Rosemary Gin & Tonic

Right after Austin and I graduated, we moved out to Washington DC to "further our careers."  I guess we probably did accomplish what we set out to do, but the entire time that we lived there, I don't think we ever felt like we fit in.

We should have known that we wouldn't.  The signs were definitely there.

When we were looking for an apartment, we found one that we really liked (the one that we ended up renting for the first 13 months), and the property manager's website had a quiz to see which of their many buildings would suit your lifestyle the best.  

The quiz asked questions like, "What do you like to do on Friday nights after a long week at the office?"  The answer choices were, "Hit the clubs and dance all night," "Have a G&T with my bros," and ""Unwind on the couch with a rental and a beer."  -- Just to give you an idea of what we were dealing with.  It never once asked if you enjoyed being outside or listening to the sounds of birds chirping.  So, after Austin and I finished the survey with our most truthful answers, the results popped up!  They told us that we should look into renting a single-family home from an independent lessor.  

An online survey for a rental property literally told us, you're not going to fit in at any of our properties!  Yeah sure, it was accurate, but still, you'd think they'd want to rent their units.  

We defied them anyway and rented an 800 square foot apartment on the 5th floor of the 12 story building.  We never met any of our neighbors.  The concierge, Wilhelmina, hated us (until we brought her cupcakes).  And even though we never really fit in in our building or the city in general, I did learn to appreciate a good G&T (without "my bros").

Pistachio Pesto Fettuccine

I did my first foot race yesterday.  Actually this was the first race (of any kind) I've done since freshman year of high school when I was on the swim team.  I forgot how people cheering could actually get you pumped for something.  Wouldn't it be nice if people were always cheering you on?  Like when you're grinding your way through  a tough project at work, or when you're having a hard time getting out of bed to make it to the gym?  I guess it would probably lose it's mystique if that were the case.

But then again, if every day of your life was like game day or race day, that would give you an excuse to carbo-load all the time.

Austin and I didn't carbo-load before the 10k yesterday, unless you count eating chocolate chip cookies as carbo-loading.  Maybe if we had, I wouldn't have been so scared that I was going to pass out right after the finish line.  I heard that 125 people had to be assisted by the paramedics at some point during the race (mostly due to the heat) - I really didn't want to be one of those people.

Next time, I'll eat this before I go.

Project 365: Week 21

May 20 | Not a super bright one, but a rainbow to start out the week nonetheless.

Watermelon Agave Julep

What do you have planned for this weekend?  I hope you have Monday off.  If you're not traveling, I hope you're at last planning on to sit outside (maybe on a beach...ok, poolside), drink a cocktail, eat watermelon.  Relax.  Three-day weekends are for relaxing.  Or escaping.  You choose.

Since I'm lazy, I like to accomplish as many tasks as I can at once.  So naturally, I put my watermelon in my cocktail.

On Monday, Austin and I are racing in the Bolder Boulder 10k.  It's the first foot race we've ever done and I'm nervous.  I was feeling positive about it until last weekend when I got sick.  Now I'm nervous.  But I paid my $50, so I'm going to go run 6.2 miles Monday morning, and afterwards, I've got a date with a cocktail at a poolside barbeque.

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread

I decided to make a new resolution.  I know it's not January 1st and it is not the season to be getting all motivated, but I'm doing it anyway.  Here goes: I resolve to do the things I want to do more often.

That wasn't too hard.  Doesn't seem like it should be very difficult to accomplish either, but for whatever reason, I have a lot of guilt associated with doing what I want to do, when I want to do it.  It's part of the reason that I keep myself on track, posting 3-4 times a week with new recipes and pictures (which I like), but it's also part of the reason that every time I sit down on the porch after work and read my book, I feel like I can't fully enjoy it (which I don't like).

Luckily for me, the daylight hours are extending which makes it feel like there are more hours in the day.  More time to do all of the things that I need to do AND all of the things I want to do.

I read this post today by Joy the Baker, and it really inspired me to take some time, go out and get some inspiration.  I've probably always known that you need time away from your passions (baking, blogging, etc.) so that you can come back to them more alive and energized, but sometimes I guess I forget what I've always known.

And them sometimes your two worlds collide.  What you need to do IS what you want to do.  There's no struggle.  You're happy while you do it, it all flows so seamlessly, everything just works.  For me, making bread epitomizes that feeling.  I have never felt more successful in the kitchen than when I pull a freshly baked loaf of bread out of the oven that I kneaded with my own hands.  It's not just the finished product that gives me so much joy though, it's the entire process.  It feels self-indulgent, but then I get to take pictures, write about it, and share it with you!

Of course, I get to eat it too.

Oh man, this bread in particular brought a smile to my face!  When you cut into it, the cinnamon sugar swirl oozes out and any that has made its way to the bottom of the pan while cooking has caramelized, making a kind of double crust.  Steam wafts up to the ceiling.  The bread is light and fluffy.  No big air pockets.  It doesn't sink in the center.  In a word, it's satisfying.  I highly suggest you try it out for yourself.

So while there are days when your wants and your needs align, there are other days when you need to get out for a "solo bike ride" or a hike or maybe just a walk around your town.  Today is one of those days for my, so while I'm out on my hike, you enjoy this bread :)

Raspberry Smoothie

I had to leave work early today because I'm sick.  We humans are pretty good at blocking out unpleasant memories and because of that, every time I get sick, it feels worse than ever before.

Have you noticed how when you're sick, everyone wants to give you advice?  It's nice really, just an observation.  You should take this medicine, not that medicine.  Eat this, not that.  Exercise, no wait rest.  Take as much vitamin C as you can get in you, actually more than the daily dose won't do anything.  It's confusing.  I don't think there's any right or wrong really.

All I know is that I came home from work and I slept for about 8 hours.  I ate chicken noodle soup and drank a Strawberry C Monster.  The Dingo was pretty sure I came home early so I could play with her longer, so she was pretty disappointed when she kept pushing on me but got no reaction.

My only 2 pieces of advice for you if you get sick:
1.  Watch something stupid (like Bridezillas).  That way you won't be tempted to stay awake to find out how the show ends.
2.  Drink smoothies.

I hope that works out for you (and me).

Project 365: Week 20

May 13 | Really pretty sunset after I got home from yoga with a friend, Monday night.