Saturday, August 11, 2012

Grateful...

If someone were to ask my family what my word for 2012 is, they would probably say GRATEFUL. It's not a bad word to overuse, in my opinion; in fact I'd argue to say that it's one of the few words that SHOULD be overused.

For some time, I was practicing being grateful in my head. I suppose that's better than nothing but I was always really appreciative of things but I wasn't always calling them out. As a culture, we have a habit of making a stink about things we see that we don't like but we don't always call out the good we see. I'm trying to change that in myself. I've begun, as simply as it really needs to be, by telling people what I am grateful for. When I e-mail someone a query regarding the kids school, bulb flowers to plant at the farm, etc. I end my message with I am grateful for your time. I am, really, because if they don't respond I'm going to be frustrated and aren't people more willing to go above and beyond if they they know you're appreciative and polite? I'm not saying that I formed this habit just so I can get something out of it, honestly, I like the way it feels when someone is thankful for something I've done. I try to reciprocate that.

You know that quote that people splash about: Be The Change You Wish To See In The World - I try to live that, at least a little. I figure if I start with myself, as the saying (improperly attributed to Ghandi) suggests, I'll end up doing good elsewhere and making bigger changes, like the one's I've always wanted to make.

I digress...

maybe it's because everyone feels like they are a little unappreciated in our fast paced, not-a-minute-to-waste society

When I am grateful for something, I make a point to tell the person. I get extra information from the mechanic - information that he didn't need to take the time to give me but choose to do so anyway; I say, "I am grateful for your time." I usually get a little smile from them; maybe it's because I like to use words that people don't commonly use anymore (lovely, grateful, oh boy, gluttonous, etc.) or maybe it's because everyone feels like they are a little unappreciated in our fast paced, not-a-minute-to-waste society.

I challenge you to try it, be openly grateful with the people in your world. As school begins, tell the bus driver you're grateful they're keeping your child safe on the way to school; tell your kids you appreciate that they did their chores so quickly tonight; thank your friend for listening when they could have been doing something different. You may think you're doing something already, but if you begin to openly appreciate things and people you may be surprised by their reaction and see that it really does only take a moment to change someone's (and consequently your own) day...






Friday, August 3, 2012

Joy...

Well, we are finally on the road after multiple miscommunications, re-packing the car twice and grabbing last minute things that eluded my list. Bill has been annoyed ALL DAY (since we got up at 6a) and I think he just cracked his first smile of the day.

Ahhh...just like a family vacation from my childhood. Good to know I can spread that joy to more than just my Dad!


Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Worst Boss You Can Have is a Bad Habit...

The family and I saw a quote on a church marquee yesterday on our bike ride. I don't know if I remember it exactly, but it was something along the lines of: The worst boss you can have is a bad habit. 

The kids were talking about how much they liked the sound of that and I agreed. I also stated that I like the concept of replacing a bad habit with a good habit - that way, when you have the urge to do the bad thing, you can do some part of the new, good, habit. 




I hate working out in the house - it makes me feel icky and that's not the way to get into a habit. I don't mind it always but the way life moves sometimes, when I lie down to do my Pilates, I can fall asleep (this has happened more than once). When I'm in nature (cycling, hiking, eventually - I hope - running) I have so much stimulus (visually and sound) that I don't always feel like I'm working out...except for the aches I feel.

My new habit is taking care of my body and feeling good about myself. I'm glad I'm trying to set this new habit now, while the weather is nice, so as it turns colder I can find new ways to work it into my life.

So, to mash as many quote concepts in a sentence as I possibly can:

Because today is the first day of the rest of my life, I am committing to quit that horrible boss, Mr. Bad-Habit and replace it with a good one...oh, you catch more flies with sugar and there's no I in team.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Cross-training Day...

Today was my day off from running. The program I'm following says to either rest or cross-train (aerobics, Pilates, cycling, swimming, etc.) for the most part, I've been forced to rest. I did Pilates one day, last week, but when I tried to do a Zumba video, I had to stop because the pain I felt in my back (which I have struggled with for years). I took that pain and the shin splints as a sign to just rest between running to begin - I figured, when my body was ready to be pushed, it would let me know.


I posted a picture yesterday afternoon on Facebook. I had been wanting to ask for some help but felt uncomfortable; luckily, I had a lot of responses from knowledgeable people; one person even posted something to me in a personal message.


Me
Yesterday
 ·  · 

  • Friend likes this.

    • Natalie Oh no... Hope you feel better!

    • Agnes Hey- You probably need different shoes. Any time I've gotten shin splints or have known someone who got them, it's because their shoes aren't the right design for their feet. Go to a place that specializes in picking the right running shoe for you (and if you aren't convinced, see if a second place agrees w/ the same shoes).
      Yesterday at 9:56am ·  · 1

    • BillyWELL THEN IT IS TIME TO BUY THE RIGHT SHOES HUN.

    • Kristinwhat are you running for?

    • Billy ITS A GAME , I CHASE HER. SHE CHASES ME. I CHASE HER. MY TURN!
      Yesterday at 10:19am ·  · 3

    • Carl I had that issue when I started running. Just be sure to listen to your body and don't get plantar fasciitis. It's a real pain (pun intended).

    • Me: Running for my health. Tired of not recognizing myself in pictures. Sigh...
      Doing a 4 weeks to run a mile thing but it's looking line it will be more like 6 or 8 weeks; I'm excited that I'm still trying!

      Yesterday at 10:49am ·  · 1

    • Me:  Running for my health. I'm tired of not recognizing myself in pictures. I'm trying to do a run a mile in 4 weeks thing but it's looking like it will be more like 6 to 8 weeks. I'm just excited that I'm still going!
      Thanks for all the advice, everyone!!!


    • Carl You can do it!

    • Kassie I agree with Agnes. Oh, and GO DEE!!!

    • Jill If you ever want to run, let me know! Hang in there!
      Yesterday at 1:54pm ·  · 1

    • Melisa Way to go girl! Two tips: you can never do enough stretching; strengthen the little muscles by doing circles with the feet- clockwise and counter-clockwise. I used to recite the alphabet in each direction.

    • Carolyn You might want to read up on/watch some youtube videos on Pose running or barefoot running (even if you don't want to run barefoot, there are good techniques). I think the heel strike (vs. midfoot landing) can cause injuries in a lot of people. I haven't started running much yet but I've been reading some books!

    • Elizabeth If you are going to keep running before they are healed there is a way to tape them that will help!! get some good wide medical tape and yo make V's up the front of your shin. over lap each layer and make sure they wrap at least half way around your calf. it should look like a fish tail braid. this is how I got through many dance competitions!!





Sorry if this is total Facebook stalking, but I saw your post about shin splints. I struggles with shin splints for far too long. I was at the point where I thought I just wasn't meant to run because I couldn't cure my shin splints.
Yes it maybe you having the wrong shoes... But it also could just be weak calves/whims that are too tight. #1 most important thing you need to do is stretch!!! Write the alphabet with your foot. Don't move your whole leg, just have it all come from your ankle and foot movement. And ice ice ice those shins. Fill a paper cup w water, freeze it and then rub your shins with the ice in the cup. Also, vary up your running. Running on the sidewalk is irritating your shins too. You have to ease into the road running. Switch between the sidewalk and then the grass next to the sidewalk or even trail running of that is convient for you. If your ahin splints are bad, take the next day off. Don't push yourself too much. This beginning part of running is the hardest. Your body needs to get used to it and adapt. 

Sorry if .you didn't want to hear any of that, I just know the pain of shin splints and how frustrating they can be. I just wanted to pass along my experience because I know the pain far too well.

Keep on running!!!!
Dana




This alone was enough to make me feel good (and who doesn't like to have a little support) but today, I tried doing some more strength and stretching exercises and instead of being in pain this morning, I actually wanted to go for a bike ride. I used to do 20 miles without too much difficulty but have lost that ability over the past 6 years or so. 

Bill, the kids and I decided, since it was such a nice day, we'd go for a bike ride in the afternoon. We suited up (first aid kit, camel backs, dried fruit, etc.) and headed out. we rode 10 miles (not bad for someone so out of shape). When we got home, we decided to take the dog for a walk so we got in another mile. 
Again, not bad if you ask me...Tomorrow is Sunday and I'm planning to get up early and go running again. I'm still not sure I'm ready to do the full, scheduled, 1/2 mile of running but I'm really trying to do more each time. Yesterday, I circled the track my typical 4 times and two of those times I was able to run for 1/2 of the track (the shin splints were too intense for me to complete it running but it felt good to walk it). I suppose my cross training day has been a success. I'm beat and can't believe I'm still awake but I really like who I'm becoming and I really hope that I continue to see this girl around.(I'll post on another day about how my eating has changed with this new routine).Thanks for the support. Thanks for believing in me...



Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Running is hard...

Running is hard. It completely exhausts me and I am baffled by this - I can hike or walk in the woods for hours and feel great (tired, but still good), I run for about a quarter+ of a mile and I feel shot!

Now, this morning, I didn't eat anything, just drank a lot of water and I know that had something to do with it. My new typical is that I wake up and after doing all the obligatory first thing in the morning things (dog out,  bathroom, feed and water dog), I drink a large glass of water. While I'm drinking my second glass of water, I pull together something small to eat (a small muffin, piece of sweet bread, etc.) so something is in my stomach to help fuel my workout but not so much that it hinders it. I wait about an hour (get dressed, wash my face, brush my teeth, make my bed, etc.) and then I hit the track (or begin my in-home workout if it's an off day from running).

Today, I felt so heavy. I waited about an extra half hour this morning for the heart of the storm to blow through (I saw natural items floating past our second story windows like in The Wizard of Oz) and the weather app on my phone said to be aware of 1.5 hale. When it was just drizzling, I decided to hit the trail! I got there and, of course, there was no one on the field (better than yesterday when I went later and the football team was practicing) so I set my workout app (which measures how fast and far I run, etc.), took a deep breath and jumped out of the car. I stretched and then walked onto the track.

The first go, I thought I'd try to push myself and, instead of running the quarter of the track that I'm supposed to be running, I thought I'd run half the track - HA! That was a POOR idea. Seriously, the humidity hugged me and I felt my torso just tighten up. My legs felt ok (still have a little sigh of the shin splints but a lot better than last time). I walked and reminded myself that it's ok to start slow. I got around and ready for the second lap and I kept dragging my feet and running funny. I had swapped out shoe inserts to see if my usual ones would do the same thing that Bill's had done for me. My feet were killing me - these shoes, the only gym shoes I own, are not great for what I'm trying to do and Bill's inserts worked better than mine.

I completed the second and third laps (even sang a little out loud, after the third lap to see how I was breathing and since there was no one on the track, I could...), got some water and stretched my back a little. I wasn't sure I should do the last lap but for some reason, I decided to push myself a little more, it was important to me that I complete the mile. After my quarter of the lap run, I was walking and saw some of the school's grounds staff hanging out under the bleaches. Um...I was done singing out loud. So I mouthed the song to myself as I completed the lap; I felt good, I had accomplished something that I wasn't confident I could do today.

I'm hoping that Thursday morning, I'll be able to run more that I was able to do today. If not, I guess I'll just have to turn this first week (which is already 9 days long) into a two-weeker so I can get into shape. I suppose, if I keep up with this, someday I'll look back on this and smile at the determination and respect for myself that I'm beginning to see (however small).

There's always tomorrow...

running quotes









Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Pioneer Bread...

It appears that there are two different kinds of Pioneer Bread out there (if you do a Google Search). The first is a salt rising bread - this is a more time consuming style of bread than our current with yeast and looks light, like it would be good for sandwiches, toast, etc. The second, the kind I'm talking about, is a dense, no rise, bread that I'd consider more of a breakfast bread. If you're looking for the former, you're in the wrong place...

My sister gave me this recipe years ago and if I made it before, I'd forgotten about it. I'm guessing, though, that I didn't make it because now that I have made it, I want to have it in my refrigerator all the time for a quick breakfast or snack. She got the recipe out of a book called, America's Best Lost Recipes: 121 Heirloom Recipes Too Good to Forget. This recipe was also posted in the Chicago Sun-Times - I have tweaked ONE part of this recipe and I'll tell you where and why:

The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of corn syrup. It bother's me that that's an ingredient in PIONEER BREAD. The pioneer time period is roughly from the mid to late 1800's and corn syrup wasn't readily produced until the late 1800's. Before that time period, they used molasses. 
Now, I don't want to eat spoonfuls of molasses like I could honey and brown sugar (which, oddly, is made with molasses) but I do love the rich flavor molasses brings. For my recipe, instead of using corn syrup (which I resent but keep in my pantry for those recipes that need it - like caramel corn), I put in a 1/4 Cup of molasses and  1/4 Cup of honey (I didn't have enough molasses to do the full 1/2 Cup required and I figured there was honey around everywhere at that time).
I am no purist and don't mean to shaky my finger at anyone but I really have a problem with high fructose corn syrup (and the smarmy, ridiculous advertisements trying to convince them that HFCS is not only ok to have in EVERYTHING processed but that is actually good for you!) I try to avoid the products as much as I can because, as I just mentioned, it's in so much of what we purchase anyway. For me, it's like limiting the amount of sodium or animal by-products that you ingest. No attacking, for now, just a personal preference.

Back to the food...

This bread is really wonderful with the Cinnamon-Honey Buttercream, that I posted about yesterday. but is also really great alone or with regular butter (maybe with some jam, too, I just haven't tried that yet!). It's simple, filling and quick, I think it's perfect for you to try today...

Pioneer Bread...

Whisk flours, sugar, baking soda,
baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
 

Beat egg in a medium bowl; stir in
buttermilk, honey and molasses.
 

Stir egg mixture into flour until just combined
(a few streaks of flour should remain).
 

Add in chopped walnuts
Add in dried fruit
(I used raisins and craisins because
that's what I had, chopped apricots,
dates, etc. would be an excellent addition).

Stir in walnuts and dried fruit
until just incorporated.
 

Divide batter evenly between the 2 pans and bake for 1 hour or until it begins to pull from the pan.

Cool on rack for 10 minutes; turn out and cool at least 45 minutes.

Allow it too cool for at least the 45 minutes
or the bread will pull and tear and crumble.

Served with some Cinnamon-Honey Buttercream
Nom-Nom-Nom-Nom




Pioneer Bread

A bread made by pioneer settlers as they moved out west in covered wagons. A comforting, quick bread made originally with rye and cornmeal as wheat was hard to come by during this time (mid 1800’s).

Makes 2 loaves

Ingredients:

3 Cups whole wheat flour
1 Cup all-purpose flour
½ Cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 large egg
2 Cups buttermilk
¼ Cup honey*
¼ Cup molasses*
1 Cup walnuts, chopped
1 Cup dried fruit (raisins, craisins, chopped dates, chopped apricots, etc.)

*The original recipe called for 1/2 Cup Corn Syrup - you can add whatever kind of liquid sweetener you'd like, I suppose. The Molasses and Honey did not make the bread super-sweet but it did make the flavor more rich and the dough darker.

Directions:
Heat oven to 300 degrees. Grease 2 – 9x5 pans
Whisk flours, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
Beat egg in a medium bowl; stir in buttermilk, honey and molasses.
Stir egg mixture into flour until just combined (a few streaks of flour should remain).
Stir in walnuts and dried fruit until just incorporated.
Divide batter evenly between the 2 pans and bake for 1 hour or until it begins to pull from the pan.
Cool on rack for 10 minutes; turn out and cool at least 45 minutes

Freezes well…