Step #41-- Try Substitutions

Lately I've been getting in touch with my inner Chef by trying all kinds of fun, crazy recipes. Soren and I have cooked just about everything from an Italian sausage souffle to a roast with baked potatoes. But, as college students, we don't always have the necessary ingredients on hand. So today, instead of ham fried rice, we had chicken fried rice with left over green beans--not too bad. A couple weeks ago I wanted to make my mom's tuna casserole, but instead of cream of mushroom soup, I had to use cream of chicken soup; instead of canned tuna, I had to use shredded chicken; and instead of corn flakes on top, I grabbed some Cheerios. Let me tell you something: THAT was a fantastic meal.

I'm discovering that, in life, things don't always go as planned--in fact, they hardly ever do. But the ingredients along the way don't matter as much as the end result. So if you have to improvise a little along the way, it's okay. Sometimes your substitutions lead to something new and exciting. The key is flexibility. Whenever I'm open to the possibilities that a new ingredient can bring to a recipe, I usually end up with a treasure.

Although, occasionally I learn that you really can add too much Cayenne Pepper.

Step #40-- Never let yourself get bored

"Mom, I'm bored. What should I do?"

As a kid, I found out that I never want to ask this question. Mom finds stuff for you to do, but vacuuming and dusting isn't usually what you had in mind.

I find that when I'm the most bored, I get the most creative. Here's a little something I did this Christmas instead of being bored. Next time you're at a loss for something to do, think outside of the box.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3qMjPVGRdE

Step #39-- Every day moments

Life is made up of all kinds of moments: big moments, like getting married or moving to college; small moments, like learning how to drive a stick shift or acing a final exam; and everyday moments, like making your bed for the first time in a week, or learning how to cook a squash. Lets face it, the big ones don't happen very often...and if they did, they wouldn't feel so big any more. The small moments are more frequent, but if you hold your breath waiting for one, you'd most likely suffocate and die (which would end up being a rather sad big moment). So, most of the time we're stuck with the every day moments, the things we usually take for granted. The other day, for a lack of something else to do, I decided to carve a pumpkin. My plan to make it look like a Pineapple proved to be a daunting challenge, but as I put the finishing touches on my masterpiece, I found myself delighted with the end result. I still smile whenever I think about it. This pumpkin carving activity was a simple everyday moment. It hasn't won me any metals or blue ribbons--the thing's just sitting out on the porch-- but it made me so happy. Sometimes I find myself thinking that I need something huge in my life to find happiness, but it's not true. Everyday moments are full of surprises. If you can find joy in a carved pumpkin or a made bed or a cooked squash, than you're living the best life you can.

TA DA!!!!

Well everyone, I'm officially done. I ran my last couple of miles today. To be honest, I thought this whole "lazy man iron man" thing was going to be a piece of cake, but it actually was a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, it kept me going to the gym and I already feel like I'm in much better shape. I've lost a few pounds and I'm eager to keep up with this exercise habit. I've also discovered that Zumba is a blast! Can't wait until next Thursday's class!

Week two results

Alright, these are my week two totals

Running: 6 miles

Biking: 31 miles

Swim: 0 miles

So, my totals up to this point are:

Running: 12 miles

Biking: 54 miles

Swim: 1 mile

Week one results

This week my totals are (drumroll please):

Running: 6 miles

Biking: 23 miles

Swimming: 1 mile

Not bad for my first week, but I've got to up the momentum if i'm going to make it by the end of the month!

Step #38--Working it out

My two roommates Jenn and Corryn participated in the school sponsored "Lazy Man Iron Man Triathlon" this semester. A "Lazy Man Iron Man Triathlon" is basically the same as a regular triathlon, but you have a month to complete it. Because I was so busy this semester, I wasn't able to join to event, but I've decided that I want to do it on my own. So, during the month of August, I will:

Run 26.2 miles

Swim 2.4 miles

Bike 112 miles

Will it be difficult? Yes. Will it be worth it? Yes. I'm actually quite excited about this.