Trials and Tribulations: 5k here I come

So, we started running and working-out upon returning from our vacation in Serbia, as we ate way too much! I will come back to this in future posts.

And our neighbor put a little bug in our ears last weekend...you should run a 5k. And what do you know? There is one coming up September 10th that is supposed to be downhill; at least that's how it's being marketed. I will let you know. I have suspicions that it's not as easy as it sounds, since the guy told me today when I was buying new shoes that it actually is up and down. Oh boy!

We did sign up...and I think it's a good goal and motivator to keep running and push myself a little more every time; because, I sure don't want to be the last one coming across the finish line. (Shh...honestly, that's my worst fear. But, if that does happen, it won't be the end of the world.)

So, the goal is to run at least 3 times a week, on a 5k path, and push myself a little farther each time.

Tuesday, August 9th. First Run equalled disaster. I tried to keep up with my husband, and I was tired less than a half mile in. Not the right pace for me. I slowed down to find my pace but I was pretty much off for the rest of the run. I think I did a 2.8 mile path that evening. Definitely not running the whole time.

Thursday, August 11th. Second run was a much needed improvement. Mainly for my morale, since Tuesday's run was so bad. Also, this was at 6:30am in the morning, and the weather was much more pleasant. Still humid though. I think I like running in the mornings better anyway...it's quiet and its all my time. No one else interupting my thoughts. However, my body disagrees when the alarm goes off. Anyway, this time, I was able to make 2.33 miles running at my pace, which might be slow, but I don't care; I'm just proud of myself for making it that far. Two weeks ago, I couldn't run that far.

So technically, I only ran twice this week. But we are interchanging our runs with this crazy thing called P90X for strength. (I don't like this program...it's evil!) Hence, why we didn't run today, Saturday, Augst 13th...because I can barely move my legs and butt after yesterday's workout.

I did by new shoes today, so I kind of ran (maybe for 4 minutes total). They have a treadmill at this store...Big Peach Running Co., so you can actually test out the different shoes. I definitely recommend. But yikes, there is no discount on these shoes! I guess a few less dollars is better than achy, or achier feet and legs.

So here I go...5k ready or not.

Back to Blogging

So...I took a little hiatus, but I'm back with lots to share.

But first, just one of the adorable little creatures I met this summer!

you gotta love that slight curl of a smile

Juno goes to the lake

It's early June, and it is summer in the south! We had a long lasting spring...ahhh...but now we're gearing up for what looks to be a long hot summer. So what do you do...go to the lake of course and see if the June Bug can swim.

And the results.....

Testing out the water

Apparently it looks a like a big water bowl

Okay, here goes

Swimming is so much fun!

The Dish: Krog Bar

So for an early 3rd anniversary, the hubby and I decided to hit the town; first to Krog Bar and then, to The Tabernacle for Above & Beyond. I should have remembered that for dancing at a concert, heels are not the best choice, but oh well.

So the dish on Krog Bar...

Housed in the former Atlanta Stove works, the unassuming location and building holds quite a gem - the Krog Bar. Krog (a swedish word) meaning a little better than a bar or pub that serves food. I agree; this is better than a typical bar. Read more...

And, it was delicious...a small wine bar (part of the Kevin Rathbun group) that serves amazing food and great wine. We opted for some white wines and a rose brut, of which, had I been smart, I would have tried to remember the names. That just means we have to go back.

As for food, we had duck breast with fig preserves (sweet and salty) , scallops with risotto (melt in your mouth like butter delicious!), yellowtail tuna with arugula and kalamata olive salad; prosciutto; spanish olives; and a side of olive oil.

This might just be my new favorite place to wine and dine. And best part is, it's really small, so you can have a decent conversation. The patio was packed though, but it was also quite cozy. A great place to hang, enjoy good food, wine and company (friends or a romantic evening).

Overall, a thumbs up/A+ in my book!

Proof of the deliciousness...just check out the happy faces.

Cave canem, te necet lingendo (Latin)

Latin: Cave canem, te necet lingendo

Translation: Beware of the dog, he may lick you to death

And that pretty much sums up our memorial day weekend. A dog fest full of slobber, kisses and good laughs.

My hubby and I had the pleasure of dog sitting Vincent and Mrs. Potato this weekend. Two lovable, slobbering pups that kept us entertained as well as the June Bug (a.k.a. Juno).

Here's a few snapshots from the weekend...Hope they make you smile.

Playtime...three whole days.

Where'd they go?...

It's hot....break time.

Run Vincent run....

This might be my favorite....he looks so fierce trying to get the camera!

Mrs. Potato chillin'....so cute

Strike a pose!

Juno...as happy as can be

Sweet face + big tongue = slobbery kisses...

That lating quote was right!

Beware of dog; he/she might lick you to death.

I'm okay with that though....that's why we have showers.

Wine & Love

Wine & Love....

Ok...so I will admit, this is the first time I've done a linkup. I found this when reading Claire's blog "bicoastally" on Thursday night, but unfortunately blogger was down. So I'm a little late, but I really liked the topic. If you feel inclined to play along too, then linkup with Nora & let us know what has you reaching for a glass of vino & what your lovin'!

Wine.

- Serbian: ja zelim casu vina (ya jeleem chashoo veena); English translation: I want a glass of wine. If you ask me, sometimes that's the best reason of all. By the way, drinking a glass of wine (or two) and trying to learn and remember Serbian may not be a good combination, but at least I care less how silly I sound trying.

- It was a long day; and people forget they have brains. Do I really need to elaborate more?!

- When bad things happen to good people who have good hearts; regardless of what the doctor says. I'm praying for you Aunt Brenda.

Love.

- My hubby, our dog and house and this beautiful weather we've been having in the south. It's May and we can still sit outside and not be eaten alive but mosquitos!

- Our tomato plants. They smell so good and 1 of 6 plants has baby tomatoes! Can't wait to eat them!!!

- Shabby Apple Dresses. Just too cute.

The Dish: Turkey Pasta Bake

So I forgot to take a photo of tonight's glorious dinner, so I'll try to make it brief and hopefully leave your mouth watering and with the key ingredients to whip-up this yummy concoction in your own kitchen (where the smells will do more justice than a photo anyway).

Turkey Pasta Bake (sort of low-fat version)

Bechamel Sauce

3 Cups 1% milk (warmed - in a microwave safe bowl, works just fine)

4 Tblsp Butter (I thought about using the smart balance, maybe next time, but no promises of the consistency if you do go this route)

1/4 cup + 1/8 cup of all purpose flour

You can make this one day ahead...it definitely makes the next day so much easier.

Melt the butter and whisk in the flour until smooth. About 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the warm milk, while constantly whisking to ensure no lumps form. Stir/whisk the cream mixture for 15 minutes on medium to low heat. Don't let the milk boil or burn. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp of salt, a pinch of white pepper (black works too) and a pinch of nutmeg (don't be afraid; it gives it that extra something that will make everyone else go OMG).

Let it cool. Refrigerate or use right away.

Turkey Bake Pasta

Bechamel Sauce

Pesto

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey

1 large onion chopped/diced in small pieces

3-4 garlic cloves chopped/minced

4 oz. mushrooms (pre-sliced)

salt

pepper

olive oil

16 0z. box of favorite pasta (I used penne)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Boil a large pot of water and cook pasta according to directions. Drain.

Heat a large pan with 2 - 3 tblsp of olive oil on medium-high. Sautee the onions for about 3-4 minutes, add the garlic and sautee for 1-2 minutes. Add the turkey, season with salt and pepper and cook through (no pink left). Add the mushrooms and cook for about 2 more minutes. Mushrooms should still be firm. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the bechamel sauce and add 2-3 tablespoons of pesto (home made or store bought). Heat through. Season with more salt and pepper if desired. Remove from heat.

Stir in the cooked pasta with the creamy-pesto-turkey mixture and spread into a 13 x 9 inch dish. Cover with mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.

Cook uncovered for 20 minutes or until cheese has a nice golden color.

Serve with a salad.

happy cooking & yummy eating