Biryani and Yoga

Every Tuesday I go to yoga at Hardcore Yoga.  I love it even when I hate it.  Yoga is a nice time to look within, even if those things you think about are, "I really need a pedicure" and "My yoga mat smells like pot roast."  (Both of those things have literally gone through my mind in yoga class.)  Yoga is also a great way to cross train when you're running more than you should be.  One of the positives of making the great move in life to come here is that I started pursuing yoga more often and feel stronger because of it.
After yoga I made a lovely biryani.  This is a great weeknight version of the classic Indian dish.  I replaced the curry paste with curry powder and added some cayenne pepper.  I served it with cooked carrots, white jasmine rice (I let Jim have a break from brown rice!) and Trader Joe's garlic naan.  It was really tasty and yielded a lot of leftovers.  You should try it and hopefully it will make you think, Why do we not subscribe to the Metric System?  (Sorry, Jimmy Carter.  I still love you.) 

Well Groomed Dog

I'm sorry, is heaven missing an angel?  Because he appears to be asleep in my living room.  Trooper went to the groomer's today.  Last night I actually found some dreadlocks in that crazy fur.  No more life as a trustafarian, buddy.  He was OVERDUE for a trip to the salon.  
The marathon is three months from tomorrow!  We ran 11 miles yesterday.  It was actually a bit rough.  There are a few things that could have contributed to this, including eating a poor dinner the night before as well as running at 3pm (rather than 8am).  But we did it!  I woke up walking like an 85 year old woman, but that goes with the territory, right? 

Put Down the Quinoa

Well, readers, you're actually going to have to NOT buy quinoa to make the recipe I (like a jerk) posted last week.  According to some sources, we're actually oppressing Peruvians by purchasing it.  I'll be conducting some research into wheat and grain options.  I'll get back to you later on that one.
I am currently on week FIVE (of 18) of marathon training.  Our long run was 10 miles on Friday and I'm still hurting from it.  Tonight was a five mile run, and the good thing about running 10 miles is that it makes five feel like nothing.  Let's hope the next 13 weeks continue to go smoothly.  (Even if I'm limping a bit.)
Have you been wondering how Trooper Zika is?  I thought so.  He's been doing really well.  He's barely itching, and if he does, its not enough to give himself hot spots.  We've decreased his medicine quite a bit and are thinking of taking him off of it completely.  Since he's doing so well we haven't had him groomed and he has some straight up Grinch paws.  Life is pretty good for him.  He not only went to a party until 1am on Saturday, but he also gets to hang out with his buddy/ boyfriend during training.  (Trooper knows that his mom will love him no matter who he loves.)
What a great day for our country!  Hopefully everyone took a moment to consider the significance of Barry's inauguration on MLK day.  And I'm putting this out there: if Hilz becomes president, I'll be in DC for her inauguration.  With bells on.  

Quinoa and Tofu

I made this pile of super foods last night.  It includes quinoa, tofu, kale, pumpkin seeds, and a veggie party.  (I am very lucky to have an open husband who ate it all and even complimented it.)  But don't worry, we still indulge at the manor.  Last Sunday I made these manicotti.  They were really, really delicious and a great make ahead meal.  I've never stuffed manicotti before and it gave me a new appreciation for Italian grandmothers.  What a labor of love!  Jim said, "I could eat that whole pan" so I am assuming they were good.
We made it through Jim's first week back just fine.  Four more months!  Can you believe it?
I am up early this morning for our 10 mile run.  It's been cold here but we've had a long break from the rain, which has been really nice.  Once we start running, the cold doesn't bother me.  On Sunday we will have finished our first four weeks of training!  (14 to go.)
 

Last First Day

Well, folks, today was the Legal Beagle's LAST first day of law school.  Wow!  We have almost survived this crazy adventure.  That guy just made me dinner, so I'll tell you to make this Black Sticky Gingerbread.  If you know what's good for you.  And I think you do.

Training

What does this gal need to run 9 miles?  New shoes (Saucony; I bought the same pair I trained in last year), running leggings, running shirts (layers), fleece (it's cold!), cushioned athletic socks (no cotton), watch (I'm obsessed with knowing what time it is), fuel pack with water bottles, Gu (I don't even want that gelatinous substance is made of), and cash in my purse for the GIANT pastry and coffee I'll be purchasing at the Hideaway Bakery when I finish.  (A lot of you helped purchase some of this great gear for Christmas or my Birthday!  Thanks!)
Everyone's favorite law student was sick as a dog this week.  It may have been the flu, but when you're as tough as that guy, you push through it.  He's back in action tonight making me a lovely pizza.  He's back to school on Monday, so it's a good thing he's better.  (Last semester.  Holy cow.)
In other news, I met with the director of Big Brothers Big Sisters to start the process of finding a new mentor for my LS.  I don't know how long it will take, but it's about that time.  Life is changing around here!

Strike

If you didn't know it, I am married to the nicest guy around.  He planned and executed one of the nicest 32nd birthday parties ever.  We had about 20 people and four lanes at the bowling alley.  After, we ate our fave tacos (even with the angry hipster waitstaff) with great friends at Belly Taqueria.  This gal sure feels special!

Wrapping Up Staycation

We have had such a luxurious week!  The best part has been spending every day with my sweetie and sleeping in.  What did we do?  We went to see The Hobbit (really enjoyed it), dog sat a friend's doggie, went out to a New Years Eve party (Jim sabered a bottle of champagne), went to lunch for my birthday, grilled out steaks for my birthday, went to Sweet Cheeks Winery, watched the Ducks game at the David Minor theater, cleaned out a bunch of our belongings and donated quite a bit, I ran 8 miles, and we welcomed our friends from Seattle last night and their doggie.  Whew.  And today we bowl in honor of my birth.