Tangent Thursday

I’m back to talk about some random thoughts that I am having today…

1. I watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians, E News, Criminal Minds, and CSI to feel closer to home.  Is that sad?  At least the latter two require some amount of intelligence to follow…but I’m almost ashamed to admit I even watch the first one.  Honestly it’s like witnessing the aftermath of a bad car accident…you don’t want to look but you can’t help yourself.

 2. I love Chipilo.  That’s fried banana strips that are sprinkled with salt and they are crunchy like chips. In one word: heaven.  Very soon I will be doing a post about the food here because well, because it is fantastic and definitely deserves its own post!

 

Salty, toasty banana goodness.

 
3. Customer service is pretty bad here.  Not quite sure why that is, because the people here are especially kind, friendly, and welcoming.  But it just is, especially the service at restaurants and stores.  And don’t even get me started about respecting pedestrians.  Here it’s “hurry up and cross the street or else.” It’s very New York in that sense. J
 
4. 1 Bolivian dollar = about 7 United States Dollars.  For the sake of not having to type it all out every time, I will abbreviate Bolivian dollars as “Bs” and United States Dollars as USD.
 

5. Gyms here are more expensive than back home.  And you pay by “disciplines.”  You can pay to just use the machines, aerobics classes, treadmills, or pay more to use a combination of or all of them.  We’re talking $240 - $280 Bolivian dollars for a decent one – that’s a LOT of money!  We even looked into a new one that is opening up that is $399 Bs. – that’s $57 USD a month!!  And at these gyms there are no kids clubs because, quite frankly, if you can afford a $35 - $60 a month gym then you most likely can also afford to have a live-in housekeeper/nanny (more about this topic later) that will watch the kids while you’re getting your workout on.  Nevertheless, working out is definitely a priority for us and we will be signing up at one of them by the end of this weekend.  I can guarantee it won’t be the $60 a month one; I am wayyyy to frugal for that!  J 

 
6. Pandora doesn’t work here. Please believe me when I say I was devastated when I discovered that.  If you know me then you know that I listen to music way more than I watch television and Pandora was my favorite (and most used) app on my phone.  The app won’t work on my phone, and not even on the computer can I access it.  One day I was working on my resume and thought I would put on some nice, soothing music to work to.  When I went to the website the only thing that popped up was a very polite “we don’t work in Bolivia yet” note.  It was a very sad day.  That was three weeks ago and I still haven’t fully recovered. Music feeds my soul.
 

7. Running is kicking my arse.  I have just started back after almost a year of not having run and it is reaaaaally hard.  It’s hard for many reasons but honestly, I just need to suck it up and keep at it. 

She's feeling a lot better after my run than I am.

I’m going running tonight, for the fifth time in the last week and a half.  There is a 5K this weekend and it’s for a good cause – to help bring awareness to and fight diabetes – and we are going to run it.  Definitely won’t be my best time or a PR but it is time to get my feet wet and get back in it.  Plus, I’m itching for that pre-race excitement you feel before a race and for the satisfaction and accomplishment you feel when you finish.  It’s been far too long.

 

 

 

What are some of your tangents today?

Tango Tuesday, 7.24

I have decided to start something new here on the blog.  I am calling it TANGO TUESDAY and it will be my weekly post where I talk about all of the random tangents and thoughts that are dancing around in my head.  (Get it? Dancing around?  Tango Tuesday??  Kinda clever, huh? LOL!!)

So without further adeu, I present to you:

Tango Tuesday!

Source

Here are the thoughts that are dancing around in my head today:

1) I still can’t believe the horror of the shootings that happened in Aurora, Colorado on Friday.  No matter what the investigators and court trial conclude, I will never be able begin to fathom what would possess someone to do what that sick man was able to do.

2) I woke up with a wild hair today and cooked in bulk this morning.  I made:

-         balsamic vinegar roasted tomatoes

-         roasted (diced) sweet potatoes

-         a large (five cans) bowl of tuna salad with boiled eggs, diced celery, cilandtro, dill relish, RF olive oil mayo, mustard, and lemon pepper seasoning, and

-         a big batch of brown rice, enough for the whole week

3) It’s about that time for…another Jasmine Green Tea tapioca dream, I mean drink!  And it just so happens that today is double stamp day at my favorite place, Boba Zone, so I’m thinking my daughter and I may have to head over there after the gym tonight!

4) I really need to get on the ball if I’m going to complete my July goals by the end of this month!  And I only have a week left to do it in!  I may have been a little over-zealous when I planned it all out, and will keep this in mind when I plan my goals for August in the next couple of weeks.  It’s good to set your goals high, but not so high that they are unattainable! J 

5) What is going on with the Jackson family?!?!  Is any one else confused with all the “where’s grandma-Katherine” business going on, or is it just me?!

6) I’m super excited about two things going on later today:

1)               a kick-butt workout with a Body Pump class, followed by 2 miles and then ½ a Zumba class and then

2)               going to visit my new nephew!!!  Our friends Marco and Lety’s beautiful son (from this baby shower) came into the world yesterday!  We get to see him for the first time in person today…and I can’t wait to hold him!  I also can’t wait for him to rock his motorcycle onesies and his sock/shoe checkered Vans socks that match!

Hope you enjoyed the new TANGO TUESDAY and reading some of the random thoughts that are dancing around in my head!  I gotta go…gym here I come! 

Tuesday Tangents, Bloggie Birthday, and Lo Mein

Guess what I missed?!?!?

Yesterday was Running Around Hungry’s one-month birthday!!!

...and I missed it!!   This whole time I’ve been thinking I started the blog on the 19^th of June…only to find out that it was the 16^th.  This month has been such a learning experience and yet so rewarding!  I will definitely be continuing.  I am really starting to get into this blogging stuff! J

 ***

Here are some tangents for today:

1. Dr. Oz

Now that I am off during the day (perks of being a teacher), I get to watch Dr. Oz.  I love this show!  So much useful information!  I love his healthful tips, and the explanations about medical things that he provides.  A lot of the topics he covers are about things I might have never known about if not for his show.  I have started writing down all of his tips especially on supplements and things I should be eating/drinking.  The problem is that my list of teas-and-supplements-to-buy is growing way too long! 

2. Instagram

I am new to Instagram as I have only recently installed the app.  I’m loving it, though, and am slowly building my list of who-to-follow.  I need your suggestions on “must-follow-people”, and would love a few followers of my own!  Please follow me – my username is letiortdur.  Leave me your username in the comments and I’ll follow you too!

3. the Olympics are coming!

The countdown is officially at T-10 days…and I can’t wait!!!!  I have always loved watching Gymnastics, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming and Track and Field.  However, this will be my first Olympics since I became a runner and am so excited to see our marathon teams (male and female) kick some long-distance butt!!!!  #London2012

4. President Obama was in Texas today!

President Obama attended some fund-raising events in San Antonio and Austin today.  Totally wish I could have been there!  Whatever your views on who should win the election in November, you have to admit knowing that the POTUS is in your state…in a city only 2 hrs away…is still pretty cool!  Or maybe I’m just #cheesylikethat!  By the way, and I’m almost embarrassed to admit this but, I just today figured out what the heck POTUS meant!  I’ve seen President Obama referred to as POTUS on Twitter before but until today did not put two and two together.  Embarrassing! #imalittleslowsometimes

5. I collect quotes

…and I have since I was in 6^th grade!  I started a binder when I was in 6^th grade and started putting poems and quotes that I liked in it…and I still have it to this day!  The binder and the habit of collecting quotes, that is.  I have always loved motivational phrases that inspire you to do better and be better, and even collect Spanish ones!  Honestly, this is part of what drew me to Pinterest.  I love all of the inspirational pictures, and find myself pinning the motivational quotes and fitness motivation all the time!  Anytime I hear (or see) a quote I like, I jot it down – on napkins, in my phone, in my notebooks…whatever I happen to have on hand!

6. "Letters to God"

Last night the fam and I watched “Letters to God.”  I had heard a lot about the movie when it first came out but we never got around to seeing it.  When I was at Dollar General last week I picked up the movie out of the $3.99 previously viewed bin.  We – all three – enjoyed the movie!!  I cried way too much a few times throughout the movie…and my daughter did too.  It really hit home for her, I guess because it was based on a little boy close to her age.  She was so into the movie and afterwards, we had a long talk about cancer, and her own health scare at the age of two.  It felt good to discuss these things.  In my opinion, sometimes the best thing you can do, instead of shielding your child from scary/disturbing things, is face them together because it gives you a chance to talk about it and clear up any confusions/misconceptions.  My mother was always very open and honest with me – some would even say too open and honest – but it always kept the lines of communication and truth open between us…and besides, I didn’t turn out so bad! ;-)  I highly recommend seeing this movie as a family.  It’s one of those feel-good, heart-warming tales that we just don’t get that often in Hollywood anymore!

7. Dinner success (again!)

For dinner tonight I tried my hand at making LoMein, one of our favorite Chinese dishes.  My version was loosely based on a Quick-and-easy Rachel Ray one, only hers was a Veggie LoMein recipe and I added meat.  Three kinds of meat, in fact!  I added thin beef steak (which I cut into strips and marinated in soy sauce and Sriracha), chicken, and shrimp. 

It was really good, and had excellent flavor from all of the fresh garlic, ginger root, green onions, soy sauce and oyster sauce.  It was a lot easier than I thought; the secret was having all of the ingredients ready to throw into the hot wok.  Here is a quick summary of how I made it. 

Leti’s Delectable Lo-Mein

1.         First I put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta.  I used whole grain (of course), thin spaghetti and cooked it according to the package directions.

2.      Next, I got out my wok and heated it with some dark sesame seed oil.  Then I tossed in the freshly chopped garlic, ginger root, and green onion in to sautee. 

3.      Then I added in the beef and chicken, along with some Oyster sauce, Sriracha, and Low-Sodium Soy Sauce and cooked it a bit.

4.     The chopped cabbage was added next, and I cooked the mixture a bit more.

5.      Next I added the shrimp, which I added last so they wouldn’t over cook and get tough.

6.     Last, I added in the pasta, which I had drained after it finished cooking and set aside.  Along with the pasta, I added in a little bit more soy sauce and sautéed it all together a little bit more.  The LoMein is now ready to enjoy!!!

Although super delicious, it did not have that wonderful smoky flavoring that my favorite restaurant LoMein has.  Anyone know what that secret smoky seasoning is?  If you do know what it is, puh-leeeez leave me a comment and clue me in!  I definitely want to add it to future LoMeins that I make.  My family and I thank you in advance!! J

Those are my Tuesday Tangents.  I hope you enjoyed them!  What are some of your tangents today?

Tangent Tuesday, 7/10/12

Today was yet another day of relaxation, napping, and working out.  Today, however, I actually got dressed (real clothes…and real shoes rather than slippers!) and ventured out to one of my favorite stores ever: Dollar General. Big spender, I know.  

Let get right to the tangents. 

***

I went to Dollar General today.  I loooves me some DG!!  Proof #34,781 that I am turning into my mother: my love for dollar stores, knick-knacks that I don’t need, and bargains that I can’t pass up.  (Love you Mom!)  It’s okay; I’ve come to terms with it and consider myself a lucky woman.  If I grow up to be half the woman that my mother is, I’ll be a lucky lady! J  Anyway – oh look, I just went off on a tangent from a tangent! – back to DG.

I originally went in to buy a mop and some cleaning supplies.  It always starts out like that, doesn’t it?  You go into a store for one or two things and come out with a dozen?  And sometimes you have good intentions, and take your list with you and everything, but still come out with way more than you intended to buy.  And inevitably, there will be times when you will come out with everything else in the store except for what you came for! 

Anyway, I went in for a mop – and came out $80 later.  For real?!  $80?!?!?  Only I can go into a DOLLAR store and come out with $80 worth of stuff.  The irony.  Go to a dollar store to save money and end up spending way too much.

***

This morning I finally started reading Andy Cohen’s new book, Most Talkative.  Unfortunately, I only downloaded a sample of it so I was left hanging, dying for more!  You can trust and believe (my friend Rachel always says that phrase and I love it!) that I will be downloading that bad boy tomorrow.  Based on the 30 pages I read, and the fact that I laughed out loud at least five times (and it was my ugly, almost-a-snort laugh, too) I know the $11.99 will be well spent! 
 

***

I’m feenin’ for a Jasmine Cream Tea with a double shot of boba.  Feenin’ baaaaaad!  It’s going on a month now that I’ve been craving it and still haven’t gotten one.  I may have to put on real clothes and venture out again tomorrow, just to get one.  Adding that to my to do list now.

TO – DO (7/11/12)

1. run 4 miles
2. get dressed in real people clothes
3. get a tapioca
4. take a nap
5. Body Pump and Step
6. cook. eat. repeat.

***
New favorite (cheap) workout gear: Hanes Her Way V-neck t-shirts.  I found a package of three shirts (pink, gray, periwinkle) in the clearance bin at Dollar General and, of course, bought them.  I mean, hello? at $3.25 it was too good to pass up.  Even if I just wear them around the house, I will have gotten my money’s worth. 
 

Anyway, I wore the pink one to the gym tonight…and it definitely passed the test!  It was comfy and I loved the way it fit!  The only drawback is that it has no kind of sweat-wicking or dri-fit absorbing action so when we left I was drenched with sweat.  Then again, there’s probably not many fancier, more high-tech material that can contain the amount of sweat that I was working with after having done Zumba, running three miles on the treadmill (intervals), and lifting (legs).  I’ll definitely be picking up some more of these!  I will make sure, however, to stay away from the white ones.  You know why.

***  

Dinner tonight was one of my favorites!  It’s my go-to meal when I’m not in the mood to cook. 
 

“Mama-ain’t-cookin-tonight” Quick and Easy Dinner

- 1 Rotisserie chicken (ready made from Wal-Mart)
- 1 bag of Green Giant steamed broccoli with cheese sauce
- 1 package of Uncle Ben’s ready-rice – Whole Grain Wild Rice flavor (90 seconds in the microwave, in the bag)
- hummus (Saabra’s roasted garlic one, although I usually make my own)
- sliced tomatoes 

It’s quick, easy, and pretty darn healthy too!  I never tire of this meal and sometimes we substitute the rice for a nice loaf of freshly baked, thick, crusty Italian or French bread. DELISH!  Dessert will be the other half of my chocolate chip cookie from last night’s visit to Subway (aren’t their cookies the best?!) and maybe some grapes.

 

***

I hope you enjoyed the tangents.  Please feel free to share some of your own!

Five questions for you:

1. What’s your favorite bargain store?  How often do you shop there?
2. What books are on your summer reading list?  What’s your favorite genre of books?
3. Do you like Jasmine green tea?  Ever had a Tapioca?  What’s your favorite flavor?
4. What’s on your to-do list for today?
5.  What is your favorite “I-aint-cooking-tonight” meal?

Tangent Tuesday

This post is going to be a conglomeration (woooo…fancy word!) of random thoughts.  We’ll call it Tangent Tuesday since that is what a lot of other bloggers do on Tuesdays.

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Here was what I ate yesterday.  As you can see, I take my food very seriously!

Breakfast 8:30	Jasmine green tea, cottage cheese mixed with Greek yogurt (was running out of both so I combined the two), diced strawberries, walnuts, drizzled with honey and topped with freshly ground cinnamon.  Eaten directly from the container. #classylikethat
Lunch 11:45	whole wheat pita stuffed with sliced smoked turkey breast, swiss cheese, and roasted red bell pepper; cantaloupe and grapes on the side, ice water with freshly squeezed lemon.  Oh, and a slice of the most luscious chocolate cakes that my friend Astrid (aka “Betty Crocker, Jr.”) made.
Snack 3:00	The rest of my fruit from lunch that I did not finish.  Cup of chicken soup.
Snack #2 5:00	Usually pre-workout fuel.  Today I skipped it, though.
Dinner 8:30	Pan seared chicken breasts (pounded and seasoned with my salt/garlic powder, pepper, dried parsley mixture), orecchiette pasta with brocolli, brussel sprouts, red bell pepper, onion, and bacon in a spicy (red pepper flakes) garlic cream sauce
Dessert 10:00	Jasmine green tea

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I have to tell you something that I found so hilarious today!  My friend Rachel (one of my BFFs and my Trader Joe buddy from Saturday) text messaged me about her first experience with curry.  We both bought a jar of yellow curry sauce from TJ’s on Saturday and she decided to make curry for dinner yesterday.  She wrote, “I just want to share with you that my house smells like Bangladesh and my nails are stained yellow from this curry chicken that I cooked!!!  And I have discovered that I don’t like curry, I only like the COLOR of curry!” Part of the reason that this all struck me as so funny was that I could totally visualize the whole scene in my head; her anticipation of the delicious-smelling (and surely tasting) food, the disappointment when she realized she didn’t even like the taste after all that hard work of preparing it, and the horror when she discovered her stained nails!  She might like the color of curry but not on her nails!  My poor friend.  I don’t mean to find humor in her situation…but you have to admit that was one funny text message!  She is, by far, one of the funniest people Iknow!

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Being new at this whole blogging thing, I’m still trying to figure out…well, just about everything. I have worked through a couple of things, though.

1) Ideally, I would like to post at least once a day;

2) I want to write about life, food, running, food, music, working out and food.  In that order

3) I want to include lots of pictures, inspirational quotes, links to interesting articles to read, and whatever else tickles my fancy at the time!  Of course, I welcome any suggestions from you all as well!  

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My workout today was 3 miles on the treadmill (the hubs ran along side me!) to warm up and then I did weights.  I focused on arms today: biceps and triceps and finished off with some planks.  As we were leaving the gym, the sky was picturesque, to say the least.  Being the artist that he is, and with his photographic eye that is always at work and ready to catch some beautiful image, he automatically posed me and snapped this picture using his phone (he had actually left the Cannons at home, which almost never happens!):

Wait, did I just insinuate that I was the beautiful image that he captured?  Totally didn’t mean that!  Just look at the sky behind me!  This pic is all real...no editing whatsoever!

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Dinner was SO DELISH that even the hubby ate all the veggies in the pasta!  No, you don’t understand, he almost never eats the veggies!

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FIVE QUESTIONS FOR YOU:

1. What do you think of the blog so far? 

2. What kinds of things would you like to see more of/readabout? 

3. What is it that would make you want to keep coming backfor more?

4. What was your work out today?

5. What kinds of delicious foods have you been you grubbingon lately?