Not injured...

Went to the docitity doctor today to get checked up on what is going on with my leg pain. Like I said in a previous post, I have had some extreme pain in my left leg starting at my foot and growing up through my calf.. and then sometimes my knee hurts and sometimes my hip hurts. Last week, when I finally decided to make the appointment, I was in a lot of pain, kind of limping around when I walked...much less ran on it.

But like all doctors, it took them a week before they could fit me in. In that week, I took off a couple days but still continued to run. And by yesterday, on my 4 mile non-stop (except for crossing streets) run, it was starting to feel better. But I decided to keep the appointment just in case.

So I went in today, letting them know that I thought the main cause of the pain was starting in my foot... with my bunyon (which by the way, is a gross word... can't "they" name it something else?). I have been having to really stretch out my calves and my toes... Yoga Toes are my best friend sometimes (I actually have the generic from Walgreen's). So the doc examined, asked a lot of questions, even took X-rays.

And nothing.. well, that he could easily diagnos. He told me to go to this other running shoe place in town and have the owner, who knows anything and everything about feet and running to look at my shoes and let me know if I need to get a different pair. If he doesn't think there is anything wrong with the shoes I have (and have been "fitted" for multiple times) then I should call back and talk to the foot and ankle specialist.

I am glad it's nothing serious, and I can still run... but I am a little disappointed, because in all honesty, my foot still hurts. I hope it goes away. I don't want to have to buy another pair of shoes when I just got the ones I am using now. But I guess that is a better alternative than not running or something else.

Recipe Review

So finally, I got to cook out of one of my new cookbooks that I bought last week. Saturday morning G and I got up early and went to the Farmer's Market to buy fresh, organic veggies and then we finally went to the grocery on Sunday for everything else. So, last night night I busted out the "Cook Yourself Skinny" cookbook and tried the Chicken and Bean Burritos with Pineapple Salsa.

And let me just say... it was pretty good! It kind of took forever to make though (I am not so sure the "in minutes" part on the cover of the book is accurate). And I was even trying to make everything at once to make the process go faster.

But in the end, the burritos were light, flavorful and yummy! And best of all, G liked them too. Sometimes the healthy recipes can taste a little flat, probably because we are so used to so much salt in our meals, but with the pineapple and red onion mixed together there was really a little suprise there.

I would suggest trying out this recipe, and maybe even have it for friends... since it's kind of a "make your own burrito" with the specific ingredients.

Here's the recipe if you don't feel like making the jump:

Serves 4
Calories per serving, chicken and bean burritos: 436
Calories per serving, pineapple salsa: 28

For the chicken and bean burritos
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed and drained, if frozen
1 15 1/2-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeño (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 pound bone-in, skin-on split chicken breasts
3 peppercorns
1 carrot, sliced

1 bay leaf
3 medium tomatoes (2 quartered, 1 diced)
1 white onion, quartered
6 garlic cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 medium flour tortillas
1/4 cup shredded low-fat cheddar
1/4 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

For the pineapple salsa
1 cup ripe pineapple, chopped
1/4 cup red onions, chopped
1/4 cup roasted red bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add beans, cilantro, lime, jalapeño, salt and cayenne, and stir until well mixed; set aside.

2. Put the chicken, peppercorns, carrot, bay leaf and 3 of the garlic cloves in a large saucepan, and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, and then simmer over medium heat until cooked through, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly in the broth. Remove the chicken from the broth, and remove the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into small pieces, and return the meat to the broth.

3. Put the quartered tomatoes, onion and garlic in a blender and blend until smooth. Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomato mixture and cook, stirring until thickened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shredded chicken to the tomato mixture. Stir until well mixed.

4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Warm the tortillas, one at a time, until pliable, about 1 minute. Divide the cheese, lettuce, diced tomato, bean mixture and chicken with its sauce among the tortillas, spreading the ingredients in a line down the center. Fold in the top and bottom, and then roll in the sides. Serve immediately.

5. To make the pineapple salsa: Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Set aside.

*I have not been paid to advertise Cook Yourself Skinny or any of the recipes in the book. I am merely giving my review based on trying it at home and sharing with others

North East Touring

G and I have talked a few times about wanting to go up to the northeast and tour around. Nothing particularly planned, but just to see the scenery. I have never really been up to the northeast except to go to NYC a couple of years ago. But I would really love to see that part of the country.

We are thinking about maybe going on a driving trip this fall to see the colors. I just love the fall time with the changing leaves and crisp air, so why not go and visit some of the most beautiful places this time of year? I'd even love to get all the way to Cape Cod.

I am just not sure where to go and what to see. Plus, we would like to bring big dog, Charlie with us, so we would have to find pet friendly hotels or bed & breakfasts.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good driving route? or pet friendly "tour"... nothing organized with a group or anything, but a list of places to see and things to do?

Cookbooks!

I have recently bought 2 new cookbooks that I am really excited about.

This first one has 500!! healthy recipes. The images in the inside were so inticing that I HAD to buy the book. Everything just looked soo yummy. You guy buy it at Amazon too!

This is the second. Cook Yourself Thin. Not only is this a cookbook, but it also includes a shopping list and a good discription of what the purpose of the book is... to be able to eat your favorite dishes, but making substitutions for a healthier way to eat it! Can be found here

I can't wait to try out EVERY recipe in each one. Ya'll know I am on a kick where I want to be uber-healthy, and I think having these 2 cookbooks at my immediate disposal is a definite PLUS.

Now I just gotta get to the store to get some yummy ingredients.

I'll let you know how it goes (and hopefully be able to give some reviews on various dishes)

Injury

To give an update:

My running training is still going strong. I must admit though, we have maybe missed one run a week for the past several weeks. BUT! due to good reason - life, weather, pain.. etc.

This past saturday, G and I did a 10 mile run. We probably only ended up running about 8 out of the ten, but we were at least out there getting it done. We had to stop a few times and stretch. G had to stop once, just to sit down and let his legs recover a bit. Plus, stopping for water breaks and waiting at cross walks. We both felt pretty good on the run. G and I both have had some leg pain over the past few weeks, but saturday we felt pretty good (I think it was taking a few days off before the long on saturday).

Speaking of injury though, it might be time to see the doctor. As much as I don't want to go because I don't want him to tell me the worst (not being able to do the race), I feel that it is better to go so that I don't cause any serious damage. And it may be nothing (cross your fingers), that a few days off can't fix.

Back when the pain started, I attributed it to old shoes and inserts. So, I have replaced both, and while it was better for a while, it seems to have come back. Basically, it feels like I am running up hill the whole time because of the tightness in my calf. Self-diagnostically, I think it has to with my foot - either torn muscle or bunyon issues. But the pain starts in my foot, up through my arch and into my calf.. and on the worst days, up to my hip. I try to run on it as long as possible and just ignore the pain, but if I stop and start again, it just gets worse.

So to the doctor I go, next wednesday. Cross your fingers and pray real hard that its only minor. I will be VERY disappointed if it prevents me from doing the race.

Where does the time go?

I am a horrible blogger. I started this blog as a way to get some things off my chest, and also talk about anything and everything I felt was worthy of typing.

It started out all good.. but now things have kind of gone down hill. I wish my life was more interesting to write about. Or that I was able to tell these hilarious stories about every day activities. But unfortunately, that is not how my life works. boo.

I am selfish enough, and self aware enough to know that I want more followers and more commentors. But how do you get those, probably by writing more appealing material. I need to work on it. And I'm going to. I want to. I want to make this something I enjoy doing and look forward to doing. Rather than something that I struggle with trying to find a topic each day.

So bear with me while I get back on track to better blogging.

(does this all sound familiar???)

Nesting...

I want to nest.

G has lived in our house for 3.5 years, and I have lived there 2.5 years. The only room that is "semi" done is our never used dining room. There is so much that I want to do with the house, but am currently in a limbo state of decorating.

See there is a chance we won't be there much longer. So I dont want to put in all this time, effort and money decorating a house that we will more than likely move out of. But I am definitely at that stage, where i want it to feel warm and cozy and not just a place we sleep in. Catch my drift?

I keep looking at furniture on the internet, and almost hit the "buy" button, but then remind myself, that it may not fit with in a new home (because or current place of residence is so awkward and furniture has to be bought specfically). And G asked me the other day why I hadn't printed out our wedding pictures and put them in frames.. I'm like HELLO! we have no shelves to put them on..

Needless to say I want to decorate our house in a more suitable fashion. I just hope I get to soon. But until then I'll just lust after the following...

Sloane Mahogany bookcases from Crate & Barrel

Pottery Barn type gallery wall... I LOVE this

Chloe Velvet Metro Living Chair from Macy's (in Ivory)

 

 

And a bed that is off the floor.. PB

Amongst MANY other things.