Do doctors know anything? Holiday runners gits....

I went to the doctor yesterday because my legs have been hurting. I know as a runner there will be pain but this was a never ending ache.  After several weeks I decided enough was enough.  I took hot salt baths, ice baths, compression, rubs, rollers, and over the counter pain meds. What did the doctor say, "well, we don't know."  Seriously, gave me some 600mg Tylenol, baclofen (muscle relaxer) and said take a break.  I'm fine with the meds, however I am running with a training group tomorrow 22 miles,  no pain no gain.  And the killer comment "you know you are aging!!!!"  What the f$&@.

I love running magazines!! So many ideas. This month is my favorite, the "runners holiday gift guide!!" 😜. I go through the guide and mark everything I want, then carefully list where to buy such goodies and leave the list in various places for others to see.  Let's be real we all love gifts, especially ones we want. I cannot even pretend to be happy if I get something I don't like. I hope that doesn't sound selfish. I rationalize this by highlighting the fact that as children we were told to make a list and send it to Santa.  Makes sense lol.

I've gotten over 1000 views on my blog but not one comment!  

I would appreciate any feedback good or bad.

I hope you have a relaxing Saturday, stay warm, drink hot chocolate.

Feeling much better, Julia's first recipe completed!!!

Yesterday was a blah day for me, not motivated at all.  With that being said I still managed to run seven miles.  Came home from the gym and just kept wondering why I felt so down.  Then the light bulb came on, Veterans Hospital had not mailed out my meds...

Decided to make artichokes with holandaise sauce.  It was from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  I roasted the artichoke in the oven on 365 for about thirty minutes, peeled it apart and sautéed it in olive oil and garlic.  I really don't know what it so difficult about making holandaise sauce, I personally thought it was quite easy.  It tasted so good, like a cheese sauce.  I really enjoyed it.

I have felt like I have hit a wall running lately, so I have decided to join the Breakaway running group this Sunday, November 16, 2014 for a twenty two mile run.  I run by myself all the time, I'm thinking maybe I am just so lonely?  Do group runs seem more fun/motivating? The only time I have ever run with others is races😳. Kinda excited to meet new people.  Are you guilty of the above quote? Sometimes I make excuses.....

Going to the doctor about some chronic leg pain I have been having.  I hope it is nothing serious. Feels like restless leg syndrome all day long.  It has really been bothering me.  When I leave there I plan on a short quick run lol.  

Then I plan on getting my sparkle on.  I am donating a bunch of puzzles and personal hygiene items to the VA hospital.  I have spent some time there because of depression.  They are not female friendly at all, most of the supplies are men's. I have accumulated tons of lotions, soaps, deodorants so they are going to the ward where the women soldiers stay when they have bouts of depression/PTSD. The puzzles and decks of cards will definitely entertain the people there. I can only relate the VA hospital to "prison like conditions." I have stayed there a couple of times, please don't judge, every privilege is taken away from you. No phone, no computer. Nothing all because you have an illness.  Mental illness has such a negative image.  There are millions who suffer from various mental illnesses.  Imagine going to the hospital for a different illness, for example, the flu, and having every right stripped from you.  Do they not remember that the VA hospital is a privilege that only those who served this country are entitled to? To be treated like prisoners is unacceptable. The workers at the VA, have zero respect for anyone, and are obviously working there only for the paycheck.  Anyway, enough of that.  I plan on doing whatever I can to bring some sparkle to the VA hospital!!!

What do you have planned for this weekend?

Would you be willing to donate items to your local Veterans hospital?

Have you ever had severe leg pain? What caused it?

First pancreatic cancer awareness day November 13, 2014

Today is the first ever, worldwide, pancreatic cancer awareness day!!! I lost my father to this disease, so I am grateful that it has finally been recognized.

I just had a blah day, knocked out seven miles on the treadmill.  Wished I was anywhere else but there, I seem to have lost my desire to run lately.  I know that the weather has a lot to do with it. I now why people call it the dreadmill.  

It is a pick up and eat at home kinda day.  The wonderful veterans hospital, has screwed me up again. My medication ran out over the weekend it was supposed to be here on the ninth so I am just feeling like a pile of $&:,   They are all about, hurry up and wait.  Certain anti-depressants can cause withdrawals, which sucks.

Did I mention how much I dislike the cold? Lol. I never seem to be warm.

On the bright side tomorrow is a new day and I will be fine. I know this is rambling so have a great evening.

Do you like/dislike the cold?

Do you often feel blah and just want the day to end?

How is the weather where you are?

Always up to try something new

They opened a new workout facility called Orangetheory, close to where I live.  They are offering a free visit so I am going to give it a try.  I don't really do too much strength training, I do abs and pull-ups at home.  Today is a run day.  If I complete my three hour run, I am going to treat myself to a Starbucks in the red cup.

Have you smelled this?  OMG I tried some on and had to go back to buy it x 2. I always feel like I have to have extras of everything. I feel like as soon as I find something I like, it is taken off the shelf.  Fresh brand, brown sugar scent.

HATE HATE HATE the cold. I left Pennsylvania because of the cold and now it is here, dread winter.  I would be fine if it snowed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then warmed up.

My new favorite show just finished season two, now I have to wait until June for season three, kinda bummed.  I don't watch a lot of tv because I am always busy. 

Run, sparkle, and eat: Veterans Day

Run, sparkle, and eat: Veterans Day: I am a proud veteran. I served in the UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY POLICE for eight years, active duty.  When I enlisted at the age of eighte...

Veterans Day

I am a proud veteran. I served in the UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY POLICE for eight years, active duty.  When I enlisted at the age of eighteen the first war in Iraq was going on and I wanted so badly to do what I could.  As soon as I got to basic training I remember seeing the front page of a newspaper saying the war was over and I was devastated. Now what?  I was sent to Germany for three years, at my age I was actually going to be able to drink lol.   I was stateside for the remainder of my service where I served in an Honor Guard Unit.  The reason I only spent eight years was I did not want to leave my two young children for someone else to raise.  I knew that it was only a matter of time before I was sent to Korea.  So I got a civilian police job in Atlanta.  

I am the proud mother of a United States Army Scout, Marcus Davis, who is stationed at Ft. Carson Colorado.  My other son, Jordan, was injured while in Marine boot camp, twice and had to take a medical. Their father, Perry Davis III, was also a military police officer.  

I thank God everyday for our veterans, and those currently serving.  Without these selfless people we would not be afforded all the luxuries we take for granted.  I think that every American has a duty to visit a Veterans hospital and see with their eyes the sacrifices these men and women have actually made for us.

Take a moment today to give thanks for your freedom, because it is a priceless gift.

Do you have veterans in your family? 

Do you respect our veterans?

What do you do to show your appreciation for your freedom?

What an awesome weekend, feeling great

The weekend was awesome, got a lot done and had fun.  On Saturday we went to see Hero 6, which is a children's movie.  It was super cute and we enjoyed it.  Had breakfast at Perkins, I had a Belgian waffle with powdered sugar, it was just OK.   After you master cooking, eating out loses its excitement.  Many times I find that my food tastes so much better. Also went to Eat well for sushi. Had a great run on Sunday. 

Today I have planned a two hour spinning session, and run a few errands.  Then make Julia Child's chicken Fricassee, for dinner.  I will post pictures tomorrow. 

Here is my eggplant Parmesan recipe.

Ingredients:

Salt, pepper, flour, breadcrumbs ( I use garlic breadcrumbs), eggs, milk, large eggplant, spaghetti sauce (I use Bertollli roasted garlic) sliced provolone cheese slices( get the 8 oz pre sliced) and frying oil.

I don't use measurements so you just have to eyeball it.

Peel the eggplant and thinly slice.  

Get you breaking station ready.  I use cookie sheets because it is easier to clean up.  Place enough flour to make a small mound and then mix in salt and pepper.  On the other half of the sheet put the breadcrumbs in a small mound.  Mix at least three eggs, with a small amount of milk in a bowl.

I have an electric deep fryer in my garage because a I HATE the smell of grease in my house.  I heat it up while reading you could use a pan if you wanted with oil. It is your preference.

First I cover the slices in flour, then dredge in the egg wash, and finally dip in breadcrumbs.  It is important to make sure through all three breaking components you cover the entire eggplant.

After I get done breaking them I fry them until golden brown,met usually takes about three minutes per slice.

Drain the fried eggplant on paper towels.

Preheat oven to 375'

I use a twelve by eight baking dish to construct the Parmesan.  Place a small amount of sauce on the bottom of the dish then start layering eggplant slices, cheese, and sauce.  The cheese may be broken and arranged in any manner you like to ensure even coverage.  Bake in oven for about twenty minutes, you will notice the sauce bubbling and the cheese melted.

I cook to my taste so you may have to adjust to what you like, however this is the best eggplant Parmesan I have ever eaten.  Try it and let me know how you like it.

Have a great Monday and spread your sense of sparkle wherever you go.

Do you have workout plans today?

Do you have a favorite dish you make by eye? Share!!!!

How was your weekend?