Forty-one Years

So, it's just a few days away from my 41st year.  I know, forty is the big 4-0 but I keep thinking, well, I am now IN my forties.  That just seems different - not at all in a bad way though because I am not one of those people to get caught up on age and aging and all that stuff.  I just try to keep moving forward and embrace whatever lies ahead.

I have enjoyed pushing my body to run, bike, hike and enjoy just being fit over the past 12 months.  I am celebrating the fact that in my forties I am the fittest I have ever been, except maybe as a young child.  Certainly since middle school on.  I enjoy being active and being outdoors and it is amazing to me that just six years ago that wasn't the case.  I was eating junk, feeding junk to my family and my daycare kids, not exercising other than the occasional walk and was always unhappy, feeling overwhelmed and anxious and just blah.  I don't even recognize that life or that person any more.  People sometimes ask what got me started on my journey and I don't really know.  I know that I was unhappy.  I know that I wanted a change but I'd tried so many diets, fads and thought that how I was was who I was destined to be.  Now I know that was an excuse I was giving myself.  I was destined to be whatever I was because of my own choices.

So, I started making better choices, little by little and then about a year or so ago, my choices got bigger and bigger to make me who I am today.  I can't even stomach processed food - my body literally rejects it and I know that the food choices I make affect more than me, more than my family even.  I choose to vote on what is important by giving my food dollars to companies that support what I believe in.  Yes, it means things may cost more sometimes, but that is a choice I am making and I will continue to make.

So, it was in my thirties that I started making these changes but I will be living them through my forties, fifties, and on and on as long as God has it planned for me to be on this Earth.  I am welcoming my first grandchild this year (I know you will all be SICK of hearing about that!) and I want to be an active grandma; one who can keep up with him or her and enjoy and embrace every second.  I want to be the mom to my kids that helps through these adult years of change.  I am ready for that next phase.  And I am excited to be a wife to a husband who shares my love of being outdoors.  I am ready for us to be empty-nesters, running all over the place, finding new trails and new adventures all the way together.

Being 41 to me means having more wisdom, more understanding and more of the ability to stand up for what I believe in, because I know who I am better than ever before.  This year has been one with some changes and obstacles I didn't expect but I know that all things happen for a reason and God is directing my path.  I trust where I'm headed and I know that, 41, although just a number, will still be a glorious year!

Sheri

 

Thanksgiving Album

I feel a bit like I'm cheating, but really, aren't pictures the closest thing to being there?

So, here's my Thanksgiving break told through my camera lens...

Brownies, anyone?  And these are veganized.  I am becoming a pro at that flax egg thing.  Want further proof?

These are whole grain, totally egg and dairy free waffles.  Which my hubby then had a huge dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of.  Hmm...

Ahhh...Thanksgiving.  Maple roasted rainbow carrots, stuffing, mashed potatoes and shredded brussel sprouts with walnuts and cranberries.  I miss it all already!

And the afternoon Thanksgiving nap.  All three of my boys.

Making some non-steak Cheese Steak Hoagies....turned out pretty good too! See....

After all that food...time for a run!  We explored some of the Mason Dixon Trail.  Fun!!

And then time for lunch with a my friend, Jen...this is her salad.

And this is my veggie wrap with sweet potato fries.

I hope you enjoyed sharing my holiday.  I had so much fun just relaxing, cooking, eating...just enjoying my life and all of the wonderful people in it.  :)  I hope you had a wonderful holiday too!

Sheri

 

I'm So Thankful...Part 2

Today is just one of those days that I love.  I went grocery shopping early, did some daycare paperwork, and then went for a 6 mile run with my neighbor, leaving me all kinds of afternoon nap time with the hubby.   Lazy Saturday afternoons are just the best.  Sunday gets all the credit for lazy afternoons but I'm usually a whirlwind on Sundays, getting ready for the next week.  Not much resting going on.  And me napping?  Doesn't happen often, but it is a glorious feeling when it does. Top the day off with a dinner of veggie quesadillas and these awesome Chocolate Mousse cupcakes from Post Punk Kitchen and that is a pretty freakin' amazing day.



 

I'm feeling so relaxed and thankful that these last 15 thankful things on my list should be a breeze to write!

So, here we go...

16. My grandmother's love.  Even though she is gone now, her never ending support and the way she made me feel like I was capable of anything still remain.  There are moments when I still forget and want to just see her, hear her and be with her, but then I remember she's not here any longer.  I'm sad for a moment but then I remember, she's always with me deep inside.  I close my eyes, listen to her voice and am thankful that I have a lifetime of memories of her.

17. For my puppies.  I get frustrated that traveling is almost impossible, at the messes in my house, at the dog stuff everywhere but, in reality, I love my dogs.  My girls that are no longer with us - Cleo and Sierra - were the epitome of love and devotion and Troop, Junie and Cally make our lives as interesting as they make it crazy.  I don't know what I'd do with a quiet house.

18.  My OCD tendencies.  Yes, I realize that this is not something to be thankful for because it also makes me crazy and stressed but at the same time, it drives me.  I de-stress by cleaning and organizing and seeing the result of my actions is fulfilling to me.  I am thankful to also have friends (you know who you are!) who know that a sink MUST be clean at all times. :)

19. That God has never deserted me in my life.  He has been there for it all.  Whether I deserve it or not, he's unfailing.  I'm not perfect and I'm so thankful I don't have to be.  He takes care of me and whether things are going right or wrong, He's there, waiting patiently.  I know that without God, I would be lost, and I'm beyond thankful for the blessings he has poured onto my life and for guiding me out of the storms I've gone through.

20. Coffee.  It really is my favorite thing to drink besides water.  And since hubby works at Sbux, I'm thankful that lots of other people like it as much as I do!!  I am working on cutting back though and picked up a box of Mate Chocolatte tea bags today.  Tasty but I don't know that it will be able to topple coffee from my daily routine.

21. My home.  I am not always as thankful as I should be for the roof over my head since we'd like to be able to move someday and we bought at exactly the wrong time and WAY overpaid but still.  I know it's a blessing in my life to have a home that accomodates our life.  Plenty of room for the child care, and a great basement space for our work out space.  And I do love my master bedroom.  So, all in all, I'm thankful for the space in this world that I get to call home.

22. Running partners who rock!  This is my first year of running with anyone except the hubby on a regular basis and I love it!!  Our Wednesday night trail group is amazing, even if we're about 3 weeks MIA.  I used to stress about being too slow, too fast, wrong pace, too many miles, too few miles but not too much anymore.  I'll run with just about anyone.  And it's awesome.  I've become a much better runner because of all of them.  So a huge thank you to them.

23.  Massages and my foam roller.  Okay, so these might deserve their own thank you individually but since they work together I'll thank them as one.  I would not be able to run as much as I do without injury if I didn't get my monthly massages or use my foam roller religiously after running and before bed.  It has been another one of those keystones to becoming a better runner.  The massages aren't always pain free but I'm always looser and less stressed afterward.

24. My camera.  I love photography.  It's a hobby that really lets me get creative and into the moment.  I was thinking of launching a business with it this year but decided to hold off a bit until things are a little more settled at home.  And I enjoy it as a hobby so why try and turn it into something else too soon?  For now, I'll keep taking pictures of my food and sharing them with all of you.

25. I was running out of things to be thankful for so I asked the hubby to help get me started again and what he said kinda brought me back to reality.  His response?  "Did you say you were thankful for your eyesight?" Wow.  Reality check.  So, I will remember to be thankful for all of the things I take for granted each day because someone out there is wishing they had it.  And, thankful as I am that I do have my eyesight, I'd give it to him in a heartbeat without one second thought.

26.  Another one from the hubby...I think we're meshing lists at this point.  Thankful for NCAA sanctions that are keeping Ohio State out of a bowl game so that this awesome season of theirs doesn't end in an embarrassing bowl game like usual.  O-H?

27. P90X.  Am I really thankful for that?  Well, my body's not always thanking me, but I am thanking myself for making the commitment to a lifetime of health and that this is a part of it.  As a runner and cyclist, there are a lot of things neglected and my commitment is to 90 days of P90X and seeing that final transformation.  Carving out time for that and running isn't easy but I know that it will be worth it and it's a sacrifice worth making!

28. That I grew up eating lots of vegetables.  I love vegetables now and I know that it is due in part to being served them all of the time from our garden as a kid.  As a vegetarian/sometimes vegan, vegetables are an important part of my diet and being so equal in my love for all things veggie makes that an easy lifestyle to maintain.  So, I am thankful to have had those habits instilled young.

29. Opportunities to give back.  I'm thankful to have had the chance to give back and to keep giving back through volunteering, mentoring and donating.  I wish that I could give more of all three but have been rewarded and blessed to have the opportunities I have had.

30. My life is filled with love, friends and reasons to be thankful.  Having reasons to be thankful is the sign of a life at peace.  And I am.  I'm settled, I'm happy, and I'm blessed.  What else is there?

Sheri

Simplicity

I am feeling very settled in lately. Do you know what I mean?  It seems like I'm always writing about thankfulness, love, family and all of that good stuff.  :)  It's a great problem to have - this whole being comfortable in my own skin thing.  Monday nights are scheduled rest days in the marathon plan, so no running, no biking, nothing even remotely related to fitness happened at my house.  What did happen?  Loaded Baked Potato Soup with French Bread for dinner and Peanut Butter Pudding Pie for dessert.  Say it with me...aaahhhh.  Comfort food at it's finest - in a word - Simplicity. 

It was a bit chilly outside, so being able to relax on the couch with the hubby, enjoying some conversation and soup and each others company was so relaxing.  It was better than any date at the finest restaurant.  (You hear that dear?  Now you know!)  The soup was perfect - creamy but with a little tanginess from the Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese and the bread was perfect for cleaning up the leftovers in the bowl.

And dessert?  Oh my gosh, do not get me started....  Well, okay, you twisted my arm.  It was like a Reese's cup in a pie!  I have never made my own from scratch chocolate pudding before, so I was a little concerned but with no good reason because it was perfect!  I used a peanut butter cookie dough for the crust and then spooned the pudding, still warm, on top and then popped it in the fridge.  The pudding soaked in just enough that it lent a creaminess to the crust and it was better than I would have imagined.  It's all I can do to not get a slice out of the fridge RIGHT NOW. 

Sometimes, it really is the most simple things that can bring us the greatest rewards in life.  Case in point....my lunch today.  Leftover bread topped with double creme brie and dried cherries and popped it the oven at 400 until the brie just started to run.  I end all my ramblings with a picture of the most perfect bite on a dreary day...

Oh, you want recipes?  Well, okay...

Loaded Baked Potato soup (Made in Crockpot)

6 largish white potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups vegetable stock
2 cloves garlic, minced,  or 2 t minced garlic
1 medium white onion chopped fine
2-4 strips of chopped, cooked turkey bacon (real bacon will work too but add it at the end not as cooking)
2 T chives, dried or fresh chopped
1/4 cup butter
2 T salt
1 cup skim milk
1 cup light cream
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, with about 1 cup more for adding to top of each bowl

Put the first 8 ingredients in the crockpot and put on medium for 6-7 hours.  When done smash potatoes (you can keep in the crock pot) and add the remainder of the ingredients.  Let heat through about 20 minutes before serving.  Add cheese and additional chives and bacon if desired before serving.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie

Peanut Butter Cookie Crust ( adapted from cooks.com)

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt

Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars thoroughly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat well. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Press mixture into a 9 inch pie plate and bake at 350 for about 25-30 minutes.  Watch the sides because they will brown quicker than the center, but you want the center to be just slightly underdone.  When it comes out, it will be puffy in the center but it should deflate on its own.  You can use a spatula to gently "help it along" if you like.

While it's cooling you can make the pudding that will set so nicely down into that well.

Chocolate Pudding ( adapted from Smitten Kitten)


1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups skim milk
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 t vanilla

Smitten Kitten's recipe is almost identical except I used a lesser quality chocolate chips because it's what I had on hand, and I used skim milk and it was rich enough for us.  I never have whole milk in the house or I may have tried a half and half approach.  I also didn't use a double boiler.  Instead...

I mixed the first 4 ingredients in a large saucepan and brought to a semi boil, whisking pretty much the entire time.  It took about 10 minutes to get thick, and when it did, I removed it from the heat and added the chips and vanilla.  I spooned enough into the pie well to bring it up the crust and then refrigerated the whole pie together (my crust was almost completely cooled before adding the pudding)

And I even had enough pudding leftover to spoon into 3 little dishes.  It was super creamy and smooth.  I loved it, and was so happy that I never again need those little boxes of pudding!!  Give it a try, it was easy and fast and I know what every ingredient is.  :)