The recipe is pretty simple. Cut up tomatoes, onion and cilantro. Salt and pepper and add the juice of one lime. If you like it a little spicier, you can add a jalapeno. This is summer flavors sweet and simple.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
My Salsa
I love tomatoes and so I love salsa. My favorite is pico de gallo. This year I tried to grow my own cilantro and was finally successful on the third try. May I present to you My Salsa with home grown cilantro:
The recipe is pretty simple. Cut up tomatoes, onion and cilantro. Salt and pepper and add the juice of one lime. If you like it a little spicier, you can add a jalapeno. This is summer flavors sweet and simple.
The recipe is pretty simple. Cut up tomatoes, onion and cilantro. Salt and pepper and add the juice of one lime. If you like it a little spicier, you can add a jalapeno. This is summer flavors sweet and simple.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Reading Reviews- August 2013
I beginning to feel like I read too much? This month had one of the best books of the year and one of worst...
The Dinner by Herman Koch
This book was described as the European version of Gone Girl. It wasn't even close. It had twisted characters and a dark plot, but it wasn't clever. The first half of the book drones on with useless details to keep you in suspense, but that didn't work either.
Verdict: Really bad read.
My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor
Her memoir was done in a fair and balanced narration, just like a judge :) Honestly, I didn't like it. I found this retrospective narration of her childhood forced. Obviously, her story does have a silver lining, but there is no way she knew this while going through the bad times.
Verdict: I like her as a person. I did not like her memoir.
The Power of the Pussy by Kara King
Every month I get a free book from my Amazon Prime membership, so I try to pick something I wouldn't normally read. This is waaay outside the box. Despite its explicit content and writing style, the author has a lot of valid points. Woman stop being doormats and make men treat you right. She is also very funny.
Verdict: This is a naughtier version of "He's Just Not Into You." It was fabulous!
Mind/Set by John Kim
Written specifically for CrossFittters, the author discussed the mental game needed to improve performance and overcome mental blocks. He gives very specific advice, you can implement immediately.
Verdict: CrossFitters it is $2.99 for the Kindle version- buy it!
Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum
One of the best books I've read all year! The author tells a moving story of abuse, despair and hope through multiple character's perspectives. Some may find some of the content disturbing, as children are mistreated physically and emotionally, but in the end good prevails in a realistic and uplifting way.
Verdict: Loved it! Could barely put it down once I started reading it.
A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
Book 4 of Game of Thrones and it was a let down. It was terrible actually. All of the characters the author familiarized with in books 1-3 were missing. Apparently, book 4 and 5 were meant to be one, but it was too long. Were is this guy's editor?
Verdict: Pretty much all of book 4 could be edited out. Save yourself hours of reading and wiki it.
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R.Martin
Book 5 of Game of Thrones. It was better than book 4, but not as good as book 1-3. This series was meant to be a trilogy and so far there are SEVEN books planned but the author says there may also be an eighth. I am really begin to fear this series might be lost?
Verdict: Not giving up hope yet. Book 6 release date is 2014. Fingers crossed!
The Dinner by Herman Koch
This book was described as the European version of Gone Girl. It wasn't even close. It had twisted characters and a dark plot, but it wasn't clever. The first half of the book drones on with useless details to keep you in suspense, but that didn't work either.
Verdict: Really bad read.
My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor
Her memoir was done in a fair and balanced narration, just like a judge :) Honestly, I didn't like it. I found this retrospective narration of her childhood forced. Obviously, her story does have a silver lining, but there is no way she knew this while going through the bad times.
Verdict: I like her as a person. I did not like her memoir.
The Power of the Pussy by Kara King
Every month I get a free book from my Amazon Prime membership, so I try to pick something I wouldn't normally read. This is waaay outside the box. Despite its explicit content and writing style, the author has a lot of valid points. Woman stop being doormats and make men treat you right. She is also very funny.
Verdict: This is a naughtier version of "He's Just Not Into You." It was fabulous!
Mind/Set by John Kim
Written specifically for CrossFittters, the author discussed the mental game needed to improve performance and overcome mental blocks. He gives very specific advice, you can implement immediately.
Verdict: CrossFitters it is $2.99 for the Kindle version- buy it!
Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum
One of the best books I've read all year! The author tells a moving story of abuse, despair and hope through multiple character's perspectives. Some may find some of the content disturbing, as children are mistreated physically and emotionally, but in the end good prevails in a realistic and uplifting way.
Verdict: Loved it! Could barely put it down once I started reading it.
A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
Book 4 of Game of Thrones and it was a let down. It was terrible actually. All of the characters the author familiarized with in books 1-3 were missing. Apparently, book 4 and 5 were meant to be one, but it was too long. Were is this guy's editor?
Verdict: Pretty much all of book 4 could be edited out. Save yourself hours of reading and wiki it.
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R.Martin
Book 5 of Game of Thrones. It was better than book 4, but not as good as book 1-3. This series was meant to be a trilogy and so far there are SEVEN books planned but the author says there may also be an eighth. I am really begin to fear this series might be lost?
Verdict: Not giving up hope yet. Book 6 release date is 2014. Fingers crossed!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Reading Causes Randomness
My local library has a fabulous e-book program that allows me to borrow books on my Kindle. This easy access is the reason I read so many books each month. However, it also means you get the books as they become available. I spent this week speed reading through Game of Thrones book 4 & 5. Of course they were both ready for me to borrow in the same week! Because of that, this week's post is going to be about random bits and bytes of current happenings.
- My herb garden is doing really well. I am most excited about the cilantro. This is my third attempt- the first batch died, the second refused to bloom and the third time is looking very promising. So I should have a salsa recipe post soon.
- While we are on the topic of food, I baked the best batch of these Chocolate Chip Cookies ever! They came out absolutely perfect. Mmmm... you should try the recipe. It took less than 30 minutes to make, bake and clean up (cause you know I had to get back to reading!!!)
- I also finally ordered some new CrossFit shoes. I've had the same pair for almost 2 years, so it was time. Since Reebok sponsors the CrossFit games, they make 3 types of shoes specific to CrossFit. I got the Nano Speed it violet and black of course! I am excited to started wearing them this week and getting them broken in for the competition I have coming up in October.
- This week was the Yolo County Fair and my sister and I attend faithfully each year for the tacos. Even better I got to rock my new hat, which I paid $3.77, the exact amount of cash and change I had in my wallet that that. Amazing and dorky I know.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Bruschetta
I was listening to a podcast (about food- of course) and they started talking about bruschetta. I was reminded that I love bruschetta and it is tomato season and I have fresh herbs growing on my patio.
Oddly, this is the first time I've actually made bruschetta myself and it is so easy!
Ingredients:
A mix of red and yellow grape tomatoes
Basil leaves
Oregano leaves
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Baguette
Preparation:
- Cut grape tomatoes in half and add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, basil and oregano. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and put in refrigerate for an hour.
- Cut the baguette into diagonal slices (to allow for the most surface area).
- Coat baguette slices with garlic oil and toast in oven at 50 degrees for 10 minutes.
When ready to serve, place bruschetta on toasted bread and enjoy.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Upcoming Athletic Endeavors
2013 has been an athletic journey for me. It has been two months since the box jump injury. I took two weeks off of CrossFit and came back at a very modified pace. By modified, I mean no running, jumping or lunging and very light weights. I also had to walk two 5ks. It provided a good reset and gave me a chance to really concentrate on form. Fortunately, I am now almost 100%! Good thing because, I have five 5ks and a CrossFit competition from September to November. It is time to start training and setting some goals.
For the 5ks, I would like to get below a 30 minute time. I keep missing it by a minute or two. Of course, I am off my game since I walked the last 2 races. But five more races is plenty of time to get going again. I just need to get back on track and hustle just a tad bit more- like 30 seconds less per mile.
The CrossFit competition, I will be doing as scaled (because I still can't do a pull-up!!!). So the first goal is to be able to do 10 pull-ups consecutively using a blue band. Right now I can do 2 and then need a break. My second goal is to up my mental game. My energy is being used up by emotion and I lose focus. I need to control my thought and figure out how to get in the "zone". One great resource I found was Mindset by John Kim.
My third goal is to keep myself in check. Sometimes all that I want to do, overshadows all that I have accomplished. Improvement and progress are key, but you also have to celebrate. I also need to schedule in rest and recovery. This is a lot of competitive activity for a three month period.
I'll end with my praise for Salonpas Pads. They are like icy/hot stick-on pads that help relieve pain. They are amazing! I used them for my back aches and box jump injury. I was not born an athletic, but I am learning :)
For the 5ks, I would like to get below a 30 minute time. I keep missing it by a minute or two. Of course, I am off my game since I walked the last 2 races. But five more races is plenty of time to get going again. I just need to get back on track and hustle just a tad bit more- like 30 seconds less per mile.
The CrossFit competition, I will be doing as scaled (because I still can't do a pull-up!!!). So the first goal is to be able to do 10 pull-ups consecutively using a blue band. Right now I can do 2 and then need a break. My second goal is to up my mental game. My energy is being used up by emotion and I lose focus. I need to control my thought and figure out how to get in the "zone". One great resource I found was Mindset by John Kim.
My third goal is to keep myself in check. Sometimes all that I want to do, overshadows all that I have accomplished. Improvement and progress are key, but you also have to celebrate. I also need to schedule in rest and recovery. This is a lot of competitive activity for a three month period.
I'll end with my praise for Salonpas Pads. They are like icy/hot stick-on pads that help relieve pain. They are amazing! I used them for my back aches and box jump injury. I was not born an athletic, but I am learning :)
Monday, August 5, 2013
Staycation Projects
I decided to take a week off of work and work on all the things I have been "too tired" to do. While I want my vacation to be restful, I also wanted it to be productive. My problem is I have a million to do items. I could spend the whole week doing one chore after another. I needed to prioritize, so I listed everything out and picked the most important things and created "projects" for each day.
Project #1: Update Resume
It probably says something that the first thing I do on my day off is update my resume. I've been browsing job postings for months, but haven't take any action to find a new job. Even if there was something I wanted to apply for, I am completely unprepared.
I went to the library and got a couple of books that had resume samples. I worked in Human Resources for 4 years, so I know that format and design are important, especially when you are reviewing hundreds of resumes. So I did the fun part first and cleaned-up the look of my resume. Then I got to work on updating and adding work history. You really need to tailor the resume to the job, but I now have a solid base resume that is ready for customization.
Project #2: Wardrobe & Makeup
I have to confess I let my work wardrobe get really pitiful. I was wearing faded cardigans, fraying shirts, unhemmed pants and tattered shoes (not all at once). I almost convinced myself I was minimal and not giving into consumerism. The truth is I find shopping for clothes hard. I was not born with a fashion bone and really haven't developed how to dress myself stylishly. Also my makeup was in a sad sad sad state.
I do have a "uniform" for work that works: pants, blouse, cardigan. A couple of months ago I bought some quality slacks, but failed to have them hemmed. So first up was getting that done. Then I got online and ordered what I could, but I did also have to go the mall (I really dislike the mall). My project was to get everything together and organized: go through my clothes and get rid off/throw away things, make sure I have the right accessories, etc. I am not going to lie, this was a chore. I envy people that love fashion.
Project #3: Urban Gardening
I've been learning a lot about the quality of food and the urban farming revolution. While I would love to have a vegetable garden, the reality is I live in an apartment. I did a sunlight map and found my patio gets only about 2-3 hours of direct sunlight everyday. That means I can have an herb garden, so that is what I will have.
I did plant an herb garden in the Spring, but it needs some TLC. The rosemary, cilantro and oregano died. I got more of those herbs and some Stevia and lemon verbena. I also read up on what each herb prefers in terms of sunlight and water and then positioned them in the patio accordingly. This may not sound very exciting, but it is a start. One day I will have a yard or a patio that gets sunlight and I will have a garden of herbs and vegetables. It made me happy to do what I could.
Project #4: Preparing to Move
At the end of the year, I will mostly likely be moving. Boo! I love my currently apartment (except that for the lack of sunlight), but it is eating up all my disposable income. I am fully enjoying the time I get to spend here, but need to prepare to move on. I got a For Rent book and made a list of potential apartments to look at in September. I really hate moving, so even that small step was a big deal.
Project #5: Errands
Oh errands! A million done and million to go. It is never done. I got my truck an oil change, went to the post office, the library, grocery shopping and Target. I felt accomplished but also exhausted.
Having done all those productive things, I also did some fun and relaxing this. I sat by the pool a lot, hung out with friends and went to CrossFit and yoga to my heart's content. It was a good week!
Project #1: Update Resume
It probably says something that the first thing I do on my day off is update my resume. I've been browsing job postings for months, but haven't take any action to find a new job. Even if there was something I wanted to apply for, I am completely unprepared.
I went to the library and got a couple of books that had resume samples. I worked in Human Resources for 4 years, so I know that format and design are important, especially when you are reviewing hundreds of resumes. So I did the fun part first and cleaned-up the look of my resume. Then I got to work on updating and adding work history. You really need to tailor the resume to the job, but I now have a solid base resume that is ready for customization.
Project #2: Wardrobe & Makeup
I have to confess I let my work wardrobe get really pitiful. I was wearing faded cardigans, fraying shirts, unhemmed pants and tattered shoes (not all at once). I almost convinced myself I was minimal and not giving into consumerism. The truth is I find shopping for clothes hard. I was not born with a fashion bone and really haven't developed how to dress myself stylishly. Also my makeup was in a sad sad sad state.
I do have a "uniform" for work that works: pants, blouse, cardigan. A couple of months ago I bought some quality slacks, but failed to have them hemmed. So first up was getting that done. Then I got online and ordered what I could, but I did also have to go the mall (I really dislike the mall). My project was to get everything together and organized: go through my clothes and get rid off/throw away things, make sure I have the right accessories, etc. I am not going to lie, this was a chore. I envy people that love fashion.
Project #3: Urban Gardening
I've been learning a lot about the quality of food and the urban farming revolution. While I would love to have a vegetable garden, the reality is I live in an apartment. I did a sunlight map and found my patio gets only about 2-3 hours of direct sunlight everyday. That means I can have an herb garden, so that is what I will have.
I did plant an herb garden in the Spring, but it needs some TLC. The rosemary, cilantro and oregano died. I got more of those herbs and some Stevia and lemon verbena. I also read up on what each herb prefers in terms of sunlight and water and then positioned them in the patio accordingly. This may not sound very exciting, but it is a start. One day I will have a yard or a patio that gets sunlight and I will have a garden of herbs and vegetables. It made me happy to do what I could.
Project #4: Preparing to Move
At the end of the year, I will mostly likely be moving. Boo! I love my currently apartment (except that for the lack of sunlight), but it is eating up all my disposable income. I am fully enjoying the time I get to spend here, but need to prepare to move on. I got a For Rent book and made a list of potential apartments to look at in September. I really hate moving, so even that small step was a big deal.
Project #5: Errands
Oh errands! A million done and million to go. It is never done. I got my truck an oil change, went to the post office, the library, grocery shopping and Target. I felt accomplished but also exhausted.
Having done all those productive things, I also did some fun and relaxing this. I sat by the pool a lot, hung out with friends and went to CrossFit and yoga to my heart's content. It was a good week!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Taste Like Summertime
Fill a glass with ice and juice watermelon until it is about an inch from the top of glass. Crush mint leaves with the juice of half of a lime and add to watermelon. Sometimes, I add a splash of rum too ;)
Now the only thing this drinks needs is a name....?
Watermelon Lime Mint Cooler- too long
WLM- not catchy
Melon Limt Mint or MLM- no
Hmmm
MeLiMint- there it is!
MeLiMint the drink of Summer 2013!
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