Smash Mouth, 2 x 12, Salad, Travel

Today at the gym there were three good things.

One of the songs playing was Smash Mouth's, "Walkin' on the Sun" ... I particularly like these lyrics (and they fit with things going on right now)

"Hey I know it's just a song but it's spice for the recipe

This is a love attack I know it went out but it's back"

- and-

"Allow if you're still alive six to eight years to arrive

And if you follow there may be a tomorrow

But if the offers shun you might as well be walkin' on the sun"

~0~

Two people I've actually decided I LIKE talking to at 5:30 in the morning showed up at the gym. I hadn't seen them since the electrical fiasco, and it was nice to say "hi" and explain my 5 day absence (because I didn't want them to think I was a slacker).

But the BEST part was overcoming one of the circuit machines. Since day one, I've been struggling with the Chest Press adn the Overhead Press. About two or three weeks ago I finally concurred Chest Press, but this Overhead Press has alluded me. In the beginning I could only do half of one repetition (so 6 presses out of 12 in a rep) at the 30 pounds, and then I did the rest at "no weight". (Which I am sure is really like 5 lbs or something.)

I gradually worked up to a full rep at the 30 pounds - but couldn't get to the second rep past about 8 presses, until I had to switch to no-weight to finish out the second full repetition. UNTIL TODAY. The last two extensions weren't particularly pretty - but they GOT DONE!

~0~

Last night my dinner group met. The dinner theme was "Mexican" and the main course included Chicken Enchiladas and Chicken tacos. I was responsible for the salad. I wanted something "Latin" ... but couldn't really think of anything that didn't include avocados - which are insanely expensive. As I was poking around, I thought of Jicama. Then I thought of a salad with Oranges and Jicama. I couldn't find a recipe I liked - so I made up my own. They all liked it - as did I! Dilly requested I hand it out ... so, here you go!

Chipotle Orange and Jicama Salad

4 navel oranges, peel and pith cut away with a serrated knife and sections cut free from membranes (about 2 cups total), reserving the juice.

12 ounces jícama, peeled and cut into 2- by 1/2- by 1/4-inch sticks

1/2 small red onion, sliced thin lengthwise

1 English Cucumber - peeled and cut into 2- by 1/2- by

1/4-inch sticks

1/4 cup minced fresh coriander sprigs (cilantro)

Dressing

1 tablespoon chipotle chili in adobo sauce, finely minced

1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons olive oil

Before Serving

3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/4 c. pumpkin seeds, toasted until golden

Preperation

In a large bowl gently stir together all ingredients through coriander sprigs (cilantro). In small bowl or jar whisk/shake together – chili, vinegar, mustard, olive oil (may add reserve juice or 1 Tbls lime juice if desired), pour over salad and toss.

Salad may be made up to this point 1 day ahead and covered, chilled.

Sprinkle each serving with pumpkin seeds.

~0~

Finally, I leave tomorrow afternoon for a business trip to Memphis, Tennessee. Professionally I am ready (because it's a trade show, so I don't have to worry about any presentations or anything.) Personally, not so ready. I don't have my homework done for class tomorrow night (I need to e-mail out 4 critiques), my house is not picked up or clean, my clean laundry isn't folded and put away, etc. Plus I still have 3 errands to run. (Drop off an ice-chest, return some hardware for a refund, drop off a baking dish).

I seriously wanted to skip work today to get this stuff done - but we have two employees out sick. (and I wish I'd quit running into sick people. I don't WANT to be sick in Memphis (but could manage) ... but REALLY do not want to get sick/be recovering from the flu or a nasty cold when I leave for the UK.

So - tonight I expect two things will happen. I will be lethargic after work - AND I will stay up way too late trying to get it all done, which means I won't get a lot of sleep - and I'll want to ditch working out Tuesday morning. :(

Enough with the complaining - here are some good things about going to Memphis. (and I won't say the bad things)

1. I'll get to see I h8 24 and her husband - plus eat dinner with them at the Butcher Shop!
2. I'll get to eat dinner at the Rendevous
3. I'll finally get to meet a friend of my parents who lives there. He is a wild-life biologist and has been supplying me (via Dad) with info on native plant and animal species to California back in the 1800's. And they're cooking dinner for me!! :)
4. I'll get to see other customers, even if Saturday IS the worst day to work the trade booth. (okay, I slipped in one minor complaint)

So - next time I write, it will be from Memphis (I am assuming I'll have time in the evening to write SOMETHING)