Month: August 2011

Everything it’s hatched up to be

It’s that short time of year when the lovely Hatch green chiles are in season. 

I said I wouldn’t do it myself this year, but Sunday looked like this.

Not sure why I didn’t buy the whole case, I bought almost all of the hot Hatch peppers that HEB had (1 box).  I don’t do mild.

Then I got to cleaning

And prepping, just lay them out on a pan

Or do them on grill or open gas stove

It was 112 in Austin area on Sunday, so I was not about to do the gas grill (even in the morning when I did this) or do all 15 pounds on top of my stove.  Instead I opted for the broiler.  Took me an hour to do all of them.

Gotta get them nice and charred.  You peel that part off anyhow.  After charring them, put in a plastic bag or container to sweat the skin loose.  Makes them easier to peel.

Peel the charred skin off, de-seed.  You can then chop or store whole.  I did a little of each.  About 1 handful per freezer bag.  I ended up with 8 bags, plus 1 container to keep in the fridge for the week.

Then pop into the freezer to have awesome Hatch all year long!

Later you can make tasty things like Cheesy Hatch breakfast tacos (3 WW P+)

And Gluten Free hatch grilled cheese with smoked provolone. (6 WW P+)

Or my attempt at knocking off Chuy’s Green Chile Stew from their festival menu this year (my lunch this week with veggies and salad).

My version worked out to 6 WW P+.  Turned out really good, but different than theirs.  I may need to have theirs 1 more time to figure out the difference 😉

In my crockpot for 6 hours on low I layered 1 large sliced onion, 1 pound of potatoes, 1 bag of frozen carrots, 2 bay leaves, 1 pound of chicken breast.  Poured on top, 1 can of FF cream of chicken soup.  When it was almost done, I added a half cup of roasted hot green chiles and a jar of fire roasted tomatillo salsa.  Garnished with thick diced tomatoes.

Super sweaty Saturday

Started off with this

Odd, it’s usually full on sweaty.  This time it just looked like I peed all over myself!  I started earlier than I had been though.  All pavement would have been best, I don’t slow down or tense up on pavement in the dark.  I did partial trail which made me paranoid of a fall (not sure why, never fallen in the dark).  Ok run overall, but my pace just isn’t where I want it.  At least I can still make it through my runs though.

Showered, went to Coffee Bean and Leaf to meet up with AK.  Hadn’t seen her in too long!  She’d just finished 20 miles, so we had drinks and caught up 🙂

Then jetted over to Zilker Park for the Austin SEC picnic.  Dan was already there helping set up camp for Auburn. 

Made my mom’s taco dip per Dan’s request.  Notice he’s doing some quality assurance on it, 😉

Great turn out (over 40 people for the AU alumni club).  All of the SEC schools were there.  LOTS of babies. 

 I had to leave early for a sorority alumni event, but I was there for the first hour.  Really cute set-up.

Lots of great food.  I didn’t eat much, because I knew i’d be having Chuy’s shortly after that.

Not sure I could have handled the 111 degree heat all day long.  In the shade it wasn’t so bad, but the half mile back to my car was brutal.  I looked a mess when I got to my next stop, which was Chuy’s in Round Rock.

After all was said and done and it was evening, Dan and I wound up going to the movies to see “Our idiot brother”.  It was good, not fabulous, but good.

Long day, but great fun.  Got to meet new people at the SEC picnic and the sorority meet-up.  Plus get some relaxation in there too with AK and at the movies.

Successful Saturday, although next time i’ll pass on 110 degrees!

Chuy’s Green Chile Fest, visit #2

Chuy’s in Round Rock on Saturday for sorority alumni meet-up late lunch.

Another Green Chile day!

I got charro instead of refried beans.  I don’t really like Mexican rice, but their Green Chile rice is good. 

Overall, this one was GREAT!  Loved it.  I would definately order this again.  Too bad it’s a limited time only.  They kept warning me that this was the hottest dish on their menu.  It was pretty warm, in that great green chile kind of way 🙂

Will see about making this at home, seems like it would be easy.  I’m pretty sure Mr. Picky would like it.  Would be good with shrimp or chicken too.

My sister got the Southwestern Enchiladas, which she liked.  She also had the new peach sangria margarita.

I didn’t make it into any of the photos or the group photo at the end 😦  I had to leave early to get a haircut.  The place I usually go, Baby Face Too, in Leander, was having a benefit on Saturday, donating all proceeds from haircuts and refreshment sales to the victims of the most recent fire in our area (2 weeks ago), which burned over 13 houses.  I made an effort to get over there to get my hair done and support the cause!

Chuy’s Green Chile Fest-Visit #1

If you’ve never been to Chuys, you need to go.  They used to only be in select Texas cities, but just like Rudy’s BBQ, they are popping up all over the country!

Every year they have Green Chile Fest for 3 weeks from the end of August until mid-September.  This special menu features Hatch Green chiles in special limited time only menus.  A new menu is created each year.

Dan, my sister, and I have done Green Chile Fest every year.  It’s not unusual for us to go 3-4 times during the festival to try things off of the special menu.  The spicier the better.  I had a sick obsession with green chiles.

Thursday night before Dan and I went out to Shady Grove to see the Uncle Lucius concert, we hit up Chuy’s for GC Fest visit #1.

No two Chuy’s locations look the same.  Very eclectic.

Great humor

I decided on the Green Chile stew.  Probably the last thing I would have picked, but it sounded really interesting and I was curious. (bad phone photo) 

It was SO tasty.  I need to make this at home for myself.  Sounds like a great kitchen experiement.  My only regret is I got the small one, not the big one.  It came with a salad too.   (and of course their thin chips and salsa).  I don’t really care for their salsa much (too runny).

Dan got the Bongo Empanadas, very good and very spicy (they were actually made with corn tortillas).   Also a winner.

Every year Green Chile Fest has a theme and special swag.  Last year it was the Beatles.  This year it was super heroes (stickers, buttons, magazine, and green chile seeds).

I want to try the Bang-Pow Enchiladas next.  Heard they are the spiciest thing on this year’s menu.  Sounds delightful 🙂

Thanks, thoughts, and tidbits

Thanks for the supportive emails, texts, comments, and messages, I appreciate it.

Wish I could say all of the responses were positive.  I got a few that were “you didn’t have these issues when you were fat” and “it’s because of the way you eat.”

That is a true fact, I didn’t have these issues when I was fat.  But I also was at my goal weight for 3 years before I started having problems.  I am pretty sure that being healthy isn’t what is wrong with me.  The Dr. is happy with my weight, eating, and exercise habits.  And he’s very pleased that i’ve been able to maintain the healthy weight.

Yes, I eat a certain way.  A healthier way.  But I don’t deprive myself and i’m not restrictive.  Nothing is off limits, unless it’s for a medical reason (still Gluten Free for now).  I make sure I get the Weight Watchers Good Health Guidelines every day.  Most of what I put into my body is good.  Now what my body chooses to do with those vitamins and nutrients, I have no idea.  Sometimes I wonder if that’s working quite right.

Visited with my parents and my aunt about family history.  Nothing.

I’m currently waiting for another round of blood work results to come back, not even sure what was tested yesterday.

Wait and see I guess?

Another dead end

Going to tell the story, it’s embarrassing, but it’s what i’ve been going through. 

A week ago was the 1 year anniversary of me having health issues.  Started off with chronic constipation.  My colon wasn’t emptying like it should.  Half the time I had trouble even sitting down, standing up I looked pregnant.  Went through 1 unreadable ultrasound ordered by my old Dr. last summer, then another ordered by my Gyno. a month later (also couldn’t be read)  and 1 catscan of my abdomen ordered by the GI specialist that I saw from October until January (showed nothing).  The GI’s conclusion was IBS and that I needed to take Miralax forever (took it for 8 months).

In the spring I got tired of it.  The Miralax wasn’t helping and I wasn’t feeling better at all.  My teeth seemed to thin out, skin issues, brittle nails and hair, plus my hair was falling out.  I felt like I was putting good stuff into my body, but my body wasn’t using them correctly.  I stopped having periods in March.  Went to my Gyno, who was my favorite Dr. and asked him what to do.  He referred me to my now current Primary Care Doctor in May.   He ordered gluten free diet, plus 2 rounds of bloodwork and several visits to see him.

May is also when things really started to go downhill.  In addition to all of the other symptoms, none of which disappeared, I started having unrestful sleep, joint pain, muscle fatigue, unexpected 5 pound gain in a short amount of time (scared my Dr).   I’d already had trouble with weights in the gym, but then running started becoming an issue too.  

Fast forward to this month.  Every workout feels like the end of a marathon.  I’ve had days where my legs were so dead, I couldn’t even stand to wash clothes or mow the grass.  My muscles don’t feel like they are recovering from workouts and don’t want to work while running.  The end of every long run, I wonder how on earth I made it that far and worry how i’ll do when the mileage increases.  Looking at the events I’ve signed up for sends me into an instant panic. Even Zilker relay which is less than a 5K. 

I didn’t really tell anyone (because I didn’t want to jinx myself), but I had an Endocrinologist appointment today to look at the neck ultrasound I had a couple of weeks ago and my bloodwork.  I spent 30 minutes trying to hold back the tears as she told me thyroid wasn’t it.  Not really sure if she’d already reviewed the panels, why I needed to pay her to tell me that’s not it.  I was really optimistic that we’d figured the right road to go down.

Here I am again.  Dead end.  They sent for more bloodwork, the 3rd time this month.  Don’t even remember what they ordered.  I had to fight back the tears then too, because I am so frustrated.  I kept looking around me at all of the really sick people at the lab and reminding myself it could be worse.

I will know sometime next week about the other labs, which I don’t expect to say anything.  I will stay gluten free for now.  I am adding dairy back into my diet.  Trying to stay off the web and reading medical journals or anything else, I seriously doubt I am going to find something a Dr couldn’t.

I’m really trying to hold my head up high and pray something gets figured out soon, but it’s really starting to take a toll on me mentally and physically. 

I just want to rewind and have the old me back.

Where i’ve been

I was a little MIA Thursday through Sunday while I was in Dallas.  Here’s quick recap (very edited, I had a ton of photos, especially from the conference).  No one cares about work stuff 😉

Entrance to Dallas Convention Center (I remember this from the RNR 2010 Race).

Welcome Display, thousands of GORGEOUS Tyler Roses.

There were at least a hundred of vases of the same color roses all over the convention center.  I really wanted to take a vase of them home, but I knew by time I got home, they’d be ruined.

It was a long but productive 4 days.  Worth the long hours and working through the weekend.  And it was nice to travel with my coworker that has very similar tastes in food, clothes, and entertainment.  Plus she’s a joy to be around.  Even at the mall 3 days in a row after work during tax free weekend, which was her idea.  I didn’t buy anything, can you believe that? 

FOOD

Just the notables 😉

Urban Grill.  Really great salads and mediterranean inspired food and was within walking distance of the Convention Center (although what IS walking distance when it’s that hot?).  Turkey Mango Salad (salad, tomato, red onion, strawberries, mango, turkey).  Also had cheddar cheese, which I didn’t eat.  Dressed it with EVOO.  Had a ton of great flavors!  I liked it so much I ate there Thursday and Friday for lunch.  Friday I chose a different dish.

Flying Fish.  One of the best Mexican Shrimp Cocktails i’ve ever had (plus it was HUGE). Not sure why I don’t have a photo.   Everyone’s food looked so fresh and tons of great flavors.  I got my cocktail spicy, which had fresh jalapenos.  I could have eaten there every meal.

Which Wich now serving Udi’s Gluten Free sub bread!  Turkey Avocado Swiss with tons of veggies.  I love their fresh veggies, the best of any sandwich shop I know 🙂  And I love the fact that they have Minute Maid light lemonade, which I mix with their iced tea.

Desperados Mexican.  Shrimp Oaxaquenos.  Shrimp in a spicy red sauce with jalapenos, mexican zucchini, and rice.  

The food was awesome, as was their chips and salsa.  I didn’t care for their rice (I am a mexican rice snob).   They are well known for their margaritas, tacos, and their signature dessert, the fried latte.  I didn’t have room to try it, but it sounded really interesting (may be worth the trip back one day).

The winner of the 2007 State Fair of Texas “Most Creative”
deep fried food. A sopapilla topped with homemade cappuccino
ice cream, maple syrup, whipped cream and instant coffee
crystals.

RUN

I stuck with the hotel gym Friday and Sunday mornings, since I didn’t have a car those days (we were multi-tasking while up there, so I gave the car to a coworker for 3 days).  For Saturday I demanded I have access to one of the cars (which I got).  I headed to White Rock Lake, where I was certain I could have a nice safe run.  I didn’t run the route i’d planned, because I pulled into the first lot I saw, parked, and ran.  I wish I’d started a little earlier than 6:15, but it took me longer to drive out there than I’d estimated.

Hit up a Whole Foods on the way back to the hotel to get post-run coconut water, almond butter, and fruit.  Good thing i’d gotten an early start and showered and gone to the hotel office area to work, because we had a no-show that morning and I had to run to the convention center to pick up the slack (person was not my co-worker).  So I ended up working extra hours Saturday 😦

I think the non-stop going didn’t catch up with me until today.  I’ve been dragging all morning and did not make it to the gym.  We have plans tonight after work.  Maybe I’ll do something quick after work, but that’s unlikely being as i’m half asleep still.

Whirlwind

Got back to Austin late yesterday evening.  So glad I stopped at Rudy’s BBQ in Waco and got enough food for dinner and lunch today.  I almost always do that on the way home from work trips 🙂  Makes life so much easier when getting back.

Currently, trying to get laundry done but apparently I jammed my lunchbag in the agitator and that made water go all over the laundry room.  Dan is going to be thrilled.  I always wash my lunch bag (when necessary) alone.  But this time I had the bright idea to throw it in with towels.  Not smart apparently.

My new featherbed came in while I was gone and I slept on it last night.  Not sure if it’s the fact that I hadn’t really slept in 4 nights or that it was that awesome.  I will say that I actually felt rested when I woke up, which is a change from the last few months.

My feet and back aren’t achy anymore.  It still blows my mind that I can run for hours, but since i’m not used to standing, it kills my feet and back to stand still for more than a few hours.  Or 4 days straight for 8-10 hours.  Plus I ran before I did it Saturday and the bed at the hotel SUCKED.  I actually wrote about their crappy bed in my hotel survey.  That and I didn’t like their gym or their breakfast.  Hey, it was supposed to be a nice hotel, I can be picky 😉

I took a day of rest today.  Figured I needed it before my body retaliated against me some more.  I’ve been taking my DOR on Mondays lately.  After next week (scheduling conflict), I am moving them back to Friday where they belong.

Other than tired feet and back from the conference, I felt surprisingly alright while I was gone.  Wish I could say the same for today.  I got to work over an hour early, worked through lunch, and left late.  I’ve worked 28 hours this week and it’s only Monday.  FUN.  This included quite a bit of labor on Thursday and even more on Sunday.  Loading and unloading the work suburban was rough in the 107 degree heat in Dallas.  Even worse was yesterday when the conference door ushers wouldn’t allow the use of carts or dollys to leave.  I had to hand carry EVERYTHING, which was insane and very time consuming.  It’s a good thing i’m in ok shape, because we had some really heavy stuff! 

Cancelled my trip to Lubbock this week for work.  Way too many urgent matters going on with work that I need to be around for, plus a few personal things.

Onward we go!  Just another busy week, including some fun too 🙂

Not the average runner…

Amanda over at Run to the Finish had a great blog last Friday about how she stacked up to the average female runner (as seen on my dirt road anthem, originally from running usa).  Thought i’d compare myself as well 😉

Demographics:
Average Age: 38.5 – 31
63.2% Married  – Nope
78.2% College educated –  BS Environmental Science and Geology
70.3% Earn a household income of $75,000+ – Yes we do.

Running History:
Average number of years running: 9.9 years  – 5 years
Average number of running events participated in during the last 12 months: 7.2 events  – Probably at least 20, i’d have to go back and look
51.8% have completed 1 marathon or more in their lifetime — 5

Running Routine:
70.4% Run/Jog 4+ hours each week – Depending on the phase of training I would say this is avg year round
77.7% run 12 months a year – Yes, especially when it’s cold.
Average number of days run per week: 4.0 – I’m average, it’s about 4
Average number of miles run per week: 21.9 – Mine varies quite a bit, guess that’s average for me.
66.1% describe themselves as ‘Frequent/Fitness Runners’ – I don’t think i’m frequent

Running Preferences:
Favorite race distance is the Half-Marathon (39.0%)  – Absolutely
Interested in entering next year: – I’ll be doing at least one of each, more halves or relays than the others probably
    Half-Marathon (77.0%)
    5K (57.3%)
    10K (56.0%)
    Marathon (43.3%)

Motivation:
Primary motivation to start running:
    For Exercise (25.0%)
    Weight Concerns (14.5%)
    Needed a New Challenge (9.3%)-This was me, Dan moved away and I needed a new hobby to fill the time
Motivation to continue to run:
    Staying in Shape (76.8%)
    Staying Healthy (74.2%)
    Relieving Stress (64.4%)
    All of the above, for sure.

Product Preferences:
Average number of running shoes purchased in last 12 months: 2.9 pairs –HA!  I wish, probably at least 5-6
Last running shoes purchased:
        ASICS (26.4%) YES, they are in my reserves right now
        Brooks (16.6%) – 25%
        Saucony (14.2%)

65.3% spent $90+ on their running shoes — MSRP on my shoes is $140.  I never pay that, but it’s always more than i’d LIKE to pay

47.9% purchased their running shoes at a specialty running store – Not always.  The last 2 pair were, at 2 different stores.

Favorite brands of running apparel: I wear whatever I find that I like.  Don’t care which brand it is.
    Nike (64.8%)
    Under Armour (45.7%)
    Champion (34.3%)
    Adidas (30.7%)

80.4% spent $100+ on running apparel in the last 12 months — I’m sure
59.6% purchased running apparel at a specialty running store — Not as frequently because they are often higher in price, but I do love a good sale. 

Health:
Average Weight: 137.6 lbs – I’m less, but in middle of Weight Watcher’s healthy range for my height
Average Height: 65.01 inches – that’s me!
Average Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.9 – I don’t really buy into BMI crap, I have no idea
40.9% are content with their weight – I’m content with my weight.  I’d like some body parts to shape up better, but the scale doesn’t bug me.  I’m in the healthy range, which is what I care about.
42.3% are content with their fitness level – I think there is room for improvement.  My health was been an obstacle lately though.

 How do you compare to the average female runner?