Habitat for Humanity and a Dear John Letter

Dear Running,

As trite as it may sound sound, it's not you, it's me.  I'm just not that into you.  My friends and family tell me how good you are for me.  They tell me how they've fallen in love and want the same for me.  "Just stick with it, it gets better over time."  "Run and then you can eat what you want."  "Trust me, you'll  become addicted."  I feel like I've given it my best shot and it's just not working.

When we first met in  2009, I just wanted to prove I could snag you.  I wanted to take you home to my family on Thanksgiving, so I signed up for the Turkey Trot.  You and I saw each other a few times a week for a couple of months and I felt we were ready for this next step.  And we were.  I ran that 5K better than I thought I could, I beat a friend that I was sure would beat me, when I felt like walking at the end a lady in turkey hat cheered me on.  Sure, a few of my sixth grade students left me in the dust, but I think they just wanted to be at the finish line to cheer us on.  When I crossed the finish line, I had a few tears in my eyes.  I did it.  I proved I could.  That was enough.

We took a break for awhile after that.  When the 2010 Turkey Trot came around, I couldn't show my face at Thanksgiving without you so I signed up again.  We hadn't seen each other in awhile, but I surprisingly finished with a good time.  But a few days later another man asked for my hand and I left you for him and kettlebells.

But now, there is one more event we need to show up together at.  The Rally in Valley on May 12th benefits Habitat for Humanity here in Montgomery County.  Our friends are organizing it, the whole community will be there, and for one last time we need to make an appearance.  I know I've been ignoring you lately and three days of training probably isn't enough.  But hopefully you'll be kind enough to allow me to save face and cross the finish line.  I'm not sure if we'll see each other again after that.  Sure, we'll try to be friends, you'll show up in my work out from time to time, but the pressure of multiple miles with other people watching? I just don't think I can do it anymore.  It's not you, dear running, it's me.

Love always,

Kelly

**Hope to see you all this weekend at "The Rally in the Valley" Duathlon.  It starts at 9am in Fort Hunter NY and benefits Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, NY.  There is a 5K as well as a Duathlon which is a 5K, a 20mile bike ride, and then another 5K.  I will be running only one 5K thank you very much.  Join us for the race and stay afterward for entertainment, community, and fun!!  More information here  http://www.rallyinthevalleyforhabitat.com/

Meatless Monday - Kelly's Asian Quinoa Crab Cakes:

It’s Meatless Monday here in Townieville.  I was a vegetarian for a short while when I lived with hippies in Philadelphia.  We were very into community and intentional living.  It was a peaceful, balanced way to live and while I’ve strayed a bit from it, I still try to incorporate it into my day to day life.  

The Hubs, who was  bit worried about my car plastered in peace signs and “Save Darfur” stickers on our first date, was actually the one to suggest Meatless Mondays.  He follows chef Mario Batali on Twitter and on Mondays he suggest recipes to try and gives facts about how unsustainable the meat based diet is on the environment, the treatment of animals, and the mass production of meat.  When Hubs brought it up, I jumped on board.  This is my first Meatless Monday recipe.  I included crab because as a vegetarian I was on the “eat fish” boat.  

When I started, I wasn’t sure the direction this Quinoa Cake would take.  I based it on the Veggie Quinoa Pattie Cookie Quinoa  Blog.  I used egg instead of flax and water, but I am intrigued by the combination. As I was compiling the veggies, quinoa, and flour I shouted to the Hubs in the next room “Do you want these to be Cajun, Italian or Asian.”  “Asian,” he replied, which was a good choice as I have a major obsession love of Asian. 

When the patties were ready, I placed some fresh greens from the Schenectady Green Market on a plate, drizzled them with Balsamic Glaze on top.  Then, two patties and some Mango Greek Yogurt on top.  I often read about replacing mayo, sour cream and other toppings with Greek Yogurt.  This is the first time I tried it and it was AMAZING.  The Hubs and I had a happy Meatless Monday.  Hope you try it too!  Enjoy!!

Kelly’s Asian Quinoa Crab Cakes

2 cups cooked Quinoa
1 can crab meat 

2 tablespoons flour (I used 50/50 wheat and white)

¼ to ½ cup edamame (I used frozen)

¼ to ½ cup corn (I used frozen)

Rice vinegar

Soy Sauce

Powered Ginger

Powered Garlic

2 eggs

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees

In a medium sized bowl, mix quinoa, crab, corn, edamame, flour and any other veggies you want.

Add rice vinegar, soy sauces, and spices.  Usually three parts soy sauce to one part rice vinegar. 

*When first venturing in to the “pinch of this, pinch of that” type cooking I would mix the vinegar, soy sauce, and spices in a small bowl and taste it.  It will taste pretty bitter, but you’ll be able to tell if you will like it spread out through the dish.*

 Before adding the egg, taste the mixture and adjust as needed.  Then, scramble the eggs and add to the mixture.

Form into patties, place on a greased cookie sheet. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip over and cook for another 5 

Top with some Mango Greek Yogurt

ENJOY!!

I lke to mov it mov it.

8 years ago, I got my first pedometer.  The company my mother works for was giving them away as a fitness challenge to employees and if my Mom sees a give away she tends to think of everyone she could give them to and gets each person two each.  So I got a pedometer, or two, perhaps three.  You really can't have too many pedometers you know.  The challenge was to walk 10,000 steps a day.  Well, 8 years ago, I was teaching 4th grade.  Needless to day I blew the top off of these steps.  10,000 steps happened before lunch.

Now I work in an office.  I sit, a lot.  I swear my butt is expanding to fit my office chair.  I assure you, office chair ass is not a good look.  So when I came across "Move More in May" on the  Meals and Moves   blog I thought I might join in.  This challenge is to move more beyond what your daily workout would be.  It can be small things or large things but its all about getting off our butts.  At work I ample opportunity to sit I also have ample opportunity to take the stairs throughout the day.  These stairs are no joke and I haven't met a person who can do all six flights without losing their breath.   I could also vacuum more, garden more, take the dog for longer walks, walk during lunch.  There plenty of opportunities and in the case of this contest, prizes!  I'm focusing on moving more in May...how about you??

My Food Pen Pal!

You may have see my previous post on the Foodie Pen Pals.  The person I sent a box too doesn't have a blog to post on.  I'm so excited she was willing to post on mine.  So without further ado, here is Crystal!!

I'm really excited to be writing about my first experience as a Foodie Pen Pal. I want to say thanks Kelly for the great foods you sent me!

I have to admit it was kinda tricky for Kelly this month - although pen pals are randomly chosen, it just so happens that we live very close to one another, about 20 minutes apart...and she said she works in my town. So I was very curious what local foods were favored by another local foodie. The goods:

Pepper Sticks from the Parillo's - These are amazing! I've been eating 10 or so a day for the last week at lunch. I'm gonna try to make my way to Amsterdam to get more of these!

Mu Mu Muesli - This was the only item that I'd previously had before, but it's one of my favorite local foods!

Crev raspberry chocolate truffle bar - So delicious! 

My Lihn plum sauce - This is from a local Vietnamese restaurant that I've been wanting to go to for years, but I've never been. I'm so excited to try this.

I think one of the neatest things was that I was sent me something to enjoy at each meal throughout the day - Muesli for breakfast, the pepper sticks at lunch, the plum sauce at dinner, and the truffle bar for  dessert.