Well, my good intentions of going to the gym this morning were slashed when I was up all night last night. Partly because I couldn’t fall asleep and partly because Dexter mistakenly thought nighttime was playtime and was meowing and romping around the house with his stuffed mouse all night long. In the end, sleep won out over the gym but I didn’t really sleep any more than I would have if I went to the gym…I sort of just laid there for an extra 30 minutes unable to move. Blah.
Last night in school we just prepped for the next couple nights’ practical. I have a list of items that have to be made and have until Thursday to get them all done because that is when the final showing of our products is. Instruction in the class is over though and we are completely on our own!
I was disappointed with breakfast this morning. I thought I had this genius idea of using lite coconut milk in my oatmeal (along with a banana, dried cranberries and almond butter) but I couldn’t taste a difference at all. I thought it might turn out more creamy and “islandy” but it didn’t. Oh well. The oatmeal was still good….just not as special as I thought it would be.
Wow–what is wrong with my camera?!!! Sorry!
For lunch today I packed some romaine lettuce topped with celery sticks and goddess garbanzos, a baggie of blue corn chips, a pear, and for a snack later, half a mango with a brown rice cake. Hopefully that will give me some much needed energy!!
My mom is on her way home now from Wisconsin. She’s been there for a week! My grandfather is still in ICU and probably will remain there for the next couple days until they decide he is stable enough to be moved to a regular hospital room. Today is his birthday. I think he just must be glad to be alive.
Oh—and I just remembered—-happy earth day!!
Julz
April 22, 2008 at 12:50 pmJenna- I have the trick for you with trying to get coconuttiness! Coconut Extract 🙂 You can find it at WF, and I used Coconut flavor (bc it’s Kosher for Passover, sans alcohol). Just a TINY TINY bit. But it’s fabulous in cookies/macaroons (my faaave) and it’s wonderful scent wise. I even put it in candles (over a candle warmer) and it makes my house smell like coconut! Again, so happy to hear that your grandfather is doing well 🙂 *Blogsphere Hug!*
Have a wonderful day! Hope you have time to take a nap or something :-\
Hannah
April 22, 2008 at 12:52 pmThat mango looks delicious. I always just buy the frozen kind because I usually use it in smoothies, but I’ll def have to pick up a fresh one next time I’m at the store.
I can totally relate to not getting sleep because of a pet. My boyfriend gets up at 2am for work, so thats when my dog thinks playtime starts.
bikergurl
April 22, 2008 at 12:58 pmToo bad your oats weren’t what was expected – they sure look good!
have a great Earth Day 😀
Romina
April 22, 2008 at 1:03 pmI hate it when that happens… you want to taste it so badly but it just blends in, it feels like such a waste!
Happy Earth Day!
VeggieGirl
April 22, 2008 at 1:04 pmNo worries, Jenna!! We all have bad mornings (like mine yesterday – oh man, haha). Hope the rest of your day goes smashingly!! kay, I have NO idea where that word came from, haha ;0)
Happy Earth Day!!!!!!!
Dinah Soar
April 22, 2008 at 1:14 pmYour oatmeal combination sounds yummy. I was thinking coconut extract too..also, maybe just some grated coconut sprinkled on top so you’d get some in each bite.
All too often, I think, commercial foods get their great flavor with extracts and such and when we try to replicate at home using the real thing we don’t get as good of results.
It’s wonderful that your grandfather is hanging in there. God bless him, you and your family during this difficult time. Life gets pretty rough sometimes and the bumps are often all we have to hang on to…well that and the Lord….he is with us and while he allows us to experience all aspects of life, even the painful parts—for without them we couldn’t comprehend the blessings–I believe he suffers with us and comforts us through others who offer their prayers, concern and comfort.
Cassie
April 22, 2008 at 1:21 pmHappy Earth Day!
What brand of brown rice cakes do you use?
jenna
April 22, 2008 at 1:27 pmCassie,
these are just generic 365 brand. I really like them though!
Cara
April 22, 2008 at 1:38 pmWhat a great day to celebrate a successful surgery! How cute! 🙂
I hope your day gets better. My pups get crazy at night sometimes too so I feel your pain.
Marcy
April 22, 2008 at 1:41 pmJenna,
(this is not an attack at all, it’s hard to know how someone is asking a question over the internet, so please know I am asking, not attacking!)
I noticed your snacks are usually really small now whereas before you use to eat bigger snacks ie kind bars. How in the world does a rice cake and little fruit actually give fill you as a snack. Rice cakes are really low in calories.
Marcy
April 22, 2008 at 2:03 pmSimple and Divine, I am not a blog user, but have a question for you. is there a way to post on your website with a blogger account or email you? thanks!
Ashley H
April 22, 2008 at 2:55 pmhi Marcy since Jenna is really busy right now I thought I could help her out by answering your question. Jenna has been eating smaller snacks lately because she eats an early dinner because of her late classes, usually around 5 or earlier, so a big snack would leave her not hungry at dinner.
Hope I got that right Jenna..please feel free to correct me if I am wrong. : P
HAPPY EARTH DAY!!
Enjoy the earth today and all its bounty!
Ashley H
April 22, 2008 at 2:58 pmPhoebe- I tried to click on your name and get your email address but it didnt work. could you email? I have lots of questions. ahayne@csulb.edu
Alice (in Veganland)
April 22, 2008 at 4:31 pmHappy birthday to your grandpa! And don’t be disappointed, oatmeal is always good!
raybelle
April 22, 2008 at 5:40 pmjenna–
i hope your day has turned out well.
i have a ? regarding your culinary degree–
would a 2 year pastry arts community college program give me the same background and preparation in pastry arts/baking as a program similar to the one you are in? unfortunately, there are not any cooking schools near where i live.
have a lovely evening!
Marcy
April 22, 2008 at 6:02 pmThanks Ashlee, but I am pretty sure Jenna always eats an early dinner. I remember because she mentioned that a while back.
Lori- the pleasantly plump vegan
April 22, 2008 at 7:07 pmhappy birthday to yr grandpa!
hope yr day gets better
jenna
April 22, 2008 at 8:49 pmMarcy,
everyone that answered for me is 100% correct! I have to eat dinner every day during the week at 5:00 to get to school on time so I can’t have such a filling snack or else I wouldn’t be hungry. On those days I prefer to have my most filling snack after dinner when I am at school. I usually bring a cookie, a muffin or a larabar with me everynight and eat it around 8:00 since I am on my feet til midnight. On the weekends though I usually don’t eat dinner until 8-8:30 so I have a much more filling afternoon snack!
Julz
April 23, 2008 at 2:26 amMarcy: My website should be connected to my name by link! But I’d love for you to email me 🙂 My email is jewelz519@aol.com. I hope it’s something good :-\ My blog is http://www.simpleanddivine.blogspot.com .