Chipped tooth

So, I went to the Dentist today, and got some bad news. I have a cavity on one of my bicuspids, and the one on the other side is chipped. That means that I have 40 minutes of dental work in my future. My dentist asked me if I realized that my tooth was chipped.

I said, "No. Is it really bad?"

She said, "No, I didn't notice it until I looked at the ex ray. I don't know how you would ever notice it."

Then, why ask? Oh, well, not a big deal. I wish I would have gotten some coffee before the cleaning though. I hate to stain them up again. Oh well, the things we do for our caffeine addictions.

In other news, this weekend, I am decluttering, and perhaps thrift storing for some vintage clothes (I realize one negates the other), and tonight I have to decide what to make Mom for dinner on Sunday. My sister and I are going to make dinner at Mom and Dad's since they have more space than we do. I think Grandma is coming too. David is working. We thought about going out for Brunch, but since Angie has 4 kids, it gets expensive, and they might be rowdy- Best to stay at home.

yea, for balloons!

So, it was my birthday yesterday. it was good. When I got to work, Libgyrl presented me with a box containing 2 cupcakes and 1 macaroon. We shared one of the cupcakes, (and I ate the other one later). These cupcakes were delicious-with all of the substandard cupcakes in the world, these were a joy. After sitting at my desk for a couple hours doing minimal work, (hey, it was my birthday!), I got a card from KB, and I met Alyssa for lunch. Not only did she pay!, but she gave me a bag that had a mn hiking manual, a road biking manual (I guess they aren't manuals, rather guides to trails), and the MN biking map- which I have always wanted but have been too cheap to purchase. I returned to work, and was slightly more productive.

On my way home, I stopped at Party City to get some balloons for David, my twin brother. I figured, after dinner, he would be going to the bar, and if he carried balloons around, everyone would know it was his birthday and buy him drinks. So, I stopped at Mom and Dad's, played with the nieces and nephew, picked up David, and went to dinner with some friends/family at Little Szechuan. You get a free Entree on your Birthday! While there, I got a card, and an awesome new rolling pin.

Good Birthday

must keep positive outlook

It is sunny today- did you know that? did you know that the coffee tastes good, not burnt for once. I have pictures of my family at my desk, (well, most some of them), and they are smiling. I went running last night, and I am not sore yet. I am going again today, and then perhaps to yoga. Maybe I'll make a vegetable hotdish tonight, Maybe.

My plans for the weekend are still flushing their way out. Saturday Morning, I need to get my oil changed and take Gigantor in to be tuned up. She needs new bar tape, and I want orange. I do hope the Chain has Orange. I am getting together with D and then maybe I will take Mom and Dad's Dog for a run or to the park.

Sunday, I have church, and then I will go to a spin class or something, all the while, trying to invoke the spirit of St John. Maybe Ill make something to eat this weekend. Tomorrow will be a sunny day.

Holy Land Deli

Deliciousness abounds in the lunch buffet at this NE Minneapolis Establishment. I believe, along with libgyrl, my counterpart, that the highlight was an eggplant dish, followed closely with the gyros. MMMMMM. I can justify this trip to the buffet because I am preparing the Gospel of John for an upcoming concert. What better place to find Jesus and his Homies than the Holy Land?

While we were there, we bought some really fresh pita, and I bought a giant container of dates. I foresee many trips to the Holy Land in my future, yet I need to cook at home.

Tonight, before church, I plan a 5mile run and some much needed core work. I plan on being sore for the rest of my life due to the sad state I have let my body fall into. The bright part is that I can change it.

The feeling of being overwhelmed.

First of all, let me just say that not all young adults are ready to go to college when they graduate highschool. Furthermore, College is not appropriate for everyone, which is where apprenticing and trade school comes in. This came to mind once again during a meeting this morning. Perhaps I can trade in my student loans and become a cabinet maker.

Peanut Butter Krispie Treats are the bane of my existence. How can they be so delicious. How.

I got my ass handed to me in a Hatha Yoga class today.

So much Singing!!!! yeah?
This weekend I have Prairie Home Companion with VocalEssence, and Witness with VocalEssence, plus Church. Next week, I have Witness on Tues and Wed., a St John Passion rehearsal Tues., Ash Wednesday on Wed., and a MN Chorale project/concert Thursday night, Sat. Morning, and Sat. Evening. Church on Sunday. Lots of money for me, but not much "wellness" time.

I am really struggling with the Bach Passion, that is learning the Evangelist role...I fear that I am not ready to take on such a role. oh well, no turning back now.

Monday

Rehearsals! I have so many rehearsals these days it is not funny. Since I've been busy, I've been trying to eat simple to prepare food. A couple things to note- Sandwiches are almost always better toasted. Sriracha is good on anything. Pineapple and olives can survive in a salad together- salty, sweet, earthy, sour, delicious. I had some ripe oil-cured seasoned olives, and a can of pineapple in the fridge, along with some greens, onion, and blue cheese. it is pretty good.

I have some buffalo chicken sauce in the fridge- I need to find a way to use that.

A New Hope, (not starring Carrie Fisher)

I want you to want me, I need you to need me... You all know that song. My sermon today is not about love or begging, it is about a new life. I want, I need, I love. I want to enjoy more of my day. I need to leave my work problems, or work life, at work when I leave. I love- I love many things and I just need to remember to love them in moderation. For example, I love ice cream. This is not a fling, or a short affair- this is a committed relationship. Yet, I don't want the butter pecan to be driven away by my over-zealous attachment to it, nor do I want it to become any more comfortable hanging around when it is unneeded (hanging around my love handles I mean.).

I am also having the same feeling with running/biking. I love them, yet I do not wish to over do it and injure myself.

Other non-profound thoughts.
I baked sourdough bread this weekend. It is delicious, and no, I won't bake you any. Pickled beets and cheese make a great sandwich. Perkin's is an awful restaurant, and they make bad muffins. I watched the Godfather this weekend...again. I went for a couple mid length runs this week (5-10 miles). They no longer feel like 3-5 miles and once again feel like 5-10 miles. That is all.

Vocation Vacation.

Ugh, It is Friday afternoon, and I just want to leave. I want to take a vacation from work, from my cat, who is very hungry these days, and feels the need to tell me about it, and I want to take a vacation from being an adult. Having said all of that, tonight, after my run, and the weights/core workout at the gym, I have to go get some cat food, because a hungry kitty needs it.

I have been thinking about the whole Julie/Julia movie (which I haven't seen). I think it would be great fun to cook my way through an entire cookbook, but which one? I have "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" but that has been done. My most frequently used cookbook is "The Joy of Cooking" and that is not really attainable. I have a Vegan cookbook that I like, but the thought of making everything in that turns my stomach, and even though I love Indian food, cooking every recipe in "Classic Indian Cooking" by Julie Sahni is too much. So, what should I do? Should I purchase a new cookbook? should I cook everything in one of the Weight Watchers cookbooks I have? Should I break down and by a new cookbook? I have always wanted to get the Marcella Hazan Italian book, or the "Enchanted Broccoli Forest" by Mollie Katzen.

Does Anyone own Mad Men?
I really want to watch it, and I am too cheap to rent each disc from blockbuster. I guess the real answer is to rejoin Netflix, but as I have mentioned earlier, I am sick of commitments, adult, or juvenile.

Have a Happy Weekend. I promise to blog next week!

Late afternoon

Another afternoon at work and I am taking a break. Here is the recap of the last 24hours.

Bolder Options Mentee and I got together, and represented Bolder Options in the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade. He was super excited, as he had never been in a parade before, and I was excited, having never been at an Aquatennial event before. It was a good time, but nothing special, and I didn't eat dinner, and so I was very hungry. This might have been why I was so snarky towards some of the kids, saying things like, "Pick up your garbage. Do you litter in your yard?" "Don't touch that!" "Don't run over your sister on that bicycle." At the end of the parade, there was the dilemma on how to get back to the car. Some people got on a van, and I was the only one without a bike, so I ran along with the bikers- it was only 1.5 -2 miles, and it was pain free. Nice.

I dropped my buddy off and headed home where I made some Udon chicken soup (read:overpriced Ramen) and watched an episode of Twin Peaks- Clearly I was born in the wrong decade.

This morning was Le Tour time trial stage. I was listening while cataloging, but more listening than cataloging. Perhaps I will be Alberto Contador for Halloween. The man is a machine!

This evening, I plan to launder the clothes and make something exciting with the beets I roasted the other day. I am thinking, garlic, olives, peppers and thyme. Ill let you know how that all works out

Randoms: Maillot Jaune, Loud talkers, Apple fritter, "Canadian Days", too many clowns.

Le Tour

Damn, I am the worst employee ever.

I cannot help but watch Le Tour for the first 2+ hours of the work day. Sure, I am cataloging at the same time, but not as productive as I could/should be. Go Alberto Contador!

Let me tell you about the foods I made last night.

Roasted Beets. These would be the beets that I purchased a week ago at the Farmer's market. I haven't decided what I will do with them yet, but now they are cooked I can use them (probably in a salad).

I steamed some chinese broccoli and then shocked it in some ice water. This will be for lunch.

Lentil/rice thing. I made some basmati rice. I also started some green lentils (boiled them) and while they were cooking, I sauteed onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. I added some curry powder, salt and pepper, and mustard. Added the green lentils, and some uncooked brown lentils and simmered it in some veggie stock I had. After it cooked and reduced, I added it to the cooled rice with some Thai Basil. I will eat it as a cold salad. It is an odd mismatch of things, but delicious.

Lance Armstrong just made a break! So Exciting. Must Work

HBP TdF 14dJuillet.

So much going on, can't concentrate.

Lets start at the very beginning. Le Tour. The more and more I become interested in it, the less and less I understand. How can you be the leader and NEVER win a stage. Teams-team politics? grr. i am voting for Contador, Although hats off to Cavendish, who, being named after a banana, is quite solid. I guess I have a handful of favorites- Cancelara, Cavendish, Contador, and yes- Armstrong. (don't Judge)

Le quatorze juillet.
Ever since Bastille day, I have been craving bread-cheese-meet-wine type meals, and quiche. what the hell is wrong with me. I am not French. I went to the Farmer's Market yesterday and bought beets, which personally, is a very French thing to do. Those people love their beets!

Last night, Mom and I saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I still am processing it- they left out some of my favorite parts ( which I understand is necessary), but I was really surprised they didn't say much about the "Half Blood Prince" at all. Also, I was surprised at the lack of information about the inferi. It was still enjoyable

So much, so little.

What a weekend. Cycling, Cycling then more Cycling. In the last week, I have had a 32 ounce Soda, an empty pop bottle, and bag of Mcdonald's garbage thrown at me while riding my cycle. I also have been sprayed with a water gun, and had girls speed pass me in their car and slam on their brakes in front of me. I bought groceries, went to the library, to my parents' house, to dinner, to breakfast all on my cycle. Saturday, a cycled 50 miles with friends, and tackled some giant hills- embracing one of them with my right side- if I didn't have body image issues, I would post a pick of the epic bruise. So I guess the question is What's Next?

I dunno. I miss running. I can go a little over 2 miles now until my knee starts to hurt. Tonight I am going to the gym. I am reading yet another book on nutrition, and I plan to continue cycling, yet it is not enough. I miss having a goal, something to train for, to focus on. I am planning on running the Monster Half on Halloween, but it is still far away, and I need to restrict my running. UGGGHH.

My niece is having open heart surgery on Monday. So-the two people who read this, keep her in your thoughts.

On a side note, if you like granola, go to the Birchwood Cafe and order their granola, or maybe don't- you might end up living there spending all of your money on yogurt, granola, and coffee...not that that's a bad thing.

Random. Journal of Fluid Mechanics-why can't you arrive in order, Union Ballot, Monkey Smoothie, no more banana bread for a while Scotcheroo, Pinecone, Random Capitalization, want soba noodles, need to eat vegetables, peanut butter strike- because I am out of bread and have no toast, Muesli experiment starting soon.

Running again

Good lord, what is wrong with me? Last night after I left the evil dungeon that is my desk, I decided to go straight home. or did I? Actually, I stopped at the lake and had my running shoes in the car- I couldn't help myself. I changed clothes, and pulled them on, carefully lacing them up-as if it was a guilty pleasure that I didn't want anyone to see- all the while savouring every naughty bit of it. The first mile, was very slow, a warm up. I picked up the pace for the second mile, not wearing a watch I had no idea how fast it was-Undoubtedly slow yet exhausting (how could I lose so much ground in two weeks?) I thought I was out of the water until...a twinge, a cringe, and then a yelp. I pulled over and started to stretch, but I knew that was the end. The end of my first run back after all of that stretching ended with me walking slowly with a defeated expression on my face around Bennet Lake to my car.

When I got home, I said, "No More Gloominess!" I pumped up Gigantor's tires and headed out. Sadly, about 3 miles in, I could feel my knee, yet I soldiered on. 15.2 miles, in the wind- Take that depression!

I headed home where I did my laundry, did some stretching and about 10 minutes on the foam roller, and then I made the banana bread. If you have a copy of The Joy of Cooking look up the recipe, it is bizarre (or maybe it isn't and I am nuts) I ended up adding some Ghiradelli 72% cocoa chips in it, which seemed to over-power the banana goodness. Fickers!

Randoms: Blog neglect, Nalgene, Ikea Crap, Overdue fines already, cuddly cat, Burger for Justice.

Average Baked Goods

How can something called "oatmeal fudge bar" not be delicious? Sadly, it was slightly sub-par, yet I ate the whole thing. This just leads me to think though, that any thing with chocolate and oatmeal should have nuts and peanut butter in it- or Nuts, Peanut Butter AND Peanuts (Peanuts are a legume, not a nut). On the topic of Legumes, I have been craving them for the last few weeks, black beans, lentils, Kidney beans!!!! WTF. Perhaps, since my Baconator is broken, I have replaced it with a Leguminator.

I cleaned Gigantor last night after my rehearsal. I wiped her down and lubricated her chain, and her cogs. I need to learn how to adjust my brakes, or I will have to take her in- her brake shoes are pretty worn. Sad to say though, after all of that late-night bike love, I fell back asleep this morning and had to drive. Tomorrow I will have to drive too, as I have an appt in the morning to get my knee checked out, and then Mentee and I are hanging out.

Better get back to work- Stay Random.

Randomness: Gnomemobile, Baconator (this would be a persons inner mechanism that craves the bacon, not that greasy sandwich from the restaurant with the red hair), Orange bag, vomit smell outside, Joe who? Joe momma. that is all