢
2 Tbs butter, 18¢
2 scoops ice cream (store brand, of course), 42.8¢
4 ginger thins, 5.3¢
1 pot of super dark roast coffee, 65¢

Take $2.45 worth of ingredients, 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of roasting pears (while I was in the kitchen anyway), and add one hour of Pushing Daisies on primetime television. Almost a date, and only $1.23 per person.

Running in the rain

I generally want to climb back into bed with a book on rainy days, especially in winter. For some reason I don't quite understand, this is how I feel about it today:



I'm looking forward to it, and am even prepped with a low-tech solution to keeping my iPod dry in the rain - ziploc sandwich baggie in the back pocket. I'm not completely crazy - the iPhone is staying home. I can do without the GPS / MapMyRun apps today.

Dreary Dress Day

I had a lunch date today, so pulled a go-to dress out of the closet after my morning run. It is supposed to start raining this afternoon, so I dressed to not be on the bike in skirt and heels this time. I'll run and ride all over town in bits of spandex and wicking fabrics through the year, but a just-above-the-knee pencil skirt on a road bike is where I draw the line. (See, mom? Those comments on girlish modesty, back when I was smallish and mucking about outside in dresses, did sink in. Eventually.)

Wonderful lunch at Mirage. A pot of hot persian tea, and a steaming bowl of Khoresh-e-Gheymeh Bademjan: Cubed sirloin beef cooked with sautéed onions, yellow split peas, tomato sauce & sun-dried Persian limes, seasoned with special spices, and sauteed eggplant. Lively conversation about shifting demographics within neighborhoods, and about the book we're both reading (The Logic of Life, Tim Harford).

Saw myself in the entryway mirror when I arrived home. I was an accurate representation of the weather.
Grey, black and drab. Even my accessories, minimal though they were:

• Small silver hoop earrings.
• Tortiseshell glasses
• Stainless steel watch (is 1940 Ladies Oyster, with a sweep second hand. May look bland, but is a marvel of engineering to me)
• Platinum Ring

All grey, black and silver. No color. No "pop." If I'd remembered a necklace, it probably would have been a silver pendant on a length of black silk.
I think it's time to take a page from Rebecca, and get busy with the accesorizing. Not a lot of it, because I'm a big fan of the functional. A few necklaces from which to choose. Earrings with a touch of color. Maybe a scarf or two?

Like anything I know nothing about, I'll need to do a bit of reading. Imogen Lamport of Inside Out Style, has given some great advice over at Rebecca's site, so her own site is probably where I'll start.

Other than that, I probably need to get my daughter involved. She loves accesorizing. If I start where the princess approves, and cut it by two-thirds, I should be just about right. Besides, it's not often we get to bond over such a girlish activity.

See! Proof that some part of me yearns for color - this is my favorite handbag.

'Tis the Season

On my way to the store today, I noticed a distinct lack of pedestrians. I'm used to being the only bicycle on my trips during the week, but there are usually walkers. It was sunny. It wasn't windy, and I was almost too warm in my grey wool coat & gloves. It was lunchtime, and it wouldn't have taken more than a jacket for folks to be comfortable on the walk to restaurants. Where was everyone?

They were all driving. The parking lots were packed, and not just the lots in front of retail stores. Here we are, in a very walkable area, and everyone is driving. Brought to mind a recent post from Jett of Atlanta Intown Cycling. Kissing the Pretty Girls, about how people talk about walking, or riding, but nobody actually gets out there and does it.

If you are able to walk, and take the car instead, you’re just talking. If you are able to leave the car behind, and you do leave it behind, you’re kissing the pretty girls.

The poets talk of romance. My neighbors talk of walking. Who is kissing the pretty girls?

He's in Virginia Highlands, which gets a much higher walkability score than my suburban neighborhood, but mine is fairly high, and climbing with every stretch of sidewalk the City of Sandy Springs pours.

I'm trying to kiss the pretty girls whenever possible. On beautiful days, like today, with a basket full of good food, pretty flowers, fragrant eucalyptus and bright red holly... the kisses are fantastic!

Grocery Budget Backsliding

Back in August, I challenged myself to feed my family of five for $125 per week. Four weeks, average weekly spending: $115.14 It wasn't tough, just required planning. Didn't have to cut back on much; still had room for a few indulgences each week.

Kept it going in September, but relaxed it to a $150/week target.

October, still did pretty well.

Then came the visiting relatives, half marathon, extra projects for work, loads of kid activities, school volunteering, and training for the second half marathon. Time was at a premium. Weekly planning went out the window.

My supermarket spending in November? $1,080.

After picking my jaw up from the floor, I started checking receipts. Subtracted dog food, toiletries, cleaning supplies and other non-food, household items. $862. That's over $215 per week.

How did I not see this coming?

• Produce is becoming more expensive, now that summer is over. There's also been a general uptick in prices over all, if I compare prices to receipts from several months ago.
• My bulk items at Whole Foods - not the issue, but the other shopping I do while I'm at WF, adds up.
• Cheese binge - $47 in one week (Granted, the cheese was consumed over 2-3 weeks, and made us all happy.)
• Shopping, other than Thanksgiving dinner, was done without planning. Did not purchase more packaged food, just more food in general, without having checked what was already in the pantry.

This month, I'm back to lists. Still busy, so I'm only planning about three days at a time, but that will make a tremendous difference in my shopping. I'm also going to make a trip to the Dekalb Farmers Market, to stock up on all the staples and spices. The lower prices for bulk items there will more than make up for a couple gallons of gas and the time it takes to get across town.


Another benefit of heading to the Farmers Market? Instant field trip for kids. The ceiling is covered with flags from all over the world. There is also so much to see in the world of food. Exotic fruits and veggies, which I can usually get the kids to try, if they are there to pick it out. Tanks of live fish. The bakery. The coffee roaster. The roasting and grinding of nut butters. A cheese selection much broader than at any other store, at lower prices.

Yes, I'm back to the cheese. And tart apples. And grapes. I think it's snack time.

Weather Wimp

I'm dressed for running. Nike running skirt, with the generous back pocket, perfect for the iPhone. Cushy socks, to keep my feet warm and wick'd. I've layered my torso with the appropriate levels of sports bra, lightweight shirt, long-sleeved shirt with the thumb hole, so I can keep my hands covered. Gloves, knee sleeve and shoes are sitting by the kitchen door, along with water.

So why am I sitting at my computer, fuzzy throw around my shoulders, still in my sock monkey slippers? Because in the 3 hours since I got out of bed, the temperature has risen only two degrees. I admit it. I'm a pansy. I don't mind running when it's freezing or below, but I prefer it a little warmer.

37 degrees or 12 noon, whichever comes first.

*Update: Got in a quick three miles at 39 degrees, and was done before noon. Now, to pack up kids for a trip to Pho 79, for great big bowls of steamy noodle soup. And Cha Gio - gotta have the Cha Gio.

Predictably Irrational

I listen to books on the iPod. While I work, while I run or ride. Lately, I've been on an economics kick. Behavioral economics, to be precise. I love the science, dismal or no, behind the way people make decisions about how to spend their time, money and energy.

I just finished Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions*, by Dan Ariely. I loved it! Will be listening to it again, probably soon. Adds a whole new dimension to people watching. Gave me a bit of insight in to the whys of some of my decisions in life so far. Not just the big things, either. Little things like "Sure, I'll have a piece of cheesecake. My diet starts tomorrow."

Funny how all the rational choices people should be making, in a perfect world, go out the window once you get down to the imperfect individual.

From Ariely's website:



Next up on my audiobook list: The Logic of Life: The Rational Economics of an Irrational World, by Tim Harford.

*The audiobook version of Predictably Irrational is read by Simon Jones, who is one of my favoritest narrators. Yes, I just said favoritest. Favorite just was not adequate.

Happy Repeal Day!

Today is the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. To celebrate, there will be ale. Trader Joe's 2008 Vintage Ale, to be precise. And shepherd's pie. Not that I think the pie symbolizes anything about prohibition, though I could cook a bit of ale into the gravy...hmmm. The food choice is just my way of matching what I hope will be a hearty brew with a worthy meal.

A couple of Repeal articles:
Radley Balko, Repeal Day Serves as Reminder of the Folly of Our Drug Laws
AFP, US drinks to 75 years since end of Prohibition

*Photo is from a AllesGut on flickr. If I can get my camera working, I'll snap my own photo at dinner, but until then, I'm toasting his glass with a glass of Block No. 45 Pinot Noir. No, I'm not that big a lush. The wine just goes so well with cooking.

Rainy Weekend w/Munchkins

Saturday was Game Day. Not football, or anything on television. Not video games, though we did have a little bit of Xbox time, too. It was a Munchkin grudge match. The curses were flying. Alliances were being made. Backs being stabbed. Negotiations for levels and treasure were heated.

Recently added the Munchkin 3: Clerical Errors to our original Munchkin deck, so there were new monsters, weapons, and even a new class (bard) and race (gnome) to play.

Like the original game says: Go down in the dungeon. Kill everything you meet. Backstab your friends and steal their stuff. Grab the treasure and run.

Good stuff.

TWC Atlanta Half - Done!

My official chip time for Thursday's half marathon - 2:24:21

My watch time, which accounts for the line at the "pit stop" near Peachtree Battle - 2:19:27

Course was great. I was a little daunted at the thought of point to point at first, but I ended up having a great time. I drive along sections of Peachtree Road often, but don't drive the whole length. Making the transition from each area of town to the next was quite enjoyable. There were a few areas where the smells coming from restaurants were sheer torture. Especially when going through downtown, in the last couple miles.

I'm really happy. Given how hilly the course was, compared to the Silver Comet half, I was shooting for less than 2:30. Next year, I'm going for 2:10 or under. Haven't decided yet whether that should be my run-time, or if I'll push myself to get fast enough for that to be my time with the "nature break" included.

Posting a thumbnail of the official photos. I'm ordering one or two of these from Marathon Foto, but will have to wait for the prints to ship. There is no way I'm paying almost $40 per image, to get the digital file. In the first photo, I'm in blue, ducking around the lady in the green top. Second shot is the finish line photo, in which I am actually smiling. (The print is supposed to be adjusted, so I'm not quite so shadowy.)

My little support crew was fantastic. They got out of bed without [much] complaining to tag along on the 6:15am dropoff at the start, and were there to meet me not long after I passed the finish line by Turner Field. I even had two small volunteers for naptime in the afternoon. We snuggled up on the couch and passed out during the Phineas & Ferb marathon on Disney. Best post race celebration I could have asked for.

Here I go again...

All my gear is set out for tomorrow morning. It's amazing how much more stuff I need for a winter run. Then there's the blanket and backpack with my post-race dry clothes. Probably took me about as long to go over everything as it will to run from Doraville to Downtown.


Looking at this, I obviously have very little brand loyalty:
Thermal Tights, Performance Cycle (usually pulled over padded shorts - love multipurpose items!)
Sports Bra, C9 (Target)
Balega Socks (If you wonder why they're spread out, I was checking to see I had a left and right big toe indent.)
Cotton Gloves, Asics ($10. Didn't want to lose my heavy duty pair from Brooks)
LS Technical Tee (Atlanta Track Club/Women on the Move - happens to be Nike)
Half-zip LS Pullover, Moving Comfort (Marvelously big zipper pocket in back)
Race Belt, Fuel Belt (Number already attached)
Headband, Saucony
Sunglasses, Tifosi
HRM Watch, Nike (Minus HR strap for the day)
Raspberry & Cream Power Bar Gel
Asics 2130 shoes (D strap for timing threaded thru laces)

Plus, earbuds for the iPhone. The playlist has been loaded, is set to shuffle, as I couldn't decide on a particular order. And a neoprene sleeve for my left knee. The discomfort is worse when I'm cold, so this ought to keep my joint warm & toasty. (Fingers crossed.)

I'm tired. But also completely wired. I'm off to shower and wash my hair, so I don't have to deal with wet hair at 5:00. Hopefully, the hot water will make drifting off to sleep a little easier.

As for my knee, if there's a repeat of the pain in the last few miles, and I have to walk more than I'd planned... I'm reminding myself that a 13.1 mile run/walk is still 13.1 miles more than 99% of people will be doing this Thanksgiving.

In the post-race, dry clothing bag:

Half Marathon - I did it!

I'm weeks late posting this, and I have reasons, but no good excuse. Busy with kids, freelancing, and working part time in a client's office, to fill the gap until they can find a full time employee for a particular job. Loads of moms manage that, I just wasn't one of them during the first few weeks in November.

The race started at the Arts Center in Mableton, about a mile or two south of the Silver Comet Depot. We got there in time to find parking within a decent walking distance, at a church somewhere. Can't remember exactly, as it was dark and I'd had no coffee before leaving the house.

The port-a-potty lines were L-O-N-G. Turned out not to be a big deal, since they waited for the skies to go from black to gray for the actual start

First photo, with the youngest kidlets, pre-race. Oldest (B1) was at home, sound asleep, like a sensible teen. B2 & G were in extra huggy mode. They were thrilled about being able to ride school buses from the start line to the finish line at the Depot, where they'd be running in the 2-mile Fun Run. Between general excitement, and the s'mores granola bars stashed in their pockets for later, they considered the morning a success, no matter what.

Second photo, back of the pack, where I started the race. Wasn't sure if I'd be ready to take off at a run in the cold, or if I'd walk for the first three to five minutes, so I hung back. I'd rather pass walkers later, when the crowd thins than worry about being stuck if I need to slow down in the middle of the crush.

Stuck with a 12-minute run, 3-minute walk for most of the race. After the first 6-7 miles, I noticed I was running with the same group of people. We were at different walk/run intervals, but all about the same pace. Water stops were well placed. Needed each about the time I saw the line of cups. Grabbed gatorade at the turnaround point, but never needed the gu packet or sport beans I'd brought along. The temps being below 60 made a tremendous difference. Didn't take anywhere near as much out of me as all the summer running in 80-90 degree days of training. In fact, without all the excess sweating I'm used to on the summer long runs, I actually had to run off the trail and hopped in line at the pit stop area, around mile 10. (Yes, I stopped my watch, so I'd know my real pace.)

The last three miles were rough, though not for the reasons I'd expected. My left knee was numb and in pain. I adjusted to a 5:00/2:00 break, and it was tolerable... just.

This last photo is of me and the Fun Runners, post race. They wouldn't hug me, even though I assured them I was nowhere near as disgusting as after all the July & August training runs.


Official finishing time, according to the clock, and the beaming faces of my support crew at the finish line: 2:18:22,

Time on my watch, which reflected my start at the very back of pack, and my time in line for a "nature break":
2:14:37

My goal was under 2:30, so I was very happy. The Weather Channel Atlanta Half Marathon is up next, and I'm shooting for a time between 2:20 and 2:30. It's a hilly course, where the Silver Comet Half was just about as close to flat as you can get in this area.

Have had to take a bit of a break this last month on the exercise. Between my schedule, and the occasional knee pain, I've kept the runs and rides shorter, with a day or two in between, depending how I feel. Have a knee sleeve for Thanksgiving run, and am really hoping that helps.

Happy Halloween

Picked up this bewitching bicycle photo from Cyclelicious. Love it! Not sure I could steer it, but it'd be a heck of a lot of fun trying. While wearing a black dress and pointy hat, of course.




I just noticed the mount attaching the broom to the front wheel. Clever. I want one!

Escape Plan...

Not just another presidential debate

I've been watching all the political goings on. I'm not voting for either of the two annointed candidates, so I've not been talking much about them. It's a case of "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." The presidential debates, especially the VP debate, were purely entertainment for me. Frankly, they haven't even been good entertainment. I got more out of the various bloggers (Vodkapundit, Reason) liveblogging the debates then I did from the questions and answers on the television. Not just because I like my substance served with a garnish of snark, either.

It's not that I don't like either Obama or McCain. I think they are both charismatic men with incredible personal stories, and I would gladly sit down for a beer with either one. They both have ideas. Good ones, bad ones, and ideas that aren't even theirs, but make an interest group swoon in supportive fervor.

On many issues, I'm completely neutral, mildly opposed or mildly supportive. I know that should put me in with the elusive undecided voter group that gets all the attention in focus groups, but I'm not undecided. There are issues about which I hold strong opinions, but neither candidate addresses those to my satisfaction.

I'm very decided. I will not vote for either Obama or McCain. McCain might be a little closer to my economic and smaller government views, but only in the way that a gentle snowfall is closer to a July afternoon than a blizzard. Same goes for Obama on social issues. With McCain's support of the financial bailout and general economic rescues (a.k.a meddling), I don't trust him to protect my wallet. I agree with almost nothing Obama has said about our economy, but that's nothing new. I do expect better from democrats on protecting my individual rights. I don't see the conviction from Obama I need to give me any confidence he'd start rolling back the invasions of privacy and lessening of freedom on the slippery slope of the Patriot Act(s). One or the other might be better on particular issues, but there's no choice when you look at the big picture. Each would be disasterous, just in different ways.

Which brings me to Sunday night. The 3rd party candidates will be taking to the stage for a debate, sponsored by Free and Equal. Ralph Nader (Independent), Cynthia McKinney (Green), Chuck Baldwin (Constitution), and maybe Bob Barr (Libertarian). Bob Barr's a maybe, because he says he'll only debate Nader. That's rather hypocritical of him, as he bitched about not being included with the big boys in the official debates, but has no problem trying to snub the lesser known 3rd party candidates when it is his turn.

It should be a load of fun. These three (or four) folks won't agree on much of anything, and they will argue. I expect politeness, but there will be claws. There is no carefully chosen tightrope for them to walk, in order to fall in line with the highest number of voters possible. They will talk about what they actually think and believe, sans focus group approval.

I'm not voting for any of these presidential hopefuls either, but I'm going to watch their debate with something I've missed in the debates thus far. Genuine Interest. Maybe even a bit of enthusiasm.

Business Casual Biking

It occurred to me as I was checking the tire pressure on my knock about commuter (Patty the Hybrid), that this was not going to be a normal day on the bike. Weather's cool enough to ride in my street clothes now, and today's street clothes happened to be work, errands and lunch wear. What the heck - good time for using that self-timer again.

Who says you can't commute without official cycling clothes?!

Proofs copied, bank deposits readied, and shopping bag ready... Oh! Almost forgot the red purse. Pulled my hair back, ready for the helmet. Didn't put the helmet on for the photo. I'm all for safety on the road, but I think I'm pretty safe in my carport. After, I'm the most dangerous driver on my little stretch of driveway.

I ride all the time in dress slacks and stacked heel loafers, but the skirt and heels was new. Took off for my first stop. Wind wasn't bad at all, so no worries about skirt flips. (Just in case though, I had pulled on a pair of spandex bike shorts.) The boots were comfier than I feared. I had enough room in the calf, and the narrower heel didn't cause any trouble. Pedal popped right into the arch of my foot, just like in the other shoes. In fact, the sole of this shoe does a slightly better job of gripping the pedals than the loafers.

I did ride a bit slower in the skirt. I don't think it had anything to do with the outfit being uncomfortable. I really think I was just being more "ladylike", and going into slow bike mode.

The ride to the bank was pretty normal. I got a few more comments than usual. Stupid things, yelled from the window incoherently. Sometimes, it's an attempt at clever comments, sometimes remarks about my usage of the driving lane, by people who don't know the white line painted at the shoulder does not a bike lane make. Sometimes it's outright rude. "Get a car!" is always one of my favorites. Today, some genius yelled "Where's Toto?" three or four times. I'm not sure how that's supposed to be clever, but... I hope it was the highlight of his day.

There's no place to chain up at Bank of America, so I pedaled into the drive thru lanes. A couple of the customers did a double-take, but the tellers were awesome. Extra cheery good morning, questions about my gas mileage (he asks me that every time), weather perfect for riding, be on the lookout for those crazy drivers on Roswell Rd, where was I off to next, etc. Conversations happen on the bike. I like that. Best part of being on a bike at the teller window? No worrying about being able to reach the tube.

Lunch at Rumi was excellent. Had the eggplant and veal stew with saffron rice. OMG, it was so very good. I ate too much, and was glad I'd be getting home using power from all the rice and flatbread. The valet was quite nice about helping me find a place to lock up. He and I chatted about Sandy Springs traffic, and he asked me a few questions about routes and how long it takes to get around. I like questions like that. Any chance to let people know how very easy it is to start is worth taking. They might actually give it a try sometime.

Trader Joes was next. Normal grocery shopping. A sweet little old lady mentioned how nice it was I did my shopping that way, and warned me (again) to watch out for the crazies on the road. She's lived in the area since long before there were shops on every corner, and I think she misses being able to get out without worrying about being run down. We complimented each other on our outfits, another fun part of seeing her. She's always so well put together. I hope I keep running into her, because I have the feeling she has some cool stories to tell. And even if she doesn't, her smile and hello brighten my shopping trips.

Home again. Groceries put away. I'm getting a bit more of a map drawn before I head off to pick up the kids at elementary school. I do wish there were bicycle lanes between here and there, because I'd love for my rugrats to roll over the crunchy leaves with me along the way. Until then, we'll have to pack the bikes up for path rides once every week or two. This weekend will need to be one of those times.

In summary:
Commuting by bicycle for multiple errands, instead of using car? YES
Commuting by bicycle great for inspiring pleasant conversations with complete strangers? YES
Commuting by bicycle in skirt and heels? YES
Commuting by bicycle to Rumi for big plates of delicious Persian cuisine? YES

Half Training, Weeks 12-13

Week 12 (9/22-9/28)
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - 3 miles, Bike (commute)
Wednesday - 21.77 miles, Bike (group)
Thursday - 3.16 miles, Easy run
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 9.51 miles, Long run
Sunday - 2 miles, walk

Total Miles: Run - 12.66; Ride - 24.77; Walk - 2

Week 13 (9/29-10/5)
Monday - 4 miles, Hill run
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - 3 miles, Bike (commute); 13 miles (road); 2 mile, Easy run
Thursday - 10 miles, Bike (road)
Friday - 4 miles, Bike (commute); 15.23 miles, Bike (road)
Saturday - 8.3 miles, Long run
Sunday - 9.78 miles, Bike (road/fun)

Total Miles: Run - 14.3; Ride - 51.01

Running on Empty

I'm seriously late this week on my updates. It's been busy. I need to get my weekly total up for my training, but am starting with my Saturday long run. I'd slacked a bit during the week, in anticipation of the weekend's big push being the 61.5 Silver Comet ride. I wasn't sure I'd make it, as the normal truck fill up was not possible in Sandy Springs on Friday. The family was not going to be able to meet me at the Alabama state line to bring me home when there was no way to guarantee we'd find a station somewhere along the way.

I popped out of bed at 5:30 Saturday morning. Checked the local website, to see who had gas near me. Pulled into the line for the BP at Roswell and Hammond at 5:59 a.m. Made it to the pumps at 7:48. The line wasn't really that long; the pressure on the Regular was just that low. It was taking 10-15 minutes for each car to fill. I noticed nobody was using the Ultimate. It wasn't bagged. I tried it. Filled my 26 gallon tank super fast, and I was on the way out of the station long before my fellow drivers had even hit the halfway point on regular. Made it home a few minutes after 8:00. No way to make the 7-7:30 kickoff of the ride in Smyrna.

Sigh.

I made myself some oatmeal while getting the kids breakfast. Tried to figure out a route for my long run which would let everyone have a mini adventure. I decided to run the long way from home to the Chattahoochee River. Not my normal route by the river, but up toward Roswell. Riverside Park would be a great place for my support crew to meet me for the drive home. I started out around 11:00, and was planning to call them about five miles in, so they'd have time to play.

Lots to see on my route. And at 9.51 (or 9.35, depending on which website I use to measure - I'm going with 9.51), I had lots of time to see it. Red Baron Antiques on Roswell Road was having an auction, with military vehicles and cool old cars. I'm posting a few photos. A 1965 Armored Car, pretty roadster. The red one next to the military jeep is called a Jeepster. And last, but not least, an amphibious transport, of some sort.All this, and less than three miles into my run! Miles 3-5 were nice. Rolling hills, steady pace. I saw more people out walking than I'm used to, and a few more gas stations with bagged pumps, police tape, and 0.00 on the price board. Saw a few people on bikes. One of them wasn't even a teenager.

At 5.5 miles, I made the call home to my team. Then, stopped at the QT to use the restroom and buy a water bottle. The station had gas. And lines. Of cranky people. The pumps were jammed. After leaving the station to continue up Roswell Rd., I was running next to the line of cars for about five minutes. That makes for about a half-mile line, give or take. They were bumper to bumper, blocking drives and side streets. I smiled at a few people. No one smiled back.

The downhill to the river was fanatastic. Hit at a point where I was really dragging. I think I was close to seven miles. Ran across the bridge, turned left and hopped onto the Riverwalk trail that joins Azalea and Riverside Parks. My final 2.5 (or 2.35) along the trail, and met my gang at the dinosaur forest playground at Riverside.


The kids decided I was far too disgusting for a mere shirt change and face wash, so I was driven home. After shower and gatorade, it was off to celebrate with salty, spicy food.

Woo Hoo! My longest run... EVER!

I hear the Silver Comet Trail ride was great on Saturday. I wish I'd been able to make it, but am pretty happy with how the day turned out. I am looking forward to making the trek another day, hopefully not too far in the future. Jett, of Atlanta Intown Cycling, has a slide show of his trip with the official PATH riders, and a ride report.

*%!$@#@ Gas Shortages

I can't put gas in my truck. 15 gas stations near my home, and the only gas is diesel. The one gas station which did have regular gas, had waits of 30-45 minutes, a $50 limit, and was expecting to be out of fuel by the time I could have made it there.

I'm ticked. 

I don't put that many miles on my gas guzzler. I usually fill up every two or three weeks. I run to the post office. Ride the bike to the grocery store. I heard about the shortages, and the gas panic a few days ago, but didn't think much of it. I figured it would be over by the time I needed gas again, no problem. 

I was wrong.

Drove out to Douglasville to the orthodontist today for the regular bracket/retainer checks. I even combined appointments for multiple family members, to reduce the number of trips. My gas gauge dropped below 1/4, so it was time to refill. The five stations along my path back to I-20? All out. The gas stations after I got back to Sandy Springs? Empty.

Unless I check channel 11's website at 6 a.m. and find a gas station near my house with fuel, I won't be going on the big 61.5 mile ride for the opening of the final section of the Silver Comet Trail at the Alabama state line. My family was going to drive out and meet me at the state line for lunch, then we'd all drive back together. If I can't know we'll be able to either fill up the truck, or refill the car, no go.

My back up plan is to run my newest "longest run of my life" tomorrow. If  can't make the ride to AL, I'll be running 9 miles, and meeting my munchkins a little closer to home for a celebratory lunch at Slopes or KC Pit BBQ.

Fall Flowers

It's fall. That means so many wonderful things are ahead, including weather which is perfect for running my bike errands in regular street clothes. Yea!

Today, as I realized there were two things I needed to get for tonight's dinner, I checked tires, tossed my Trader Joe bag in the basket, and was off. Jeans, loafers, starched shirt. No changing, no sweaty mess in the 90+ degree heat and high humidity.

WooHoo!

Great ride, feeling comfy in my favorite jeans. And, on the way home, the flowers in the picture were within easy sniffing distance at each red light. (And, I did catch every red light on the way home.) Now, to pop my bottle of chardonnay and green beans in the fridge, and go on about my "happy, happy, joy, joy!" afternoon.

Half Training, Week 11

Week 11 (9/15-9/21):

Monday: Stretch/Strength
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: 3 miles, Easy
Thursday: 5.2 miles, Easy (but hilly)
Friday: Off
Saturday: 20.53 miles, Ride; 2.7 mile, Trail run
Sunday: 30 miles (approx), Group road ride

Total: Run - 10.9 miles; Bike - 50.53 miles

I backed off a bit on my running this week, to allow for a bit more riding. I'm hoping to ride the full 61.5 mile Silver Comet Trail out to the Alabama state line this coming weekend, so wanted to make sure I hadn't forgotten how to pace myself on the bike. (I won't be going as part of the officially invited pack of cyclists, but as part of the big group of tag-a-longs welcomed by the PATH foundation.) The Silver Comet Trail is a nice, evenly paved surface, without much of anything resembling hills. I figure if I could survive road riding conditions two days in a row, then the Trail should be a snap. Saturday was a Ride & Run day; Sunday a group ride through Cobb & Paulding counties.

The Sunday course crisscrosses the Silver Comet several times, but is 90-95% roads. I really enjoyed the ride this week. It was a bit of a wildlife excursion. Horses, small furry creatures, and wild turkeys. After the duo day Saturday, the hills were tougher than I expected. Had it been a flat course, I could probably have gone 45-50 miles without a problem. Was feeling good, no pains or stiffness, except on the hills. Oh well, this is why I go, to push myself out of my comfort zone.

Weather was great. Needed jacket for the first hour, until the sun came out. I'm starting to think about fall gear now. I think a wrap skirt might be in order, to give me the option of cycling shorts, capris, or full length tights as the weather gets colder. Yes, it might be lame and girly to prefer a skirt flapping around while I ride... but I'm 37, and have "issues" with running around in just spandex, thank you very much.

W.W.A.R.H.D?

What Would Ayn Rand Have Done?
From Time/CNN, 9/19/08

I know it's not as warm and spiritually fulfilling as the WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? bumper stickers, but I think it's a really good question, especially in today's social and political climate.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of thinking about living my life in a "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" fashion , and think the world would be a better place if more individuals thought in the terms of The Golden Rule. That's a rule for the individual, though, not for the Government.

The Government's job is to protect my life, my liberty, and my property from invaders, both of the foreign and domestic variety. Someone breaking into my house? I want the police to show up and arrest him - assuming I didn't exercise my 2nd amendment right before calling 911. Should Canada decide it's a good idea to march south in order to seize our excellent health care facilities, I'd expect the US armed forces to fend them off at the border. (Sorry. Had to clean up the coffee I snorted towards the monitor at this thought.) If a bank or investment institution lies to my grandfather about the securities backing his accounts, I want the weasels to either make it right through restitution, or go to jail.

That's it. That's all I want my government to do. I do not want the government to seize a portion of my income to fund the bailout of mortgage backed securities. That job is for the individual corporations to handle, while being accountable to stockholders and customers.

I do not want government wasting my time, tax dollars and patience to come up with bridge loans for struggling corporations. Not even if, as I've heard pointed out in several interviews this last week, the government stands to make money on the deal as the assets are sold off. That's not quite accurate. I should have said Especially if... as the government is not supposed to be a profitable enterprise. The only money making the government is allowed is the minting of currency, and even that it's been doing to excess lately.

If regulatory agencies set up the "guidelines" under which all these failing companies have been operating, how exactly are these same bureaucrats qualified to fix the even bigger problems we have now? They take over more of the operations and asset management, all in the name of the "public good". I'm not that far into my stack of economic books, but I'm pretty sure public (government) ownership of industry is called Socialism. And the government management of ostensibly privately held companies? That's Nationalism.

The Fed and Treasury are taking the step of removing from power the company heads who were in charge during the plunge into the current mess. As more companies approach the government for help, and from industries other than banking, who is going to pull the plug on Paulson and Bernanke for their gross mismanagement?

Things I love...

Today was a multi-sport day for me. Rode around the neighborhood, and did a few loops on Columns drive; followed with a 2.6-2.8 mile run around the trail at the Johnson Ferry Chattahoochee Rec. Area. It was good.

I am thankful for:

The beautiful, breezy, 75 degree ride weather late this morning. It was as close to perfect as any day can be.

This view from the bridge on Columns Drive, which I pass so often, and always makes me happy. The whole area between the two sections of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, really. Marked bike lane, pleasant runners, walkers and cyclists, and lots of opportunities to watch beautiful bikes - and legs - zip by. (And occasionally, zip past someone myself.)

The considerate drivers on Johnson Ferry this morning, who gave me a little bit of extra space as I bravely (insanely) tackled the hill coming up from the river. Super slow, granny gears, heart racing, labored breathing, screaming quads... and to the lady in the gray suv, who did not give me any room at all, even though there was little traffic, and she had plenty of space to edge over... thanks to you, too. The adrenaline rush of almost being clipped by you gave me what I needed to make it to my turnaround point.

The mechanics over at the Silver Comet Depot. Thanks to the great care they take of Bloo, I knew my brakes were in good working order, and I was not quite as terrified on the way back down to the river.

The folks at Apple, for the iPod & the new iTunes Genius playlist feature. No, I was not blaring music while riding on the street. My legs were like lead on the run, after having been on the bike. Having a couple of oddball songs pop up while I was slogging down the trail made the whole thing bearable.
Henry Mancini - Peter Gunn
Cake - Mahna Mahna
The Mattoid - Burn and Rob

And, a big Thank You to my children, for not utterly destroying the house (or their dad) during the two-and-a-half hours I was out.

And now, back to my regularly scheduled Saturday. And maybe a few fig newtons, and aspirin. Two other things for which I am thankful.

Counting Calories: My new hate/love relationship with food

Odd things are happening to my relationship with food. I used to not think of calories at all, or when I did, in a vague "ooh, I probably shouldn't eat this" way. Even as I was losing weight, I made myself think about healthy food choices and moderation, not calorie counts. That was a couple years ago, before I started cycling, then running. Even a few months ago, I was focusing on food choices and variety, not diet and weight loss.

But now that I'm playing outside (don't think of it as workout - too much fun) five or six times each week? I think about calories and food constantly.

My normal calorie intake for age, weight, and sex at a "normal" rate of activity should be in the 1650-1800 range. To offset the running and riding, I need to average 2,800 per day.

That's an extra 1,000 per day! I don't eat fast food. I don't load up on sweet coffee drinks with whipped cream. My idea of a good snack is a handful of almonds, or a couple fig newtons. That's nowhere near enough calories. So, I spend time each day thinking:

How much do I need to eat today?
I should probably grab some chips to eat with my veggies and hummus.
These miles mean how much extra food?
Will tossing avocado in my salad be enough?
What if I use the whole avocado?
I forgot my mid afternoon snack. Gotta eat.
Ugh. This yogurt's only 140 calories. What can I add?

It's exhausting. It's also necessary. After being in a very comfortable little range for almost one year, I've dropped weight fast this month. In the last six or seven weeks, almost 9 pounds. I think I might have just hit a point where my body was done at a certain plateau, and had decided it was okay to kick the metabolism up, since the increased exercise and food patterns were established. The body fat dropped by a full percentage point, so I think that seems reasonable.

My rings are loose. My clothes, other than running/cycling gear, are loose. My face seems different, too. I can see in the mirror which collarbone was broken when I was 12, and that bugs me. I feel pretty good, and have plenty of energy. (Not today, but that's normal girl stuff).

I'm still well within the healthy BMI, but am starting to grow a little concerned. It's probably nothing more than my body reshaping itself. I could keep researching online, reading the food discussions at Runners World, and pick up a couple books... I think it may be time to talk to a nutritionist. Build a good plan for the next several months. Between the half marathons this fall, then starting an official multi-sport training plan over the winter (duathalon - I'm a lousy swimmer), I'm not sure this is a time for me to stick with my normal trial & error methods.

Speaking of food, it's noon. I'd better go and grab some lunch, right now. Be a shame to ruin my appetite for that three o'clock snack.

Half Training, Week 10

Week 10 (9/8-9/14):

Monday: XT / Strength (rowing & upper body)
Tuesday: 3.6 miles, Easy
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 5.7 miles, Hill
Friday: 3.3 miles, Hill
Saturday: 22 miles, Ride
Sunday: 8.1 miles, Long

Total: Run - 20.7 miles; Bike - 22 miles

Good week of running. I also got a chance to go for a ride on Bloo Saturday morning. I was a happy girl, as our last ride was over two weeks ago. Beautiful day, strong legs, all good stuff.

Still working on an "overtime" schedule. All my normal schedule, plus school drop offs and taxi service to and from the office for the broken driver. Plus, all kitchen cleaning, and any other chores which require two hands.


I hit a fun little milestone with this past week's long run. Right about the time I was crossing this bridge, I realized that every footfall from this point, back to the truck, would be the farthest I have ever run. I've run a few 7 's, and a couple 7.5's, then walked an extra 10-15 minutes, for cool down. That wasn't an official 8-mile run though. On Sunday though, I crossed the 8 mile mark on a run.

I'd better be careful, or I'm going to start to think of myself as an actual, honest-to-goodness runner.

Go me!

Thoughtfulness

I am the proudest mom in at least a five block radius today. My daughter will be attending a birthday party for a classmate this weekend, and when we were ready to go shopping for a present, I asked D if she had any ideas. I expected anything from panda bears to barbie, or even bratz. The answer I heard, surprised me.

"Mom, I want to get her a journal. She really likes to write. A pretty one, not just a notebook. And maybe some pretty pens and pencils, so it's always like writing something special."

Off we went to Target, and here's what she ended up buying (along with D's comments):
1 - Woven Ribbon Journal with lined, rose colored paper
1 - Pack of pretty mechanical pencils (so she doesn't need a sharpener)
1 - Pack of colored pens
1 - Post it travel pack, with two sizes and a pen in small case (she can carry it in her backpack, for when she has great story ideas away from home)

Isn't my little girl the bestest?

Homework Hour(s)

I'm really beginning to like homework time around my house. I get asked real questions now, about how to find synonyms for words to be used in paragraphs about the planets, word origins, algebra. That's not to say I sometimes long for the days of coloring pictures which go with specific letters of the alphabet, but at least I no longer have to answer the impossible questions, like "What happened to all the blue crayons?"

From Wednesday evening, I present the incredible Double Fudge vocabulary girl:


And her brother, the Esperanza Rising vocabulary kid:


And the biggest brother, who.... oh wait. He finished his homework on the school bus, and spent the afternoon wandering around, taking pictures of all the poor souls who had to do actual work. Including me:


He managed to hide the camera from me, before I could take any photos of him. That's okay. His time is coming. When he least expects it, maybe when all gross and disgusting in the yard, or sitting upside down in the armchair doing algebra in his room (don't know why he wont use his perfectly good desk), "click!"

Half Training, Week 9

Week 9 (9/1-9/7):
Monday: 11.5 miles, bike
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 3.1 miles, Hill
Friday: Off
Saturday: 1.5 miles, Speed (YMCA Track)
Sunday: 7.5 miles, Long

Total: Run - 12.1 miles; Bike - 11.5 miles

With the rough week, I didn't make my mileage. Did get in the long run on Sunday, thanks to my very helpful 14 year old son. In planning for the half marathons this fall, I tried to build in an extra three or four weeks, to make up for all the various school activities and minor kid illnesses which typically pop up. Never figured I'd need one of those weeks for something this big. I'm glad I planned ahead?

Tough Week

Now that we've made it through the surgery, and the orthopedic post-op is looking good, I'm ready to talk about our Labor Day adventure. It started out with a simple premise: Let's get the kids to round up their gear and go for a family ride on the Silver Comet Trail.

I thought it would be a little crowded, and a great opportunity for the little ones to practice signaling walkers and joggers when we pass, to practice passing safely in busy stretches, and to pay attention to where they are in relation to the center line. (The little ones drift a bit much for me to try bike lanes on even low traffic roads yet.)

While we're at it, why don't we have them supervise the safety & equipment check? Tires, orange safety flag on back of D's trail-a-bike, helmet adjustments, mini first aid kit, water bottles, the works. Get them thinking about being prepared, right?

Started off great. Parked at the elementary school. Unloaded, started tire check, then moved to helmets. All ready to go.

5-1/2 miles out, with a stop by the Depot for ice cream bars on the way back. Things were going great. Until B2 had a panic attack about his balance, and knocked Dad off the paved trail, a couple miles before we got back to the truck. If this had happened by the grassy shoulder, it would have been easy to recover. It happened where the shoulder was non-existent. Dad went straight into the graveled ditch. Caught himself, and the weight of his bike, on his left arm.

D & I usually ride a bit farther than the guys. With her on the tandem/trailer, we ride a little faster. (Plus, we just like chicking the boys.) We turned around at the 30 minute mark, and so were arriving at the scene about five minutes after it happened.
Dad was stretched out on the trail, arm completely limp by his side. It was obviously very broken. Looked like Harry Potter's arm after Professor Lockhart fixed a break by making all the bones in his arm disappear. I didn't dare move it.

B2 was dazed and upset, but seemed to have nothing but scraped knees, hands and cheek. (So glad we tightened the chin straps on his helmet.) A very nice jogger had already called 911, and a cyclist rode up to the nearest access point, to wave in the ambulance. (I really wish I'd thought to get their names, but am thinking a giant THANK YOU their way.)

Less than 10 minutes later, Dad was being packed in the ambulance, with a shot of morphine, and the Cobb Co. Sherrif's deputy was helping me get four bikes (3.5, technically) and three people back to the truck.

Rest of day spent at Cobb Wellstar, where they told us it was... broken. Finally got his arm splinted, a referral to Resurgens for an orthopedic surgeon, and an Rx for pain meds. Dinner at McDonalds (I skipped, can't make myself eat that anymore.), then home to try and sleep.

Tuesday was a bit of a blur. Wednesday, still blurry, but included consult with surgeon. Thursday, less of a blur for the four uninjured people, but a gigantic blur for Dad. I got all three kids where they needed to be, homework completed, clean uniforms, and fed. Even ran once or twice (short runs, during school day), and squeezed in some work along the way. Didn't sleep much.

Friday was surgery. Left radius and ulna lined back up, then reattached with plates and screws. I forget how many screws I counted in the post-op x-ray, but I seem to remember it being way more than a few.

Now that we're past those first couple of days where we needed to worry about nerve damage, bleeding and infection, things are looking up. Work, family and sleep schedules are still a bit off for everyone, but I think we're all starting to feel human again... even Dad.

Charting a new map for my life

Tackling the utter lack of athleticism which plagued me up to the ripe old age of 35 has made me braver. I'm starting to branch out in other areas. Looking for ways to challenge myself mentally, in addition to the physical challenges.

I have a few very big decisions to make. Some of them are easy. Beginning to market my skills (maps, informational graphics) and expand my client base is one of those. For the last eight years, since I officially stopped being a full-time employee, my business plan has been more of a non-plan. My old clients (former employers) stuck with me, and when some of the people with whom I worked switched firms, I had a new client.

It’s really been a pretty cozy system. I get to keep doing work I love, and make enough money to fund things like housekeepers, the birthday mini-trips, and gear for running and riding. I get to converse with other adults about things which have no relation to my children, and a sense of accomplishment when I receive the printed sample from the press.

I work ten hours many weeks, and am rarely over twenty. The occasional flurry at the end of a full street map or an offering book might require a full forty hours one week. I follow those weeks with a week to clean house, do some extra volunteering at the schools, and go for long rides on my bicycle.

Lately, I’ve gone beyond the idea of doing this Someday. I have the gut feeling it’s become Someday. It’s not the money. It’s me. I want a challenge. The projects requiring my full mental attention these days are rare. I can crank out maps in my sleep. (When home with a sick child means switching to evening work hours, I’m pretty sure I have sleepmapped.) Even though this decision is not based on any economic worries, the extra income will be nice.

There will also be a sense of freedom to accompany the increase in projects. If I have other things waiting in the queue, I will have the peace of mind to set the timelines. I’ll do everything I can to meet my client’s expectations, but won’t have to bend over backwards and stay up until 2:00 a.m., just because I’m worried they’ll find someone else next time.

It’s a big step. Tough, but not as hard as I’d built it up to be in my mind. Get a domain and webhost, put together samples of work online, along with basic writeup of what services I’ll offer. A few emails around town, a bribe for google, so I come up higher on the search list.

Thanks to my current office setup, cell phones and eFax, I’m not going to have all that many expenses. I know who to call for my domain registration and hosting. Friend of a friend, won’t be pricey. I have over a decade of digital samples - more, if I resort to scanning in pieces from the early days. Sweat equity is the big requirement.

Thanks to the last year or so, I'm not timid about the sweat anymore.

Half Training, Week 8

Week 8 (8/25-8/31):
Monday: 4.5 miles, easy
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 4.5 miles, hill
Thursday: Stretch/Strength
Friday: 5.5 miles, bike; Midnight Flight 10k Run
Saturday: 2-3 miles, walking
Sunday: Rest

Total: Run - 15.2 miles; Bike - 5.5 miles

Week was pretty good. No big bike rides, as I was taking official break days between runs. On Friday night in Anderson, SC, that turned out to be a very good thing. 11pm start time. The race started out level, going into a mile of downhill. I knew in the back of my mind this meant there'd be a mile of uphill before that last stretch to the finish. Not too hot, but still humid. Did I do the sensible thing, and force myself to keep a steady, even pace? Nope. Hit the first mile marker at about 8:35. WooHoo and Oops, all in one. Mile two leveled off, then headed uphill to downtown Anderson for mile three (28:23) and the turnaround point. Nice downhill, and then back up hill for that last mile before it flattened out again by the YMCA.

My official chip time was 1:01:56, giving me just under a 10:00/mile pace. Personal best. I was sweaty, disgusting, and extremely happy with my second 10k. Enjoyed my ice cream cone, a post race beer, and sleeping in at the hotel on Saturday morning.

When I get my photo from the finish line, I'll swap out pictures, just because I think my legs look so marvelous. I think the nike running skirt I'm wearing is my new favorite. it doesn't ride up as much as my black skirt by them does, and the back pocket is a touch larger, allowing me to fit my phone, and not just the iPod. The mizuno tank with the zippered back pocket is an example of my multipurpose exercise wear. I have it in both pink and blue, and wear them constantly for both running and cycling. No chafing, no ride up at the waist. The built in bra is a bit too large for me, so I add my normal champion underneath. For running, at least. There's less bounce on the bike, so I don't have to double up on ride days.

What's for dinner?

Really looking forward to tomorrow night's dinner. I don't know which one of these scrumptious burgers from Closet Cooking will be the final choice. With a side of oven sweet potato wedges, whichever burger gets picked, I win!



Curried Chicken Burgers
with Mango Chutney

If I go with this one, I think I'll pop it into pita bread, instead of buns, unless I have time to make a sweet egg bread.



Salsa Verde Turkey Burgers


This would end up having mango served with it as well, but in slices, or juiced into lemonade. Will have to see what I find in the way of avocados and tomatillos and green tomatoes at Whole Foods tomorrow. I have much love for the avocado this year, so really appreciate Kevin's use of them in several delicious recipes.


About the big love of avocados this year, I think the yummy fats and oils in the nuts, flax and avocados are keeping junk food cravings away, as well as keeping my joints happy while I've been [slowly] adding on the mileage.

Tonight's dinner was a spicy tuna roll from the sushi joint down the street. Picked it up, along with the (baked - the horror!) hawaiian roll for my resident invalid. (I'll get to that story when I'm ready.)

Had a glass of Carmel Road Pinot Noir with my spicy tuna. Was practically perfect. White would have been too light for my day, and I really don't think I was in as much of a mood for Cabernet as when I walked into the package store. I'd purchased one of each, not sure what I wanted. One glass, sipped slowly over the dinner hour. Just right.

To my friend, who was terribly surprised I happened upon one of his favorites... remember, you didn't recommend it. I found it on my own, thank you very much. However, your comments after hearing of the purchase were spot on. I do like it, very much.

$125/week Grocery Challenge Wrap Up

The past week has been a B.C.W. (Big Crazy Week) around the mapphouse, so I'm getting this posted a bit later than planned. More on all that later...

The $125/week Grocery Challenge* is done.
Week 1: $103.97
Week 2: $124.65
Week 3: $120.97
Week 4: $110. 98
Average weekly grocery bill: $115.14

After the first couple of weeks, I stopped posting meals. (Week 1 - Week 2) There were alot of repeats, along with a few evenings where I fixed favorites from Julia Child, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1.

We really didn't miss out on anything. I baked desserts and snacks, we ate our brown rice pasta with homemade sauces. During dinners, I mixed proteins from other sources in with the normal (small) portions of meat & poultry. Pretty standard. I used mostly evaporated milk instead of heavy cream in making cream/cheese sauces, but still finished with a splash of cream. This is something which I'll probably continue, unless it's a sauce where reducing the cream is the only way to get the right flavor. For most pasta & veggie dishes, it doesn't make enough of a difference to miss the opportunity to save a bit in both fat intake and money.

I made it, but think I could have done even better, without sacrificing anything. The rules actually kept me from doing my regular bulk buying of some items. I was paying regular price for smaller packs of chicken, rather than picking up the 3-4 week supply of fresh breasts at Costco, which I then freeze and use as needed. Same applies to ground turkey, lunchbox staples, etc. Switching back to baking all of the bread used in making sandwiches would shave off more. (Time has been in short supply lately.)

I could have used something along the lines of The Grocery Game (paid service), or spent the time gathering coupons to match up with store sales for some additional savings. I don't think the items I'd have been stockpiling in my pantry would have lived up to my own standards of what we should be eating, so that's not happening. Wenchypoo posted a review of the grocery game recently, if you aren't familiar with the service.

In averaging my receipts from the couple months prior to the challenge, I generally have a week of 25-30% higher than average, followed by a few weeks of 10-15% below. If I continue planning out a few days in advance, and timing my bulk buys, I should easily be able to keep my average at $115/week. Might even be able to lower it. Don't know if I can keep it below $100/week, but I may give it a shot.

*My challenge was based on MSN Money writer Melinda Fulmer "Can a family eat on $100 a week? Hers is a family of four, so making the amount for my five $125 seemed about right.