Vodka Sauce

I just received some fan mail stating that you guys miss my blog.
Okay, so it was only my best friend who I've known since I was about 14.
And she was only referring to herself.
But my audience has spoken.
First of all, have I ever shared our fave Vodka Marinara recipe with you?  It's lovely.  You should make it tonight.
We are settling into our summer routine.  Jim has another month+ of studying for the Bar.  It involves him telling us about fun topics like when a check is legally endorsed and other exciting things.  I am working part time tutoring K-12 children, which I really enjoy doing, while looking for something full time.  I am very happy to be back in the Midwest, although we do miss our Pacific Northwest friends very much, and other things about Eugene, such as the Hideaway's Potato Doughnuts.   But I don't miss the rain, my allergic reaction the state, our neighbors, etc.. 
And finally, one day you should call me and ask me about the time I gave my husband a haircut.  But only if you want a good belly laugh.

Whole Wheat Love

As most of you know, I love eating.  However, I try to not overeat and try to make sure the foods I'm eating are healthy for me.  (With the occasional pizza/ Italian Beef/ ice cream thrown in there.  Yolo.)  I have not done much baking since our return to Illinois, but I have been making whole wheat low sugar or sugar free muffins every week.  They are a great addition to Jim's lunchbox and a good snack for those of us on sabbatical.  This week I made whole wheat banana muffins (using three old bananas).  A lot of times I'll even just look at a regular recipe and substitute Canola oil for butter, honey for sugar, etc.  And if you're wondering, "Why even use whole grains?"  I found this article that is a nice little summary.  Why not at least give it a try?

Status Update

Hi Dear Friends! 

It was brought to my attention earlier today that I have not updated my blog in a long time.  Update: we are alive and well and living in Illinois!

The drive from Oregon went very smoothly.  We took four days and spent the night in Twin Falls, Idaho, Denver, Colorado, and Omaha, Nebraska.  A few lessons learned: add about three hours on to the projected drive time on your phone and don't order a salad anywhere between Eugene, Oregon and Chicago, Illinois (Denver, I'm sure, being an exception.)  Trooper was an angel (of course) during the drive. 

When we arrived, we put almost everything into a storage unit.  We are staying with our wonderful family and their four pugs.  Trooper took a few days to adjust, but seems to be having a great time playing and running around their fenced in yard now. 
Jim takes the train downtown every morning at 7:30am and generally comes back on the 6:20.  He is taking a Bar Review course in the morning and studying all afternoon.  He takes the Bar at the end of July and will find out his results in October.  Please direct all communications through me this summer. 

I am busy searching for a job.  I am tutoring a few hours a week, but am looking for something full time.  We have temporary insurance for the summer, but will need decent insurance soon.  (Thought: maybe people would be more adventurous with their career paths if they didn't have to worry about health insurance.)  Would you like a copy of my resume to consider me for employment?

I have been experiencing "Runner's Knee" since the marathon and have been refraining from running (as much as I hate that.)  In the meantime, I am exploring more cross training, such as weightlifting, exercise bike, and now lap swim!  (With a kickboard.)  I guess running 26.2 miles is serious business.

Alright, peeps.  I will try to update you more this summer.  Thanks for the patience.