Best Christmas Ever

My cat Padme has chronic gastrointestinal disease. We have been dealing with this for three years, so when she didn't eat on Saturday night, I didn't think much of it. I took her to work yesterday, where I found out she may have badness related to chronic inflammation. I thought we may have to do surgery to figure out what was wrong. I begrudgingly hospitalized her overnight on fluids and medications to help her... and she started eating last night. She's home today, but we are not totally out of the woods.

 Yesterday I was pretty upset. Padme is 15, and I don't know that surgery would be best for her. I was not ready to euthanize her. I had a sobbing meltdown to my mom. I can't imagine Padme not being here. She sleeps on my pillow. She eats guacamole. She studied with me when I was in college. She got me out of bed when I was depressed. I can't imagine my life without her. I know I will have to eventually live without her. I just want her to tell me she's ready, and I know she isn't yet. I'm glad she's giving me more time to get used to the idea. Bringing Padme home today was probably the best gift I have ever gotten. Padme and I wish you a very merry Christmas.

Work Out Rest Days

So I haven't felt like working out. For three days. So I haven't. I feel like its important to take off days for injury abd mental health. Days off don't mean sitting on the couch and doing nothing (to me, for mental health). Since I didn't go to the gym, I cleaned the kitchen, played with the dogs in the snow, and moved some furniture. No need to get on the treadmill after that. Well, I could, but I won't. My goal now is to just keep moving.

Oven Roasted Potato Tacos

I tried something new tonight... I made up my own recipe with no inspiration from another. I was craving potatoes and something spicy and slightly greasy. I also have kale in my fridge that I wanted to use. So I came up with Oven Roasted Potato Tacos!

Recipe: 
5-7 small red skinned potatoes cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1-2 tsp olive oil
salt and seasonings of choice

Bake potatoes at 400 for 25 minutes.

I sauteed a jalapeno and a small red onion in about a teaspoon of olive oil. I then added pinto beans and a few sprinkles of tabasco sauce. After about two minutes, I added the kale and cooked until it was soft. Top with avocado and hot sauce on a tortilla of choice. Boom. Easy dinner. 

During the process, I had to have Nathan run out for tortillas, and I spilled about a quarter of the can of pinto beans down the sink. Because I am clumsy. Still delicious and totally worth the little screw ups. 

I'm Back!

After my long hiatus, I'm back. My New Year's resolution is to blog three times a week, so I figured I could start now. I'm going to try and post my weekly grocery shopping experience, as well as my menu, so that's where I'll start.

 On the menu this week: burrito bowls, spinach and artichoke pasta, sweet potato burgers with roasted potatoes, pesto pizza, and black bean and avocado enchiladas.

 Highlights of my purchase: 1 sweet potato, a bunch of kale, jalapenos, 2 bags of avocados, 2 jars of peanut butter, apples, tangerines, and cherry tomatoes. I also splurged on a dark mint chocolate bar, organic lemonade, and chocolate covered frozen bananas. Also purchased some ham, cheese, and organic milk for hubby. All of this and more was $81.

Since I last blogged, I have adopted a plant based diet. I am avoiding dairy and eggs, as well as meat. I've been doing this for about a month, and I feel awesome. I know that this diet isn't for everyone, but it works for me. If you're interested in a plant based diet, I recommend the documentary Forks Over Knives. I've heard arguments that a vegan diet is expensive and hard, but I've been spending less and the meals seem easier.

 

Cap City

I ran my first race (other than a 5k) this weekend! I ran a quarter marathon (6.55 miles). My goal was 1:30, and I made it in 1:33. At first I was disappointed in this, but my first mile was the best time I had ever done (11:11). I think I started out too strong and puttered out. But I did it! And I'm so excited that I did it that I will be signing up for a half marathon in October. Training starts at the end of June! I'm super excited! 

One year!

Today marks one year without smoking, and I couldn't be more proud. I decided to quit smoking in March of 2012, after Nathan and I went hiking in Hocking Hills and I was wheezing on the way back up the hill. I was WHEEZING! I was 24 years old and wheezing at the end of a four mile hike. This was not acceptable. I picked a date to quit (April 19), and I stuck with it for once. This did not go smoothly though. I remember crying and yelling at Nathan that night that he was pressuring me to quit smoking when I wasn't ready. 

But I was ready. I was tired of not being able to breathe when I was working out or getting winded while wrestling with a dog at work. The first 10 days were the hardest. I cleaned out my car to get rid of the smell. I took a different route home from work to try to break my habit. I didn't drink at all for almost 6 weeks, and I didn't drink beer for three months. I knew that if I had a Blue Moon or Woodchuck, I would need that cigarette. And it got easier.  The Quit Now! app really helped. I still keep it on the homepage of my phone, and it reminds me how much money I've saved, how many cigarettes I haven't smoked, and how many days I've gained back of my life. I don't want to ever hit that "reset" button that takes me back to zero. 

I was so lucky to have a great support system during this time. Nathan put up with my tantrums (they were plentiful), my family gave me space, and my co-workers tolerated my rollercoaster of emotions. I couldn't have done it without help!

Columbus, Ohio

I love living in Columbus. The cost of living is reasonable, Nathan and I both like our jobs, it's pretty pet friendly, and there's lots to do. I've liked Columbus even more now that I am more active.

There are so many parks and trails and downtown is pedestrian friendly. The park I frequent the most is Three Creeks in Groveport. They have an awesome dog park and lots of trails. This is where I do at least half of my running. The other half is by Pickerington Ponds. 

Other things I love about Columbus: There's always something to do. We have Jeni's. And Columbus is pretty vegetarian friendly. 

So why am I inside doing nothing? I ran six miles this morning.

And I'm covered in cats.