Attempting goal #1

One of my goals this year is to try a new recipe every week......at least 1 new recipe a week.  I have so many cookbooks that I have poured over......I salivate over the pictures and dream of making them all.  And that is where it normally ends.

With this new year, I am stepping outside of my box (Lord help me!) and reaching for the stars!  I received the greatest cookbook from my nephew....or so he tells me!  I got Giada De Laurentis's Feel Good Food and it is a signed copy.  I have poured over the book AND selected the recipe; made my shopping list and went to work.

In the past, I have been afraid of different ingredients that alone sound horrible.  An example FOR ME is horseradish.  YUK.  I never get it for prime rib (many people like a good horseradish ...my sinuses don't need to be cleaned out like that!)...so I have avoided recipes with it.  My new attitude is not to be afraid.  Fear will hold me back from some wonderful experiences....right?

The recipe selected is Citrus Slaw with Pork Tenderloin....and yes it has horseradish in it.  Once it was done, it was amazed that IT LOOKED LIKE THE PICTURE IN THE BOOK!  It was easy and delicious.  So here is the recipe:

sliced pork tenderloin and citrus slaw***

slaw:
2 large oranges
1 grapefruit (I used a red one)
1 Tbs safflower or grapeseed oil
1/2 Tbs light agave or honey
1/2 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp bottled horseradish
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 small head napa cabbage (about 3 cups)

pork:
vegetable cooking spray
2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 lb pork tenderloin
1 Tbs grapeseed or safflower oil

5 crushed tortilla chips (I did not use these....none in the house!)

for the slaw:  Cut the ends off one of the oranges and ten use the knife to slice off the peel and white pith underneath.  Using a paring knife, and holding the orange in your hand, slice between the membranes to release the segments.  Cut the segments into 1/2 pieces and put into a bowl.  Squeeze the juice from the membranes and reserve.  Repeat wit h the remaining orange and the grapefruit.

In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, 1 Tbs of the reserved citrus juice, the agave, vinegar, horseradish, salt and pepper.  Add the citrus segments and cabbage.  Toss until coated.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

for the pork:  Position the oven rack in the center of  the oven and preheat the oven to 400*.  Spray a heavy rimmed baking sheet with the vegetable oil spray.

In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, cayenne pepper and salt.  Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.  In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat.  Add the pork and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes.  Transfer the pork to the prepared baking sheet and bake until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 160*F, about 30 minutes.  Allow the meat to rest 10 minutes before slicing into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices.

Divide the slaw among 4 plates.  Arrange the sliced pork on top and sprinkle with the crushed chips.

I was amazed at the flavors.  For a little more punch of color, I added a handful of pomegranate seeds.  YUM!!

So I can say that in week 1 of the new year I have accomplished part of my new goals!!  As I write this, I have a piece of fish in the oven with a crab and goat cheese stuffing.  A little blush vinaigrette to steam it with.  I can't wait for dinner!!

Until next time.......

***De Laurentis, Giada, 2013, Giada's Feel Good Food, ppg 192-193

Goal setting......and making pretty notes to remind me along the way!

Goal setting is important.....if we don't know where we want to go, how can we get there??

I have some goal cards I found.....the template is about the size of a regular post it note.  The rules I use are:

1.  Ask - 'what must I change about myself to achieve this goal'....honesty required!
2.  Imagine what if feels like to achieve this goal
3.  Act like you have achieved it; send the signal to yourself and your surroundings that you are serious!!
4.  Protect your goals from negativity, people who think you are blowing smoke or don't support your dream
5.  Trust, believe and know that life is meant to be abundant.....we deserve everything we can dream!

My current goal cards, all things that are going to push me along to goals I want:

Meditate:  I need ME TIME.  This is time I can journal, relax, focus on goals I am currently working on
Movement:  I promise me, in the next 2 weeks, to get to the gym to ride the recumbent bike for 45 minutes
Food:  Making meals that are good for me, make me feel good (no belching, belly aches, etc) and are tasty
Water:  Recommitting to drinking at least 8- 8 oz glasses of water....(it also helps with the option to move more as I run to the wash room!)

There are more but these are a few I wanted to share today.......

I have put these on post it notes and look at them daily.  I remind myself that I need to review them weekly.  If I don't make the goal, assess why.  With movement, was it bad weather and I could not get to the gym?  Was I lazy and slept in?  Was I afraid of what others would think or say about the girl who came back at the start of the year to make some sort of resolution that is too broad to achieve?  If it is fear, I have to have the self talk......I have just as much right to be at the gym and these people will see someone who is willing to put in the time to work my body.  Another thing, our bodies LOVE to move....when we do are we not rewarded with a better, fitter body?

Another nice thing is once I have achieved the goal, it can go into my box of good things I am thankful for and have something to reflect on later......

Something else I have realized in goal setting........PERFECTION IS OVER-RATED!

Once I allowed myself to not have to compete with everyone else, I felt a huge weight (no pun intended) lifted off my shoulders and psyche.  Being the best me I can be is good enough!!

Well, I should get back to putting my goals and wishes in action.  If I can dream it, I can believe it, it can happen in all parts of life!!

2014...........The year of the??

Happy New Year!  New year, new mantra......

I am learning to love me more.  Self love is where I choose to start.  I say I am comfortable in my own skin, but am I really?  In many cases I think the answer is yes but I know there are many instances where I am afraid.  This is the year to shake off the fear and try.  What is the worst that can happen?  I fail?  I fall?  I don't like whatever it is so choose a different path?

Fear can be paralyzing.  Where does the fear come from?  Self doubt I think.  Lack of confidence.  I know I am a smart cookie and have lots to offer.  So I am throwing fear to the wind......yikes!

I read a post by Chris Powell about setting goals.  We have to be SMART about it.  Do you know what SMART means?

S          Specific

M         Manageable

A          Attaiable

R          Relevant

T          Time-bound

I will be setting goals.......not boring ones....FUN ones.  Life is to be enjoyed.  We (I) need to show my gratitude for the abundance I have.  I need to name my self doubt and tell her (or him) off.....well, at least tell that part of my psyche that I don't have time for the doubt and fear.  The goals will be in all aspects of my life.  Not just about weight and fitness......adding love, fun, and excitement to the mix.

I am going to make these post it goal cards and put them where I can be reminded of them.  When the goal is achieved, it will go in my special box to record all the work, fun and play I have put forth.  It is going to be a year about me and what I need.  What I need physically, emotionally, nutritionally.....all of it will be touched on.

It is going to be an amazing year.  I have my friends to take along on the ride....whether it be by my side or in my heart, you will all be with me as I hit these milestones.

So hang on tight....Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride"  `~author unknown

Post hot yoga......

It has been a few days since my first hot yoga class.  I did melt.  I also did not learn a thing....of that I was very disappointed.

When I walked in the door, I was very specific to say I had NEVER done yoga....and I needed guidance.  I was assured that (insert Yogi's name) was a great instructor and easy to follow.  Before I go much further, let me describe the room.

IT WAS DARK.  Yep, the floor was lined with battery operated candles and 1 maybe 3ft lamp that had a paper shade.  The room was long and mirrors on 2 walls.  Did I mention it was dark??  Just making sure.....

The center did let me borrow a yoga mat.  Why invest in one if I was not sure of a commitment?!  I did bring a towel and a bottle of water.  For those who don't remember, I am blind in my left eye.  My girlfriend was sitting on my right side and we were trying not to giggle.  There was one gal stretching.....this girl would pick up one butt muscle and realign herself and then do the other side.  She even did a pose where she did almost a handstand with her knees on her elbows (or at least that is what it looked like.....(repeat with me) IN THE DARK!)

I saw this gal walk in and put her iPod in the station and she wandered down towards the front of the room.  She stood in a corner. She was our Yogi.  I wanted to raise my hand to let her know I NEED HELP, but I did not.  Class started and she told us to sit on the brick....OK,  that part was easy!  I was excited that I got the first move down!!  woot woot!  That was the last of my excitement....

This yogi had a very thick accent.  I could barely understand her.  I did know the child's pose and the downward dog before I walked in so I was sure I could do something positive in class.  Yeah, blew my knowledge in the next 3 minutes.  I kept trying to see what the others were doing but checking out the person on my right was hard not to be overly obvious.  I tried checking in the mirror what others were doing to no avail.  I could not see in the dark.  I started to wait to see what people were doing and then try to get into the move.  Oh, and one instruction was if you don't or can't do the move, transition back to the child's pose.  My knees still hurt!!  I spent a great deal of time on my knees!

The class went on for an hour.......oh, and did I mention that it was 85*?  My ice water cooled off quickly!  Totally drenched, no idea what I was doing, and on my knees.

There was a favorite part........yes, before walking out too!  There was a point where we all lie on the mat and the yogi comes around and puts a cool washcloth on your forehead and it is scented with lavender and eucalyptus.  I could have stayed there forever for that wash cloth!!

I am not totally turned off to yoga.  I am going to find a center that has lights and can guide me from one pose to another....and maybe I will try it again hot someday.

Outside my comfort zone.......

Making this summer bucket list has started to pull me out of my comfort zone.  I am guessing this is a good thing?!  At least I am hoping it is a good thing!!

Tonight I am trying HOT yoga!  I have never done yoga and I don't like anything HOT unless it is a boyfriend!  Sometimes I can be shallow......my true colors are coming out!  HA!

I can guarantee that I will NOT be in this position!  I am so out of shape......well, I have lost some of my flexibility since my foot surgery.  I have not been back to my first love, jazzercise, and the stretching I do at home is not enough.  I get that doing yoga warm (80*) is keeping the muscles warm and maybe I won't get hurt.  My girlfriend is coming with me so we may be laughing at each other and disrupting the class.  We will TRY to behave ourselves!!

Some of the next things that are on my list are getting drunk and painting...well, it is really called Vino van Gogh.  You get 2 drinks and an appetizer as part of the package and are taught how to paint this picture (the martini).  I have several friends going with me and we are excited about going.  What better time can be had with your besties, wine, and a blank canvas?

I have purchased vouchers for a winery tour and wine tasting....my friends and I just need to pick the date and go.  It is super exciting!  I have some friends (online friends) coming in for a few days for a mini reunion.  We have 3.5 days full of fun scheduled.  I got a package to make some fresh mozzarella from scratch; I am pulling out my old quilt that has been in a box for 3 years and finishing it......the list goes on.

I will post and update about the hot yoga tomorrow......if I don't melt and die....but I am sure we will have fun and if we pee our pants laughing, who will know?  We will be sweaty!

The Summer Bucket List.......oh my!

Once upon a time I created a bucket list........a life bucket list.  There are all kinds of things on it......some crazy, some rather private but all things that I would really like to do before my time on this earth is done.  Well, most of them I need to do while I am spry (um, dancing on the bar at Coyote Ugly....can't picture me as a 75 year old chick doing that!)

A friend of mine commented that she has put together a summer bucket list.  That intrigued me.  I have lots of things I wish to do, places to go this summer.  Some of them have happened! 
 

I spent a lovely weekend with sone friends in Lake Geneva celebrating birthdays.  One of our most fun trips was the tour on the Lady of the Lake boat.  We were on the water for over an hour learning the history of the homes (ok MANSIONS) and how they came to be.  It was perfect weather, the different stores were lots of fun...we even found a place called the Green Eyed Lady where they make scents for you with essential oils while you wait.  It was super cool!

Next was a quick trip to Minneapolis to visit with a friend and celebrate her birthday with tickets to the Kenney Chesney No Shoes Nation Tour at Target Field.  We saw Kacey Musgraves, Eli Young Band, Zac Brown AND the man himself.  OMG, it was 6 hours of music and did not feel long at all.  We had great people sitting around us and we laughed  the whole time......well, except when we got beer baths (as drunk people forgot which end was up on the bottle as they were getting amourous with their mate .....or I hope it was their mate/date!)

So far the summer has been grand.  Today I purchased a package deal for a winery tour of a vineyard and a wine tasting.  I have an old deal for a paint while you drink.......there are many choices in paintings....not sure this particular one is me but I will peruse their site to see what I like that I want to paint.  By the end of the evening who knows what it will look like......2 glasses of wine (or so) later!!

 

There is lots of time left of this summer, things to see and do.  No time to let grass grow under my feet.......and who knows, maybe this is the summer of dancing on the bar....... *wink wink*

I'M.......(fill in the blank)

I have been doing a lot of soul and self searching lately.  I am working on doing things MY way for ME.  I know I will not always be right...and might even make people shake their heads.  In any case it is right for me at that moment.  It is my normal!  

I look at words and things people share on Facebook.  Impossible.....vs I'm possible; imperfect vs I'm perfect....the list can go on.

What I do realize is I AM POSSIBLE.  The impossible is the fear in your head.  It might not be right or reasonable.  I sometimes feel like yoga is impossible for me to do.  I lack the flexibility.  That is that inner devil talking.  If I make no changes the voices in my head win.  My answer to that is I am going Tuesday night to my first hot yoga class....now of that I am afraid!  I don't do heat well!!  I am, however, walking in and plan to do the best I can.......and someday it will be good as I will limber up and stretch the muscles I have.  I might even feel like the limber ballerina I once was!!   

I am also PERFECT for me!  I don't need to measure myself up to anyone else because we are all different.  I may, on occasion, be jealous of something someone is doing but that gives me the chance to make a dream of it myself!  We are human, we are flawed and I am embracing all my flaws.......each and every one of them!  I might even make new flaws every day as I retire others.  How lucky am I to be able to do all of this?!    

I have my whole life ahead of me and I plan to keep myself on my toes.....pushing the limits and having fun.  I might have to do something like a friend is doing......a summer bucket list.  Maybe mine will be a fall one but in anycase it will happen and at the end of the day, I will reflect on a beautiful sunset like this one started out to be and know how lucky I am and how juicy my life can be!  It is just waiting for me!