New Website!

Please visit us at our new website Rice Kracker Girls

www.ricekrackergirls.com

March Favorite Things

     Hello all!  This is my monthly favorites post.  This is a random list of foods, events, podcasts, movies, fashion, makeup and anything else I enjoyed throughout the month.  Here are March's picks: 

Plantain Chips

     I couldn't decide if I liked these or not so I kept eating them. I've gone through 3 bags, so I think I have to admit I like these- a lot!  They are an addictive snack food!

Career Academy

    This is the place I did my online project management course from and was very impressed. I am not a huge fan of online learning or I was not, until I did this series.  I did the 10 course series in about 2 weeks and really felt like I learned something. Each course had a review quiz an interactive exercise. My favorite was the case study on the Challenger crash.  I got this for $99 as a Groupon and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in general project management knowledge. Completing the series does give you a certificate of completion.

Flat Shoes

     Now that i have a sit/stand workstation, I am wearing a lot of flat shoes. In fact, I bought a special pair just to keep under my desk. Yes some outfits just look better with heels, but flats always win! 

Cadbury Mini Eggs

     I refer to these as Easter crack. There is just something about the creamy chocolate in the crispy hard shells. I am not usually a milk chocolate fan, but these are irresistible. Just irresistible...

Reading Reviews- March 2014

The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
 

     This author has an amazing gift at historical fiction.  He tells a story and teaches you something. This story has both a past and present narrative and an interview with the author reveals he did this to breakup the sadness of the story. There is a twist in the story that reminded me of a soap opera, but overall it was well done.

Verdict: This is a very sad sad story, but it is a good one. This is the second book I have read from this author and am interested in reading more of his books.

 

The Telling Room by Michael Paterniti

 

     I may have been too busy to give this book a fair chance, but after reading the first pages I gave up.  It just didn't catch my interest.

 

Eat, Move, Sleep by Tom Rath

 

     This is a collection of advice the author has come across when researching the "best" health practices. There are 30 short chapters that give you suggestions you can implement immediately.  The advice is quite similar to what I have found to work for my health.

Verdict: Recommend. This is a easy and useful read that could change your life.

 

Sorry, not a lot of reading this month because I was working on project management courses.

Exciting News!

Happy First Day of Spring!  This blog is about get some upgrades:

• First, the website will be moving from Blogspot to Word Press. It will have a new beautiful design and its own domain name.  
• Secondly, the blog will expand its content to include reflections, recipes and rants. That's right rants, but they will be with a productive intention. 
•  Last but certainly not least, my sister will be joining me in writing post for the blog. Stay tuned for more from Rice Kracker Girls!

In the meantime, follow us on Instagram at RiceKrackerGirls.  We are heading out to Portland this weekend for food, fun and friends. Road Trip!

Sit/Stand Workstation

   

     I have a sit/stand work station!  Oh Happy Day!  Sitting all day long has been causing me a lot of pain and costing me a lot of money at the chiropractor. About 4 months ago, I asked my boss for a modification. It took an ergonomic review and 4 months of patience negotiation, but I finally got my wish.

    I have been using the new workstation for about 2 weeks and the improvement in my well-being was almost immediate.  After the first day, I could feel the difference- less low back pain.  I also feel my overall mobility has improved- moving hurts less.

    One thing that surprised me is the dose of standing. I thought I would sit for an hour and then stand for an hour. Turns out, standing for an hour is not comfortable. Right now I find standing for 20 minutes every hour is a good balance. I also try to move around a little bit while standing i.e. shifting weight between feet or just gentle rocking. 

     My co-worker's reaction has been positive and enthusiastic. There seems to be widespread awareness that Sitting is the new Smoking   "The more you sit, the poorer your health and the earlier you may die, no matter how fit you are."  Several have even requested their own sit/stand workstation.  I kinda feel like the trend setter.

     So would I recommend a sit/stand workstation? Absolutely!  This may end up being the biggest health improvement of 2014.  What do you guys think about sit/stand workstation?  Do you have them in your workplace?

Eggplant Lasagna

     I love eggplant and am always trying to find ways to add it into dishes.  Here I use it construct a pasta-less lasagna.  It is easy and tasty!

     First. slice the eggplant and soak in salt water for 5 minutes. This helps reduce the bitterness. Especially when eggplant is not in season and at its peak flavor.  Remove slices from water and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on baking sheet and cook in oven for 35 minutes at 400 degrees, until tender.

     While the eggplant was baking, I prepared the marinara sauce . Since I had made this earlier, I was able to defrost a portion and add 1 lb of ground beef.  I also added some dried herbs (oregano, basil and rosemary).  I let simmer on stove until the eggplant was ready.

     Then comes the fun part- assembly. I put down a slice of eggplant and generously covered with marinara sauce. Then another eggplant, etc, etc. Make as many layers as you wants. I topped with some grated cheese.

     This is a hearty meal with extra credit for veggies via the eggplant and the sauce!

2014 CrossFit Games Open First Impressions

     The CrossFit Games Open is a series of 5 workouts over 5 weeks that people from all over the world do.  This year there are over 200,000 participants!   You do the workout, post your scores online and see how you rank.  This is my second year doing the CrossFit Game Open.  Last year, I found The Open to be an challenge and encouraging. 

     This year, I am two workouts in and just not feeling the same.  Perhaps because the last workout had chest-to-bar pull-ups, which I can not do. I did my best. I put on my oly shoes, snatched up the 65 lbs bar and did 10 beautiful overhead squats.  My 14.2 workout lasted a minute and then I was done. It was discouraging.  Fortunately, I was able to cheer others on and live vicariously through their chest-to-bar pull-up victories!

     I do not mind a challenge or hard work, as long as it feels like progress. So far, it feels like a grind. Regardless, I am determined to do my best with the remaining 3 workouts.  As long as they contain movements I can actually do, I will be happy. I hope by the end of the 5 weeks I feel like a better person. Fingers crossed.  If not,  I will work on my cheer leading skill :)