The more I ponder it, the more I realize that I feel REALLY good today. Actually, I feel probably better than I have in a really long time. I’m super energized and productive despite not even sleeping well last night….Cedar Enzyme Bath? Maybe so.
Right after we last talked, I made a snack!
I love this local yogurt we have in these parts. The vanilla is really good and not as sweet as some other flavored yogurts. I mixed in a little Nature’s Path granola and a few chocolate chips for good measure ;). Then, I got to work! I really liked what I wrote today and I hit the 30,000 word mark so that’s good. Sometimes you just start writing and don’t stop because the words just flow easily….that’s the best feeling a writer could hope for! I also got my Health.com article done a little ahead of my deadline, so that’s good.
Dinner was super easy and featured one of my favorite “cheater meals”:
With my baked beans, I roasted some brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt and had a piece of millet toast with goat cheese (the best part of dinner, by far. Obsessed with this stuff!).
After dinner I baked more super charge me cookies (recipe from Eat, Drink and Be Vegan)! I like to have these on stock, especially when I travel because they make great airport snacks. (obviously I ate one hot out of the oven for dessert, too) 😉
Goal for February (and beyond): to READ more. As y’all probably know, I’m a BIG BIG reader. Back in the day (as in, a few years ago), I used to read about two books a week. Seriously! I’m definitely the happiest when I fit in about an hour or so a day just to sit back and read a good book. To me, it’s one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. So, that being said, new rule is that the computer is going to go off early from now on and I’m going to spend at least an hour reading and working on my poetry every night.
On that note, I have a bed covered in laundry to fold and a few emails to reply to. See you tomorrow when I get back on the bike for round two! I’m scared?!
Mo @ MommyRD
February 1, 2010 at 7:06 pmI’m going to bake some of those cookies tomorrow. I can’t wait to try them!
Congrats on a successful day!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
February 1, 2010 at 7:08 pmMillet toast is one of my current obsessions!!
What are you reading right now?
Running Betty
February 1, 2010 at 7:11 pmIf you have not yet read “Born to Run” I can’t recommend it enough! It’s a book, an adventure, advice, great storytelling – all wrapped up in one! And there might be some stuff about running in it.
Danielle (Coffee Run)
February 1, 2010 at 7:12 pmI’m obsessed with those cookies 😀
Good luck with riding your bike tomorrow (wear knee-pads?!)
Estela @ Weekly Bite
February 1, 2010 at 7:13 pmCongrats on all the writing! That’s awesome!
Glad to hear your Monday is getting better 🙂
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
February 1, 2010 at 7:13 pmJust ordered Eat, Drink and Be Vegan from Amazon — it should come soon! 😀
I’m a big reader, too, getting through 2-3 a week depending on my schedule. It’s something I need to remind myself to do more instead of zoning out in front of the TV or computer.
Karla
February 1, 2010 at 7:15 pmI really miss reading for fun. Now that I’m in grad school I have hundred of reading every week so by the time I do that I don’t want to read anything. I’m reading a book now for a class (Planet of Slums by Mike Davis) that I’ve already read but I actually really like it so it doesn’t really feel like a chore. Reading about how to do economic forecasts and urban theory… not so exciting. Oh well.
Carolyn
February 1, 2010 at 7:19 pmI LOVE reading!! In fact, I have a bunch of overdue books from the library right now. 😳 That’s okay. I always pay my fine. LOL I’ve actually been thinking of incorporating a book review section to my blog.
Jenna @ Eating Green, Staying Lean
February 1, 2010 at 7:24 pmAhh, I LOVE goat cheese and could probably talk about it forever. 🙂 Love that you’re trying it on bread, I haven’t done that yet. I do know it tastes good in omelettes though!
Good luck on bike ride #2!
-Jenna
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
February 1, 2010 at 7:25 pmYour recent roasted beet and goat cheese salads inspired my dinner tonight 🙂 I combined romaine, roasted beets, goat cheese, walnuts, and dried cherries – perfect!
Mama Pea
February 1, 2010 at 7:26 pmYeah, no offense to bloggies, but reading what other people ate for breakfast at 9 pm really doesn’t stimulate me like a good book 😉
Ameena
February 1, 2010 at 7:29 pmReading is the best way to wrap up the day! I wish I had time to read more too!!
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries
February 1, 2010 at 7:31 pmAgreed. It’s so important to make time for reading. It’s taking me a month to get through my current book, and I used to finish books in, uh, 2 days tops. Might have to adopt your technology cut-off rule
ari
February 1, 2010 at 7:31 pmwhat brand of millet bread do you eat?
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather
February 1, 2010 at 7:34 pmHoly yum I want to eat your dinner… it looks so good and super simple!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
February 1, 2010 at 7:40 pmthe millet bread and goat cheese sounds so good!!! where do you get yours?
love the new reading rule…SO important for peace of mind 🙂
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
February 1, 2010 at 7:41 pmI wish I had more time to read for fun. Since I’m in school, every time I try to read for fun I keep thinking of the piles and piles of reading I have for classes. Reading relaxes me so much but not when it’s from a textbook!
Jenna
February 1, 2010 at 7:47 pmReading is so relaxing!!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
February 1, 2010 at 7:59 pmYour simple dinner looks SOOOOOOO tasty! I envy your love for reading. I think it’s funny for how much I LOVE to write, I do not consider myself a reader. Congrats on your productive day!
Kailey (SnackFace)
February 1, 2010 at 8:14 pmJenna, that is an AWESOME goal! I just wrote something similar in my notebook/journal last night! I’d love tips on doing this, though, as the problem I run into is that I need my computer for schoolwork. Then I get distracted by blogs and everything else! Such a bad habit for the end of my Senior year!
Mackenzie @ The College Authentic
February 1, 2010 at 8:19 pmI totally agree on the computer thing. It gets way too easy to facebook stalk, find new blogs to read, and waste an hour or two! Please tell me that you will be showcasing your poetry on here someday! I’m curious! 🙂
Jil
February 1, 2010 at 8:30 pmThose cookies seriously look amazing! Glad you feel so good today!
Ali
February 1, 2010 at 8:52 pmI’m seriously looking for some new books to read. Could you list a few of your favorites you’ve read recently?
Jamie
February 1, 2010 at 10:18 pmall of my friends are huge jd salinger fans and have been rereading all of his books! such nerds 😉 enjoy the reading and poetry tonight! oh, and look at these great tshirts: http://www.outofprintclothing.com/Shop_a/152.htm
Christina
February 1, 2010 at 10:20 pmI love reading about the diff. foods you try! I would love to also know what books you recommend! =)
Suzanne de Cornelia
February 1, 2010 at 10:20 pmI love vanilla yogurt, too. Trader Joe’s organic vanilla is actually good. Love Amy’s too when in a hurry–I chop tomatoes, olives, garlic and cheese on top of her chili, yum. Have always been a big bibliophile, too. Posted three recipes that may be interested in–a French tomato tart, Roasted Provencal chicken with pancetta and olives and California girl clam chowder.. The best is at Brophy Brother’s in Santa Barbara…upstairs dive over the boat harbor. If go at sunset amazing view to San Ysidro Mts. Oh, that reminds me, at Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch…best lobster sandwich ever. Oprah lives near there and I hear gets those often. The man who invented ‘Beanie Babies’ owns San Ysidro Ranch and ordered a copy of my novel!
Here’s the recipes: http://tinyurl.com/oe4ezq
Laura
February 1, 2010 at 11:31 pmI honestly can’t understand people who don’t like to read. I think my brother has read literally one novel in his life and it was for school. 🙂 On average, I read five to seven books a week.
alexe @ soyaetchocolat
February 2, 2010 at 3:25 amI will definitely try the Super charge me cookie now that I have the book at home! Yeah! I’m jealous of your brussels sprouts. I’ve been craving some for a few days but I need to clean out the fridge before leaving for my parent’s place tomorrow so no grocery shopping for me before next week… 🙁
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
February 2, 2010 at 3:26 amReading is the ultimate past time. You ma want to check out http://www.goodreads.com. It’s an awesome place to see what your friends are reading, get recommendations from others, and post your reviews of previously read books. Basically, it’s an online book club.
Those cookies look delicious!
Jenna [ RunEatRide ]
February 2, 2010 at 3:28 amI’ve started turning my computer off atleast half an hour before I go to sleep, I find I sleep better that way!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
February 2, 2010 at 3:43 amI am happiest when I read, too. I also need to do more of it!
Jenn (www.j3nn.net)
February 2, 2010 at 4:37 amYour dinner looks SO good! It has everything that I love; bread, cheese, brussels sprouts, beans! YUM
Jenn
Paige (Running Around Normal)
February 2, 2010 at 4:45 amMmmmillet toast is amazing. I even ate it plain and untoasted yesterday (at my desk at work…otherwise I would have toasted that baby!) and it was delish.
I agree…reading=good for the soul.
Good luck with the bike today!
amanda
February 2, 2010 at 4:54 amCongrats on getting a lot of writing done. Have fun with the bike later. 🙂
Katie
February 2, 2010 at 4:55 amI am not at all surprised to learn that you love to READ so much! Reading and writing go hand-in-hand…I’m sure you find that your writing improves the more you read, even if what you’re reading and what you’re writing are totally unrelated!
Nicole
February 2, 2010 at 5:03 amSo weird, I had the same dinner last night except with sweet potato “fries” instead of bread.
Evan Thomas
February 2, 2010 at 5:34 amThat’s awesome you can find local yogurt. I guess stoneyfield is technically local to me but it doesn’t feel it because it’s such a big producer
Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle
February 2, 2010 at 5:37 amVanilla bean yogurt sounds like a treat, maybe it’s the chocolate chips ;). Good luck on the bike again!
Kalli@fitandfortysomething
February 2, 2010 at 5:39 amI love reading too. I can’t stand not taking time out of a day-even if it is just before bed to read.
chandra h
February 2, 2010 at 6:04 amgreat goal! i’m with you. i need to turn off my computer & go read a book/write in the evenings…
congrats on making such excellent progress with your book 😀
<3
Sophie @ yumventures
February 2, 2010 at 6:13 amI used to be a big reader too, but have really slowed down since college! I now bring a book everywhere with me in my purse, so I can read it on the train to work, waiting for appointments, etc! There is also an amazing used bookstore, so I want to stock up on the classics I have never read. What type of books do you like reading?
Annie @stronghealthyfit
February 2, 2010 at 6:16 amIt’s so great to make those decisions to do the things that make you feel good and help you relax 🙂 For me I am trying to practice the piano every day.
A book recommendation: Feed Me (a collection of essays by women writers about food, body image, etc.) I am almost done with this book and have really enjoyed it.
Diana @ frontyardfoodie
February 2, 2010 at 6:27 amI feel re-energized just reading this! Now I’m determined to have a productive and lovely day.
Thanks!
Jenny
February 2, 2010 at 6:28 amOkay decided – baking some of these cookies ASAP 🙂
eatmovelove
February 2, 2010 at 6:34 amWhat an amazingly productive beautiful day!
I treasure that…I love to read but always feel guilty like I should be doing something “productive” or writing (which I’m still trying to work on…) or sleeping instead…
just blogged about it actually on my site – balance and priorities…it’s darned tricky isn’t it….
Love Amy’s – I’ll often eat beans WITH chicken or tofu and rice/veggies, etc…is that overkill??!! 😉
Anyone? haha.
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
February 2, 2010 at 6:35 amI love baked beans! I’lll definitely be trying those Amy’s baked beans soon! And I love adding some PB to my vanilla yogurt then adding a little granola and chocolate chips to it for a dessert (well, even breakfast too haha)….it tastes like some sort of icecream concoction!
Rachel @ Working Out Wellness
February 2, 2010 at 6:40 amI can’t remember the last time I had baked beans! I love Amy’s products, though.
Ellen
February 2, 2010 at 7:08 amIf you haven’t read this, I recommend: “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver. Sooooooo good! I’m just finishing it up now!
Courtney
February 2, 2010 at 7:34 amI love reading for pleasure…it fills my soul up in a way nothing else can. I can get lost in a book…and sometimes you need to get lost and forget it all!
Enjoy your trip back home.
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
Lauren @ Eater not a runner
February 2, 2010 at 7:38 amGood luck on the bike! Those cookies look so delicious, I wish i had one right now 🙂
Heather @ Side of Sneakers
February 2, 2010 at 9:08 amGood luck with round two!!
MMiller
February 2, 2010 at 9:20 amGlad you are making time for yourself to read! I bought the book “Outlander” at your suggestion a while back! Love it, but need to make myself sit and read! On sunny days I like to sit by the pool and read! With that cold snap we had, I haven’t picked up the book again yet! And my husband bought me the next 2 in line by Diana Gabaldon, so I can keep going once I finish Outlander!
Hope you have a great bike ride today!
Katharine
February 2, 2010 at 9:23 amI need to take your advice and start forcing myself to take time to read. I, too, love reading and miss it when I don’t “have” the time. (I DO have the time, I just need to make it.) What is on your reading list?
diana(mymarblerye)
February 2, 2010 at 9:26 ami need to try those easy beans!! I already love everything Amy’s! I’m sure I’ll love those!
Kristilyn (My 29th Year)
February 2, 2010 at 9:39 amI’ve been meaning to try our local yogurt – maybe on my next shopping run I’ll pick some up! It’s always great to support local companies.
I’m a big reader, too! In fact, I have a challenge this year to read 100 books (or more!). I even started up a book blog so I can review what I read. It seems I can never remember either if I read a book, or if I did read it – what it was about. The blog is helping!
K
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
February 2, 2010 at 9:43 amI’m glad you had a great day! And that’s a fabulous goal to have for feb. I’m a big reader too but it’s so hard to find time in a busy schedule. But i do find that when i take the time to read, it helps me to de-stress better than anything. Best of luck to you 🙂
Jenny
February 2, 2010 at 9:51 amI think I’m going to join you in your goal of “reading more”…I am happiest too when I can get in bed and read myself to sleep. I sleep better too 🙂
rori
February 2, 2010 at 12:57 pmI loved hearing about your spa day, it made me laugh. Glad it seemed to have worked!
Amy
February 2, 2010 at 1:33 pmAwww, Clover! Reminds me of my childhood ’cause I grew up in Sonoma County! Did you know Amy’s is local as well? 🙂